Category: Fishing

Interior Secretary Proposes Historic Expansion of Hunting and Fishing Opportunities

New hunting and fishing opportunities across 2.3 million acres at 97 national wildlife refuges and 9 national fish hatcheries

WASHINGTON – Continuing the Trump Administration’s significant efforts to increase recreational access on public lands, U.S. Secretary of the Interior David L. Bernhardt announced today a historic proposal for new and expanded hunting and fishing opportunities across more than 2.3 million acres at 97 national wildlife refuges and 9 national fish hatcheries. This proposed rule is the single largest expansion of hunting and fishing opportunities by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) in history.

“America’s hunters and anglers now have something significant to look forward to in the fall as we plan to open and expand hunting and fishing opportunities across more acreage nationwide than the entire state of Delaware,” said Secretary Bernhardt. “The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Hunt Fish Chiefs have been instrumental in our effort over the past two years to streamline our regulations and identify new opportunities for sportsmen and women like no other previous administration.”

This proposed rule would create nearly 900 distinct new hunting and fishing opportunities (an opportunity is defined as one species on one field station in one state). On top of last year’s expansion of 1.4 million acres for new or expanded hunting and fishing opportunities, this proposal would bring the Trump Administration’s total expansion to 4 million acres nationwide.

“Once the Trump Administration’s effort to eliminate the threat of COVID-19 has been successful, there will be no better way to celebrate than to get out and enjoy increased access for hunting and fishing on our public lands,” said Service Director Aurelia Skipwith. “I deeply appreciate everything sportswomen and men do for conservation and our economy, so I am delighted when we can do something to expand opportunities for them. I hope it will help encourage the next generation of hunters and anglers to continue on this rich American tradition.” Read more

Fishing, Hunting, Wildlife

Michigan: Park and Boating Facilities Open but Social Distancing a Must

LANSING, MICH. To help slow the spread of the coronavirus and in accordance with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s “Stay Home, Stay Safe” Executive Order, the Department of Natural Resources continues to monitor visitation and adherence to social-distancing requirements at DNR-managed facilities. This means continually assessing needed adjustments to services and closures that best protect visitors, staff and the local communities.

A vast majority of state parks and recreation areas, state-managed trails and boating access sites remain open to provide local opportunities to get outdoors; however, all locations have modified services and/or closed amenities.

Recently, Tippy Dam Recreation Area in Manistee County was closed until further notice due to high numbers of visitors, lack of improper social distancing and people traveling long distances to reach the park.

“Throughout the stay-at-home order, we’ve seen an influx of visitors at state parks, boating access sites and trails,” said Ron Olson, chief of the DNR Parks and Recreation Division. “In order to continue to keep state parks and trails open, we expect everyone to follow effective social distancing practices, to not litter and not travel long distances to enjoy the outdoors. Read more

Fishing, General

Michigan: crowded conditions close Tippy Dam Recreation Area; more closures likely

Crowded conditions close Tippy Dam Recreation Area; more closures likely

DNR encourages responsible recreation as it monitors COVID-19 risks at state parks and recreation areas

To help slow the spread of the coronavirus and carry out Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s “Stay Home, Stay Safe” Executive Order, the Department of Natural Resources is closely monitoring visitor levels and adherence to social-distancing measures at Michigan state parks and recreation areas and other DNR-managed locations. Read more

Fishing

Interior Secretary Announces Distribution of Excise Tax Revenues

Fish, Wildlife, Outdoor Recreation and Local Communities Benefit from Excise Tax Revenues

WASHINGTON – America’s sportsmen and sportswomen generated nearly $1 billion in excise taxes last year that support state conservation programs. Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt today announced the disbursement of these funds, generated through excise taxes on hunting, shooting and fishing equipment and boat fuel to all 50 states and U.S. territories by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service).

To date, the Service has distributed more than $22.9 billion in apportionments for state conservation and recreation projects. The recipient state wildlife agencies have matched these funds with approximately $7.6 billion throughout the years, primarily through hunting and fishing license revenues.

