CONTACT YOUR CONGRESSMAN AND REQUEST HE OPPOSE THE BIGGS AMENDMENT #129

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OPPOSE the Biggs Amendment #129 to Cut the Land and Water Conservation Fund Biggs’ amendment #129 is an attack on the Land and Water Conservation Fund, America’s most important conservation and recreation program. It presents a false choice between key investments in our public lands, which have long been underfunded by shortchanging both LWCF and the parks maintenance budget.   This misguided amendment would rob Peter to pay Paul, defunding key Bureau of Land Management conservation priorities to address just a tiny fraction of deferred parks maintenance needs.  That is an unacceptable trade-off. In addition to National Parks, forests, trails, wildlife refuges, and historic sites, LWCF protects working landscapes and state and local parks, so that Americans can hunt, fish, camp, paddle, climb and otherwise recreate close to home or far afield, from backyards to the backcountry. This program has a 53-year track record of success touching every state (indeed nearly every county) and fuels the $887 billion outdoor recreation economy, which supports 7.6 million homegrown, non-exportable American jobs. LWCF has broad bipartisan support. More than 200 Members signed a letter supporting strong appropriations for LWCF in FY19, and 230 are now cosponsors of legislation to make this critical program permanent.  HR 6147 already cuts LWCF by 15% from the enacted level, meaning that now-or-never projects all over the country will be left behind, new access to public lands denied, and special places lost forever.  Additional cuts would add insult to injury, and would further frustrate already-underfunded sportsmen’s access and other needs. The maintenance backlog at our national parks is a serious problem that needs attention, but this amendment presents a false choice that should be rejected. Any marginal increase in maintenance spending should absolutely NOT come at the expense of hunting and fishing access and other community needs. Sportsmen, recreationists, outdoor business owners, ranchers, conservationists, land trusts working in their local communities, and indeed advocates for our National Parks all agree—these issues are two sides of the same coin, and cannot be pitted against each other. Now-or-never conservation and recreation access priorities, faced with imminent sale and development, cannot be put on hold or traded away. The unwarranted reduction in LWCF funding proposed by the amendment ignores the value of inholding acquisition to solving ongoing management problems. Nearly all LWCF-acquired lands are inholdings amid other federal lands, where consolidated ownership improves management efficiency without raising operating costs.  These acquisitions often reduce management costs (including wild land-urban interface firefighting costs that have been exponentially growing), resolve conflicts, and help communities address ongoing management issues such as invasive species, wildfire, etc. LWCF is the only source of funding to protect the key missing pieces of our public land puzzle from being sold off. This applies as strongly to BLM-administered National Recreation Areas, National Scenic and Historic Trails, National Conservation Areas, and National Monuments as it does to NPS-administered National Parks. It makes no sense to invest in maintaining our public lands at the expense of losing pieces within them.  This amendment is a tired replay of the same attack on LWCF led by ideological opponents of federal land, who are using the sentimental attachment of Americans to the National Parks as a wedge to prevent any further conservation of places we all love, use and enjoy. A majority of this House is already on record rejecting reductions in funding for this critical, bedrock conservation law. The Biggs amendment proposes to do just that despite the already-expressed will of the House , and so the amendment must be forcefully rejected. Call Your representative NOW! Jason Meekhof http://www.backcountryhunters.org/

DNR SPORT FISHING REPORTS FOR LAKE MICHIGAN AND BAY OF GREEN BAY 7-18-18

Manitowoc Co.

• Manitowoc/Two Rivers area – Fishing in Manitowoc/Two Rivers area is still slow with an average catch of 3 fish. Rainbows seem to dominate the catch. Hopefully things turn around for the Two Rivers Derby this coming weekend. Anglers fishing on the piers have reported of having some hits but not being able to stick the fish.

Kewaunee Co.

• Kewaunee Ramp – Fishing pressure remained heavy for the majority of the week and into the weekend. Anglers were limiting out on rainbow trout and chinook salmon for most of Friday and Saturday. Many of the chinooks were reaching upwards of 25 to 30lbs. Water temperature was reported to be in the 58-63F range out 200-350ft on the surface with a thermocline reaching the low-40s when 60ft below. Very few lake trout were coming in. Good luck on kings was had with blue-silver and wine-silver spoons.
• Kewaunee Shore & Piers – Although there was little shore fishing activity, there was moderate fishing pressure at the pier this week. The reports on catches were mostly whitefish with a couple large browns and some small rainbows being pulled in as well.
• Algoma Ramp – There was heavy fishing pressure this weekend with folks coming back with large rainbows and kings. Many folks were preparing or out for Salmon-A-Rama. Rainbows were reported to be out from 300-400ft with good luck using chrome and green flashers. Water temperature was 60F on the surface and cooling to 57F in the 200ft range.
• Algoma Shoreline and Pier – Heavy fog stayed along the shoreline and pier for most of the week. There were small rainbow catches along the shore however with water temperatures reported at 55F. Olson Park saw a couple anglers out catching bullhead and drum.

