Sportsmen's Act Killed, Still Hope for Landmark Bill

November 30, 2012 By Fly Fisherman

The Sportsmen's Act may have been killed earlier this week, but don't nail the coffin shut just yet.

Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala., stunned his peers earlier this week when he killed the Sportsmen's Act with a procedural vote, dealing what could be a knockout blow to a landmark bill that would provide hunters and fishers with over 35 million acres of public land, would channel excise tax funds toward shooting ranges, and would allow the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to sell Federal Duck Stamps online and raise the price from $10 to $25.

The point of contention, it seems, was over budgetary matters in raising the price of Federal Duck Stamps, spelling disaster for the bill and leading to its failure in the Senate.

Despite the grim outlook, however, there is still hope, as the National Shooting Sports Foundation is keeping the pressure on Congress--and you can join them.

Call your Senators today and tell them to work in a bipartisan manner to solve the budgetary concerns and get what is arguably one of the most important pieces of outdoors legislation back on track. Email your Senators--the NSSF has even provided a page to find your Senators' contact info--or call the U.S. Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121.

Time is running out. Call today to ensure future generations can enjoy the outdoors just as we do today. See the short list of candidates that are blocking this bill below.

Senators that Voted "No"

Alexander, Lamar; 202-224-4944 (R-TN)

Ayotte, Kelly; 202-224-3324 (R-NH)

Barrasso, John; 202-224-6441 (R-WY)

Blunt, Roy; 202-224-5721 (R-MO)

A perfect imitation of the ubiquitous dragonfly built with a compelling yet simple approach. Tied on a stout jig hook and using black bead chain eyes for weight instead of the usual slotted bead, the pattern rides hook point up on the bottom without fear of snagging and those big eyes square off the head shape nicely, furthering the accurate silhouette. A few burly sets of Perfect Rubber legs, a bit of soft hackle, a pinch or two of dubbing and you have a bug that brings a smile to your face.

Destinations/Species

Costa Films Presents “Hooked On: Bonefish”

Destinations/Species

Costa Films Presents “Hooked On: Bonefish”

The Gray Ghost. Phantom of the flats. The Silver Shadow. From the Florida Keys to the Bahamas to Hawaii, bonefish are an iconic inshore species with many monikers and a presence that is often felt but rarely seen. Their elusive behavior, expert camouflage and skittish personalities make bonefish the quintessential poster child for shallow water sight-fishing. The latest Costa Film "Hooked On: Bonefish" explores the pursuit of this prized gamefish, which requires expert marksmanship and delicate execution to be successful. Through tagging and conservation efforts, the quality of many historic bonefish fisheries is improving, as is our understanding of the species' movements and patterns. Watch and wade with us as we chase bonefish on the sand flats of the Bahamas and tag them on the grass flats of the Keys.