Sturgeon Don’t Need Whackos’ “Help”

By Glen Wunderlich

The anti-hunting, anti-fishing groups led by the Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) have sent a notice of their intent to sue the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for failing to respond to a 2018 petition seeking Endangered Species Act protection for the lake sturgeon.

According to CBD, many states and tribal organizations are working to restore lake sturgeon spawning populations. But, most populations have not recovered from overfishing, and dams still block access to former spawning and rearing habitats. Continued threats include new proposed dams and hydroelectric facilities, excessive water diversions, pollution, river dredging and channelization, invasive species and climate change.

The question is whether eliminating fishing for the majestic fish will achieve the stated goal of recovering the lake sturgeon to historic population levels, because that’s what “protection” means to these short-sighted groups. But, if we are to believe the stated reasons for the decline of the sturgeon populations, what exactly do these groups expect the federal government to do about them?

*Over-fishing – This year’s sturgeon season on Black Lake (Cheboygan County, Michigan) ended at 9:18 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 2 – after only 78 minutes of fishing.

The fishing season, which included spearing or hook-and-line fishing, was scheduled to run Feb. 2-6, or until the harvest quota had been reached. This year’s allocation of sturgeon for Black Lake anglers was seven fish, although Department of Natural Resources officials set a harvest quota of six fish.

There were 403 registered anglers on the ice Saturday, slightly down from 422 the year before. So, this is over-fishing?

*Dams need to go – Hydro-electric dams may prevent the fish from former spawning areas, but are we really going to eliminate them or do we really require such drastic action for the sake of the fish? The simple answer is no. We have installed other rearing facilities to compensate for the loss of habitat.

*Pollution – We can minimize air and water contaminants and have actually done so, but to return to the age of candle-lit lanterns and hand pumping water from the ground is asinine.

*River dredging and channelization – During heavy rain season, restricted river flow may result in flooding of local areas. This can result in major property damage, negative impact on tourism and local businesses, and can even be life-threatening. River dredging describes blockage removal with a dredge to maintain natural water flow. So, we have to cut this out, too?

*Invasive species – All we have to do is to stop all foreign ships from entering our waters and we will have cut off the supply of many of the troublesome creatures that come with them. This is about as likely to happen as the sun rising in the West.

*Climate change – This is always a red herring to add to the reasons for cold or hot weather that we humans could control.

These unrealistic goals of the fish lawyers are sound reasons to dismiss such changes in current management practices. In the past 20 years habitat projects have been increased substantially, while research has led to better regulations and sustainable use.

Even though we will never bring the sturgeon back to its numbers of yesteryear, we are on the path to sustainable use and harmony with the forgotten animal – the human one.

Animal Rights, Fishing

CCF Files IRS Complaints with IRS, FBI Against Three Animal Rights Groups

The Center for Consumer Freedom (CCF) has filed a complaint with the IRS and FBI against People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, Direct Action Everywhere (DxE) and Animal Hope and Wellness Foundation alleging abuses of the tax code and/or criminal activity by the groups.

The complaint alleges a pattern of criminal activity and abuse of non-profit status, according to an article in Drovers, a livestock industry trade magazine. The allegations include:

  • Animal Hope and Wellness Foundation has been accused of leaving dogs to die horribly in Asia instead of rescuing them – the group’s supposed charitable mission. Its Executive Director also served time in California prison for felony kidnapping.
  • Direct Action Everywhere breaks into farms and terrorizes farmers. The group has also intimidated shoppers at Whole Foods, Chipotle, and other businesses. Its actions may well be in violation of the federal Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act. The group’s activists are facing criminal charges in several states. DxE is funded by a tax-exempt charity called friends of DxE.
  • PETA has given tax-exempt donations to fund the efforts of Direct Action Everywhere. PETA has also given money to the Earth Liberation Front (considered a domestic terrorist group by the FBI) and to defend an arsonist who burned down a university laboratory. PETA activists have also been arrested on numerous occasions.

Tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations must serve charitable purposes. The complaint alleges these activities are contradictory to IRS rules.

Will Coggin, managing director of the Center for Consumer Freedom, commented, “Harassing people in restaurants, deceptive fundraising, and breaking the law are not charitable activities. It’s past time for authorities to crack down on this charade.”

Animal Rights

Springfield Armory XD-S Mod.2 in .40

GENESEO, ILL. – Springfield Armory’s most popular selling pistol, the XD-S Mod.2, is now chambered in .40 S&W, and holds 6+1 or 7+1 rounds in this premiere concealed carry firearm.

Following the release of the XD-S Mod.2 in .45 ACP and 9mm, Springfield is bringing the .40 S&W back by customer request, rounding out the line with an ideal cartridge for the highly-respected XD-S platform. Engineered with a slim profile that is optimized for concealed carry, the small frame and single stack design achieves the ideal combination of both size and reliability.

The XD-S Mod.2 in .40 S&W features popular characteristics known throughout the XD-S Mod.2 product lineup, such as a fiber optic front sight for fast target acquisition, and a tactical-rack rear sight. This style of rear sight provides the added benefit of being able to rack the slide against objects such as a belt or door frame if neccessary. Aggressive Posi-Wedge slide serrations encourage easy manipulation of the slide, while enhanced grip texturing allows for a secure and comfortable feel for controlled, repeated rounds on target. Read more

Firearms

NY Governor Como Signs Knife Rights’ Bill

Citing “Changing Change in Legal Landscape”  Repealing Gravity Knife Ban

After 9 years of effort, 8 years of costly Federal litigation, 3 bills passed overwhelmingly and the terrifying threat of losing big time at the U.S. Supreme Court (see below), New York Governor Cuomo signed A5944, repealing the state’s bans on Gravity Knives (while leaving the definition intact).

By repealing these bans and making gravity knives legal, New York City and District Attorney Cyrus Vance, Jr., can no longer abuse the definition of a gravity knife and continue to unconstitutionally arrest and prosecute persons by claiming that a common lockblade folding knife or utility knife is an illegal gravity knife. The repeal is effective immediately.

Knife Rights Chairman Doug Ritter said, “After nine years fighting, it is a relief to close the book on this extraordinary abuse of authority by a corrupt system that has terrorized over 70,000 honest, law-abiding people, disproportionately minorities, for simply carrying a common tool used daily in their lives. I am thrilled that we and our partners across the political spectrum in this fight have finally prevailed, but it is a sad commentary on the state of politics and justice in New York State, New York City and at the Second Circuit that it took this long and that tens of thousands of innocent folks had to suffer for the biases held by their elected leaders and the courts.” Read more

Cutlery

California: Wildlife Officers Investigating Suspected Mountain Lion Attack

Wildlife officers from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife are investigating a suspected mountain lion attack at the Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve in San Diego County. On Monday, May 27, in the afternoon, wildlife officers responded to the park where a 4-year-old boy was treated by San Diego Fire-Rescue after sustaining a non-life threatening injury consistent with a mountain lion attack. The boy was part of a group of 11 people recreating in the park at the time. The details of how the suspected attack occurred are not yet available. Read more

Wildlife

Free fishing, off-roading and state park entry during Michigan’s ‘Three Free’ weekend

Looking for a great reason to get outdoors? How about three. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has brought back the popular “Three Free” weekend – this year it’s Saturday and Sunday, June 8 and 9 – two full days when residents and out-of-state visitors can grab a fishing pole, ride the off-road trails and visit state parks, all free of charge.

