Opinion Needed Is there a “Partner” in the house?[Pix added 7/11]

[Catfishsteve]

Originally Posted by uglymike

Maybe you guys using fly rods have "got it" being happy with 1lb. blugill, crappies, 2lb.bass etc.........

Bluegills are fun on a flyrod...but these are funner!!

[mark2olson]

Originally Posted by uglymike

Lofty goals, however I think NGPC is wasting our tax dollars. Why recruit new fisherman if the fishing in this state is mediocre at best? Most of the serious fisherman I know do most of their fishing out of state. Why? Gone are the days of ie; monster walleyes at Big Mac, world class trout fishing on the Keystone canal, huge wipers at Elwood and Harlan, etc, etc. In the present day economy, driving hundreds of miles for just mediocre fishing is not an option. If they're going to drive hundreds of miles, they go to So. Dakota for walleyes, Kansas for wipers, catfish; you get the idea. The tri-county is without a doubt going downhill as far as flatheads goes, destruction of habitat by CNPPD is the main cause in my opinion. I've been forced to change my approach to fishing, lower my standards. Now, if I want to catch lots of big fish, I go carp fishing!! Maybe you guys using fly rods have "got it" being happy with 1lb. blugill, crappies, 2lb.bass etc..........And don't even get me started on hunting in Ne. If you've got large money for a lease, own land or have family with land, hunting can be very good. If you're Mr. Average Lunch Bucket Nebraskan, you're out of luck unless you're willing to deal with the circus that public hunting land has digressed to in this state. Want to risk being shot? or wade thru the knee deep trash? Then hunting public land in Nebraska is for you!!!

Quite frankly, I'm a "guy using fly rods" and I gave up chasing bluegill about 20 years ago to pursue larger species. I've just returned, actually, to fishing for bluegill because it is fun. I don't know if I've "got it," or not, however, I will agree, if I want to catch lots of big fish, I go carp fishing as well, but I digress.

I must disagree, respectfully, with your assessment of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Overall, I feel that they have done a decent to good job of managing our shared resources with the money that they have. If you look back over the last forty to fifty years, you see more catch and release waters in Nebraska which, ostensibly, will lead to better managed waters (and, hopefully, bigger fish). If you would have proposed any form of catch and release forty years ago in Nebraska, you probably would have been laughed out of the state. The net result, for anglers in Omaha at least, is that there are several waters within 30 miles where one can catch a lot of bass in the 13 to 18 inch range while having a good shot at a bass in the master angler class. The NEGP manages these waters enumerating the data using several survey methods and then take steps based upon the data and the management approach. The NGPC does this statewide, it benefits all of us.

The NEGP has also had to manage our resources while dealing with a severe drought through most of the state and in states in the Platte River watershed. With Lake Mac at a small percentage of full pool, it is difficult, at best, to manage the resource and any downstream waters.

With regard to the "circus" that one finds on public land, I will not disagree that there are public places where hunting and fishing is a circus. However, there are also places, public land, where hunting and fishing is not a circus. Places where you are not elbow to elbow with your fellow anglers or standing in the line of fire. Many of these places are nearby and don't involve a lot of gas. You can do a lot of "scouting" using maps and satellite imagery to identify places, saving a little bit more on the fuel bill.

However, and back to the topic at hand. I see this effort as critical to the future of hunting and fishing not only in Nebraska, but nationwide. I see this as critical for several reasons. Firstly, without a sizable, engaged population of hunters and anglers, we lose political clout. The Dingell-Johnson and Pittman-Robertson funds, funded with money that we paid when we purchased fishing and hunting equipment, are under attack. There are groups in Washington that are eying these funds. And they are not looking at them for fish or wildlife restoration. With a large, engaged constituency, the odds that congress would NOT misuse the funds increase. As a large group, we should be able to tell our representatives that "we are a large group, we are watching, and we vote! And, by the way, our numbers are increasing!" I'm not sure that we can make the latter statement in an affirmative voice. Moreover, if our numbers increase, so does the likelihood that memberships to the NRA, Pheasants' Forever, Ducks Unlimited, and Trout Unlimited, among others, would increase. Fortunately, in addition to their conservation efforts, these groups keep an eye on Washington and report back to us.

I should add that the equation is twofold with regard to these funds, the more hunters and anglers that we have, the more, theoretically, that goes into the funds. Cabela's is not the only organization that benefits from equipment sales, we benefit as well, directly.

