Delta Waterfowl

Bismarck, ND --(Ammoland.com)- Duck hunters will find plenty to cheer about in the annual breeding population and habitat survey, which was released earlier today.

Conducted each May by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Canadian Wildlife Service, this year’s survey reveals the second-highest pond count and a record 45.6 million ducks, the most since the survey was started in 1955. Blue-winged teal, shovelers and redheads soared to record levels, and if that’s not enough, mallard, pintail, canvasback and gadwall numbers rose substantially from 2010.

But not all is well across the U.S. and Canadian prairies.

While water is great for ducks, excessive snowpack and heavy spring rains produced extreme flooding across much of the prairie breeding grounds. From the Canadian prairies to the Dakotas and eastern Montana, tens of thousands of homeowners have been displaced by swollen rivers, millions of acres of cropland remain unplanted and hundreds of miles of roads are under water.

2011 Duck Numbers“Our hearts go out to all those affected by flooding this spring,” says Delta President Rob Olson.“This has been an indescribable hardship for the people living in the Prairie Pothole Region.”

The closely watched May ponds total, the second-highest ever, doesn’t do justice to the unprecedented flooding still terrorizing residents of the breeding grounds. Across the U.S. side of the region, the last three years have been the wettest since pond counts began. The 3.2 million ponds inventoried in the U.S. this spring were the most on record.

The 4.9 million ponds in prairie Canada were 43 percent more than the long-term average, which dates back to 1955, and brings the total pond count across the traditional survey area to 8.1 million, second only to the 8.3 million recorded in 1974.

Not surprisingly, all that water attracted a record number of ducks. The 12.5 million breeding ducks that settled in the eastern half of the Dakotas was the most ever, and was 172 percent above average.

The Canadian prairies got drenched this year and, accordingly, attracted significantly more ducks than last year: Alberta saw a 60 percent jump in pond numbers and 66 percent more ducks, Manitoba was 72 percent wetter with 41 percent more ducks and Saskatchewan’s pond count rose 18 percent and attracted 56 percent more ducks.

Olson was quick to point out that wet conditions don’t create more ducks, they just attract birds that on dry years would settle elsewhere. “The bush country is empty because all the birds are having a party on the prairies,” he says.

Species reaching all-time highs include blue-winged teal at a whopping 8.9 million, northern shovelers at 4.6 million and redheads with 1.4 million. Mallards improved to 9.2 million; pintails jumped to 4.4 million, the highest level since 1980; gadwalls rose to 3.3 million; canvasbacks climbed to 692,000, and scaup improved slightly to 4.3 million.

Dr. Frank Rohwer, Delta Waterfowl’s scientific director, says the uninterrupted wet cycle that began in the U.S. in 1994 is only part of the reason ducks numbers have skyrocketed in recent years, citing millions of acres of dense nesting cover provided by the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and an outbreak of mange that has kept fox numbers in check as other important factors.

“The eastern Dakotas have become the Mecca for prairie ducks,” says Rohwer, a Louisiana State University professor who admits he’s excited about the coming hunting season. “Pintails have reversed their long-term decline, driven largely by very high counts in the eastern Dakotas. Blue-winged teal are off the charts–yikes. Shovelers are at an all-time high and gadwalls and mallards are up.”

To demonstrate his point about productivity in the U.S., Dr. Rohwer did some back-of-the-envelope calculations based on the survey results. “I added up the number of mallards, gadwalls and blue-winged teal for each region and divided them by the pond counts to get a pairs-per-pond figure,” he says. [Continued...]

“The eastern Dakotas had 3.7 pairs per pond, while southern Saskatchewan had just 1.78. Southern Manitoba and Alberta were slightly lower than Saskatchewan.”

Rohwer’s calculations explain why flooding isn’t the only reason for long faces on the breeding grounds: Waterfowl managers are increasingly concerned about the long-term ability of the U.S. prairies to produce ducks in light of budget cuts being considered by Congress. If approved, those cuts could put CRP and numerous other conservation programs responsible for this year’s eye-popping numbers at risk.

“Mother Nature has dealt the pothole region a winning hand with all this water,” says Delta Senior Vice President John Devney. “When the prairies get this wet, it sets off a chain reaction of positive outcomes–an abundance of small wetlands attracts more ducks to prime breeding areas, and those ducks are more inclined to re-nest and brood survival increases. Re-nesting is important because it offsets predation.

“But the U.S. prairies won’t stay wet forever, and if we continue to lose CRP, native grasslands and wetlands, duck numbers could go down even faster and more dramatically than they’ve come up in recent years. Worse, without adequate nesting cover, populations will be slower to recover.”

The importance of CRP on the U.S. side of the “duck factory” becomes more apparent with each passing breeding season.

For the third year in a row, more pintails settled in the eastern Dakotas (1.5 million) than in prairie Saskatchewan (1.1 million). Pintail numbers in the eastern Dakotas were a whopping 209 percent higher than average.

Blue-winged teal numbers were knock-your-socks-off good. The 8.9 million blue-wings were the most ever, and 61 percent of those ducks set up housekeeping on the U.S. side of the region–179 percent more than the norm.

Redheads have also taken advantage of nesting conditions in the U.S. The 1.4 million breeders recorded this year set yet another record, and 654,000 of them–241 percent more than average–settled in the U.S.

Northern shovelers also set a record at 4.6 million, 98 percent higher than the long-term average. Shoveler numbers actually dropped across the eastern Dakotas, but rose dramatically in the prairie provinces and the western Dakotas.

The mallard breeding population rose less than some observers expected to a very respectable 9.2 million, with 3.4 million of those in the U.S. Surveyors counted 18 percent more canvasbacks than a year ago, gadwalls were the third highest ever and scaup climbed to the highest level since 1999, which is still 15 percent below average.

Species of concern are the American wigeon, which fell 14 percent from last year to 2.1 million and is now 20 percent below average, and green-winged teal, off 17 percent to 2.9 million but still 47 percent higher than average. “High duck numbers bode well for good production and a strong fall flight,” Devney says.

About:
Delta Waterfowl provides knowledge, leaders and science-based solutions that efficiently conserve waterfowl and secure the future for waterfowl hunting. Visit: www.deltawaterfowl.org

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries

Louisiana --(Ammoland.com)- The Palo Alto Rod and Gun Club and three Donaldsonville men pled guilty to Migratory Bird Treaty Act violations on June 24 in Federal Middle District Court in Baton Rouge.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Stephen C. Riedlinger ordered the Palo Alto Rod and Gun Club and the three men to pay a total of $34,810 in fines and assessments for the violations.

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Enforcement Division agents cited the Palo Alto Rod and Gun Club located near Donaldsonville in September of 2007 for baiting a dove field to attract mourning doves for paid hunts. Agents also cited Robert Lemann Sr., 62, Robert Lemann Jr., 38, and Kenneth Gomez, 62, and Wayne Gomez, 60, for baiting a dove field.

The Palo Alto Rod and Gun Club was ordered to pay a $25,300 fine and $350 in assessments. The club was also placed on probation for two years in which they will not be allowed to provide any paid hunts. Lemann Sr. represented the Palo Alto Rod and Gun Club and accepted their penalties in exchange to have his personal charges dropped.

Lemann Jr. was ordered to pay a $5,000 fine and $70 in assessments. Kenneth Gomez was fined $3,000 plus $70 in assessments. Wayne Gomez was ordered to pay a $1,000 fine and $20 in assessments. All three men were also placed on one year of probation with the stipulation that they cannot provide any paid hunts.

LDWF Agents began investigating the Palo Alto Rod and Gun Club in August of 2007 after receiving a public complaint. Agents setup surveillance on the club and observed dove fields that were baited with wheat seeds in an effort to attract mourning doves.

All four men are either employed or connected to the Palo Alto Rod and Gun Club.

Agents participating in the case were Lt. Dennis Bueche, Sgt. Will Roberts, Sgt. Randy Lanoux, Sgt. Todd Lewis, Senior Agent Chad Menzina and Senior Agent Hal Bridges. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service special agents also assisted in the case.

For more information, contact Adam Einck at aeinck@wlf.la.gov.

Wisconsin DNR Needs Your Help With Game Bird Brood Observations

Wisconsin DNR

MADISON, WI --(Ammoland.com)- The Wisconsin DNR is asking for your help in measuring the brood production of some of the state’s upland game bird species.

We are looking for observations of broods of pheasant, wild turkey, ruffed grouse, sharp-tailed grouse, prairie chicken, gray partridge, and bobwhite quail.

Wisconsinites spend many days outdoors during the summer months, and see a variety of our state’s abundant wildlife. This makes you a good source of information on the reproductive status of some of our wildlife species.

No special effort is required! Just go about your normal summertime activities, and when you see a brood of young pheasants, turkey, ruffed grouse, sharp-tailed grouse, prairie chicken, gray partridge, or bobwhite quail, please report your sightings. Instructions on how to perform the survey, a link to the survey form, and a tally sheet for your use can be found here.

Also report any sightings of turkey and pheasant hens that do not have broods.

During the summer of 2010, Wisconsinites reported 950 observations of game broods of wild turkey, ring-necked pheasant, ruffed grouse, prairie chicken, sharp-tailed grouse, gray partridge and bobwhite quail. The most frequently observed game bird species were wild turkey (765 observations) and ruffed grouse (117 observations).

Results from your observations will be used to monitor the reproductive status of these birds and to help make fall hunting forecasts. If you have any questions about the survey, or if you have any issues accessing the survey website please contact Brian Dhuey.

Thank you for your interest in Wisconsin’s wildlife.

(l-r) DU CEO Dale Hall, MDC Dir. Bob Ziehmer, DU Canada Senior Conservation Advisor Mike Anderson, DU Chief Biologist Dale Humburg, MDC Wildlife Division Chief DeeCee Darrow Page 2

Ducks Unlimited

KANSAS CITY, Mo --(Ammoland.com)-  With this year’s state grant program contribution of $250,000, the Missouri Department of Conservation reached the $5 million mark for donations to waterfowl breeding grounds in Canada.

With the support of MDC during the past five years, Ducks Unlimited conserved, enhanced and restored 235,059 acres of prime breeding habitat and positively influenced an additional 1.2 million acres.

“The MDC partnership with Ducks Unlimited is one of the strongest and most effective in the nation,” Mark Flaspohler, DU manager of conservation programs for Missouri, said. “Their commitment to the state grants program is just one manifestation of that partnership.”

The state grants program represents a unique international funding partnership that preserves critical waterfowl habitat in the Prairie Pothole Region of Canada, while working toward achieving the goals of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan. Contributions from the states are matched by DU Inc. and DU Canada, as well as the North American Wetlands Conservation Act.

“It is the committed support of partners like the Missouri Department of Conservation that makes waterfowl conservation and the North American Waterfowl Management Plan a success,” DU CEO Dale Hall, said.

DU Canada uses a combination of strategically targeted direct programs, agricultural extension and public policy efforts to advance its conservation goals. Direct habitat programs such as land acquisition and conservation easements help secure the remaining habitat base and provide restoration opportunities. Agricultural extension programs focus on adding nesting cover and/or improving wetland conditions, while the promotion of waterfowl-friendly agricultural practices provides positive economic benefits to producers.

“MDC’s investment in Canadian waterfowl habitat yields direct, tangible returns for Missourians,” said MDC Director Bob Ziehmer. “Leveraging our contribution and money from other states four-to-one lets us put $2 million into protecting critical nesting habitat that sends millions of ducks winging down the Mississippi Flyway to Missouri and beyond each fall.”

Waterfowl band recovery data has established a clear link between waterfowl produced and banded in Canada’s PPR and subsequently harvested in the Mississippi Flyway. Priority habitats in Manitoba stand out as a primary Canadian source of ducks harvested in Missouri.

“The conservation of this vital habitat will ensure Missouri hunters experience strong waterfowl flights from Manitoba for many years to come,” Tom Shryock, DU Missouri state chairman, said.

Ducks Unlimited is the world’s largest non-profit organization dedicated to conserving North America’s continually disappearing waterfowl habitats. Established in 1937, Ducks Unlimited has conserved more than 12 million acres thanks to contributions from more than a million supporters across the continent.

Guided by science and dedicated to program efficiency, DU works toward the vision of wetlands sufficient to fill the skies with waterfowl today, tomorrow and forever.

About:
Ducks Unlimited is the world’s largest non-profit organization dedicated to conserving North America’s continually disappearing waterfowl habitats. Established in 1937, Ducks Unlimited has conserved more than 12 million acres thanks to contributions from more than a million supporters across the continent. Guided by science and dedicated to program efficiency, DU works toward the vision of wetlands sufficient to fill the skies with waterfowl today, tomorrow and forever. Visit www.ducks.org

Serious Grouse Hunting: Book 1 - Ruffed Grouse Hunting Tips Revealed

AmmoLand Gun News

Manasquan, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- “Serious Grouse Hunting: Book 1” is about one thing: Improving your ruffed grouse hunting.

New tips on finding habitat and parsing the habitat you do find, walking-up grouse (with and without a dog), getting grouse to flush, the best ways to get a shot, gun and shell choices, modern gear pros and cons, and much more.

Serious Grouse Hunting takes a 70-year old conversation about grouse hunting and brings it into the 21st Century.

All bird hunters will enjoy this book, and those who aren’t yet Serious about grouse hunting will be after reading it!

Readers will:

• Improve grouse hunting abilities
• Understand countless new hunting strategies and age-old secrets with easy-to-understand illustrations and entertaining, down-to-earth explanations
• Learn how to harness the power of technologies like Google Earth to advance hunting skills
• Discover which time-honored grouse hunting tactics are now debunked

“We wrote this book for several reasons,” explained author Jay Kumar. “One is we love to grouse-hunt. Two is that we wish we’d read a book like this, and since no one had written one, we did. Three, the how-to info in the sport seriously needed updating. And a fourth reason is that we’re eternal students of the sport, and really want this book to start some new conversations about grouse hunting and upland hunting generally.”

“We’ll keep those conversations going at our website, SeriousBirdHunting.com. We just can’t get enough bird hunting info, and we know we’re not alone!”

Co-author Brendan Haines added, “As Serious Bird Hunters, we love hammering ditch chickens just like everyone else. But to us, ruffed grouse hunting is the pinnacle of serious bird hunting. If you hunt grouse, you may not agree with everything in the book but should learn at least one thing that will help you bag more birds. If you haven’t hunted grouse yet, reading this book will make you want to.”

“Serious Grouse Hunting: Book 1″ has 200+ pages with photos and illustrations. Available now for purchase at www.SeriousBirdHunting.com, the cover price is $29.95 – much cheaper than hiring a guide for the day and hunters will learn much more from the book. In fact, grouse books were selling for more than $20 two decades ago!

About the Authors – Jay Kumar and Brendan Haines
The authors don’t claim to be grouse experts, but are serious students of grouse hunting. Both are entrepreneurs who make sure those few precious months of grouse season are spent as much as possible in the woods.

Jay Kumar is a published author with a long and successful history in outdoors media. His novel, Dark Woods — an outdoor thriller called “Jaws in the woods” — was published by Berkley Books, a division of Penguin. The novel received stellar reviews on amazon.com and the publisher has requested another book.

While running a publishing company in Washington, DC, he was a senior writer for a few major fishing and hunting publications. In 2001 he started his own outdoors web-media company, BassFan LLC, which became OutdoorsFan Media, the largest group of websites covering competitive outdoor sports. He sold the company to Intermedia Outdoors in 2007. At the time, it was the first profitable web-media-centric company sold anywhere in the world. Jay also co-hosted and co-developed a weekly in-studio show on ESPN2 called “Loudmouth Bass.”

Brendan Haines is a successful entrepreneur in the outdoor advertising business, and was born to be a Serious Grouse Hunter. He was either a bird or a fox in a former life, has bird instincts Jay and probably some dogs would kill for, and also is a heck of a shot. He got real Serious about grouse at age 12 when he and his father bought a sweet Spanish 28ga SxS and Brendan began stalking the thunderbirds through the woods mano a mano. He’s an avid student of everything grouse and yes, is responsible for roping his buddy Jay into this crazy sport.

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

LINCOLN, Neb. --(Ammoland.com)- Good news for Nebraska grouse hunters this fall. The hunting season for this upland game species will be a month longer than in past years.

Grouse hunting season opens in Nebraska on Sept. 18 and runs through Jan. 31, 2011. This aligns the season with the close of pheasant and quail seasons and allows more opportunities for late-season mixed bag hunting of all three species.

Grouse may be hunted statewide, but a free special permit is required for hunting east of U.S. Highway 81 (east zone).

Approximately 90 special permits remain for hunting in the east zone. They are limited to one per hunter and available on a first-come, first-served basis. To request a special permit, call Game and Parks at (402) 471-5597, visit the Lincoln headquarters, or send a postcard to: Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Attn: Grouse Permits, P.O. Box 30370, Lincoln, NE 68503.

The postcard must include the following: name, address, date of birth, telephone number, and 2010 hunting permit number or lifetime hunting permit number. Residents ages 12 to 15 must submit a hunter education number. Those not required to purchase a hunting permit must provide documentation of such exemption.

The daily bag and possession limits in the east zone are three birds. The daily bag and possession limits west of U.S. 81 (west zone) are three and 12, respectively.

A Nebraska hunting permit and habitat stamp are required of all grouse hunters in the state, except residents younger than 16 years.

Nebraska hunting permits and stamps may be purchased at Game and Parks offices and OutdoorNebraska.org.

The most frequently observed game bird species is the turkey (80% of observations) with an average of 4 poults per hen.

Wisconsin DNR

MADISON, WI - -(Ammoland.com)- Outdoor enthusiasts and wildlife watchers from across the state have reported 621 game bird brood observations with 8 weeks of the survey period completed.

Observations have been reported from 70 of 72 counties in the state. Most brood observations occurred in Dane County, followed by Oconto County.

The most frequently observed game bird species is the turkey (80% of observations) with an average of 4 poults per hen. Ruffed grouse are the next most frequently seen game bird (12% of observations) with an average of 5 chicks per hen. Pheasants (7% of observations) average 6 chicks per hen.

Please continue to report your observations until August 21st.

You can record your observations on the game bird brood survey page, or for times when you will not have access to a computer and the web and would like to keep track of your observations, please print out this tally sheet and record your sightings. Then periodically return to the survey page, using the tally sheet to help you fill out the survey.

Thank you to all the anonymous outdoor enthusiasts and wildlife watchers across the state that are taking the time and interest in Wisconsin’s wildlife to fill out the online game bird brood observation survey.

If you have any trouble accessing the survey or if you have questions about the survey, please contact Brian Dhuey, 608-221-6342.

Mossy Oak's Perry Peterson Takes Second Largest Eastern Gobbler On Record

Mossy Oak

Iowa --(Ammoland.com)- Perry Peterson, Mossy Oak Regional Pro Staff Manager, took the second largest eastern subspecies of turkey on the last day of the Iowa spring season.

The huge gobbler scored an impressive 94.406 and is the #1 bird ever taken in Iowa and #2 overall. The bird weighed 26 pounds and 2.5 oz.

It had an unbelievable 13.5 inch beard and 2.0625 spurs. Peterson took the bird near his home in Manchester, Iowa.

Wild Pheasant Recovery Areas

Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG, PA –-(AmmoLand.com)-The Board of Game Commissioners today gave final approval to continue with three Wild Pheasant Recovery Areas (WPRAs) for the 2010-11 seasons, which is an effort designed to re-establish wild pheasant populations in Pennsylvania.

The Board also gave preliminary approval to create a fourth WPRA, which is to be designated the Hegins-Gratz Valley WPRA, and will need to be approved by the Board in June before taking effect. Wild caught pheasants will be released in this WPRA in 2011.

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 four WPRAs by 2015. The agency is releasing wild-trapped pheasants into these areas, with a goal of achieving a density of 10 hen pheasants per square mile.

To give these wild pheasants the best opportunity to establish naturally reproducing populations, the Board has banned pheasant hunting or the releasing of any artificially propagated pheasants – including Game Commission-raised pheasants – within these WPRAs. Also, to limit disturbances to nesting hen pheasants, dog training of any manner and small game hunting will be prohibited in WPRAs from the first Sunday in February through July 31 each year.

“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,” said Carl G. Roe, Game Commission executive director. “These groups have invested in creating the necessary pheasant habitat in these four areas of the state.

“The Game Commission will continue to raise and release pheasants on public lands with suitable pheasant habitat each fall. And, should we receive additional revenues, we plan to increase our pheasant production level to 250,000 birds, as noted in the Ring-necked Pheasant Management Plan.”

For the 2010-11 seasons, the WPRAs will be defined as follows:

(1) Pike Run WPRA: The portion of Washington County, WMU 2A, bounded on the east by the Monongahela River, on the north by I-70, on the west by PA Rt. 917 to Swagler Rd. to Spring Valley Rd. to PA Rt. 2015 to Lone Pine Rd. to the intersection with Tenmile Creek in West Zollarsville, and bounded on the south by Tenmile Creek.

(2) 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.

(3) 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.

(4) 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).

A native of Asia, pheasants were brought to North America back in the mid 1700s, but these early attempts to introduce pheasants to the continent were unsuccessful. It wasn’t until 1881, in the Willamette Valley of Oregon, that pheasants first became established.

During the early 1890s, Pennsylvania citizens purchased pheasants from English gamekeepers and released them in Lehigh and Northampton counties. For several decades, many other small releases were made across the Commonwealth to establish pheasants for sport hunting.

In the early 1900s, the Game Commission set aside a special appropriation of funds to purchase and propagate game. Pheasant eggs were purchased and given to agency refuge keepers, sportsmen’s organizations and private individuals interested in raising pheasants. The first stocking of pheasants by the Game Commission occurred by 1915.

Habitat loss, from urban/suburban sprawl, to changes in agricultural practices, had an impact on Pennsylvania’s naturally-reproducing pheasant populations. Additionally, budget constraints forced the Game Commission, in 2005, to reduce its annual pheasant stocking allocation from 200,000 to 100,000.

For more information on pheasants and the history of the agency’s pheasant management plan and propagation program, visit the Game Commission’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us), select “Wildlife,” click on “Birds,” and the choose “Pheasant Home.”

Feral Cats Kill 10,000,000's of Game Birds & Small Animals Every Month

Urban Wildlands Group

Los Angeles, CA --(Ammoland.com)- Conservation groups win suit to force city to conduct required environmental review of feral cat program

Six conservation groups won a lawsuit on Friday against the City of Los Angeles and its Department of Animal Services to stop the practice of encouraging feral cat colonies until the legally required environmental impact reviews are performed.

The Los Angeles Superior Court found that the City of Los Angeles had been “secretly and unofficially” promoting “Trap-Neuter-Return,” a controversial program to allow feral cats to run free, even while the Department of Animal Services promised to conduct an environmental review of the program.

The Court ordered the City to stop implementing TNR.

The plaintiffs, The Urban Wildlands Group, Endangered Habitats League, Los Angeles Audubon Society, Palos Verdes/South Bay Audubon Society, Santa Monica Bay Audubon Society, and the American Bird Conservancy, sued the City in June 2008 to ensure that the controversial program to sanction and maintain feral cat colonies was not implemented before a full and public environmental analysis.

The groups decided legal action was necessary after their investigation revealed that the City had been unofficially implementing a so-called “Trap-Neuter-Return” program and the City repeatedly declined their request to stop implementing the program until environmental review was performed.

Although the City insisted that no such program existed, the Court concurred with the conservation groups and concluded in its Friday ruling that, “implementation of the program is pervasive, albeit ‘informal and unspoken.”

“Our goal was to see that the City follows the California Environmental Quality Act by thoroughly assessing the program’s impacts on the environment and considering alternatives and mitigation measures before making specific programmatic decisions,” said Babak Naficy, attorney for plaintiffs.

“Feral cats have a range of impacts to wildlife, human health, and water quality in our cities. The impacts of institutionalizing the maintenance of feral cat colonies through TNR should be discussed in an open, public process before any such program is implemented,” Naficy said.

In June 2005, the Los Angeles Board of Animal Services Commissioners adopted TNR as the “preferred method of dealing with feral cat populations as its official policy.” Thereafter, the Board directed the General Manager to prepare an analysis of the program under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

This analysis was never completed but the Department implemented major portions of the program anyway.

The Department issued coupons for free or discounted spay/neuter procedures for feral cats being returned to neighborhoods and open spaces, including parks and wildlife areas. It also began refusing to accept trapped feral cats or to issue permits to residents to trap feral cats. The Department assisted outside organizations that performed TNR by donating public space, advertising their services, and referring the public to their TNR programs. The Department even encouraged and assisted in establishing new feral cat colonies at City-owned properties. The Superior Court recognized these actions as illegal implementation of the TNR program that could have an impact on the environment and enjoined the City from further pursuing the program until it complied with CEQA.

Dr. Travis Longcore, Science Director of The Urban Wildlands Group, said, “Feral cats are documented predators of native wildlife. We support spaying and neutering all cats in Los Angeles, which is the law, but do not support release of this non-native predator into our open spaces and neighborhoods where they kill birds and other wildlife.”

Even when fed by humans, cats instinctively hunt prey, including birds, lizards and small mammals. Colonies of feral cats, often thriving with the aid of handouts from humans, harm native wildlife and contaminate water bodies with fecal bacteria.

Longcore continued, “TNR is promoted as a way to reduce feral cat populations but scientific research shows that 70–90% of cats must be sterilized for cat populations to decline. This is virtually impossible to achieve in practice, but population reduction can be achieved with only 50% removal.”

The City must now stop its TNR program and any further proposal to implement such a program must undergo objective scientific review as part of the CEQA process. This will ensure that the public has adequate opportunity to comment and that significant impacts on parks, wildlife, water quality, and human health are avoided.

For further information about Trap-Neuter-Return see:

• Longcore, T., C. Rich, and L. M. Sullivan. 2009. Critical assessment of claims regarding management of feral cats by trap–neuter–return. Conservation Biology 23(4):887–894. http://www.ca.audubon.org/chapter_assets/Longcoreetal2009ConBio.pdf
• Williams, T. 2009. Felines fatales. Audubon Magazine. Sept-Oct, pp. 30–38. http://audubonmagazine.org/incite/incite0909.html
• Hat Tip: http://tnrrealitycheck.com/legalert.asp

About:
The Urban Wildlands Group is dedicated to the conservation of species, habitats, and ecological processes in urban and urbanizing areas.

Carson Pholster Game Bird Carrier

Carson Optics

Hauppauge, NY —-(AmmoLand.com)- Carson Optical has expanded their accessory line to include a patent-pending game bird carrier called the Pholster™.

Carson’s team of outdoor enthusiasts understand that hunters are always looking for that next great item to make their experience more successful and enjoyable, and the Carson Pholster™ does just that.

Carson Optical Pholster Game Bird Carrier

We all know the thrill of flushing a pheasant out of thick cover, making the perfect shot, and retrieving the fallen bird. Now imagine a product that revolutionizes the next step of transporting your bird.

The Pholster™ is made of heavy gauge plastic that is both durable and weather proof. A heavy-duty quick-release clip allows easy attachment to any size belt. Once the fallen bird is retrieved, the hunter simply slides the bird’s neck through the front slot of the Pholster™ using only one hand; the head of the bird will securely rest in the cup. The bird hangs securely from the Pholster™, eliminating the need for old-fashioned leather loops, metal carriers, rope, etc…which often require two hands to secure or require assistance from fellow hunters!

The Pholster™ also allows the birds to ride higher on the hunters waist, preventing birds from dragging at the ankles, a problem commonly found with all types and styles of bird carriers. The Pholster™ is perfect for pheasants but also accommodates other larger game birds.

Precision designed for maximum comfort and convenience, several Pholsters™ can be worn at the same time- in the field or even when driving a vehicle. The heavy-duty clip guarantees the Pholster™ will stay securely attached to your belt under all conditions…detaches in just seconds. The Pholster™ can also give the hunter a much-needed break from carrying a heavy shotgun by acting as a temporary gun rest. Simply place the butt of the shotgun on the Pholster™ and the entire weight of the gun will be supported!

• The Pholster™ is available in Blaze Orange and is sold in a two-pack.
• MSRP for a two-pack is $25. Exclusively available from Carson Optical.
• Visit us at SHOT Show- Booth #1058 for the Pholster launch.

About:
Carson Optical is known for product innovation, exceptional customer service and value. Carson is a leading supplier of consumer Optics for all ages. Carson branded products include a wide range of Binoculars, Magnifiers, Microscopes and related optical accessories. The people at Carson are marketing specialists, offering outstanding packaging and strong advertising and editorial support. Their line of products was created with the end user in mind. Contact us toll-free: 1-800-9-Optics or visit our web site at www.carsonoptical.com or e-mail us at info@carsonoptical.com.

Arkansas Duck Concentration Maps

Arkansas Game & Fish Commission

LITTLE ROCK AR --(AmmoLand.com)- Biologists with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission recently completed the first aerial waterfowl survey of the 2009-2010 duck season, marking a new era in Arkansas duck counts. AGFC has changed its aerial survey method for the Mississippi Alluvial Valley (the Delta) to more reliably estimate duck numbers in the region.

Instead of the “cruise” surveys of the past, in which biologists fly over traditional waterfowl hot spots to count ducks, AGFC will now use a “transect” method. The cruise method is inherently biased because observers can’t account for unsampled areas during each survey. While no method allows biologists to generate a number for absolute abundance, the transect method allows for more standardized sampling and more reliable counts.

The transect method entails flying a randomly selected portion of transects – west-east lines drawn across the Delta at 500-meter intervals – and counting all ducks seen along those lines and using those counts to calculate an estimate of duck numbers across the entire Delta. AGFC’s effort is part of a partnership with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, the U.S. Geological Survey and the Lower Mississippi Valley Joint Venture to generate reliable estimates across a large portion of the Mississippi Alluvial Valley over time.

AGFC completed the November 2009 estimates earlier this week, and they seem to match much of the anecdotal observations over the past several weeks. There aren’t many mallards in the Delta right now, but observers did see good numbers of other dabbling ducks, including pintails, northern shovelers and gadwalls. Duck distribution appeared to be spotty, with large concentrations here and there across the Delta but without good numbers of ducks scattered throughout the region.

Observers were somewhat surprised by the absence of water in many areas in light of the severe flooding that occurred in late October. While many areas, especially along river corridors, remained flooded, it appeared that many farmers had allowed much of the water to drain in an attempt to salvage harvestable crops.

November population estimates for the Arkansas Delta were 124,065 mallards, 522,662 other dabbling ducks and 147,678 diving ducks for a total of 794,405 ducks. Because of the change in survey methods, these numbers should not be compared with past counts. This count should be considered the first point in a developing collection of Delta duck counts.

Population estimates for western Arkansas, which are still being conducted by the cruise method because of limited waterfowl habitat in that portion of the state, were 20,105 total ducks (5,480 mallards) in southwest Arkansas and 31,000 total ducks (11,000 mallards) in northwest Arkansas.

In addition to the recent aerial waterfowl survey data, AGFC encourages hunters to take advantage of several other new tools to track waterfowl numbers and migration.

AGFC has recently developed duck density maps. The maps, one for relative density of all ducks and the other for relative mallard density, use results from aerial surveys and spatial data models to reflect relative densities of ducks in the Delta region. While the maps are helpful, hunters should understand the maps represent relative density for a given survey period and not absolute duck numbers. For example, it’s reasonable to assume that what appears as a high-density mallard area in November will likely correspond to a lower absolute number than in early January because mallard numbers typically peak in early January. The maps are available at http://www.agfc.com/pdfs/waterfowl/Nov09DuckDensity.pdf and http://www.agfc.com/pdfs/waterfowl/Nov09MallardDensity.pdf.

Since AGFC and Mississippi waterfowl managers conduct counts using the same methods and at approximately the same times, hunters may seek additional information on Mississippi’s Web site at http://home.mdwfp.com/ContentManagement/Html/htmldownload.aspx?id=327. Combined with Arkansas’s counts, that information may provide a more complete picture of waterfowl distribution across a larger portion of the Delta.

Other tools that may be helpful for hunters include a new weather severity index developed by Mississippi State University researchers. The index is an attempt to forecast potential waterfowl migration movements based on weather data throughout the Mississippi Flyway. The index is available at http://www.cfr.msstate.edu/kennedychair/weather.asp.

The Missouri Department of Conservation, in cooperation with Arkansas and several other state and federal agencies, has developed a mallard migration map that can be viewed at http://www.mdc.mo.gov/hunt/wtrfowl/migration.php.

Information on river levels can be found at: http://www.srh.noaa.gov/lmrfc/ or http://water.usgs.gov/realtime.html. Sunrise/sunset tables are available at: http://aa.usno.navy.mil/data/docs/RS_OneDay.html and in the Arkansas Waterfowl Regulations Guide.

South Dakota Fish, Game & Parks

PIERRE, S.D. --(AmmoLand.com)- The S.D. Game, Fish and Parks Department is reminding enthusiasts that they can assist in a national survey of birds while enjoying the popular pastime of bird feeding.

Feeding birds takes place in every part of the country and among all age groups. Nationally, about one in three Americans watch wildlife. One doesn’t need a license or any special skills to enjoy feeding or watching wildlife, just an interest and a commitment to doing it right.

Those partaking in this fun and fulfilling activity should keep a few things in mind. Place feeders where you can watch, enjoy, and photograph feeding visitors. If bothered by squirrels at feeders, place your feeder on a pole away from trees. Place feeders near cover to protect feeding birds from weather and predators, such as free-roaming cats. Move feeders if you notice birds striking windows.

Some birds, such as sparrows, juncos, doves, and pheasants, feed on the ground or on a flat platform. Offer several feeding sites to avoid overcrowding and disease transmission.

If only one menu item is offered, black oil sunflower seed appeals to many birds. Ground-feeding birds may prefer corn, milo or millet to sunflower seed. Pine siskins, goldfinches and redpolls prefer niger seed (also called finch or thistle seed), which can be offered in feeders specially designed for this seed. Suet or peanut butter may attract woodpeckers, chickadees, nuthatches and brown creepers.

Offer year-round water by adding a bird bath heater. Avoid offering human “table scraps,” which may attract rodents or raccoons.

Remember to keep feeders and feeding areas clean by regularly raking up seed hulls and cleaning feeders by scrubbing with soapy water and rinsing in water diluted with a small amount of bleach. Store seed in tight, waterproof containers to prevent mold and to discourage rodents that may be attracted to accessible seed. Once feeding begins, try to continue through the winter. Don’t worry about missing a few days, since feeding birds typically visit other feeding stations. If sick or diseased birds are noticed, disinfect feeders and stop feeding for 10-14 days to avoid further spreading diseases.

For those just beginning to learn to identify birds at feeders, GFP has a new publication that can help. Request “Backyard Birds of South Dakota,” a free publication, at this link to the GFP Web site: http://www.sdgfp.info/Wildlife/Diversity/BackyardBirdsBook.htm

Project FeederWatch is a citizen science project led by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. The project helps to track wintering bird patterns and has provided extremely valuable information about diseases that affect wild birds. To become a FeederWatch citizen scientist, visit this website to join in this winter’s count: http://www.birds.cornell.edu/pfw/

Based on results from last winter’s South Dakota FeederWatch participants, the dark-eyed junco was the most common bird feeder visitor in the state. Rounding out the top five were the house finch, downy woodpecker, American goldfinch and black-capped chickadee.

Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks

PRATT, KS —-(AmmoLand.com)- Farmers are saying it, and hunters who have driven country roads this summer and early September are backing them up: the 2009 Kansas upland bird season should very good. Now the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks has completed its summer brood count survey, and the results of the agency’s Upland Bird Hunting Forecast mirror the coffee-shop predictions.

Last year’s pheasant harvest of 636,000 roosters was lower than the previous year — which had been the highest in 20 years — likely due to late milo harvest and lower numbers of hunters. After a relatively mild winter, the number of pheasants going into the 2009 nesting season was slightly higher than in the spring of 2008. A cool, wet spring this year slowed development of the wheat crop, resulting in a later-than-usual harvest. Many pheasants nest in winter wheat, and the delayed harvest gave hens more time to hatch their nests and rear young.

The timing and quantity of early summer precipitation also plays a big role in game bird productivity. Success of nests and survival of young is generally best when rain comes slowly and in near average amounts during May and June. Most of the state’s primary pheasant range met that prescription. A few areas received heavy rainfall during the nesting and early brood-rearing period. Production was likely below average in these areas, which include portions of Barton, Rice, McPherson, Marion, Reno, Stafford, Republic, Washington, and Cloud counties.

Still, because habitat and weather conditions were favorable in much of Kansas’ pheasant range, the number of birds available to hunters should be better than last year in most regions. Compared to 2008, pheasant numbers will be much improved in northwest Kansas, slightly improved in southwest, northcentral, and northeast Kansas, and down in most of southcentral Kansas. The best pheasant populations will be found throughout the western two-thirds of Region 1 (northwest) and northern portions of Region 3 (southcentral) where the pheasant hunting is expected to be outstanding.

The outlook for quail is good, as well. Going into the breeding season, quail numbers were up nearly 30 percent statewide from the previous spring. The increases were the result of a mild winter with little ice and snow. Ample vegetation and mild summer weather were good for nesting and brood rearing in most locations. A few storms negatively impacted local quail numbers, but the majority of the state will have much improved quail populations from last year.

