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

[OldBaldGuy]

At their March meeting, NGPC commissioners approved a “20-Year Plan for Hunter/Angler Recruitment, Development and Retention in Nebraska,” making our state one of the few to develop a formal plan to address the declining numbers of hunters and fishermen.

“Since 1997, declining participation rates for hunters and anglers threaten what were once family traditions, and jeopardize the future of fish and wildlife conservation by reducing social, political, biological and financial support,” according to the Plan.

Although printed copies of the 22-page booklet were in short supply, I recently noticed the plan has been published on the NGPC website:
http://www.ngpc.state.ne.us/admin/RDRPlan.pdf

The document lists all those who worked on its development, explains the rationale for why it’s needed, and provides a timetable for the first five years (which, incidentally, began last Tuesday). It defines several “Participation Stages” as (1) Awareness, (2) Interest, (3) Trial, (4) Continuation with Support, (5) Continuation without Support, and (6) Permanent Participation.

Its five “Goals” and numerous “Objectives” lead to an “Action Plan” with 38 elements. Many, if not the majority, of those plans involve “partnering” relationships with groups and individuals around the state.

And that’s where the nearly 2,000 members of NEFGA come in. Or do we? It’s hard for me to read the plan and not see it as a challenge to those of us who care about the future of fishing around here.

I’ve plucked out the specific plans that relate primarily to fishing -- even more relate to hunting, but I don't know beans about hunting – and suggest you read through them. If you’re like me, you’re not going to agree with everything you read. If you disagree, what’s a better solution? What did they leave out of the plan?

Do you see any opportunities here, personally, or by groups you’re involved with, or through our virtual fishing community?

What, if anything, should we try to do with this?

PLAN #1
Develop and/or Enhance Statewide Family Hunting/Fishing Involvement

By creating and implementing species-specific weekend camps or workshops for families, especially within our state parks, this plan provides hunting and fishing social support within the family. Such efforts can be had with church groups and other nontraditional institutions. These include family skills camps, family outdoor education programs in the state parks and family-oriented hunting/outdoor workships.
Participation Stage = Participation with Support
Cost = >$100K, FTE = 0, Staff = >12

PLAN #2
Group/Personal Development Through Fishing

Advocates fishing as a healthy outdoor activity that benefits individuals and relationships by: Include fishing as a participatory activity for groups utilizing existing park amenities.

Create Noncomptetive Fishing Clubs. Get more casual anglers involved in fishing clubs as a social rather than competitive, activity – a place to go and socialize, tell stories, make friends, and set up fishing trips. Club members become fishing buddies and share expenses, boats, travel, etc.

Market fishing as a family-oriented activity, suitable for all generations.

Promote fishing in non-traditional outlets.
Participation Stage = Awareness/Interest
Cost = >$100K, FTE = 0, Staff = 1-2

PLAN #4
Urban Fishing Program/Mentored Youth Fishing Course

The intent of the course is to restructure the current Urban Fishing Program to be a more intensive course that generates interest and skills to go fishing. Fishing clinics will be six-week events and include a mentor.
Participation Stage = Permanent Participation
Cost = >10K - $25K, FTE = 0, Staff = 3-5

PLAN #6
Angler Development and Retention

Develop species-specific angling seminars, workshops, Web pages and publications to reach current and lapsed anglers designed to educate anglers on new skills, oportunities and techniques to enhance their ability to embrace new activities and their success in doing so.
Participation Stage = Participation with Support
Cost = >$25K - $50K, FTE = 0, Staff = 6-12

PLAN #7
The Open Fields and Public Anglng Access Program

Open Fields is a component in both the Senate and House versions of the 2007 Farm Bill. As written, the language would provide up to $20 million per year for access to private lands for hunting, fishing and other outdoor recreation. For Nebraska, Open Fields would augment the CRP-MAP program and could serve to expand and enhance the program to allow simultaneously for more hunting access and the addition of fishing access and access for wildlife-viewing opportunities.
Participation Stage = Awareness/Interest
Cost = >$100K, FTE = Partners, Staff = 3-5

PLAN #11
Significantly Expand Reach of Education Staff Across Nebraska by Developing and Hiring One New Outdoor Education Specialist in Each District

