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October 14, 2006
Greetings fellow members!
In this issue, be sure to read “Promoting Nature”, an article written by Marina Blombert about FOWA President, Tommy Thompson in the Gainesville Sun. As always, please forward any current market needs or other news to me at marketedge@fowa.com.
Member Pat Ford sent this photo of Doug Kelly with the 2006 FOWA Conference Roastee, Stu Apte.
If you have any exceptional Conference Photos that you would like published on the FOWA web site, please send them to Mike Richards, FOWA’s webmaster, at web@fowa.org. Please limit photos to five per member, so that everyone has an equal opportunity to contribute.
Kelly Braden
HELP OTHER MEMBERS
From Doug Kelly:
I'm writing a book called "Florida's Fishing Pioneers & Legends." If you have information about fishing pioneers or legendary anglers in your area, please let me know. They can go all the way back to pre-1900. Those helping with referrals will be thanked in the book.
doug7kelly@yahoo.com
FYI
From Steve Kearl:
Emergency Numbers
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles allows you to file two (2) emergency contact telephone numbers with your Florida Drivers License or Florida Identification Card number. These emergency contact numbers can be retrieved electronically by police in case of an accident or other emergency should it become necessary to contact a family member or next of kin. This can be accomplished online through the DHSMV Website at:
https://www6.hsmv.state.fl.us/dlcheck/findcustomer
HIGHLIGHTED MARKETS
Sport Fishing Magazine, Doug Olander, Editor in Chief, Doug.Olander@worldpub.net, 407-571-4576, 460 N. Orlando Ave. Suite #200 Winter Park, FL 32789.
Deadline: October 15:
Blacktip Sharks - underwater; hooked, boatside
(contact Andy.Hahn@worldpub.net)
Fishing Weed Lines - good images of sargassum weed lines offshore and/or anglers working or catching fish from such weed lines
(contact Andy)
Fluke (P. dentatus) - underwater, at boatside, in boat/with angler, juveniles, monsters (contact Doug.Olander@worldpub.net)
Deadline: November 15:
Yellowfin Tuna – trolling , chunking, long-range fishing, anglers with yellowfin, yellowfin at/by the boat (contact Andy)
Tarpon - jumping, boats... with mangroves in background, plus boat-to-boat action/releases, underwater images, tarpon cruising in clear water shot from above (contact Chris.Woodward@worldpub.net)
Game Fish Feeding – tight shots of predators chasing down/eating prey (latter might be fish or invertebrates) or lures -- likely but not restricted to underwater images or fish coming out of the water (contact Doug)
If you have any questions, contact editor listed. Also feel free to check on anything with SF's great new managing editor, Mike Mazur
(Mike.Mazur@worldpub.net).
CURRENT MARKETS
The Bear Deluxe Magazine, P.O. Box 10342, Portland, OR 97296. P(503) 242-1047. Email: bear@orlo.org. Website: www.orlo.org. Tom Webb, Editor; Casey Bush, Reviews Editor; Susan Wickstrom, Fiction Editor. 25% new freelance per issue. Many of their nonfiction writers are not on staff but have a history with the magazine. "The Bear Deluxe is an award-winning environmental publication, but we are not your typical 'environmental' magazine. We do cover more-traditional environmental news, but more and more we are looking for more modern, cultural, artistic and unexpected connections to environmental, place-based themes. Above all, we are looking for strong, compelling and timely ideas from engaged writers. We are sort of a cross between High Country News, Northern Lights, Adbusters and Harpers, yet still quite distinct on our own. We embrace the magazine approach, both in content and writing style and are looking to include a range of voices and subject matter in each issue. Space is becoming increasing competitive, so no fluff, PR, or generic story ideas, please."
Welcomes new writers. Circ. 46K. Quarterly. Pays "a few weeks after publication." Publishes ms 1-6 months after acceptance. Buys first rights only. "We are very selective on reprints. Must be noted as such. Same with simultaneous submissions." Responds 1-3 months. "We cannot respond to all email queries." Sample $3. Subscription $16;
$22 Canada; $28 other. Guidelines online at bear_submit.htm or by mail with SASE. Current Needs: "Quality feature reporting complete with magazine research work is most desired.
