GoHuntGeorgia.com

SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga --(AmmoLand.com)- The Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division recently selected George “Rip” Masters as the 2009 Volunteer Hunter Education Instructor of the Year.

This award is presented annually in recognition of an instructor who displays outstanding volunteer efforts in educating sportsmen and women on wildlife conservation and the importance of safety while hunting.

“Rip Masters is always ready to help spread the word about hunter education,” says Col. Homer Bryson, Chief of Law Enforcement. “He is involved with every aspect of the planning process for classes and goes out of his way to give his attendees a personal experience.”

Georgia “Rip” Masters has been a volunteer hunter education instructor since 1986, and has twice previously been nominated for this same honor. He is keenly active on holding the interest level of his students – taking it so far to build, at his own expense, various bullet and shotshell displays to help illustrate topics.

He personally reviews the test with any student that may not have passed in order to ensure that the student leaves feeling more confident to come back and take the test again. He also likes to provide new hunters with maps of local places to hunt. Masters wants students to have an enjoyable experience, not that the course and the test is just a requirement.

The selection of the Hunter Education Instructor of the Year begins at the region level. Each of the seven WRD Law Enforcement Regions picks the outstanding instructor in their area and sends them to the DNR Law Enforcement/Hunter Education office. The applications are then submitted to the Hunter Safety Committee. This committee is made up of WRD personnel from Game Management, Fisheries Management and Law Enforcement who are knowledgeable in working with volunteers and about hunter safety education. The committee then makes the final selection.

For more information on the Volunteer Hunter Education Instructor of the Year or hunter education classes, call the WRD Conservation Education Office at (770) 918-6414. For more information on GHEA, visit their website at http://gheanet.homestead.com/AboutGHEA.html .

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WRD Names Cherokee County Resident As Top Volunteer Hunter Education Instructor Of The Year

Turkey Hunters Encouraged To Put Safety First

GoHuntGeorgia.com

SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga --(AmmoLand.com)- Successful hunting trips require a combination of skill, patience and most importantly, preparation. As turkey season rapidly approaches, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division encourages preparation first, hoping that hunters will brush up on important turkey hunting safety tips before hitting the woods.

“Hunters should always be sure to identify their target before pulling the trigger and should never shoot at sound or movement,” advises Lt. Judd Smith. “Turkey hunters have to utilize their firearms safety knowledge and remember ways to keep themselves and others safe while in the woods.”

Hunters are encouraged to review the following turkey hunting season safety precautions.

Season opens on Sat., March 20:

• Never wear red, white, blue or black clothing while turkey hunting. Red is the color most hunters look for when distinguishing a gobbler’s head from a hen’s blue-colored head, but at times it may appear white or blue. Male turkey feathers covering most of the body are black in appearance. Camouflage should be used to cover everything, including the hunter’s face, hands and firearm.
• Select a calling position that provides at least a shoulder-width background, such as the base of a tree. Be sure that at least a 180-degree range is visible.
• Do not stalk a gobbling turkey. Due to their keen eyesight and hearing, the chances of getting close are slim to none, but a hunter in motion greatly increases his/her chances of being mistaken for game.
• Be careful using a turkey call. The sound and motion may attract other hunters. Do not move, wave or make turkey-like sounds to alert another hunter to your presence. Instead, yell in a loud voice so other hunters know you are in the area.
• Be careful when carrying a harvested turkey from the woods. Do not allow the wings to hang loosely or the head to be displayed in such a way that another hunter may think it is a live bird. If possible, conceal the turkey in a blaze orange garment or other material.
• Although it’s not required, it is suggested that hunters wear blaze orange when moving to and from a vehicle and hunting site. When moving between hunting sites, hunters should wear blaze orange on their upper bodies to lessen chances of being mistaken for game.

Additional Safety Tips

Turkey hunters must possess a valid hunting license and a big game license to legally hunt turkeys in Georgia. If hunting on a Wildlife Management Area, hunters must also possess a WMA license. Sportsmen and women must always obtain permission from the landowner before hunting on private land. Only male turkeys may be harvested, and the season bag limit is three gobblers per hunter.

For additional turkey hunting information or turkey hunting safety tips, visit www.gohuntgeorgia.com , contact the nearest Wildlife Resources Division Law Enforcement office or call (770) 918-6414.