Many state that have shown great successes in enhancing the number of youth hunters and anglers maintain a large presence of education staff throughout the state. Having education professionals “on the ground” is a critical step in changing public behavior by coordinating regional educational programs aligned with local schools, church groups, etc., that have real impacts to Nebraska families.
Participation State = Awareness/Interest
Cost = >$100K, FTE = 6, Staff = 1-2

PLAN #12
STEP OUTSIDE Marketing Efforts

The simple marketing effort by the National Shooting Sports Foundation’s STEP OUTSIDE Program aims to push hunters and anglers to ask others to give it a try. This simple mentoring activity has proven effective as studies have shown that the majority of people would try hunting, shooting or fishing if asked by someone they know. This plan encourages this concept and provides for incentives to reward mentors.
Participation Stage = Awareness/Interest
Cost = $25K-$50K, FTE = 0, Staff = 3-5

PLAN #15
Volunteer Youth Fishing Instructor Recruitment and Retention

Volunteer Youth Fishing Instructors (YFIs) lead clinics to teach the fishing heritage to young people. The number of clinics reported should be increased as should the number of Youth Fishing Instructors (YFIs) and incentives should be offered to encourage YFIs.
Participation Stage = Permanent Participation
Cost = <$10K, FTE = 0, Staff = 1-2

PLAN #18
Outdoor Skills Camps Expansion

Expand the offering of Outdoor Skills Camp by forming a training/staff-sharing partnership with the University of Nebraska 4-H. Each camp would be one week in length, open to roughly 100 kids and could offer education in rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader, archer, fishing, camping, canoeing, bird watching, hiking, wildlife calling, etc. Youth could choose the workshops they would like to participate in.
Participation Stage = Permanent Participation
Cost = $25K - $50K, FTE = Partners, Staff = 6-12

PLAN #20
Adult Beginner Fishing Seminar

Adult Beginner Fishing Seminars (ABFS) will be held to allow adults (i.e., ages 16 and over) the opportunity to learn the beginning basics of fishing during an approximately 2-3 hour lecture. These would include the distribution of entry-level fishing equipment and instructional materials to Adult Beginning Fishing Seminar participants. NGPC could utilize the participant database to promote fishing and analyze participation with respect to permit sales and retention of anglers.
Participation Stage = Permanent Participation
Cost = >$50K - $100K, FTE = 0, Staff = 3-5

PLAN #21
Beginning Angler Incentive Program

The main focus of the program will be to educate new anglers on how and where to fish, and to provide them with the basic necessary equipment needed to start fishing. Incentives for existing anglers to recruit new anglers to purchase fishing licenses will be in the form of a “buddy permit” system.

In addition, the new angler will be given information on how to receive free fishing equipment (see below). To assist beginning anglers with obtaining the basic gear necessary for catching a variety of species in Nebraska, the Fisheries Division’s Outdoor Education program will assemble “beginner fishing kits” to be given, free of charge, to new anglers who purchase fishing permits.

Staff from the district fisheries offices will install instructional signage at all the beginner fishing lakes.
Participation Stage = Participation with Support
Cost = >$25k - $50K, FTE = 0, Staff = 1-2

PLAN #23
Beginner Fishing Facilities

Secure funding of $750,000 annually to develop Beginner Fishing Facilities at 3-5 ponds, sandpits, lakes, reservoirs, rivers and streams per year. Identify and develop fishing access points.

Ensure that quality fishing ponds, sandpits, lakes, reservoirs, rivers and streams are being maintained within 50 miles of population areas (2,000+ people). Sample water bodies on a rotational basis, evaluate stocking regimes, densities and conduct creel surveys.

Develop and enforce fishing regulations on Beginner Fishing Pnds, sandpits, lakes, reservoirs, rivers and streams by conservation officer presence.

Determine which, if any, of our efforts contribute to an increase in fishing participation by tracking fishing permit sales.

Market restored lakes and new opportunities to former anglers. New lakes are being built as well – lapsed anglers may not know about these new opportunities.
Participation Stage = Participation with Support
Cost = >$100k, FTE = 0, Staff = 6-12

PLAN #32
Hunter/Angler Outdoor Media Events

Utilize large scale media outlets, partners, Expos, media days to showcase and introduce the public to hunting and fishing and the positive, healthy outdoor lifestyle they provide.
Participation Stage = Awareness/Interest
Cost = >$100K, FTE = 1, Staff = >12

PLAN #33
Understanding Nebraska’s Angler

Use NASIS to determine if there are any Nebraska-specific constraints to fishing, beyond what national literature cites (time, social support, etc.) and develop surveys to understand the multiple species avid anglers and what motivates them to fish for multiple species.
Evaluation component
Cost = <$10K, FTE = 0, Staff = 1-2

[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!!!

