Megabullshit

The Idaho Legislature is moving to block citizen lawsuits over giant megaloads on the state’s highways, with legislation clearing the House Monday to require a big up-front cash bond from anyone filing such a lawsuit.

LINK (Via: The Spokesman Review)

Montana stream access bill hearing draws overflow crowd

A "massive crowd" of anglers and sportsmen converged on the Montana capitol yesterday to testify against HB309 that would effectively turn any waterway that has a man-made structure on it into a private waterway and thus not accessible to hunting, fishing and other forms of public recreation.

LINK (Via: The Billings Gazette)

Ditch the fly rod, tie on your loincloth, grab your spear and head to Montana

Take heart!

Even though your stream access rights in Montana are in jeopardy, your rights to hunt with a spear may soon be restored.

LINK (Via: The Bozeman Daily Chronicle)

The agency, which oversees hunting in Montana, is not taking a stand on the bill.

The Boldt Decision - The Fish Tale That Changed History

In a recent post, Felice Pace of the KlamBlog speculated that most of those involved in Klamath River and Klamath Salmon issues these days do not know the history of the Boldt Decision. My hunch is that would apply to others involved in fish and habitat issues throughout the Pacific Northwest.

So Felice posted an article from the February 7, 1999 issue of the Seattle called 25 Years After the Boldt Decision along with the following lead.

Those who understand history and its patterns have an advantage navigating the present. This is particularly true for those who are involved in political movements and social controversies. We have that now on the Klamath. While the political and social struggles still center on salmon, the antagonists now are those who seek to control Klamath River water and its management as well as those who own dams and those who seek to remove them.

The issues and politics on the Klamath are similar to those taking place on other rivers where salmon and steelhead conservation meet tribal fishing rights. Anyone out there who is not familiar with the history surrounding the Boldt Decision should read this article. As Felice Pace eloquently states, "Learn the history, it will help you find the right road today."

25 Years After the Boldt Decision - The Fish Tale That Changed History

House Bill 2338: Felt sole wading boot ban in Oregon state legislature

This bill would take effect in 2015.

LINK (Via: The Caddis Fly: Oregon Fly Fishing Blog)

One of the best quotes I've heard on the felt ban movement sweeping the nation.

"It is the equivalent of trying to ban shot glasses to prevent drunk driving."

Maybe we should start a new grassroots organization to fight this big government intrusion into our private sector angling lives?

Remember, If felt is outlawed, only outlaws will wear felt.

A person may not use external felt-soled boots or external felt-soled waders in the waters of the state

The state being Montana.

Bill LC1760 in Montana proposes banning felt in the state starting in October of 2012.

LINK

Felt would still be cool for some.

The provisions of this section do not apply to a state or federal employee or emergency personnel, including fire, law enforcement, and emergency medical technicians, using external felt-soled boots or external felt-soled waders when acting within the scope of duty.

Can't have the emergency personnel slipping in the river now can we?