Quality short-fiction is also in high demand. Quirky/unique short news pieces and nontraditional editorials stand out, too." Pays $100- $300 for features, fiction and essays; $50-$100 for departments; $25 for reviews; $25 for poems. All contributing writers receive a subscription and contributor copy. Articles run 300-4000 words.
Submit query, clips and publishing history by mail with SASE. "Email queries are okay but we cannot guarantee to respond to those not chosen for publication." Photos/Art: No specific art requirements.
Pays $30. Hints: "You really should get a sample copy and writing guidelines. Writers should email us and ask to be put on our writers list-serve. There are growing opportunities there and it's the best way to hear about themes/submission calls and events. Too many writers stop sending queries if they are not accepted right off the bat."
The Elks Magazine, 425 W. Diversity Parkway, Chicago, IL 60614.
Email: CherylS@Elks.org. Website: . Cheryl T.
Stachura, Editor. 35% freelance. Buys approximately 30 general interest manuscripts per year. "The basic mission of the magazine is to share the news of the charitable activities of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks with its members. However, well-targeted and well-written freelance feature articles are also published. The Elks Magazine is a 4/color, glossy magazine that contains advertising."
Welcomes new writers. Circ. 1.1M. 10 issues/year. Usually pays on acceptance; may pay on publication. Buys first publication rights, and one-time North American serial rights in print only. No reprints.
Prefers a final ms to a query as decisions are based only on final ms. Sample by mail request. Subscription US only $12. Guidelines at www.elks.org/ElksMag/writersguidelines.cfm.
Current Needs: "We are always in the market and will buy what seems to fit our audience. We're interested in topics including sports and sports figures, Americana and American history, technological advances, personal finance, nature, and so forth. We do not buy travel stories because we have a contracted travel writer. Our readers are primarily men over 50. Please refer to the writer's guidelines." Pays $0.30/word for 1500-2500 words. Submit complete ms.
Photos/Art: No longer purchase freelance cover photos. Hints:
Basically a problem is when writers haven't read the guidelines and submit manuscripts that are too long or short, are first-person or religious or political--all someone need do is check the guidelines."
Obtaining a few issues to get an idea of our typical feature article is a good idea too.
Golf Event, 26202 Detroit Road, Suite 300, Cleveland, OH 44145.
Website: www.golfeventmagazine.com. April Miller, Editor.
Approximately 50% freelance. "Golf Event, a bi-monthly national trade magazine, is the resource for golf outings and events. Golf Event provides readers with invaluable insight from industry experts, updates on products and services, destination spotlights, planning tools and much more. From the latest trends in golf to what's hot in food and beverage, Golf Event provides readers the tools to make their events successful. We want to offer specific ideas, tips and resources readers can use to take their events to the next level.
Golf Event is a division of Symphony Publishing." Only works with experienced writers. "Need at least some clips; even if it's from class assignments or internships." Circ. 30K. Bi-monthly. Pays 30 days after acceptance. Usually publishes ms within 1 or 2 issues of acceptance, "unless we have to hold it for any reason." Buys all print and electronic rights. Accepts reprints. Responds 6-8 weeks.
Sample articles available at website. Sample issue $5. Subscription controlled. Guidelines at WritersGuidelines. Current Needs: "Topics for features vary widely but always with the readers' events success in mind--topics may include, but are not limited to, sponsorship sales; ways to attract players to your event; proper etiquette; gifts and awards; outsourcing; staffing and volunteers; event add-ons; and negotiating course contracts. Event profiles are always of interest and must include photos. We are particularly open to writers who can come up with a different angle on a common topic." Pays $400-$600.
"Departments are typically 700 to 900 words; features 1,200 to 1,700 words; with one larger feature in each issue that is 2,000 to 2,500 words." Submit "cover letter, resume and writing samples along with any suggested queries via mail to the editor's attention" with SASE.
Does *not* accept email submissions. Photos/Art: If available from sources, secure them; but not a must ≠? can be handled in-house."
