The Axe is About to Fall on CT Sportsmen/women Again!

One of the key draws to Connecticut tourism, as well as residents, is our natural resources. Our coastline, tidal rivers, inland waterways, lakes, ponds, state parks, and forests provide an unlimited supply of recreation. In the past, we have prioritized these resources, recognizing their inherent value and the need for a proactive approach to conservation.

We, as Connecticut anglers and hunters, have recently been in the forefront, attempting to avert moves by the Office of Budget and Management, legislature, governor, and elected officials to compromise our ability to peacefully enjoy these and related resources. We fought to keep our hatcheries open, recreation fees from skyrocketing, and various self-sustained programs from closing. They eventually saw the light.

The big question on everyone's mind is, "If one of these self-sustaining programs are eliminated, what prevents a domino effect?" Now the question is why the governor's midterm budget adjustments for the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is looking to "reduce funding for sportsman's programs"-specifically, eliminating a $160,000 pheasant stocking program.

Pheasant stamps are sold to those birders looking to hunt them; the stocking program is totally funded by those sportsmen/women with no monies coming from the General Fund. The funds collected from the sale of pheasant stamps and small game licenses are used for the following year's bird stocking program. The $160,000 proposed to be cut from this year's budget is money that sportsmen/women and junior hunters already paid in 2011 for the stocking program in 2012!

Eliminating the funds collected for the pheasant stocking program is taking away from licensed individuals something for which they had already paid and giving them nothing in return. If that is the case, then at the very least, the state should refund monies collected if it wishes to pursue cancellation of the program. Consider also that this recreational program, like many others, introduces youngsters and future anglers and hunters to the sport, ultimately generating substantial income to the state-notwithstanding the immediate loss to ancillary businesses/services in terms of gross revenues and sales taxes. Total Connecticut hunting-related expenditures in 2010 was a substantial $109.3 million!

To voice your opinions, contact: Governor Malloy at www.governor.ct.gov/malloy, DEEP Commissioner Dan Esty at 860-424-3001, and Deputy Commissioner Susan Frechette at 860-424-3005; also, contact your legislators and members of the Appropriations Committee.

On the Water/Ice

Much of New England's flora and fauna has pretty much ignored the winter calendar, responding instead to abnormally warm air temperatures and mild weather. Connecticut specifically has dodged many a stormy bullet and received in its place, more sun, clouds, wind, and short periods of rain. Long Island Sound's water temperatures throughout most of February has hovered in the low 40s. This influence on fresh- and saltwater fisheries has created both positive and negative influences.

First the negative. We certainly could've used the saturation derived from a healthy snowfall that would have recharged the rivers and grounds. Extended freezing temperatures would also have aided in rejuvenating our lakes and ponds. Without this snow and ice, the normal rest period encountered this time of year places undue stress on much of our fish and wildlife. It creates low water levels and flows and may adversely impact the run of anadromous fish returning from the briny into the sweet water.

On the positive side, as a result of this mild winter, there have been numerous opportunities for anglers to extend their fishing season. With only about one to two weeks of limited ice fishing in Connecticut, our rivers, lakes, and ponds provided unexpected, but welcomed, open water fishing. Rivers produced stocked searun, as well as native trout and Atlantic broodstock salmon. These fish were accepting a wide field of artificials and live and dead baits. Pickerel were absolutely aggressive while crappie, bass, perch, catfish, and carp provided good catches. Northern pike took mostly live baits in river coves and some of the more popular lakes.

For all things fishy including licenses, swing by the shop (203-245-8665) open seven days located at 21 Boston Post Road, Madison. Until next time from your Connecticut shoreline's full-service fishing outfitter, where we don't make the fisherman, we make the fisherman better...

Tight Lines,

Captain Morgan

captainmorgan.fish@sbcglobal.net

captainmorgan-fish.blogspot.com