Secondly, the world relating to water is changing and changing rapidly. Not only are we engaged in legal battles with neighboring states regarding water rights (battles that could have dire consequences financially as well as physically). Water is also a critical component that is used for processing many of the commodities that we use such as gas and ethanol; we need to ensure that we have water and that our water is used wisely. We need to understand these issues and we need to have our voices heard to ensure that our water is conserved and used wisely. If our numbers dwindle, the our voice is not heard as loudly.

Thirdly, while we have won decisive legal battles, the balance of justice is not clearly in our favor. The recent supreme court ruling reaffirmed our right to bear arms by only a five to four margin. Moreover, the balance in congress is not clearly in our favor. We need to make sure that our elected officials look after our interests. We need to make sure that they support judges whose legal philosophies are in line with our interests. Once again, if there are more hunters and anglers, we speak with a louder voice.

Finally, I wouldn't challenge your assertion that there is "mediocre" fishing in Nebraska. Sure, there are some gems, but, even if the perception is there that fishing or hunting in Nebraska is mediocre, we can do something about it. The NEGP can only do so much with the funds that they have. There are plenty of examples of grass roots groups and individuals who have made a difference and have improved fishing and hunting through their conservation efforts. From my point of view, the more hunters and anglers that we have, the chances are better that more will step up and help to improve our resources. We need to work to improve our resources not only for our fishing trip tonight, but also for the fishing and hunting opportunities for our children, our grandchildren, and our great grandchildren, and on down the line. Our future is at stake. I see this effort as a critical piece for the future of hunting and fishing, I fully support it.

[GenericAngler]

Nice!!!

Looks like you ran him through the high dollar car wash before the picture....with a "no spot rinse" and then a wax and buff

[OldBaldGuy]

Got this comment from Daryl (apparently his software can't spell "whine" ):

I have been following the discussion on "Is there a partner in the house"? Of course you know I could not read some of the comments in that thread without responding.

First of all, any of you that know me, know that my biggest button that you can push is to start "bad-mouthing" the fishing in Nebraska. I was about to start posting pictures of a wide variety of big fish caught from public water in Nebraska, caught by a poor soul who owns no boat, but I cannot get to the pictures right now, and besides that would take too much space. Let's just say I have the stack of Nebraska and In-Fisherman Master Angler awards to prove that there is some pretty darned good fishing in Nebraska. No, we do not have the amount of water that many of our neighboring states have, but we do have a great variety of fishing opportunities to offer--everything from brook trout to flathead catfish, bullheads to muskies. Might you have to travel to get to some of that great fishing? Yep. The curse of Nebraska geography is that most of our population lives in the eastern 1/3 of the state while much of our water is in the western parts of the state. If you live in eastern Nebraska, especially southeast Nebraska, it may be just as easy for you to travel to some other state and fish and I can understand that, but do not underestimate the fishing opportunities Nebraska has to offer.

If you live in eastern Nebraska, maybe you should step up in favor of creating new waters that could provide more fishing opportunity.

If you think Kansas has better walleye fishing, well, welcome to it.

Secondly, I am fully aware of the challenges we face. You want to tell me about fisheries that we have lost or fisheries that are suffering or about the trash and neglect of some of our areas? You ain't telling me nothing; I walked back in the office after the weekend just recently and *****ed about those very things. If I wanted to dwell on those things I could darned well get depressed. This much I do know, we have great potential, but we are never going to reach that potential unless we have even more folks standing up for our fish & wildlife resources. It is not time for *****ing and complaining, it is time for standing up to be counted.

I could also get real depressed with the current budget situation and what that is going to mean for our resources in the future. Yes, declining fishing and hunting permit sales is a real issue around the country. The fish & wildlife management model that has been established in this country from day 1 is the best in the world. It is based upon the belief that our fish & wildlife resources belong to all of us. It is based upon hunters, anglers and trappers who stepped up again and again over the years to say they were willing to pay for the stewardship of our fish & wildlife resources. If you think hunting and fishing is too expensive, then take up golf or any other of the pastimes that occupy people's leisure time nowadays. But you need to understand that unless things turn around, fish & wildlife management and everyone's access to our fish & wildlife resources is not going to be the same, and I am betting a lot of folks here ain't gonna like what it becomes.

Lastly, all of you have a stake in this. If you treasure your hunting, fishing and trapping heritage and our fish & wildlife resources then you better be involved. You better find a kid, a neighbor, someone and take them out and get them hooked. Furthermore, I will tell you that some of you NEFGA members are likely to be involved in this a lot more than that.

