U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance

Columbus, OH --(Ammoland.com)- Senate Bill 1083, sponsored by Senator Bob Smith (D- Piscataway), would allow youth ages 10 and older and adults to hunt under an apprentice hunting license.

The apprentice license allows new hunters to try hunting under the mentor-ship of an experienced adult before completing a hunter education course.

A hearing for the bill has been scheduled for Thursday, February 9th at 10:00 a.m. in Committee Room 10 on the 3rd Floor of the State House Annex in Trenton. The bill is in the Senate Committee on Environment and Energy. New Jersey sportsmen and women should contact the members of the Committee today and ask them to support Senate Bill 1083. Tell them that apprentice hunting is vital to the future of our outdoor heritage.

“Families Afield has a nationwide track record of safely recruiting new hunters through apprentice hunting licenses,” said Jeremy Rine, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance in-house counsel and associate director of state services. “This try-before-you-buy concept helps to boost hunter recruitment and retention, while keeping our hunting heritage alive for the next generation.”

Apprentice hunting licenses have been a hallmark of the Families Afield initiative across the country. The Families Afield initiative was established by the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance, the National Shooting Sports Foundation, and the National Wild Turkey Federation to bring a new generation of sportsmen to the field. Along with the National Rifle Association and the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, the coalition has worked to pass measures in 32 states with more than 600,000 apprentice or mentored hunting licenses sold since the program’s inception.
Companion legislation, House Bill 1544, is pending before the Assembly Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Take Action! New Jersey sportsmen should contact members of the Senate Environment and Energy Committee today and ask them to support Senate Bill 1083. Tell them apprentice hunting licenses have been shown across the country to be a safe and successful way to recruit new hunters.

Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources

• Chairman Bob Smith (D- Piscataway) – Bill Sponsor
  Phone: (732) 752-0770 Email: senbsmith@njleg.org
• Vice Chair Senator Linda R. Greenstein (D- Plainsboro)
  Phone: (609) 395-9911 Email: sengreenstein@njleg.org
• Senator Christopher Bateman (R- Somerville)
  Phone: (908) 526-3600 Email: senbateman@njleg.org
• Senator Jennifer Beck (R- Red Bank)
  Phone: (732) 933-1591 Email: senbeck@njleg.org
• Senator Jim Whelan (D- Atlantic City)
  Phone: (609) 383-1388 Email: senwhelan@njleg.org

About:
The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance is a national association of sportsmen and sportsmen’s organizations that protects the rights of hunters, anglers and trappers in the courts, legislatures, at the ballot, in Congress and through public education programs. Visit www.ussportsmen.org.

Arizona Becoming an Outdoors Woman Event - April 20-22 2012

Arizona Wildlife Federation

Arizona --(Ammoland.com)- Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) is a non-profit, educational program offering hands-on workshops to adult women.

We encourage a supportive environment conducive to learning, making friends, and having fun.

No experience is necessary and BOW is for women of all ages and fitness levels. Dr. Christine Thomas at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point held the first workshop in 1991. Today, there are over 80 workshops held in more than 40 states, several Canadian provinces and New Zealand.

In 2012 the Arizona BOW program will celebrate its 17th year. The venue is Friendly Pines Camp near Prescott. Dates are April 20-22nd and September 7-9th. We will begin Friday noon and end Sunday noon. Participants choose four classes from a field of 32. Subjects range from rappelling to fishing to geocaching. Lodging is in rustic cabins but they have full bathrooms and electricity. Meals are provided and cooked by the camp staff. The focus for the weekend is learning in a comfortable atmosphere.

In addition to learning new activities, BOW participants are also treated to a variety of evening entertainment. We will have a game and wine taste, featuring wild game dishes and samples of our now famous prickly pear margaritas. Night fishing and fly tying will be available as well as featured speakers with live critters as special guests. Saturday night is lots of fun with a fund raising raffle, silent auction and ‘talent’ from the participants.

Many of the classes offered are basic outdoor knowledge. Arizona has life zones from desert to alpine, you can learn about them in Arizona Wildlife and Habitat. There is a basic land navigation class, a birding class and a tracking/animal identification class. A perennial favorite is “I’m Lost, Now What?”

Shooting is also offered. Before going to the range to shoot, the student must take a firearms safety class. Then, she may take, handgun basics, shotgun or rifle marksmanship. All of these classes are taught one on one with AZGFD hunter education volunteers. But for many, BOW is more that just learning a new skill.

There are many reasons why women come to BOW. For some, it is just some ‘ME’ time. A different take on a girlfriends weekend away. BOW is a great way to enjoy camaraderie with other women and maybe learn a new skill. Perhaps fly-fishing seems appealing but the cost prohibitive especially for recreation untested. At BOW, you can try it before you buy it. We provide equipment and expert instruction for fly-fishing, archery, canoeing, shooting and more.

Many BOW participants are looking for a little adventure, a baby step outside their comfort zone. They might choose to learn the hunting class or warm water fishing. Have a fear of heights? Want to conquer it? Take a rappelling class or the high ropes and jump from a 60’ Ponderosa pine. The safe, supportive atmosphere of a BOW workshop is the ideal place to grow.

Still others are looking for like-minded women to network with. There is a growing group of BOW graduates that go turkey hunting together every spring. Single moms might want the skills to safely take their families camping or fishing or geocaching. At BOW she can learn those skills and find a friend to go with.

The Arizona Wildlife Federation sponsors the Arizona BOW program with lots of help from the Arizona Game and Fish Department. Our instructors are volunteers and all are experts or professionals in their field. Cost is $245 and includes lodging, meals and most classroom materials. The registration is available online at www.azwildlife.org or you can call 480-644-0077.

Georgia Department of Natural Resources

ATLANTA, Ga. --(Ammoland.com)- It is going to get a little wild at the Georgia Capitol this Wednesday as sportsmen’s groups and coastal conservation groups from the around the state gather to meet with state leaders for “Sportsmen’s and Coastal Day at the Capitol.”

“This is our 11th annual sportsmen’s event at the Capitol and we are excited to have this opportunity to talk about the impact that our sportsmen and women have on our state including directly supporting more than 31,000 jobs and generating more than $3 billion annually,” said Scott Tanner, the event organizer.

“We also are pleased to add the recognition of ‘Coastal Day’ to this event to highlight the more than $2 billion annually that this area generates in tourism dollars as well as the state’s saltwater fishing industry.”

A broad spectrum of sportsmen’s and conservation groups will participate with displays, educational materials, interactive activities and live animals. Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources and Coastal Resources Divisions will participate in the event.

2012 Sportsmen’s Day Participants

• Trout Unlimited
• Georgia Canine Coalition
• Georgia Hunting and Fishing Federation
• National Wild Turkey Federation
• Georgia Wildlife Federation
• Camo Coalition
• Quality Deer Mgt Association
• Heritage and Wildlife Conservation Council
• National Rifle Association
• Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
• Georgia Trappers Association
• Coastal Conservation Association
• Izaak Walton League
• GeorgiaCarry.Org
• National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucus’s
• Let’s Get Wild, Inc
• Georgia Outdoor News
• DNR Wildlife Resources Division
• DNR Coastal Resources Division

Governor Nathan Deal, Lt. Governor Casey Cagle and House Speaker David Ralston are scheduled to speak at the event at 9:00 a.m.

“This event is an opportunity for the sportsmen of Georgia to say thank you to the legislators for their leadership and support in defending and advancing hunting, fishing, and conservation issues,” said Jennifer Lundy, State Caucus Manager for the National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses. “Because of our legislative leadership, Georgia has abundant animal populations that provide our citizens with unrivaled opportunities for recreation and commerce.”

“I’m proud to participate in Sportsmen’s and Coastal Day at the Capitol,” said Mark Williams, Georgia DNR Commissioner. “Hunting, fishing and our coast are not only economic engines in our state, but they also improve our quality of life. I want to thank all of our sportsmen and partners on the coast for all they do for conservation in Georgia.”

For more information about hunting and fishing opportunities in Georgia, visit www.georgiawildlife.com . For more information about coastal fishing and recreational opportunities, visit www.coastalgadnr.org .

American Leather Classics Lost Camo Dog Products

American Leather Classics

Michigan --(Ammoland.com)- American Leather Klassics is proud to announce they are offering a complete line of Lost Camo leather products for dogs.

Hunters love camouflage and now they can outfit their favorite hunting dog with a Lost Camo leash or collar.

The Lost Camo leather dog collars and leashes are made of 9-ounce leather which is beautiful and durable. The Leash is lined with supple black leather which is smooth to the touch and comfortable against the dogs’ neck. The collar and leash come with heavy duty chrome plated hardware that are built to last for many hunting seasons.

The leash and the collar are precisely and evenly stitched with thread that coordinates with the two leathers adding durability and a touch of class.

Like all American Leather Klassics Lost Camo products, the dog products are made in the U.S.A..

Having a dog leash and collar that will last for years and keep the dog safe is extremely important. American Leather Klassics products are built with the hunting dog owner in mind. Hunting dogs require extra tough products that can handle anything the woods and water can dish out. American Leather Klassics products are up to the task.

American Leather Klassics Lost Camo dog products round out a complete line of Mathews Lost Camo products including leather wallets, belts and a variety of other products. For more information, call 231-903-8982 or visit www.americanleatherklassics.com.

MI Hunters Rights Preserved in Huron-Manistee Forest Lawsuit

NRAHuntersRights.org

Fairfax, VA--(Ammoland.com)- A single citizen’s five-year legal battle to end gun hunting and snowmobiling in portions of Michigan’s Huron-Manistee National Forests —an effort that very well could have jeopardized hunting in all national forests— reached its likely end last week, when the U.S. Forest Service announced that both activities will be allowed to continue.

That decision stems from a 2010 ruling by the 6^th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that the Forest Service failed to comply with several of its own regulations and a federal statute during revision of the 2006 Land and Resource Management Plan for the Huron-Manistee National Forests.

Kurt Meister, a forest user who owns a cabin in nearby Cadillac, Mich., filed suit in 2007 alleging that the management plan for Huron-Manistee favored gun hunting and snowmobile riding over “quiet” recreational activities. He sought to have approximately 66,500 acres of semi-primitive, non-motorized areas set aside for quiet uses.

His complaint was originally thrown out by a federal district judge in Detroit, but Meister won on appeal.

Specifically, the court found that the Forest Service (1) did not coordinate its planning with the state of Michigan, as required, to reduce duplication of recreational activities with respect to firearm hunting and snowmobiling, and (2) violated the National Environmental Policy Act when it failed to consider closing 13 semi-primitive, non-motorized areas and the Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area to gun hunting and snowmobiles.

In response to that lawsuit, Huron-Manistee officials amended the management plan, offering four alternatives ranging from taking no action —which would have flown in the face of the court’s ruling— to ending gun hunting and snowmobiling on 14 different areas of the forest.

The agency instead opted to reclassify 13 of those 14 areas to management designations that imply more noise but still allow for “more secluded” and “less roaded” recreation relative to the rest of the forests’ nearly 1 million acres.

This preferred alternative (Alternative 4 in the draft plan) allows gun hunting and snowmobile use to continue and was supported by NRA and more than 30 other pro-hunting organizations via a letter submitted to the Forest Service in October. The Record of Decision implementing the preferred alternative, signed on Jan. 27 by Regional Forester Charles L. Myers, says the Forest Service will:

• –  Continue to allow gun hunting in the previously designated semi-primitive, non-motorized and primitive areas of the Huron-Manistee National Forests in accordance with regulations of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and
• – Continue to allow snowmobiling on designated trails within the Huron-Manistee National Forests.

Hunters should take note, however, that the plan still must clear several hurdles before it becomes final.

For starters, forest spokesperson Ken Arbogast said the Department of Justice will submit the Record of Decision on the Forest Service’s behalf to the U.S. District Court in Detroit, which will determine if the plan complies with the Sixth Circuit’s ruling.

The decision will also be open to a 45-day public appeal period.

Despite these pitfalls, it looks as if a precedent-setting ban on gun hunting has been averted, at least for the time being.

“The Forest Service made the right decision to keep secluded areas open to gun hunting, but in changing the land designations, the agency creates the impression that gun hunting should be excluded from semi-primitive and primitive areas,” said Susan Recce, NRA Director of Conservation, Wildlife and Natural Resources.

“The only way to protect gun hunting on national forests, regardless of individual land designations, and to stop these frivolous lawsuits, is for Congress to enact H.R. 2834.”

Supported by NRA, the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance, Safari Club International, Congressional Sportsmen Foundation, and the American Sportfishing Association, among other conservation groups, H.R. 2834, the Recreational Fishing and Hunting Heritage and Opportunities Act, safeguards hunting, fishing and recreational shooting from arbitrary closure on federal lands.

The bill states that lands under Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service jurisdiction, including lands designated as wilderness, or administratively classified as wilderness eligible or suitable, and primitive or semi-primitive areas, shall be open for fishing, hunting and shooting unless the managing agency acts to close lands to such activity.

The closures or restrictions must be necessary and reasonable and supported by facts and evidence.

