New “Connecting With Conservation” – OSCF, Rather Outdoors & SCDNR

The Outdoor Stewards of Conservation Foundation (OSCF) has partnered with Rather Outdoors and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) for a new episode of “Connecting with Conservation.” This series was developed to thank 60+ million active HATS (Hunters, Anglers, Trappers and Shooters) for being primary funders of land, fish and wildlife conservation in the United States. This video series also highlights the good conservation works that are being accomplished throughout the US that are benefiting outdoorspeople like us. So, while much of the mainstream media leads us to believe the world is regressing, they can show the good that still exists amongst us.

Outdoor Stewards of Conservation Foundation Coverage on AllOutdoor

Middlebury, Connecticut – March, 2024 – The latest video showcases a visit to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources as well as a visit to Rather Outdoors headquarters in Columbia, S.C., to share how the purchase of fishing licenses, and fishing equipment can help improve the outdoors such as fish habitat, boat ramps and more.
“It was really great getting to see firsthand all the hard work that DNRs are doing and all the pride the folks at Rather Outdoors have in supporting conservation funding,” said Outdoor Stewards of Conservation Foundation’s Executive Director Jim Curcuruto. “Without HATS out there buying fishing licenses, products, rods, reels and lures, none of this would be possible. Thanks to all HATS for being primary funders of conservation, keep getting outside and having fun.”
In 1939 Congressman Frank Buck proposed a bill that imposed an excise tax on the sale of motorboat and small engine fuel, fishing tackle and tariffs on imported fishing equipment to support wildlife conservation. After battling for his bill to be used for the funding of wildlife conservation to preserve the country’s fisheries, Buck was victorious in 1950 thanks to efforts by Congressmen John Dingell and Edwin Johnson. The Dingell-Johnson Act, also known as the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Recreation Act, ensures that revenues generated from these excise taxes are allocated toward habitat acquisition and restoration, fish stocking, research and surveys.
“There are three key components to maintaining our fisheries: the resource agencies that are responsible for monitoring and providing access to the resource, the manufacturers who support that activity through funding and the sale of products, and most importantly the anglers who are purchasing the products and fishing licenses,” said Ross Self, SCDNR chief of
Freshwater Fisheries. “The sale of fishing licenses is so key to our ability to manage fishery resources. We’d like to take an opportunity to express our sincere appreciation to all the anglers in our state.”

“I’ve fished for as long as I can remember, and I never knew until I got into this industry that a portion of all of the fishing tackle we purchase as fishermen funds conservation,” said Kelly Long, vice president of communications for Rather Outdoors. “We are so proud to be a part of conservation, and on behalf of Rather Outdoors I want to thank the HATS for fishing and for being a primary funder of conservation.”

The Outdoor Stewards of Conservation Foundation (OSCF), Rather Outdoors, and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) make quiet the perfect storm when it comes to effecting change in the outdoors. Make sure to watch their video HERE to catch up on everything that they are accomplishing as of late. As always, let us know all of your thoughts about the Outdoor Stewards of Conservation Foundation (OSCF), Rather Outdoors, and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) in the Comments below! We always appreciate your feedback.

Adam Scepaniak