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Run Guns On Your Website – Gun Rights News That Is

Whitetails Unlimited

Wisconsin - -(AmmoLand.com)- Millions of hunters will take to the woods this fall in pursuit of north America’s favorite big-game animal, the white-tailed deer. Whitetails Unlimited is encouraging all hunters to be smart, and be safe during the hunting season.

“Statistically, hunting is a very safe activity,” said WTU Executive Director Pete Gerl. “However, every year there are some tragic accidents during deer season. The real tragedy is that in the vast majority of cases, accidents are preventable if everyone followed basic hunting and gun safety rules.”

If you are one of the millions of hunters who take to the woods in pursuit of white-tail deer this fall, take a few minutes to review basic safety information that will ensure that everyone enjoys the hunt safely.

Handle all firearms as if they were loaded, at all times.
Every year there are accidents where someone thought they were handling an unloaded firearm, and it fires and injures or kills someone. Always consider every firearm to be loaded, and treat it accordingly.

Watch where you point the muzzle of every firearm.
This takes diligence and awareness, but it is a skill that can be quickly developed. Always be aware of where other people are in relation to your muzzle, and let your hunting partners know if they are not being as careful as you are. It is easy to lose concentration when everyone is uncasing their guns at the back of the pickup, or when you are tired at the end of the day. Always point the muzzle in a safe direction.

Don’t rely on your firearm’s safety.
A safety is a mechanical device, and it could fail at any time. Use it religiously except when you are ready to fire, but never assume that because the safety is on, you are 100 percent safe. Unload the firearm when not in use, and leave the action open, if possible. Also, after you shoot, before you do anything else, put the safety on.

Be sure of your target, and what is in front of, and behind your target.
It is easy to get excited when you see that big buck, but first make sure that it is really a deer, and that it is safe to shoot. Make sure there are no buildings, people, or roads behind the deer that would be in danger if you miss or the bullet passes through the animal. If you are not 100 percent sure of where your hunting companions are, or if there isn’t enough light or a clear sight line to the target, pass up the shot. You will get another chance at a deer, but sending a bullet out of your barrel without being sure of your target and background is an invitation to disaster.

Take care of your firearms and ammunition, and treat them with respect.
Don’t just grab a gun and some ammo that have been stored for months as you leave the house the morning of your hunt. Spend some time to make sure your equipment is in good shape. Take it out before the hunt to check the sights or scope. Make sure the barrel is not obstructed and that the action works properly. Make sure the ammunition matches the firearm. Never horseplay with firearms, and never climb a fence, ladder, tree or tree stand, or cross difficult or slippery terrain with a loaded firearm. Also remember that you can set the example for everyone in your group, especially for younger hunters.

Be safe if you are using a tree stand.
Never climb into the stand carrying your weapon. Unload your weapon and use a line to pull your gun or bow up after you have fastened your safety harness (remember to reload after you are settled). Reverse the process when you leave the tree stand. Always unload the weapon, and always use a safety harness or belt.

Control your emotions.
After you shoot that 10-pointer, don’t turn with your loaded firearm, with the safety off, toward your friends. Don’t run to the downed animal, or chase off into someone else’s firing lane. Rehearse in your mind what safe actions will be, and always be aware of your surroundings. Show some discipline and restraint, and don’t let your emotions force you to take poor shots that may be unsafe.

Be aware of any other circumstances that may affect safety.
If the landowner tells you to stay out of an area, respect his directions. Rain, fog, snow or sleet may reduce visibility or create hazardous conditions. Use common sense, and remember that a tragic accident can be the result of taking chances.

Never mix alcohol or drugs with firearms.
The first drink of the day is the end of the hunting day, no matter what time it is. Forget the eye-opener, the flask “to keep you warm,” or the pick-me-up with lunch, and don’t tolerate drinking (or drugs) from anyone you hunt or shoot with. Alcohol and guns are a deadly combination. Before you have that beer with dinner at night, make sure all firearms are already unloaded, cleaned and cased. In addition, if you are taking any prescription or over-the-counter medications that may affect your judgment or make you drowsy, anxious, or otherwise impaired, check with your doctor or pharmacist to see if there is an alternative.

Safety does not end when you leave the woods.
Even if you are tired, cold and hungry when you get home, safety is still the first priority. Before anything else, store your firearms and ammunition in a safe place, separate from each other and out of the reach of children. Then call your friends to come see your deer, take a hot shower, and get a decent meal. You’ve earned it.

Remember that hunting is a process, not a destination. No deer is worth risking your life or someone else’s. There are friends, family, and other people in the woods with you, and a successful hunt is not really measured in points and pounds, but in fellowship and appreciation of our natural world.

About:
Founded in 1982, Whitetails Unlimited is a national nonprofit conservation organization. Our mission is to raise funds in support of education, habitat enhancement and acquisition, and the preservation of the hunting tradition for the benefit of the white-tailed deer and other wildlife. When it comes to the whitetail and its environment, WTU’s degree of professionalism and dedication has earned us the reputation of being the nation’s premier whitetail organization.

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Whitetails Unlimited Urges Hunters to be Smart and Safe This Season

Cabelas Free Shipping Coupon Code Good Till December 1st 2009

Cabelas Shooting Sports

SIDNEY, NEBRASKA --(AmmoLand.com)- Is offer Free Shipping on orders placed before Decmber 2nd 2008.

Just enter the code “9CHRISTMAS” during check out and get free standard express shipping to addresses in the USA. $99.00 minimum order. For more info visit Cabelas.com

About: Cabela’s
Cabela’s Incorporated, headquartered in Sidney, Nebraska, is a leading specialty retailer, and the world’s largest direct marketer, of hunting, fishing, Camping and related outdoor merchandise. Since the Company’s founding in 1961, Cabela’s has grown to become one of the most well-known outdoor recreation brands in the world, and has long been recognized as the World’s Foremost Outfitter. Through Cabela’s growing number of retail stores and its well-established direct business, it offers a wide and distinctive selection of high-quality outdoor products at competitive prices while providing superior customer service. Cabela’s also issues the Cabela’s CLUB Visa credit card, which serves as its primary customer loyalty rewards program. Cabela’s stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “CAB.”

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Cabelas Free Shipping Coupon Code Good Till December 1st 2009

Cabelas Shooting Sports

SIDNEY, NEBRASKA --(AmmoLand.com)- Hunting for the perfect gifts for the outdoor enthusiasts on your list? Look no further than Cabela’s, the World’s Foremost Outfitter of hunting, fishing and outdoor gear. Cabela’s comprehensive selection of clothing and equipment includes holiday values for the friends and family on your list, whether they’re hard-core hunters, avid anglers or people passionate about everything the outdoors have to offer. With three ways to shop Cabela’s (via retail stores, online at www.cabelas.com or through their famous catalogs), you’re just a short drive, click or page away from the best Christmas yet.

Gifts Less Than $30

• Fly-Tying Tool Kit – All the high-quality brass tools to get started tying flies – including scissors, bobbin, bodkin, hackle pliers, whip finisher, dubbing twister and bobbin threader in a 8″ x 5″ x 1-1/2 lined wooden box for convenient travel and storage. Built-in pedestal vise will hold hooks down to a size 24. $29.99
• Camo Gun Cases – Virtually indestructible Tuff Nylon shells and heavy foam padding to shield firearms from the roughest bumps and bangs. Soft lining is easy on expensive finishes and resists snags and abrasion. Self-repairing YKK nylon zipper. Full wraparound web handles. Choose the 52″ Shotgun Case or 48″ Scoped-Rifle Case available in two popular camo patterns. $19.99
• Diamond Peak Hydration Packs – Made of tough nylon and ripstop polyester, these abrasion-resistant packs will take abuse. 70-oz. reservoir with an on/off bite valve and a tube clip on the shoulder strap keeps the valve in place and convenient for use. The padded mesh back panel makes it comfortable to carry, and the shoulder straps are adjustable for the right fit. Front cargo pocket for carrying keys or other small items. $24.99

Gifts Less Than $50

• Activ-Lite Shell-N-Bird Belt – This quick-loading, easy-access bird belt takes all the weight off your shoulders. The ergonomic design gives you added back support for long hunts. This belt is perfect for dog trials, shooting at the range or a long day out in the field. Features three storage pockets, two water-bottle holders, two hooks for carrying birds, shock cords, multiple D-rings and 10 quick-access shotshell holders. $39.99
• Women’s Hiker Fit Flannel- and Fleece-Lined Jeans – Incredibly soft, durable, 100 percent cotton flannel or 100 percent fleece lining keeps your legs warm. The relaxed cut and tapered ankle gives a roomy fit that’s not constricting. Introducing new softer denim that creates a pre-worn feel. Machine washable. $44.99
• Whuppin’ Stick Baitcasting Combo – A rod-and-reel combo tough enough to whup any fish that swims the freshwater. Sturdy graphite-frame reel has a five ball-bearing system for smooth action and one-way instant anti-reverse clutch. Comes with an original Whuppin’ Stick advanced polymer fiberglass rod. $39.99

Gifts Less Than $100

• Alaskan Guide Headlamps – Cabela’s products bearing the Alaskan Guide Series name go through extensive testing to make sure they’re up to the challenge of enduring extreme outdoor conditions. These headlamps are built of super-tough Xylex, and have nearly indestructible Lexan lenses. All are weatherproof, olive drab and have adjustable headbands for optimal comfort. $39.99-$89.99
• Instant Cooking Station – Camp cooking is less of a chore and more of a pleasant part of the outdoors experience when you have the functional convenience of this portable, fold-up kitchen. The main table top and the two side tables are made of aluminum. The stainless steel storage grate below the main table top is 22″W x 19″L. Also includes a paper-towel holder and four S-hooks for hanging pans and utensils. And the whole unit is easily transportable in its included carry bag. $89.99
• Guidewear Boat Shoes – Traditional boat shoe styling and quality construction come together. Featuring waterproof leather and an air mesh lining, these shoes are built to keep your feet dry from external encounters with water as well as vent internal perspiration. The 360 degree lacing system ensures a snug fit. Nonmarking performance siped rubber sole channels water for sure-footed steps. Choose from the 3-Eye or Toggle models. $59.99

Gifts More Than $100

• Pine Ridge Roof-Prism Binoculars – Designed to deliver excellent performance at affordable prices with nitrogen-charged and O-ring sealed construction to make them 100 percent waterproof and fogproof. BaK-4 roof prisms and quality lenses produce clear, crisp images and colors. A large, centrally located, grooved focus wheel is engineered to bring images into view clearly and quickly with one hand. $199.99-$249.99
• Guide Tech Jacket – Rugged shell material lined with waterproof and breathable GORE-TEX gives you essential windproof and waterproof performance in a fisherman-friendly design. Two cargo pockets with hook-and-loop closures in front of two fabric-lined handwarmer pockets, four zip pockets across the chest and an internal zip security pocket. $179.99-$199.99
• Custom Fit Cordura Seat Covers – These heavy-duty, water-resistant 600-denier Cordura nylon seat covers will stand up to rugged use. Available in a wide variety of styles for a custom fit on the most popular cars, trucks and SUVs. The built-in nylon straps and quick-release buckles ensure quick and easy installation. Set includes headrest and armrest covers where applicable. Made in the USA. $129.99

Cabela’s Gift Cards

• For a gift that always fits, choose a Cabela’s Gift Card in denominations from $5 to $5,000. Redeemable through any of Cabela’s three channels: in stores, online or through their world-famous catalogs.

About: Cabela’s
Cabela’s Incorporated, headquartered in Sidney, Nebraska, is a leading specialty retailer, and the world’s largest direct marketer, of hunting, fishing, Camping and related outdoor merchandise. Since the Company’s founding in 1961, Cabela’s has grown to become one of the most well-known outdoor recreation brands in the world, and has long been recognized as the World’s Foremost Outfitter. Through Cabela’s growing number of retail stores and its well-established direct business, it offers a wide and distinctive selection of high-quality outdoor products at competitive prices while providing superior customer service. Cabela’s also issues the Cabela’s CLUB Visa credit card, which serves as its primary customer loyalty rewards program. Cabela’s stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “CAB.” Visit www.cabelas.com

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Cabela’s Announces Holiday Gift Guide 2009

Wisconsin DNR

MADISON, WI – Wisconsin’s 600,000 deer hunters provide land managers and law enforcement officials with something no amount of survey or police work can replace, more than a million additional eyes pushing out into remote areas of the state.

In recent months, law enforcement officials have cleaned up marijuana growing areas or drug making operations hidden in several remote areas on public lands across the state. Some of these illegal activities were discovered and reported by hunters.

“Hunters should be alert, and if they see something that doesn’t look right, they should leave the area the way they came in, record their observations and report the find to local law enforcement authorities,” said Randy Stark, chief conservation warden for the Department of Natural Resources.

Some things to look for include signs of summer habitation such as huts, tents or other makeshift structures; equipment; watering jugs; chemical containers; or signs of disturbed vegetation including abnormal cuttings or clearing of small areas.

If problems are found on private land, notify local law enforcement authorities. If hunters are on public land, “We operate a 24/7 confidential tip line for reporting suspected or observed illegal activity. The number is easy to remember, 1-800-tip-wdnr (1-800-847-9367 or cell #367),” Stark says.