H.R. 2834 also corrects another problem that the ruling created with respect to duplication of activities. The court’s ruling suggested that the Forest Service, by its own planning rule, had to look outside the boundaries of the Huron-Manistee to see if hunting was allowed on non-forest lands, implying that the agency should close forest lands to hunting if other nearby state or federal lands were also open to hunting.

An analysis completed by Huron-Manistee officials and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources found that there was no opportunity to reduce duplication because of public demand for hunting and snowmobiling opportunities in more secluded areas.

However, H.R. 2834 removes any obligation for federal land managers to consider sportsmen’s activities on other lands when planning for public use on its own lands.

H.R. 2834 is expected to reach the House floor in March, and a Senate version of the bill was introduced by Sens. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Joe Manchin (D-West Virginia) on Thursday, Feb. 2.

For additional information on H.R. 2834, please read: NRA Fights to Secure Access to Federal Lands

About:
For the most up-to-date information about your hunting rights there’s just one source: www.NRAhuntersrights.org.

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife

OLYMPIA, Washington --(Ammoland.com)- The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission adopted a variety of new sportfishing rules and increased the number of multiple-season hunting permits for deer and elk issued each year during a public meeting here Feb. 3-4.

The commission, a nine-member citizen panel appointed by the governor to set policy for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), adopted new fishing rules for the 2012-13 season that will:

• Close fishing early for steelhead and other game fish in several river systems in Puget Sound and along the Strait of Juan de Fuca to protect wild steelhead. The early closures, ranging from mid-January to mid-February of 2013, apply to the Nooksack, Skagit, Stillaguamish, Snohomish, Green and Puyallup river systems, along with several streams along the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The proposal also includes closing the upper section of the Samish River on Dec. 1 and the lower section Jan. 1 to fishing for all species.
• Declassify northern pike as a gamefish and allow anglers to fish with two poles on the Pend Oreille River, where the non-native fish have been spreading. Anglers who purchase the required endorsement will also be allowed to use two fishing poles on the lower Spokane River.
• Close fisheries on a number of small coastal streams that drain into Washington’s ocean waters to protect juvenile anadromous fish.
• Change the opening day of the lowland lake fishing season from the last Saturday in April to the fourth Saturday in April.
• Limit sturgeon retention in Puget Sound, as well as its tributaries, to June 1-June 30 and Sept. 1-Oct.15. The new rule is designed to minimize impacts to Columbia River sturgeon that venture into Puget Sound to feed. Under the proposal, catch-and-release fishing will still be allowed year-round.

Summaries of those and other rule changes, as adopted, will be available on the department’s website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations/rule_proposals/ by mid-February. Public comments on the proposed changes were taken by the commission during meetings in December and January.

In other action, the commission increased the number of multiple-season deer and elk permits issued each year to hunters. Those permits, awarded through annual drawings, allow permit-holders to participate in all general hunting seasons for deer and elk.

Without the special permit, hunters must choose among archery, muzzleloader or modern firearm seasons.

The commission approved WDFW’s proposal to increase the number of deer permits from 4,000 currently to 8,500, and the number of elk permits from 850 to 1,250. State wildlife managers have assured the commission that increasing permit levels will expand hunting opportunities without posing a risk to deer and elk populations.

In other business, the commission deferred action on a proposal by WDFW to acquire 165 acres for fish and wildlife habitat in Okanogan County. The commission re-scheduled consideration of the purchase for a conference call Feb. 17 to allow time for further review.

New Jersey Outdoor Alliance

TRENTON, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- Hooked on Fishing not on Drugs (A638), a bill that the New Jersey Outdoor Alliance has made a priority to become law was unanimously approved by the Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee last week.

NJOA (CF) council members present at the hearing and testifying in favor of the bill were New Jersey Outdoor Alliance, Jersey Coast Anglers Association, and New Jersey State Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs. Other groups also testified for the bill, including New Jersey Recreation and Parks Association.

Committee members:

• Albano, Nelson T. (D)
• Clifton, Robert D. (R)
• Wilson, Gilbert L. (D)
• Caride, Marlene (D)
• Dancer, Ronald S. (R)

Bill sponsors:

• Rumpf, Brian E. as Primary Sponsor
• Conaway, Herb, Jr. as Primary Sponsor
• Gove, DiAnne C. as Primary Sponsor
• Albano, Nelson T. as Primary Sponsor
• Wolfe, David W. as Co-Sponsor
• Diegnan, Patrick J., Jr. as Co-Sponsor
• McHose, Alison Littell as Co-Sponsor
• Moriarty, Paul D. as Co-Sponsor
• Chiusano, Gary R. as Co-Sponsor
• Rumana, Scott T. as Co-Sponsor
• Peterson, Erik as Co-Sponsor
• Burzichelli, John J. as Co-Sponsor

Bill A638 (HOFNOD) would establish a program within the Division of Fish and Wildlife to encourage children to avoid drug use. HOFNOD is a nationally recognized program developed by the Future Fisherman Foundation which has operated successfully in over a dozen states.

The program’s funding source would be the Drug Enforcement and Demand Reduction Fund (DEDRF) from which there would be a $200,000 appropriation to support the cost of implementing the program. This is a statutory account established to receive fines and penalties from convicted drug offenders that are used to support State authorized drug and alcohol abuse abatement programs.

Ed Markowski, President of NJOA (EP) and a long-time champion of the bill said, “HOFNOD is a uniquely designed approach to drug prevention among our youth. It is as effective with urban kids as it is with suburban and rural kids. HOFNOD consists of developing positive life skills while providing an appreciation of wildlife and the outdoors with the catalyst being the teaching of angling skills to school-aged children.”

The legislation is scheduled to be heard by Senate Environment and Energy Committee (S178) on Thursday, February 9, 2012. If approved, it would need to be passed by the full Assembly and full Senate to be sent to Governor Christie to be signed into law.

JOIN NJOA: http://www.njoutdooralliance.org/support/njoa.html

About:
NJOA – The mission of New Jersey Outdoor Alliance is to serve as a grassroots coalition of outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen dedicated to environmental stewardship. We will champion the intrinsic value of natural resource conservation – including fishing, hunting and trapping, among opinion leaders and policy makers. We will support legislation, and those sponsoring legislation, that provides lasting ecological and social enrichment through sustainable use of the earths resources. Visit: www.njoutdooralliance.org

By: Anthony P. Mauro, Sr

It’s been nearly a year since I last wrote about the precipitous decline in New Jersey’s fisheries management capabilities, and the trend continues unabated.

Last year it was a free registry that prompted many people to examine the ruinous underfunding of the Bureau of Marine Fisheries (BMF) and this year it is the closure of the river herring fishery.

According to “The Economic Contribution of Marine Angler Expenditures in the United States”, a report prepared by NOAA Fisheries for the US Department of Commerce, marine recreational fishing in New Jersey is an industry that generates sales of $1.6 billion, provides  total tax revenue of $242 million and New Jersey tax revenue in excess of $100 million. In fact, fishing supports 10,000 jobs and provides the highest sales, income and employment of the Northeast region, as well as the highest tax revenues. Fishing also supports a tourism industry worth $16 billion.

Saltwater fishing is not only a recreational and economic engine for New Jersey; anglers and their disposable income are the source of essential conservation initiatives. It is the BMF that is responsible for the administration of marine fisheries management programs that include 127 miles of Atlantic coast and 83 miles of bayshore. The purpose of the bureau is to protect, conserve and enhance marine fisheries resources and their habitat.

With such an important and high profile contribution to New Jersey’s socioeconomic well-being and environmental health one would be forgiven for thinking that the BMF is a formidable competitor for state budget appropriations and is given priority for its potential to expand state revenues.

In fact, nothing could be further from the truth.

Incredibly, BMF operates on an appropriated budget that is less than $2 million while multiple coastal states have budgets that exceed $20 million. New Jersey currently ranks last in total State Marine funding per angler among every Atlantic Coast State. Since 1988, the Bureau’s appropriated budget has increased only by the inflation factor and not in real terms and at the same time federally mandated Fisheries Management Plans (FMPs) have increased from one (1) in 1988 to 22 in 2009.

In a recent New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection announcement of the shutdown of the river herring fishery blame was assigned to inadequate resources to prove that the fishery was sustainable to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission. This deficit should concern us since it may be cause for future fishery closures given that New Jersey competes with Atlantic Coast States that are in a better position to justify coast-wide fisheries quotas.

Let the house burn

Metaphorically speaking, the tacit message sent by policy makers and legislators has been clear; let the house burn. The metaphorical house is the Bureau of Marine Fisheries. The arsonist in this figure of speech is the angling community that has lit the flame with apathy and fear.

My definition of the angling community includes the individual angler that has refused to hold our state government accountable for adequately funding BMF, and saltwater fishing organizations that have allowed the situation to dilapidate in order to avoid the conflict that will be created by addressing the problem – conflict that might cause a potential loss in membership rolls and associated fees. However, to let the house burn makes both government representatives and the angling community accomplices in negligence.

During the past decade attrition and the forfeiture of institutional knowledge has crippled BMF and it might take an equal number of years to reverse. While finding a solution to funding BMF may be difficult the first course of action is clear – it will take an honest assessment of the problem and the development of a viable solution. To accomplish the task requires angler involvement, leadership from saltwater organizations like the New Jersey Outdoor Alliance and all 23 NJOA (CF) council members including NJSFSC and JCAA, and the courage to do the right thing.

I think it is appropriate to end this commentary with a quote from Izaac Walton, renown for celebrating the art and spirit of fishing, “Rivers and the inhabitants of the watery elements are made for wise men to contemplate and for fools to pass by without consideration.”

Color The Green Movement Blue

Ant

About: Anthony P. Mauro, Sr, (also known as “Ant” to friends and associates) is Chairman and co-founder of the New Jersey Outdoor Alliance, New Jersey Outdoor Alliance Conservation Foundation, and New Jersey Outdoor Alliance Environmental Projects. Ant’s commitment to the principles of sustainable use of natural resources and environmental stewardship helped to create the New Jersey Angling & Hunting Conservation Caucus (NJA&HC). The NJA&HC is the first outdoor caucus of its kind in New Jersey and is designed to educate opinion leaders and policy makers about the principles of conservation; the foundation for healthy ecosystems, fish and wildlife.

U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance

Columbus, OH --(Ammoland.com)- For more than a decade, sportsmen in Iowa fought for the opportunity to pursue North America’s number one game bird – the mourning dove.

Last year, the hard work and dedication finally paid off as the Iowa legislature passed Senate File 464 authorizing dove hunting in the state.

Now, just months after the first successful dove hunt, anti-hunting activists are pushing to have the season banned.

On January 19th, State Representative Mary Mascher (D-Iowa City) introduced House File 2061 that would prohibit dove hunting in the state.

“Despite the fact that the Iowa legislature clearly spoke last year by authorizing dove hunting, the animal rights lobby is not giving up,” said Jeremy Rine, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance in-house counsel and associate director of state services. “Sportsmen need to show their support for dove hunting to their elected officials.”

Take Action! Iowa sportsmen should contact their state representatives and express their support for dove hunting. To find your state representative’s contact information, please visit www.ussportsmen.org/LAC.

For more information on this and other issues, contact the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance at 614-888-4868 or email info@ussportsmen.org.

About:
The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance is a national association of sportsmen and sportsmen’s organizations that protects the rights of hunters, anglers and trappers in the courts, legislatures, at the ballot, in Congress and through public education programs. Visit www.ussportsmen.org.

Midway USA

Columbia, MO --(Ammoland.com)- “Without organizations like SCI to play an important role in effective conservation efforts, our children and grandchildren won’t be able to enjoy hunting and shooting sports,” says Larry Potterfield, founder and CEO of MidwayUSA.

“As hunters and conservationists, [my wife] Brenda and I believe it’s our duty to support these organizations that help support our future way of life.”

Larry Potterfield will be busy during the show meeting customers on Friday, February 3rd at 2:00pm at the SCI Membership Booth #3621, along with Bill Moritz, Executive Director of SCI. Larry will also be speaking at the show’s evening events on Friday, February 3rd.

“MidwayUSA has an amazing conservation ethic and a dedication to bringing more young hunters to our sport,” said SCI President Kevin Anderson. “By joining together at the SCI Annual Hunters’ Convention this year, we will be bringing the highest quality hunting event to both American and international sportsmen and women. I am very proud to have MidwayUSA join SCI to be First for Hunters!”

With over one million square feet of booths and exhibits, six continents will be representing some of the guides and outfitters in the industry. Not only will show-goers get to see some of the best outdoor products in the industry, they will also have the chance to see special performances from country music artists Trace Adkins, Martina McBride and many more! Show sponsors expect over 20,000 people to come to the Mandalay Bay Resort “in the name of conservation”. Will you be one of them?

About MidwayUSA
MidwayUSA (http://www.midwayusa.com) is a family-owned catalog and internet retailer specializing in Just About Everything^(SM) for Shooting, Reloading, Gunsmithing and Hunting. Now celebrating our 35th Anniversary, Larry and Brenda Potterfield turned their passion for shooting sports into a career in 1977 by opening a small retail firearms store that would eventually become MidwayUSA. MidwayUSA is still owned by the Potterfield Family and Customer Satisfaction is still our Number One Goal.