Does not pay for photos at this time. Hints: "We are not a magazine for golfers; we are for individuals planning golf outings and events.
Donπt pitch me stories about playing golf or the latest ways to improve one's golf game. Our readers need to know how to make their outings and events successful. Read the guidelines and the stories online to find out about the magazine. There is a lot of information on the site; read it first."
Naples Dog Magazine, P.O. Box 111205, Naples, FL 34108. Email:
editor@naplesdog.com. Website: http://www.naplesdog.com. Kim Kazemi, Managing Editor. 85% freelance. "Naples Dog Magazine delivers informative and feel-good articles about dogs; shopping sources for great dog products; and cutting-edge design and photography to an affluent base of readers. We cover all things canine in tropical southwest Florida, capturing the essence of living the good life with dogs. The voice of the magazine is playful, sometimes quirky (but never sarcastic), vibrant, curious, and friendly. Our readersósouthwest Florida residents and vacationersóare enjoying their life "in paradise," and they want to read lighthearted, compassionate, and compelling articles and essays about dogs in paradise, too. Each issue also features several articles about shelters and rescue groups in the area, as well as ongoing coverage of the local humane society." Welcomes new writers. "We welcome experienced writers and talented new voices. We'd love to hear from writers familiar with the region, but we're also open to writers anywhere in the nation who have a grasp of the luxury dog niche."
Circ. 10K. Quarterly. Pays on acceptance. Publishes ms 1-4 months after acceptance. Buys first N.A. serial rights. Occasionally accepts reprints. Responds 4-6 weeks. Sample $6.99 (email info@naplesdog.com for details). Subscription $15; $30 Canada; $35 other. Guidelines by email to: editor@naplesdog.com - in subject line, type "Request Writers' Guidelines" and online at: http://forums.writersweekly.com/ viewtopic.php?p=46988.
Current Needs: "We're always looking for interesting personal essays, well-researched nonfiction articles, occasional craft or how-to features, book reviews, personality profiles, and other stories relevant to our dog-adoring, southwest Floridian readers." Pays $25- $250 for 325-1500 words depending on the length and complexity of the article. "Send your queries or finished manuscripts by e-mail only to editor@naplesdog.com. For consideration, please send us a great letter that exemplifies your style of writing. Queries should be very specific about the article you'd like to write (i.e., the subject, tone, sources for information, approximate word count, and relevance to our readership). Tell us what makes you a good fit. A short bio or resume, with a list of publications, would be appreciated. Please provide two writing samples (Word attachments, PDFs, or URLs are acceptable). Include your name, address, phone number, and e-mail address on each page. Finished manuscripts should include a word count. If you would like us to consider previously published work, please note the date and title of the original publication. We'll respond by e-mail to your submission, usually within four to six weeks. If interested in further discussing your article idea, we'll follow up by telephone. Because of the volume of submissions, inquiries about the status of your query will not be answered."
Photos/Art: N/A Hints: "As many editors have said before, please READ our writers' guidelines. (Don't skim them and assume you can wing
it.) This is not a general interest dog magazine. Our audience is very specific: affluent southwest-Florida dog lovers looking for a newsy, lighthearted read that's relevant to this region. Keep in mind that Naples Dog Magazine readers don't consider 'pampered' to be a negative word. As a rule, we're not interested in profiles of dog trainers living in Kansas; tributes to dogs no longer with us; articles about celebrities with dogs but no connection to Florida; or technical tips on dogsledding in Alaska. On the flip side, we'd love to hear about a dog trainer who moved to Florida from Kansas and has climate-specific training tips; or a celebrity who vacations regularly in southwest Florida with her Bichon Frise; or what happened when you tried to teach your dogs to 'dogsled' on a sandy beach. What else do we like? In our premier issue, we covered pool safety, a personal essay on why one writer prefers two dogs instead of one, a light piece about the Chinese Year of the Dog, a 'beauty makeover' of a shelter dog, and more. We're always interested in hearing from writers willing to investigate (or try on their own
pooches) the latest trends, products, or fashions. Regardless of where you live, if you can make your topic universal and compelling to dog lovers everywhere or--better yet--do a little digging to make a regional connection, we'd love to hear from you. Writers who can meet deadlines and who grasp the lighthearted, friendly tone we're looking for will certainly receive repeat assignments from Naples Dog."
