If you haven't yet explored our Pioneers In Conservation page yet, please take a moment to at least watch the video there. Why? Because understanding the history of America's conservation programs can help us better understand and project the future of our conservation programs. The formula is pretty simple, really. When nobody funded hunting and fishing, people hunted and fished until populations were all but wiped out in many areas. Nobody regulated and managed those species then because there wasn't a funded agency or funding for management. Two prime examples are the billions of passenger pigeons that are now gone forever, or fish such as the Arctic grayling that once filled the cold water rivers in Michigan.
Let's decode this a little more. America's conservation programs are run by agencies and organizations. Those agencies and organizations are made up of teams of conservation professionals who have dedicated their careers to conservation of fish, wildlife and ecosystems. It costs a lot of money to run those agencies and employ those teams of conservation professionals. So where does all that money come from to fund conservation programs across the nation?
America's conservation programs are funded from two major sources; 1) fees paid by people who participate in various outdoor pursuits, such as anglers and hunters who buy licenses each year, 2) special "excise taxes" paid on certain items purchased for outdoors pursuits. So the bottom line is that if fewer people fish, hunt, and purchase related outdoor gear, there will be less and less money to fund the agencies and conservation programs that all Americans enjoy. To learn more about the details of funding of America's conservation programs, click on the LEARN MORE tab below.
It's somewhat of a "user pay" principle. Fewer outdoor people equates to less conservation funding, while more outdoor people means more funding for conservation programs. Of course there's one small twist in all this. Only about 5% of Americans hunt and only 10% fish. Yet this relatively small funding slice of society pays for the majority of conservation programs that 100% of all Americans get to enjoy. So to continue getting funding for conservation, Conservation Educators need to get more people interested and actually involved in outdoor pursuits. Their jobs combine being part educator, part salesperson, social media and promotional expert, and using a variety of public engagement programs that focus on something called "R3"... 1) Recruitment, 2) Retention, 3) Reactivation... of people who fish, hunt, trap, and participate in shooting sports and other key outdoor pursuits.
To discover how these Conservation Educators connect the public with the rewards of being actively involved in conservation related pursuits, watch the video here, and have your teacher conduct the lesson activities below so your entire class can share in understanding how conservation works for all of us to enjoy.
So are YOU interested in a career as a Conservation Educator or R3 Coordinator? If you're unsure, contact one in your state to learn more about all the things they do for the future of conservation programs.
This wildlife education program is made possible with support of these key educational partners. You and your teachers can link to their websites for additional information and educational opportunities.
At SCI Foundation’s American Wilderness Leadership School location in Jackson, Wyoming, educators and students learn about conservation, wildlife management, and outdoor recreation through outdoor, hands-on activities. Their Hands on Wildlife (HOW) program provides educators with conservation education instructional tools they can use in hands-on instruction.
Seasonal subsistence was a key in the lifestyles of Native Americans and fish resources have been an important part of their diet throughout history. So it makes you wonder… how has their relationship with fish resources changed over the centuries, and how does it compare to today?
To find out, take a step back in time and watch this interesting video. Then you can share and expand the discovery of learning in your classroom with a combination of watching the video and having your teacher download the free Lesson Activity at the bottom of this page that really tests your skills at seasonal subsistence.
Let's begin a very long time ago. Archaeologists, the scientists who study past civilizations, believe that Native Americans inhabited Wisconsin shortly after the melting of the last continental glaciers about 13,000 years ago. Back then, mammoths, buffalo, giant beavers and other Ice Age creatures roamed across the landscape.
In many areas, these Native people left behind clues to their culture with stone artifacts, effigy mounds, and rock art in caves. From this evidence, scientists believe that the Native people lived off the land by hunting, fishing, farming and gathering natural foods. The largest of these American Indian populations in Wisconsin were the Menominee, who lived around the Fox River area.
Historically, the Menominee people farmed gardens of corn, beans and squash. They also relied on important aquatic food resources such as wild rice and fish. One of the more important fish species they harvested for food was the sturgeon. Because of their size, just one of the huge fish could feed a lot of people.
All creatures, including humans, get their food using something called an “optimum foraging strategy”. It simply means getting the most food with the least effort or risk. That usually means gathering whatever food source is most abundant and accessible at any given time and place. To find out how Native Americans used these foraging strategies, explore the "Learn More" below.