“Under no circumstances should anyone put themselves in danger in a suspected illegal situation,” adds Stark. “First leave the way you came in the area and then record any easily obtainable information that you observed such as vehicle descriptions, license or registration numbers from vehicles, GPS coordinates if you have a unit with you and back tag numbers if a person is wearing one. It is not recommended that you make contact with people who you believe are violating the law, instead report what you observed to law enforcement authorities.“

DNR works closely with local authorities to keep drugs and illegal activities off our state’s recreational lands to ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for outdoor recreation.

“Our public lands are heavily used, and we are grateful that law abiding citizens care enough about their public lands to be aware and report problems,” says Stark. “We want everyone to be safe and enjoy Wisconsin’s outdoors and traditions, and we want to work with the public to ensure that public lands are used for their intended purpose.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Bill Engfer – Conservation Warden, (608) 266-0859

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Hunters Asked To Report Suspicious Activity While Out On Wild Lands

Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG, PA –-(AmmoLand.com)- The Pennsylvania Game Commission counts on hunters to provide information on the deer they harvest.

And, to make reporting a deer harvest easier, the Game Commission reminds hunters that they can now file their harvest reports through the agency’s new online system.

To report a deer harvest online, go to the Game Commission’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us), click on the blue box in the upper right-hand corner of the website, select “Harvest Reporting,” then click on the “Start Here” button at the bottom of the page, choose the method of validating license information, and click on the checkbox for the harvest tag being reported.

A series of options will appear for a hunter to report a harvest. After filling in the harvest information, click on the “Continue” button to review the report and then hit the “Submit” button to complete the report. Failing to hit the “Submit” button will result in a harvest report not being completed.

“Hunters may report one or more harvests in a single session,” Roe said. “Responses to all harvest questions are required.”

Roe noted that hunters still have the option to file a harvest report postcard, which are included as tear-out sheets in the annual digest they received when they purchased their licenses.

“We certainly are encouraging hunters to use the online reporting system, which will ensure that their harvest is recorded and save the Game Commission money on postage and data entry costs,” Roe said. “Either way, the more important point is that all hunters who harvest a deer report it to the agency.”

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Don’t Forget To Report Deer Harvest

Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG, PA –-(AmmoLand.com)- The state’s biggest draw for hunters is set to begin the Monday after Thanksgiving, according to Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe, when the two-week firearms deer season opens.

“Fluorescent orange and camouflage clothing soon will be in fashion across the Commonwealth, and cars parked on the shoulders of roads that cut through forested areas or farming communities will be a common sight,” Roe said. “Deer season has a dramatic effect on the Pennsylvania; it provides hundreds of thousands of hunters a chance to put venison in the freezer, as well as stimulates a multi-million dollar economic surge that local businesses rely on.

“Deer season is the most important method that the Game Commission has been using for more than a century to manage Pennsylvania’s whitetails. The efforts of hunters are far-reaching, and they help to keep deer populations in check and enable the agency to meet deer management goals that benefit almost everyone who resides, visits or travels through this state.”

The Game Commission manages deer for a healthy and productive deer herd that provides recreational opportunities within acceptable ecological impacts and human conflicts. It’s a never-ending job, and one that will always be influenced by Pennsylvania’s changing landscape and the varying viewpoints of its residents. But, the agency is committed to providing sound deer management.

Dr. Christopher Rosenberry, Game Commission Deer Management Section supervisor, noted that hunters will need to make sure that they have done their pre-season scouting, as fall food conditions will impact deer movements.

“Deer will respond to food availability and hunter pressure, both of which can vary from year to year, and from one area to another,” Rosenberry said. “Our fall food survey suggests that almost all hard and soft mast species produced well this year. As a result, wildlife may be more widespread in forested areas. As always, pre-season scouting can improve a hunter’s chance for success this year.”

For the second year, deer season will open with a five-day, antlered deer-only season in Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) 2D, 2G, 3C and 4B, from Nov. 30-Dec. 4. It is followed immediately in these four WMUs by seven days of concurrent, antlered and antlerless deer hunting beginning Dec. 5 and continuing through Dec.12. The rest of the state follows the two-week concurrent, antlered and antlerless season – Nov. 30-Dec. 12 – that has been in place since 2001.

The changes to these four WMUs are being studied by Game Commission biologists and the Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit at Penn State University to learn more about the relationship between antlerless allocations and season length.

The Game Commission will use a four-year study to determine the impact and effectiveness of the five-day antlered/seven-day concurrent season before additional WMUs may be considered for this season configuration. It also will assess hunter satisfaction with the modified season structure in the four WMUs.

Hunters must wear 250 square inches of fluorescent orange material on the head, chest and back combined at all times while afield during the seasons. They also are advised that it’s illegal to hunt, chase or disturb deer within 150 yards of any occupied building without the occupant’s permission if they are using a firearm, or 50 yards if they are using a bow or crossbow.

All hunters who take a deer must fill out their harvest tag and attach it to the deer’s ear before moving the carcass. The tag can be secured to the base of the ear with a string drawn very tightly, if the hunter plans to have the deer mounted. Cutting a slit in the ear to attach the tag will require additional work by a taxidermist.

Deer hunters in certain Wildlife Management Units with an unused bear license also are reminded they may take a bear in the state’s extended black bear season. Bear licenses must be purchased prior to Nov. 30 to participate in these hunts. For more information, including hours and locations for bear check stations during the extended season, please see the bear section of the 2009-10 Digest on pages 34-36.

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Countdown To Pennsylvania Deer Season Has Begun

Arizona Drawing Results For Spring Hunts

Arizona Game and Fish Department

PHOENIX, AZ –-(AmmoLand.com)- The more than 35,000 hunters who applied for a tag to hunt spring turkey, javelina, buffalo or bear in 2010 can find out if they were drawn by visiting the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at www.azgfd.gov/draw or by calling (602) 942-3000 (option 2).

Game and Fish officials said that hunt permit-tags will be mailed out to successful applicants no later than Dec. 4. Unsuccessful or rejected applicants will have their refund mailed out by Nov. 27.

There are plenty of remaining tags available on a first-come, first-serve basis for those individuals who forgot to submit an application or were unsuccessful in the 2010 spring drawing. Remaining tags include more than 10,000 javelina tags (328 juniors-only), nearly 200 turkey tags, and just over 70 tags for archery-only bear hunts. For a detailed listing of leftover permits, visit www.azgfd.gov/draw or call (623) 236-7702.

There are now two systems to obtain a leftover tag. Paper applications will be accepted by mail only starting on Monday, Nov. 30 at 8 a.m. (MST). However, beginning on Monday, Dec. 7 at 8 a.m. (MST), hunters can also obtain a leftover tag in person (over-the-counter) from any of the seven Arizona Game and Fish Department offices. A list of office locations is available at www.azgfd.gov/offices.

For those who qualify, there are military hunts available. For additional information on Camp Navajo, call (928) 773-3306 and Fort Huachuca call (520) 533-2549.

Juniors-only hunts
Youngsters interested in hunting have many choices and special seasons that are only open to kids. These hunts offer an outdoor family experience and a memory of a lifetime.

There are more than 300 juniors-only spring javelina tags remaining from the draw for $22.50 (by mail or from department offices only). Juniors-only spring turkey hunts (shotgun shooting shot) are available over-the-counter from any license dealer or department office for just $10. A unique December hunt for sandhill cranes still has several tags (good for three birds) available for $22.50 (by application sent via U.S. mail only).

Both javelina and turkey are big game animals and the minimum age to hunt them is 10 years old. Kids age 10 to 13 must complete an Arizona certified hunter education course to hunt big game which includes turkey and javelina.

The anticipated drawing deadline to apply for a 2010 pronghorn antelope and elk tag is the second Tuesday in February 2010. Winter drawing information and regulations should be available on the department’s web site, www.azgfd.gov, by mid to late December 2009.

Sidebar:
With small game season in full swing, now is a great time to get out in the field and do some hunting and scouting for your upcoming hunt. Most of the habitat that javelina occupy is also good habitat for quail (Gambel’s, scaled and Mearns’), cottontail rabbits, jackrabbits, dove, squirrel and even ducks. Not to mention, all of these species make great table fare when cared for properly.

Other great hunting opportunities
Young hunters can hone many of the same skills needed to hunt javelina when pursuing rabbits and squirrels with a .22 rifle including, using their binoculars to discover game, identifying habitat, stalking, marksmanship, and proper field care for dressing harvested game.

Small game season offers big fun, with plenty of pursuits and long seasons, including:

• Year-round – cottontail rabbits and jackrabbits
• Oct. 2, 2009 – Feb. 7, 2010 – Gambel’s and scaled quail
• Oct. 2 – Dec. 31, 2009 – Squirrel season
• Oct. 9/23, 2009 – Jan 17/31, 2010 – Waterfowl season (mountain/desert zones)
• Nov. 20 2009 – Jan. 3, 2010 – Dove season
• Nov. 27, 2009 – Feb. 7, 2010 – Mearns’ quail

To learn more about the fun hunting small game, including events, tips and outlooks, visit www.azgfd.gov/h_f/small_game.shtml.

Note:

Hunting and fishing continues to be the cornerstone and a primary source of funding for wildlife management and conservation in North America. In Arizona alone, more than 418,000 hunters and anglers spend $3.8 million a day, or $1.3 billion per year, participating in these activities to the benefit of local economies. Regardless of whether one chooses to actively participate in hunting or angling, people interested in wildlife and its future should understand the role sportsmen play in conservation.

About:
The Arizona Game and Fish Department prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, or disability in its programs and activities. If anyone believes that they have been discriminated against in any of the AGFD’s programs or activities, including employment practices, they may file a complaint with the Deputy Director, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086-5000, (602) 942-3000, or with the Fish and Wildlife Service, 4040 N. Fairfax Dr. Ste. 130, Arlington, VA 22203. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation or this document in an alternative format by contacting the Deputy Director as listed above.

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Arizona Game And Fish Announces Drawing Results For Spring Hunts

• The West Virginia firearm buck gun season is Nov. 23 – Dec. 5. It is open in all counties except Logan, Mingo, McDowell and Wyoming.
• Approximately 280,000 licensed hunters will be in West Virginia’s woods during this season.
• Hunters should review the 2009-2010 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary for detailed instructions concerning bag limits and season dates. The regulations are online at www.wvdnr.gov
• A list of deer checking stations in West Virginia can be found online at www.wvdnr.gov/hunting/check_stations.asp
• The firearm antlered deer bag limit during the two-week buck season is two (one on the base license and one on an RG [resident] or RRG [nonresident] stamp). A hunter may take no more than three antlered deer per calendar year in all archery and firearms seasons combined.
• The last day to purchase an additional deer gun tag (Class RG/RRG Stamp) is November 22. Class RG and Class RRG additional buck stamps can only be used to take an additional antlered deer in firearm buck season. Unused Class RG and Class RRG stamps may not be used in antlerless or muzzleloader seasons.
• All private land in counties having a firearms antlerless deer gun season (Class N for residents and Class NN for nonresidents) will be open Nov. 23 – Dec. 12 and Dec. 29 – 31. All public lands having an antlerless deer season will be open Nov. 25 – Dec. 12 and Dec. 29 – 31. Bag limits vary among counties and will be one, two or four antlerless deer. Hunters may take only one deer per day; therefore, a buck and an antlerless deer may not be taken on the same day. Class N and Class NN antlerless stamps are no longer county specific. See the 2009-2010 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary for county and public lands specific regulations.
• All deer must be field tagged and checked in within 72 hours of the time of kill or within 24 hours of the close of the season, whichever comes first. Additional deer may not be taken until all previously taken deer have been checked. Only one deer may be taken per day during the buck season.
• Deer hunting in West Virginia generates a total annual economic impact of $233 million, much of it in the rural areas of the state that depend upon the deer seasons for a large portion of their annual income.
• In 2008, deer hunters in West Virginia harvested 67,365 bucks during the two-week buck season, an increase of less than one percent from the 2007 harvest. The 2008 antlerless season deer harvest increased by 29 percent from 2007 with a total of 56,221.
• Based upon scouting reports and mast production, DNR is looking for the buck kill to be slightly higher than last year. Poor weather conditions last year during the first week of buck season resulted in a large number of antlered deer carrying over to this hunting period, meaning more and bigger bucks will be harvested. Poor mast production this year means deer will be more accessible in field areas where food is more likely to be found. Hunters who have done their pre-season scouting and have located food sources for deer will have the best chance of success.
• Sunday hunting is legal in the following 14 counties on private land only: Boone, Brooke, Clay, Hancock, Jefferson, Lincoln, Logan, McDowell, Marshall, Mingo, Ohio, Wayne, Wetzel and Wyoming. The only Sunday that is open in these counties during the buck season is November 29. Hunters are reminded that deer gun seasons are closed in Logan, Mingo, McDowell and Wyoming counties.
• Hunters are required to wear at least 400 square inches of blaze orange (about the size of a vest) as an outer garment for visibility and safety. Blaze orange camouflage patterns are legal as long as 400 square inches of blaze orange are displayed on the garment. A blaze orange hat is not required, but the hunter must have blaze orange visible from both the front and the back.
• Hunting licenses may be purchased online at any time and printed out on a home computer printer. Go to the goWILD! Web site at www.wvhunt.com, fill out the application, and purchase it over a secure server with a credit card.
• Hunters who wish to donate deer meat or dollars to the Hunters Helping the Hungry program, which distributes deer meat through the Mountaineer Food Bank and the Huntington Food Bank, should call (304) 558-2771 or visit the DNR Web site at www.wvdnr.gov to find a participating meat processor.