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Turkey Hunters Encouraged To Put Safety First

GoHuntGeorgia.com

SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga --(AmmoLand.com)- Turkey hunters across the state are practicing their yelps and clucks in preparation for the upcoming turkey season. Opening day is Sat., Mar. 20 and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division anticipates that the 2010 season should be good, and harvest levels should be similar in comparison to the past several years.

“There should be many vocal 2-year old gobblers available for harvest this year thanks to the high reproduction rate in the summer of 2008,” says Kevin Lowrey, Wildlife Resources Division wild turkey project coordinator.

Statistics from the 2009 season harvest summary indicate that an estimated 56,113 resident Georgia hunters bagged 27,323 turkeys last year. The bird to hunter ratio (harvest rate) for 2009 was .49 birds per hunter – the same as in 2007 and 2008. According to Lowrey, Georgia’s current turkey population is estimated at 300,000 birds. Georgia turkey hunters are privileged with one of the longest turkey seasons nationwide. With a bag limit of three gobblers per season, hunters have from Mar. 20 through May 15 to harvest their bird(s). Because most hunters pursue wild turkeys on private lands, the Wildlife Resources Division reminds hunters to always obtain landowner permission before hunting.

WMA Hunting Opportunities Georgia’s Wildlife Management Areas offer excellent turkey hunting opportunities. Through the WMA system, resident hunters have access to nearly one million acres of prime hunting land for just $19 a year. Success rates and total harvest numbers from 2009 may help indicate which WMAs hunters should target this year. In the northwest, Crockford-Pigeon Mountain and Berry College WMA reported the highest harvest rates. In the northeast, Dukes Creek WMA and Wilson Shoals WMA had the highest harvest rates. In west central Georgia, hunters should try Joe Kurz WMA and Rum Creek WMA. In east central Georgia, Di-Lane Plantation WMA and Tuckahoe WMA reported high harvest rates. In the southeast, hunters should visit Dixon Memorial WMA and Sansavilla WMA. Middle Georgia hunter should try River Bend WMA Finally, in southwest Georgia, River Creek WMA and Chickasawhatchee WMA had the highest harvest rates. A special WMA license is required for any person 16 years or older who does not possess a valid honorary, sportsman or lifetime license when hunting wild turkey on a WMA, Public Fishing Area or State Park. In addition, both a valid hunting license and a big game license are required to legally hunt wild turkey. Wild turkey legally can be hunted with shotguns, loaded with No. 2 or smaller shot, any muzzleloading firearm, longbow, crossbow or compound bow.

Conservation of the Wild Turkey in Georgia
The comeback of the wild turkey is one of Georgia’s great conservation success stories. Although the bird population currently hovers around 300,000 statewide, as recently as 1973, the wild turkey population was as low as 17,000. Intensive restoration efforts, such as the restocking of wild birds and increased emphasis on biologically sound hunting seasons, have helped re-establish turkeys in suitable habitat in every county. This resurgence is due to the efforts of private landowners, hunters and conservation organizations like the National Wild Turkey Federation.

The Georgia Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation has donated more than $3,220,977 since 1985 on projects that benefit wild turkey and other wildlife. The NWTF works cooperatively in partnership with the Wildlife Resources Division and other land management agencies with the focus on habitat enhancement, hunter access, wild turkey research and education. There currently are 96 state chapters of the NWTF with membership totals of more than 16,000.

For more information regarding wild turkey hunting opportunities, WMA hunting opportunities, 2010 wild turkey hunting seasons, regulations or license requirements in Georgia, visit www.gohuntgeorgia.com .

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Time To Talk Turkey – Georgia’s Turkey Hunting Season Opens Mar. 20

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife

OLYMPIA, Wa --(AmmoLand.com)-  The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission will accept public comments on proposed changes to this year’s hunting regulations and special-hunt permit drawings during a meeting here March 12-13.

The commission, which sets policy for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), also will consider initial comments on proposed new rules designed to address property damage and other public concerns related to wildlife.

The public meeting in Olympia will start at 8:30 p.m. both days in Room 172 of the Natural Resources Building, 1111 Washington St. S.E. An agenda for the meeting, along with WDFW’s proposals on these issues, is available on the commission’s website. (See http://bit.ly/a9Uqdg ).