“Our conservation model is funded and supported by America’s hunters, shooters, anglers, boaters and other outdoor enthusiasts. These stewards of conservation generated nearly a billion dollars last year alone and make our country’s conservation legacy the envy of the world,” said Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt. Read more

Firearms, Fishing, Hunting, Wildlife

Michigan: the expanding mission of conservation officers

The mission of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ Law Enforcement Division is to, “protect Michigan’s natural resources and the environment, and the health and safety of the public through effective law enforcement and education.”

It is a physically and mentally demanding career that officers and their families commit their lives to.

“Our mission evolves based on how our citizens and stakeholders engage in outdoor recreation,” said Steven Burton, assistant chief of the DNR’s Law Enforcement Division. “Our mission has been shifting for 133 years.”

Early conservation

State historical documents explain that the conservation movement began during a time when most people thought natural resources were in infinite supply.

Michigan citizens then realized there was a shortage of game, fish, timber and land due to human overexploitation and took it upon themselves to preserve what remained. As a result, citizens identified the need for natural resources regulation.

William Alden Smith was appointed the state’s first game warden in 1887, establishing the Law Enforcement Division. Smith was one of the first salaried wardens in the United States and began a tradition of excellence the division continues to adhere to today. Read more

Fishing, Hunting

Michigan Outdoor Life/Field & Stream Expo is this Weekend in Lansing

LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan Outdoor Life Field & Stream Expopresented by Suzuki KingQuad is this weekend at the Lansing Center in Lansing, Mich., and runs from Friday, March 13 through Sunday, March 15.

The Expo will be filled with the latest products, gear and equipment for hunting, fishing and outdoor enthusiasts from top brands in the industry. Attendees will have the opportunity to attend educational seminars and demonstrations with industry insiders and bring their deer to have it measured and scored.

Many exhibitors will be offering: “Try, Before You Buy” demo opportunities and many will also have special show-only pricing.

Expo Highlights:

  • Trophy Deer Contest and On-Site Measurement
  • Archery Trick Shooting with Byron Ferguson
  • SPECIAL GUESTS: Outdoor Channel’s Chris & Casey Keefer, Ralph & Vicki Cianciarulo
  • EDUCATIONAL SEMINARS: Raptors Up Close, Wild Game Cooking with Jean-Paul Bourgeois Presented by Field & Stream Magazine, Live Fishing Demos, Turkey Hunting with Eddie Salter & Much More!
  • Try, Before You Buy Demo Opportunities
  • World-Class Deer Exhibit from Whitetail Kings

Show hours:
Friday, March 13 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, March 14 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, March 15 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Single-day tickets for the Michigan Michigan Outdoor Life/Field & Stream Expo are $9/Adults in advance, when purchased online and $3/Youth, (ages 13-17). Kids ages 12-under are free. Adult 2-Day tickets are also available in advance online for $16, with a 2-day Youth/$6 (ages 13-17).

A Family 4-Pack can be purchased in advance online only for $22, which includes 2 Adult and 2 Youth, 1-Day tickets.

At the door, Single-day tickets are $12/Adults and $5/Youth, (ages 13-17). Kids ages 12-under are free. Adult 2-Day tickets are also available for $20, with a 2-day Youth/$8 (ages 13-17).

To purchase tickets in advance online, visit www.FieldandStreamExpo.com.

A 1-year subscription to Field & Stream or Outdoor Life magazine is included with paid admission as well as door prize entry.

The Michigan Outdoor Life/Field & Stream Expo in Lansing is sponsored by Suzuki KingQuad, River Rats Trapping Supplies and “Outdoor Ethics” sponsor: Tread Lightly.

Fishing, Hunting

Michigan: 2020 Licenses On Sale March 1

Don’t wait to get your 2020 hunting or fishing license – most licenses and permits go on sale March 1, when the new license year begins.

That start date includes hunting and fishing license sales, except for certain deer licenses and furbearer tags that are sold later in the year. Applications for the 2021 Pure Michigan Hunt also go on sale that day.