[Camp-N-Fish]

Originally Posted by uglymike

.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!!!

[eye_doctor]

I think the way to go is targeting young kids. I still remember my first fish I ever caught (a drum from lovewell lol), but I have had the fishing fever ever since. The youth instructor idea is great, and should be implemented on a wide basis. I also feel that there should be several catch and release only lakes near the urban centers, because the quality of most of the waters around Lincoln and Omaha are extremely poor IMO. The C&R plan would ensure that there were decent waters with opportunities to catch fish in large quantities. Maybe they could buy some good quality private ponds, and turn them into great small public lakes??

On the larger scope of things, I do agree with uglymike on many levels. I target walleyes and with gas the way it is my best options from Lincoln are all located in Kansas. I don't usually go to Big Mac, Merrit, or others out west because I figure I might as well go to Oahe for a few extra hour drive.. more bang for my buck IMO. Many fellow anglers in Eastern Nebraska have the same outlook. Its no ones fault but we just don't have quality water in the vicinity of our major population centers!

Hunting is in way more trouble than fishing is.. private land is hard to come by (we lose some ground every year to leasing or corporate buyouts of land).. Hard to imagine it ever being like it was again, especially when talking about pheasants and quail.

[Red]

I guess things are a lot different when it comes to public land on the Eastern side of the state.

[OldBaldGuy]

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!!!

So that settles it. Let's all stick out our lower lip, stamp our feet, and hold our breath until we turn red.

Or maybe, just maybe, we could get involved and try to do something constructive. The first step might be a constructive comment...

[Catfishsteve]

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?!

Well, first off, UglyMike, the NGPC doesn't get "tax dollars" for it's hunting and fishing programs. Those funds come from the license fees and matching funds from the feds. The license fees come from folks that buy licenses, the feds match those funds. That's it, that's the money they have for hunting and fishing.

There are no general fund tax dollars for hunting and fishing in Nebraska.

So, that being the case, we can either recruit a bunch of new hunters and fishermen to help foot the bill, or you can get used to all the negative things you point out just getting a lot worse. They way I see it, getting more new folks involved is the point of most of what I was reading there.

Fortunately, there are lots of us who have shown that things can be improved and changed for the better.

Yeah, OBG, admittedly, that's a whole lot to chew, but I think there are many, many parts of what I read there where NEFGA, as a group and just as individuals can take part in and help.

There are lot's of folks in a lot of states that only wish they had things like we do here in Nebraska. Heck, I came here 25 years ago and stayed!!

I'm glad the NGPC are at least looking at the problem and trying to pose solutions. The only way to help is to get involved and try to improve the situation.

There are so many poorly informed folks out there. I ran into an older guy at a local lake this week. He was complaining about how bad the fishing was around Nebraska and that all he ever catches is weeds. He said he was going to leave and try another lake that didn't have so many stupid weeds in it. But before he left he told me that theh NGPC needs to "wise up" and do things "like they do in Kansas."

How do they do them in Kansas? I asked....

"well, they know how to stock lakes down there. They have lakes in Kansas where all they ever stock in them is 2 and 3 lb. walleye!! The fishing is so much better there because they know how to stock lakes down there, not like here"

"Really?...wow! You think all the fish in the lakes in Nebraska are put there by the state?" I asked.

"well, yeah, how else to those lakes get fish in them?", he sneered and stomped off.


It was all a bit too much for me to jump into on my holiday weekend, so I just let him go on his way.

But today I've taken a deep breath and regrouped. Thanks OBG for that info. I hope everyone will read through it and will try and find ways to make things at least somewhat better. I know we'll never have it as good here as they do in Kansas , but hey we can dream!

I think the forum has shown itself to be a great way to share ideas and get folks organized, we just need to do more of it!!

[fish_finder]

I fish because I enjoy fishing. If I catch a 6" bluegill or a 20" bass it still gets my blood going. Reading over the plan OBG posted I think they are at least being proactive to improve fishing opportunities in the State. Honestly I think in the past few years the NGPC has done great work. Holmes Lake, Wagon Train, and Wildwood are proof they are doing things to improve public fishing opportunities.