“The new hunting rules proposed for the upcoming season reflect changes in state game populations since the current three-year hunting plan was adopted last year, said Dave Ware, WDFW game manager. The proposed hunting rules include a combination of new conservation measures and hunting opportunities for species such as deer, elk, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, black bear, cougar and small game.”

In addition, WDFW is proposing changes in the way random drawings are conducted for special-hunt permits, which provide additional hunting options beyond those authorized by a general hunting license.

Public hearings on special-hunt permits and hunting rules proposed by WDFW are scheduled March 13, the second day of the commission’s meeting in Olympia. The commission is expected to take action on both proposals at a meeting set April 9-10 in Leavenworth.

Also at the meeting March 12-13 in Olympia, the commission will:

• Accept public comments on a new initiative proposed by WDFW to address property damage and reduce other conflicts between wildlife and humans.
• Consider extending the current fishery allocation policy for Columbia River summer chinook salmon by one year.
• Receive a briefing on 2010 salmon forecasts, conservation needs and fishing opportunities.
• Consider approval of land transactions proposed by WDFW in Pierce, Kitsap and Okanogan counties.

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Public Hearings Planned On Proposed Hunting Rules, Special-Permit Process

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

MISSOULA, Mont.- -(AmmoLand.com)- For 35 years, no company has produced better consumer sportsman shows than International Sportsmen’s Expositions (ISE). Annual events in Denver, Phoenix, Sacramento, Salt Lake City and San Mateo, Calif., draw hundreds of thousands of hunters, anglers and conservationists.

Today the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation announced an expanded partnership with ISE.

For 2010, RMEF and ISE introduced the Ultimate Elk Hunter’s Raffle. Joint marketing efforts to promote RMEF and ISE included the RMEF Great Elk Tour, and RMEF sponsorship of ISE’s Adventure Theater, and Best of the West Elk Calling Contests.

In 2012, ISE will manage the sales, marketing and promotion of the exposition component of RMEF’s annual national convention, called Elk Camp.

RMEF will continue to manage its own auctions, fundraisers, banquets and ceremonies in conjunction with the ISE-managed expo portion of Elk Camp.

“We expect this new partnership to boost our visibility across the West and ignite significant growth in our own convention, which ultimately means additional funding for our mission,” said Steve Decker, vice president of marketing for RMEF.

ISE President and CEO Brian Layng said, “We look forward to co-locating with RMEF and providing its members, exhibitors, corporate sponsors and the public with the best wildlife and outdoor exposition in North America.”

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 5.7 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.

International Sportsmen’s Exposition

About International Sportsmen’s Expositions
For nearly 35 years ISE has produced America’s premier hunting, fishing and travel shows. Featuring as many as 500 exhibiting companies including leading manufacturers and retailers, guides and outfitters, resorts and lodges, and nonprofit outdoor organizations and groups, each ISE also offers hundreds of seminars, contests, hands-on special features, plus a huge Youth Outdoor Sports Fair that’s dedicated to creating the next generation of responsible outdoor enthusiasts.

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RMEF, ISE to Team for Stronger Expos, Elk Camps

Wyoming Game & Fish Department

Upton, WY --(AmmoLand.com)- Of all high school state championships – football, golf, soccer, speech/debate, track and field, etc. – none are more “Wyoming” than the state hunting championships.

The Youth Hunter Education Challenge, as its officially called, will be held May 8 in Upton and young hunters do not need to qualify in a regional or district tournament to compete. All Wyoming and South Dakota youth 18 and under who have passed hunter education are eligible to showcase their hunting skills and probably learn a little.

The challenge tests youngsters in sporting clays style trap shooting, .22, muzzleloader and archery marksmanship, wildlife identification, orienteering and hunter safety judgments.

“The challenge is designed to be a fun event for all participants – not just the winners,” said Jim Dawson, the Game and Fish’s hunter education coordinator.

This is the third year the challenge has been hosted by the Upton Gun Club and officially sanctioned by the National Rifle Association. Winners in both age categories – 15-18 and 14 and under – are eligible to advance to the international competition to be held July 26-30 at a top-notch shooting complex near Mansfield, Pa.

In addition to the department and the gun club, the challenge is sponsored by the Wyoming Friends of the NRA and a variety of Wyoming businesses. All participants receive a prize for competing.

