bapabear Loc: Blaine, Washington

Gentlemen and most of the rest of us, (the general fishing population) have created our own downfall. (please don't go off on me if you are the victim like myself rather than the problem) The reason fishing has been legally and totally shut down is because of the photos of crowds at the ramps and shoulder to shoulder bank/pier fishing along popular fishing areas seen on the internet and news. If you remember, it all started as volunteer safe distance. That was ignored and the opposite often took place along with jokes and arrogant comments like "no one is going to tell me I can't fish" at the boat ramps and on the internet. We did not police our own, so the government had to take action. Those of you who can still fish (I am in Washington and can not)need to speak out (from a distance) when you see violations of the safe distance rule, or at the least don't join the crowd. Otherwise you too will also loss your right to fish. Don't let ignorant arrogant and selfish individuals who could care less about the safety of themselves and others, especially the elder make you also hang up your rod and reel. As the saying goes, you can not fix stupid, but you can refrain from supporting stupid. REMEMBER Take a kid fishing (but not right now)

plumbob Loc: New Windsor Maryland

One other consideration is in the event something happens and the Coast Guard has to be called out. Their safety would be jeopardized not only from a rescue, which they are prepared for, but know one is prepared for the virus.

stuco Loc: Northern Utah - Salt Lake City

All valid points. This is a hard time, and we have to do what’s right. Staying home sucks, but it’s the right thing.

Arizona Loc: Roy, Washington

Odd, according to some stats I just read from the AMA, more people are dying on a daily basis from heart disease and cancer than from the virus.

Spiritof27 Loc: Lincoln, CA

Well, it's still legal to fish here in California and I was gonna go out today to a lake I know is open and not snowed in, but decided against it. It's supposed to be in the 50's and windy, so there will be better days, and for now I'll let the other folks that do show up share the fish and hopefully not the virus.

bapabear Loc: Blaine, Washington

Read the medical projections and time frames. Half right can be all wrong.

Fish Dancer Loc: Guntersville, Alabama

50s and windy in the up country is not much fun. I don’t blame you for staying home Spirit. Your day will come. 🐠🕺

Schancer Loc: Hayward, WI

And don't forget the 38,000 who die in the U.S each year from auto "accidents". But we keep on texting and driving with no consequences. Collateral damage I guess. And the countless numbers dying from drug abuse.

wellfield Loc: Long Beach,California

A valid point indeed...thank you for your consideration.

Kerry Hansen Loc: Bremerton, WA

WEEKENDER

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife

April 2020



Weekender: A message on COVID-19 from WDFW Director Kelly Susewind



You’ll notice that this month’s Weekender is different than normal - we’ve switched from places to go to things you can do in your own backyard. Check out this month’s special edition of Weekender.



A message from WDFW Director Kelly Susewind



In the last few days, I have made several unprecedented decisions in response to the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak in Washington. As of today, 247 of our fellow Washingtonians have succumbed to this tragic disease. 5,984 more people are known to be infected, and an unknown number are unknowingly infected. As a nation, the United States now leads the world in the number of COVID-19 cases.



To reduce potential loss of life, I have directed my staff to cancel the April youth turkey hunt; delay some spring bear openings; close access to wildlife areas and water access areas, including our boat launches; and close all recreational fishing and shellfishing.



These closures will last through at least April 8. I believe these measures are necessary to help limit non-essential travel and effectively implement the Governor’s Stay Home, Stay Healthy order.


Fishing, boating, or hiking on public lands normally wouldn’t violate social distancing guidance. However, we have recently seen unusually large crowds driving to, and congregating at, state public areas. Clearly, people were seeking an outdoor reprieve from their anxiety, which unintentionally caused higher transmission risk at these sites and in nearby rural communities.



We know many Washingtonians find great solace in spending time on the water or in the wilderness, and we are taking these painful steps only because of the urgent need to protect the health and well-being of our neighbors and our communities.



For the latest information around WDFW’s response to COVID-19, please continue to visit https://wdfw.wa.gov/about/covid-19-updates. We’ll also share social media content from our channels to help you stay connected with Washington’s diverse and amazing fish and wildlife - from the safety of your own home.



I request your patience and understanding as we ask you to stay home and stay healthy – just as the Governor has asked. You have a role in saving lives in your family, your community, and your state. The better we do now, the sooner we can all return to the waterways, lands, and activities that we so enjoy.



I promise to you that we will reopen access to these resources as soon as it is safe to do so.



Kelly Susewind
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Director

JimRed Loc: Coastal New Jersey, Belmar area

Government taking on the role personal responsibility should play is no way to maintain a free society. And if the bad guys regain power they have now confirmed that they can use declarations of emergency to strip away our rights under the cover of law.

Spiritof27 Loc: Lincoln, CA

Whatever your motivation is for doing the right thing, please do it. And right now the right thing is to stay the hell away from each other. It's really the only weapon we have against this.

Egghead

Well fishings still open here, lots of people I know are going. Not me. I'm not that lucky anyway. I can catch fish in a mud puddle. And catch whatever else might be in the air to.this isn't something I want to catch and dang sure not something i want to bring home to my family. I'm sure the fish will bite when this is over if I'm still here to chase them. This whole virus thing is just getting wound up. Be the smart one.

Ronniejw Loc: West Point MS

I stay away from EVERYONE when I go fishing, lock the gate when I drive in. Except for the traffic noise from the highway it is SO peaceful.

Rudygofish Loc: Houston, TX

Exactly. Where’s the mass hysteria for that?! A diversion to get you looking 1 way while they pass things through, (like digital money) sketchy but that’s how they work.