Daryl Bauer
Lakes and Reservoirs Program Manager
Nebraska Game & Parks Commission
daryl.bauer@ngpc.ne.gov

P.S. Please feel free to share this message with others.

[Catfishsteve]

Originally Posted by GenericAngler

Nice!!!

Looks like you ran him through the high dollar car wash before the picture....with a "no spot rinse" and then a wax and buff

Just one of the many fine services the NGPC provides to the larger specimens of our state fish in our lakes... they hit them with some bondo when they need it and keep the air pressure in them checked as well. (Just like in Kansas!)

[Harold]

Originally Posted by Slack Jaw

This is EXACTLY why I didn't buy a Nebraska fishing license this year.Probably will never buy another one for as long as I live. It's just not worth it. I would rather spend the extra money on a non resident license plus the extra expense in gas to catch quality fish.

Location: Nebraska:Where men are men and sheep are afraid.

Hmmmm. Why does that lead me to believe there are "other" issues. As a "native born" and a lifelong (so far... ha) resident of the State of Nebraska, I am PROUD TO BE A NEBRASKAN!

And when I have ISSUES with those that are given the RESPONSIBILITY of managing OUR resources, I take it DIRECTLY TO THEM. Sometimes they (react/respond) to my liking, sometimes not.

But unless they know I'm (peeved) concerned, what can one expect?

By the way, one of my "concerns" a few years ago was acted on and the result was excellent. So, I am PROOF that ONE PERSON CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE if your concern is credible, and your approach is RESPECTABLE!

I'm done.

Harold F.

[Hookem]

Daryl is absolutely correct we all should find a kid or someone and take them out whether it be fishing or hunting or camping. And not just to increase the interest and lifelong enjoyment of the outdoors! Increasing the numbers is one highly important part of why we should take a kid out, but being involved with kids all my life, I can tell you today more kids sit on the bottom end playing games on their phones or other technolgy hours upon hours upon hours almost daily.....resulting in less physical activity, becoming lax, less in phsyical shape and on and on.

Yea, there are many who do become involved in physical activities but let me tell ya many more today that don't. Physical Ed. classes have become more and more less physical orientated over the years and even in those classes one would be surprised how many kids today just can't handle it after a short physical activity!! Again, many kids can but many more can't!

So what's this have to do with taking kids out in the great outdoors?? There is not a better place for kids to learn to get along with others and themselves then taking part in outdoor activities....whether it be fishing, hunting or camping!! More about life can be learned in those activities then most any other place versus sitting on the couch hour afer hour after hour playing games and usually that is inside!!

Sunday my wife and taveled 100 miles explicitly to take our 3yr old and 4 yr. old grandsons fishing. We helped get thier daddy started in it this past Spring and now he akes the little ones out too . Sunday those two little guys had a great time catcing gills and even a coule bass...their eyes lit up like roman candles!! And their dad didn't want to leave after three hours and the little guys were dead beat!! And now they keep asking to get in Pa's boat and we are making arangmens for that soon!

We have ten grandkids and they all fish now except one who lives on the west coast and we can't get there enough and their dad doesn'tfish. But we send him his own rod/reel hoping he will find a way to get out and enjoy it and also hoping the hint to their dad will make a point with him!!

All the gradnkids have gottent heir first rod/reel from us and we take them as much as possible even the parens when they can go with us. We decided to forgo a long trip this summer and instead are renting a cabin locally so that all the kids and grandkids here except for the one on the west coast can be together and fish, boat and enjoy being outdoors. Since telling them they are all excited and can't wait!!

A week ago out 15 yr. old grand daughter ask me to take her fishing for "big" cats and how at camp this Spring she used her first open face spinning reel (we had gotten her a closed face earlier). So told her will take her to buy her a new open face...she said she loved using them and the only way to fish!! (She did tell me she saw some huge bass at camp about two feet long....didn't tell her quite yet they were carp so as not to squelch her interest yet).

All the grandkids have a nickname they have inherited based on fish they have caught. One is "Catfish Joe" another "The Bass Lady" "The GillMan" etc. and they love that!! We all have to do out part to make it the greatest ecxperience we can for them so that someday they too wil do the ame for their own kids!!

So yea,let's up the numbers to satisfy the NGPC but more importantly, for the kids and their lives not only now but for the future!! Get those kids out anytime!!