In the spirit of interstate cooperation, South Dakota young hunters can also participate in this challenge for the right to represent their state at the international competition.

“Because Upton is close to the border, we’re teaming up with the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks and holding their challenge at the same time,” Dawson said.

He adds that although the youngsters from both states will take part in the same tests, they will not be competing against each other. Winners will be crowned from both states.

To participate, youngsters need to submit copies of their hunter education card, birth certificate, photo and pay a $10 entry fee. Entry forms are available at the Game and Fish Web site and offices and must be submitted by April 30.

For more info, call the Game and Fish’s Jim Dawson or Jeff Obrecht at (307) 777-4600 or Rick Rothleutner of the Upton Gun Club at (307) 281-9980.

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Wyoming State Hunting Championships May 8 in Upton

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

LINCOLN, Neb. --(AmmoLand.com)- Social media have transformed how the public receives information, and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has embraced that transformation.

Thanks to social media, more people are interacting with the Commission electronically than ever before, and the agency is disseminating information to the public in more ways.

Users may find all Commission social media at its Web site, OutdoorNebraska.org. These include four blogs. The most recent to launch is “Afield and Afloat,” the NEBRASKAland Magazine blog that shares staff experiences in the great outdoors, reveals what goes into producing the magazine, including the occasional photo tip, and ideas on where to go and what to do outside.

The other blogs are:

• “Barbs and Backlashes“  Daryl Bauer, fisheries outreach program manager, shares his vast knowledge with fishing enthusiasts.
• “In the Wild with Greg Wagner” The Omaha metro office manager shares his knowledge of the outdoors and encourages people to get out into the wild.
• “Lock, Stock and Bedlam” Jeff Rawlinson and Aaron Hershberger of the Outdoor Education team give straight-forward, timely information on hunting, fishing, shooting skills, techniques, and tips.

The Commission also is taking advantage of Facebook and Twitter. The agency launched its Facebook and Twitter offerings in May 2009. The agency had 700 Facebook fans by October and 2,700 by March. More than 3,000 people were following the agency on Twitter as of March 1.

Web page users also will find that Commission has a YouTube channel, on which a variety of state park videos may be viewed. To keep up on the latest news, readers may subscribe to receive RSS feeds or e-mailed news releases.

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Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Takes Advantage of Social Media Opportunities

West Virginia DNR

South Charleston, W.Va. – -(Ammoland.com)-  The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources reminds sportsmen and sportswomen that the 2009 – 2010 trapping season for raccoon, fox, bobcat, mink and muskrat ends on February 28, 2010.

The trapping season for beaver will end on March 31, 2010, and beaver trappers are reminded that it is illegal to set traps other than underwater sets during the month of March.

All beaver and bobcat pelts are required to be checked at an official game checking station within 30 days of the close of their respective seasons. Raccoon, fox, mink and muskrat pelts are not required to be checked at an official game checking station.

Trappers, hunters and fur dealers are reminded that furs shipped out of West Virginia must have a fur shipping tag. These shipping tags are available at all West Virginia Division of Natural Resources’ District Offices and most game checking stations.

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

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West Virginia’s Trapping Seasons to Close Soon

U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance

Washington, DC --(AmmoLand.com)- The next chairman of a key house committee with oversight over federal funding for wildlife conservation has a long history of opposing hunting, trapping, and gun ownership.

U.S. Representative Jim Moran (D- VA) is expected to be named Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies. This subcommittee oversees funding for the Department of Interior and its various agencies, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This makes this chair one of the most powerful positions influencing public policy on federal lands including whether to keep such land open to sportsmen.

Rep. Moran has sponsored and cosponsored a number of anti-hunting and anti-trapping bills during his time in Congress. One of his most high profile battles against sportsmen was an effort to ban the use of bait to hunt black bears on federal land despite being considered a valid management option by wildlife professionals in numerous states. This effort earned him the support of the nation’s leading anti-hunting group, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS).

Further anti-hunting and anti-trapping bills supported by Rep. Moran during the current Congressional session include co-sponsorships of:

• HR 3710- which would prohibit the use of body-gripping traps in the National Wildlife Refuge System; and
• HR 2480- “Truth in Fur Labeling Act of 2009” which would enforce more restrictive labeling requirements on fur.

Rep. Moran’s anti efforts were not the only thing that earned him applause from HSUS. In February, 2009, he helped form the “Creature Caucus” in order to promote animal rights issues in Washington. The head of HSUS’ lobbying wing, the Humane Society Legislative Fund, gushed about this group at the time by saying, “We could not be more excited about this new organization of humane lawmakers.”

He has also supported anti-gun legislation earning himself the number four position on the NRA’s 2006 Top Anti-Gun representatives. He has supported bills such as “assault weapon” bans, prohibitions on transferring ammunition to juveniles, and mandates for additional background checks at gun shows. Rep. Moran also supported legislation requiring ballistics testing data from guns be kept in a national database.

Rep. Moran’s expected move is part of a domino effect of legislators shifting committee positions that began with the recent passing of Rep. John Murtha (D- PA).

“Sportsmen are right to be wary that an obvious anti is getting ready to control the gavel for a committee overseeing much of the nation’s conservation policy,” said Rob Sexton, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance (USSA) vice president for government affairs. “The USSA is going to watch this committee like a hawk and be sure that sound science and sportsmen’s voices are not ignored.”

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Anti-Hunting Legislator Likely Head of Key House Committee for Sportsmen

Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife

Delaware - -(Ammoland.com)- The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife would like to remind hunters who wish to participate in this year’s extended snow goose conservation order that they must have a valid Delaware (or Maryland) hunting license, a 2009-2010 Delaware waterfowl stamp and a Delaware harvest information program (HIP) number, plus a snow goose conservation order permit number.

Now through April 17, 2010, hunters who have met these requirements may pursue snow geese every day except Sunday, using unplugged shotguns and electronic calls. During this time, legal shooting hours have been extended from a half-hour before sunrise to a half-hour after sunset and daily bag and possession limits have been removed. All other federal and state hunting regulations apply.

Most state wildlife areas in all three counties will be open to snow goose hunting during the order. To avoid conflicts with the spring 2010 wild turkey season, snow goose hunting will be prohibited on state wildlife areas after Saturday, April 3. Bombay Hook and Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuges will be closed to hunting during the conservation order.

To obtain a free Snow Goose Conservation Order permit number, hunters may register at www.dehip.com. Once registered, hunters are required to keep this number in their possession while hunting snow geese and to report their hunting activity and success to the Division of Fish and Wildlife by May 31, 2010. A federal waterfowl stamp is not required.

For more information, please call 302-739-9912 or visit www.fw.delaware.gov.

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Delaware Division Of Fish And Wildlife Hunter Requirements To Hunt Snow Geese

ROTHSCHILD, Wi – -(AmmoLand.com)- Department of Natural Resources Secretary Matt Frank congratulated and thanked the participants of the first Hunting Heritage Conference who met over the weekend to share ideas about broadening participation in the state’s hunting heritage.

The conference was funded by a grant from the National Shooting Sports Foundation and The Hunting Heritage Partnership. The grant provided funding to cover the complete cost of those attending the two-day conference.

The Department of Natural Resources invited representatives of local and statewide hunting and conservation organizations to the first ever event. About 115 hunting enthusiasts from mentors to safety instructors gathered at the Stoney Creek Inn for the two-day conference devoted to exploring ideas about building the state’s hunting future for generations to come.

“Wisconsin is a great hunting state with a wide range of hunting opportunities for both novice and experienced hunters,” Frank said. “But we cannot take our hunting tradition for granted. We are looking to build on our past efforts to work with young people as well as adults who have never had an opportunity to hunt. If we want our next generation not only to enjoy our natural resources but to become future conservationists, we need to think creatively and build upon our past efforts.”

The Feb. 19-20 conference focused on educating and training experienced mentors in passing on their knowledge to the next generation of Wisconsin hunters through the DNR’s popular Learn to Hunt program. DNR records show that in 2009, the Learn to Hunt Program had more than 1,500 participants in the turkey, pheasant, deer and waterfowl programs.

“We are very proud of our Learn to Hunt program, which has had the strong support of local conservation groups and volunteer instructors who work with our staff,” Frank said. “We are looking for ways to build mentor participation in this program – and expand it to more youth – boys and girls – from all ethnic backgrounds.”

The conference also featured researchers from the University of Wisconsin-System who shared their research designs on recruiting hunters and testing the effects of social networking and new media technologies to promote hunting.

“The main goals of the conference were to build community around the issue of hunter recruitment and retention; to facilitate networking between organizations; and, to share best practices for hosting successful Learn to Hunt Programs,” DNR Deputy Conservation Warden Benjamin Mott said of the event he helped coordinate. “And another main goal was to make sure clubs understand how they can receive reimbursement for conducting Learn to Hunt Programs.”

The Learn to Hunt Program is designed to help inexperienced hunters, both youth and adults, have a high quality, safe, and rewarding first-time hunt under the guidance of qualified Hunter Education instructors and hunting mentors. Participants receive both classroom and field instruction prior to an actual hunt.

Frank said the DNR hopes to make the conference an annual event.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Benjamin Mott, Deputy Conservation Warden, Madison: (608) 444-1244; Todd Schaller, Conservation Warden, Madison: (608) 267-2774

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DNR Secretary Matt Frank Announces Successful Inaugural Hunting Heritage Conference

Arizona Game and Fish Department

PHOENIX, AZ –-(AmmoLand.com)- They’re back: Arizona hunting and fishing licenses are available online once again.

It’s simple and easy: just visit the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at www.azgfd.gov to decide what license or license package suits you or your family best, and make the online purchase using your Visa or MasterCard from the convenience of your own home or office.

“It’s been a long time coming. But the timing is superb for hunting and fishing conditions,” said Game and Fish Deputy Director Bob Broscheid. “Our interior lakes are filling and spilling. There’s a lush green-up in the desert low lands. Plus we have a tremendous snow pack in the high country.”

There is a $1.50 Internet fee for buying your license online – the fee actually pays for the service. Be sure to have a printer handy; you must physically print out the license you purchase online (color or black and white will work).

If you need a little help while purchasing the license online, there is telephone assistance available during normal 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. business hours Monday through Friday by calling (602) 942-3000.

There are lots of hunting and fishing license options available, including some exceptional deals on Family Licenses, so be sure to shop online at Buy a License for the license package that works best for you.

You will also find lots of online help deciding where to go on your hunting or fishing adventures.

The Game and Fish Department’s Web site is full of where-to and how-to fishing and hunting information. In fact, you can even subscribe to the weekly fishing report or the Hunter Highlights e-news products and have them delivered directly to your computer.

Agency officials pointed out that the online license sales and other online services were suspended almost three years ago due to workload difficulties the former vendor experienced during the online big game draw process. There is no projected date for when the online hunt draw process will be available online once again, although agency officials are actively working on the issue.

The Game and Fish Department operates on revenue-driven “user pay, user benefit” business model and relies on non-tax dollars – it receives no tax money from the state’s general fund.

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 Hunting And Fishing Licenses Are Available Online Again

Thanks Steve for The Python Pic

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Florida --(AmmoLand.com)- The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is offering a special chance for hunters to capture and remove reptiles of concern from state-managed lands around the Everglades.

From March 8 to April 17, those with a hunting license and a $26 management area permit may take reptiles of concern (Indian python, reticulated python, northern and southern African rock python, amethystine or scrub python, green anaconda and Nile monitor lizard) on Everglades and Francis S. Taylor, Holey Land and Rotenberger wildlife management areas (WMAs).

The specially created season, established by executive order, follows the close of small game season on the three WMAs, and continues during a period when the nonnative snakes are likely to be encountered. During cooler months, cold-blooded reptiles sun themselves on levees, canal banks and roadways to warm up. This makes them easier to spot, capture and remove.

“We are once again engaging our stakeholders, in this case, the hunting community, to help us reduce the number of reptiles of concern in the Everglades,” said FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto. “Our hunters are on the front lines, and we hope, by tapping into their knowledge of the Everglades, we can make significant progress in this effort.”

On Monday, Feb. 22, a large group of hunters will receive training on how to identify, stalk, capture and remove reptiles of concern. The FWC and experts from the reptile industry will provide the training, which includes lessons in biology and behavior. A local tanner also will be on hand to explain the value of harvested hides.

“In order to increase the numbers of reptiles of concern taken, we believe it is important to give the hunting community the tools for success, and that means the knowledge they need to apply their skills,” Barreto said.

