#HuntShootFish

[usfwspacific]

Something for Everyone: Public Lands Provide Myriad Opportunities

By Brent Lawrence / Public Affairs Officer with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Pacific Region in Portland, Oregon

There’s something awe inspiring about public lands. Perhaps it’s the remoteness of it all, thinking that it’s just you and the wildlife. Or perhaps it’s about the connection to the land.

Whatever the reason, public lands are magical for the people who take advantage of everything these places have to offer.

There are hundreds of millions of acres of public lands managed under the umbrella of the Department of Interior. These include the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s National Wildlife Refuges, and lands managed by the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management and Bureau of Reclamation.

Find your local refuge at www.fws.gov/refuges/

On these lands there a multiple wildlife-related uses, including ranging from hunting and fishing to photography, watching wildlife and outdoor education. More than 101.6 million Americans participated in wildlife-related activities in 2016, according to a new report by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 

“Outdoor enthusiasts are an economic force in America, generating an incredible $156 billion economic impact in 2016. Forty percent of the U.S. population participated in wildlife-related activities in 2016,” said Robyn Thorson, the Service’s Pacific Regional Director. “Our public lands play an essential role in outdoor recreation, and our team at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is accelerating efforts to expand hunting, fishing and other opportunities when compatible with wildlife management goals. Sportsmen and anglers play a huge role in the conservation of wildlife and their habitat, so it only makes sense that refuges provide opportunities for folks to get outside to hunt, fish and enjoy myriad other wildlife-related activities on their public lands.”

On the Service’s 568 National Wildlife Refuges, permissible uses are known as “The Big Six.” It calls for refuges to support wildlife-dependent uses involving hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, photography, interpretation, and education, when compatible, as legitimate and appropriate uses.

Regardless of your preferred use, these are incredible public lands. They’re special. They’re unique at part of the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation.

And they’re yours.

To celebrate National Wildlife Week, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Pacific Region is highlighting the myriad opportunities on your public lands.

Take a look at how some people use their public lands.

Tammy Black of Salem, Oregon

Tammy is a regular user of Oregon’s public lands. With 97 percent of the Willamette Valley privately owned, however, her favorite local spots for a hike are Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge and Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge.

“It is super important to have public lands available. Being able to have the freedom and flexibility to hike and to be out in nature is vital to my regular health and activity,” she said. “We’re so fortunate that we have so many spots in Oregon such as the National Wildlife Refuges, particularly when the Willamette Valley is mostly privately owned. I’m going to Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge today with a friend of mine. She was looking for a place to take some photos and for a quiet walk, so I told her I’d introduce her to Ankeny.”

Tammy also watched the total solar eclipse from Baskett Slough Refuge. Read more about that incredible experience at http://bit.ly/OutshineTheEclipse

Andrew McKean of Glasgow, Montana

It’s an understatement to say that Andrew hunts. As editor of Outdoor Life magazine, he has traveled and hunted all across the world. However, his “home” is Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge and the public lands in central Montana.

“I live in an extremely rural area, five hours to the nearest airport and about the same distance to the nearest Costco. But because I'm surrounded by public land, including the glorious Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge, I consider everything I really need to be close at hand," Andrew said.

In his article about his epic public land elk hunt in the Missouri Breaks, Andrew wrote:

“I can hunt anywhere in the world, but I keep coming back to the Breaks, usually with my bow and almost always alone. My solitude owes to the remote roughness of the country. … My visitation frequency owes to its proximity; if I leave my house at noon, I can be deep in the Breaks by mid-afternoon. And my fidelity stems from its public ownership. My hunting homeland is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Bureau of Land Management, so I don’t have to ask anyone for permission to visit.

“The ownership – most of my hunting area is on the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge – comes with some restrictions. I cannot possess any rock, artifact, or shed antler I find here. I can’t drive off roads. And because elk permits are issued by draw, I don’t draw an archery bull tag every year. But when I do, I save vacation time and gather gear. My goal is to hike into the heart of the Breaks and camp alone for as long as a week while I hunt elk. Any elk. I’d love to hold out for a mature bull, but I’ll take any cow, calf, or meat bull that gives me a decent shot. This isn’t a trophy hunt; it’s about making meat and reveling in the weird wildness of the Breaks.”