Northern Door County (Lake Michigan Shore)

• Salmon action in Gills Rock remains slow but is slowly picking up. Steelhead action has been good out of Baileys Harbor. Surface temps are in the 70’s but drops down to the 40’s 90 feet down. Along with the steelhead some big kings have been caught including one over 30lbs.

Northern Door County (Green Bay Shore)

• Smallmouth action has been very slow across Northern Green Bay. Pier fishermen have only been catching a few small bass, rock bass and the occasional perch. Anglers are still catching some bass around the islands but fishing pressure has been high and catch rates have dropped. Hopefully the warmer water temps in the mid 70’s will help get the bass out of their post-spawn lull and into their summer habits. Perch action has been inconsistent. No walleye action to report.

Green Bay Fishing Report: July 2, 2018

Brown County

• Duck Creek – A high number of boaters and kayakers were out this week with little fishing success. No interviews were taken of anglers.
• Suamico– High numbers of boaters were out this week causing lines of boats out of the launch, even filling the extra boat launch parking area. Many fishermen hit the water early to avoid the rush, the walleye bite was consistent all week with 2-3 being harvested per person. Anglers reported using flicker shad and minnow orange in color. Most anglers reported catching numerous freshwater drum and large catfish. No muskie anglers were interviewed.

Oconto County

• Oconto River – Fishing overall was hit or miss this past weekend, with some anglers not having a lot of luck and others having some success catching walleye. Over the past weekend, the water temperature for the Oconto river ranged from 78 – 83°F.
• Oconto Breakwater/Harbor Area – Anglers on the pier were having some success catching catfish, northern pike, perch, and smallmouth bass this week. Anglers using the boat launch were reporting success catching channel catfish, northern pike, perch, smallmouth bass, and walleye.
• Geano’s Beach – High numbers of boaters filled the launch this week with most after walleyes. Most anglers experienced higher catch rates of walleyes, 3-4 per person, than at Suamico and reported catching numerous freshwater drum, catfish and an occasional northern pike.
• Pensaukee River Ramp – A good number of anglers used the Pensaukee river boat ramp this week. Increased numbers of walleye were being caught this past week. Anglers were reporting success catching catfish, northern pike, perch, and walleye.
• Oconto Park II – Fishing pressure was a little lower at the Oconto Park II area this week. Anglers were reporting success catching some perch, smallmouth bass, and walleye over the weekend. Anglers were having success catching perch using nightcrawlers at water depths between 5 and 10ft. Anglers were having success catching walleye using crankbaits in water depths between 5 and 15ft.
• Stiles Dam and Iron Bridge Area – Fishing pressure has remained low over the past week. Fishing success had decreased over the past couple of weeks. Anglers were having occasional success catching rock bass this week. While fishing pressure was relatively low this week, a lot of folks were using the iron bridge area to launch kayaks this past weekend.

Marinette County – Menomonee River

• Fishing overall was hit or miss this past weekend, with some anglers not having a lot of luck and others having some success catching brown trout or walleye. The water temperatures on the Menominee ranged from 60 – 68°F over this past week.
• Boom Landing Ramp – Fishing pressure decreased throughout this past week. Some anglers were having success catching rock bass, walleye, and smallmouth bass.
• Mystery Ship Ramp (Menominee, MI) – Fishing pressure was good over the past week. Anglers were having some success catching catfish, northern pike, smallmouth bass, and walleye. Smallmouth bass were being caught using plastic tubes at various water depths between 5 and 12 ft.
• Ann Arbor Ramp – Good numbers of anglers were out this past week. Some anglers were having success catching northern pike, smallmouth bass and walleye.
• Little River Ramp – Good fishing pressure was observed at the little River Ramp this week. Some perch were being caught along the shore using nightcrawlers and minnows. A handful of anglers were targeting brown trout with limited success this past week. Brown trout were being caught trolling using spoon rigs at water depths between 50 – 60 ft.

Marinette County – Peshtigo River

• Fishing overall was hit or miss this past weekend, with some anglers not having a lot of luck and others having some success catching walleye. The water temperatures ranged from 76 – 79°F over the weekend.
• Peshtigo River Mouth (at the end of Harbor Rd in Peshtigo Harbor Wildlife area) – decent fishing pressure was observed at the Peshtigo river mouth ramp over the last week. Anglers were having success catching catfish, northern pike, smallmouth bass, and walleye this week.
• Klingsborn’s Ramp (5 mi down CTY RD BB outside Peshtigo) – Fishing pressure remained steady over the past week. Anglers were having success catching northern pike and walleye this week.

