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(Provided by ASA)
On the day before President Obama left office, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service issued an edict to phase out the use of traditional fishing tackle on the hundreds of thousands of square miles of federal public lands under its management.
Director's Order No. 219 will, "require the use of nontoxic ammunition and fishing tackle to the fullest extent practicable for all activities on Service lands, waters and facilities by January 2022, except as needed for law enforcement or health and safety uses, as provided for in policy."
Scott Gudes, vice president of Government Affairs for the American Sportfishing Association (ASA), the trade association that represents the recreational fishing industry, issued a statement of behalf of the industry.
"The sportfishing industry views this unilateral policy to ban lead fishing tackle, which was developed without any input from the industry, other angling organizations and state fish and wildlife agencies, as a complete disregard for the economic and social impact it will have on anglers and the recreational fishing industry," said Gudes.
Gudes further said, "In the limited instances where lead fishing tackle is demonstrated to harm local wildlife populations, the sportfishing industry supports actions to minimize or eliminate these impacts. However, unnecessary and sweeping bans such as this
Director's Order will do nothing to benefit wildlife populations and instead will penalize the nation's 46 million anglers and hurt recreational fishing-dependent jobs."
Gudes concluded, "A sound, science-driven and durable policy could've been crafted with input from industry and the broader recreational fishing community. We are hopeful that new leadership at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will repeal this Director's Order and develop public policy in a way that is open, inclusive and based on science."
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The Chicagoland Fishing, Travel & Outdoor Expo returns to Schaumburg, Ill. Convention Center January 26-29, creating an outdoor oasis indoors.
Whether it's testing the latest fishing and outdoor gear or learning the latest and greatest techniques, the Expo is the place to be for anyone interested in exploring the outdoors. Attendees to this year's expo will have the opportunity to improve their fishing knowledge through an extensive lineup of seminars with top-notch local and national fishing professionals, buy the newest fishing and outdoor gear and equipment from top manufacturers and retailers from around the country book a trip of a lifetime, and even browse the latest fishing boats on the market! This year's expo is THE place to be for anyone interested in the outdoors.
It features more than 100 travel-related exhibitors (including guides, lodges, resorts and regional promotion agencies), major fishing tackle manufacturers, local fishing retailers, and a diverse selection of fishing boats, attendees will be able to see, learn, touch and buy everything they need for the ultimate fishing and outdoor adventure.
An impressive lineup of seminars will be led by expert instructors and nationally recognized fishing celebrities such as Mike Iaconelli, Ish Monroe, and Seth Feider. A full listing of seminars can be found here. Show goers can also chat with and learn techniques from some of the best guides and outfitters from around the globe.
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(Provided by BoatUS)
Is your boat less than 26 feet? Does it have outboard motor power and rest on a trailer?
If you said yes, beware - you're a big target for theft.
A newly released study that looked at five years of BoatUS Marine Insurance claims files shows that 75 percent of all boats stolen matched this description. With the long winter lay-up period nearing, BoatUS has five tips to make your boat harder to steal.
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(Provided by MDNR)
Eastern Massasauga RattlesnakeThe U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced Thursday that it has listed the eastern massasauga rattlesnake as a threatened species under the federal Endangered Species Act, stating that nearly 40 percent of the snake's historical populations are now extirpated (no longer exist) and an additional 15 percent is of uncertain status.
The final rule listing the eastern massasauga appears in the Sept. 30, 2016, Federal Register and has an effective date of Oct. 31, 2016.
Under the Endangered Species Act, threatened species are considered plants and animals that may become endangered in the foreseeable future. Across the eastern massasauga rattlesnake's range, nearly 40 percent of the species' population has declined. Habitat loss is considered the primary threat driving the snakes' decline; however, as their numbers decline, other threats such as direct mortality or collection play a more significant role.
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(Provided by Gamebird Assoc.)
Study Reveals Game Bird Industry’s Economic, Social Impacts
New research measuring the impact of America’s game bird farms and hunting preserves reveals that the industry contributes nearly $1.7 billion annually to the U.S. economy.
This figure, along with many others that delve deeper into the industry’s social and economic benefits, comes from the study “Economic Impact of the Gamebird Industry,” which was funded by the National Shooting Sports Foundation for the North American Gamebird Association.
The research was conducted by Southwick Associates, a leading research firm on outdoor recreation and presented by founder Rob Southwick at NAGA’s annual convention in Orlando, Florida.
While actual expenditures by game bird facilities are estimated at just over $634 million, Southwick explained that U.S. Department of Commerce models reveal these dollars actually create a $1.7 billion annual impact when the purchasing power of the recipients of the initial funds are considered. This total impact number is also known as the “multiplier effect,” and provides a better reflection of the industry’s true contribution to the economy.