[Slack Jaw]

Originally Posted by Harold

Hmmmm. Why does that lead me to believe there are "other" issues. As a "native born" and a lifelong (so far... ha) resident of the State of Nebraska, I am PROUD TO BE A NEBRASKAN!

And when I have ISSUES with those that are given the RESPONSIBILITY of managing OUR resources, I take it DIRECTLY TO THEM. Sometimes they (react/respond) to my liking, sometimes not.

But unless they know I'm (peeved) concerned, what can one expect?

By the way, one of my "concerns" a few years ago was acted on and the result was excellent. So, I am PROOF that ONE PERSON CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE if your concern is credible, and your approach is RESPECTABLE!

I'm done.

Harold F.

Harold, I was born in Nebraska and will most likely be buried in Nebraska. I love my state too!
My signature is a joke(haha I see you got it).

My post was in no way a jab at the NGPC. I am sure they do the best job with what resources they are allotted.

I've been fishing Omaha area lakes since I was a kid, and I have found better opportunities to the south. That is just my preference.

There is no way in hell that you are going to keep so many anglers happy with so few resources. I don't blame the NGPC for anything. It is what it is.....

[GenericAngler]

Originally Posted by Harold

I have NO problem with a 10M* investment for "investigating" ways to increase our license holders.

I see plenty of people fishing....Heck try finding a camping spot around the water is SE Ne these days.....Most of them have poles....and spend at least some time giving it the old' college try from the bank at least a few times during the trip.

One thing I have noticed of late (I am a late noticer) -- is that when a "fishcop" shows up on one side of the bank and starts doing license checks that 90% of the people down wind start running for the hills towards their luxury 30 ft fifth wheels just like the free beer truck just showed up being driven by the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders....I counted 10 of them in a 2 hr. period the other day that got sight of the men in brown getting within 100 yards of them.....and they literally started running like crazy, not a stretch to guess they were fishing without a license.

I have not heard any arguments that the state parks are not "selling out" on a regular basis.....and most of these parks are anchored by a body of water.....yet it looks like many of the "fisherman" are forgetting to purchase a permit. I wonder how much license sales money is lost on these people? --- or how many of the people who have "stopped fishing" have really never "stopped fishing".....they just have "stopped fishing with a license"?

Looking at the county "offenders" list in the local paper...I think this last week that the "fish and game without a license" crimes outnumbered DUI's 3 to 1......And this is in Nebraska....the DUI capital of the Midwest

[Harold]

Looking at the county "offenders" list in the local paper...I think this last week that the "fish and game without a license" crimes outnumbered DUI's 3 to 1...

Excellent point, GA. Just because one invests in a "House on Wheels" and a Yacht, it's not guaranteed that they took advantage of "petty cash" and purchased a permit! And that goes for all those in their "congregation"!

With the limited numbers of CO's, it MIGHT be feasable to have a fund raiser with the purpose of adding a 'puter and printer in the CO's vehicles. Then the "perps" could be offered a choice- a fine (which goes to the public schools) OR purchase on the spot a fishing license and an additional "donation" to cover one or two others that didn't get caught... kinda like "fixing your divit, and one or two more".

(Maybe cell phones already offer this opportunity, I don't know because I am "old" and haven't got a clue what "blue teeth" is on my phone... )

With apologies to I'm gonna make another "push" for the NGPC Visa.
(Remember, dark, I'm "over 50" so I can thread drift... )

I have been able to use accumulated points to provide several Park Permits and even a couple fishing licenses for individuals with lesser resources. In fact, what better birthday/Christmas present could YOU receive? It "irks" me (because the word #$@%* is not allowed here) when someone with the "means" skimps out on their "trivial" purchases.

Grrrrr.

Harold F.

(BTW, Slak Jaw, If you will USE IT, I would be more than happy to provide you a NE fishing permit. )

[mtsamuelson]

Originally Posted by Harold

With the limited numbers of CO's, it MIGHT be feasable to have a fund raiser with the purpose of adding a 'puter and printer in the CO's vehicles. Then the "perps" could be offered a choice- a fine (which goes to the public schools) OR purchase on the spot a fishing license and an additional "donation" to cover one or two others that didn't get caught... kinda like "fixing your divit, and one or two more".

I like this idea. However, the amount that is donated + $26 (cost of fishing license this season) cannot exceed the amount of the penalty because the person would pay whichever is cheaper.