Green Bay/Fox River

• Metro Boat Launch – Low numbers of trailers were recorded with most being leisure boaters. Those that were fishing reported slow fishing with only a few walleyes being caught and none being harvested. No interviews were taken of muskie anglers. Shore anglers reported fishing was slow with only freshwater drum being caught.
• Fox Point/Fairgrounds – Very few people are launching at either location, and those who do are mostly pleasure boaters. No interviews were taken of anglers.
• Voyager Park – There were very few people out fishing this week, and those who were interviewed didn’t catch any fish.

Brown County

• Bayshore – Over the past week walleye fishing has been relatively consistent with most anglers taking home 1-3 fish for half a day out on the water. A wide variety of baits continue to be used; all with varying success between anglers. Yellow perch fishing continues to be slow out of Bayshore with only a few fish being caught out of the multiple interviews taken. While out anglers also caught freshwater drum, round goby, white perch, and the occasional catfish. The parking lot was half to three quarters full on all the days surveyed.

Door County

• Chaudior’s Dock – Walleye fishing success continues in the same pace with those out of Bayshore. The average catch was half a dozen walleyes with at least 3 making it into the cooler. Some yellow perch anglers found success with harvest being around 12 fish for a few hours on the water. Length ranged from 8-12 inches. While out anglers also caught freshwater drum, round goby, white perch, and catfish. At its busiest time there were 12 or so trailers in the parking lot.
• Little Sturgeon/Sawyer Harbor – Effort remains relatively low out Little Sturgeon and Sawyer Harbor with less than a handful of trailers being observed on the days that were surveyed. Walleye fishing has been slow with no fish being caught. Smallmouth bass is slow as well with only a few fish being caught per boat for half a day out on the water. Yellow perch fishing is beginning to show signs of picking up. Only a few perch anglers were out over the past week but all boats came back with fish. Though the size could have been better catch rates have improved over the past week.

Sturgeon Bay

• Sturgeon Bay City Shore – Anglers were out with a few reports of smallmouth bass and perch. There was low fishing pressure overall this week. Good luck was had using nightcrawlers and leeches.
• Sturgeon Bay Ramp – Many folks are coming back with smallmouth bass and walleye. Consistent success on perch as well was had in the canal for anglers. Water temperature was reported to be 77-79F on the surface in the canal.
• Bay View Park – A few anglers were catching smallmouth bass this week. Rock bass was a frequent catch, with low numbers on perch.
• Sunset Park Ramp – Folks were coming back with many yellow perch this week. Water temperature was reported to be 74F out in the channel.
• Stone Quarry Ramp – Many large smallmouth bass were being caught along with loads of freshwater drum. Water was reported to be mid to high 70s at the surface. Good luck was had using jerk baits for smallies along with tubes and live minnows.
• Stone Quarry Shore – There were many smallmouth bass catches this week with the light northeast wind continuing to help fishing conditions. Good luck was had using soft plastics and worms.

FOOD PLOT INFORMATION FOR ALL TO KNOW. VERY INTERESTING NEWS.

Maintaining Your Food Plot Equipment The more intricate an implement, the greater possibility for more tribulations…that is, unless you perform proper periodic maintenance. Keeping your equipment in tip-top shape means it works better and lasts longer.  Many gamekeepers would agree that one of the most versatile, useful implements is a Firminator because of its unique one-pass planting capability. There are 162 individual parts and 416 individual pieces of hardware (nuts, bolts and washer) that go into making a Firminator. William Yancy, Sales Manager for Firminator, says that no unit has ever been returned for a craftsmanship issue. The company, Ranews Outdoor Equipment, builds about eight units per week. “The most common failure we see is the “seed handle” sticking,” said Yancy. He continued, “This is normally caused because seed gets left in the unit or it’s being stored outside, uncovered. If operators will make sure the seed hopper is empty and spray the seed cups with a Teflon or graphite lubricant, this will not happen. We recommend vacuuming out the seed box and lubricating the cups after every use. This simple process would eliminate 90% of the calls we get for this issue.” There are only three bearings that can be greased on the Firminator. There is one on the seed cup shaft and one on either end of the cultipacker shaft. Yancy recommends that users place about three shots of grease in the fittings following every 10-12 hours of use. Never pump grease until you see it coming out; that will blow out the bearing seal. That’s good advice no matter what you’re greasing. “When ready to store the unit after planting season, use an air hose to blow out all the dust and debris – then lube the chain with a high-quality chain lube,” Yancy said. No matter whether it’s a disk, seeder, a simple unit like a cultipacker, or an implement like the Firminator that combines all three, simple maintenance will save you time and money in the long run. ~ For more GameKeeper tips, read “Food Plot Preparation: Plan Ahead For Success.” Late July and August can be a very busy month for wildlife management chores. Dove season is right around the corner as well as archery season for deer. Formulating a plan this time of year on what, when, and where you are going to plant cool season plots can save time and frustration. Waiting until the very last minute and scrambling to find seed, equipment or fertilizer can be a major headache.

