June 17, 2002

There is cautious optimism across the Great Lakes region this spring.  Even though earlier this year, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers had forecast low waters similar to last summer, a wet spring has compensated for a mild winter in some areas and lack of ice cover on some lakes.  Also, the Weather Service is calling for above-average rains for the rest of spring.  We’ve seen plenty of that already.

As of the end of May 2002, Lakes Michigan & Huron are 9" above last May's levels, but still 16" below the historical norm; Lake Erie is 8" up but 2"  below the norm; Lake St. Clair is 7" higher, but 8" below average; and Lake Superior is 1" higher, but 6" below traditional levels.

Great Lakes levels seem to be coming back contrary to earlier predictions, but the Army Corps warn that waters this summer may again be far below normal levels.  Maybe Mother Nature will come to bat again.

Michigan Steelheaders Honor Pelt & Keller

Inducted in Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame

The Michigan Steelhead & Salmon Fishermen’s Association is honoring Andy Pelt and Myrl Keller with a reception for the honor bestowed on them for being inducted into the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame. The reception will be held Friday June 21, 2002 in Lansing, MI at the Radisson Hotel 111 N Grand Ave. The festivities begin at 5:30 PM.

Pelt has been MSSFA’a first and only Executive Director, and was instrumental in many issues relating to Michigan’s fisheries, lamprey control and tribal agreements. Keller, retired Michigan DNR Great Lakes Fisheries Station Supervisor was a long time champion in eliminating the gill net from Michigan’s waters.  He knew the impact of those nets; he grew up in a family who were long term commercial fishermen.

Our sincere congratulations to Andy Pelt and Myrl Keller for the honor being bestowed on them.  They deserve it.

Animal rights group touts FWS survey #s decline

The Fund for Animals claims “The end of hunting is in sight”

The Fund for Animals is elated at the USFWS recently published results of its “National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife Associated Recreation” which reports that the number of hunters - 13 million age 16 and over - declined 7 % between 1996 and 2001. The biggest drops were among small game hunters - 22 %, and sportsmen who hunt furbearers and varmints - 31 %).

The Fund for Animals, a national anti-hunting organization,  proclaimed that “The end of hunting is in sight.”  The anti’s are using the USFWS statistics against sportsmen.  The Fund touts the fact that over the last 15 years, there has been more than a 22 % decline in the number of American hunters.  

“These are long-term trends, not just a blip in the numbers,” said Heidi Prescott, national director of The Fund for Animals.  “Over a decade ago, T.A. Heberlein and E.J. Thomson, experts on hunting demographics at the University of Wisconsin, predicted that by 2050, sport hunting could well cease to exist.  This latest report shows that they were right on target.”

   Washington, DC – Spending by America’s hunters and anglers totaled $55 billion this past year according to preliminary results from the 2001 “National Fish and Wildlife Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife Associated Recreation” released today by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.  Respectively hunters spent $20 billion on trips and equipment, while anglers spent $35 billion.

   “Sportsmen and women are one of the most influential demographic groups in this country, and the information that the CSF resource guide will provide will clearly show how important they are,” said Melinda Gable, Executive Director of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation.  “While economic analyst worried about a looming recession in 2001, American sportsmen were doing their part to keep the economy in motion.  The fact of the matter is, not only are hunting and fishing traditional activities in American culture, but they have an economic ripple effect on Fortune 500 companies as well as small town family businesses.”

   While hunters and anglers get wide acknowledgement as the major source of funds for healthy fish and wildlife populations, sportsmen tend to get little recognition as a major force in our economy through the expenses incurred in pursuit of their pastime.  These statistics show in the

most compelling terms that hunting and fishing aren’t just leisure activities, but major contributors to the national economy.

   The National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife Associated Recreation is the most comprehensive analysis of the numbers of hunters and anglers and their overall economic impact.  These statistics provide the basis for a more comprehensive review of the data coordinated by the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) with the cooperation of the USFWS and other conservation groups that will be released in October.  The economic resource guide, which will further break down the impacts of hunting and fishing, and compare these figures to other economic sectors of each state’s and the nation’s economy, is scheduled to be released in early fall.

   The preliminary results revealed that in 2001, 34 million Americans 16 years and older took to the waters, each fishing an average of 16 days and spending $1,046 each.  Americans taking to the fields and woods 16 years and older totaled 13 million, who hunted on average 17.5 days each and spent $1,581 apiece.

   Established in 1989, the mission of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation is to ensure that current and future generations of Americans will have the right and opportunity to hunt, fish and trap by serving as the sportsmen’s link to Congress.