• For more information about MidwayUSA, please visit our website or call 800-243-3220.
• For more information about SCI, please visit their website or call 520-620-1220.

National Animal Interest Alliance

Trenton, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- New Jersey A2039 revises the definitions concerning types of animal abuse and raises the penalties so that many infractions become felonies.

This new law would impact all pet owners in New Jersey, which include approximately 1,993,000 households, representing about 5,340,000 individuals. See text of bill here.

This bill will be heard tomorrow in the Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee. Please watch for a special Alert tomorrow to send a message to that committee. See below to send a special message to your Assemblyperson now.

The vast majority of Americans take good care of their animals. In 2011 the American Pet Products Association estimated that $50.84 billion dollars were spent on pet care. The notion that our society is teeming with animal abusers is an exaggeration. This legislation is an overarching attempt to justify that assumption.

Some of the activities targeted by this bill include perfectly legitimate American Kennel Club events such as earthdog trials and hunt tests. The definition of “sexual contact” needs to be refined to ensure that normal animal husbandry practices and conformation events will not be negatively impacted.

The definition of “minimum care” is so vague it gives no guidance to animal owners at all. The language used is inappropriate for criminal law. Instead, it is tort language and doesn’t rise to the standard used for criminal law.

The new section on aggravated animal abuse includes, “purposely causes unnecessary bodily injury to an animal” and also, “knowingly causes unnecessary bodily injury to an animal.” There is disagreement among animal owners as to what is necessary or not. This could easily apply to normal animal husbandry practices such as cropping, docking, and dewclaw removal. The first charge carries a crime of the fourth degree, the second carries a crime of the third degree. Both are felonies.

Section 5 would make it a disorderly persons offense if you tied your dog to a parking meter while you went inside a shop to buy coffee and a newspaper.

In the same section, aggravated animal abuse is a failure to provide minimum care that causes the death of an animal, but extreme aggravated animal abuse is failure to provide minimum care and the animal lives. That is contrary to most other laws.

The penalties are over the top, with “person found guilty of a cruelty offense is subject to maximum fines, and subject to minimum fines of not less than:

• $10,000 when offense is crime of the first degree;
• $5,000 when offense is crime of the second degree;
• $3,000 when offense is crime of the third degree;
• $1,000 when offense is a crime of the fourth degree;
• $500 when offense is a disorderly persons fine.”

Crimes of the fourth, third and second degree include aggravated assault, sexual assault, property theft crimes, manslaughter and second degree homicide. Charges of animal abuse don’t equal similar charges of crimes against people and don’t belong in Title 2.

In every case, these penalties are for each individual animal. Once they have charged you with cruelty for your school of guppies, the fines and jail time will soon add up. The bill also calls for mental health treatment, with the cost to be borne by the violator. Law cannot require a court to order mental health counseling without an evaluation of the facts of the case and a determination by the court based on those facts.

Section 6 outlaws euthanasia practices accepted by the AVMA. It is inappropriate for the state to insert itself between a veterinarian and their client.

The bill provides all kinds of mechanisms for forfeiture and repayment of fees having to do with the care of the animal, but does not provide for the transfer of ownership and care to a non-custodial co-owner.

A2039 does nothing to increase the care for animals, or to protect them from harm. All it does is create a new class of criminals. New Jersey does not need more felons, nor do their prisons need more prisoners. Incarceration is expensive. Continued education in the proper care of pets would be money better spent.

Please send a message to your Assemblyperson about this bill.

Protect your pets! Join NAIA Trust today!

About:
The Mission of NAIA is to promote the welfare of animals, to strengthen the human-animal bond, and safeguard the rights of responsible animal owners and professionals through research, public education and sound public policy. Visit: www.naiaonline.org

Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife

DOVER, Delaware --(Ammoland.com)- The judges’ decisions are in: the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife’s first fishing and hunting photo contests each have first and second place winners and three honorable mentions.

Three judges – well-known professional photographer Kevin Fleming, and local photographers Tony Pratt and Freda Barrett, both DNREC employees – reviewed 53 fishing entries and 27 hunting entries, and then narrowed each category to the top five.

The contests specified that photographs must have been taken in Delaware and must depict youth participating in fishing or hunting activities. Judges were looking for photos that best portrayed “the promise of the future” as envisioned by the Division’s 2011 theme of “Celebrating 100 Years of Fish and Wildlife Conservation: Reflecting on the Past, Moving into the Future.”

“When we were judging the contest entries, we looked most importantly for photographs that portrayed our theme and ‘the promise of the future,’” said Ms. Barrett, who suggested the contest as part of the Division’s 100-year celebration. “We also considered technical criteria such as resolution, clarity, lighting and composition. Some entries fit the theme, but had flaws such as poor lighting, an undesirable background or out-of-focus. Our winners are crisp close ups of youth partaking in fishing or hunting activities.”

“We saw some very nice entries for a first-time contest, and the winners were all good,” said Mr. Fleming, adding, “I would encourage the Division of Fish & Wildlife to consider making this year’s special photo contest held on the anniversary of 100 years of fish and wildlife conservation an annual event – and in case they do, I hope more people will be encouraged to take their cameras with them on their outdoor Delaware adventures.”

Fishing contest winners are:

• First place: “Fishing with My Daddy,” toddler at Cape Henlopen, by Michele Reeder of Dover
• Second place: “Barefoot Basin,” Collins Pond, by Joey Melvin of Georgetown
• Honorable mention: Untitled photo of 8-year-old boy in waders holding big fish on White Clay Creek, by Brenda Rappa of Wilmington
• Honorable mention: “Got One,” 9-year-old boy fishing in Cedar Creek Mill Pond, by Kathy Sheldon of Lincoln
• Honorable mention: “Maddie Fishing Pic,” toddler fishing in Christina River, by James Brainard of New Castle

Hunting contest winners are:

• First place: Untitled photo of 5-year-old boy hunting at Broadkill Beach, by Tom Burke of Greenwood
• Second place: “Calling Them In,” 6-year-old boy hunting near Milton, by Amy Argo James of Milton
• Honorable mention: “Scanning the Skies,” teen boy hunting at Ted Harvey Wildlife Area near Dover, by Dave Sawicki of Magnolia
• Honorable mention: “Practice Makes Perfect,” 11-year-old girl hunting near Marydel, by Andrea Sergent of Marydel
• Honorable mention: Untitled photo of two 12-year-old boys hunting near Lincoln, by Joey Melvin of Georgetown

“When we announced these contests as part of our 100-year celebration, we wanted to feature images of young anglers and hunters in our hunting and fishing guides, since young Delawareans will become the next generation of Delaware conservationists. The response from our resident photographers more than met our expectations,” said Division of Fish and Wildlife Director David Saveikis.

“Moving into the next century of fish and wildlife conservation in Delaware, we are encouraged by the promise of the future represented by these photographs of young anglers and hunters enjoying the outdoors.”

The winning fishing photos will appear in the 2012 Delaware Fishing Guide, with Ms. Reeder’s first place photo on the cover and second place and honorable mention photos printed inside the guide. The fishing guide will be available online, at the DNREC license counter in Dover and at fishing license dealers statewide in March.

The winning hunting photos will appear in the 2012-2013 Delaware Hunting and Trapping Guide, which is not yet in production. The hunting guide is due out in July and will be available online, at the DNREC license counter in Dover and at hunting license dealers statewide.

For more information about future Division photo contests, please visit www.fw.delaware.gov.

2012 Safari Club International Hunters Convention

Outdoorchannel TV

Las Vegas, NV. --(Ammoland.com)- Outdoor Channel, America’s Leader In Outdoor TV, invites attendees of the Safari Club International’s (SCI) 40th Annual Hunters’ Convention to stop by the network’s booth to meet and greet some of the Outdoor Channel’s top celebrities and learn more about America’s leading outdoor sports network.

The premier hunting event, which takes place in Las Vegas, Nevada from February 1^st through 4^th, features a lineup of the network’s most popular talent who will meet and greet fans.

In addition, Outdoor Channel is exclusively presenting “SCI TV” for the fourth consecutive year.

With nearly one million square feet of exhibit space, with representatives from six continents, the SCI Hunters’ Convention, also referred to as “The Ultimate Hunters’ Market,” attracts over 20,000 attendees a year to see the latest and greatest in guns and hunting equipment. The convention offers dozens of informative and educational seminars throughout the event, all while honoring SCI’s mission is to protect the freedom to hunt and to promote wildlife conservation.

As America’s Leader In Outdoor TV, Outdoor Channel provides action-packed, family-friendly adventures featuring the biggest on-air celebrities in outdoor entertainment.

SCI TV – All SCI, All the Time!
Wednesday, February 1 – Saturday, February 4 | Mandalay Bay Convention Center & Area Hotels

Once again, Outdoor Channel is set to produce SCI TV, an informative and entertaining television production that will air at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center and area hotels during SCI’s Hunters’ Convention. SCI TV will be hosted by Mike Rogers of “SCI Expedition Safari Presented by MidwayUSA,” and will feature daily updates from the convention floor, in-depth interviews with the hottest hunting personalities, and segments from Outdoor Channel’s best-in-class hunting shows and many of SCI’s philanthropic and conservation efforts.

Sportsmen Against Hunger Reno, NV Event
Wednesday, January 31 | Reno Events Center

This year, Outdoor Channel is the network partner for the “Sportsmen Against Hunger” event at the Reno Events Center, being hosted by SCI’s non-profit arm, Safari Club International Foundation. The volunteer event, which is held the day before the kick-off of the annual Hunters’ Convention, brings together SCIF’s local Reno chapter as they extend their time and resources to serve hot meals comprised of meat donated by area hunters and anglers.

Safari Club International’s 40^th Annual Hunters’ Convention Nuts & Bolts

The SCI Hunters’ Convention runs from February 1-4 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. For complete information, visit http://www.showsci.com/.

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries

Louisiana --(Ammoland.com)- The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) and the Louisiana Outdoor Writers Association (LOWA) are encouraging hunters 15 years of age or younger to enter the 2011 Youth Hunter of the Year competition.

The contest requires youth hunters to submit a story about their hunting experience along with photographs of the hunt. LDWF and LOWA will then select a male and female youth hunter of the year based upon the stories and photos that are received.

Visit the LDWF website at http://www.wlf.state.la.us/hunting/youth-hunter-registry-programfor information on the Youth Hunter Registry Program and the2011 Youth Hunter of the Year Contest.

Youth hunters who participated in any hunting activity during the 2011-12 hunting season are encouraged to participate. This is not a big buck or turkey contest. The program is about youths enjoying a hunting experience, with or without success, and keeping the hunting tradition alive in Louisiana. The deadline to enter the 2011 Youth Hunter of the Year Contest is June 30, 2012.

The two winners will be recognized at the Louisiana Outdoor Writers Conference this summer. Winners will receive a plaque in recognition of their achievement and a gift certificate from Bowie Outfitters in Baton Rouge.

Additionally, all participants who register their 2011-12 hunting experiences with the Youth Hunter Registry Program will be eligible to win a gift certificate from Bowie Outfitters (winner to be selected by a random drawing).

For more information, contact Scott Durham at 225-765-2351 or sdurham@wlf.la.govor David Moreland at 225-978-6552 or helfinroots@hotmail.com.

The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is charged with managing and protecting Louisiana’s abundant natural resources. For more information, visit us at www.wlf.louisiana.govon Facebook at www.facebook.com/ldwffbor follow us on Twitter @LDWF.

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

LINCOLN, Neb. --(Ammoland.com)- A mountain lion unintentionally caught in a foothold trap in Dawes County was tranquilized and released by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission on Jan. 27.

The mountain lion, a female kitten weighing approximately 50 pounds, appeared to be in good health. After the release, the kitten followed tracks of an adult mountain lion and another kitten that biologists believe were the mother and a sibling.

The trap had been legally set and the trapper called Game and Parks immediately upon discovering the mountain lion, as required by Game and Parks policy.

High pelt prices for bobcats and an increased effort to trap them may have contributed to the recent incidental captures of mountain lions in Dawes County, according to Sam Wilson, Game and Parks’ carnivore program manager.

“The trapper did the right thing by calling,” Wilson said. “In situations like this, where a mountain lion has not entered a town or come into conflict with people, we may attempt to release it if it can be done safely and the mountain lion is not injured.”

Game and Parks requests fur harvesters immediately contact the agency if a mountain lion incidentally is trapped. Anyone with trail-camera photographs or other evidence of mountain lions should contact the agency at 402-471-0641.

Trapping Seasons End Soon for Mink, Raccoon, Fox, Muskrat - Git-R-Done

West Virginia DNR

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – -(Ammoland.com)- West Virginia trappers are reminded that the various trapping seasons for affected species will be ending soon, according to the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources.

• Trapping season for fisher ends on January 31, 2012.
• The hunting and trapping seasons for red and gray fox, bobcat and raccoon will end on February 29, 2012.
• The trapping seasons for coyote, otter, mink and muskrat will also end on February 29, 2012.
• Trapping season for beaver will be in until March 31, 2012. Beaver trappers are reminded that it is illegal to set traps other than water sets during March.

