Posts by Steve Burch
Editorial-Opinion April 2011
The intellectual dishonesty of the Georgia Wildlife Federation (GWF) continues to be impressive. Last month I ended this editorial noting that the GWF — through its wholly owned sportsman’s facade called the Camo Coalition — objected to the legislature’s plan to treat all specialty tags the same. Somehow “fair-is-fair” for all specialty tags is not…
Read MoreEditorial-Opinion February 2011
Last month I embarrassed myself. I indicated that I agreed with the position of the Georgia Hunting and Fishing Federation opposing state plans for the low user fees on some WMAs, and that I would vote “Yes” on the ballot on last month’s cover. I should have said I would vote “No” on question 2.…
Read MoreEditorial-Opinion January 2011
DNR is celebrating both its 100-year anniversary — when our first game wardens were created — and the appointment of its brand new commissioner — Mark Williams. Commissioner Williams should be the most sportsman-friendly commissioner in some time. Indeed, he has been recognized by the Georgia Hunting and Fishing Federation (GHFF) for his pro-sportsmen work…
Read MoreDNR Wants To Change WMAs To Rec Areas
DNR is in the midst of creating a plan to market WMAs to all Georgians for recreation by changing what the areas are called. DNR also is considering options to charge some of these other WMA users. Many sportsmen have lamented that only hunters and anglers had to pay to use these areas. But the…
Read MoreFeds To Shut Down Red Snapper Fishing?
The Scat II beat its way southeasterly into the 4- to 6-foot seas that were being pushed north by a stiff 20-knot breeze. The clear May dawn promised fair weather, but a bumpy ride and rocking horse fishing at the snapper banks. At her helm, perched in the captain’s chair, sat her designer and…
Read MoreOconee Memories Made Catching Hybrids
Friends of Dr. Al West would be pleased to recall a recent Saturday on Lake Oconee, and more similar Saturdays to come. Dr. West had a special interest in helping those with special needs and was particularly fond of taking these special people fishing. When Dr. West passed away, many of his friends thought…
Read MoreDNR Budget Crunch Threatens WMAs, Hatchery
When state revenue figures for August were posted showing a 7 percent drop from the same period last year, there were those who hoped that perhaps WRD could skimp by with only a slight cut in people and programs this year and next. Perhaps this most recent financial storm could be weathered without too much…
Read MoreDNR’s Response To Outsourcing Of License Sales
Here is the response DNR has been sending to those who have written them on the subject of DNR outsourcing license sales. It was first released without a signature, and the letter plus the signature of the DNR Commissioner Noel Holcomb was just posted on DNR’s website. Thank you for your persistence. From DNR Commissioner…
Read MoreHunting At Bond Swamp National Wildlife Refuge At Risk
The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service is accepting comments and suggestions from the public as a part of their Comprehensive Conservation Planning (CCP) Process through August 22, 2007. The deadline is next Wednesday. Based upon recent information, the Fish and Wildlife Service is not receiving comments from hunters and fishermen regarding what sportsmen want…
Read More21-Gun Lawsuit Fired At Bloomberg
Only in America can a small businessman have any hope of prevailing against the strong-arm tactics of a billionarie bully. But Jay Wallace and his family have taken just such a stand. Jay and his family have operated Adventure Outdoors, a retail hunting and fishing business in Smyrna, for the past 30 years. In May,…
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