Plus, the educational partner noted below supported the video and lesson content here for all of us to learn from. They also offer other learning opportunities on their website. Educators are encouraged to evaluate and consider their science sources. Click on their logo to discover more!
Let's start with a simple reality check. Why do you go fishing? Most people would say, "To catch fish, of course!". But if you really think about the entire process of "going fishing" it's a combination of;
And what's the one single thing that can keep you from enjoying all of the 4 main reasons for going fishing? Getting injured or killed while fishing. Any guesses what the leading causes of those injuries or deaths? The U.S. coast Guard confirms that, human errors remain the leading causes of boating accidents. The best way to prevent those human errors is with education and by following your fishing safety plan. So let's review your easy-peasy plan to keep you and your fishing peeps safe by becoming a smart angler.
But first, watch the video on this page and make a list of all the safe-n-smart things this crew does, plus what other things they could do to make their fishing adventure even safer. Please note that we’re not your complete solution to boating and fishing safety. In fact, we recommend that you take a certified boating safety course to protect your life and the lives of your friends and family. It’s one of the smartest things you can do as an angler, plus it’s required in most states as part of registered boating. Here’s how to get certified to be a safe and smart boater and angler when you’re on boats. https://www.boat-ed.com/
1. Wear Your PFD – The math is pretty simple on this one. If 84% of the people who drown each year failed to be wearing a PFD (personal flotation device), then you stand an 84% better chance of coming back from every fishing trip by wearing your PFD. Duaah. No rocket science required for this part of your plan. And before you boast about “being such a good swimmer”, consider how many good swimmers perished because:
So rule number 1 in your plan is - own your own and always wear your approved PFD while fishing, especially when the boat is moving under power. For the complete guide on selecting your PFD, visit this U.S. Coast Guard page… https://www.uscgboating.org/recreational-boaters/life-jacket-wear-wearing-your-life-jacket.php
2. Use The Buddy System – Ask any seasoned angler if they ever had a dangerous fishing incident and many will tell you that bad things happened when they were alone. So the smart solution is to always go fishing with a buddy. Your buddy can both help prevent accidents from happening in the first place and help rescue you (or you rescue them) if something goes wrong. Plus, most anglers admit that their best fishing adventures were with their buddy sharing in both the fun, memories, and yes, safety. And the best fishing buddies are the ones who have also taken boating safety and take an active role sharing your safe fishing plan.
3. File A Float Plan – When you’re fishing, it’s only natural that you’re looking for that secret, out-of-the-way or distant spot where you’ll catch the big ones. That also means that you’ll likely end up where nobody else knows where in the heck you’re at if you need help. So safe-n-smart anglers take a few moments to fill out and file a float plan, that you email or give it to two persons you know. Google Maps and cell phone apps make it easy and accurate. It can be a simple float plan of exactly where you’re going with, and who, plus when you expect to return. But the more details you can provide, the more you empower others to help rescue you if you don’t return on time. The Coast Guard makes it easy and complete with their free downloadable PDF Float Plan that you can fill in and email to responsible friends or family. And don’t forget that float plan safety includes everyone on board bringing a full-charged cell phone in a waterproof container. And when you’re home safe at the end of the trip, don’t forget to call the people you gave your float plan to and let them know you’re home safely.
4. The Elements – We already know that you’re smart because you’re planning for angling success. Now make your safe fishing adventure complete by planning to keep that body of yours safe from the elements. And don’t say, “Oh, it’s a beautiful day, no worries.” You won’t enjoy the trip if you’re cold, thirsty, sunburned, or ill. So pack and bring your personal safety sack with:
Ice fishing during the winter presents a whole new set of safety concerns. If you're up for fishing through the ice, research and develop a specialized safety plan for that and definitely follow the buddy system and check out the helpful ice fishing safety resources here from our friends at takemefishing.org.
For all kinds of other helpful information and resources on how kids can learn where-to and how-to go fishing, explore our companion KidsFishing.US website. To discover more about becoming a future angler, visit our educational partners that helped make this video, webpage and lesson possible by clicking on their logos below.
To really get serious about being a safe boater, take the complete online boating safety course using the link below.
Official Boater Safety Courses
and Boat Safety Education Materials
Recognized by the U.S. Coast Guard, approved by NASBLA and your state boating license agency, and approved by Transport Canada
Imagine that you're on a family vacation somewhere stuck in what appears to be the middle of nowhere but you want some angling action. What are your options?