DUCKS UNLIMITED GUN BASH, NEED A NEW GUN, HERE'S YOUR CHANCE. TICKETS AVAILABLE.

LIMITED TICKETS SOLD!!!! Please join us at the North East Wisconsin Gun Bash on Saturday August 25th, 2018 at the Brown County  Fairgrounds in DePere. 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM Tickets Only $20 or 6 for $100 and include Beer, Soda, or Water and a Meal!!! NEED NOT BE PRESENT TO WIN!!!! TICKETS ONLINE HERE***      Benelli Super Black Eagle III Ducks Unlimited  Browning A-5 "Sweet 16" Shotgun of the Year Ducks Unlimited Kimber Custom .45 ACP  Handgun of the Year Ducks Unlimited Kimber 6.5 Creedmoor Ducks Unlimited • One Waterfowl Way • Memphis • 1.800.45.DUCKS • www.ducks.org

MORE MONEY FOR WILDLIFE AND CONSERVATION PROJECTS INTRODUCED IN SENATE, CONTACT YOUR SENATORS AND CONGRESSMEN

Billion-dollar Conservation Plan Introduced in Senate

Recovering America’s Wildlife Act would target at-risk species, state-level habitat work, outdoors economy
WASHINGTON – A new bipartisan Senate bill that would authorize more than $1 billion every year to critical state-level fish and wildlife conservation work is drawing the enthusiastic support of public lands sportsmen and women.
Backcountry Hunters & Anglers commended the introduction by Sens. Jim Risch (R-ID) and Joe Manchin (D-WV) of S. 3223, the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act. Under this legislation, state fish and wildlife agencies and community-led habitat work would be funded with existing federal oil and gas royalties, saving millions of taxpayer dollars and restoring critical habitat.
The House version of the bill, H.R. 4647, was introduced in December by Reps. Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE) and Debbie Dingell (D-MI) and complements S. 3223, with strong bipartisan support for funding state-specific needs and conserving our $887 billion outdoor economy. More than 70 House members are cosponsors of H.R. 4647.
“Over time, small investments in conservation can yield big dividends,” said BHA Conservation Director John Gale. “By strategically funding state-level efforts to preemptively halt population declines and improve habitat for game and nongame species, these bills make a significant, long-term investment in our public lands and waters. Our champions in Congress are demonstrating leadership on behalf of our outdoor traditions and local communities that depend on wildlife related recreation to support their economies. They deserve our thanks.”
The introduction of the Senate version of the Fortenberry-Dingell bill further advances efforts by a broad coalition of stakeholders, the Alliance for America’s Fish and Wildlife, to develop a strategy for restoring important habitat while also bolstering public opportunities to hunt and fish. Comprised of outdoor industry leaders, state fish and wildlife agency officials, conservation groups and business interests, as well as hunters and anglers, the coalition has been actively pushing for comprehensive conservation funding legislation since its formation.
“The energy and dedication brought each and every day by our state wildlife managers to their work is undeniable,” said BHA President and CEO Land Tawney, “but we must ensure that they have the tools and resources they need to do their jobs effectively, thereby supporting our lands and waters, the critters that live on them and our fishing and hunting opportunities. The Recovering America’s Wildlife Act provides state managers this critical support while also driving the nation’s growing outdoor recreation economy – $887 billion annually and on the rise.” 
Backcountry Hunters & Anglers is the sportsmen’s voice
for our wild public lands, waters and wildlife.
Learn more about BHA:
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http://www.backcountryhunters.org/
Contact: Katie McKalip, 406-240-9262, mckalip@backcountryhunters.org