The best quail hunting will be found throughout the central part of the state from the Red Hills northward all the way to the Nebraska line and eastward to the edge of the Flint Hills. Field data and landowner reports from central and northcentral Kansas indicate that populations are higher than they have been in many years. Compared to last fall, quail numbers will be up substantially in northcentral and northeast Kansas and slightly improved from last year across the remainder of the state.

Lesser prairie chickens are found in the westcentral and southwest regions of the state. The spring prairie chicken lek survey indicated that the lesser prairie chicken breeding population was down overall from the previous year. This decline was most likely due to poor production in 2008 because of drought that affected much of southwestern Kansas. However, nesting conditions for lesser prairie chickens were improved this summer throughout their range due to timely rainfall that occurred in southwest Kansas. It is likely that populations will be up from last year, and the best hunting will be in the central and northern portions of their range.

Greater prairie chickens are found primarily in the Flint Hills and Smoky Hills. Greater prairie chicken breeding populations were down this spring in the southern Flint Hills and up farther north and west throughout the Smoky Hills. In the Flint Hills, almost all pastures were burned again this spring, and there was little vegetative cover available during the nesting season. A few small areas within the central Flint Hills were also hit with heavy June rainfall that likely hurt local production. Conditions were good for production throughout most of the northern Flint Hills and the Smoky Hills. The best greater prairie chicken hunting should be found in the northern Flint Hills westward throughout the Smoky Hills region.

A detailed “2009 Kansas Upland Bird Hunting Forecast” is available online at the KDWP website, www.kdwp.state.ks.us. Click “Hunting/Upland Birds/ Upland Bird Regional Forecast” for the complete report.

About:
The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks is a cabinet-level agency with a Secretary appointed by the Governor. A seven-member, bipartisan commission, also appointed by the Governor, advises the Secretary and approves regulations governing outdoor recreation and fish and wildlife resources in Kansas. The commission conducts business during regular public sessions.

New Jersey Fish and Game

Trenton, NJ --(AmmoLand.com)-The NJ DEP Division of Fish and Wildlife has announced that eleven (11) Dog Training Areas will be stocked with quail prior to the November 7 opening of the small game season. The quail are stocked for dog training purposes only.

The dog training areas are located within the following WMAs (listed north to south) and will be stocked the afternoons of October 2, 9, 16 and 23: Whittingham, Pequest, Black River, Clinton, Assunpink, Manasquan, Colliers Mills, Stafford Forge, Glassboro, Millville and Tuckahoe.

All dogs must be properly licensed. Hunters should note that they may exercise or train dogs on any WMA from September 1 to April 30, however, the exercising or training of dogs is prohibited on any WMA on November 6, 2009.

For more information on division dog training areas, including regulations, visit http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/dogtrain.htm on the division’s website.

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife

OLYMPIA, Wa --(AmmoLand.com)- The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) will release pheasants this fall at the Skagit Wildlife Area’s Samish Unit rather than the Headquarters Unit, where a substantial portion of land is no longer suitable for pheasant hunting.

WDFW is temporarily moving its pheasant release program to the Samish Unit because an estuary restoration project has returned portions of recreational land on the Headquarters Unit to intertidal habitat for fish and wildlife. In the past, pheasants were released on the Headquarters Unit during the general hunting season.

“This is a stopgap solution for this year to address the loss of suitable pheasant release sites at Headquarters,” said Lora Leschner, regional wildlife program manager for WDFW. “We will continue to work toward securing alternative sites in the region where we can permanently relocate our pheasant release operations.”

Pheasants will be released several days a week on the Samish Unit from Sept. 25 to Nov. 7.

Hunters who plan to hunt the Samish Unit during the hours of 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. on the weekends must choose to hunt on odd- or even-numbered weekend days when purchasing a license. All pheasant hunters may hunt the unit from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. seven days a week during the hunting season.

The general westside pheasant hunting season runs from Oct. 3 through Nov. 30. For more information on upland bird hunting seasons, visit WDFW’s website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/wlm/game/water/water.htm .

Meanwhile, delays in an estuary restoration project on the Skagit Wildlife Area’s Leque Island Unit will likely allow WDFW to release pheasants there this fall. For updates on pheasant releases at the Leque Island Unit, hunters can check WDFW’s website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/lands/wildlife_areas/skagit/unit.php?searchby=unit&search=Leque%20Island .

Restoration projects on the Skagit Wildlife Area are intended to restore important habitat for wildlife and fish, particularly salmon, Leschner said. WDFW owns and manages the entire 16,700-acre Skagit Wildlife Area to preserve habitat for fish and wildlife, and provide a site for outdoor recreation.

Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG, PA –-(AmmoLand.com)- The Pennsylvania Game Commission has slated 106,142 ring-necked pheasants for release on public lands throughout the Commonwealth for the upcoming small game hunting seasons, including 16,800 birds for the junior only season (Oct. 10-17).

“Based on agency’s budget cuts first implemented in the 2004-05 fiscal year and carried forward since, we reduced our pheasant propagation program by 50 percent,” said Carl G. Roe, Game Commission executive director. “Reducing the pheasant propagation program has saved the agency more than one million dollars. Without a hunting license fee increase, we expect to continue producing at the 100,000-bird level.

“Despite the overall reductions, this year our game farm staff had an excellent production season. They have worked hard with limited resources to achieve the goal to have 100,000-birds available for stocking this fall.”

The region staff will begin the stocking season Oct. 9, when the agency will release 15,000 birds (8,610 males and 6,390 females) for the junior pheasant hunt scheduled for Oct 10-17. A listing of stocking locations for the youth hunt can be found on pages 23-25 of the 2009-10 Pennsylvania Digest of Hunting and Trapping Regulations, which is provided to each license buyer. Another 1,800 pheasants have been allocated for those clubs sponsoring mentored pheasant hunts for juniors on Oct. 10. (For more information on those clubs participating, please see News Release #087-09.)

Opening day of the general pheasant hunting season is Oct. 24, and closes on Nov. 28. Preseason releases will consist of 50 percent of the fall allocation, and will be stocked in each region beginning Oct. 22, followed by the first in-season stocking consisting of 25 percent beginning Oct. 28. The second in-season stocking will be held the week of Nov. 4, consisting of another 25 percent. Only male pheasants are legal game in Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) 2A, 2B, 2C, 4C, 4E, 5A and 5B. Male and female pheasants are legal game in all other WMUs.

During the regular fall season, the agency focuses pheasant stocking on State Game Lands and select state parks and federal lands. However, in some areas where habitat conditions on public lands are marginal, birds may be stocked on properties enrolled in the Game Commission public access program. Game Commission regional offices have an updated publication titled A Guide To Pheasant Releases And More, which identifies State Game Lands, and those state parks and federal lands with suitable habitat that receive pheasant stockings. The publication, posted on the Game Commission’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us), can be viewed by selecting on “Hunting” in the left-hand column, clicking on the photograph of the pheasant and then choosing “Pheasant Management Program.”

New for the 2009-10 pheasant season is a major change designed to be the first major step toward re-establishing wild pheasant populations in Pennsylvania.

Under the agency’s Ring-necked Pheasant Management Plan, the Game Commission calls for restoring self-sustaining and huntable populations of wild pheasants in suitable habitats called “Wild Pheasant Recovery Areas” (WPRAs), and defined as the Pike Run, Somerset and Central Susquehanna WPRAs. The agency will facilitate the release of wild-trapped pheasants into these areas, with a goal of achieving a density of 10 hen pheasants per square mile.

To give these wild pheasants the best opportunity to establish naturally reproducing populations, the Board has banned the release of any artificially propagated pheasants – including Game Commission raised pheasants – pheasant hunting is closed in these WPRAs. Also, to limit disturbances to nesting hen pheasants, dog training of any manner will be prohibited in these WPRAs from the end of small game season in early February through July 31 each year.

“Working with major partners, such as Pheasants Forever, the University of California and local landowners, we already have a jump-start on creating WPRAs,” said Carl G. Roe, Game Commission executive director. “These groups have invested in creating the necessary pheasant habitat in three areas of the state. To make the best use of the agency’s resources, and with the support of these partners, we are going to establish these areas as the first WPRAs in the state.

“While we hope to identify more, the Game Commission will continue to raise and release pheasants on public lands with suitable pheasant habitat each fall. And, should we receive additional revenues, we plan to increase our pheasant production level to 250,000 birds, as noted in the Ring-necked Pheasant Management Plan.”

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For the 2009-10 seasons, the WPRAs are defined as the following geographic locations:

(1) Pike Run WPRA: The portion of Washington County, WMU 2A, bounded on the east by the Monongahela River, on the north by I-70, on the west by PA Rt. 917 to Swagler Rd. to Spring Valley Rd. to PA Rt. 2015 to Lone Pine Rd. to the intersection with Tenmile Creek in West Zollarsville, and bounded on the south by Tenmile Creek.

(2) 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.

(3) 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.

A regional breakdown for the regular season stocking is as follows: Northwest Region, 7,600 males and 11,400 females; Southwest Region, 19,260 males and 5,910 females; Northcentral Region, 6,930 males and 5,912 females; Southcentral Region, 8,980 males and 7,080 females; Northeast Region, 8,150 males and 5,370 females; and Southeast Region 14,670 males and 4,880 females. Regional allocations are based on the amount of suitable pheasant habitat open to public hunting and pheasant hunting pressure.

To offer hunters better information about the stocking schedule, the Game Commission has posted on its website charts for each of its six regions outlining the number of birds to be stocked in each county, the public properties slated to be stocked and a two- to three-day window in which stockings will take place within the counties. To view the charts, go to the Game Commission’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us), select “Hunting” in the left-hand column, clicking on the photograph of the pheasant and then choose “Pheasant Allocation” and click on the map for the county or region of interest.

“As financial considerations have forced us to reduce the number of pheasants we are stocking, it was decided that we should provide hunters with additional information to assist them in deciding when and where to hunt those pheasants stocked,” Roe said. He reminded hunters that, two years ago, the agency enacted a regulation aimed at improving safety for agency employees and vehicles involved in pheasant stocking.

“Each year, when Game Commission personnel are releasing pheasants from the stocking trucks, employees and trucks are shot at by unsuspecting hunters in the field. To prevent this, the agency approved a regulation that prohibits hunters from discharging a firearm within 150 yards of a Game Commission vehicle releasing pheasants. As we provide better information about when and where stockings will be conducted, we remind hunters that they have an obligation to ensure that no stocking trucks or personnel are in the vicinity.”

This year, the late season is scheduled for Dec. 14-23 and Dec. 26-Feb. 6, for Wildlife Management Units 1A, 1B, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4A, 4B, 4D, 5C and 5D. Male and female pheasants are legal game in these WMUs. All other WMUs are closed during these dates.

“We are holding these birds to be released as close as possible to the holiday season so youth can take advantage of going afield during their school break and some business close down for the holidays as well,” Roe said.

For details on the pheasant seasons, please see pages 22-25 of the 2009-10 Digest. For more information about the clubs who sponsored junior pheasant hunts, go to the Game Commission’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us), select on “Hunting” in the left-hand column, then click on the photograph of the pheasant and then choose “Junior Pheasant Hunt Listings.”

To augment the Game Commission’s pheasant stocking program, Roe noted that each January sportsmen’s clubs are invited to enroll in the agency’s “Pheasant Chick Program.” As part of the program, clubs are required to erect appropriate facilities, purchase feed and cover other expenses, and then they can receive pheasant chicks to raise and release for hunting and dog training purposes on lands open to public hunting in their local community.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for sportsmen to get kids involved in raising pheasants and to learn more about wildlife and habitat requirements,” Roe said. “Kids can be involved in raising the birds, assist in developing habitat in their community, and help release the pheasants into the wild. Our game farm superintendents can assist sportsmen’s clubs by providing technical advice and training to get a facility started.

“We are striving to live within our current revenues. Now, more than ever, we need sportsmen’s clubs to help us in many aspects, including raising pheasants.”

Also, Richard Palmer, Game Commission Bureau of Wildlife Protection director, reminded hunters that an executive order remains in effect that bans dog training on State Game Lands from the Monday prior to the start of the youth pheasant season until the close of the youth pheasant season, which, for this coming season, translates to Oct. 5-17. The order does not, in any manner, prohibit dog handlers from using dogs as part of a junior-only pheasant hunt activity or for dog training activities on any lands other than State Game Lands. He also noted that this order does not impact dog training activities statewide during the remainder of the year, including general small game seasons.