New Floridian
New Floridian is about the games people play in Tampa Bay and the people who play them. Leisure time isn’t all that leisurely anymore.
From blading to mountain biking to kiteboarding to running, more people are spending more personal time playing more sports longer than they ever imagined. New Floridian is looking for writers who live in or near Tampa/St. Petersburg to help us cover personal sports in Florida and the personalities that make them go. Outdoor writers will feel right at home with most of our subjects and featured photography of Florida’s natural beauty. The magazine has been publishing every six weeks since Dec. 2005 on 10.5” x 13.75”
glossy stock of exceptionally high quality. Approximately 16,000 copies are mailed to homeowners and distributed to businesses in New Tampa, communities along the emerging State Road 54 corridor, as well as small portions of North Pinellas and pockets of downtown Tampa.
Most features pay about 30 cents per word, though higher rates are negotiable in cases involving writers of exceptional talent and/or background and expertise.
David G. Hackett
President & Publisher
New Floridian
www.NewFloridian.TV
727-230-2185
OUT-OF-STATE MARKETS
Missouri Life, 112 E. Morrison Street, Fayette, MO 65248. P(660) 248-3489. F(660)248-2310. Email: info@missourilife.com. Website: www.missourilife.com
. Rebecca French Smith, Managing Editor. 90% freelance. "Missouri Life celebrates and explores the unique qualities of the state, with a special focus on leisure (day trips, weekend getaways, things to do and see) and history. Welcomes new writers, but on spec." Prefers to work with published writers with clips. Circ. 20K. Bimonthly. Pays on publication. Publishes ms 2-12 months after acceptance. Buys all rights, but non-exclusive. Responds within six weeks. Sample at newsstands and libraries. Subscription $19.99. Guidelines online at: http://www.missourilife.com/submissions.shtml.
Current Needs: "Stories on Missouri artists, little-known travel destinations around the state, historical features, personality profiles on ordinary Missourians doing extraordinary things, and features on Missouri's Civil War History." Pays $0.20/word for long features of varying lengths; $50/article for departmental pieces under 300 words. Some departments run 500 words. Submit query with clips or writing samples by mail with SASE, fax, or email to martha@missourilife.com. If you're unpublished, must include sample of your writing; if published, tell us where to see clips online or send.
Photos/Art: "All Missouri Life stories must have visual component. We can work with any format but prefer digital images, minimum 300 dpi at 4 x 6. For features, pays $50 for publication of a single photo, package contracts are negotiated for usage of multiple photos from a single source. Writers for short pieces provide photography as part of their standard fee (often provided to them by their sources).
Assignment fees vary."
Hints: "Please do not query us without reading at least one issue to see who we are and better see our needs. Check your letters for spelling; we won't consider anything with errors and you'd be amazed how often we get letters with spelling errors. We would worry you'd be careless with the story, too."
CONTESTS
Fall Colors Photo Contest
http://photocontest.shutterfly.com/action/photocontest/viewContest
National Park Photo Contest
http://www.nationalparks.org/PlanTourParkTrip/PhotoContest-CurrentWinners.shtml
Florida State Park Photo Contest
http://www.floridastateparks.org/PhotoContest/default.cfm
OurEcho.com Contest
Categories: The best biography of a family member or other special person, local history piece, the most interesting old photograph - family members, landscapes, businesses, cars, etc., diary or journal entry, the most interesting letter - old or new, the best travel or vacation story, most interesting thing to do in your local area, the story that best captures a period – The Sixties, The Great Depression, WWII, etc., Best Short Fiction, the best family history story, the most interesting story posted by a member from abroad, the most interesting local custom, superstitions, etc., the scariest or most unique local legend, poem.
