NSSF Announces How Industry Benefits from Firearm and Ammunition Excise Tax Payments

With support from an AFWA grant, new study reveals

long-term value to industry and firearm owners alike

NEWTOWN, Conn. – Each year firearm and ammunition manufacturers pay millions of dollars in excise taxes into the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration (WSFR) program that result in long-term benefits to industry, target shooters and hunters. A new study, announced by the National Shooting Sports Foundation, reveals how these payments—some $792 million in 2020 alone—provide not only bedrock funding for enjoyment of the shooting sports but also a major return on investment for industry.

With support from a grant awarded by the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies’ (AFWA) Multistate Conservation Grant program, a new report titled “Benefits & ROI of Wildlife & Sport Fish Restoration Funds” highlights for industry leaders the financial returns their businesses receive from investing in the WSFR program. Read more

OCEAN SPRINGS, MS – March 10, 2021. American Baitworks has set a new standard in performance and affordability with the all-new Halo HFX Series Fishing Rods. The HFX Series has an impressive 13 rod models – 4 Spinning and 9 Casting, to cover virtually every length and action any angler could ask for.

“Anglers demand a lot from their fishing rods – performance and value are always at the top of that list.” says Halo Fishing Rods President, Walt Roberts. “We are seeing a shift in fishing where anglers are expanding their rod arsenal as they adapt and learn new techniques. We developed the HFX series to cover multiple techniques from Finesse to Power fishing.”

Halo Fishing starts each rod with unbeatable blanks, constructed of the highest-quality Japanese graphite. When Halo designed the all-new HFX Series, we did exactly that – with Toray graphite blanks that deliver ultimate sensitivity, in casting and spinning models from 6’10” to 7’11” in medium light to extra heavy actions. Read more

Last week, was a first report from a state agencies warning that the tiny, but pervasive zebra mussel had been found alive and well inside a “moss ball” of aquarium plants. Today, it seems that first warning was only a harbinger of problems ahead. The trickle of reports became a flood.

Yesterday, the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (AFWA) reached out, wanting help to spread the word. As they pointed out, the zebra mussel has proven “impossible to eradicate once a colony is established, causing irreversible ecosystem damage, destroying habitat, and killing native species.”

That’s a lot of damage from a teeny little mollusk, but anyone who’s seen the damage caused to the Great Lakes and anything that’s floating on or attached to them that’s had a little visit from the zebra mussel understands it’s really not an overstatement.

Initially, the “moss ball” products that have included the mussels were thought to have been sold in Petco and PetSmart stores around the country. Now, it seems the problem was far more pervasive as the “moss balls” were also sold online as well- and shipped nationwide. If you bought a “Betta Buddy Marimo Ball” or “Mini Marimo Moss Ball” you may have unintentionally brought an invasive species into your aquarium. It seems that these have even been included with the purchase of betta fish. Both Petco and PetSmart have discontinued selling them, but everyone is being asked to be on the alert. Read more

A healthy, abundant walleye population is a big part of Michigan’s fisheries. These native fish provide exciting opportunities for world-class recreational fishing and play an important ecological role as a top predator. Though several local, regional and Great Lakes-centric walleye plans exist, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources has drafted the first statewide walleye plan focused on inland waters – and is asking the public’s help in finalizing it.

The draft version of the “Management Plan for Walleye in Michigan’s Inland Waters” is available for review and written comment through April 1. All comments should be sent via email to DNR-Walleye@Michigan.gov.

Seth Herbst, the DNR’s aquatic species and regulatory affairs manager, is leading the initiative. He said this draft plan was developed to guide the department’s management effort toward maximizing both angler satisfaction and the ecological benefits of walleye fisheries. Read more

Water levels behind Edenville Dam dropping next week; public warned to stay off ice

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy on Wednesday issued a news release about work to begin lowering the Edenville Dam Tobacco River spillway, bringing down water levels behind the structure. Because this area around Gladwin and Midland counties is popular for many outdoor recreation pursuits – including ice fishing – we are sharing this information with our DNR subscribers.

According to the release:

• As the water level drops and its velocity increases, the ice will become destabilized or could break apart, creating dangerous conditions. Receding water is also expected to expose unstable bottomlands, steep channel slopes and previously unseen debris, tree stumps or other hazards.
• The public is warned to stay off the ice and the newly exposed bottomlands until further notice.
• The area of unsafe ice conditions is between Dale Road and the remaining portion of the dam west of M-30. Caution also should be taken on the Tittabawassee River above the breached section of the dam – where the drawdown could lead to shifting and unstable ice – and below the dam on the Tobacco River.

The full EGLE news release gets into more detail about the reasons for the work and includes a map outlining the area for caution, an interactive story map, a batch of frequently asked questions and answers, and links to a webinar that explains the emergency work.

As a general rule of outdoor winter recreation, the Department of Natural Resources encourages everyone to put safety first, get familiar with local conditions and always dress for the weather.

WHITE BEAR LAKE, MN – The deadline is fast approaching for the 2021 Art of Conservation™ Fish Art Contest, supported by Title Sponsor Bass Pro Shops. This free contest is open to youth in grades K-12 from across the globe. The deadline to enter is March 31st, start your entry today!

Students from around the world can win top honors, international recognition and prizes while learning about fish, fishing and aquatic conservation. The Art of Conservation® inspires young people to get involved in the great outdoors and ignites a passion to become lifelong activists for the natural world.

Misty Mitchell, Director of Conservation Programs at the Johnny Morris Foundation said, “The Fish Art Contest allows youth the opportunity to connect with nature, no matter where they live. From the inner city to rural America, the Art of Conservation has the power to transform lives. Johnny Morris’s Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium is proud to support to a program committed to shaping the future of the outdoors.” Read more