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Bill to Restore Sport Fishing Passes Key Legislative Hurdles

A significant piece of legislation aimed at enhancing sport fishing and wildlife restoration is progressing through the U.S. Congress. The Sport Fishing Restoration, Recreational Boating Safety, and Wildlife Restoration Act of 2025, known as H.R. 3858, seeks to extend the vital provisions of the Dingell-Johnson Act as it marks its 75th anniversary.

The bill is designed to secure funding for state agencies, particularly the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, which relies on these resources to improve public access, restore habitats in various waterways, and manage game fish populations. Mike Shields, president of AFW Fishing Brands, emphasized the importance of the Dingell-Johnson Act, stating that it provides essential financial support for the restoration of aquatic environments. Shields highlighted that manufacturers of sportfishing tackle, including his company, contribute an excise tax of up to 10% on products sold, which directly funds the Sport Fish Restoration Fund.

Shields has actively participated in advocating for H.R. 3858, which has garnered bipartisan support in the House of Representatives. He recently testified before Congress about the successes attributed to the Sport Fish Restoration Fund and the importance of reauthorizing the Dingell-Johnson Act until 2031. “The bill is steadily working its way through Congress,” he noted, mentioning its recent passage out of the House Natural Resources Committee.

Rob Shane, Public Affairs manager of the American Sportfishing Association, remarked on the significance of the Dingell-Johnson Act, calling the fund a cornerstone of American conservation efforts. He explained that the trust fund is solely financed by the excise tax on sportfishing gear and a portion of the motorboat fuel sales tax. Shane warned that failing to reauthorize the Act would result in the cessation of excise tax collections, leading to substantial financial losses for state fish and wildlife agencies. In 2023 alone, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission received over $10 million from the fund, contributing to a total of $381.8 million allocated across all states and territories.

As the legislative process unfolds, the restoration bill stands as a pivotal initiative for the sport fishing community and wildlife conservation efforts nationwide. The support from industry leaders and stakeholders underscores the critical need for sustained funding to manage fisheries and enhance recreational fishing opportunities.

In a related initiative, the Pennsylvania Game Commission has launched an elk cam that captures live video and audio from the state’s elk range, covering over 220,000 acres within State Game Lands 311 and Elk State Forest. This livestream offers viewers a unique opportunity to observe not only elk but also other wildlife, including turkeys and deer. According to Jason Beale, Game Commission Division Chief for Conservation Education and Social Science, the elk cam connects people worldwide to these iconic animals of the North American wilderness.

The elk cam, operated by HDOnTap, will remain active until the end of the bugling season, expected to conclude in mid-October. The optimal viewing times for elk activity are typically late afternoons. Interested viewers can access the livestream through the Game Commission’s official website.

This dual focus on legislative efforts for sport fishing restoration and wildlife observation reflects a broader commitment to conservation and public engagement in natural resource management. The outcomes of these initiatives will likely have lasting impacts on both recreational fishing and wildlife protection in the region.

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