Anything is possible. The NEFGA is a unique community that in my opinion can have a loud voice in the decisions made by the NGPC where it concerns fishing and hunting in the state of Nebraska.

[SKershaw]

Originally Posted by uglymike

Maybe you guys using fly rods have "got it" being happy with 1lb. blugill, crappies, 2lb.bass etc....If you're Mr. Average Lunch Bucket Nebraskan, you're out of luck unless you're willing to deal with the circus...

Wow! I just got told! Surely I have "got it" waving my fly rod. He!!, I can't even catch a 8" bluegill to enter the competition. You think that's the technique I am using? You think that's the quality of fisheries here in Nebraska? What have you done, besides lowering your standards, to IMPROVE the fishing in YOUR state???

I feel that States do, for the most part, the best with what they have to govern/manage the opportunities that are available. I understand the 20-year plan! They need more hunters/fishers so that they can have more resources to improve more opportunities. No one will ever have it down perfect! They recognize that there is something they need to do to make NE a better place for outdoorsmen (that includes the ladies).

We have a huge opportunity as a formal organization, with which you are member through signing up, to have a POSITIVE impact on the arenas that fuel our passion for fishing and hunting!!! You don't even have to pay dues to be involved!

There are other organizations that you can become involved with that make differences. If I wouldn't have been taken fishing as a young lad I would have never been introduced to the passion I have for fishing like I have today. Takemefishing.org, Recycled Fish, Angler's Legacy... you think they just want your money??? NO!!! Shoot, they are also free. You can be a gracious donor if you so chose. They make differences for all the fishing community, even the people that gripe that the grass is greener in Kansas!!!

The point is, we have improving to do!!! Let's get out and help improve. How many times have you heard OBG ask for help with the youth fishing instruction??? Andrea joined our forum and asks for assistance. You think the "periscopes" are just for the birds to have their families in??? I think we are making improvements. If we aren't moving forward, perhaps we are moving backward... the point is to eliminate the latter so we make progress!!!

I know that was drawn out. I know I placed passion in my words.

There are some that sit idly by in the train car watching the beautiful scenery. There are those that drive the train to the next vista!!! Be a driver!!!

Sincerely,

Another Mr. Average Lunch Bucket Nebraskan with no access to stellar hunting or fishing property that fights the circus

[catchNrelease]

I agree with a few of uglymikes points. He brings up some very valid topics.

Here's something i've always wondered, maybe someone can explain. So if Nebraska goes for this push to increase anglers, this will dramatically decrease my chance of having a spot to fish, or having a fish to catch. Everytime I try to go fishing the banks are loaded with bank fisherman, infact the last 2 times I went to try and go fishing, I turned around and went home rather than sit there and cast in between two fisherman 20 yards from eachother.

I dont ever remember fishing pressure being so heavy in the last 15 years. It makes me sick that the NGPC charges MORE for licenses, yet the opportunity for fishing in my opinion is slowly decreasing, and not to mention the fact that in general most of the Salt Valley lakes have declined in quality, in my opinion. The more you promote fishing and bringing your family out to all of the lakes, the dirtier these lakes get.

I have noticed over the last 2-3 years the Salt valley lakes have become disgusting, trash everywhere. I am tired of cleaning it up, I always take a trash bag and clean up, but by the next time I go there to fish, its the same thing. It's a pointless effort anymore. It just really sickens me.

And who wants to fight crowds of people for fishing? JUST LIKE ugly mike mentioned about the hunting(probably the reason I dont even hunt in Nebraska anymore, I guess I am not lucky enough to have "private land" and "private ponds") Isn't the whole idea behind going out to a lake and enjoying time with your family exactly THAT? I cant do it anymore, it is literally impossible to do that, unless you show up at just the right time! Or.. you have a boat. Actually, I cant even afford the gas to go more than 30 miles to go fishing. The gas/licenses/bait prices/congested lakes makes it really a drag to go fishing.

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.

Sorry, I needed to state my opinion I feel as if Nebraska fishing is slowly being ruined for bank fisherman.

[SKershaw]

That's the great thing here! We all have opinions. Opinion are like.... and well... we all got one!