Remember that 2019 fishing licenses, base/small-game licenses and ORV permits are valid through March 31, 2020. However, the 2020 versions of these licenses and permits can be purchased as of March 1. With the DNR’s just-introduced new license sales system, anglers have the added convenience of auto-renewing their fishing licenses through the e-license system. Read more

Fishing, Hunting

Florida’s Biscayne Bay in Trouble

Recent studies and reports have concluded that the health of Biscayne Bay is at a tipping point. The ecosystem is threatened by nutrient pollution from storm-water runoff, sewage pipe breaks, septic tanks, fertilizers, plastic pollution and other contaminants.

The pollution is killing seagrass and coral and driving off fish.

The bay also is suffering from hyper-salinity due to a lack of freshwater. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has reported that the damage is so bad that it soon will be irreversible and it will be impossible to restore the bay to its original state.

Biscayne Bay is vital to our economy. Miami-Dade County’s annual GDP is over $100 billion, and a large part of it stems from real estate, trade, and tourism, all of which depend on a healthy environment. A study by the Downtown Development Authority reported the taxable value of the downtown’s property including the waterfront is $39 billion.

Trade and tourism produce an estimated $43 billion annually and over 23 million tourists visited the county last year. Hence, one of the key actions of the 100 Resilient Cities – Resilient 305 plan is to protect the health of Biscayne Bay and our waterways.

In 1974, the Florida Legislature passed the Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve Act. Later, the Miami-Dade County’s Biscayne Bay Management Plan was approved. And years later came the Biscayne Bay Partnership Initiative. These have been good faith attempts to protect the bay, but they have been either too slow or shelved. The difference this time is that we have no time; the situation is dire.

The county has created the Biscayne Bay Task Force it is our last shot.

Seagrass loss in the Julia Tuttle Basin.

Seagrass loss in the Julia Tuttle Basin. (Photo: Miami Dade County DERM Restoration & Enhancement Section) Read more

Fishing

Win Collectible Lures And Retro Tacklebox In New Plano Sweepstakes

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — With the 2020 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk just weeks away, bass fishing enthusiasts can celebrate 50 years of the Classic and relive the early days of the tournament with the new Retro Lure Giveaway presented by Plano. One lucky winner will receive a set of rare collectible antique lures from Rebel, Cotton Cordell, Heddon, Lazy Ike and B Lures, plus a Plano 777 Tacklebox just like those used by anglers at the first Bassmaster Classic on Lake Mead.

While today’s anglers vary their equipment based on the fishery and boast a garage packed with tackle, the 24 competitors in the first Classics were only allowed to carry-on four rods and reels and 10 pounds of lures when they boarded a charter flight not knowing where competition would take place.

“We were given an official Plano tacklebox and had a weigh-in before the Classic even began,” said Bobby Murray, who won the first Bassmaster Classic in 1971. “If the tacklebox weighed more than 10 pounds, then (B.A.S.S. Founder) Ray Scott would open it up and take the lures he wanted to keep.”

The winner in the Retro Lure Giveaway presented by Plano will not have to worry about giving up any of these prized lures. In addition to rare lures and the Plano 777 tacklebox, for those who want to keep their collectibles in pristine condition, this incredible prize package also includes a new Plano Edge tacklebox as well as giant package of brand-new lures from Bandit, Bomber, BOOYAH, YUM, War Eagle and more. Read more

Fishing

Michigan’s ‘Big Wild’ is getting bigger

FISHING SPOTS

New Fishing Area for Michigan Anglers

The Elk Forest purchase provides public access to Walled Lake, a spring-fed, 44-acre double sinkhole lake. A smaller lake and pond are nearby. Adventurers also will enjoy the addition of more than a mile of the Black River, a top-quality trout stream, and a half-mile of Hardwood Creek.

Outdoor enthusiasts know that the rugged, 108,000-acre expanse of Michigan’s Pigeon River Country State Forest is one of the state’s premier destinations to connect with nature. Three world-class trout streams ramble through forests and wetlands at the heart of the state’s elk range.

What could be better than that? More of it.

A Department of Natural Resources land deal valued at more than $2 million finalized last month adds the Elk Forest at Black River, a stunning, 597-acre parcel in Montmorency County, to Michigan’s public lands. This ecologically important area is surrounded on three sides by existing state-managed land and will become part of the Pigeon River Country State Forest, known to many as “the Big Wild.” Read more

Fishing
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