Read Andrew’s whole story at http://bit.ly/AndrewAndTheBreaks

Wil Warren of Portland, Oregon

Wil’s passion is teaching fishing to kids. By partnering with Tualatin National Wildlife Refuge and Ridgefield Refuge, Wil’s goal is to give urban kids the opportunity to go from a simple first cast to a lifetime of angle.

“On the weekends, (my dad) would take me out fishing and that was my time to connect with him,” Wil said. “He would tell me stories and taught me how to fish. … I always wanted to be like him, so here I am giving back what was given to me. We’re introducing youth to fishing (at Tualatin Bird Fest). Are they really fishing? No, but they’re getting the experience of learning of how to use a rod and reel. We hope they get hooked on the outdoor experience and fishing.”

Wil says fishing offers two important things to kids: an opportunity to experience nature, and a diversion from the academic and social pressure that builds on kids and families.

“Smelling the fresh air, seeing the birds fly, the ripples on the water, even the flies … there’s just something about getting outdoors,” Wil said. “You get away from the internet, the television and smart phones. Getting outdoors lets the mind relax. Not just for the children, but for the parents as well.”

To read more about the role our refuges plan in teaching kids about fishing and other outdoor activities, visit http://bit.ly/WishToFish

Rachel Marlowe of Tumwater, Washington

Rachel is an amateur photographer. She got her first point-and-shoot camera five years ago, and it caused her to see nature in a new way. About 2 ½ years ago, she got her first DSL camera, and the shutterbug bit her.

“I really got into wildlife photography,” Rachel said. “I do a lot at (Billy Frank Jr.) Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge and McClain Creek nature trail. This year I’ve been hiking some more public lands in the mountains.

“For me, it’s very important to have public land available. Animals and nature are a big part of who I am, and how I was brought up. Having access to a place such as Nisqually is just amazing. It can be totally quiet and peaceful day one day and you focus on the plants or trees, and the next day there are eagles, deer and finches all around you. For people who like photograph nature, it is important to have those things available.”

Brenda and Keith Krejci, somewhere on public land

Keith and Brenda Krejci have lived in their motor home and traveled the country since November 2005. Along the way, they volunteer at National Wildlife Refuges, Bureau of Land Management, and state parks. They have volunteered across the Pacific Northwest, including the last four years at two Oregon National Wildlife Refuges – Bandon Marsh and Oregon Islands.

“When we decided to retire to a motor home, we knew we wanted to do something other than just travel, spend time in RV parks, and visit attractions. Both Brenda and I were always interested in learning more about wildlife, birds, and history, but work, family, and life in general never gave us the time.  And so we decided to give volunteering at try.

“Since (our first experience at Metcalf NWR in Montana), we’ve volunteered at other U.S. Fish & Wildlife locations, Oregon and Washington State Parks, The Nature Conservancy, and the Bureau of Land Management. With very few exceptions, we’ve been welcomed, appreciated, and best of all, educated in a new facet of nature. We’ve become proficient birders, versed in the history of the fisheries of the Western U.S., and amateur naturalists. We’ve led wildlife and nature walks, given evening programs on seals and sea lions, and guided people at Pacific tide pools. But most of all, we’ve had the opportunity to teach children about the wonders of nature as Junior Ranger program hosts.”

In 2016, dedicated U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service volunteers in the Pacific Region gave an incredible 230,919 hours of their time to conservation. That is the equivalent of 28,864 eight-hour work days!

To volunteer, contact your local National Wildlife Refuge or Fish and Aquatic Conservation station or hatchery. You can also email our regional volunteer coordinator Chelsea McKinney at Chelsea_McKinney@fws.gov for more information.

Read more about Keith and Brenda at http://bit.ly/KeithAndBrenda, or more about volunteering at http://bit.ly/FWSvolunteers.

Brogan Madden of Corvallis, Oregon

His smile seems to be as broad as the Willamette Valley, and he flashes it no matter if he’s showing you his latest wildlife photo or his compound bow. Brogan, 13 years old, harvested his first deer with a bow on a recent hunt at Finley National Wildlife Refuge.

“Getting on public lands is a good way to spend time with my family and enjoy the outdoors,” Brogan said. “It’s fun looking at the animals and learning more about them. It’s about seeing them all and everything that’s going on in nature. It makes me happy they let us hunt there. A lot of places won’t let us hunt.”

Brogan’s step-dad, Jeremiah Maghan, noted that public lands are essential to his family time.

“It is extremely important. There’s no other place to go,” Jeremiah said. “This lets you get the kids out of the house and enjoying the outdoors. It’s the greatest thing to see these young kids out there. Being outside in nature builds confidence and self-esteem, and it builds knowledge of the outdoors.”

Peter Pearsall of Newport, Oregon

Peter spends much of his time on public lands. He has worked and volunteered for the Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuge Complex for the past 2 ½ years, providing many fabulous photographs of wildlife, the refuges (such as Siletz National Wildlife Refuge above) and other public lands.

For him, it’s a way of life.

“I use the Oregon State Parks all along the 320 odd miles of the coast. There are hundreds of parks, refuges and waysides that offer spectacular photo opportunities. You can see the surf, the beach, storms rolling in and the sunsets. Plus on the coastal rocks, which are part of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge, it’s an incredible opportunity to see the seabirds,” Peter said.

“Every day I end up on some stretch of public land. It is part of what makes the state an amazing place to live and visit. It’s a great example of conservation.”

To see some of Peter’s favorite public land photos and to get some photography tips, go to http://bit.ly/NWRphotography

Rita Poe and Nancy Zingheim of Chimacum, Washington

Rita Poe knew a lot about public lands before she died on Nov. 16, 2015. Nancy Zingheim, on the other hand, knew nothing about these national treasures.

However, their uncommon relationship and Nancy’s role as Rita’s executor after her death put Nancy on an amazing journey that taught her about National Wildlife Refuges and other public lands.

Rita left almost everything – nearly $800,000 – to eight National Wildlife Refuges and four parks across the West. That gift started Nancy on a path that culminated with a 4,000-mile “trip of a lifetime” during which she learned about wild spaces and public lands, and what made them meaningful to Rita.

“She made me realize that we live in nature and there are animals all around us,” Nancy said. “How often do we take time to sit and watch them? I never stopped to realize the little things like when the birds arrive. I do stop and watch the animals now. … Your refuges are quiet and peaceful. If you’ve never been, you should go to a refuge and spend some time there for Rita.”

In the Pacific Region, Rita donated money to Camas, Malheur and Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuges.

Read the whole amazing story at http://bit.ly/RitaLegacy

Kai Pelizza, Portland, Oregon

Sometimes hunting is just a waiting game. It’s about waiting, watching … and then waiting some more.

That’s how Kai Pelizza’s first hunt at Umatilla National Wildlife Refuge worked out. Kai, accompanied by his father Charlie, was taking part in the youth shotgun hunt for antlerless deer at the refuge in August.

“When we first got there in the afternoon, we couldn’t see any deer or anything from the top of the ridge,” said the 17-year-old high school senior. “There was just a little bit of (deer) sign, so we went back to set up camp. By time sun was going down, we went up on top again and saw the deer everywhere.”

It continued like that for the next three days.

“Each day, they were just out of range, and I couldn’t get a good shot off. Finally, on the last day we were walking back along the treeline and saw her there.”

Kai said it was his first time hunting on a National Wildlife Refuge.

“It was really pretty there,” Kai said. “It’s really good to have such a neat opportunity. Without the public lands, there were be a lot fewer opportunities to hunt.”

One of Kai’s fondest memories, however, won’t be of the deer or the refuge, but the time together with his dad.

“One of the coolest things was having my dad there with me. I enjoyed the father-son time to get out there and be alone with him.”

[mypubliclands]

#HuntShootFish safely on your public lands

Falls marks hunting season across the country. Before you head out on your next hunting adventure on public lands, make sure you are prepared by learning the following tips.

