Anglers and conservationists unite for access to public lands and the right to fish responsibly

Together, we are making a difference

One of the challenges created by the COVID–19 crisis is ensuring continued access to the great outdoors. With more people at home, there is a huge surge in the number of people wanting to go boating, fishing, or just get out to reconnect with nature and their families.

Our company's conservation pillars are: 1) conserving wildlife and habitat; 2) connecting new audiences to the outdoors; and 3) advocating for sportsmen's rights. We have an unwavering commitment to each of these pillars.

Over the past few weeks, our company, alongside our founder Johnny Morris, has taken a leadership role in advocating to ensure boat ramps, fishing access, wildlife management areas, hiking trails, and other appropriate lands and waters remain open in a responsible way. Our efforts have united national conservation groups along with our customers - passionate sportsmen and women - around this initiative. As a result, state and federal leaders are fully aware of our unified position that maintaining access to public lands and waters, while still following advice of public health officials, is critically important. An undisputable fact is, time outdoors fishing, hunting, and boating, especially during stressful times, is a way to rejuvenate and experience the healing power of nature.

Our proactive efforts have made a positive and significant difference across the nation. That said, there is still work to be done in locations and states where access has been eliminated or too severely restricted. We continue to advocate for common sense regulations.

Sportsmen and women are taking action. Many of you are likely aware of events such as the April 17 protest in Lansing, Michigan, and the announcement of a lawsuit by Michigan United Conservation Clubs contesting the executive order preventing the use of motorized boats (please see the enclosed video). It is not by chance that within a day of the Michigan events, South Carolina reopened their state's public boat ramps, Mississippi reopened state lakes and public waters, and select Florida cities and counties have begun reopening accesses for public use.

Breaking News: Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer's executive order banning the use of motorized boats was rescinded last Friday (please see the article below). This is great news! A sincere congratulations to all sportsmen and women. Our company is proud to stand with you. Have no doubt, we are here to advocate for sportsmen's rights.

Enjoying the outdoors while following social distancing is a great way to reduce anxiety and connect with family and nature. If there is a bright spot in the COVID–19 situation, it is the unprecedented interest from fathers, mothers, grandparents, aunts and uncles all wanting to take their family out to enjoy nature.

Stay safe, fish and hunt responsibly, and enjoy the natural beauty all around us!

Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's recommends anglers abide by all social distancing protocols and health best-practices per the Center for Disease Control while recreating.