No sense in pouting when you've got the Internet and local bait shops to help decode some of the pathways to going fishing in new locations. Take the Florida Everglades for instance. The 10,000 Islands area where the fresh water of the vast Everglades meets the ocean is a daunting maze that seems impossible to figure out. Yet like most places, there are clear pathways to angling action if you know where to look.
Local Guides - One surefire way to learn how to catch fish in a new area is to hire a local guide. They make a daily living showing people where and how to catch fish. Plus, they can offer years worth of advice on refined fishing techniques and baits that you can use to broaden your fishing savvy. Admittedly, the drawback is getting your parents to pay for a guide. So propose the trip as a family adventure that might cost less than taking everyone to Disney. And unlike carnival rides, you'll likely end up with the fixings for a great fish dinner at the end of the fishing adventure.
Local Bait Shops - Now you might think that local bait shops would be tighter-lipped than a catfish about spilling the beans to strangers on where and how to catch fish locally. So we actually had some of our anglers wander into a bait shop and explain they were vacationing and would appreciate a some expert advice on where and how to catch something. Guess what? Most bait shop staff consider themselves fishing "experts" and freely offer solid info on where to catch fish. Many will even offer "what they're biting on this week" in hopes of you catching something while they get to sell you a certain lure or bait. It's a win-win for both parties.
Government Websites, Offices & Officials - You have some very productive options here. First, you have free and easy online access to fishing on state and federal waters. For instance, a quick search on "Fishing the Everglades" reveals over 6 million hits with a number from Everglades National Park and Florida Fish & Wildlife. We've had our youth anglers actually stop into ranger stations and information offices to get detailed maps and friendly advice on where to catch fish. Some rangers in the field even told us their secret baits and how to fish them. Bingo, fish on! And don't forget solid online resources such as https://www.takemefishing.org/where-to-fish-and-boat/
Other Anglers - Bait shop staff aren't the only ones who consider themselves "fishing experts". Most other anglers will freely offer helpful "expert advice" to newbies, especially young anglers looking to learn how to catch fish. We've tried this "inter-personal" research on Florida piers, boat launches, beaches, and near river mouths and universally, most seasoned anglers are happy to share some where-to and plenty of how-to on catching local species.
Now that you have some simple and clear pathways to help you learn how to catch fish wherever you go, let's dive into the interesting dynamics in the Florida estuary food webs that will help you fill your tackle box with fishing smarts. Because knowing what fish eat when and how will help you choose the right bait, place and fishing techniques. Makes sense, right? So click on the Learn More tab below. And don't forget to share all this fun fishing detective work with your classroom using the free lesson activities below. Print a copy for your teacher today. Who knows, you might get an A!
But remember, wherever you fish, always check and follow local regulations such as these you'll find on; https://myfwc.com/license/recreational/saltwater-fishing/
Welcome to Wild About Walleyes as part of our Getting Families Fishing Series.
As you’ll discover in this TV show and related classroom videos, walleye fishing offers you pathways to learning about fish biology, the techniques to having a rewarding family adventure while catching a unique fish, and how to become sustainable anglers who conserve our fish for future generations.
Okay, so there's several great ways to enjoy and share the fishing fun and education in this show.
First, you can kick back with family or friends to watch this entire half-hour television episode to get the full content in one sitting. Kinda like enjoying a full course meal. Yum-yum.
Then there's the four shorter, custom segments on the noted links below. These are the custom "classroom" or learning videos with some bonus content designed to share with your entire classroom. On these links below you'll also find lots of other educational content, including custom lesson activities for your teacher to take your entire classroom on a three to four day journey of peer-driven learning blended with fun and hands-on pathways to try outdoor pursuits yourself.
Whichever way you decide to enjoy the fun and educational content, it's a win-win way for you to get engaged with pathways to discovering more about yourself and the great outdoors.
Until then, enjoy the journey of discovery in all of the content in our Getting Families Fishing Series.
For all kinds of helpful information and resources on how kids can learn where-to and how-to go fishing, explore our companion KidsFishing.US website. You'll also find lots of fun educational resources for classroom or lakeside learning. Plus, be sure to check out all the helpful resources on TakeMeFishing.org.
Official Boater Safety Courses and Boat Safety Education Materials
Let's say you don't know anybody to take you fishing and you don't know where to go. So you're out of luck, right?
Wrong, because this video and the many of the others on this website will help guide you to realistic pathways to making your first catch. Besides watching the video here, check out this link on where to fish on YOUR National Forests, plus explore the step-by-step guide to creating your passport to angling adventure on a National Forest.
