Why it matters: There are many forms of gear employed by commercial fisherman to harvest target species of fish. However, some gears such as large-mesh drift gillnets often result in unintended bycatch, most of which is discarded dead and left to waste. For this reason, large-mesh drift gillnets have been eliminated as a commercial gear…
Contact: Mark Lance, Southeastern States Coordinator Why it Matters: Menhaden are a critical part of the coastal ecosystem serving as an important forage food for many recreationally important species such as redfish, speckled trout, and southern flounder, among others. The establishment of a menhaden catch limits and reporting requirements would help conserve menhaden and support…
Contact: Kent Keene, Assistant Manager, Lower Midwestern States and Agriculture Policy Why It Matters: Opportunities to recognize and highlight our time-honored traditions are important to maintain interest and ensure that these traditions are passed on to the next generation. Recognizing the history of archery in the Show-Me State, the formal recognition of archery as the…
Contact: Mark Lance, Southeastern States Coordinator Why It Matters: Contingent on the passage of HB 762, the Louisiana Outdoors Forever Fund will receive $10 million from the State General Fund. These funds would be made available for projects on public and private land that will benefit wildlife and their habitats. Additionally, Louisiana could leverage significantly more federal…
Contact: Kent Keene, Assistant Manager, Lower Midwestern States and Agriculture Policy Why It Matters: Elected officials who dedicate their political career to serving the sportsmen and women of their state deserve recognition. Senator Mark Allen fits this bill well, serving as both a Co-Chair of the Oklahoma Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus and Member of the NASC…
Contact: Joe Mullin, Manager, Northeastern States Why it Matters: Legislative and administrative efforts that encourage and expand the abilities of hunters, anglers, recreational shooters, and trappers by increasing access and opportunities have the potential to immediately bolster financial support for state fish and wildlife agencies, thus supporting their mission-driven conservation projects. The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation…