We must keep scientific fish management in the NRC to get our new bass season

[djkimmel]

Michigan Anglers Support Citizens for Professional Wildlife Management

Michigan Bassmaster Elite Angler Kevin VanDam signs the Scientific Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act petition with GreatLakesBass.com owner Dan Kimmel. Photo by Mark Gomez (cameraguy)

Michigan is at the center of one of the largest fights in the country over hunting rights and the future of the North American Model of Conservation. Radical animal rights groups led by the Humane Society of the United States have launched two referendums designed to undermine the use of science in determining game and fish species in Michigan. GreatLakesBass.com and MUCC are standing up to them, though, and we need your help!

We're supporting the petition drive to pass a law called the Scientific Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act. This citizen initiative will protect hunting and fishing rights, help stop Asian carp and provide free licenses to active-duty military members. It is sponsored by the Citizens for Professional Wildlife Management. In order for the Michigan Legislature to vote on the law, we need to collect over 258,000 valid signatures by May 15. Therefore, we need you to sign and circulate petitions amongst your family, friends, coworkers, fellow sportsmen and women, and even complete strangers to make this happen!

Please request a petition to sign and circulate by emailing cpwm@mucc.org with your name and mailing address.

Read the complete article on GreatLakesBass.com Conservation and Legislation News or go directly to www.citizenswildlife.org to get started right away!

[MSURoss]

Signed it! 

[Waterfoul]

I signed it 5 times.  Is that bad?   

Just kidding Dan.  Everyone NEEDS to sign this petition.  I've gotten friends and family to sign it.  This HAS to happen!

[djkimmel]

Yes. Once is enough! But once for sure! I left some over with the Dock Talk Radio people - Michael Ray and Mini too! They're going to get some more. I believe the interview I did about the bass season, the petition drive and related important information is now up for listening at the website. Hope you check it out when you get a chance for more information and discussion.

I'll be doing a short follow up interview with Bob Bauer at www.bobbauersoutdoorworld.com on WDFN AM1130 at about 10:30am this Saturday morning too. You can listen to the station if you're in the area or listen on the Internet at Bob Bauer's website link regardless.

I was thinking about the GLBass conference call. With as much that is happening and how quickly things are changing it would be partly out-of-date as soon as we did it so I will give a short, in-depth report after the MadWags Memorial Saturday, May 10th for those of you who attend and stick around for the food, fun and prizes.

Also working on the related Senate Bill 869. It has passed the Michigan Senate 37-0 already. Now it is up for hearing in the House Natural Resources Committee Tuesday, May 6th at noon. I'm feeling pretty good about the outcome of that action.

[DennisB.]

How are we doing on signatures? I signed at cabelas last weekend.

[djkimmel]

The last time I checked we were 'on track' to make our target IF the rate of signatures turned in continues right up to the last minute.

If you know anyone you can get to sign who hasn't yet please get them to sign and return the petitions by May 15! We need time to have the signatures audited before they're turned in to the Secretary of State.

Anyone who has any signatures on any petitions please send them in now! They are counting every few days at this point.