I have found more solitude fishing when I fish out of my float tube. It is a fairly inexpensive "boat," especially compared to one with a motor. I can still drive my limit (~30 minutes) to fish the water. I power it with ATP (that's me kicking my chubby butt anywhere I wanna go). Despite what other's may think, you don't even need to use a fly rod and reel. One of the best float tube fishermen I have seen on here, Generic Angler, uses all the amenities a Lund would have and catches pant-loads of fish!!! Try a float tube or give Fish Recycler a PM about getting out on a kayak or canoe!

BTW, thanks for picking up the trash. Please don't feel it is a worthless effort. Imagine what it would be like if you didn't even pick anything up!!! If only we all grabbed some people's trash every time we are out there!

[Sandbilly]

I prefer to hunt/fish this state. Know many out of state people that make Nebraska their only 100+ miles from home, hunt/fish destination.

I agree there are major challenges in populated areas which must be met, but watching outdoor related businesses in this area struggle or fail due to the lack of people is a very concerning trend.

With declining numbers of hunters/anglers, in this state, across the country, recruitment is the only way for survival, let alone growth. We all have a job to do.


dc

[Red]

It always makes me smile when I'm bouncing through my hand shake deal in the sand hills, to see another Iowan pick up truck on the field across me.

How ever, I do much prefer to hunt/fish in Nebraska just due to a few things, One I know where the hell I'm at all of the time, 2, So i don't feel like a visator or that i'm unwelcomed (ever had that happen?) and 3 I don't have to buy a damn out of state permit!

I think the NGPC should have a referal program or something, if your friend buys a permit and puts you down as a referal, and every few referals you got a free year of what ever, or something along those lines.

I don't think recruitment is the right words, I'd have to say getting them to try our drug

[Fish Recycler]

I heart OBG.

I am reminded why these things are called "discussion forums."

What I think OBG is asking for, and what I'll suggest plainly, is that we consider making this "discussion" forum into an "action" forum.

fish_finder said best what direction this thread is taking:

The NEFGA is a unique community that in my opinion can have a loud voice in the decisions made by the NGPC

Trouble is, NGPC doesn't need any more voices, it needs a bunch of hands.

Let me be both honest and blunt. Recycled Fish, the organization that I run (thanks for the plug, SKershaw) did a survey about a year ago of people who identify themselves as "stewardship minded sportsmen." Of that group, 100% said that they would give back to the resource in some way, either time or money.

Subsequently, we created opportunities for them to actually do that and participation rate was somewhere below 10%.

Look guys, if nothing changes nothing changes. You have to actually exert some effort if you want to see change, and plugging some keys on your keyboard doesn't count.

Want to volunteer? OBG has given some great ways. Pick one and make time, not excuses. PM me, I'll put you to work doing something you'll enjoy that fits your available time and your skill set, and it will make a difference. 2 hours per week is huge - heck, 2 hours per month is a big deal! Sadly, most people do little or nothing (but can tell you who is leading on American Idol on any given week).

One parting thought. NGPC isn't "them." We live in a country governed of the people by the people. "The people" is you. If you want something done differently...improved...then get involved.

[Alex T.]

OBG,
Are ya just trying to break the record for longest post each and every time you type nowadays?? I think the NGPC wastes alot of money on some things. Alot of these "Plans" seem to already be in effect to some extent. However,some of their thoughts and projects do come out well. IMO,95% of the problem of getting kids/people into the outdoor activities doesn't have a damn thing to do with advertising/marketing,blah,blah,blah. It has to do with today's society of go,go,go,not taking time to spend with your kids,wanting instant gratification from whatever activity your'e doing,etc. Plan #23..

Develop and enforce fishing regulations on Beginner Fishing Pnds, sandpits, lakes, reservoirs, rivers and streams by conservation officer presence.

I think they should try that at the regular lakes first and get things under control there. Lots of things could be done cheaply to enhance the waters that we have;which in turn would get more people into fishing. Not too many people wanna go sit in the weeds and cast into even worse weeds trying to hit open water for a 4"gill. Or,sit on a 20' jetty with 40 others.How bout making some jetties that could actually handle quite a few anglers comfortably? Lots of things to consider but unfortunately some of the people in charge of the funds can't see daylight for some reason.

Alex

[Harold]

Hmmmmmmmmm. Maybe this needs to be on the Outdoor Politics forum...

First of all, THANK YOU OBG for posting the information. It's always interesting to "hear" what is going on "inside" OUR NGPC!

And, THANK YOU MIKE for posting YOUR THOUGHTS AND OPINION! After all, this IS a discussion forum. And while some may consider his post as a bit aggressive, do we want "watered down opinions" on this site?

