Multiple states have issued new COVID-19 orders that include the reopening of outdoor recreation opportunities, including reopening of recreational hunting and fishing, state parks and public land in Washington, New Jersey and Wisconsin and the reopening of marinas and charter fishing operations in Pennsylvania.
Earlier this month, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee issued an order prohibiting recreational fishing and hunting in Washington. The governor recently announced that Washington will reopen recreational fishing, hunting and limited saltwater fishing activities beginning on May 5. The governor’s orders also include the reopening of state parks and other public lands.
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy recently announced state parks will reopened Saturday, May 2. New Jersey state parks were closed to all activities, including hunting and fishing, in late March in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Pennsylvania will reopen marinas and allow fishing charters to now operate beginning May 1 after closing them earlier this month due to the coronavirus. Charter boat and marina operations rely heavily on dollars anglers spend during the spring fishing season to make a living and boost local economies.
Wisconsin has reopened nearly all state park properties after closing them earlier this month. Spring turkey season is in full swing in Wisconsin, and the opening of state parks reopens a great deal of state-owned hunting land.
“Despite the sudden slowdown in legislative activity across the nation, the Sportsmen’s Alliance has continued to fight to protect our beloved heritage,” said Jacob Hupp, associate director of state services at the Sportsmen’s Alliance. “After sending letters to all 50 governors and directors of fish and wildlife divisions to specifically address concerns of overreaching COVID-19 regulations, it appears as if the efforts of the Alliance and others sportsmen and conservation groups around the country is starting to have a positive impact.”
About the Sportsmen’s Alliance: The Sportsmen’s Alliance protects and defends America’s wildlife conservation programs and the pursuits – hunting, fishing and trapping – that generate the money to pay for them. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation is responsible for public education, legal defense and research. Its mission is accomplished through several distinct programs coordinated to provide the most complete defense possible. Stay connected to Sportsmen’s Alliance: Online, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.