Come prepared. Weather and conditions may change quickly so pack accordingly. Always bring a first-aid kit, extra water, food and dry clothing.

Plan your route in advance. Stop by your local BLM field office to pick up hard-copy maps, and make sure your course is on public lands. Don’t enter private lands without contacting the landowner and getting permission first. 

Know your surroundings. Be on the lookout for other people and potential risks. Always be sure of your target and what is beyond.

Let others know your plans. Before leaving, make sure to touch base with someone and let them know where you will be, when you will be back and develop an emergency plan just in case. 

Make sure your equipment is in proper working condition. By checking your equipment, you decrease risk of injury to yourself and others and to avoid accidentally starting a wildfire on public lands. Take steps to make sure trailer chains aren’t dragging, and stay on roads and trails.

Practice Leave No Trace and Tread Lightly principles. Whenever you venture out on public lands, you should follow outdoor ethics to preserve the great outdoors for future generations. Do your part to keep public lands clean and prevent the spread of invasive species.

Practice proper rifle and archery safety. Treat every gun as if it is loaded. Don’t let the muzzle of a firearm point at anything you do not intend to shoot. Keep your finger off the trigger and out of the trigger guard until your sights are on the target and you are ready to shoot. Make sure to never dry-fire a bow, use proper arrows that you store in a quiver and stay alert around broadheads. 

Protect yourself by wearing safety equipment. Always wear proper hearing protection and safety glasses. When target shooting, always use appropriate targets and backstops. In addition, wear hunter orange when required. 

Follow all state hunting regulations and laws. Make sure you are up-to-date in hunter’s safety education and have the correct tags for the area in which you will be hunting.

The Bureau of Land Management manages millions of acres of habitat for big game animals including elk, mule deer and bighorn sheep in addition to thousands of acres of upland bird habitat. BLM-managed public lands offer unparalleled access to outstanding hunting destinations for the enjoyment of all Americans.

[usfwspacific]

Anglers, hunters: The backbone of wildlife conservation

By Brent Lawrence / Public Affairs Officer with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Pacific Region in Portland, Oregon

Editor’s note: As a part of National Hunting and Fishing Day (Sept. 23, 2017) and Public Lands Day (Sept. 30, 2017), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Pacific Region is highlighting hunting, fishing and public lands, as well as the importance of the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation.

A few years ago I was at a conference when the man across the elevator saw my U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service badge. He smiled and said, “Thank you for all you do. I love watching wildlife. … Do you think you could issue a license to shoot hunters? I hate what they do to wildlife.”

After a brief pause, I leaned toward him and said in a whispered voice: “You know what you should do next time you see a hunter? … Thank him.”

He was shocked by my response, and replied, “Really! Why?” As we rode down the elevator, I shared some conservation history.

I talked about how since the late 1800s, hunters, anglers and recreational shooters have been the driving force behind the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation, a set of home-grown wildlife management principles that set forth the radical idea that wildlife belongs to everyone, not just the rich and privileged.

Photo: Bison on the National Bison Range in Montana, Credit: USFWS Mountain Prairie Region

In our nation’s early years, I explained, there were few laws protecting fish and wildlife, and our wildlife resources took a heavy blow. Some species, like the passenger pigeon, were taken to the point of no return; others such as bison, white-tailed deer and wild turkeys, were pushed to the edge of extinction.

Concerned leaders within the hunting and fishing communities (i.e. sportsmen) banded together, using their influence to make great strides for conserving our wildlife resources. Important laws were passed that became a cornerstone of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s mission.  

I told my increasingly intrigued acquaintance that according to the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, sportsman-generated funds comprise, on average, more than 75 percent of a state fish and wildlife agency’s annual budget.

Photo: Hunters are a major contributor to wildlife conservation, Credit: Ryan Hagerty/USFWS

Through self-imposed excise taxes on hunting, shooting, archery and angling equipment, and boating fuels, hunters, recreational shooters and anglers have contributed more than $19 billion for wildlife and habitat conservation since 1937, including $1.1 billion in 2017.