All beaver, bobcat, otter and fisher pelts are required to be checked at an official game checking station within 30 days of the close of their respective season. Hunters and trappers are required to field tag bobcats before removing the carcass from where it was harvested.

Trappers, hunters and fur dealers are reminded that furs shipped out of West Virginia must have a fur shipping tag, which is available at WVDNR district offices and most game checking stations. Also, anyone who plans to sell an otter or bobcat pelt outside of the state of West Virginia should obtain a CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) seal for each pelt.

All otter and bobcat pelts, usually exported from the United States by licensed fur buyers, must have a CITES seal from the state where the animal was harvested.

The general public is reminded that now, before the trapping season ends, would be a good time to deal with nuisance muskrat or beaver problems. Trappers may be more likely to assist landowners with nuisance problems while their gear is in working order and pelts are prime.

Leigh Creekbaum of The Chase

Sportsman Channel

New Berlin, Wis. --(Ammoland.com)- This season, the winds of change are in the air. Now you can catch Travis and Leigh Creekbaum of The Chase on the Sportsman Channel.

Watch all of their exciting hunts afield and experience life on the road, easier than ever with the new host channel. This season is shaping up to be one for the record books, and you don’t want to miss it.

As always, Travis and Leigh go all out to capture their hunting adventures. From start to finish you are guaranteed to see 30 minutes of action-packed hunting and entertainment with each episode.
Air times are as follows:

The airtimes for Q2 are:

• Tues 7:30 pm, Thurs 3:00 am, Wed 9:30 am EST

The airtimes for Q3-Q4:

• Tues 7:30 pm, Sun 4:00 pm, Wed 7 a.m. EST

For more information visit The Chase online at http://www.thechaselt.com/

Hunting is Conservation

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

MISSOULA, Mont. --(Ammoland.com)- Record-high membership. Strong fiscal performance.

A landmark 6 millionth acre of habitat stewardship and protection.

On the momentum of these and other accomplishments in 2011, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation is eyeing 2012 with ambitious goals for conserving elk country, improving predator management and control, and building public understanding of hunters, leadership in conservation.

“Our members and partners were part of something pretty special last year,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO.

Highlights from 2011 include:

• RMEF helped enhance habitat on 111,894 acres, mostly on public lands, for elk and other wildlife. The total exceeded the organization’s annual goal by 11,894 acres.
• Protected 40,952 acres of habitat, exceeding RMEF’s annual goal by 7,952 acres.
• Passed the 6 million-acre lifetime mark for habitat enhanced or protected, finishing 2011 with a combined total of 6,123,622 acres.
• Reached 636,424 acres secured for public access including hunting.
• Restored a wild elk herd in Missouri.
• Fueled elk restoration projects in Virginia and Maryland.
• Continued legal and legislative efforts to manage and control gray wolves.
• Reached more than 700,000 students and others with positive messages on hunting, shooting and conservation.
• Recorded a fourth straight year with a new record for membership, now at 184,135.
• Received the highest rating, 4 Stars, from America’s top charity ratings service.
• Finished the RMEF fiscal year with budget-positive black ink.

Allen said these successes and others have RMEF entering 2012 on a crest of enthusiasm. With the organization’s annual convention and membership rally just around the corner (Feb. 2-5 in Las Vegas), plus hundreds of local RMEF banquets and fundraisers slated for coming months, expectations are building for another memorable year.

Dozens of on-the-ground conservation projects are already in the works. Habitat stewardship and protection efforts are expected to reach milestone figures in several states. Nationally, RMEF could reach the 8,000 mark in total projects completed as it marches toward its 7 millionth acre impacted for elk and other wildlife.

Youth and public education initiatives, all with a hunting heritage slant, will continue to receive funding and volunteer manpower from RMEF in 2012.

RMEF also will power two special campaigns.

The first will focus on the growing need to manage and control predators. Wolf, bear, lion and coyote populations are well above science-based objectives in many areas. In extreme cases, predation and negative effects on game species are causing declines in hunting participation. Lost hunting license sales now are translating to budget cuts for conservation agencies. Balancing predator populations could help.

Second, RMEF is vowing to help Americans better understand how all wildlife, both game and non-game species, depend on hunters. “Hunting Is Conservation” will apply a variety of tactics to communicate an important message, that is, without hunters and the money they provide for today’s habitat, research, management and law enforcement programs, the outdoors overall would surely suffer.

Allen said, “We’re proud of the year we had in 2011, but we can’t afford to celebrate too long, because the causes of conservation are constantly evolving and changing. We can’t wait to respond. We have to get out in front of the issues.”

He added, “If success builds on success, then I believe RMEF is well positioned to help make a meaningful difference again in 2012.”

To join and support RMEF, visit www.rmef.org.

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:
RMEF is leading a conservation initiative that has protected or enhanced habitat on over 6 million acres—an area larger than Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Glacier, Yosemite, Rocky Mountain and Great Smoky Mountains national parks combined. RMEF also is a strong voice for hunters in access, wildlife management and conservation policy issues. RMEF members, partners and volunteers, working together as Team Elk, are making a difference all across elk country. Join us at www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.

CCal Bergsma with a Pending Illinois State Record.

Boone and Crockett Club

MISSOULA, Mont. --(Ammoland.com)- Trophy whitetail entries from 2011 hunting seasons are beginning to pour into Boone and Crockett Club headquarters.

But while the sporting world waits to see which states are hot, or not, producers of giant bucks, North America’s overall robust trend in whitetail entries is a story for all conservationists to celebrate.

B&C historical records show that trophy whitetails are up 400 percent over the past 30 years.

“It’s worth remembering where America’s favorite big-game species stood not so long ago, at the brink of extinction, said Ben Wallace, Club president.

“In 1900, less than 500,000 whitetails remained. But habitat programs, research, science-based management, regulations and enforcement, all led and funded by hunters, brought this game animal back to extraordinary levels. Today there are more than 32 million whitetails!”

The Boone and Crockett system of scoring big-game trophies originated in 1906 as a means of recording details on species thought to be disappearing. Over time, these records evolved as an effective way to track the success or failure of conservation efforts.

As North America’s whitetail herd has grown, numbers of big bucks also have risen.

• For the period 1980-1985, hunters entered 617 trophy whitetails into Boone and Crockett records.
• For the period 2005-2010, the total jumped to 3,090, an increase of 400 percent.

During this 30-year span, many states and provinces saw percentage gains much greater than the continental average (see data below). For example, trophy whitetail entries from Wisconsin have risen 857 percent. In Illinois, the increase is 896 percent. Ontario went from a single entry to a whopping 41—a 4,000 percent gain!

Six states and provinces had zero entries in 1980-1985. For 2005-2010, they combined for 48.

Boone and Crockett offers two premier ways to trace and detail historic conservation developments, not just with whitetails but many other species as well.

A book, “Records of North American Big Game,” offers detailed tabular listings for trophies in 38 different categories of game. Each entry includes the all-time entry score, date harvested, location of kill, hunter and owner names, and selected measurements. At 768 pages, the book retails for $49.95.

A searchable online database, called “Trophy Search,” is another exceptional resource. By buying an annual subscription, users can sort B&C archival data in infinite ways to identify national as well as local trends. An annual subscription is $50.

Boone and Crockett Club Associates receive discounts on both items. Order online at www.boone-crockett.org or by calling 888-840-4868.

The list below includes state-by-state rankings for whitetail entries during the period 2005-2010, plus comparative data from 1980-1985.

B&C Trophy Whitetail Production, 2005-2010
(Typical and non-typical trophies combined)

1. Wisconsin, 383 entries (1980-1985 rank 3rd, 40 entries)
2. Illinois, 299 entries (1980-1985 rank 6th, 30 entries)
3. Iowa, 224 entries (1980-1985 rank 2nd, 59 entries)
4. Ohio, 215 entries (1980-1985 rank 14th, 16 entries)
5. Missouri, 214 entries (1980-1985 rank 9th (tie), 25 entries)
6. Kentucky, 199 entries (1980-1985 rank 9th (tie), 25 entries)
7. Indiana, 195 entries (1980-1985 rank 16th, 14 entries)
8. Kansas, 181 entries (1980-1985 rank 4th, 35 entries)
9. Minnesota, 172 entries (1980-1985 rank 1st, 76 entries)
10. Saskatchewan, 147 entries (1980-1985 rank 7th (tie), 27 entries)
11. Texas, 132 entries (1980-1985 rank 12th, 19 entries)
12. Alberta, 115 entries (1980-1985 rank 7th (tie), 27 entries)
13. Nebraska, 78 entries (1980-1985 rank 18th (tie), 12 entries)
14. Oklahoma, 48 entries (1980-1985 rank 22nd (tie), 7 entries)
15. Ontario, 41 entries (1980-1985 rank 42nd (tie), 1 entry)
16. Arkansas, 40 entries (1980-1985 rank 34th (tie), 3 entries)
17 (tie). Michigan, 39 entries (1980-1985 rank 17th, 13 entries)
17 (tie). Mississippi, 39 entries (1980-1985 rank 18th, 12 entries)
19. North Dakota, 31 entries (1980-1985 rank 31st (tie), 4 entries)
20. Pennsylvania, 26 entries (1980-1985 rank 45th (tie), 0 entries)
21. New York, 25 entries (1980-1985 rank 28th (tie), 5 entries)
22. South Dakota, 24 entries (1980-1985 rank 20th (tie), 8 entries)
23 (tie). Georgia, 23 entries (1980-1985 rank 5th, 31 entries)
23 (tie). Maryland, 23 entries (1980-1985 rank 28th (tie), 5 entries)
25 (tie). British Columbia, 19 entries (1980-1985 rank 24th (tie), 6 entries)
25 (tie). Maine, 19 entries (1980-1985 rank 11th, 20 entries)
27. Virginia, 17 entries (1980-1985 rank 22nd (tie), 7 entries)
28. Tennessee, 15 entries (1980-1985 rank 20th, 8 entries)
29. Colorado, 13 entries (1980-1985 rank 42nd (tie), 1 entry)
30. Idaho, 11 entries (1980-1985 rank 24th (tie), 6 entries)
31 (tie). Massachusetts, 8 entries (1980-1985 rank 45th (tie), 0 entries)
31 (tie). Quebec, 8 entries (1980-1985 rank 45th (tie), 0 entries)
33. Delaware, 7 entries (1980-1985 rank 42nd (tie), 1 entry)
34 (tie). Louisiana, 6 entries (1980-1985 rank 28th (tie), 5 entries)
34 (tie). Manitoba, 6 entries (1980-1985 rank 15th, 15 entries)
34 (tie). Washington, 6 entries (1980-1985 rank 31st (tie), 4 entries)
37 (tie). Montana, 5 entries (1980-1985 rank 13th, 17 entries)
37 (tie). Alabama, 5 entries (1980-1985 rank 34th (tie), 3 entries)
37 (tie). North Carolina, 5 entries (1980-1985 34th (tie), 3 entries)
40 (tie). Connecticut, 4 entries (1980-1985 rank 38th (tie), 2 entries)
40 (tie). New Hampshire, 4 entries (1980-1985 rank 38th (tie), 2 entries)
42 (tie). New Jersey, 3 entries (1980-1985 rank 45th (tie), 0 entries)
42 (tie). New Brunswick, 3 entries (1980-1985 rank 24th (tie), 6 entries)
42 (tie). West Virginia, 3 entries (1980-1985 rank 34th (tie), 3 entries)
45 (tie). Mexico, 2 entries (1980-1985 rank 24th (tie), 6 entries)
45 (tie). Wyoming, 2 entries (1980-1985 rank 38th (tie), 2 entries)
45 (tie). South Carolina, 2 entries (1980-1985 rank 45th (tie), 0 entries)
45 (tie). Nova Scotia, 2 entries (1980-1985 rank 31st (tie), 4 entries)
49 (tie). Oregon, 1 entry (1980-1985 rank 38th (tie), 2 entries)
49 (tie). Rhode Island, 1 entry (1980-1985 rank 45th (tie), 0 entries)

About the Boone and Crockett Club
Founded by Theodore Roosevelt in 1887, the Boone and Crockett Club promotes guardianship and visionary management of big game and associated wildlife in North America. The Club maintains the highest standards of fair-chase sportsmanship and habitat stewardship. Member accomplishments include enlarging and protecting Yellowstone and establishing Glacier and Denali national parks, founding the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service and National Wildlife Refuge System, fostering the Pittman-Robertson and Lacey Acts, creating the Federal Duck Stamp program, and developing the cornerstones of modern game laws. The Boone and Crockett Club is headquartered in Missoula, Mont. For details, visit www.boone-crockett.org.

Michigan Wolves Removed from Endangered Species List - Wolf Management Plan in Effect

Michigan Department of Natural Resources

Michigan --(Ammoland.com)- Management authority over wolves in Michigan has been officially returned to the Department of Natural Resources, putting the state’s Wolf Management Plan into effect, the DNR announced today.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s decision to remove wolves in the western Great Lakes region from the federal endangered species list became official today. The Great Lakes region includes Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota. Wolves remain a protected, nongame species in Michigan, but state management will afford more options when dealing with wolves preying on livestock or dogs.

