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Scoping Meeting Addresses Issues

Posted on: May 10, 2007

Dave Langston

Outdoor writer and outdoor show host
“www.westernstatessportsman.com”:http://www.westernstatessportsman.com

The fishery scoping meeting at ISU turned out a good number of anglers concerned about the smallmouth bass fishery below American Falls to Lake Walcott. Fish and Game biologists Dick Scully and David Teucher demonstrated poise and concern about the fishery while under fire.

I had a chance to talk to Teucher the next day about the meeting and we both agree something needs to be done about the fishery to keep the quality or “trophy” status this section of the river has garnered.

Whether a slot limit or two fish limit is introduced has yet to be decided. But for S.E. Idaho anglers to continue enjoying this world quality fishery regulations do have to change…soon.

The meeting did start with a slide show but soon turned towards comments and slowly got heated, as a few anglers are very passionate about this fishery. Again, Idaho Fish and Game showed poise answering some very difficult questions. I normally disagree or even attack Idaho Fish and Game when warranted but not this day, they earned my respect. My hat goes off to you guys.

Representatives of B.A.S.S. were present and also showed concern but were a bit upset when they found out that myself and the pro staff of the Western States Sportsman are attending the International Sportsmen’s Exposition in Salt Lake City in 2008 promoting Idaho fishing and hunting. This is the first time we have had a presence in this show in its 31 years of existence. It is too bad a few Idahoans do not want to share the resource of this great state with others that bring in the money to help support our economy.

Small towns like American Falls and even Pocatello will benefit from the arrival of out of state sportsmen bringing in money for lodging, gas, food, tackle and license’s. Who are we not to welcome people to our state? Do we go to other states fishing and hunting? How about a Utah Jazz game? Or even the Lagoon Fun Park or Disney Land. Hecks were out of towners at this point. Should some of these states not welcome us? The answer is American freedom and the American dream. We all have room to share the resources and beauty each state has to offer.

When you have these feelings of greed and resentment towards others just remember 9/11 and all the troops fighting to preserve our way of life. Some of these heroes will never get to experience what Idaho has to offer. Have we forgotten that fateful day? I hope not and I also believe you haven’t. Greet and not greed should be our motto.

If you want to watch the meeting go to www.westernstatessportsman.com soon.

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About Dave Langston

Outdoor writer Dave Langston resides in Chubbuck. He grew up in the Midwest and south fishing and hunting across the country.

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