We, as anglers need to be prepared for two issues that may soon come to our waters. One is the ban of lead in fishing products; the other is the pumping of our lakes’ waters into larger cities.

About a decade ago the use of lead shot in ammunition for use in waterfowl hunting was banned in the U.S. and for good reason. It was proven beyond a doubt that the use of lead shot was damaging the populations of some dabbling birds such as ducks. However, now some states have considered banning the use of lead in fishing products up to an ounce. The American Sportfishing Association has conducted many studies on this matter and have found that damage to waterfowl from lead in fishing products has been nearly nonexistent. In addition, the lead we use in our lures is not harmful to our drinking water because it is not water soluble. I invite all our members to go to the American Sportfishing Association’s website at www.asafishing.org and read their studies on this matter. We should be well educated and prepared for what may come.

Out west and at the border of Mexico there are many lakes being nearly drained to pump to large cities because of water demand. Everywhere you read there is a battle for water, especially where it is scarce. A few years ago, we experienced in Virginia what it is like to be in a drought. The first place most large cities look to drain water supplies is our larger lakes. We should encourage our cities to impose conservation plans whether we are in a drought or not. If we start conserving water today, we will be well prepared for the next drought.

As fall comes I encourage all of you to help out Virginia Hunters For The Hungry by donating a couple of dollars when you buy your hunting license. It is a worthy cause that gives a great image to sportsmen that we have all earned and deserve.

Tad Phipps

State Conservation Director

VA B.A.S.S.