“Delisting is a victory for the state and for Michigan citizens who have been affected by this issue,” said DNR Director Rodney Stokes.

“The state’s healthy wolf population is a reminder that Michigan still has places where wild animals such as wolves can live and thrive. Fully implementing the state’s Wolf Management Plan will allow us to more effectively respond to problem wolves, while maintaining a self-sustaining wolf population and increasing social acceptance of the species as a whole.”

The DNR will continue to recommend nonlethal methods of control as the first option for residents. However, in cases where nonlethal methods are not working or are not feasible, state officials will now have greater flexibility to use lethal means to remove problem wolves when appropriate. In addition, Michigan residents will be able to legally protect their livestock and dogs if an animal is being attacked by a wolf.

The Michigan Legislature passed laws in 2008 to allow livestock or dog owners, or their designated agents, to remove, capture, or, if deemed necessary, use lethal means to destroy a wolf that is “in the act of preying upon” (attempting to kill or injure) the owner’s livestock or dog(s). These state laws took effect Jan. 27, 2012.

Livestock or dog owners who use lethal means to destroy a wolf must observe the following guidelines:

1. Report the lethal take of a wolf by calling the Report All Poaching (RAP) hotline at 800-292-7800 no later than 12 hours after the lethal take.
2. Retain possession of the wolf until a DNR official is available to take possession. A DNR official will respond to the scene within 12 hours of notification.
3. Do not move or disturb the dead wolf. The only exception to this rule is if a wolf has been killed in the act of preying upon livestock and leaving the wolf in place would impede normal farming practices. In that case the wolf may be moved to a secure location once photographs are taken of the wolf and the area where lethal means were used.

“Although lethal control methods are now legal in certain circumstances, wolves remain a protected species in Michigan and no hunting or trapping season is in place,” said DNR Law Enforcement Division Chief Gary Hagler. “The DNR will investigate and continue prosecution of any wolf poaching cases.”

Illegally killing a wolf is punishable by up to 90 days in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both, and the cost of prosecution. Suspected poaching violations may be reported 24 hours a day, seven days a week to the DNR’s RAP hotline at 800-292-7800.

There are an estimated 687 wolves in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. For more information on Michigan’s wolf population, greater detail about the two laws governing wolf depredation, and to see the state’s Wolf Management Plan, visit www.michigan.gov/wolves.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.

President Of NRA To Attend Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show

Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show

HARRISBURG —-(Ammoland.com)- National Rifle Association (NRA) president, David A. Keene will be among the dignitaries and thousands of hunting and fishing enthusiasts celebrating the opening of the Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show on Saturday, February 4 in the State Farm Show Complex, Harrisburg.

Keene is scheduled to participate in opening of the Show and then appear in the Show’s VIP Lounge from 12:30 P.M. to 1:30 P.M. to meet and talk with guests who have purchased VIP Packages. At 3:30, he is scheduled to help man the NRA Booth to meet and talk with Show guests.

“We are very pleased and excited to have David Keene, the president of the NRA, coming to the Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show. It really puts an exclamation point on what this Show is all about,” says Chris O’Hara, Event Director, Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show.

In addition to being NRA president, Keene is an attorney, columnist, political activist and lobbyist who has written, spoken and lobbied on behalf of hunters, shooters and firearms owners for decades. He has worked in the White House and Congress and has been involved in nearly every congressional battle over gun rights since the early 1970s.

A lifelong hunter, Keene has helped save hunter-friendly conservation programs in Africa, and assisted the international hunting community when major airlines threatened to stop carrying hunting arms to Africa.

Keene attended the University of Wisconsin Law School, where he was the national chairman of Young Americans for Freedom. Since then, he has been a John F. Kennedy Fellow at Harvard University’s Institute of Politics, a First Amendment Fellow at Vanderbilt University’s Freedom Forum, and a member of the Board of Visitors at Duke University’s Public Policy School.

For more information on the Show, List of Exhibitors, or a complete schedule of seminar speakers, contests and family entertainment offered at the 2012 Eastern Sports & Outdoors Show, visit www.easternsportshow.com.

Online ticket sales for the Show are open and discount tickets can be purchased at: EasternSportShow.com/tix

The Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show presented by Outdoor Channel and Comcast. Now in its 57th year, the Show has grown to be the largest outdoor hunting and fishing event of its kind in North America. With more than 1,200 exhibitors, The Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show brings the passion for the outdoors–indoors–by bringing outdoor sports enthusiasts of all ages from across the country to view the latest and best in hunting and fishing gear, shop for ATV’s and RV’s and plan & book hunting and fishing trips with outfitters & charters from around the world. The Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show also offers a wide range of seminars presented by experts along with hunting- and fishing-related contests and family-oriented entertainment. The Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show is sponsored in part by Cabela’s, Thompson/Center Arms, and Progressive Insurance. Chevy is the official truck of the Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show.

Wild Turkeys By Noppadol Paothong

Missouri Department of Conservation

JEFFERSON CITY Mo --(Ammoland.com)- Bowhunters posted increases in both deer and turkey harvests during Missouri’s 2011-12 archery deer and turkey hunting seasons, topping the previous year’s figures by more than one-third.

Hunters checked 52,671 deer during the four-month archery season. That is an increase of 10,299 (24 percent) from the previous year. Archers checked 2,923 turkeys, an increase of 739 (33.8 percent) from the 2010-2011 season.

Jason Isabelle, a resource scientist for the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), said two factors probably contributed to the increased archery turkey harvest.

“I attribute the increase in harvest to the good hatch that we had last year in most of the state and to increased archery permit sales,” said Isabelle. “There were both more turkeys and more archers in the woods in 2011 than in 2010.”

MDC sold 110,647 archery hunting permits and issued another 82,486 no-cost landowner archer’s permits last year. The total of 190,133 archery permits is a record and continues a long-term trend of increasing interest in archery hunting.

“More people discover the enjoyment of archery season every year,” said Isabelle. “The challenge of bowhunting appeals to many hunters who start with firearms. For others, the attraction is a huge increase in hunting opportunity. For quite a few hunters, opening day of deer season can’t come soon enough and closing day comes too soon. Taking up the bow and arrow allows them to pursue their outdoor passion all fall and into winter.”

MDC Resource Scientist Jason Sumners said the reason for this year’s increased archery deer harvest is harder to nail down.

“Over the past decade we have seen a steady increase in the number of archery hunters and a resulting increase in archery harvest,” said Sumners. “However, that doesn’t explain the fluctuations we see in archery harvest from year to year. There are likely other factors at work that create annual variation in hunter effort or success. We had very mild weather last fall, and that might have caused hunters to spend more time pursuing deer. But there is still a lot we don’t know about the relationship between weather and hunter behavior and other factors that affect archery harvest.”

Sumners said he hopes to explore those factors in the future to gain a better understanding of what causes sizeable archery harvest fluctuations like those that have occurred over the last four years. For example, the deer archery harvest increased from 44,434 in 2008 to a record 51,972 in 2009 and went back down to 43,281 in 2010.

Missouri’s 2011-2012 archery and firearms deer harvests total 291,592. That is up 6 percent from the previous year. The 2011-2012 firearms and archery turkey harvests total 52,226, down 3.8 percent from the previous year.

The top archery deer-harvest counties were Jefferson with 1,092 deer checked, Franklin with 1,088 and Jackson with 1,040. Top archery turkey-harvest counties were Callaway with 76 turkeys checked, Franklin with 67 and Jefferson with 58.

All of the top counties for archery deer and turkey harvest were in or near metropolitan areas. Isabelle and Sumners agree this probably is largely because all four counties are within easy driving distance of large numbers of hunters. Also, Callaway and Franklin counties are larger than average, and both have excellent deer and turkey habitat.

“Those four counties are natural choices for folks who live in nearby cities,” said Isabelle. “Franklin and Callaway counties are between the St. Louis and Columbia-Jefferson City areas and have some of the best turkey habitat in the state. Jefferson and Jackson counties are right at the edge of the state’s two largest metropolitan areas, so it’s not surprising that lots of archers would spend time hunting there.”

MDC recorded eight firearms-related deer-hunting incidents during the 2011-2012 hunting season. One was fatal.

-Jim Low-

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Texas Deer Association

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS --(Ammoland.com)- More than 1,500 deer enthusiasts, land owners, exhibitors, and hunters from across the state will gather February 10, 2012 for the Texas Deer Association’s (TDA) Superior Genetics Whitetail Deer Auction and Wildlife Workshop held at the Texas Wildlife Expo Center at The San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo grounds.

“Our deer auction and seminar is one of the association’s many family-oriented educational and social events scheduled each year, in an industry that pumps at least $650 million a year into the state’s economy,” said Karl Kinsel, TDA Executive Director.

“In addition to making lasting business contacts, participants are updated on the latest regulations, hear about research on deer genetics, share information on health, nutrition and gain information on how to enhance native habitat for deer.”

There will be a pre-auction dinner on Thursday night, Feb.9th, from 2:00 to 9:00 pm where visitors will have the chance to enjoy exhibitor booths, food, music, fellowship and catch up with fellow deer enthusiasts.

Friday morning, Feb. 10th, exhibits will open at 8:30 in the new Texas Wildlife Expo Center. The Wildlife Workshop starts at 9:00 a.m. and continues until noon. The TDA along with co-host Purina Mills, will host the Wildlife Workshop featuring Mr. Judon Fambrough, Senior Lecturer and Attorney at Law with the Texas Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University, speaking on Hunting/Landowner Liability including Water & Mineral Rights Considerations. The second speaker is Darryl Lyons, PAX Financial Group, topic is on Financial and Tax Considerations for Texas Wildlife Managers and Land Owners. After the speaker seminar there will be panelist discussion comprised of wildlife and nutrition experts taking questions from the audience.

“Door prizes will be given out. Don’t miss your chance at a free Savage 22-250 Predator Hunting Camo Rifle with Scope, as well as winning some AntlerMax Feed, Feeders and other great prizes,” Marta L. Dennis, Operation Director of TDA, said. “Please RSVP it will be standing room only.”

At 1:00 pm the Superior Genetics Deer Auction will begin. The auction features 125 lots of bred doe, 2011 bucks and doe, 2012 fawns and semen from breeders across the country. This auction has drawn a standing room only crowd since it’s first year at the San Antonio Livestock Show and Rodeo in 2005. Expecting a crowd numbering close to a thousand, it will be another standing room only event.

“Our San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo auction and workshop has consistently been one of the most popular events of the year. The environment, the attitude and, of course, sale offering make this one of the ‘must-attend’ events in the deer industry annually,” Vance Runnels, TDA Auction Manager, said.

As one of the top grossing auctions at the San Antonio Stock and Rodeo, TDA has been a proud supporter of youth scholarships and educational opportunities for the public for the past several years. Last year TDA donated approximately $10,000 to the scholarship fund of S.A.L.E, this figure is in addition to near $70,000 the association has donated since 2005 in which the deer auction became the first in the nation to be held at a stock show.

The next two events on the TDA calendar will be the TDA Spring Gala and Superior Genetics Deer Auction March 2-3 at Embassy Suites Outdoor World in Grapevine, Texas. And the 1st Annual Greater Houston Banquet and Superior Genetics Deer Auction April 13-14 at the Crowne Plaza Reliant in Houston, Texas.

For more information on this event visit www.TexasDeerAssociation.com or call (210) 767-8300.

About the Texas Deer Association
Headquartered in San Antonio, the TDA is the only non-profit organization solely committed to improving the quality of Texas deer herds through improved habitat practices, modern harvest strategies and use of superior deer to enhance the deer herds. As a part of its public education efforts, the TDA publishes Tracks, a full-color bi-monthly magazine that updates members on legislative news, deer genetics and game management issues. TDA office is (210) 767-8300.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks

MALTA, Mont. --(Ammoland.com)- Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks wants to alert all hunters to important updates to the 2012 preseason calendar, especially new deadline and drawing dates.

The biggest change this year is the deadline for residents and nonresidents to apply for deer and elk permits – now March 15.

This date was moved up to allow hunters more time to prepare for hunts. Drawings for those permits will now occur in mid-April as opposed to July.

IMPORTANT PRESEASON DATES FOR HUNTERS

February 16

FWP Commission addresses hunting districts with pending quotas

• March 15: Deadline to apply for deer and elk permits (NEW)
• March 15: 2012 Season regulations available (ONLINE)
• Early April: 2012 Deer/elk/antelope regulations available (PRINTED)
• Mid April: Drawing for deer and elk permits
• May 1: Deadline to apply for moose, goat, sheep, and bison licenses
• June 1: Deadline to apply for antlerless deer B, elk B, and antelope licenses
• July 16: Drawing for antlerless deer B and antlerless elk B licenses

At the February 16 FWP Commission meeting, quotas will be finalized for hunting districts with pending quotas. It is important that hunters interested in applying for special deer and elk permits in districts with pending quotas wait until after February 16 to make their choices and submit applications.

The deadline to apply for moose, sheep, goat, and bison licenses remains May 1, while June 1 remains the deadline to apply for antlerless deer B and elk B licenses as well as antelope licenses.