I explained how excises taxes, commonly known as Pittman-Robertson Act and Dingell-Johnson Act monies, can only be used by state wildlife agencies for a primary wildlife purpose, such as purchasing public land, improving essential habitat and creating additional outdoor recreation opportunities that also benefit hikers and bikers, photographers and birders, canoeists and campers.

The North American Model of Wildlife Conservation, I told him as we walked through the lobby, is about more than money. It’s a philosophy.

It has seven basic tenets supporting the notion that wildlife is a public trust, an American birthright, and that wildlife species need to be managed in a way that their populations will be sustained forever. These tenets benefit a wide range of fish and wildlife, including non-game species, as well as everyone who enjoys nature.

As we reached the lobby door, we stopped and he asked what a non-hunter should do. The answers quickly rolled off my tongue.

First, buy a hunting or fishing license every year even if you don’t hunt or fish. The license fee goes directly to the state wildlife agency to help with all types of wildlife management.

Photo: Federal Duck Stamps are a creative and valuable way to contribute to conservation.

Next, I told him, buy a Federal Duck Stamp.  For every dollar spent on Federal Duck Stamps, ninety-eight cents go directly to purchase vital waterfowl habitat for protection in the National Wildlife Refuge System. A Federal Duck Stamp also gets you free admission to the Service’s National Wildlife Refuges, which help protect our wildlife and offer some great hunting, fishing and wildlife watching opportunities.

We walked outside, and he hailed a taxi. He turned and said, “Well, thank you for ruining my night. … Now I have to figure out how to thank a hunter.”

The moral of this story could be that hunters, anglers and recreational shooters all play a pivotal role in wildlife conservation. This is true.

But to me, the real story is that people with the most to lose fight the hardest to protect it. As a hunter and angler, I know the joy of hearing a turkey gobble from across the ridge or seeing a flock of mallards descending. Those are my memories, my treasures.

I’ll always fight to save it. And so will other sportsmen because it’s what we do.

Why do you do what you do? Tell us why you hunt and fish and share your photos with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter by using #iHuntBecause and #iFishBecause.

[usfwspacific]

North American Model of Wildlife Conservation: Wildlife for Everyone

By Brent Lawrence / Public Affairs Officer with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Pacific Region in Portland, Oregon 

Hunting and wildlife conservation. At first blush, the two might seem to be at odds.

How can you promote wildlife conservation by hunting for the same animals you’re working to save? Welcome to the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation, a model that is truly unique in the world.

From its inception in the late 1800s, hunters, anglers and recreational shooters have been the driving force behind this set of home-grown wildlife management principles, which set forth the radical idea that wildlife belongs to everyone, not just the rich and privileged.

Caption: Ric (left) and Garric Shirrod from Washington with their pronghorn antelope at Hart Mountain National Wildlife Refuge.

In our nation’s early years, there were few laws protecting fish and wildlife and our wildlife resources took a heavy toll. Market hunters took fish and wildlife at will while habitat disappeared under plow and roads, resulting in devastating reductions in wildlife populations. Some species, like the passenger pigeon, were taken to the point of no return; others such as bison, white-tailed deer and wild turkeys, were pushed to the edge extinction.  Concerned leaders within the sportsmen community banded together, using politics and power, to make great strides for conserving our vast wildlife resources.

As the tides turned for conservation, important laws were passed, including the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, the Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp Act of 1934, the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act of 1937, and the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act of 1950.  Collectively, these acts laid the foundation for a funding mechanism to state wildlife management agencies and are a large part of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s history.

Sportsman-generated funds comprise, on average, more than 75 percent of a state fish and wildlife agency’s annual budget, according to the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies.

Caption:  Steve Olson (left) and Tyler Hand hunting Willapa Bay National Wildlife Refuge in 2016 with their partner, Raven

Today, through self-imposed excise taxes on hunting, shooting, archery and angling equipment, and a tax on boating fuels, hunters, recreational shooters and anglers have generated more than $21 billion for wildlife and habitat conservation since 1937. These Wildlife Restoration and Sport Fish revenues, raised through the Pittman-Robertson Act and Dingell-Johnson Act, are managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife’s Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program.  In 2019, more than $1 billion was distributed to states through the program.