If you take the time to decode this video, you'll discover the steps of how these two girls not only found places to go trout fishing on National Forests, they did their own online and in-person research on exactly where to go to catch their first trout. They also did something else that helped them learn where and how to catch a trout... they took the initiative to actually ask mentors to take them trout fishing. So watch this video and learn how you can do the same.
When you're done, take the time to also watch the Your Best Waters video (click on that thumbnail on the right), and discover where many of the best waters in the nation come from and what it means to you and the ecosystems they nourish.
Admittedly, if you're trying to make your first catch (that means catching your first fish), trout may be more of a challenge than perhaps a panfish or catfish. But don't let the challenge stop you. Just the process of fishing for trout will take you on a journey of fishing adventure that's ideal to share with family or a friend. Here's why:
To learn more about trout, trout habitat, trout fishing, and the habitat restoration work of conservation groups like Trout Unlimited, check out the reference links below... such as TU's Save Our Steams youth clubs.
Wherever you try to fish for trout, please remember to check beforehand on local fishing regulations and license requirements, including the need for a "trout stamp" that helps pay for trout habitat. To learn more about trout, trout habitats, and fishing for trout, click on the LEARN MORE button below, plus have your teacher download the free lesson activities below. You might get so interested in the wonderful world of trout that you may even want to plan a trout fishing adventure with your family or peeps.
For all kinds of other helpful information and resources on how kids can learn where-to and how-to go fishing, explore our companion KidsFishing.US website. To discover more about becoming a future angler, visit our educational partners that helped make this video, webpage and lesson possible by clicking on their logos below.
Let's say you'd like to form your own high school bass fishing club, but it sounds like too much of a hassle. Don't worry, lots of students have done it and the four videos and web pages on High School Bass Club (101-102-103-104) will help guide you through the process. So let's get started.
STEP 1 - Become familiar with the process and reasons why for starting a bass fishing club. Review the reasons on High School Bass Club 101. Also go online to highschoolfishing.org/ and follow the guidelines they offer for forming your club.
STEP 2 -The process will be easier and more fun if you enlist the help of other students (include a diversity of students and gender) who are interested in fishing. Research the website links provided below and take notes. The more you know, the easier the process and enlisting the support of your club advisor and school administrators. You're actually selling the idea to fellow student anglers and your school administrators, so be upbeat and positive about the whys of starting your club.
STEP 3 - Next, besides enlisting a minimum of two interested students grades 9-12, you'll need to find a club advisor. Use the "pitch points" or the reasons for forming the club that you've researched and feel free to use some of your own reasons relative to your school or geographic area. It makes sense to look for a "faculty advisor" (teacher-coach-counselor) who is also an angler. Or, you can enlist an involved parent or volunteer who is interested in angling and helping with your club.
Step 4 - Now that you're armed with three powerful things on your side; 1) solid reasons why you want to form a club, 2) other students who also want to share in the "education of fishing", 3) a faculty advisor to help support your club... you're now ready to meet with your school principal or superintendent (with your teammates) and pitch the idea - reasons why it's good for students and education plus how it's going to work with structured support of HighSchoolFishing.org.
To find out what to do next in Step 5, watch all four Classroom Videos and take notes. Then go to the High School Bass Club 103 web page to continue with Step 4 and others to complete your journey of creating your school's bass fishing club. And to get the entire class involved in this process of bass fishing discovery, have your teacher download the free lesson here and have it be part of your actual education in school… and on the water!
Still looking for more good reasons to form your club? Then explore the LEARN MORE tab below!
For all kinds of other helpful information and resources on how kids can learn where-to and how-to go fishing, explore our companion KidsFishing.US website. To discover more about becoming a future angler, visit our educational partners that helped make this video, webpage and lesson possible by clicking on their logos below.
And if you decide to fish, you really need to get serious about being a safe angler. So take the complete online boating and water safety course using the link below.
Official Boater Safety Courses
and Boat Safety Education Materials
Imagine being a key player in a high school team sport where you can travel around the state and country to win prizes and even compete for some of the millions of dollars offered in college scholarships. And no, you don't have to be a star athlete and have extraordinary skills at some sport. You can do it all by forming or joining your high school bass fishing club.
There are two major organizations that offer pathways to high school bass fishing clubs. 1) The Student Angler Federation that's part of the The Bass Federation, and 2) B.A.S.S. High School Nation that's part of Bassmaster. Each organization offers all kinds of advice and pathways to form your club and to enter bass fishing tournaments.
Now before you jump into the deep end of the lake, consider some of the reasons why a bass fishing club just might be your ticket to fun, recreation and relationships at school plus might provide a pathway to a college education;
So clearly there are solid reasons to form or belong to your high school bass fishing club. But where do you start and what does it take? No worries. We'll decode the whole process in an easy-to-follow step by step plan laid out by the Student Angler Federation. Begin by watching the 101 video here and reviewing the content in the LEAN MORE section below. To get the entire class involved in the this process of discovery, have your teacher download the free lesson here and have it be part of your actual education in school... and on the water! To learn about the next steps in forming your bass fishing club, go to High School Bass Club 102.
For all kinds of other helpful information and resources on how kids can learn where-to and how-to go fishing, explore our companion KidsFishing.US website. To discover more about becoming a future angler, visit our educational partners that helped make this video, webpage and lesson possible by clicking on their logos below.
And if you decide to fish, you really need to get serious about being a safe angler. So take the complete online boating and water safety course using the link below.
Official Boater Safety Courses
and Boat Safety Education Materials
Recognized by the U.S. Coast Guard, approved by NASBLA and your state boating license agency, and approved by Transport Canada
Imagine this, you're a fishing guide in Florida. You have a job that you love. You spend your days taking tourists a few miles off the coast for some of the best fishing experiences of their lives. Life has been good. But what would happen to your livelihood if the waters you fished became polluted? What if invasive species came and wreaked havoc on the natural wildlife population? Your career and the financial well-being of your family is based on the health and safety of your local marine ecosystem. This is just one way that National Marine Sanctuaries benefit local economies!
It is estimated that around $8 billion is generated each year in coastal and ocean dependent economies, where National Marine Sanctuaries are located. Industries like sustainable tourism and responsible recreation benefit from the healthy ecosystem that a national marine sanctuary provides.
When it comes to these ocean parks, there are many different ways that they can benefit a local economy both directly and indirectly. Tourism is one of the largest contributors. Millions of visitors come to these beaches, go diving and snorkeling, surf the waves, book fishing charters and visit local museums and restaurants when in the area. Of course, this is all dependent on a healthy National Marine Sanctuary that's worthy of a trip.
Another, less obvious way, that these marine treasures boost community moral by increasing the quality of life for people living in the surrounding homes and neighborhoods. Clean beaches and abundant wildlife in the area lead to a more desirable living situation for people that appreciate being in the outdoors.
It's safe to say that National Marine Sanctuaries create economic benefits that make them a desirable designation for each and every community that they are apart of. Watch the video that highlights a few people who've based their livelihoods on the health and benefits of their local National Marine Sanctuary. For more information and resources related to National Marine Sanctuaries and Monuments, head to Sanctuaries.NOAA.gov and marinesanctuary.org!
A U.S. national marine sanctuary is an area within United States waters where the marine environment enjoys special protection. It’s a federally designated area chosen for it’s historical, cultural, archeological, scientific, educational, recreational, ecological, or aesthetic qualities. As of this writing, the national marine sanctuary system consists of 14 marine protected areas that encompass more than 600,000 square miles of marine and Great Lakes waters. From Olympic Coast in the state of Washington to the Florida Keys there are National Marine Sanctuaries all across the country.
With that much area to take care of, marine stewards are an extremely important aspect of these conservation efforts. Every year, thousands of volunteers devote their time, and dedication to protecting national marine sanctuaries for future generations. In 2020, it was estimated that national marine sanctuary volunteers contributed over 118,946 hours to these efforts. That work makes a big difference for these sanctuaires, but as any marine steward could tell you, these protected habitats could always use more volunteers on the local, state and national level.
So if you've ever wanted to explore a shipwreck or get up close and personal with a sea cucumber getting involved with the U.S. national marine sanctuaries might give you that opportunity! As you'll discover, there are so many different reasons to get involved and volunteer your time. In this Into the Outdoors @Home topic, we meet one young marine steward just starting on her journey to a lifetime of conservation. You’ll see that there are many routes someone can take to become a marine steward, but a love for the environment and the passion to protect coastal waters is a thread that connects them all. For more information and resources related to national marine sanctuaries and monuments, head to Sanctuaries.NOAA.gov and marinesanctuary.org!