Eligibility: Anyone can enter OurEcho contests simply by checking off the "Enter my post in all active OurEcho contests" box when creating a new post. Contests are open to anyone whether published or not, and regardless of experience. Previously published work is also eligible. Current and former employees of OurEcho.com and Member of the Band, LLC. and their relatives are not eligible to win.
Fees: There are no entry fees, no subsidy payments, and no purchases of any kind required to enter and win the contests.
Rights: All intellectual property rights, including copyrights, remain the property of the artist. By submitting a story for a contest, the artist does agree to license use of their work as part of the OurEcho newsletter.
Decisions: Judges are members of the OurEcho Selection Committee.
Entries are judged on the basis of originality, creative imagination, and artistic quality. All decisions of the judges are final.
Notification: All prizewinners will be notified by email and posted on our internet site.
Monthly Contest
Prizes: Each month, one post from the previous month is selected to receive a cash prize of $100.
Deadlines and Schedule: Entries for a given calendar month are determined by the month the work is posted to OurEcho. Winners are posted by the 5th day of the month.
MEMBER NEWS
Tommy Thompson
Be sure and read “Promoting Nature”, an article written by Marina Blombert about FOWA President, Tommy Thompson in the Gainesville Sun on September 18, 2006.
Link to article:http://www.flanaturecoast.com/article.htm
Florida outdoor writers win awards
By Philip K. Jason 9/27/06
It is reassuring to know that there is a thriving marketplace for accomplished writing about the unspoiled spaces and natural glories of Florida. Even better, there is a writers' group that encourages, supports, and recognizes the best of these efforts. Two books published by the University Press of Florida won Excellence in Craft Awards at the recent Florida Outdoor Writers Association (FOWA) conference at Hawk's Cay Resort near Islamorada.
Holly Ambrose, who edits EcoFlorida Magazine, was awarded first place for her 30 Eco-Trips in Florida: The Best Nature Excursions (and How to Leave Only Your Footprints). This guide, organized by regions, takes travelers away from the urban scene to the less glamorous but potentially more rewarding settings of hiking trails and unspoiled waterways. Ambrose describes not only the wildlife and amenities of various places of natural beauty, but also teaches responsible and respectful behavior that will leave these resources undamaged and available to future generations. The book includes a special section on bird and wildlife viewing. Ambrose's EcoFlorida Magazine, now in its seventh year of publication, appears quarterly. See .
The second-place prize was awarded to Sandra Friend for her Hiker's Guide to the Sunshine State. This book covers 2,273 miles of hiking trails across Florida. It provides a user-friendly trail companion for both novices and accomplished hikers. An experienced hiker and outdoorswoman before moving to Florida, Friend's first serious hikes in Florida were courtesy of her Appalachian Trail cohorts, who introduced her to the Florida Trail, a 1,400-mile National Scenic Trail. After more hiking experiences in our state, Friend wrote a series of hiking books for Backcountry Guides. She later became a volunteer journalist and webmaster for the Florida Trail Association and then the organization's Communications Coordinator. Friend won several other awards at the FOWA conference. Find out about her work at .
The two award-winners are the first titles in a new series from the University Press of Florida called Wild Florida, and several other titles are already in preparation. Readers can investigate these and related titles by visiting .
The Florida Outdoor Writers Association, which administered the awards competition, is dedicated to assisting outdoor communicators who in turn educate the public about Florida's natural heritage and encourage conservation. For more about this specialized group of professional communicators, see its website www.fowa.org . Naples Sun Times 2006
From Warren Resen:
Warren lost his sole (soul) in the Big Cypress Swamp at the 2006 Annual Labor Day Weekend Swamp Walks
From Rebecca Allen:
Excerpt from the Paradise Press, News for the Tourism Industry:
JoNell Modys, PR & Communications Manager for the Naples, Marco Island, Everglades CVB, recently joined the Florida Outdoor Writers Association to expand the bureau’s contacts with Florida outdoor journalists.
While attending the group’s annual conference in the Florida Keys, she and her angling partner won the top overall boat award in the conference fishing tournament….
Fishing with Capt. Mike Patterson out of Robbie’s Marina in Islamorada, Modys and Capt. Rob Murchie, a freshwater guide and freelance writer from Kissimmee, each landed multiple snook and redfish to rack up enough points for Murchie to win top angler and the team to win top boat. The top angling team fished the Flamingo area in Everglades National Park. “This was my first annual FOWA conference and it was an honor to win, since our competition included some of the top anglers and outdoor writers in Florida,” Modys said. The event, held at a different Florida resort each year, took place this year at Hawk’s Cay Resort on Duck Key.
From left to right: Capt. Mike Patterson, JoNell Modys and Capt. Rob Murchie
CORPORATE CORNER
Lure for a Cure Crankbait Set Does More than Catch Fish
Wobble a Florida Shad Bomber Fat Free Shallow past a submerged stump, and you’re apt to prompt an attack from a hungry largemouth bass.
Before you ever tie on that particular bait, however, you’ll have accomplished something more important, because the Florida Shad Fat Free Shallow is only available as part of a Lure for a Cure Kit, 3rd Edition, the proceeds of which go to the V Foundation for Cancer Research.
Bomber Lure for a Cure Kits feature three pro-series lures in exclusive color patterns and are packaged in a collector’s set. The 3rd Edition Kit includes a Bomber Fat Free Shallow, Fat Free Shad, Jr. and Fat A BO5F, all in colors designed specifically for this kit by professional anglers Terry Segraves, Kevin Wirth and Terry Scroggins.
Past Lure for a Cure Kits have featured Heddon Zara Spooks and Bomber Pro Model As, with colors selected by professional anglers Tim Horton, Sam Swett, Roland Martin, Peter Thliveros and Terry Segraves.
The lures selected are three of Bomber’s hottest crankbaits, and the kit allows anglers to crank ultra-shallow, dive a lure to 14 feet, or work in-between depths. In addition, the lures’ varied sizes and profiles and distinctive wobbles equip anglers for a tremendous range of conditions.
While the pro anglers created each exclusive color with bass catching in mind, many anglers purchase the kits as collectables and have been awaiting the release of the 3rd Edition, according to Segraves, who along with the Kissimmee Convention & Visitor’s Bureau, established the Angling Against Cancer Benefit Dinner and Tournament, where the new Lure For a Cure Kit is unveiled each November.
The limited-edition Lure for a Cure Kits will be available in early February for $13.95 from lurenet.com, Cabela’s stores, cabelas.com, and at tournaments fished by Terry Seagraves and events put on by the Kissimmee CV&B.
Note: High- or low-resolution images are available at http://www.lurenet.com/ImageGalleryProductDetail.aspx?catID=Bomber
Jeff Samsel
Public Relations Coordinator
PRADCO-Fishing
173 Elsie Street
Clarkesville, GA 30523
(479) 652-2809
jsamsel@lurenet.com
Florida Greenways and Trails Month
The Florida Trail Association joins our partners the Office of Greenways & Trails in celebrating Florida Greenways and Trails Month this October. Visit their website at www.floridatrail.org for tips on outdoor activities throughout the state, and visit the Florida Trail website () interactive calendar to find an FTA-sponsored outdoor activity near you!
Along the cypress-lined floodplains of the Choctawhatchee River in the Central Panhandle, researchers have been actively searching for the ivory-billed woodpecker for more than 14 months. The Florida Trail Association's partner in the region, Nokuse Plantation, is providing the funding for the 2006-2007 search. Visit their website www.nokuse.org for details on the fruitful effort thus far, including 14 documented sightings of the woodpeckers and hundreds of recordings of calls. The team's new field season begins in November 2006. A research paper published in Avian Conservation and Ecology www.ace-eco.org/vol1/iss3/art2 illustrates the team’s findings thus far.
Turkey Hunting Safety Curriculum is Available to Public
Courtesy of the National Wild Turkey Federation
Turkey hunting incidents have dropped to 2.95 per 100,000 participants since 1991 when there were 8.1 incidents per 100,000 participants
To make a safe sport safer, the NWTF has created the Turkey Hunting Success & Safety Curriculum.
The curriculum is available as a two-disk CD-ROM/DVD set to train turkey hunters to be safer and more successful.
The NWTF has distributed more than 1 million pieces of safety literature including Turkey Hunting Safety Tips pamphlets and Hunt Safely stickers.
Contact: Tom Hughes, NWTF safety liaison (803) 637-3106.
To obtain a copy of the NWTF’s Turkey Hunting Success & Safety
Curriculum go to http://turkey-shoppe.nwtf.org/product169.html.
To view the entire release: http://www.nwtf.org/nwtf_newsroom/press_releases.php?id=11988
For more information contact Paul Rackley or Jonathan Harling in the NWTF’s public relations department at (803) 637-3106.
AnglerSurvey.com Results: Angler's Opinions Regarding Federal Marine Fisheries Management
A service of Southwick Associates, Inc. www.SouthwickAssociates.com
Also, Anglers Are Willing To Support Companies Advocating For More Outdoor Coverage In Newspapers Of anglers concerned with marine fisheries management, a large majority call for more consideration of recreational fisheries.
Currently up for reauthorization in Congress, the Magnuson-Stevens Act establishes the rules and regulations guiding federal marine fisheries management. Provisions within the Magnuson-Stevens Act affect the seasons, bag limits and size limits imposed by states on saltwater anglers.
To help gain an understanding of angler attitudes about federal fisheries policy, in September the national AnglerSurvey.com presented saltwater and freshwater anglers with the following
question: “The Magnuson-Stevens Act outlines how the federal government, and to a degree state governments, manage saltwater fishing, both recreational and commercial. Please check the statement below that best describes your opinion.” Of the 902 U.S. anglers responding to the question, over 47% were saltwater anglers. These anglers opinions were:
The current Magnuson-Stevens Act favors commercial fisheries over recreational fisheries and changes are needed to bring balance
62.4%
The current Magnuson-Stevens Act is fine and no changes are needed to the system used to manage and regulate saltwater fisheries
11.6%
The current Magnuson-Stevens Act favors recreational fisheries over commercial fisheries and changes are needed to bring balance
4.5%
None of the above reflect my opinion about the Magnuson-Stevens Act
21.4%
With over 9 million marine anglers in U.S., elected officials may want to take note of their constituency’s expectations about federal marine policies.
In response to concerns about a perceived decline in outdoors coverage in many newspapers, an additional question asked anglers if they were “willing to support newspaper advertisers who support the increase of outdoor coverage in your local newspaper.” 76% responded “absolutely,” while another 23% responded “maybe”
and only 1% responded “no.”
HunterSurvey.com Results: How Much DO Hunters Spend On Excise Taxes?
Hunters Also Provide Their Thoughts about Supporting Companies Who Advocate for Greater Outdoor Coverage in Newspapers Many hunters realize they pay a federal excise tax when purchasing firearms, ammunition and hunting equipment. These excise taxes, commonly known as the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration program, comprise the single largest source of conservation dollars outside of license sales. However, many sportsmen and women do not know how much of their purchases go to these excise taxes. Last month, HunterSurvey.com presented hunters and target shooters with the following question: “Hunters are the greatest conservationists largely due to an excise tax we pay on purchases of sporting arms and ammunition. The tax is paid by manufacturers (not retailers). How much is this tax?” The results are:
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% of Purchase Price:
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Hunter Responses:
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1-2%
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20.38%
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10-11%
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42.47%
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20-21%
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12.27%
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30-31%
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4.58%
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I don't know
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19.80%
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No answer
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0.49%
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The correct answer is 10 to 11 percent. From the website of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the federal agency that administers the program, Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration funds are derived from an “11 percent Federal excise tax on sporting arms, ammunition, and archery equipment, and a 10 percent tax on handguns.” Funds are collected from manufacturers and are divided annually among state wildlife agencies based on the number of hunters and geographic size of each state. Hunter education and shooting ranges are funded from one-half of the tax on handguns and archery equipment.
An additional question asked hunters if they were “willing to support newspaper advertisers who support the increase of outdoor coverage in your local newspaper.” 77% responded “absolutely,” while another 22% responded “maybe” and only 1% responded “no.”
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