On February 22, Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus member Governor Bob McDonnell signed two pro-sportsmen angling bills into law. SB 1106, sponsored by Virginia Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus Co-Chair, Senator Emmett Hanger, Jr., authorizes the Virginia Marine Resources Commission to revoke a person’s fishing privileges (for up to 2 years) within the tidal waters if he or she violates any tidal fishing law. SB 1213, sponsored by Senator Richard Stuart, authorizes the sale of lifetime saltwater angling licenses to both residents and non-residents 65 years or older. SB 1106 and SB 1213 cleared both the House and Senate by unanimous votes earlier in the session.
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?