Originally Posted by Harold

(Maybe cell phones already offer this opportunity, I don't know because I am "old" and haven't got a clue what "blue teeth" is on my phone... )

Phones/PDAs are capable of accessing the internet, and therefore, would be able to sign individuals up for a fishing/hunting license. They would have to carry a printer in order to print this license out on the spot, otherwise the person in question would be able to print it out later at home.

Overall, I think the best way to increase the amount of fishing/hunting licenses is word of mouth. I only fish, but this season alone I have gotten six of my friends to sign up for a fishing license. They have told their friends (individuals I don't know) about fishing, and many of them have purchased a license too.

I think it's also important to take youngsters fishing. Obviously they do not need a license...yet. But if you can show them the proper way to be a "good" fisherman (i.e., cleaning up messes that are by the lakes, even if they are not yours; teach them not to crowd others that are fishing; how to properly cast and catch fish; taking care of the fish if you plan to CNR; the importance of not keeping everything you catch; etc.), this will accomplish many of the goals this thread stated. Not only will they purchase a license when the time comes, but they will also be "good" fisherman.

I know when I was young, both my dad and grandpa taught me these things, and to this day I still practice what I was taught. An added bonus is all the memories I have of being out with my dad and grandpa fishing.

[OldBaldGuy]

Originally Posted by catchNrelease

...I think some of you who think so high and mighty of the NGPC do so because you have private places to fish and a boat. What about the other fisherman? It's no fun driving 30 miles to a lake only to realize you cant even find a spot to fish. I have almost given up on fishing in Nebraska because of this. I think this year was the worst I had ever seen, TOO MANY ANGLERS. I dont want the banks to be loaded with people. If anything, promoting new anglers ruins the fishing for ME.

Although I probably shouldn’t “go there,” the problem with leaving statements like these unchallenged is that some unsuspecting soul may read them and actually believe part of it.

To insinuate, as you have done, that some of us involved with NEFGA as directors or volunteers (I’m one of the latter) are backing NGPC’s “angler recruitment” because of an elitist perspective is laughable. I know almost all of those guys, and to the best of my knowledge, none lives on or has a cabin on a private lake, and only two have boats. While many of them enjoy the occasional invitation to fish a private lake, if you look back through their hundreds of posts you’ll see almost all have depicted fishing public lakes. We're a bunch of “average Joes” with a far-above-average interest in Nebraska’s fish and game. (Well, among the volunteers, maybe Harold isn’t “average,” but he has aspirations in that direction. )

Second, you really don’t believe the number of licensed anglers has declined over the last 10 years?

Stop and think for just a second: if NGPC were to lie about the numbers, ALL the financial incentives would be to exaggerate the numbers, not lower them, because so much of their funding is federal reimbursement based on the number of licenses sold. Inflated numbers also would buttress their requests for legislative appropriations for non-fish/non-game portions of the budget.

When you say “promoting new anglers ruins the fishing for ME,” can we assume you personally will then pick up the tab state-wide for fishing stocking, lake renovations, law enforcement, research, etc., because the costs keep going up while the number of buyers (licenses holders) drops?

Finally, I have to call b.s. on the statement “you cant even find a spot to fish.” Isn’t what you’re really saying: “someone was in MY spot”?

So far this season I’ve fished 67 times in Nebraska (the other three times were in Arkansas), and, yes, sometimes I arrive to find someone fishing the spot I’d hoped to fish. But at even the most extreme example – the peak of the “trout season” at Two Rivers – I’ve always found a place to fish, and I usually caught some fish. My solution is to try to get there 30 minutes earlier next time.

Can we discuss/debate the “angler recruitment” issue with facts?

[M&M]

I have to ask.....if you have the choice of buying a permit on the spot or paying a fine and having a criminal record....what would be your incentive to buy a permit? The mindset would become...."if I get caught, I'll just buy a permit from the CO". As it is now, I understand it is also required to buy a permit when you are cited for fishing/hunting without a permit. So both the school fund and the NGPC fund win as the law is now.

[catchNrelease]

Originally Posted by OldBaldGuy

Although I probably shouldn’t “go there,” the problem with leaving statements like these unchallenged is that some unsuspecting soul may read them and actually believe part of it.

Too late I guess

Originally Posted by OldBaldGuy

To insinuate, as you have done, that some of us involved with NEFGA as directors or volunteers (I’m one of the latter) are backing NGPC’s “angler recruitment” because of an elitist perspective is laughable. I know almost all of those guys, and to the best of my knowledge, none lives on or has a cabin on a private lake, and only two have boats. While many of them enjoy the occasional invitation to fish a private lake, if you look back through their hundreds of posts you’ll see almost all have depicted fishing public lakes. We're a bunch of “average Joes” with a far-above-average interest in Nebraska’s fish and game. (Well, among the volunteers, maybe Harold isn’t “average,” but he has aspirations in that direction. )

First of all, my point was that recruiting more anglers IN MY OPINION ruins the fishing for ME. I never said anything directly about "NEFGA", im talking about the fact that more anglers on the water means less enjoyment for me and my family. And yes, laugh all you want but it is somewhat true. The more anglers, the less available fishing room. You are familiar with basic mathematics, yes? Get real, I am a bank fisherman, when you tell me that promoting MORE fisherman will not impact my fishing experience you're insane.

Originally Posted by OldBaldGuy

When you say “promoting new anglers ruins the fishing for ME,” can we assume you personally will then pick up the tab state-wide for fishing stocking, lake renovations, law enforcement, research, etc., because the costs keep going up while the number of buyers (licenses holders) drops?

I think the ridiculous cost of an annual fishing permit should more than suffice. It's not like i've ever seen any "great" fishing lakes around Omaha or Lincoln. Mediocre to poor at best.

Originally Posted by OldBaldGuy

Finally, I have to call b.s. on the statement “you cant even find a spot to fish.” Isn’t what you’re really saying: “someone was in MY spot”?

What im saying is try having your children all excited to go fishing! and then you show up at the lake! and you cant even find a spot to take a few children to fish! It is absurd. And then they want to promote and try to get NEW anglers? THERES TOO MANY! I know this doesnt happen EVERY SINGLE TIME, but it is more often than not that we drive out to a lake, and end up turning around, because there is no room for bank access or a nice enjoyable relaxing time. Who wants to be crammed in having people casting over your lines every 5 minutes. I guess we have different ideas of what is enjoyable and what is not.

Originally Posted by OldBaldGuy

So far this season I’ve fished 67 times in Nebraska (the other three times were in Arkansas), and, yes, sometimes I arrive to find someone fishing the spot I’d hoped to fish. But at even the most extreme example – the peak of the “trout season” at Two Rivers – I’ve always found a place to fish, and I usually caught some fish. My solution is to try to get there 30 minutes earlier next time.

The peak of trout season at Two Rivers is a joke, you call that fishing?
Where have you lost your mind?

Fishing USETO be a peaceful, enjoyable, relaxing, ART around these waters. No longer is that the case.

[Harold]

Originally Posted by M&M

I have to ask.....if you have the choice of buying a permit on the spot or paying a fine and having a criminal record....what would be your incentive to buy a permit? The mindset would become...."if I get caught, I'll just buy a permit from the CO". As it is now, I understand it is also required to buy a permit when you are cited for fishing/hunting without a permit. So both the school fund and the NGPC fund win as the law is now.

I believe this would be "civil" not "criminal". Most newspapers don't even publish these infractions.

Don't forget the "divits"!

Which may have been the current mindset of the owner with the "House on Wheels" and Yacht! That scenerio is, obviously, already in place!

M&M, (I like the red ones, don't know why, they all "taste" the same... ha)
I was just "wingin' it", but the thought was "comforting" as I wrote it.
Another "comforting" thought to add, would be to require violators to become participants in the "clean-up committee". Yes, there are scenerios that would complicate THAT "punishment" as well. I doubt that "out of staters" and "illegal" immigrants would be able to "participate".

I'm not sure why, but shooting them is not an available option.

Now, to .

(Well, among the volunteers, maybe Harold isn’t “average,” but he has aspirations in that direction. )

I can't seem to get this song out'a my head:

"Workin' my way back to you, babe".

Harold F.

[mark2olson]

Originally Posted by OldBaldGuy

Can we discuss/debate the “angler recruitment” issue with facts?

Here are some facts and conjecture that everyone who hunts or fishes may want to ponder.

The Dingell-Johnson and Pittman-Robertson funds are on a lot of legislators’ radar. Actually, since 1990, some administrators have used these funds for tenuous activities not related to habitat restoration. There are many who would like to divert these funds to non-game uses; make no mistake the mouths of the very powerful are salivating over these funds.

We, as sportsmen and sportswomen, need to be concerned. I would argue that we need to have a large, engaged population. We should be able to say “our numbers are large and we vote, don’t monkey with these funds on our watch!” To an extent, that is happening. Some of our larger conservation organizations such as Ducks’ Unlimi