The Daily Texas Outdoor Digest is sent to your inbox to keep you up to date about hunting, fishing, conservation and outdoors pursuits making headlines and going viral in the Lone Star State and beyond. It’s free, so subscribe today!
Here’s what’s worth reading today, Thursday, April 2, 2020:
Texas sets federal red snapper season for 2020
Red snapper fishing in the Gulf of Mexico is big business for both recreational and commercial fishermen. Here’s a look at what private anglers can expect for fishing days for the prized catch off the Texas coast.
The private recreational angler red snapper season opens Monday, June 1 for a projected 63-days in federal waters. Red snapper fishing is open year around in state waters. The season length is based on historical landing data, last year’s fishing effort data and the state’s allocation from the 2019 stock assessment. Bag and size limits will remain unchanged; 2 fish per person daily with a 16-inch minimum size limit in federal waters, and 4 fish per person daily with a 15-inch minimum in state waters. The National Marine Fisheries Service has granted the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department the authority to establish the opening and closing of the red snapper fishery in federal waters off the Texas coast for private recreational anglers fishing from their own vessels.
Alaska cancels spring bear hunts, citing coronavirus concerns
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused some states to alter or even cancel some hunting and fishing pursuits, Alaska making a decision on one its most notable and costly outdoors pursuits.
The bear hunting season would have begun this week in various communities across Alaska, but the state has now officially put a stop to spring hunts. “This was discussed internally,” said Gov. Mike Dunleavy during a press conference Wednesday evening. “Given the fact that the virus is very disruptive, and the enforcement issues, the answer…. is that the spring bear hunts will be postponed this year.” Early hunts are canceled in Alaska for both brown and black bears.
Texas spring hunting pursuits bring out critters that bite back
Alaska fishing community takes precautions as it prepares for salmon season
The COVID-19 pandemic also has some states scrambling to identify the issues associated with outdoors pursuits that bring in many nonresidents, which could help spread the virus.
As Alaska’s top doctor put it, “We know the fish are coming regardless of COVID-19 or not and we can’t ask them to stay home.” As a result, government officials and fishing stakeholders statewide are working to ensure Alaska can still have a strong summer salmon season even amidst a potentially prolonged COVID-19 winter. Alaska Chief Medical Officer Dr. Anne Zink made the comment during a March 30 press briefing, adding that the state has a specific fisheries work group trying to figure out ways small communities can handle an influx of fishermen and processing workers while also adhering to important health guidelines that run counter to the realities of a traditional fishing season. While Alaska’s diverse fisheries continue year-round, the famed Copper River sockeye and king fishery that unofficially kicks off the salmon harvest in mid-May each year will be one of the first testing grounds for trying to find that balance.
LDWF: Hunting and fishing are still perfectly legal during COVID-19 pandemic
Officials with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) want to assure Louisiana residents they can still hunt and fish during the COVID-19 pandemic.
LDWF responded April 1 to several false articles and statements circulating on social media falsely claiming there would be increased fishing fines and supposed forced closure of hunting and fishing season because of the COVID-19 pandemic. “None of it is true,” LDWF Press Secretary Ed Pratt said. “It is incredibly unfortunate that some individuals would go out of their way to spread false information with the intent of creating confusion for the wonderful people of Louisiana,” said LDWF Secretary Jack Montoucet. “At a time when we are pulling together to deal with a deadly health crisis, there are some who find such actions amusing.”
CPW warns of false reports regarding COVID-19 and hunting, fishing, and recreation
Colorado Parks and Wildlife is warning residents to be aware of false information regarding COVID-19 and its effects on hunting, fishing, and recreation.
The agency said Wednesday that they have received numerous calls and reports of false social media posts and even robocalls claiming that hunting and fishing seasons are canceled, that valid licenses are no longer required to hunt and fish, or that park fees have been rescinded due to the pandemic. CPW wants to stress that these reports are false and appear to have increased with the arrival of April Fools Day, April 1.
Crabbing along Texas coast geared toward simplicity, fun, food
Stay in the Know With The Daily Texas Outdoor Digest
If you haven’t subscribed yet, there’s no better time than right now (We hate spam and we won’t share your information with anyone. That’s just not cool):