Those that "know" me, are aware that I am a BIG SUPPORTER of OUR NGPC... but that doesn't mean that I agree with their "calls" 100%! My "Nebraska Wildlife Habitat Donor" hat collection and the greatest Credit Card available- provided by First National Bank of Omaha- The NGPC Visa Card (go to the NGPC site, and APPLY TODAY!) are just a couple of examples of continued support. You won't find a more aggressive participant in the 1-800-742-SNAP "STOP POACHERS" program. I believe that even though IMMEDIATE response to calls is limited, the program allows for an "accumulation" of violations- especially fishing violations- which will "direct" our limited Enforcement Officers to "concerned locations"!

Daryl B (Mr. B) and Scott E. (boatcop) as well as Murry J. (from the old NGPC Forum) are just three of the very fine representatives of our NGPC- and they have NEVER disappointed me with their posts/responses.

That said, I HAVE been "lied to", been "given the bs treatment", from some, and I made it "clear" that I wasn't going to accept that "response". Does that make me a "non-supporter"?

I also understand that there are MANY that contact our NGPC with "trivial" and "disrespectful" voices that would put ANYONE on the "defensive".

I don't believe that ANYONE employed by our NGPC is intentionally trying to "ruin" our hunting/fishing resources and opportunities. But some of the decisions "just irk my craw"!

Last weekend, I took the boat to Key West. (See Outdoor Politics site for rant) There was NO ONE THERE! The "primitive" boat ramp was no problem for my Toyota Tundra to handle, BUT there was no way to back it in!

I appreciate the "proactive" effort of the NGPC! But, I am FRUSTRATED that access is being limited just because of TRASH! Yes, I agree that we don't want our NGPC employees wasting "our time" as trash collectors. That is OUR JOB! If it gets TOOO DEEEP, I have enough confidence in our Public to "clean it up".

If you don't want to continue to LOSE the older fishers and the families that fish, RE-OPEN THE ACCESS to our ponds and Interstate lakes!

I have NO problem with a 10M* investment for "investigating" ways to increase our license holders. I DO have a problem with the decisions (because of.... TRASH) that are also responsible for the loss of the same.

And, I don't have a problem with RESPECTFULLY notifying our NGPC of my concerns.

My PM works if you would please "rip" me there....

Harold F.

(Pet Peeve: The letter "K" is valued at 1,024 or 2 to the 10th power, the letter M is the value of 1,000- although Websters DOES list "K" as "slang" for 1,000)

[Coop]

I don't see the overwhelming throngs of people. Last night we were out at Zorinsky, and while there were a few folks on the banks, there were plenty of places to fish with no one around. Maybe a dozen or so people by the fishing pier, and another 15-20 scattered around the shore.

I'm not going to feel bad for having a boat. I decided I wanted something, saved my pennies, and bought a cheap fishing boat that won't win any beauty contests, but floats, starts and runs. Those of us in boats are not in some elite class, out of touch with the 'common' fisherman. Might surprise you to know that a lot of us also still fish from banks quite a bit.

There are not too many anglers in this state. The more, the better. We need more young people, and people who used to fish to come back the sport. That's the only way we can improve our waters. I want people to get out there, and I want them to catch that big fish that hooks them on the sport. Without more people fishing, we aren't going to have quality fisheries in just a few generations.

Sorry, I don't believe in keeping lakes, or even spots on the lake to one person, or a select group. It's a public resource, that everyone has the right to. As more people enjoy the pastime, we can do more to improve our lakes and facilities. That's why I'm always happy to tell people what I caught, where, and what I used.

Nebraska, for a state without a lot of natural lakes, has pretty damn good fishing. The Omaha area has nice lakes within minutes of just about anyone in the city. We caught 5 species last night at the Z, including a 24" walleye and 21" LMB (Both of which are still in that lake for someone else to catch), I'll take that any day of the week, in any state... The fact that it's only about a mile from my house makes it even better.

Sure there is work to be done, but the NGPC has done a pretty good job so far with what they have to work with. they've created great opportunities for most everyone in the state to be able to get to a public lake and fish.

[OldBaldGuy]

Originally Posted by Alex T.

Are ya just trying to break the record for longest post each and every time you type nowadays??

Sorry, Alex. It was thoughtless of me not to consider how tired your lips would get reading this.