“Michigan is home to some of the best outdoor recreation opportunities and most beautiful natural spaces you’ll find anywhere,” said DNR Director Dan Eichinger. “Whether you’re already an avid outdoors-person or someone just beginning to explore the outdoors, our ‘Three Free’ weekend makes it easy to explore a new hobby, visit a new park or introduce friends to an outdoor experience you love.” Read more

Fishing

Bobwhite Community Adopts Guidelines for Interstate Translocation

With demand growing for wild bobwhite quail in states pursuing population restoration and the subsequent pressure on states that have quail to provide them, the National Bobwhite Conservation Initiative (NBCI) has adopted an official position — and voluntary guidelines — for interstate translocation of the birds. Purpose of the guidelines is to maximize the potential for success, protect the existing public resources, ensure public accountability and promote scientific learning. Both the steering committee of the National Bobwhite Technical Committee as well as the NBCI Management Board, comprised of senior-level officials of the 25 state wildlife agencies that are members, have approved the document, which will be reviewed in three years.

Read more

Wildlife

Lawsuit Launched to Protect Endangered Lake Sturgeon in Mississippi River, Great Lakes

GW: Here we go again…
Lawsuit Launched to Protect Endangered Lake Sturgeon in Mississippi River, Great Lakes

Giant Fish Needs Federal Protection to Recover

CHICAGO— Conservation groups sent a notice today of their intent to sue the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for failing to respond to a 2018 petition seeking Endangered Species Act protection for the lake sturgeon.

The lake sturgeon is an ancient fish species that lives primarily in the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River drainage. It has declined by roughly 99 percent over the past century because of overfishing, dams and pollution.

“Lake sturgeon are prehistoric survivors, but they need federal help if they’re going to outlast what we’ve done to them,” said Jeff Miller, a senior conservation advocate for the Center for Biological Diversity. “These behemoth fish are a bellwether for the health of the Great Lakes and Mississippi River. They need stronger protections for spawning rivers and other habitats to make sure they’re not lost forever to extinction.”

“The mighty lake sturgeon was the ancient ruler of thousands of river miles in the Ohio River basin, but today only a small remnant of that genetically distinct population remains, blocked by a dam, in approximately 46 miles of the East Fork White River,” said Gary Moody with Fishable Indiana Streams for Hoosiers. “It’s practically a miracle that they still exist in that tiny range — they’re not very resilient when their environment deteriorates, and their numbers are few. One big chemical spill, one bad drought, or some combination of factors could push Indiana’s lake sturgeon to extinction.” Read more

Fishing

Texas: Governor Signs HB 446

Knife Rights supported HB 446,repealing the ban on carry of clubs (including tomahawks) and possession of knuckles (including trench knives and the like) has been signed by Texas Governor Abbot. The new law becomes effective on September 1, 2019.

In 2013 Knife Rights’ repeal of Texas’ switchblade ban was enacted. In 2015 Knife Rights’ signature Knife Law Preemption was enacted, nullifying all local knife ordinances more restrictive than Texas state law, including two of the “10 Worst Anti-Knife Cities in America” at the time, San Antonio and Corpus Christi. In 2017 our bill removed all of the “illegal knives” in Texas law, finally allowing Texans the right to carry a Bowie knife, dagger and others in public. Read more

Cutlery

Michigan DNR completes spring survey of Isle Royale lake trout populations

Earlier this month, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources surveyed the unique Lake Superior lake trout populations located at Isle Royale. The DNR conducts this survey every five years, and it yields data essential for the proper management of the fishery resources around the island.

The research vessel Lake Char deployed gill nets around the island to capture the lean, siscowet and redfin strains of lake trout – the types of trout known to cruise the deeper waters around the island complex. Fisheries managers collect and use this abundance, health and species data to better manage and ensure the long-term health and sustainability of these unique fish populations.

“Survey data indicate the lake trout populations around Isle Royale remain healthy and are expected to continue providing world-class recreational fishing for years to come,” said Edward Baker, the Marquette Fisheries Research Station manager. “A highlight of the survey was capture and subsequent release of a redfin lake trout that was 53 inches long and weighed 34 pounds.” Read more

Fishing
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