FWP urges hunters to apply for licenses online. For more information, log onto fwp.mt.gov and click on “hunting.”

Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG, PA --(Ammoland.com)- The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners today proposed allowing hunters in Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) 1A, 2B, 5B, 5C and 5D to harvest black bears during all deer seasons from September through early-December, as well as during statewide bear seasons.

If approved in April, bear hunters will be able to participate in an archery bear season in WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D from Sept. 15-28; in WMUs 1A, 2B, 5B, 5C and 5D from Sept. 29 until Nov. 10; a muzzleloader bear season in WMUs 1A, 2B, 5B, 5C and 5D from Oct. 13-20; a firearms bear season in WMUs 1A, 2B, 5B, 5C and 5D, from Nov. 26-Dec. 8. Only 1 bear may be taken during the license year.

The Board also proposed retaining the statewide archery bear season, four-day general firearms bear season and extended seasons in all or portions of certain WMUs.

“Pennsylvania’s black bear population is larger and more widely distributed than ever, and bear-human incidents are becoming commonplace, especially in more developed areas,” said Carl G. Roe, Game Commission executive director. “Continued expansion of residential development into areas occupied by black bears has resulted in more frequent sightings and encounters between people and bears.

“In WMUs 1A, 2B, 5B, 5C and 5D, all with relatively high human population densities, there currently are low bear densities. The Game Commission wants to continue to have a minimum number of bears, and the agency wants hunters to have an opportunity to play an important role in bear population management in these urban/suburban areas.”

The slate of 2012 bear seasons, which must be given final approval in April before taking effect, includes: a statewide five-day archery bear season (Nov. 12-16); a four-day statewide bear season that will open on Saturday, Nov. 17, and then continue on Monday through Wednesday, Nov. 19-21; and a concurrent bear/deer season in WMUs 3D, 4C, 4D and 4E on Nov. 26-Dec. 1.

Also, a concurrent bear/deer season has been proposed to be held Nov. 28-Dec. 1 in the following:

• - in WMUs 3A and 3C;
• - in portions of WMU 3B, that are East of Rt. 14 from Troy to Canton, East of Rt. 154 from Canton to Rt. 220 at Laporte and East of Rt. 42 from Laporte to Rt. 118 and that portion of 4E, East of Rt. 42; and
• - in portions of WMUs 2G in Lycoming and Clinton counties and WMU 3B in Lycoming County that lie North of the West Branch of the Susquehanna River from the Rt. 405 Bridge, West to Rt. 15 at Williamsport, Rt. 15 to Rt. 220, and North of Rt. 220 to the Mill Hall exit, North of SR 2015 to Rt. 150; East of Rt. 150 to Lusk Run Rd. and South of Lusk Run Rd. to Rt. 120, Rt. 120 to Veterans Street Bridge to SR 1001; East of SR 1001 to Croak Hollow Rd., South of Croak Hollow Rd. to Rt. 664 (at Swissdale), South of Rt. 664 to Little Plum Rd. (the intersection of SR 1003), South of SR 1003 to SR 1006, South of SR 1006 to Sulphur Run Rd., South of Sulphur Run Rd. to Rt. 44, East of Rt. 44 to Rt. 973, South of Rt. 973 to Rt. 87, West of Rt. 87 to Rt. 864, South of Rt. 864 to Rt. 220 and West of Rt. 220 to Rt. 405 and West of Rt. 405 to the West Branch of the Susquehanna River.

Georgia Department of Natural Resources

SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. --(Ammoland.com)- Catching poachers and other wildlife violators often involved lengthy criminal investigations and require diligence and dedication on behalf of conservation rangers. Cpl. Michael Crawley, representing Washington and Johnson counties, was named Investigative Ranger of the Year for demonstrating tenacity and excellence in his work, which included a complex case with more than 18 violations in 2011.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division names an Investigative Range of the Year annually.

“I commend Cpl. Crawley for his drive and continued efforts to apprehend violators who damaged our natural resources,” says Col.

Eddie Henderson, chief of law enforcement for Wildlife Resources Division. “His commitment to the investigative work required for this case, as well as continuing to do all other required tasks, shows great multi-tasking skills and dedication.”

Cpl. Crawley’s investigation involved a poaching case in Washington County. The case began with a complaint about trespassing on private property. Assisting Cpl. Crawley was Storm, a canine who helped in the detection of evidence, including an injured deer and tire tracks. Over the next few weeks, Crawley gathered information on the suspected violator, and in January 2011, served the suspect with an arrest warrant.

The poacher was charged with 18 total violations including:

• possession of illegally taken wildlife
• taking game above the bag limit
• violation of a crop damage permit
• additional charges from other agencies.

He was fined $2,500 and loss of hunting privileges for two years.

Other WRD conservation rangers nominated for the award for their outstanding investigative work: Sgt. John VanLandingham, RFC Josh Chambers, Cpl. Lynn Stanford, RFC Tim Hutto and Cpl. Phillip Scott.

The Georgia Chapter of the Safari Club International sponsors this award. For more information about that organization, visit www.gasci.org . For more information about Wildlife Resources Division Law Enforcement, visit http://georgiawildlife.com/enforcement/law-enforcement-section .

Pennsylvania Game Commission

Pennsylvania --(Ammoland.com)- The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners gave preliminary approval to nearly all of the 2012-13 seasons and bag limits; however, there is one group of seasons that won’t be finalized until summer: waterfowl and migratory bird seasons.

In July, in concert with federal frameworks, the Game Commission will set seasons and bag limits for September resident Canada goose and webless migratory birds, such as doves, woodcock, snipe and moorhens.

In August, the Game Commission and waterfowl hunting organizations will host waterfowl organizations, individual sportsmen and the public to attend a briefing on the status of waterfowl populations and proposed preliminary federal frameworks for the 2012-13 hunting seasons.

In addition to reviewing frameworks established by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) for upcoming waterfowl and migratory bird seasons, Game Commission staff, along with conservation partners, will provide updates on current and planned research and management programs, as well as past hunting results.

Based on public comments received and gathered at the meeting, Game Commission staff will prepare and present recommended composite waterfowl and migratory bird seasons, bag limits and related criteria to the USFWS for final approval. All migratory bird hunting seasons and bag limits must conform to frameworks set by the USFWS. States select their hunting seasons within these established frameworks.

By mid-August, once the final selections are made, the Game Commission will print and distribute brochures outlining the seasons and bag limits for waterfowl and migratory bird seasons to U.S. Post Offices, where hunters may purchase their mandatory federal duck stamp. The brochure also will be posted on the Game Commission’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us) along with a news release announcing the agency’s final selections by mid-August.

Arkansas Game & Fish Commission Offers New System To Turn In Poachers

Arkansas Game & Fish Commission

LITTLE ROCK, AR --(Ammoland.com)- The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is offering a new way to anonymously report outdoor-related violations to the agency’s Enforcement Division agents. It’s called tip411 and is as simple as sending a text message.

CitizenObserver, the tip411 provider, uses technology that removes all identifying information before the AGFC receives the text so that the AGFC cannot identify the sender.

To send the anonymous tip via text message to the AGFC, text AGFC with the tip to tip411 (847411). You will then receive a thank you text acknowledging that the text has been received.
According to AGFC Assistant Chief of Enforcement Todd Smith, the system is a completely anonymous way for people to report violations via text messaging.

“Our dispatch center will be monitoring all incoming texts 24 hours, 7 days a week,” Smith said. “We will respond to the reporting person, gather required information, then pass it on to the appropriate officer,” he explained.

With the increase in technology along with the way our society communicates these days, this venture should open the door for those who would not have called in a violation, Smith said. “There are many other agencies across the country that have initiated this way of communicating with law enforcement,” he added.

An iPhone app is also under development and will be available soon. Citizens all may anonymously report tips by calling 800-482-9262.

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries

Louisiana --(Ammoland.com)- A Livingston Parish man was sentenced on Jan. 17, 2012 in Livingston Parish Court for hunting deer during illegal hours, contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile and resisting an officer.

21st Judicial Division B Judge Doug Hughes sentenced Kevin L. Paille, 43, of Springfield, to pay $1,388 in fees and fines, complete two years of supervised probation and refrain from owning or possessing a firearm for two years.

Paille pleaded guilty to all three charges.

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents cited Paille in January of 2011 after receiving a complaint about two people on foot hunting deer at night in Livingston Parish.

Agents went to the area and located the subjects one of which was a juvenile. Paille was issued citations for the three offenses and booked into the Livingston Parish Jail.

Agents involved in the case were Sgt. Dane Thomas, Senior Agent Buck Hampton and Senior Agent Daniel Varnado.

For more information, contact Adam Einck at 225-765-2465 or aeinck@wlf.la.gov.

Elliott Jonasson of La Grande, with a turkey taken in the Catherine Creek Unit (Union County) during the 2011 youth spring turkey season. - Photo by ODFW

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife

SALEM, Ore --(Ammoland.com)- This year’s youth spring turkey season will be April 7, 8 and 9, 2012 (Saturday, Sunday and Monday).

The season dates are misprinted in the current 2011-12 Oregon Game Bird Regulations (page 15).

Due to an ODFW staff error, the regulations list April 8-9, 2012 (Sunday-Monday) as the season dates.

Youth turkey season is always the weekend before the general spring turkey season which begins on April 15.

The Fish and Wildlife Commission adopted a rule that will begin the season on Saturday, April 7 and extend it by one day this year due to the error.

The youth spring turkey season is open to licensed hunters age 17 and under.

Youth that don’t fill their tag during the youth season can go on to hunt the general season April 15-May 31.

The youth turkey season is one of several youth-only hunts in Oregon.

Pennsylvania Board Closes Pike Run Wild Pheasant Recovery Area

Pennsylvania Game Commission

Pennsylvania --(Ammoland.com)- The Board of Game Commissioners today gave preliminary approval to retain four Wild Pheasant Recovery Areas (WPRAs) for the 2012-13 seasons, while closing the Pike Run WPRA in southwestern Pennsylvania.

The agency’s Ring-necked Pheasant Management Plan seeks to restore self-sustaining and huntable populations of wild pheasants in suitable habitats, and specifically calls for the creation of WPRAs. The agency is releasing wild-trapped pheasants into these areas, with a goal of achieving a density of 10 hen pheasants per square mile.

“The Pike Run WPRA in southwestern Pennsylvania has concluded and habitat patch analysis shows that Pike Run meets only one of five targets in the pheasant habitat model,” said Carl G. Roe, Game Commission executive director. “Pheasant densities are at one hen per square mile, which is far short of the 10 hens per square mile objective.

“In light of the area’s habitat characteristics and low pheasant densities, and in keeping with the pheasant management plan, Wildlife Management Unit 2A, which includes the previously designated Pike Run WPRA, is to be opened to hunting male pheasants and stocking of game farm pheasants is to be reinstated beginning with the 2012-13 season.”

Under the WPRA program, small game hunting is prohibited in the designated areas, as well as the release of any artificially propagated pheasants – including Game Commission-raised pheasants. Also, to limit disturbances to nesting hen pheasants, dog training of any manner and small game hunting is prohibited in WPRAs from the first Sunday in February through July 31 each year.

The Board also took preliminary steps to allow for crow hunting within WPRAs, which would be added to the exceptions that allow for groundhog and waterfowl hunting within WPRAs, and opened WMU 2B to the hunting of male and female pheasants.

“Working with major partners, such as Pheasants Forever, the California University of Pennsylvania and local landowners, we already have a jump start on creating WPRAs,” Roe said. “These groups have invested in creating the necessary pheasant habitat in these areas of the state.

“The Game Commission will continue to raise and release pheasants on public lands with suitable pheasant habitat each fall. And, with the additional revenues made available through Marcellus shale well leases on State Game Lands, we will increase our pheasant production level to 200,000 birds for the upcoming season.”

For the 2012-13 seasons, the designated WPRAs will be defined as follows:

(1) Somerset WPRA: That portion of Somerset County, WMU 2C, bounded on the western side starting at the intersection of Coleman Station Rd. and Stutzmantown Rd. proceeding south on Coleman Station Rd., crossing SR 31, to Brotherton Rd., continuing south to Round Hill Rd., then east onto Wills Church Rd., then to Archery Rd. The boundary then follows Berlin Plank Rd. (US Rt. 219) south into the town of Berlin where it joins the Mason Dixon Hwy. (US Rt. 219) proceeding south to Pine Hill Rd. to Walker School Rd. then east on Maple Valley Rd., to Sawmill Rd. to the Cumberland Hwy. (SR 160). The boundary then follows the Cumberland Hwy. (SR 160) south to Salco Rd. and then proceeds north on Salco Rd. to Huckleberry Hwy. (SR 160) in the town of Berlin. The boundary follows Huckleberry Hwy. (SR 160) north, crossing SR 31, to the intersection of Roxbury Rd., then north to Shanksville Rd. The boundary then proceeds north to Stutzmantown Rd., then west to the beginning at the intersection of Coleman Station Rd.

