Maryland HB 797, introduced by Delegate Maggie McIntosh, was heard in the Maryland House Environmental Matters Committee at 1:00pm on Tuesday, February 26. HB 797, initially introduced on February 6, would help promote access to Maryland’s fishable waters by requiring that transportation projects consider the feasibility of waterway access along the state’s roads and bridges. Lack of access is one of the primary reasons that lapsed recreational anglers give when asked why they no longer participate in their sport. HB 797 is supported by the Maryland Legislative Sportsmen’s Foundation (the Advisory Council that works alongside the Maryland Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus to protect and advance sportsmen’s traditions in Maryland), the American Sportfishing Association, the Chesapeake Conservancy, Maryland Bass Angler’s Sportsmen’s Society, and many other conservation organizations. Please take a moment to contact your Delegate and voice your support for this critical piece of pro-sportsmen’s legislation that will improve access to Maryland’s vast array of recreational angling opportunities.
Studies conducted at both the state and federal level have found that the number of hunters and trappers have been on a generally declining trend over the past several decades. To increase recruitment, retention, and reactivation (R3) of hunters and trappers, which initiative do you think would have the greatest impact?