The funds can only be used by state wildlife agencies for a primary wildlife purpose, such as purchasing public land, improving essential habitat and creating additional outdoor recreation opportunities that also benefit hikers and bikers, wildlife and wildlife watchers, canoeists and campers.

“License dollars generated by hunters and anglers, along with these Pittman-Robertson and Dingell-Johnson dollars, provide the cornerstone of state-based efforts that are critical to the conservation of America’s wildlife and natural resources,” said Aurelia Skipwith, Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. “These funds provide benefits for outdoor recreation of all types. This is why working with states and partners to recruit, retain and reactivate hunters and anglers is essential to the future of conservation."

North American Model of Wildlife Conservation, however, is about more than money. It’s a philosophy.

The North American Model of Wildlife Conservation has seven basic tenets supporting the notion that wildlife is a public trust, an American birthright, and that wildlife species need to be managed in a way that their populations will be sustained forever. The Wildlife Society  and Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation both do an excellent job of explaining them, and I borrowed some of their descriptions below.

Wildlife as Public Trust Resources: Natural resources and wildlife on public lands are managed by government agencies to ensure that current and future generations always have wildlife and wild places to enjoy.

Prohibition on Commerce of Dead Wildlife: Commercial hunting and the sale of wildlife is prohibited to ensure the sustainability of wildlife populations. The Lacey Act, which the Service has a role in enforcing, prohibits trade in wildlife, fish, and plants that have been illegally taken, possessed, transported or sold.

Rule of Law: Laws and regulations developed by the people and enforced by state and federal agencies will guide the proper use of wildlife resources.

Opportunity for All: Every citizen has an opportunity, under the law, to hunt and fish in the United States and Canada. This differs from many other countries, where only landowners and the wealthy can afford to participate.

Wildlife Should Only be Killed for a Legitimate Purpose: Individuals may legally kill certain wild animals under strict guidelines for food and fur, self-defense and property protection.  Laws prohibit the casual killing of wildlife merely for antlers, horns or feathers or the wanton waste of game meat.

Wildlife as an International Resource: Because wildlife and fish freely migrate across boundaries between states, provinces, and countries, they are considered an international resource.

Scientific Management of Wildlife: The best science available will be used as a base for informed decision-making in wildlife management. It’s important to note that management objectives are developed to support the species, not individual animals.

Caption: The author with a wild turkey harvested in the Clearwater Mountains of Idaho. Photo by John Hafner.

Wildlife is a priceless part of our national heritage and the sportsman-funded North American Model of Wildlife Conservation keeps the emphasis on long-term management. This focus benefits a wide range of fish and wildlife, including non-game species, as well as everyone who enjoys nature.

How can you get involved?

First, buy a hunting or fishing license every year even if you don’t hunt or fish. The license fee goes directly to the state wildlife agency to help with all types of wildlife management. As an added bonus, license sales also help determine Pittman-Robertson and Dingell-Johnson distributions to states.

Second, get a Federal Duck Stamp.  For every dollar spent on Federal Duck Stamps, ninety-eight cents goes directly to purchase vital waterfowl habitat for protection in the National Wildlife Refuge System. It has raised more than $750 million and protected 6 million acres of waterfowl habitat since 1934. A Federal Duck Stamp also gets you free admission to the Service’s National Wildlife Refuges, which help protect our wildlife and offer some great hunting, fishing and wildlife watching opportunities.

Third, introduce someone to hunting or fishing. Through the R3 Initiative to recruit, retain and reactive hunters and anglers, the Service is working with state agencies and partners to increase the number of people who participate in these outdoor sports and, in turn, support conservation. Please take someone new on your next trip. 

As you can see, the relationship between sportsmen and sportswomen and wildlife conservation is truly special. So to borrow a line from the Colorado Wildlife Council, maybe wildlife enthusiasts everywhere should “Hug a Hunter” and “Hug an Angler.”

Why do you do what you do? Tell us why you hunt and fish and share your photos with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter by using #iHuntBecause, #iFishBecause and #HuntShootFish. 