(2) Central Susquehanna WPRA: Portions of WMU 4E in Northumberland, Montour, Columbia and Lycoming counties from the West Branch of the Susquehanna River south to the intersection with PA Rt. 642 and the West Branch of the Susquehanna River in Milton. The southern boundary is defined by PA Rt. 642 east from Milton to Mausdale, then north on PA Rt. 642 to just south of Jerseytown, proceeding east on Eyersgrove Rd. to Eyers Grove at PA Rt.42. Proceeding south on PA Rt. 42 to Mordansville, northeast of Mordansville along Robbins Rd. (Rt. 600) to Mordansville Rd. (Rt. 541), south on Millertown Rd. (Rt. 4011), then continuing east to follow Mount Pleasant Rd. (Rt. 4020) and Mount Pleasant St. (PA Rt. 4034) to Orangeville at the southeast corner of the WPRA. PA Rt. 487 lines the eastern boundary from Orangeville north to Maple Grove/intersection with PA Rt. 254. The northern boundary begins with PA Rt. 254 west of Maple Grove to the intersection with Winters Rd. (Rt. 459) proceeding west to the intersection with Austin Trail (PA Rt. 4039). Continuing west on Owl Rd. (Rt. 599), north and west on Reese Rd. (Rt. 578), and north and west on Trivelpiece Rd. (Rt. 576). Eagle Rd. (PA Rt. 4037) then continues northwest to the intersection with Whitehorse Rd./Whitehorse Pike (Rt. 661) heading west to just south of Sereno, and then south on PA Rt. 42 to Millville. From Millville, proceeding southwest on PA Rt. 254 to Jerseytown. Then northwest on PA Rt. 44, north on Swartz Rd., west on Shultz Rd., north on Ants Hill Rd., west on Wolf Hollow Rd., then north on Katy’s Church Rd. Crossing into Lycoming County and proceeding northwest on G Wagner Rd., west on Ridge Rd., crossing into Montour County, southwest on County Line Rd., south on Muncy Exchange Rd. (PA Rt. 1003), west on Hickory Rd. (PA Rt. 1008), west on Mingle Rd. (Rt. 433), west on Hickory Rd. (PA Rt. 1008) for the second time, and proceeding north on Gearhart Hollow Rd. (Rt. 441). Continuing west on Showers Rd. (PA Rt. 1010), crossing into Northumberland County, proceeding north and west on Pugmore Lane, north on Hockley Hill Rd. (PA Rt. 1011), west on Miller Rd. (Rt. 653), continuing southwest on Balliet Rd. (Rt. 664). Proceeding northwest and west on Schmidt Rd. (Rt. 564). continuing north on Susquehanna Trail (PA Rt. 1007), continuing west on Hughes Rd. (Rt. 655), crossing under I-180, proceeding south on Crawford Rd. (Rt. 507) to PA Rt. 54. Proceeding northwest on PA Rt. 54 to the West Branch of the Susquehanna River.

(3) Hegins-Gratz Valley WPRA: That portion of WMU 4E in Schuylkill and Dauphin counties from Matterstown Road (Rt. 1007), to PA Rt. 901 at Taylorsville. The WPRA is bounded on the north by the Mahantango Creek. Beginning at the town of Pillow in Dauphin county, proceeding east on Market Street (Rt. 1026) to the Mahantango Creek, which is the Northumberland and Dauphin county border until entering Schuylkill county at Klingerstown. Continuing northeast along the Mahantango Creek in Schuylkill county to Taylorsville Road (Rt. 4039) at Haas, to Taylorsville and then proceeding south on PA Rt. 901. Proceeding south and southeast on PA Rt. 901 to I-81. Proceeding southwest on I-81 and then west on PA Rt. 25, then from PA Rt. 25, proceeding south and west on Dell Road and then northwest and west on Pine Drive (State Hwy. 4009), continuing west on Pine Drive, T593 and north on T592 to Pine Creek. The southern boundary then follows Pine Creek west along the northern side of Broad Mountain to Spring Glen. From Spring Glen, continuing west on PA Rt. 25, crossing into Dauphin county to Gratz, then proceeding southwest from Gratz on Specktown Road (State Hwy. 1014) to South Crossroads Road (PA Rt. 1009). Proceeding south on South Crossroads Road (PA Rt. 1009) to PA Rt. 209 and southwest to Elizabethville. From Elizabethville continue west on Main Street (PA Rt. 209), then turn north onto Botts Road (T462). At the first intersection, turn north onto Feidt Road (T461), then turn 24 east onto West Matterstown Road (Rt. 4008), turn north onto Matterstown Road (Rt. 1007). Turn right or east onto Berrysburg Road (PA Rt. 25) which turns into Market St. Turn left or north onto Lykens St. Turn right or east onto Mountain Road (T639). Turn left or north on PA Rt. 225 into Pillow on PA Rt. 225, ending at Market St. (Rt. 1026).

(4) Franklin County WPRA: That Portion of Wildlife Management Units 4A and 5A in Franklin County from PA Rt. 30 on the northern border to the Pennsylvania/Maryland state border on the southern border, and from Cove Mountain on the western border to the towns of Laurich and Williamson and the Conococheague Creek on the eastern border. The WPRA is bounded on the north by PA Rt. 30 (Lincoln Highway). Beginning at the town of Fort Loudon at the intersection of PA Rt. 30 (Lincoln Highway) and PA Rt. 75, proceed east on PA Rt. 30 (Lincoln Highway), through St. Thomas, and continue east to Laurich. Just east of Laurich, proceed south along Back Creek to SR3012 (Jack Road). Proceed west along SR3012 (Jack Road), then south along Weber Road. Continue south and southwest along Weber Road to the intersection of Weber, Grapevine and Jacks Mill Roads. Proceed southwest along Grapevine Road and then northwest to intersection with SR 3013. Turn south onto SR 3013 (St Thomas Williamson Road) and then west onto State Rt. 995. Proceed west and then south on State Rt. 995 through Williamson to the West Branch of the Conococheague Creek (northeast of Welsh Run). Proceed along the West Branch of the Conococheague Creek to the confluence with Conococheague Creek. Follow the Conococheague Creek south to the Pennsylvania/Maryland state border. Proceed west along the PA/MD state border to State Rt. 456. Proceed northeast along State Rt. 456 to State Route 16. Proceed east on State Route 16 to Mountain Road. Proceed northeast on Mountain Road to State Rt. 75. Proceed northwest on State Rt. 75 to the intersection of State Rt. 75 and State Rt. 30 at Fort Loudon.

Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG, PA --(Ammoland.com)- The Board of Game Commissioners gave preliminary approval to a slate of deer seasons for 2012-13 that retains the split, five-day antlered deer season (Nov. 26-30) and seven-day concurrent season (Dec. 1-8) in 11 Wildlife Management Units.

The list includes (WMUs) 2A, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 3B, 3C, 4B, 4D and 4E. The package also retains the two-week (Nov. 26-Dec. concurrent, antlered and antlerless deer season in WMUs 1A, 1B, 2B, 3A, 3D, 4A, 4C, 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D.

Hunters with DMAP antlerless deer permits may use them on the lands for which they were issued during any established deer season, and will continue to be permitted to harvest antlerless deer from Nov. 26-Dec. 8 in WMUs 2A, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 3B, 3C, 4B, 4D and 4E. Fees for DMAP permits are $10 for residents and $35 for nonresidents.

Additionally, the Board also gave preliminary approval to retain the use of crossbows in the archery deer seasons.

The Board took this action by removing the sunset date inserted in the regulations when crossbows were first permitted to be used in the archery deer seasons.

The Board retained the antler restrictions enacted for the 2011-12 seasons, which includes the “three-up” on one side, no counting a brow tine, provision for the western Wildlife Management Units of 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B and 2D, and the three points on one side in all other WMUs

Michigan Tahquamenon Falls State Park Hosts Snowshoe Race Feb. 18 2012

Michigan Department of Natural Resources

Michigan --(Ammoland.com)- Tahquamenon Falls State Park will host the second annual Tahquamenon Snowshoe Race on Saturday, Feb. 18, with a variety of distances and courses offered for adults and children.

The event, organized by Great Lakes Endurance, LLC, will begin at 11 a.m. at the park’s Upper Falls. Adult participants will choose from 5K, 10K or 20K courses; children can register for an 800-meter kids race. The unique course includes views of the Upper Falls and winds through the park’s towering old-growth white pines.

Registration fees range from $10-$40. Same-day registration will be available on-site, but those who pre-register online at www.greatlakesendurance.com will receive a discounted price. Proceeds from the race support environmental education programs at Whitefish Township School in Paradise.

The overall male and female 20K winners will receive a pair of Atlas snowshoes; 10K winners will receive a Mountain Hardware jacket; 5K and kids race winners will receive Mountain Hardware fleece tops. Additionally, the top three finishers of each race in each age group will receive local maple syrup, honey and organic chocolate. Post-race refreshments, including organic hot chocolate, blueberry scones and cherry juice, will be available for all participants.

For more information about the second annual Tahquamenon Snowshoe Race, or to make lodging reservations, contact park headquarters at 906-492-3415. Semi-modern campsites and a modern lodge are available during the winter season at Tahquamenon Falls State Park. The campsites include electrical outlets and vault toilets. The lodge includes heat, electricity, a furnished kitchen, bathroom and bedrooms. To learn more about the park’s winter camping amenities, visit www.michigan.gov/tahquamenonfalls.

The Recreation Passport has replaced motor vehicle permits for entry into Michigan state parks, recreation areas and state-administered boating access fee sites. This new way to fund Michigan’s outdoor recreation opportunities also helps to preserve state forest campgrounds, trails, and historic and cultural sites in state parks, and provides park development grants to local communities.

Michigan residents can purchase the Recreation Passport ($10 for motor vehicles; $5 for motorcycles) by checking “YES” on their license plate renewal forms, or at any state park or recreation area. Nonresident motor vehicles must still display a valid nonresident Recreation Passport ($29 annual; $8 daily) to enter a Michigan state park, recreation area or state-administered boating access fee site; these can be purchased at any state park or recreation area, or through the Michigan e-Store at www.michigan.gov/estore. To learn more about the Recreation Passport, visit www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport or call 517-241-7275.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries

Louisiana --(Ammoland.com)- Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents cited a Franklin Parish man Jan. 19 for alleged deer hunting violations and contest fraud.

Agents cited Billy W. Jordan, 54, of Winnsboro for taking a deer with an illegal weapon and four felony counts of contest fraud.

Agents received information that Jordan had taken a trophy buck on Louisiana Delta property in Catahoula Parish with a .204 caliber rifle. Agents interviewed Jordan and he allegedly confessed to shooting the buck with the illegal weapon on Dec. 28.

Jordan then entered the buck into four big buck contests including Morehouse, Ouachita, Caldwell and LaSalle parishes. The buck sported 15 points with main beams of 31 1/2 inches and an inside spread of 24 7/8 inches.

Louisiana law requires that deer can only be taken with a center fire rifle at least .22 caliber or larger. The antlers and the four score sheets at the big buck contest were seized as evidence. Jordan will also be assessed civil restitution for the value of the illegally taken deer, which is $2,033.29.

Taking a deer with an illegal weapon brings a fine between $100 and $350 and up to 60 days in jail. Contest fraud carries a fine up to $3,000 and up to one year in jail for each count.

Agents involved in the case were Senior Agents Bear Fletcher and Lee Tarver and Agents Kurt Hatten and Kenny Robertson.

For more information, contact Adam Einck at 225-765-2465 or aeinck@wlf.la.gov.

5thMichiganPlayer: The 5th Michigan Volunteer Infantry will perform at the Michigan Historical Museum on Feb. 4, marking the last weekend of the museum’s special exhibit, Plowshares Into Swords.

Michigan Department of Natural Resources

Michigan --(Ammoland.com)- The 5th Michigan Volunteer Infantry will play at the Michigan Historical Museum on Feb. 4 at 1 p.m. in recognition of the museum’s Civil War exhibit, Plowshares Into Swords.

The performance marks the last weekend visitors can see the special exhibit. It will be held in the museum’s first floor in the Forum and begin at 1 p.m. The event is free with regular museum admission.

The 5th Michigan Volunteer Infantry – a unit which saw action at the battles of Bull Run, Antietam and Gettysburg during the Civil War – was mustered into service on Aug. 28, 1861 at Fort Wayne in Detroit. One hundred fifty years later the modern 5th Michigan Regiment Band brings Civil War history to thousands of spectators each year through music and historical narration.

The band will be dressed in their Union blues and perform Civil War-era music on antique and replica sax horns and wood rope tension drums. The selection will include popular marches, polkas, waltzes and quicksteps of the 1860s that were played during parades and at military balls on both sides of the Mason-Dixon Line.

Lt. Col. Guy Smith, director of the band, has meticulously transcribed and orchestrated the band’s music using original scores preserved in the National Archives.

Visit www.michigan.gov/museum and see “Coming Events” for more detailed information.

Michigan Historical Museum admission is $6 for adults 18-64. Children through age 5 are free; youth ages 6-17 pay an optional $2; and seniors 65 and up pay $4. Annual passes are available, and Sundays are FREE for everyone. Visit www.michigan.gov/museum for details.

