Finally Some Good News!
Today, 9/25, Sally Jewell announced that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFW) is proposing to expand fishing and hunting opportunities throughout the National Wildlife Refuge System. This includes opening six new refuges, three in Oregon, to hunting and fishing in addition to expanding the existing programs on 20 other refuges.
During the announcement Sally Jewell stated;
"Sportsmen and women were a major driving force behind the creation and expansion of the National Wildlife Refuge System more than a century ago and continue to be some of its strongest supporters, especially through their volunteer work and financial contributions," Jewell said. "Keeping our hunting and angling heritage strong by providing more opportunities on our refuges will not only help raise up a new generation of conservationists, but also support local businesses and create jobs in local communities."
This isn't news to sportsmen across the country but it is nice to have it reiterated by the Secretary of Interior, Sally Jewell. She is right, providing more opportunities will assist in preserving our hunting heritage because according to surveys by the USFW, loss of access (real or perceived) is the number one cause of declining hunter participation.
Please join me in submitting comments in favor of this proposal by clicking this link.
The three new refuges under the proposal in Oregon to offer hunting;
Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge: Open to migratory bird hunting.
Nestucca Bay National Wildlife Refuge: Open to migratory bird hunting.
Siletz Bay National Wildlife Refuge: Open to migratory bird hunting.
Three refuges currently open to hunting will have the programs expanded;
Bandon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge, OR and WA: Expand migratory bird hunting. The refuge is also already open to sport fishing.
Julia Butler Hanson Refuge for the Columbian White-Tailed Deer, OR and WA: Expand migratory bird hunting. The refuge is already open to big game hunting.
Malheur National Wildlife Refuge: Expand migratory bird hunting and sport fishing. The refuge is already open to upland game hunting and big game hunting.
I wish all my emails were full of positive proposals such as this one!
Happy Hunting!
Dominic Aiello
Vice President
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