What do you predict will LA do the same

[duck77777]

In case you haven't noticed, times are changing in the outdoors world. Prices, regulations and access are all concerns of hunters and anglers in the Lone Star State, including myself.

There are a few things that have been on my mind lately that have inspired some research. I thought it would be fun to throw a few predictions out there on the future of the Texas outdoors and see what everyone thinks.
#Coastwide 5 trout limit---Within five years, I believe there will be a coastwide speckled trout bag limit of five fish. Surveys show some disturbing trends over the last few years with huge dips in abundance in some bay systems on the Middle Coast. The minimum I believe we'll get is a five fish limit perhaps between San Antonio to Aransas area but if things don't get better statewide is likely. Bad or good I'm betting it happens.
#Widgeon restrictions---Hunters can currently (and as far as I know have always been able to) take a full limit of widgeon. Their numbers are consistently below the long-term average and barely above half of the scaup population. Scaup have been reduced to two birds in the Central Flyway. I suspect we'll see something happen on widgeon unless trends reverse themselves.
#Big Buck Backlash---When you walk into a hunting show and see numerous signs saying "Deer Semen for Sale" you know something isn't right. I have no problem with people breeding deer or even high fences but I do believe the big buck craze has gotten out of hand.
When you can produce 200 class bucks on demand is it still a trophy? And who can afford them? Lawyers? Doctors? Since I believe our current economic situation will fundamentally change the way America spends its money and values its resources there is a very good chance we'll see more respect paid to "8-pointers" and "10-pointers" instead of everyone judging a deer only by its Boone & Crockett score.
Then when someone takes a big buck no matter what kind of fence it was shot behind, it will mean something.
#Castnet Comeback---Two things are happening now in fishing, particularly in freshwater. People are staying closer to home and fishing in their local rivers, bayous and on private ponds and those same people are realizing they don't have to go a long way to have a quality fishing experience.
I have been getting lot more questions about how to use cast nets and live bait in freshwater. I think with the price of fishing lures and many more people starting to pursue crappie and catfish we'll see a cast net renaissance on inland waters.
#No Fishing Zones by Default---The federal government does not have to come in and create official "no fishing zones". By closing down areas they control like they have at various times on Pleasure Island on Sabine Lake and the state is about to do at Rollover Pass they are making "no fishing zones" by default. Expect more to come.
Hopefully an organization will rise up to fight this problem but whom?
Chester Moore, Jr. is The News Outdoors Editor. To contact Chester Moore, e-mail him at cmoore@fishgame.com. You can hear him on the radio Fridays from 6-7 p.m. on Newstalk AM 560 KLVI or online at www.klvi.com.)