Sportsmen's Act Killed, But Still Hope for Landmark Bill

November 30, 2012 By In-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"

Advertisement

×

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)

In-Fisherman Editor-in-Chief Doug Stange sits down with Thomas Allen to relive the early days of his youth in Iowa. He talks about how his fishing passion was born, why catfish are so important to American anglers and the duo discusses the legend of Otis “Toad” Smith and his impact on Doug's storytelling. Mr. Stange has contributed so much to the In-Fisherman platform over the years, and hearing him tell stories of the old day is an absolute privilege.

Fishing

In-Fisherman Storyline: The Ross Robertson Story

Fishing

In-Fisherman Storyline: The Ross Robertson Story

Longtime In-Fisherman contributor and renowned Lake Erie walleye guide Ross Robertson connected with Thomas Allen to talk about how he kicked his career off and, of course, they got off on a few rabbit trails along the way. This is a fun discussion about what it takes to be a professional in the industry, what to avoid and what you definitely need to do if this career path is of interest. Strap in and listen, this is a long one but entertaining from the word go!

Fishing

Ice Fishing Tips: Slow down and get stealthy when chasing big walleyes

Fishing

Ice Fishing Tips: Slow down and get stealthy when chasing big walleyes

Our good friend and longtime In-Fisherman contributor Ross Robertson shares a few tips that will help you stay stealthy and more successful when chasing walleyes through hard water. He talks about minimizing noise, keeping tackle handy and staying comfortable in the right shelter--regardless of the cold winter weather. These are excellent tips that will help you catch more fish through the ice.

Gear

A Clever Finesse Alternative to a Jighead Minnow Presentation

Gear

A Clever Finesse Alternative to a Jighead Minnow Presentation

Looking for another finesse option this spring when the fish aren't reacting to a jighead minnow presentation? Check out the HideUp Coike in the smaller 17 mm size. It's been working for Lake Biwa guide Haruki Takeda in Japan.

Gear

The Scoop on the New HideUp Coike Soft Plastic Bait

Gear

The Scoop on the New HideUp Coike Soft Plastic Bait

SPRO's Syd Rives recently visited Japan and met up with Lake Biwa guide Haruki Takeda to get the scoop on the new HideUp Coike soft plastic bait and the best ways to rig it.

Fishing

The Greatest Fishing Story Ever Told, Part 2 - Al Lindner: The Road to Hayward

Fishing

The Greatest Fishing Story Ever Told, Part 2 - Al Lindner: The Road to Hayward

This is the second part in an extended series we're producing to help celebrate 50 years of In-Fisherman. The legendary Al Lindner and his late brother Ron began In-Fisherman back in the 70s, with lots of twists and turns along the way.

Fishing

The Greatest Fishing Story Ever Told, Part 1 - Mark Zona

Fishing

The Greatest Fishing Story Ever Told, Part 1 - Mark Zona

In lieu of In-Fisherman celebrating 50 amazing years serving anglers across North America as the authority on multi-species freshwater angling, Storyline host Thomas Allen sits down with his friend Mark Zona—host of Zona's Awesome Fishing Show. The goal is to kick off a lengthy series called The Greatest Fishing Story Ever Told. During his early years, Mark was influenced by the In-Fisherman staff to learn how to fish, and then to teach fishing. A remarkable career exemplifies how much fishing means to this man, and no one better than Mark Zona to begin an exciting series to include guests like Doug Stange, Al Lindner, James Lindner, Gary Roach and all the cast of characters that were instrumental to getting In-Fisherman off the ground to where it is today. This is part 1.

Destinations

IF In-Fisherman Storyline: The World's LARGEST Ice Fishing Tournament

Destinations

IF In-Fisherman Storyline: The World's LARGEST Ice Fishing Tournament

Held locally in Brainerd, Minnesota, this year is the 35th annual Brainerd Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza on famed Gull Lake. Thousands of anglers from all over the state, country and world gather to compete for an impressive purse that pays out to 150 competitors. Curious how it works? Sheena Ziegler, Mike Kuck and Andrew Jay swing by the Storyline Studios to give the full inner workings to the largest ice fishing derby on the planet. You should come and give it a try, you'll love it! https://www.icefishing.org

Learn

In-Fisherman Storyline: Stormy Stories with the Fascinating Craig Storms

Learn

In-Fisherman Storyline: Stormy Stories with the Fascinating Craig Storms

Our good friend Craig Storms, or Stormy to those who know him best stopped by the In-Fisherman headquarters to sit down and share the details of his interesting career. Host Thomas Allen digs into Stormy's early days and finds a long list of similarities in how their careers began and changed directions. Craig works with Dakota Lithium and shares a tremendous amount of insight to the lithium battery market, and how anglers are better powered on the water than ever before. This is a good listen!

Learn

BEST Cold-Weather Fishing Gear Tips: Keep Your Hands, Feet AND Tackle From Freezing

Learn

BEST Cold-Weather Fishing Gear Tips: Keep Your Hands, Feet AND Tackle From Freezing

Our buddy Ross Robertson and head honcho at Bigwater Fishing talks about some of his top methods to keep his feet and hands from freezing, but also how to avoid frozen line. This is solid-gold advice.

Learn

Being A Better Sportsman!!

Learn

Being A Better Sportsman!!

Captain Ross Robertson talks about our responsibility as anglers to take care of the fishing resource no matter where you launch your boat. The technology available to anglers today has certainly made us all more productive, but the creel limits currently in place are largely outdated and need to be adjust to accommodate increased angler success. This means personal responsibility is key to preserving our wonderful fishery. Let's work together to be better stewards of our natural resources.

Learn

In-Fisherman Storyline AFTER HOURS: State of the Industry Going into Winter 2025

Learn

In-Fisherman Storyline AFTER HOURS: State of the Industry Going into Winter 2025

In-Fisherman Storyline host Thomas Allen is joined by good friends and local fishing experts to discuss the state of the fishing industry, boat prices and angler optimism as the new year begins. Mille Lacs guide Brad Hawthorne, Brainerd bass anglers Chad Foster and Brandon Cizek dig into the future of the sport we all love, with some laugh along the way. This is a fun discussion about where we're all headed no matter where you are in the fishing spectrum.