HUNTERS, ARE YOU READY FOR A GREAT WEEKEND OF FUN STARTING AUGUST 3rd TO THE 5th. DEERFEST 2018

Ninth Annual DeerFest Set for August 3rd – 5th

(Slinger, WI) – The 9th Annual DeerFest, presented by Legendary Whitetails, will take place on August 3rd – 5th in West Bend, WI. Located at the Washington County Fairgrounds, DeerFest is the Nation’s Largest All Deer Festival, and this year is shaping up to be even bigger than before.
“Since Legendary Whitetails moved to Washington County in 2009, we have dedicated ourselves to building a national apparel brand that Celebrates the Hunt every day of the year,” explained Greg Huffman, President of Legendary Whitetails.  “It was an easy decision to partner with DeerFest and continue building this outstanding regional event to celebrate the tradition of deer hunting in Wisconsin.”
To show their appreciation to the passionate deer hunting enthusiasts, Legendary Whitetails will be giving away a $12 Promo Card (to match the cost of admission) and a free Legendary® bag to the first 2,000 attendees through the gate each day of DeerFest.
With leading industry professionals and manufacturers, tons of attractions, and hunting celebrity appearances, DeerFest is the perfect event for the whole family. Learn from DeerFest exclusive expert seminars, test all the hot new bows, watch industry-leading celebrities and pros compete in daily pop-up archery tournaments, and so much more. This year’s list of special attendees includes The Hunting Public, Taylor Drury, The Holder Family of Raised Hunting, and former Wisconsin Badger and Green Bay Packer wideout, Jared Abbrederis.
One new addition to this year’s festivities will be the inaugural Hunter’s Runway presented by Legendary Whitetails. This special one-night only event, occurring on Saturday night following the conclusion of DeerFest, will treat attendees to a taste of the newest fall hunting apparel, gear, and products from companies like Legendary Whitetails, DSG Outerwear, and other notable outdoor brands. The event will include a BBQ-style catered dinner, drinks, sneak peeks, and celebrity appearances. Everyone in attendance will leave with a value-packed door prize.
Tickets to all events are on sale now. For more information, including a complete list of attractions, visit deerfestwi.com/
Contact: Hugh McAloon
Phone: 715-570-4844

(DIRECTIONS TO GET TO DEERFEST, IF USING I-43 GO TO STATE HWY 33 AT SAUKVILLE, TAKE 33 WEST TO STATE HWY 45, GO SOUTH ON 45 FOR ABOUT 5 MILES. WATCH FOR SIGNS.)

NRA DAILY ALERT FOR 7-17-18

DAILY ALERT FOR Tuesday, July 17, 2018

NEWS Federal Court Upholds Decision to Block California’s Magazine Ban

A three-judge panel of the 9th Circuit issued a ruling in the case of Duncan v. Becerra on Tuesday upholding a lower court’s decision to suspend enforcement of California’s restriction on the possession of magazines that hold 10 rounds or more.

LEGAL & LEGISLATION Illinois: Governor Signs Two Gun Control Bills

On July 17th, Governor Bruce Rauner signed House Bill 2354 and Senate Bill 3256 into law.

NWFDAILYNEWS.COM Court to consider NRA appeal of Florida gun buyer age restriction

A federal appeals court Monday cleared the way for considering a dispute about whether two teens can remain anonymous in a challenge to a new Florida law that raised the minimum age to buy rifles and other long guns.  The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals issued a two-page document that said it “appears that this court has jurisdiction to consider this appeal,” though it said a final determination on that jurisdiction will be made later by a panel of judges who will hear the anonymity issue.

NEWS NRA Endorses State Senator Leah Vukmir for U.S. Senate in Wisconsin

FAIRFAX, Va. – The National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund (NRA-PVF) is proud to announce its endorsement of state Sen. Leah Vukmir in the 2018 Republican U.S. Senate Primary in Wisconsin.

ASSOCIATED PRESS Illinois Governor Signs Gun Control Bills

Gov. Bruce Rauner signed laws Monday authorizing judges to take weapons away from people suffering mental health and other problems and to extend the waiting period for delivery of newly purchased guns, but pledged to veto a third piece of legislation that would require state licensing of firearms dealers.

LEGAL & LEGISLATION Indiana: Indianapolis Gun Control Resolution Introduced

On July 16th, Councillor La Keisha Jackson of the City-County Council of Marion County and Indianapolis introduced Proposal No. 275, 2018, which will call for a resolution to declare “gun violence” as a “public health crisis.”

LEGAL & LEGISLATION Washington: Seattle City Council Passes Ordinance Making Firearms Unavailable for Self-Defense

On July 9th, the Seattle City Council passed a mandatory firearm storage ordinance to restrict the self-defense rights of Seattle residents.  The ordinance, if signed by Mayor Jenny Durkan, will impose a one-size-fits-all method of storing firearms as well as punish victims of theft by requiring them to report a lost or stolen firearm within 24 hours or face increased fines.