The museum is open seven days a week. It is located inside the Michigan Library and Historical Center, 702 West Kalamazoo St., Lansing. The museum and visitor parking are on the north side of Kalamazoo Street, two blocks east of M. L. King Jr. Boulevard. Weekend parking is free. For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/museum or call 517-373-3359.

The Michigan Historical Center is part of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Its museum and archival programs help people discover, enjoy and find inspiration in their heritage. It includes the Michigan Historical Museum, 11 regional museums, and the Archives of Michigan. Learn more at www.michigan.gov/michiganhistory.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.

North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission

RALEIGH, NC --(Ammoland.com)- Hunters, anglers and wildlife enthusiasts now have more ways than ever to receive the most up-to-date information about the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission.

Constituents can now “like” the Commission on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to see the latest news releases, view photos, get updates on fishing and boating, learn of new regulations or just find out about wildlife and the outdoors in North Carolina.

“For some people, social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook are a first stop to find information,” said Carolyn Rickard, the Commission’s public information officer leading the agency’s social media efforts.

“Providing information through these sites is just one more way we can keep people informed and up to date.”

The Commission also recently started a blog in December and made plans to expand its videos on its YouTube channel later this year.

“And we’re supplementing Facebook by providing mirror information on Google+,” Rickard said. “It’s not as big as Facebook now, but we anticipate Google+ growing as a social networking option because it’s tied in to Google’s search engine and maps, which businesses and schools need every day.”

Links to the Wildlife Commission’s social media options will be posted on the bottom, right corner of the agency’s newly redesigned website, www.ncwildlife.org.

The public also can go online to receive N.C. Wildlife Update, a periodic newsletter featuring season dates, bag limits, legislative updates and more — delivered to your Inbox from the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission.

About the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission
Since 1947, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission has been dedicated to the conservation and sustainability of the state’s fish and wildlife resources through research, scientific management, wise use, and public input. The Commission is the state regulatory agency responsible for the enforcement of fishing, hunting, trapping and boating laws and provides programs and opportunities for wildlife-related educational, recreational and sporting activities. To learn more, visit www.ncwildlife.org.

Get N.C. Wildlife Update — news including season dates, bag limits, legislative updates and more — delivered to your Inbox from the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. Go to www.ncwildlife.org/enews.

Buck Wear's Rack Measuring Service T-Shirt

Buck Wear

Baltimore, MD --(Ammoland.com)- Because they know you and your friends will think it’s funny – and let’s face it – it is,
Buck Wear has introduced its “Rack Measuring Service” T-shirt, constructed of 100 percent pre-shrunk cotton.

Reading, “Professional Rack Measuring Service: Your Rack is in our Hands,” this hilarious shirt is destined to bring on laughs for all who cross its path.

The T-shirt, which employs a classic company logo-looking design comes in sand. It features a 10-point trophy “rack,” and while your wife or girlfriend may roll her eyes at it, it is sure to be favorite with your hunting buddies. As with all quality Buck Wear shirts, the company utilizes the highest caliber screen-printing process available in order to create the best-looking and longest lasting shirts possible.

Buck Wearʼs new ʻRack Measuring Serviceʼ T-shirt is available in a full range of adult sizes from small to XXXL to ensure a comfortable fit for avid outdoorsmen of all sizes. Pair this shirt with one of Buck Wearʼs popular hats, sweatshirts or even pick out a piece for the rest of the family — Buck Wear also offers stylish designs for women and children.

Buck Wearʼs clothing line is available through top hunting, fishing and outdoor sports retailers across the United States and online at www.buckwear.com.

For more information on the new Buck Wear ʻRack Measuring Serviceʼ T-shirt (Model #1276) or Buck Wearʼs full selection of apparel for outdoor enthusiasts, please contact: Buck Wear, Inc., 2900 Cowan Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21223 · Telephone: (800) 813-7708 · Or visit www.buckwear.com. Find the company on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pages/Buck-Wear/454469010477.

Wisconsin DNR

MADISON, WI --(Ammoland.com)- Much of Wisconsin received snowfall last weekend and this week, but snow depths continue to be marginal for outdoor winter recreation through much of southern, central and northwestern parts of the state.

Anywhere from 4 to 6 inches of snow fell last weekend, but the snow was light and fluffy and strong winds caused drifting and bear spots in many locations.

Snowmobile trails remain open only in about a dozen northern counties, and are only rated as good in a few of those according to the Wisconsin Department of Tourism’s Snow Conditions Report (exit DNR). Cross-country ski conditions faired better, but many trails in the southern half of the state have had minimal grooming and many are reporting there are some bare or thin spots. The good news is that snow is forecast for later this week into the weekend, with higher amounts expected in the southern part of the state.

Cold temperatures that moved into Wisconsin this week have finally frozen over most of the larger lakes that still had open water last week, including Winnebago and Mendota. However, some areas are reporting that certain spots are still being kept open by large numbers of waterfowl that were staying in the area. And conservation wardens are continuing to caution that much of the ice that formed is still very thin, and now covered by a protective layer of snow. There were numerous reports of snowmobiles and ATVs going through the ice on Lake Winnebago in the last week. Wardens are still advising foot traffic only on southern waters and for people to check ice depths regularly and be prepared should they fall through thin ice.

Ice conditions in the north through the central part of the state are generally good with a foot or more being reported in many locations. Many areas reporting fishing action slowed this week, likely due to the new snow cover. The best action continued to be for panfish, with some reports of very nice crappie and bluegill being caught, but with anglers having to move around a lot to find them. Action for walleye was slower, but there were still some reports of nice northern pike being taken on tip-ups.

While ice has also begun to form on some Lake Michigan harbors, there were still anglers open water fishing this past week. None of the harbor ice is considered safe at this time. Similarly, ice is again forming on the Bay of Green Bay and Lake Superior’s Chequamegon Bay, but it is not safe. Anglers on Sawyer harbor and Little Sturgeon Bay were reportedly fishing along the shore ice, but with open water not too far out in the bay.

Mid-January generally is the onset of coyote and red fox breeding cycles that last into March. Cold, crisp winter nights afford opportunities to listen for the raspy barks of red fox or the high pitched yipping of coyotes. Pup litters of both species are born in March or April.

Among the waterfowl keeping areas of some lakes open were more than 300 tundra swans that have been on Lake Mendota for a couple of weeks. And more than 100 trumpeter swans have been reported on open water at Willow River State Park in St. Croix County. Visitors to bird feeder have included nuthatches, pine siskins, black-capped chickadees, dark-eyed juncos, blue jays, tufted titmice, northern cardinals and American goldfinches

• DNR Outdoor Report in Portable Document Format (Requires Adobe® Acrobat® Reader®)
• DNR Outdoor Report in Rich Text Format
• Upcoming Events at DNR Parks, Forests and Trails

Help Defeat the Iowa Ban on Traditional Ammunition for Dove Season

Iowa Firearms Coalition

Iowa --(Ammoland.com)- Iowa Firearms Coalition, and your friends at NRA, have been working hard at the Capitol this session already!

As you may have read in Iowa media outlets we are working diligently to overturn the ban on traditional ammunition that was slipped in as an amendment last session by the Natrual Resources Commission.

We are working hard on defending your rights and you can help us out by taking action here!

The Commission has taken a page straight out of the anti-hunting extremist groups’ playbook to deter hunting through traditional ammunition bans.

Anti-conservation fanatics failed at the federal level after the EPA rejected their lead-ban petition and have now placed their focus on Iowa knowing that doves are the most popular and abundant game bird hunted in America. This traditional ammunition ban is designed to price hunters out of the market and keep them from taking part in traversing Iowa’s fields and forests after the historic dove hunting legislation passed this year.

The Commission did not cite any relevant scientific studies showing negative effects of traditional ammunition when proposing this amendment last session, and has simply jumped in the political bed with anti-hunting extremists.

Just look at what Iowa’s DNR Director, Roger Lande, had to say about the ban in the Commission’s press release: “There will be a number of hunters who will be opposed to this decision, but at the end of the day, this action by the commission will help protect Iowa’s environment and wildlife from the adverse affects of lead.”

Dove populations are doing better than ever all while the vast majority of states allow traditional ammunition for dove hunting.

This amendment is the same position the Commission took earlier this year when it attempted to ban the use of lead shot on numerous state and federal wildlife areas across Iowa and said that they would “begin limiting the use of lead for all hunting and fishing on all public areas.” The Commission is blatantly subverting the will of the legislature, where the state House debated the lead issue and overwhelmingly rejected it.

Also, the Iowa DNR has a section on its website titled “Get the Lead Out” which has language eerily similar to the Center for Biological Diversity (“Get the Lead Out”) campaign – and yes, this is a propaganda piece written by the group that petitioned the EPA to ban all lead and traditional ammunition in America!

The Commission’s first attempt at a traditional ammunition ban last session was defeated with Governor Terry Branstad’s help, but this amendment has made their intentions clear. They intend to keep trying until they can get something to stick and once they do they will take this ban across the board.

Please help us take action on this by clicking here. By taking time to make your voice heard we can once again overcome yet another attack on your rights here in Iowa!

Also, please consider becoming a member today. Iowa Firearms Coalition is the only Iowa-based Second Amendment organization whose leadership is completely focused on your defending and advancing your Second Amendment rights. Help join the fight today and know that 100% of your investment goes directly to the cause by clicking here!

Defending your Second Amendment rights in Iowa,

About Iowa Firearms Coalition:
The mission of the Iowa Firearms Coalition is to be THE firearms rights organization in Iowa, representing Second Amendment concerns for all firearms owners in the state. We will staunchly defend the rights of hunters and sportsmen as well as the rights of all Iowans to defend themselves and their loved ones. We seek to partner with other like-minded organizations to increase our effectiveness in accomplishing these goals. Visit: www.iowafc.org

Retired FWP employees, freed from the institutional FWP muzzle, tell that FWP-tolerated wolves are turning the Montana landscape into a biological desert...

Montana Shooting Sports Association

Missoula, MT --(Ammoland.com)- The Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks is reported to be running out of money because of decreased hunting license purchases, and is considering asking the Legislature for license fee increases.

This is the first obvious symptom of something known as agency “death spiral” for FWP.

Over the past two decades, FWP has come to focus on wildlife and biology, when it should have been focused on fish and game.

This includes FWP’s shocking tolerance and support for large predators. FWP’s total, willing, even eager cooperation with fostering excessive populations of large predator has long been predicted to end in a financial crash for the agency, as word unavoidably spreads that there is no game left to hunt so there is no reason to buy a license.

For too long, FWP leaders have leaned on the scales of public policy by making excuses for the devastation wrought upon game herds by large predators, by fudging game counts and census numbers, and by blaming any game population declines that could not be covered up on climate change, sunspots, lazy hunters, or aliens – anything but the truth.

This coverup culture has been fostered by senior staff, always near retirement, who knew they’d be long gone from the hot seat when the FWP financial bus blundered off a cliff.

If the overall FWP attitude had not been so Hell-bent on “ecosystem management,” “biological diversity,” “natural balance” and other similar catchy but terminal “green” ideas destined to end hunting, FWP managers would have predicted the current agency financial crisis years ago. Nobody at FWP noticed or cared several years ago when the editor of the NRA’s nationwide American Hunter magazine published a feature article about his fruitless elk hunting trip to southwest Montana, a trip where the only tracks he saw were wolf tracks. Nobody at FWP noticed or cared about the other hundreds of warnings from Montana citizens.

Worse, those warnings were even ridiculed by FWP in mad pursuit of its own elite agenda.

The stock mantra from FWP managers has been: We’re the professionals. We know best. The outcome that concerned citizens predict will never come to pass. The “evidence” of crashing game herds citizens offer is just “campfire stories” and is without merit because it doesn’t come from paid FWP “professionals.”

Yet when retired FWP employees, freed from the institutional FWP muzzle, tell that FWP-tolerated wolves are turning the Montana landscape into a “biological desert,” FWP dismisses such comments summarily.

For the last two decades, FWP has been busy digging a hole for itself. As it sees daylight disappearing around the edges of the hole, it still won’t quit digging.

Of course, the obvious solution for the bureaucratic-bound and reality-disconnected FWP will be to announce,

“We’ve been managing wildlife for the general public (including the non-Montana public) for years. Now we need the general public to pay the bills.”

FWP has so fouled its nest by wasting the Montana hunting resource on predators and inadvisably removing hunters from the economic equation that it will now go to the Legislature asking for relief, including increased fees that hunters simply won’t pay to access a vanishing resource, and, ultimately, asking for tax increases on the general taxpayer seeking a bailout from the results of its bad decisions.

You can bet that when FWP approaches the Legislature demanding an allowance increase as a reward for having flunked Econ 101, MSSA and thousands of Montana hunters will be there to say “Absolutely no way.” FWP has not only ignored the many warnings from Montana hunters, it has mocked and disrespected them. Also ignoring a state law requiring it to control large predators to protect game herds, FWP has bulled its way down a path surrounded with warning signs.

What FWP needs is not more or alternate sources of money, but a total change in attitude and culture. Until that happens, let FWP starve! It is not serving Montana.

About Montana Shooting Sports Association:
MSSA is the primary political advocate for Montana gun owners. Visit: www.mtssa.org