[mypubliclands]

#HuntShootFish Montana’s Upper Missouri River Breaks

The public lands of the Montana’s Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument, both under federal and state management, make a significant contribution to the local lifestyle and the regional economy. Within the monument you can float the river, fish, hike, hunt, camp, drive for pleasure, find a little solitude, enjoy a sense of exploration or simply marvel at the variety of resources around you.

Vast portions of the monument are serviced only by graveled and unimproved roads. Much of the monument is not accessible by any road, inviting visitors to explore on foot.

Visitors are encouraged to visit the Missouri Breaks Interpretive Center, 701 7th Street, Fort Benton, MT 59442. Staff will be able to assist with maps, local outfitters, closure information, and general safety tips. All visitors are encouraged to carry a map and have basic land navigation skills before exploring the remote areas of the monument.

In some areas, the BLM lands are intermingled with State of Montana lands and private property. It is important that visitors enjoying the public lands of the monument remember to respect the rights of private land owners and be aware of trespassing.

If you are planning an outing on the river, our staff at the Fort Benton River Management Station will help you prepare for a safe and enjoyable trip. Please call us toll free at 877-256-3252, click here to contact us via e-mail, or visit in person at the Fort Benton River Management Station. We are located at 701 7th Street, Fort Benton, Montana 59442.

Throughout this fall, we will be sharing hunting and fishing destinations on BLM-managed public lands. Hunting and fishing on public lands is an American tradition that supports many local economies.

Photos by Bob Wick.

[usfwspacific]

The Big 6: National Wildlife Refuges Offer Wide Variety of Public Uses

By Brent Lawrence / Public Affairs Officer with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Hunting. 

Fishing.

Wildlife observation.

Photography.

Environmental education.

Interpretation.

Individually, they all provide a wide variety of great outdoor experiences. Together, however, they stand tall as a cornerstone of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s National Wildlife Refuge System.

They’re known at the Big Six and are part of the guiding principles for the 567 National Wildlife Refuges that stretch from Florida to Alaska, and Maine to the Pacific Islands. There are 67 National Wildlife Refuges in the Service’s Columbia-Pacific Northwest Region and the Pacific Islands Region, which includes Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Hawaii and the Pacific Islands. There are also five national monuments managed by the Regions’ refuge system, in coordination with state and federal partners.

Read about a student’s artistic interpretations of the Big Six

The overarching mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System is to administer a national network of lands and waters for the conservation, management, and where appropriate, restoration of the fish, wildlife, and plant resources and their habitats within the United States for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans. 

Under that mission are nine guiding principles, including one that focuses on the Big Six public uses. It calls for refuges to “support wildlife-dependent uses involving hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, photography, interpretation, and education, when compatible, as legitimate and appropriate uses.”

A new report by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service shows that 101.6 million Americans – 40 percent of the U.S. population 16 years old and older – participated in wildlife-related activities in 2016, such as hunting, fishing and wildlife-watching. The findings reflect a continued interest in engaging in the outdoors. These activities are drivers behind an economic powerhouse, where participants spent $156 billion – the most in the last 25 years, adjusted for inflation.

Of the 568 National Wildlife Refuges nationwide, roughly:

78 percent are open to photographers and observation;

66 percent are open to hunting; and

55 percent are open to fishing.

When permitting hunting or fishing on a refuge, it is done to ensure sustainable wildlife populations and is done so under the tenets of the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation.

“The team at the Fish and Wildlife Service is accelerating efforts to expand hunting and fishing opportunities where they are compatible with wildlife management goals,” said Robyn Thorson, the Service’s Pacific Regional Director. “Sportsmen and anglers play a huge role in the conservation of wildlife and their habitat, so it only makes sense that refuges provide opportunities for folks to get outside to hunt and fish. Refuges provide all Americans with places to hunt, fish, observe the natural world firsthand and experience the great outdoors.”

You can experience America’s wildlife heritage at a National Wildlife Refuge near you. There is at least one national wildlife refuge in each state. To find one near you, go here and type in your ZIP Code.

Why do you do what you do? Tell us why you hunt and fish and share your photos with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter by using #iHuntBecause, #iFishBecause and #HuntShootFish.