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2009 West Virginia Deer Gun Seasons Fact Sheet

Ohio Division of Wildlife

COLUMBUS, OH --(AmmoLand.com)- Ohio’s popular deer-gun season opens statewide on Monday, November 30, offering hunters a full week to harvest a whitetail. The upcoming season will again include an extra weekend of gun hunting on December 19-20, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.

Deer can be hunted with a legal muzzleloader, handgun or shotgun from one half-hour before sunrise to sunset through December 6 and December 19-20. With a pre-hunting season population estimate of 650,000 white-tailed deer, the ODNR Division of Wildlife anticipates 115,000 to 125,000 deer will be killed during the nine-day season. Approximately 420,000 hunters are expected to participate in this year’s season, including many out-of-state hunters.

The white-tailed deer is the most popular game animal in Ohio, frequently pursued by generations of hunters. Ohio ranks 8th nationally in annual hunting-related sales and 10th in the number of jobs associated with the hunting-related industry. Each year, hunting has a $859 million economic impact in Ohio through the sale of equipment, fuel, food, lodging and more.

Ohio is divided into three deer hunting zones. Beginning on the opening day of gun season and continuing through December 6 a limit of one deer may be taken in Zone A (20 counties) and two deer in Zone B (30 counties). A total of six deer may be harvested in eastern and southeastern Ohio’s Zone C (38 counties) through the week long gun season. The antlerless deer permit will be valid for deer-gun week only in Zone C.

Beginning on December 7, the bag limit is three deer in Zone C and antlerless deer permits are no longer valid. Any time a hunter is allowed to take more than one deer, they must purchase an additional permit.

Those hunting in urban units and at Division of Wildlife-authorized controlled hunts will have a six-deer bag limit, and those deer will not count against the hunter’s zone bag limit. Antlerless deer permits can be used for the entire season in urban deer units or Division of Wildlife-authorized controlled hunts. Antlerless deer permits must be purchased by November 29.

Hunters may take only one antlered deer, regardless of zone, hunting method or season. A deer permit is required in addition to a valid Ohio hunting license.

Hunters are encouraged to kill more does this season using the reduced-priced antlerless deer permit and donate any extra venison to organizations assisting Ohioans in need. The Division is collaborating with Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry to help pay for the processing of donated venison. Hunters who donate their deer are not required to pay the processing cost as long as the deer are taken to a participating processor. Counties being served by this program can be found online at fhfh.org.

Additional hunting regulations and maps of the state’s deer zones are contained in the 2009-2010 Ohio Hunting & Trapping Regulations. This free publication is available wherever hunting licenses are sold, online at wildohio.com or by calling 1-800-WILDLIFE.

The 2009-2010 licenses will not be printed on weatherproof paper. Sportsmen and women should protect their licenses and permits from the elements by carrying them in a protective pouch or wallet.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR web site at www.ohiodnr.com.

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Ohio’s Popular Deer-Gun Season Opens November 30

Schumer: Tax Deduction For Hunters Who Donate Game Is A Win-Win-Win; Will Save Hunters Money, Fight Deer Overpopulation Rampant In The Hudson Valley And Help Feed The Hungry

New York State

New York – -(AmmoLand.com)- Processors Will Also Receive Important Tax Benefit To Make Processing Donated Venison More Affordable

Schumer: Hunting is an Economic Engine in New York State – Hunters and Processors Should be Rewarded For Helping the Community

U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today announced his legislation providing a tax benefit to hunters who donate their processed venison to anti-hunger programs. Schumer’s legislation will allow hunters to take a tax deduction for the cost of processing their venison, when the final product is donated. The legislation will also provide a tax benefit to processors who participate in venison donation programs by making all processing income they receive from charities – or the state – tax exempt. Schumer said that this is a critical measure because the traditional venison donation programs have seen their funding levels decimated in recent years, and, in turn, the amount of venison donated has declined.

“The hunting, fishing and outdoor sporting industry is a bright spot in a dark economic time – and one that must be protected and allowed to grow,” said Schumer. “This legislation will provide hunters with an economic boost, combat overpopulation of deer and help the hungry all at the same time.”

Schumer’s legislation creates a tax deduction for a hunter that pays to process venison that will eventually be given to a feeding program. This simply means that if a hunter spends $65 processing the meat, he or she will be able to deduct that amount from his or her taxable income. The legislation also makes tax exempt any income received by a processor from a not-for-profit. Therefore, if a hunter were to bring in a deer to be processed and donated, and a tax exempt entity paid the processing fee, the processor would not have to pay taxes on that income. This would allow the charity’s dollars to go further because the processor could be reimbursed at a lower rate and still achieve the same after-tax income. This would allow more venison to go to charity per dollar, and allow more processors to take part.

Organizations, such as the Venison Donation Coalition, pay to process game that hunters bring to designated processors, so long as the final product is donated to a feeding program. Schumer said that these organizations are being stretched to the brink and are starved of funding. Up until 2 years ago the Venison Donation Coalition was funded by the state at $100,000 per year, last year it was funded at $75,000, and this year it was funded at $21,000. Donations have also dropped precipitously during the recession. Schumer’s legislation would help these organizations stretch every dollar further, and would also allow hunters to realize benefits even if they wanted to have donated meat processed at another facility.

Here is an example of how an organization like the Venison Donation Coalition would see a benefit Schumer’s legislation: A hunter brings a deer for processing to Joe’s Processing Center, with the intention of donating the venison to a feeding program. Under current law, the Venison Donation Coalition could pay the $65 processing fee to Joe’s Processing Center, and Joe’s, in turn would pay $10 of that in taxes to the government. Under Schumer’s bill, Joe’s wouldn’t have to pay the $10 in taxes, so the Venison Donation Coalition could pay Joe’s $55 instead. Joe would see the same end result from the transaction (a post-tax gain of $55), and the Venison Donation Coalition would have saved $10.

Schumer’s legislation would particularly benefit hunters in New York State where deer hunting is one of the most popular sporting opportunities and a critical component of the state’s economy and well being. Nearly 700,000 New Yorkers and over 50,000 nonresidents hunt in the Empire State contributing over $1.5 billion annually to the state’s economy and supporting thousands of jobs. Importantly, hunting is also a critical tool in managing overcrowded deer populations. According to the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation’s’ Bureau of Wildlife, there were more than 220,000 deer taken in New York State in 2008 with over 7,400 of them taken in Orange County, 3,700 in Ulster and 4,400 in Sullivan.

With so many deer roaming freely in New York, Hunters are needed to help maintain healthy herds and minimize the amount of annual deer damage. Every year, overpopulation of deer leads to damaged crops, landscape, and vehicles. Deer contribute to an estimated $250 million worth of damage annually and deer-car accidents consistently outnumber accidents caused by drunken driving. Five years ago, the Southeast region of New York ranked the worst in terms of deer-related damage at $68 per acre, three times greater than the statewide number. Hunters can help minimize these costs by safely and legally managing these wildlife populations to prevent crop and environmental damage.

With the current state of the economy, the donation of venison has become increasingly important and the impact that the hunters have in the fight against hunger has grown. At the same time, the Venison Donation Coalition has seen its funding slashed. In order for these types of programs to continue to flourish, the Venison Donation Coalition, and groups like it need a boost. Individuals can support the Venison Donation Coalition by making a contribution when they purchase a hunting license or by visiting the coalition’s website at www.venisondonation.com

In an effort to take some of the burden off of these coalitions and support hunters across the state, Schumer today announced that he introducing legislation to create tax deductions for hunters and processors who donate their game to the hungry.

Schumer’s legislation will support hunters, a major economic engine in the state; raise the profile of venison donation programs; provide a reward to hunters and processors for helping their community; and help people in a time of need.

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Schumer Introduces Legislation to Create Tax Deduction for Hunters Who Donate Venison

Arizona Game and Fish Department

Arizona --(AmmoLand.com)- The Arizona Game and Fish Commission’s work session scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 19, will be expanded to include commission consideration of two additional agenda items.

The commission will receive an informational briefing on a draft Cooperative Agreement with the Hopi Tribe to facilitate cooperative management and continued elk and antelope hunter access on sovereign Hopi Trust Lands in Game Management Units 4A, 5A and 5B. This agreement includes allocation of permits to Hopi tribal members based on suitable habitat.

The commission will then consider proposed amendments to the hunt guidelines governing the 2010-11 and 2011-12 hunting seasons in Game Management Units 4A, 5A and 5B to reflect the proposed permit allocation in the Hopi Trust Lands Cooperative Agreement. The commission may vote to take action or provide the department direction on this item.

The meeting, held at the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s headquarters at 5000 W. Carefree Highway in Phoenix, begins at 8 a.m. with an executive session, followed by the public session beginning with the two items above. The public is invited to attend the meeting in person or can view it over the Web at www.azgfd.gov/commissioncam.

In keeping with current department practice for commission workshops (as opposed to regularly scheduled commission meetings), those wishing to submit “blue slips” to present oral comment must attend the meeting in Phoenix.

The remainder of the agenda consists of the commission work session. The public is invited to attend the work session, but it will not be Webcast. Work session agenda items are:

Budget/planning update, including preparation and planning for development of the 2012/2013 biennial budget process.
Proposed director’s goals and objectives for 2010.
Demonstration for the commission of an approach to allow for the development and future use of paperless commission meeting books.
For a complete agenda, visit www.azgfd.gov/commission and click on the commission agenda link and the link for the Nov. 19 agenda.

About:
The Arizona Game and Fish Department prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, or disability in its programs and activities. If anyone believes that they have been discriminated against in any of the AGFD’s programs or activities, including employment practices, they may file a complaint with the Director’s Office, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086-5000, (602) 942-3000, or with the Fish and Wildlife Service, 4040 N. Fairfax Dr. Ste. 130, Arlington, VA 22203. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation or this document in an alternative format by contacting the Director’s Office as listed above.

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Arizona Commission To Consider Amendments To Hunting Guidelines

Pennsylvania Elk Hunting Pic: www.lone-pineoutfitters.com

Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG, PA –-(AmmoLand.com)- Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe today announced that 44 of the 60 licensed elk hunters were successful during the 2009 elk season. Of that total, 20 were antlered elk and 24 were antlerless elk.

“Elk are one of North America’s premier big game animals,” Roe said. “Pennsylvania is privileged to offer this unique hunting opportunity, a product of successful wildlife management that helps to finance wildlife conservation and supports Pennsylvania’s rich hunting heritage. It’s an unparalleled experience for hunters, particularly those who can’t afford to go on an expensive one- or two-week guided elk hunt out West.

“This year’s overall success rate was 73 percent, which is down slightly from the past year, which I believe that this can be attributed to the improved food conditions this year throughout the elk range, thanks in large part to the decline in gypsy moth defoliation.”

Along with extracting samples needed for disease testing, the agency also collected samples necessary to examine food preferences and habitat use by elk. Also, hunters collected liver samples that will be evaluated for mineral contents.

The largest antlered elk was taken by Reed Bamburger, of Graysville, Greene County. He took a 652-pound (dressed weight), 8×9 on Nov. 2, in Covington Township, Clearfield County.

Those hunters rounding out the top five heaviest antlered elk harvested, were: Lisa Banasick, of Connellsville, Fayette County, took a 643-pound, 9×11 on Nov. 5, in Gibson Township, Cameron County; Ronald Werkheiser Jr., of Hellertown, Northampton County, took a 617-pound, 7×7 on Nov. 4, in Karthaus Township, Clearfield County; Kenneth E. Hunter, of Muncy, Lycoming County, took a 604-pound, 8×8 on Nov. 3, in Jay Township, Elk County; and Alvin Hubler, of Munson, Clearfield County, took a 589-pound, 6×7 on Nov. 3, in Benezette Township, Elk County.

The heaviest antlerless elk was taken by Larry Davis, of Fairborn, Ohio, who harvested a 474-pound (dressed weight) antlerless elk on Nov. 3, in Benezette Township, Elk County.

Those hunters rounding out the top five heaviest antlerless elk harvested were: Gary Weikert, of Arendtsville, Adams County, who harvested a 444-pound antlerless elk on Nov. 4, in Covington Township, Clearfield County; Randolph Maus, of Halifax, Dauphin County, who harvested a 413-pound antlerless elk on Nov. 5, in Gibson Township, Cameron County; Ronald VanDyke, of Harrisville, Butler County, who harvested a 403-pound antlerless elk on Nov. 2, in Gibson Township, Cameron County; Scott Hite, of Port Republic, Maryland, who harvested a 398-pound antlerless elk on Nov. 5, in Gibson Township, Cameron County; and Adam Palyo, of Jefferson Hills, Allegheny County, who also harvested a 398-pound antlerless elk on Nov. 6 in Grove Township, Cameron County.

Roe also noted that Jim Nyce, of Green Lane, Montgomery County, who was the successful bidder for the first-ever Elk Conservation Tag, harvested an antlered elk, as well. Nyce harvested a 6×6 on Oct. 14, in Benezette Township, Elk County. Nyce purchased the Conservation Elk Tag during the National Wild Turkey Federation’s national conference in early 2009, and was able to hunt from Sept. 1-Nov. 7.

For more information on elk in Pennsylvania, visit the Game Commission’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us), choose “Hunting,” and then click on the photograph of an elk.

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Pennsylvania Elk Hunters Harvest 44 Elk In 2009

Bass Pro Shops

SPRINGFIELD, MO --(AmmoLand.com)- It’s hard for most people to overcome the notion that Camping is just a spring, summer or fall activity.

Cold weather and snow can add a few challenges but when properly prepared, winter campers can stay warm and comfy.

Summer tents can be winterized by adding a nylon fly that fits over the roof and sides to help keep heat in and protect against rain and snow. You can even put a smaller tent inside a bigger one for double-walled protection.

Outdoor World Radio's Larry Whiteley

Place a non-porous ground sheet on the tent floor, then add individual foam sleeping pads under sleeping bags rated to minus 20 degrees.

Sources of added heat can be in the form of catalytic heaters or small, folding wood burning stoves.

Pick places close to home and the main road for your initial cold Camping experience.

For more tips, log onto basspro.com

About Bass Pro Shops
Headquartered in Springfield, Missouri, Bass Pro Shops, also an international catalog and internet retailer, currently has 54 retail locations in 26 states and Canada visited by over 100 million people per year. In addition, Bass Pro Shops, also provides products and services for thousands of independent dealers world wide through its subsidiary company, American Rod & Gun. Bass Pro Shops gift cards can be purchased at over 10,000 retail outlets across America. For more information regarding Bass Pro Shops store locations, products or special events, please visit www.basspro.com. To request a free catalog call 1-800-BASS PRO.

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Cold Weather Camping

Outdoors Magazine

Sidney, Maine --(AmmoLand.com)- Vinnie Trask of Sidney, Maine celebrated Veteran’s Day a few hours late in the North Maine Woods. He did it in style though with a trophy that carried 8 points and 250-plus pounds.

Trask was staying at Pine Grove Lodge in Pleasant Ridge, Maine, and was a guest of the Pine Grove Program, which gives free hunting, fishing, and outdoor-related trips to people with disabilities – primarily those received as the result of a man-made or natural disaster. In Trask’s case he is a Vietnam-era veteran who lost both of his knees while working on aircraft. These days he gets around on prosthetics with the use of a cane.

Veteran Deer Hunter's Big Maine Buck

Early this morning Trask was working his way into a “hot spot” when he caught the flag of a deer in the distance. As he waited for it to get lighter he slowly worked up a logging trail for a better vantage point.

As Trask topped a small hill he spotted the heavy-racked buck in the distance and fired. The deer disappeared and Trask continued to slowly make his way along. In a short time he caught the deer standing about 150 yards away looking back at him. This would be the big buck’s last mistake. As Trask’s gun again disrupted the quiet morning air the deer dropped out of sight.

Due to the roughness of the terrain Trask waited for reinforcements before going to see if his shot had hit home like he suspected. In no time guides Heath and Steve Howe arrived on the scene.

“It took them about an hour to find the deer,” said Trask. “”It was about 50 yards from where I thought I shot him.” After examining the buck it was clear Trask’s long shot had broken the deer’s back.

“I’ve been lucky to shoot seven deer over 200 pounds,” said Trask, who also wanted to thank Bob and Andrea Howe and the Pine Grove Program for all they do to help people with disabilities.

For more information visit www.pinegroveprogram.com.

About:
Each month Outdoors Magazine shines its spotlight on different areas of the outdoors world. Features and sub-features are multiple page spreads written by select experts in their fields. In addition to features and sub-features, each month Outdoors Magazine has over 40 columns written by real guides, industry experts, and the best in their fields. Our staff are die-hards who take the time out of their lives hunting and fishing to write.

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Veteran Deer Hunter Celebrates With Big Maine Buck

Cougar Hunting Permits Available

Utah Division of Natural Resources

Utah --(AmmoLand.com)- Another cougar hunting season starts in Utah on Nov. 18. And even if you didn’t obtain a limited-entry permit for the hunt, you can still participate.

Permits are now available to hunt on cougar harvest-objective units. Utah’s cougar hunt starts Nov. 18.

Permits to hunt on harvest-objective units are now available.

What’s a harvest-objective unit?

Judi Tutorow, wildlife licensing coordinator for the Division of Wildlife Resources, says there are three major differences between harvest-objective units and traditional limited-entry units.

“There is no limit on the number of permits we can sell for a harvest-objective unit. And you can buy harvest-objective permits on the Internet or over-the-counter,” Tutorow says.

“The hunt on a harvest-objective unit can close before the season ends, however, if hunters take the number of cougars biologists want taken,” she says. “For example, let’s say the harvest objective on a unit is 10 cougars. The hunt on that unit will close when 10 cougars are taken, even if the date when the season is supposed to end hasn’t arrived yet.”

The chance a unit might close early shouldn’t be a big challenge for you, though. Harvest-objective hunting is allowed on 38 units in Utah. If the unit you want to hunt closes, you can still hunt on any harvest-objective unit that’s still open to hunting.

Reminders:
Utah’s 2009–2010 cougar harvest-objective season begins Nov. 18, 2009 on some units and March 6, 2010 on others. “The dates for each unit are available on pages 24, 25 and 26 of the 2009–2010 Utah Cougar Guidebook,” Tutorow says.

The guidebook is available at wildlife.utah.gov/guidebooks. You can also get a copy at hunting and fishing license agent locations and DWR offices statewide.

Tutorow reminds you that you may not buy a harvest-objective permit if you’ve already obtained a limited-entry cougar permit for the 2009–2010 season.

Before each hunting trip, you must call 1-888-668-LION (5466), or visit the DWR’s Web site, to verify that the unit you’d like to hunt the next day is still open to hunting. The phone line and the Web site are updated by noon with information for the following day.

For more information, call the nearest Division of Wildlife Resources office or the DWR’s Salt Lake City office at (801) 538-4700.

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Cougar Hunting Permits Available

Whitetails Unlimited’s Deer Hunters Guidelines

Whitetails Unlimited

Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin --(AmmoLand.com)- One of the most popular educational publications produced by Whitetails Unlimited is the Deer Hunters Guidelines booklet, which has just been updated and reprinted in time for the 2009 deer season.

This 8-page booklet includes basic information about the white-tailed deer, hunting tips and techniques, and firearms safety.

“It is a great resource for beginning hunters,” said Jeff Davis, Whitetails Unlimited’s manager of communications, “but it is also useful for refreshing the memories of experienced hunters.” Davis points out that just because you are an experienced hunter, does not mean you should quit learning, or paying attention to the basics of hunting and firearms safety.

The booklet was printed in a recent edition of Whitetails Unlimited Magazine, which is delivered to every member of Whitetails Unlimited. Individual copies of the booklet are available at no charge by contacting WTU national headquarters at (920) 743-6777. Larger quantities are available at a very reasonable cost.

The booklet is also available on the Whitetails Unlimited website www.whitetailsunlimited.com as a PDF file that can be downloaded.

“This is one of our most popular publications, and in the past has been distributed in all 50 states,” said WTU Executive Director Pete Gerl. “Nahan Printing in St. Cloud, Minnesota, was very generous in sponsoring this publication, which includes updated text and new photos.”

About:
Founded in 1982, Whitetails Unlimited is a national nonprofit conservation organization. Our mission is to raise funds in support of education, habitat enhancement and acquisition, and the preservation of the hunting tradition for the benefit of the white-tailed deer and other wildlife. When it comes to the whitetail and its environment, WTU’s degree of professionalism and dedication has earned us the reputation of being the nation’s premier whitetail organization.

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Whitetails Unlimited’s Deer Hunters Guidelines Booklet Released

Bass Pro Shops

SPRINGFIELD, MO --(AmmoLand.com)- If your deer season is winding down and you still haven’t taken that big buck, don’t give up.

Here are some things you can try to take that buck of a lifetime at the end of the season.

• Don’t hunt where anybody else has hunted.
• Don’t hunt at times when everyone else has or is hunting.
• Use strategies no one else has tried.
• Move your stand to places neither you or anyone else has ever hunted.
• Now is also the time to get right into that bedding area you’ve been avoiding all season.

It still won’t be easy but trying these tactics could result in the buck you’ve always dreamed about.

RedHead Pro Hunting Team's Jim Ryan

About Bass Pro Shops
Headquartered in Springfield, Missouri, Bass Pro Shops, also an international catalog and internet retailer, currently has 54 retail locations in 26 states and Canada visited by over 100 million people per year. In addition, Bass Pro Shops, also provides products and services for thousands of independent dealers world wide through its subsidiary company, American Rod & Gun. Bass Pro Shops gift cards can be purchased at over 10,000 retail outlets across America. For more information regarding Bass Pro Shops store locations, products or special events, please visit www.basspro.com. To request a free catalog call 1-800-BASS PRO.

Jim Ryan is a member of the RedHead® Pro Hunting Team

For more tips, log onto basspro.com

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Hunting End Of Season Bucks

Bass Pro Shops

SPRINGFIELD, MO --(AmmoLand.com)- Most hunters quit hunting after the peak of the rut because they think they no longer have a chance for a big buck.

What they don’t know is bucks still seek ready-to-breed does for weeks after the peak rut.

Does that weren’t bred during the peak will come into estrus about a month later and bucks will be looking for them.

RedHead Pro Hunting Team's Jerry Martin

During the post rut, focus on food because that’s where the does will be.

Dominant bucks are extremely wary and often nocturnal so get in your stand an hour before first light. In the afternoon, stay in your stand until the last second of shooting hours.

Remember that post rut bucks will be jumpy, very cautious and alert to every smell and sound but they aren’t invincible.

For more tips, log onto Basspro.com

About Bass Pro Shops
Headquartered in Springfield, Missouri, Bass Pro Shops, also an international catalog and internet retailer, currently has 54 retail locations in 26 states and Canada visited by over 100 million people per year. In addition, Bass Pro Shops, also provides products and services for thousands of independent dealers world wide through its subsidiary company, American Rod & Gun. Bass Pro Shops gift cards can be purchased at over 10,000 retail outlets across America. For more information regarding Bass Pro Shops store locations, products or special events, please visit www.basspro.com. To request a free catalog call 1-800-BASS PRO.

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Deer Hunting The Post Rut

Frigid Forage

Onamia, MN --(AmmoLand.com)- Frigid Forage, the premier food plot provider for wildlife, has developed a Facebook account to share their passion for healthy deer and other wildlife with enthusiasts and hunters worldwide!

“Frigid Forage is extremely excited to share the latest information on how to provide larger, healthier game using their food plots and dispense information about our new “live trail cameras” from Buckeye in a fun and friendly atmosphere” says John Barsody, owner of Frigid Forage “We invited everyone looking for a passionate food plot provider that’s dedicated to healthy wildlife to become fans on Facebook.”

Frigid Forage is dedicated to the growth of hunting opportunities in America and knows that having feeds able to withstand cold forbidding climates of the northern latitudes is crucial to that growth.

This is why Frigid Forage chooses to produce their feed in the northern region of Minnesota. Frigid Forage provides seeds for both the Northern and Southern States, and the feed is proven to withstand both cold winters and hot summers.

Look to Frigid Forage for an extensive product line helping to produce larger bucks and a healthier deer herd. The food plots are frost resistant and allows for hunting opportunities even in the dead of winter!

Facebook is proud to house the Frigid Forage page at:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Frigid-Forage/83612279390

About:
Frigid Forage is headquartered in Onamia, Minnesota where food plots have to bear “real winter” conditions. To see how Frigid Forage can help to provide larger, healthier game, and to learn more about food plots and the Buckeye camera, see www.frigidforage.com or call 320-532-5020 for extensive ‘how-to’ information and to learn more about their extensive product line.

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Frigid Forage Launches Facebook Account

Ohio Division of Wildlife

COLUMBUS, OH --(AmmoLand.com)- Ohio bow hunters killed 53,959 deer during the first six weeks of the state’s archery season. According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife, this year’s early archery season harvest is 4 percent higher than last year’s kill of 51,976 deer.

Pursuing deer with a bow continues to grow in popularity among Ohio hunters. The season started September 26 and will carry on through February 7, 2010.

Counties reporting the highest numbers of deer brought to check stations were: Licking – 2,334, Holmes – 1,969, Tuscarawas – 1,770, Coshocton – 1,451, Ashtabula – 1,348, Harrison – 1,278, Trumbull – 1,251, Stark – 1,204, Knox – 1,175 and Fairfield – 1,142.

The statewide deer population was estimated to be 650,000 in early October. Approximately 345,000 bow hunters are expected to participate in the statewide deer-archery hunting season.

Bow hunters harvested a total of 85,856 deer during last year’s four-month Ohio archery season.

Hunters can share photos of their success in the field online by visiting wildohio.com and clicking on Photo Gallery. The photo submission process is easy and posted photos may be e-mailed to a friend.

A detailed listing of deer-hunting rules can be found in the 2009-2010 Ohio Hunting and Trapping Regulations Digest that is available wherever licenses are sold, and online at wildohio.com.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR web site at www.ohiodnr.com.

NOTE: Following is a list of deer checked and tagged by hunters during the first six weeks of the current deer-archery hunting season. The number taken during the 2008 season is marked in ( ): 2009 (2008)

Adams –785 (727); Allen –463 (356); Ashland -1,139 (1,235); Ashtabula –1,348 (1,434); Athens –845 (915); Auglaize –243 (235); Belmont –619 (606); Brown –614 (668); Butler –623 (460); Carroll –570 (452); Champaign –526 (529); Clark –434 (406); Clermont –1,007 (1,019); Clinton –283 (296); Columbiana –975 (1,010); Coshocton –1,451 (1,391) ; Crawford –490 (375); Cuyahoga –362 (346); Darke –165 (148); Defiance –383 (299); Delaware –509 (586); Erie – 359 (394); Fairfield –1,142 (1,037); Fayette –90 (111); Franklin –451 (310); Fulton –208 (228); Gallia –362 (432); Geauga –767 (890); Greene –232 (210); Guernsey –1,134 (1,145); Hamilton –802 (709); Hancock –294 (205); Hardin –197 (112); Harrison –1,278 (1,286); Henry –124 (114); Highland –802 (734); Hocking –731 (795); Holmes –1,969 (1,593); Huron –598 (550); Jackson –848 (855); Jefferson –682 (808); Knox –1,175 (1,047); Lake –504 (430); Lawrence –389 (527); Licking –2,334 (2,046); Logan –552 (396); Lorain –774 (770); Lucas –412 (400); Madison –116 (80); Mahoning –601 (622); Marion –196 (170); Medina –666 (562); Meigs –585 (656); Mercer –191 (154); Miami –126 (116); Monroe –330 (487); Montgomery –354 (297); Morgan –393 (495); Morrow –554 (464); Muskingum –1,052 (847); Noble –621 (573); Ottawa-60 (47); Paulding –223 (222); Perry –584 (551); Pickaway –285 (229 ); Pike –322 (371); Portage –767 (691); Preble –258 (235); Putnam –386 (338); Richland –814 (735); Ross –857 (876); Sandusky –216 (206); Scioto –491 (587); Seneca –547 (393); Shelby –415 (355); Stark –1,204 (1,082); Summit –774 (723); Trumbull –1,251 (1,302); Tuscarawas –1,770 (1,991); Union –374 (359); Van Wert –158 (153); Vinton –449 (471); Warren –687 (637); Washington –760 (786); Wayne –410 (473); Williams –492 (476); Wood –311 (272); Wyandot –265 (265); Total –53,959 (51,976)

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Ohio’s Licking County Archers Lead in Number of Deer Killed

Grass Roots North Carolina for Firearms Education

North Carolina - -(AmmoLand.com)- As we were alerted by members in the Blowing Rock area months ago, the Town of Blowing Rock plans to turn over town-owned land that local hunters have hunted on for generations to the National Park Service.

The issue started nearly a decade ago when the North Carolina Land Trust purchased a 192 acre tract of land from a local hunting club outside the city limits of Blowing Rock. Local hunters, believing they were protecting a treasured hunting area, generously donated to the Land Trust for purchase of the tract. As testament to the past use of hunting on the land, the Land Trust wrote language into their deed which designated hunting as an allowable activity on the land for perpetuity.

A few years later however, the Town of Blowing Rock, unbeknownst to the general public, purchased the 192 acre tract from the land trust for potential trade to the National Park Service. In late 2005 the purchase revealed itself to sportsmen when police tried to close the area, including the NC Gamelands portion, to hunting.

Hunters and GRNC members, concerned with suddenly being told they were not allowed to hunt public lands, began questioning recalcitrant town officials. It was then that the questionable land trade was uncovered. Further investigation revealed that an influential town councilwoman’s expensive home overlooks the land, as well as the fact this very same councilwoman is an outspoken anti-hunting, anti-logging activist. Some grassroots members are even beginning to question the Town of Blowing Rock’s role in the Land Trust’s original purchase of the tract. Letters written to Mayor J.B. Lawrence regarding these and other questions have not been answered. The town maintains the trade is necessary to gain full control of the town reservoir located on Park lands between Boone and Blowing Rock. This does not seem plausible given the fact Blowing Rock already has water interconnection permits with Boone as well as an unused intake permit at the! confluence of Payne Branch and Middle Fork.

As a new twist, Mayor Lawrence recently declared the 190 acres as closed to hunting via a vague town code prohibiting loaded guns on town property (i.e. town hall). Coinciding with the Mayor’s announcement, National Park Service spokeswomen Shelia Dixon indicated that if NPS acquires the land, all hunting, trapping, and shooting will be prohibited as per NPS policy. This deal will cut in half the last public lands that Blowing Rock hunters, shooters and trappers can easily access. Hunters attempted to voice concerns with Mayor Lawrence during a March 10, 2009 town meeting, however the Mayor decided to convene an illegal closed meeting to discuss the issue. No recordings or minutes exist of this meeting.

Now it seems that Senator Richard Burr and Congresswoman Virginia Foxx are on board with this deal as well. Burr’s and Foxx’s offices purport that their support stems from the dubious water issue. Locals are skeptical about this and again point to the councilwoman’s home which overlooks this land. Several times GRNC members have requested from both Burr and Foxx to have a voice in the questionable land deal, but that has not happened.

What Sen. Burr has not addressed is if this is part of a larger bill. If so, he can introduce a floor amendment to remove the land grab and protect the rights of hunters in this area. Remember, this could be your county where this happens next.

IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED
* Call Senator Burr and ask him to remove the Blowing Rock land grab: (202) 224-3154

About:
Grass Roots North Carolina/Forum for Firearms Education is a non-profit, all volunteer organization devoted to educating the public about trends which abridge the freedoms guaranteed by the Bill of Rights, and engaging in grass roots activism to preserve those freedoms. Formed in 1994 to conduct a highly successful rally for the Second Amendment, GRNC has gone on to conduct projects like “Remember in November: A Gun Owner’s Guide to Voting,” bringing concealed carry to North Carolina.

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Senator Burr Supporting National Park Land Grab Eliminating Hunting Access

OMAHA, Neb. –-(AmmoLand.com)- Wildlife tend to migrate and feed along the edges of freshly harvested fields making these areas prime hunting spots. With many fields adjacent to Union Pacific Railroad tracks, hunters find it very tempting to hunt on or near the tracks. Union Pacific urges hunters to resist that temptation, and for their safety, avoid railroad property this hunting season.

“As hunters head outdoors this year, we want to remind them that walking on or near railroad tracks is extremely dangerous because you never know when a train will come along,” said Dennis Jenson, assistant vice president-chief of police.

“It can take a mile or more to stop a train and by the time a locomotive engineer sees you on the track, it would be too late,” said Dale Bray, director – public safety. “Locomotives and rail cars overhang the tracks by at least three feet on either side of the rail and loose straps hanging from rail cars may extend even further. If you are next to the tracks, you can be hit by the locomotive, a rail car or anything that may be hanging loose from the car,” added Bray.

Hunters are not the only ones drawn to railroad tracks – hikers, bikers, fishermen and snowmobilers are as well. To ensure an enjoyable hunting season this fall, COHA urges the hunting community to heed this safety warning of our close partners at Union Pacific.

Through September of this year, more than 32,000 people have been caught trespassing on Union Pacific Railroad property. Trespassers on railroad property can be arrested for violating trespassing laws. If they are caught, they could serve jail time and/or have to pay a fine. Anyone choosing to walk on or near railroad tracks could face more dire consequences. Last year, 458 people died and 426 were injured while trespassing on the property of railroads throughout the United States.

In an effort to educate the public about pedestrian and grade crossing safety, Union Pacific works closely with Operation Lifesaver. Operation Lifesaver is a national, nonprofit education and awareness program dedicated to ending tragic collisions, fatalities and injuries at highway-rail grade crossings and on railroad tracks. To accomplish its mission, Operation Lifesaver promotes education, enforcement and engineering. More information about Operation Lifesaver can be found at www.oli.org.

Do not become a railroad statistic; stay away from railroad tracks.

About Union Pacific
Union Pacific Corporation owns one of America’s leading transportation companies. Its principal operating company, Union Pacific Railroad, links 23 states in the western two-thirds of the country. Union Pacific serves many of the fastest-growing U.S. population centers and provides Americans with a fuel-efficient, environmentally friendly and safe mode of freight transportation. Union Pacific’s diversified business mix includes Agricultural Products, Automotive, Chemicals, Energy, Industrial Products and Intermodal. The railroad emphasizes excellent customer service and offers competitive routes from all major West Coast and Gulf Coast ports to eastern gateways. Union Pacific connects with Canada’s rail systems and is the only railroad serving all six major gateways to Mexico.

For additional information, contact Mark Davis at (402) 544-5459 or via email at mwdavis@up.com Editor’s Note: Audio clips of Dale Bray, UP’s director – public safety and Bob Resch, UP’s manger – public safety, regarding the dangers of hunting on railroad tracks are available from Union Pacific Railroad’s Web site at www.up.com attached to this news release under Media and News Releases.

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Union Pacific Railroad Advises Hunters Not To Hunt On Tracks

MedjetAssist

Birmingham, Alabama —-(AmmoLand.com)- Imagine yourself on a dream safari, deep in the Bushveld and hundreds of miles from civilization. But instead of enjoying the expedition that took years to plan, you’ve taken ill and can’t even get out of bed.

Baking under the sweltering African sun, you’re disoriented, queasy and drifting in and out of consciousness, and despite the best efforts of a paramedic who happens to be sharing your camp, you’re not getting any better. A day’s travel from the nearest medical facility, your fellow campers begin to believe that you’ll be lucky to make it out of there alive.

But it’s not luck you need. You just need one phone call to MedjetAssist. For William Fisher of Eagle River, AK, that one call to Medjet in October may have been the difference between life and death.

The last thing 63-year-old Fisher expected from his Zambian Cape buffalo safari was to be the subject of an emergency remote evacuation. But instead of harvesting a trophy bull on his dream hunt, four days after arriving in the camp along the South Luangwa River, he found himself on a medical jet bound for Nairobi, Kenya.

A former Air Force pilot who flew in Vietnam and career special agent with the Immigration and Nationalization Service, Fisher was no stranger to high temperatures. But the four-and-a-half hour, 105-degree ride in the sun-drenched, open-top hunting vehicle into camp was the first blow to Fisher’s system, which was already weakened by a recent bout with a respiratory illness.

Despite successfully scouting hundreds of elephant, hippo, antelope and several fine specimens of Cape buffalo in the first two days, the scorching temperatures only increased as Fisher’s condition spiraled downward, confining him to his bed. It worsened to the point that his son and hunting partner Billy, a trained paramedic from Oregon, had expended all of his resources and began to fear for his father’s life. He grabbed the satellite phone and called MedjetAssist.

The elder Fisher was suspected of suffering heat stroke and severe dehydration. Medjet immediately went to work arranging a remote evacuation to get Fisher to a major medical facility for stabilization and treatment. Fisher was transported to Nairobi via a medically equipped Citation jet and was given five liters of fluid intravenously by the onboard doctor. At the hospital, he was treated for exacerbation of his chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and heat stroke.

Normally, a medical evacuation like this would have cost Fisher nearly $20,000. Fortunately as a member of MedjetAssist, the nation’s leading emergency medical evacuation and repatriation membership program, Fisher and his family’s only out of pocket expense was their membership fee. Luckily on this trip they were in the capable hands of MedjetAssist.

“I’ve been around the world my whole life, but this trip was different,” said Fisher from his Alaska home. “Medjet saved my life, and I don’t know what I would have done without them.”

If a Medjet member is hospitalized more than 150 miles from home—virtually anywhere in the world, Medjet will arrange for medical transportation to the hospital of their choice at no additional cost.

Medjet is a pre-paid annual membership with no monetary limit to its benefits. Annual membership dues are $250 for an individual, $385 for a family, and short-term memberships start at $95. Annual domestic-only protection is also available for $175 for an individual and $305 for a family.

About MedjetAssist
Medjet was established in 1991 and is the premier medical evacuation and repatriation membership program for travelers. MedjetAssist has its corporate headquarters in Birmingham, AL, and was recently named the exclusive provider of worldwide air ambulance and medical repatriation services for AARP. For additional information, visit www.medjet.com.

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Medjet Rescues Hunter From Deep In Africa

BowTech Archery

Eugene, OR --(AmmoLand.com)- For their 10th model year anniversary, BowTech set out to design the most advanced bow ever produced.

The result of this focus was the development of three key technologies, all featured on the new BowTech Destroyer.

The OverDrive Binary™ synchronized dual cam system is a remarkable advancement over the original Binary™ system. Both designs offer symmetrical cams that are ’slaved’ to one another to produce perfect synchronization and eliminate nock travel. The original Binary™ system acheived synchronization by using a cable let-out groove mounted on each cam. The OverDrive™ Binary replaces the let-out groove with a pair of eccentric posts mounted on both ends of the cam axle.

This cam ‘drive train’ turns when the cam turns. The eccentric posts let cable out as the bow is drawn, providing the same, proven synchronization that Binary™ cams are known for, while allowing the attachment of a split buss cable to either end of the cam axle to add stability and balance. The split buss system is 100% tunable. Cam lean and oscillation after the shot are drastically reduced, allowing perfect arrow flight with virtually any setup. The OverDrive Binary™ doesn’t stop there. The ultra light weight and exceptional balance of the cam helps achieve a near silent, shock free shooting experience.

HardCore Limbs™ is a BowTech innovation that sets a new standard for quality in the archery industry. Layers of high-strength fiberglass are laminated to a stiff, light carbon core. On conventional limbs, most of the bow’s energy is stored near the outside of the limb, while the core of the limb stores minimal energy and serves as little more than a spacer between limb faces. HardCore Limbs put the core to work, storing energy not only near the surfaces, but inside the limb. By sharing the workload, stress is reduced, producing a limb with exceptional durability. As an added bonus, the carbon core is very lightweight, improving the response of the limb, thereby reducing shock, vibration and noise and helping to drive efficiency into new territory. This contributes directly to the shootable speed and performance of the bow.

The new FLX-Guard™ cable containment system for 2010 addresses the tuning issues associated with the extreme cable tension and inflexible cable guards found on today’s bows.

Core to this new technology is its flexibility. As the bow is drawn, the FLX-Guard responds by flexing inward, absorbing much of the cable guard torque that would have been transferred to the riser. The result is substantial reduction in lateral nock travel, yielding a real advancement in tune-ability and forgiveness. Along with the two Destroyer models, the FLX-Guard will also be featured on the AdmiralFLX and SentinelFLX.

About:
BowTech manufactures and distributes the world’s finest compound bows and archery equipment. Founded in 1999, BowTech’s corporate offices and manufacturing facilities are located in Eugene, Oregon. With a worldwide distribution network, BowTech’s family of brands include: BowTech, Diamond, Octane, Stryker and WaterDog Surface Technologies. BowTech is a subsidiary of Savage Sports Corporation, located in Westfield. MA. Brand names include Savage Arms, Stevens, Fox, Savage (Canada), Savage Range Systems and PortaTarget.

www.BowTechArchery.com

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BowTech Introduces Three Key Bow Design Technologies

Ohio Division of Wildlife

COLUMBUS, OH --(AmmoLand.com)- Ohio’s youth deer-gun hunting season will be held Saturday and Sunday, November 21-22, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.

“The youth deer-gun hunting season provides young hunters the chance to experience the challenge of hunting and enjoy the outdoors with their families,” said David M. Graham, chief of the division.

Young hunters killed 9,852 deer during last year’s two-day season. The Division of Wildlife anticipates more than 40,000 young hunters will participate in the upcoming hunt.

Hunters can share photos of their success in the field online by visiting wildohio.com and clicking on Photo Gallery. The photo submission process is easy and posted photos may be e-mailed to a friend.

The youth deer-gun season is open statewide to hunters 17 years old and younger. Hunters may take one deer of either sex during this season, in accordance with existing bag and deer-zone limits. Plugged shotguns, muzzleloaders, handguns and bows are legal. All participants must wear hunter orange, possess a valid Ohio hunting license and a $12 youth-deer permit, and must be accompanied by a non-hunting adult in the field.

All other regularly scheduled hunting seasons will continue during the two-day youth season. However, other hunters, including deer-archery hunters, are required to wear hunter orange during this period.

This year, Ohio’s deer-gun season runs November 30 through December 6, and the weekend of December 19-20. Details regarding Ohio’s various hunting seasons, including those exclusively for young hunters, can be found in the 2009-10 Ohio Hunting Regulations or by visiting wildohio.com.

Youth hunters that want to donate venison to the needy can do so at no cost. The Division of Wildlife is collaborating with Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry (FHFH) to help pay for the processing of donated venison. All hunters who donate their deer to a food bank are not required to pay the processing cost as long as funding for the effort lasts. More information about this program can be found online at www.fhfh.org

The 2009-2010 licenses will not be printed on weatherproof paper. Sportsmen and women should protect their licenses and permits from the elements by carrying them in a protective pouch or wallet.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR web site at www.ohiodnr.com.

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Ohio’s Youth Deer-Gun Hunting Season Set For November 21-22

Hunting With Permission Signs

Whitetails Unlimited

Wisconsin’s Door County - -(AmmoLand.com)- Project POLITE is Whitetails Unlimited’s long-running program to encourage cooperation and respect between hunters and landowners.

The popular program supplies bright green Hunting With Permission signs to landowners, providing potential hunters with a name and phone number to contact for permission to hunt on posted land.

The second component, the Hunter-Landowner ID Card, is an easy way to exchange names, addresses and phone numbers, greatly increasing the trust and understanding for both parties.

The program has been assisting hunters and landowners for more than 20 years.

“It’s not too late for landowners to call us and get the bright green Hunting With Permission signs before the deer season,” said WTU Executive Director Pete Gerl. “This is a very simple way to manage hunters on their land, and to be able to reduce the numbers of deer that may be damaging their crops.”

The signs can help avoid the time-consuming process of trying to find out who owns a particular piece of land; and landowners who allow hunters on their land find this an easy way to have hunters contact them.

The signs are available at no charge (in limited quantities) by contacting WTU national headquarters at (920) 743-6777. Larger quantities are available at a very reasonable cost.

The second component of Project POLITE is the Hunting With Permission ID card, which is a wallet-sized card that hunters can simply fill in with contact information and provide to the landowner. This lets the landowner know exactly who is on their land, providing a level of confidence for the landowner. Since the program’s inception more than 20 years ago, WTU’s Project POLITE has opened tens of thousand of acres to the sport of regulated hunting.

“The ID cards are a simple, effective way to elevate the level of trust for landowners,” said WTU Executive Director Pete Gerl. “For hunters, this is an easy way to build a file of possible hunting locations for the future, and also provides an easy way for the hunter to send the landowner a thank-you note later, and remember a name and phone number for future requests to hunt.”

The Hunting With Permission ID cards are also available at no charge (in limited quantities) by contacting WTU national headquarters at (920) 743-6777. Larger quantities are available at a very reasonable cost.

About:
Founded in 1982, Whitetails Unlimited is a national nonprofit conservation organization. Our mission is to raise funds in support of education, habitat enhancement and acquisition, and the preservation of the hunting tradition for the benefit of the white-tailed deer and other wildlife. When it comes to the whitetail and its environment, WTU’s degree of professionalism and dedication has earned us the reputation of being the nation’s premier whitetail organization.

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Whitetails Unlimited Signs Available For Landowners & Hunters

Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG, PA –-(AmmoLand.com)- Pennsylvania Game Commission officials point out that one of the biggest mistakes bear hunters make is failing to locate areas with good fall food supplies – acorns, beechnuts, apples, corn – before the hunting season and overlooking areas of dense cover where bears like to hide.

“Signs to look for while scouting include droppings; bedding areas, which are scratched out depressions, usually at the base of a tree or log; and active trails with tracks,” said Mark Ternent, Game Commission black bear biologist. “In beech stands, look for fresh claw marks on tree trunks indicating that bears are feeding in the area, and in oak stands look for fresh droppings that are almost completely composed of acorns bits. Either of these signs suggests bears are feeding nearby and, if food conditions are right, they will likely still be there come hunting season. A good time to scout is early November, so you can assess local mast conditions.”

Other bear hunting tips include:

• Look for bears in the thickest cover you can find, such as: swamps and bogs, mountain laurel/rhododendron thickets, north-facing slopes, regenerating timber-harvest areas, wind-blown areas with lots of downed trees, and remote sections of river bottoms. Bigger bears are notorious for holding in thick cover, even when hunters pass nearby.
• Organized drives are effective. Hunters working together often increase their odds of taking bears, especially those bears holding out in thick cover. Develop plans to safely drive likely bear hideouts and follow them to the letter. A minor slip-up by a driver, flanker or stander is all a bear needs to elude even the best-planned drive. Regulations limit the size of organized drives to 25 people or less.
• Hunting on-stand early and late in the day gives hunters a great chance to catch bears traveling to and from feeding and bedding areas. Hunt areas that provide cover to traveling bears and ensure there is either a good supply of mast or cornfields or cover near where you plan to hunt.
• Use the wind to your advantage. If a bear gets a whiff of you, you’re busted as a hunter. Bears have an outstanding sense of smell. They often let their noses guide the way as they travel. Always place yourself downwind of expected travel lanes when hunting on-stand or driving. Bears are cagey enough without giving them more advantages.
• Stay focused and assume nothing. Black bears blend in well in forest settings at dawn and as dusk approaches. Spend too much time looking one way and you can miss a bear. Even though bears are quite heavy, they often are surprisingly quiet moving through the forest. You may see a bear before you hear it coming. Staying alert and remaining vigilant are critical.

More Bear Hunting Facts

• A bear license is required to participate in any bear season.
• Only one bear may be harvested per license year from all seasons combined.
• A hunter who harvests a bear must complete all information on his or her bear harvest tag and attach it to the ear of the animal immediately after harvest and before the carcass is moved. In addition, within 24 hours, hunters who kill a bear must take it, along with their general hunting and bear licenses, to a Game Commission check station for examination. Bear check stations are maintained at the agency’s six regional offices and at other locations listed on page 36 in the 2009-10 Hunting and Trapping Digest.
• Once a hunter has used his or her bear harvest tag, it is unlawful to possess it in the field. Also, hunters are reminded to remove old licenses from their holder before placing a new one in it. If you keep an old license in the holder, you may accidentally use it to tag big game and unintentionally violate the law.
• It is unlawful to kill a bear in a den; use a radio to locate a bear that has a radio transmitter attached to it; hunt in areas where artificial or natural bait, hay, grain, fruit, nuts, salt, chemicals, minerals, including residue or other foods are used, or have been used, as an enticement to lure wildlife within the past 30 days; use scents or lures; pursue bears with dogs; or to hunt bears in a party of more than 25 persons.
• During the regular and extended bear seasons, hunters are required to wear at all times 250 square inches of fluorescent orange on their head, chest and back combined, visible 360 degrees, while hunting in either of the black bear firearms seasons. In WMUs where the archery bear season and fall wild turkey season run concurrently, bowhunters when moving are required to wear a hat containing 100 square inches of solid fluorescent orange. The hat may be removed when the hunter is stationary or on stand. Those WMUs affected by this requirement are 2G, 3A and 4D.
• Bears may be hunted with: manually-operated center-fire rifles, handguns and shotguns with an all-lead bullet or ball, or a bullet designed to expand on impact – buckshot is illegal; muzzle-loading long guns 44-caliber or larger; long, recurve or compound bows or crossbows with broadheads of cutting-edge design. Crossbows must have a minimum draw weight of 125 pounds and cannot exceed 200 pounds.
• It is unlawful to intentionally lay or place food, fruit, hay, grain, chemicals, salt or other minerals that may cause bears to congregate or habituate in an area.

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PA Game Commission Offers Bear Hunting Tips

Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG, PA –-(AmmoLand.com)- Hunters planning to participate in the state’s archery bear season on Nov. 18 and 19 must have a general hunting license and a bear license from the Pennsylvania Game Commission.

The archery bear season will be held in Wildlife Management Units 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 3A, 4A, 4B and 4D.

In WMUs where the archery bear season and fall wild turkey season run concurrently, bowhunters are required to wear a hat containing 100 square inches of solid fluorescent orange when moving. The hat may be removed when the hunter is stationary or on stand.

WMUs affected by this requirement are WMUs 2G, 3A and 4D.

Crossbows are permitted to be used by any hunter participating in the archery, regular or extended bear seasons.

Any bear taken by a bowhunter must be checked by the Game Commission within 24 hours of the time it was killed. Successful bowhunters should call a region office for instructions.

Region office staff will direct the hunter to a location where an employee will meet him or her and check the bear. Traditional check stations will not be open during the archery bear season. Telephone numbers for the six region offices are listed on page 3 of the 2009-10 Pennsylvania Hunting and Trapping Digest.

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Archers Prepare For Black Bear Archery Season

Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG, PA –-(AmmoLand.com)- Interested in learning more about what’s going on with black bears in your county? Please consider visiting the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s “Field Officer Game Forecasts” found on the agency’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us).

Developed to share field officer perspectives and observations on game and furbearer trends in their respective districts and to help hunters and trappers get closer to the action afield, the field reports have been warmly received by many hunters and trappers since they were added to the website.

“Our field officers spend a tremendous amount of time afield, often in areas hunters and trappers are eager to learn more about,” said Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe. “Their observations have value to hunters and trappers so we decided to make them accessible to anyone who enjoys hunting and trapping in Pennsylvania – resident or nonresident.”

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Local Black Bear Information Available On-Line

Pennsylvania Black Bears

Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG, PA –-(AmmoLand.com)- Last year’s black bear harvest was the second highest on record, and weather permitting, the Pennsylvania Game Commission expects hunters to have similar opportunities afield in the upcoming bear seasons.

“Pennsylvania’s black bear population has numbered near 15,000 for almost a decade,” said Carl G. Roe, Game Commission executive director. “Because our bear population now covers more than three-quarters of the state – and includes a number of world-class trophy bears – Pennsylvania is recognized as one of the top states for bear hunters. Every year, we have a number of bears exceeding 500 pounds included in the harvest.”

The 2008 bear harvest of 3,458 is second only to the 2005 bear harvest, in which hunters took a record 4,164 bears. Other recent harvests were: 3,075 in 2000; 3,063 in 2001; 2,686 in 2002; 3,000 in 2003; 2,972 in 2004; 3,122 in 2006; and 2,360 in 2007. Over the past nine years, hunters have taken more black bears than in any other decade since the Game Commission began keeping bear harvest records in 1915.

“Our black bear population is a remarkable resource,” said Mark Ternent, Game Commission black bear biologist. “Every year since 2000, more than 100,000 hunters have headed afield in pursuit of bears, with harvests exceeding 3,000 bears most years, yet many local bear populations across the state have remained stable or increased. It’s a good time to be a bear hunter.”

Pennsylvania’s primary bear season is three days, statewide, just prior to Thanksgiving, Nov. 23-25. There also is a two-day archery bear season – Nov. 18 and 19 – in Wildlife Management Units 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 3A, 4A, 4B and 4D. Additionally, concurrent with the first week of the firearms deer season, there is an extended season that is open Nov. 30-Dec. 5, in portions of WMUs 3B, 2G and 4E; and Dec. 2-5, in all of WMUs 4C, 4D, 4E, 5B and 5C. (For details, please see pages 34-36 of the 2009-10 Digest.)

“We expect bear population levels to be comparable to last year or possibly higher in areas where the harvest was down last year,” Ternent said. “The exception may be in parts of the state’s northeast, where we have been trying to reduce local bear populations through the use of an extended season. Hunters should take around 3,500 bears if good weather prevails, maybe more if there is snow-cover in the upcoming bear seasons.”

Since 1992, six bears with an estimated live weight of 800 pounds or more have been taken in Pennsylvania. The possibility of another 800-pounder being taken by a hunter is always in play when Pennsylvania’s bear season opens.

The heaviest bears taken in Pennsylvania typically come from the state’s Northeast Region. And, in 2008, the largest bear taken was a 716-pound (estimated live weight) male taken in Tobyhanna Township, Monroe County, by Morgan C. Neipert, of Tobyhanna, on Nov. 25. In all, 12 bears were taken in 2008 by hunters weighed 600 pounds or more, continuing to reinforce Pennsylvania’s status as a major bear hunting destination.

“License sales indicate that the number of bear hunters may be up this year,” Ternent said. “Couple that with what appears to be at least a stable, and possibly larger, bear population and it could translate into good bear hunting.”

Ternent noted that the two most important factors for big game hunting, such as bear, are weather and the availability of fall foods.

“While weather predictions are too difficult at this time, our fall food survey suggests that almost all hard and soft mast species produced well,” Ternent said. “The lack of gypsy moth defoliation this past spring has improved acorn production this fall, which should wildlife to be more widespread in forested areas. Pre-season scouting will be important.”

Last year, bears were taken in 54 of the state’s 67 counties. The state’s top three counties were: Potter, 294; Lycoming, 252; and Tioga, 236. A majority of the bears – 2,951 – were taken in the three-day firearms season before Thanksgiving. In addition, 69 bears were taken in the archery season, and 438 were taken in the extended seasons.

The bear harvest by WMU for all three seasons combined (archery, 3-day, and extended), including 2007’s harvest results in parentheses, were: WMU 1A, 21 (7); WMU 1B, 67 (29); WMU 2A, 1, (1), WMU 2C, 227 (238); WMU 2D, 166 (94); WMU 2E, 117 (50); WMU 2F, 246 (224); WMU 2G, 729 (545); WMU 3A, 313 (186); WMU 3B, 392 (214); WMU 3C, 177 (145); WMU 3D, 199 (193); WMU 4A, 145 (100); WMU 4B, 43 (42); WMU 4C, 105 (54); WMU 4D, 456 (184); WMU 4E, 53 (54); and WMU 5C, 1 (0).

Bear licenses must be purchased prior to Nov. 30. Licenses must be displayed while hunting.

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A Season Of Promise For Pennsylvania Black Bear Hunters

Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife

Delaware --(AmmoLand.com)-The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife wants to remind hunters that lottery applications for six-day turkey hunts on state wildlife areas next spring must be received in the Division’s Dover office no later than Friday, Dec. 18. Applications will be drawn at random to allow hunters to participate in one of three six-day hunts on state lands during turkey season in April 2010.

For the first time, a limited number of permits will be available for the C&D Canal Wildlife Area, bringing the total number of wildlife areas open during Delaware’s spring gobbler hunt to 20. To be considered for the lottery, hunters must have completed the Delaware Turkey Hunter Education Class and must hold a valid Delaware hunting license unless exempt from state licensing requirements.

“We have been offering this spring hunting opportunity for several years, and it has been very successful,” said Ken Reynolds, a Wildlife program manager with the Division. “Last year, 31 birds were harvested on public land – a new record that also accounted for 10 percent of the state’s total turkey harvest.”

An application form for the hunts can be found on page 46 of the 2009 Delaware Hunting and Trapping Guide, or hunters can print the form online at www.fw.delaware.gov/Hunting/Pages/Wildlife.aspx. Applications should be mailed in time for the Dec. 18 deadline to Wildlife Section, Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE 19901.

For more information about Delaware’s spring gobbler hunt or the lottery, please call the Wildlife Section at 302-739-9912.

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Delaware Opens Lottery Applications For Six-Day Turkey Hunts

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

MISSOULA, Mont.—-(AmmoLand.com)- She used to cry when her father came home with a dead deer.

Now she’s the first woman hunter to bag an elk in Tennessee in at least 144 years. Tami Miller of Franklin, Tenn., hopes her story will inspire other women to take up hunting.

“It’s hard to get a babysitter at 4:30 in the morning but the experience of hunting is worth the trouble,” laughs Miller. “My husband introduced me to hunting. It has definitely enhanced our marriage and our family life. It’s something we can share, something that brings us all together in the outdoors. I wish more women would try it.”

She added, “Hunting is exciting. It’s empowering and it’s beautiful. When you’re out there at sunrise, and it’s so quiet you can hear a leaf falling from a tree, it’s priceless.”

Miller and her husband, both avid conservationists and supporters of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, in October participated in the state’s first elk hunt in modern times.

Elk disappeared from Tennessee in 1865 following years of habitat changes and unregulated hunting. In the 1990s, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and RMEF began an historic effort to restore a wild herd to the Volunteer State. By 2009 the population had expanded enough for hunters to take five surplus bulls. Four permits were awarded via random drawing, one via auction on eBay.

Knowing that auction proceeds would fund elk and habitat conservation, Andrew Miller didn’t mind paying $17,700 for the permit—or giving the permit to Tami as a special gift.

“My husband and I scouted together through September and October and I grew more and more excited about the hunt. The historical aspects were always on my mind. I thought about the women who walked these hills a long time ago, hunting for elk so their families could survive. I felt honored to represent them,” said Miller.

When the hunt day arrived, Miller joined the four other hunters—all male—in a group elk camp co-sponsored by RMEF and staffed by volunteers.

“I was a little worried about being accepted. I wondered if the men would think I was pushing my way into their fraternity. But everyone was supportive and wonderful. I met so many great people who really wanted me to succeed,” she said, adding, “I was actually surprised at how many people were watching to see how the woman hunter would do. In my hometown, girls and women that I didn’t even know were coming up and wishing me luck.”

When all four of the men killed their bull on the first day, but Tami hadn’t even seen an elk yet, anxiety simmered as she worried about letting people down.

“Hunting isn’t all about getting an animal but I didn’t want to be the only hunter who didn’t get an elk. I probably should have prayed for help finding a big bull. But, the next morning, as my husband and I hunted together in a beautiful place, with the colors of fall all around us, the stress melted away and I just thanked God for this day,” she said.

At dusk, after a long stalk, with her husband and two friends by her side, Miller finally steadied crosshairs on a bull elk, an animal many times larger than her. She was nervous. As her husband had taught her years before, she drew two deep breaths, then held the third and squeezed the trigger.

When the rifle spoke, the elk was hers.

“When I started hunting, I knew it would be fun to get outdoors with my husband and watch him doing something he loved, but I wasn’t sure I could kill an animal. Since then, I’ve learned that I can be a provider, too. I can bring food home to my family,” she said.

Miller’s 5×6 certainly wasn’t the biggest bull in the Tennessee woods but it will always symbolize an enormously important part of her life:

“Marriage is about sharing things, and, for us, hunting has become one of those things.”

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:
Snowy peaks, dark timber basins and grassy meadows. RMEF is leading an elk country initiative that has conserved or enhanced habitat on over 5.6 million acres—a land area equivalent to a swath three miles wide and stretching along the entire Continental Divide from Canada to Mexico. RMEF also works to open, secure and improve public access for hunting, fishing and other recreation. Get involved at www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.

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Tennessee Elk Huntress Hopes to Inspire More Women

National Rifle Association

FAIRFAX, VA –-(AmmoLand.com)- The National Rifle Association’s Hunter Services Department is pleased to announce the schedule of seminars and speakers at the NRA Great American Hunting and Outdoor Show. The event will be held January 29-31, 2010 at the Carroll County Agriculture Center – Shipley Arena in Westminster, Maryland.

“An exciting line-up of speakers is scheduled for the inaugural NRA Great American Hunting and Outdoor Show,” said Bob Davis, Manager of NRA’s Hunter Services Department. “The variety of topics being presented appeals to a wide range of hunters and outdoor enthusiasts.”

Nationally-known hunting and outdoor personalities will be speaking at seminars during the show including Ralph and Vicki Cianciarulo of Archer’s Choice Media and Ray Eye of “Eye on the Outdoors” and “Winchester Turkey Revolution.” Numerous topics will be discussed by the speakers including hunting various types of game, fishing, dog training, and game calling.

Seminar Schedule (subject to change)

• Friday, January 29, 2010: Show hours 3:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
  • 4:30 – Pat Nolan of Ponderosa Kennels
  • 6:00 – Sean Mann of Beretta’s Waterfowler’s Edge TV Show & World Goose Calling Champion 7:30 – Ralph & Vicki Cianciarulo of Archer’s Choice TV Show
• Saturday, January 30, 2010: Show hours 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
  • 10:00 – Ken Penrod of Life Outdoors Unlimited
  • 11:30 – Ray Eye of Winchester Turkey Revolution TV Show
  • 1:00 – Ralph & Vicki Cianciarulo of Archer’s Choice TV Show
  • 2:30 – Sean Mann of Beretta’s Waterfowler’s Edge TV Show & World Goose Calling Champion 4:00 – Pat Nolan of Ponderosa Kennels
  • 5:30 – Eric Lahti of LUCO Caribou Adventures
• Sunday, January 31, 2010: Show hours 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
  • 10:00 – Ray Eye of Winchester Turkey Revolution TV Show
  • 11:30 – Sean Mann of Beretta’s Waterfowler’s Edge TV Show & World Goose Calling Champion
  • 1:00 – Ralph & Vicki Cianciarulo of Archer’s Choice TV Show
  • 2:30 – Ken Penrod of Life Outdoors Unlimited

All seminars are included in the show admission fee and no registration is required. General admission to the show is $10.00, but NRA Members pay just $8.00 when they present their valid membership card. Children 11 and under receive free admission. Visitors can also join or renew their membership at the show for only $35.00 and receive a free weekend pass to the show.

For more information on the NRA Great American Hunting and Outdoor Show, or to become an exhibitor, call (703) 267-1524 or send an email to rpeak@nrahq.org. To view floor plans, a list of exhibitors, and other show information, visit www.nrahq.org/hunting/2010show.asp.

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NRA Great American Hunting and Outdoor Seminar Schedule Announced

Ohio Division of Wildlife

COLUMBUS OH --(AmmoLand.com)- Ohio hunters and trappers preparing to pursue furbearers will find good populations of these animals during the 2009-2010 season, which begins November 10.

“Food sources and habitat conditions for furbearers have been good this year across Ohio,” said Suzie Prange, wildlife biologist with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. “Fur takers can expect a good season.”

For the fifth year, 43 counties will be open for river otter trapping from December 26 to February 28. River otters were reintroduced into four Ohio watersheds between 1986 and 1993 and have increased their range in the state. They were removed from the state endangered species list in 2002. Full details of open counties, checking and permit requirements can be found in the Ohio River Otter Trapping Regulations.

In most regions of Ohio, hunting and trapping seasons for fox, raccoon, opossum, skunk and weasel open November 10 and close January 31, 2010. The trapping season for mink and muskrat is open November 10 through February 28, 2010.

Exceptions are Erie, Ottawa and Sandusky counties, and in Lucas County east of the Maumee River where raccoon, opossum, skunk, weasel, mink and muskrat trapping seasons will remain open through March 15, 2010.

Ohio’s beaver-trapping season runs December 26 to February 28, 2010, statewide.

There are no daily bag limits or restrictions on hours when furbearers may be hunted or trapped, with the exception of river otters where bag limits are dependent on the county where the trapping occurs. Special hunting regulations for coyotes apply during the one-week statewide deer-gun season November 30-December 6, and the deer-gun weekend of December 19-20.

A fur-taker permit is required in addition to a valid Ohio hunting license to hunt or trap fur-bearing animals, except for coyotes, which may be hunted or trapped year round without a fur-taker permit. A special ODNR Division of Wildlife permit is required to trap beaver and otters on state public hunting areas.

Otters that are accidentally captured, either in excess of bag limits or in closed counties, must be released unharmed. Otters that cannot be released must be turned over to the Division of Wildlife.

Beaver trappers in particular, are advised to watch for otter sign and modify set placements where necessary. The Ohio State Trappers Association and the Division of Wildlife have published a guide on how to recognize otter sign and use various otter avoidance techniques while trapping for beaver in areas closed to otter trapping. A copy of the publication and reports about observing otters in Ohio can be ordered by calling 1-800-WILDLIFE.

Ohio is among the nation’s leading producers of raw furs. Currently, there are 52 licensed fur dealers and over 17,000 licensed fur takers in the state.

The 2009-2010 licenses will not be printed on waterproof paper. Sportsmen and women should protect their licenses and permits from the elements by carrying them in a protective pouch or wallet.

Additional hunting information is contained in the 2009-2010 Ohio Hunting Regulations brochure, available where Ohio hunting licenses are sold, on the Internet at wildohio.com calling toll-free 1-800-WILDLIFE.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR web site at www.ohiodnr.com.

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Ohio Hunting & Trapping Seasons for Furbearers Opens

Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG, PA –-(AmmoLand.com)- Each hunting season offers new opportunities. However, in some cases, there are changes that may raise questions in hunters’ minds. In an effort to answer some of this year’s questions, Carl G. Roe, Pennsylvania Game Commission executive director, offered the following advice.

“With the new license sale system and new look and feel of the licenses, there have been a lot of questions about whether these licenses still need to be displayed in the middle of the back, as has been required in the past,” Roe said. “The short answer is, yes, state law still requires that hunting and furtaker licenses be displayed, but it can be pinned in the middle of your back, on your chest or on your hat.

“We are supporting legislation – House Bill 460 – that would remove the requirement from law and allow hunters and trappers to carry their licenses in their pockets or wallets, with the other form of identification hunters and trappers are required to have while afield.”

Roe also cautioned hunters and trappers to not mistakenly place their new licenses in the dryer or near any source of heat, as it will cause the material to shrivel and turn black.

“Hunters and trappers who venture out in the rain should be extra careful to take their licenses off of their jackets if they put them in the dryer or near any other source of heat,” Roe said. “The new material is made of thermal paper, and will become illegible if placed in the dryer or left near a heat source for any length of time. Similarly, don’t leave licenses lay on the dashboard of your car, as this will cause them to turn black as well.

“If the new licenses get wet, simply wipe them off with a towel and let them air dry.”

Hunters who go out hunting for deer, turkey or bear should also add a ball-point pen to their list of equipment they plan to take out with them.

“Only ball-point pens will work when filling in the harvest field tags that must be attached to harvested big game,” Roe said. “Felt tip pens will smear, and pencils and other sharp implements used in the past, such as the pin tip of most back-tag holders, will not work on the new license material.”

Roe also noted that any properly licensed hunter participating in the statewide archery deer and archery bear seasons may now use crossbows. In the past, a hunter needed a disabled person permit to use a crossbow during these seasons. However, in approving this change, the Board also prohibited the use of crossbows in the early muzzleloader and late flintlock seasons.

Another recent change is the change in law made by the General Assembly that allows archery hunters to carry a handgun if they have a permit to carry, issued by a county sheriff. This change, however, does not allow archery hunters to use the handgun to hunt other species while participating in archery seasons.

Lastly, as part of the Mentored Youth Hunting Program, Roe noted that those hunters who already have harvested an antlered deer still may serve as an adult mentor for a youth hunting antlered deer.

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PA Game Commission Offers Tips For Those Planning a Hunt

Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife

Delaware --(AmmoLand.com)- DNREC urges motorists to watch out for deer crossing roadways, especially at dusk.

The end of daylight savings time means more 9-to-5 workers will be driving home at dusk, and the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s Division of Fish and Wildlife would like to remind drivers to remain alert for deer crossing roadways.

“We might be heading home to relax at the end of our day, but deer are just beginning their busiest time around dusk,” said DNREC Game Mammal Biologist Joe Rogerson. “Twilight hours, especially from sunset to midnight and shortly before and after sunrise, are when motorists need to be especially alert and watch for them.”

The average white-tailed deer in Delaware weighs about 130 pounds, with larger bucks tipping the scales at 180 pounds or more. Hitting an animal that size can do serious and expensive damage to your vehicle. Such a collision may also cause injury to you or your passengers or trigger an accident involving you and other motorists.

In 2007, Delaware police departments logged a statewide total of 1,349 animal-vehicle crashes – the overwhelming majority involving deer – which resulted in one fatality, 43 personal injuries and 1,305 major and minor property damage-only cases. In 2008, a total of 1,474 crashes were reported, resulting in one fatality, 44 personal injuries and 1,429 property damage-only cases. For 2009 so far, up to the third week of October, 942 crashes have been reported, with no fatalities and 43 personal injuries. Many more crashes may have gone unreported to the police or were reported only to insurance companies.

National statistics also show that about half or more of all deer-vehicle collisions occur during October, November and December, with most concentrated in October and early November.

“Fall is mating season for deer, and in Delaware this year, we’re expecting the rut to begin in early November,” Rogerson said. “Because of this, deer are more active, with bucks single-mindedly pursuing does – sometimes right into the path of your car.”

“Although in the last three years Delaware’s deer population has finally stabilized and started to decrease, there are still numerous areas in the state that have significant deer populations,” added Rob Hossler, DNREC Game Species Program Manager. “Combine a high deer population with decreasing deer habitat and increased commuters, and you have a recipe for a high number of deer-vehicle collisions.”

Attentive driving is the best way to avoid deer collisions. Keep these tips in mind:

• Turn your headlights on at dawn and dusk and keep your eyes on the road, scanning the sides of the road as well as what’s ahead of you. When there is no oncoming traffic, switch to high beams to better reflect the eyes of deer on or near the roadway. To reduce your risk of injury in a collision, always wear your seatbelt.
• Watch for deer crossing signs that mark commonly used areas, and be aware that deer typically cross between areas of cover, such as woods or where roads divide agricultural fields from forestland.
• If you see a deer crossing the road ahead, slow down immediately and proceed with caution until you are past the crossing point. Deer usually travel in groups, so if you see one deer, there are likely to be others.
• Slow down and blow your horn with one long blast to frighten deer away. Do not rely on devices such as deer whistles, deer fences and reflectors to deter deer, as these devices have not been proven to reduce deer-vehicle collisions.
• Do not swerve to miss a deer – brake and stay in your lane. Losing control of your vehicle, crossing into another lane, hitting an oncoming vehicle or leaving the roadway and hitting another obstacle such as a tree or a pole is likely to be much more serious than hitting a deer.
• If you hit a deer, stop at the scene, get your car off the road if possible and call police. Do not touch the animal or get too close.

“A frightened and wounded deer can cause serious injury to a well-meaning person trying to ‘help.’ You could be bitten, kicked or even gored by a buck’s antlers. It’s safer to keep your distance,” said Rogerson.

If you would like to keep a deer killed on the road, the Delaware State Police can issue a vehicle killed deer tag.

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DNREC Urges Motorists To Watch Out For Deer Crossing Roadways

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

MISSOULA, Mont.—-(AmmoLand.com)- Whether they work individually or as part of a group, volunteers are essential to conservation today—even more so tomorrow.

That’s the consensus of conservation professionals who predict that fish, wildlife and habitat, as well as the future of America’s sporting traditions, will depend more and more on devoted souls whose only paycheck is the personal reward of preserving traditional values and passing on a cherished way of life.

Volunteerism spans from teaching a neighbor kid to cast at a nearby pond to serving on a board that directs policy for international wildlife habitat initiatives.

A conservation organization can be an effective channel for many volunteer passions.

Here’s how to get involved:

1. Consider why you’re interested in volunteering. Do you want to make a difference in the world, or in your own corner of the outdoors? Is it about building your own skills and social network? Or are you simply inspired to give something back to a special place, species or heritage? These questions can help you choose the right organization.
2. Select an outfit that represents something special to you. If your pulse quickens at the thought of mallards over decoys, an elk bugling from a golden stand of aspens, a bass exploding on a topwater lure, there’s a group for you. Ditto if you’re concerned about Second Amendment issues. Maybe you believe that youths in your community should know more about handling firearms safely, or how hunting and angling pay for conservation. Or perhaps you’re just worried about the kudzu infestation in the back pasture of your hunting club. Whatever your interest, there’s probably a good fit for you somewhere out there. If not, start something new.
3. Speak with staff or volunteers from the organization and ask what opportunities exist for newcomers as well as experienced volunteers. Attend a meeting to see how the group interacts. At its best, volunteering is a selfless act for a greater good, but everyone wants to feel appropriately appreciated—find out how the outfit says thank you.
4. Seek out volunteer tasks that suit you. Conservation always needs money but if soliciting donations isn’t your cup of tea, consider helping setup for a fundraising event or even a back -office gig stuffing envelopes. Maybe you’d rather install aquatic habitat or remove decrepit fencing from a big-game migration corridor. Of course, it’s fun to learn new things and there’s real satisfaction in completing less pleasant tasks, but it pays to ensure your core duties will be compatible with your time and talent.
5. Start small. If you already have a busy schedule, commitments at home or unpredictable work hours, you can still get involved. In fact, most organizations want volunteers who are busy people because busy people know how to get things done. See about working for only an hour or two per week or perhaps one day per month. Later, if you find you enjoy the work and have more time to pursue it, gradually take on more.
6. Ask, don’t demand. People in charge of organizing volunteers are often volunteers themselves, but, invariably, they’re working to meet certain goals with a bigger mission in mind. Especially if you’re just starting out, the best bet is simply assimilating into their system. Later on, if you see that it could work better, make suggestions on how to fix it.
7. Ask questions and do research, but until you get your feet wet, you won’t know if volunteering for a particular organization is really right for you.

Volunteering allows a person to make a lasting mark on conservation, leave America’s outdoors as—or better than—they found it, and hand down a meaningful personal legacy to their children and grandchildren.

It matters not whether you get involved individually or as part of a group. The important thing is just getting started.

Sooner the better.

About:
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation: Snowy peaks, dark timber basins and grassy meadows. RMEF is leading an elk country initiative that has conserved or enhanced habitat on over 5.6 million acres—a land area equivalent to a swath three miles wide and stretching along the entire Continental Divide from Canada to Mexico. RMEF also works to open, secure and improve public access for hunting, fishing and other recreation. Get involved at www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.

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How to Volunteer for a Conservation Organization

West Virginia DNR

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. --(AmmoLand.com)- Trappers harvesting beaver and fisher in West Virginia are reminded they must present the whole animal or pelt to a game checking station or Division of Natural Resources representative within 30 days after the close of the respective season. A tag provided by the checking station shall be attached to the whole animal or pelt until it has been sold, tanned or mounted.

The law requires bobcat hunters and trappers to field tag each bobcat before moving the animal from the location where it was killed. The field tag must remain on the carcass until it is retagged with an official game checking tag at an official game checking station. Hunters and trappers are to present the unskinned bobcat when checking the animal.

Information provided by hunters or trappers on the checking tag is used to monitor harvests and assist in future management of these species in West Virginia. Decisions regarding season length, opening and closing dates, and bag limits are reliant upon accurate data obtained from these tags.

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West Virginia Trappers and Hunters Must Tag Furbearers

West Virginia DNR

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – -(AmmoLand.com)- The small game hunting seasons in West Virginia began Oct. 10 with the opening of squirrel season.

“Squirrel season is very popular with many West Virginia sportsmen,” said Curtis Taylor, Chief of the Wildlife Resources Section of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR).

“It is a time when hunters can participate in one of their favorite sports and also enjoy the fall beauty of the mountain state.”

• · Squirrel – The above-average hickory and walnut crop in 2008 resulted in good over-winter squirrel survival and good reproduction in 2009. A recent mast survey conducted by DNR indicates that statewide, oak, hickory, and walnut production this summer was significantly lower than last year. Squirrels will be concentrated in areas that have mast available. The daily bag limit for squirrels is six.
• · Ruffed Grouse – The ruffed grouse season opened Oct. 17 and closes Feb. 28, 2010. Brood counts for ruffed grouse were higher in the mountains and southern regions of the state when compared to 2008 brood numbers. Unfortunately, they were lower in the Eastern Panhandle, central and northern regions. Grouse hunters should look for areas that provide ample cover and soft mast species such as grape, hawthorn, dogwood and greenbrier. Mast survey results indicate that these species did not produce as well this summer as in 2008. The daily bag limit for grouse is four.
• · Raccoon – Hunting season for raccoons opened Oct. 17and will continue through Feb. 28, 2010. Favorable mast conditions in recent years have allowed raccoon populations to increase. Food sources are not as plentiful this year as in recent seasons. However, hunters and their hounds should still have a very successful season. Raccoon hunters are reminded that the daily bag limit is four.
• · Cottontail rabbit and other small game species – Opening day of cottontail rabbit season is Nov. 7. Rabbit populations are expected to be higher than last year. Old fields and brushy pastures are the best habitat types in which to pursue cottontails. Snowshoe hare, bobwhite quail, bobcat, red fox and gray fox hunting seasons also open Nov. 7. Hunters should be aware of daily bag limits and season possession limits for each species.
• · Trapping seasons – Nov. 7 also marks the opening of trapping season for fur bearing animals in West Virginia. Populations of beaver, bobcat, fox, mink and raccoon are good, and trappers should be very successful. Trappers are reminded that season closing dates vary for the different species.

For more complete information on season dates and bag limits, consult the 2009-2010 Hunting and Trapping Regulations brochure available at all hunting and fishing license agents, DNR District Offices and the DNR Web site, www.wvdnr.gov.

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West Virginia’s Small Game Hunting & Trapping Seasons Open