Representatives from the National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Big Cypress National Preserve, South Florida Water Management District and Army Corps of Engineers are scheduled to attend the event.

Reptiles of concern may be taken by all legal methods (including shotguns, rimfire rifles and pistols) used in the taking of game animals; however, the use of centerfire rifles is prohibited. Reptiles of concern may not be taken out of the wildlife management areas alive and must be reported to the FWC within 36 hours by calling, toll-free, 866-392-4286, or by visiting MyFWC.com/ROC.

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FWC Creates Special Snake & Reptile Hunting Season

National Wild Turkey Federation

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - NASHVILLE, Tenn. – -(AmmoLand.com)- Bobby Woods’s focus, talent and practice paid off today when he won the Friction Division at the Wild Turkey Bourbon Grand National Turkey Calling Championships in Nashville, Tenn.

“It feels great to win it again; I’m the only caller to do it twice,” said Woods, who also won the Friction Division in 2007. “At first I was nervous, but when I began my first call, the butterflies went away.”

Bobby Woods, from Dante, Va., won the Friction Division at the 2010 Wild Turkey Bourbon Grand National Turkey Calling Championships.

Every February, callers from all over the nation flock to the National Wild Turkey Federation’s National Convention and Sport Show, sponsored by MidwayUSA, to compete in the championships. With more than $25,000 in cash and prizes going to the top callers, seats fill up with onlookers to see and hear the terrific turkey talk.

In the Friction Division, callers are asked to perform a series of calls that imitate a single hen. Some of these calls include the yelp, cluck and purr, kee kee run, and cutting of the excited hen. A panel of seven expert judges score each call and the slightest mistake can virtually eliminate a caller from contention.

Hailing from Dante, Va., Woods used the “Classic Crystal,” “Cluck and Purr Pot” and “Kee Kee Disc” made by Woodhaven Custom Calls, to emerge from a field of 24 callers and be crowned champion.

“Winning a title at the Grand National Turkey Calling Championships is like reaching the summit of a mountain. There is no higher place among the turkey calling’s elite,” said George Thornton, NWTF CEO. “The atmosphere in the room during the trophy presentation is electric. Raising the first-place trophy at these contests means that you have beaten the best callers in the world.”

Each year, thousands of outdoor enthusiasts and NWTF supporters rally at the NWTF National Convention and Sport Show. The event features the Grand National Calling Championships, seminars from hunting pros, more than 550 vendor booths, top entertainers at evening functions and more.

The NWTF is a nonprofit conservation organization that works daily to further its mission of conserving the wild turkey and preserving our hunting heritage.

Through dynamic partnerships with state, federal and provincial wildlife agencies, the NWTF and its members have helped restore wild turkey populations across the country, spending more than $306 million to conserve 14 million acres of habitat for all types of wildlife.

To learn more about the NWTF’s National Convention and Sport Show, visit www.nwtf.org or call (800) THE-NWTF.

2010 Convention Sponsors:
Affinity4, ATK/Federal Premium Ammunition, Bank of America, Bass Pro Shops, Benelli, Browning, Call Makers and Collectors Association of America, CamoFX, Chevrolet, Farm Service Agency, Foxy Huntress, Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center, HuntVe, Knight Rifles, Leupold & Stevens, Marlin Firearms Company, MeadWestvaco, MidwayUSA, Nashville Convention and Visitors Bureau, National Band & Tag Co., O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc., Mossy Oak and The Pursuit Channel, The Outdoor Connection, Remington Arms Company, Inc., SHE Outdoor Apparel, TriStar Sporting Arms, USDA Forest Service, Weatherby, Inc., Wild Turkey Bourbon, Winchester Division/Olin Corp.

About the NWTF:
The National Wild Turkey Federation is a nonprofit conservation organization that works daily to further its mission of conserving the wild turkey and preserving our hunting heritage.

Through dynamic partnerships with state, federal and provincial wildlife agencies, the NWTF and its more than 350,000 members have helped restore wild turkey populations across the country, spending more than $306 million to conserve 14 million acres of habitat for all types of wildlife.

The Federation works to increase interest in the outdoors by bringing new hunters and conservationists into the fold through outdoor education events and its outreach programs – Women in the Outdoors, Wheelin’ Sportsmen, JAKES and Xtreme JAKES.

The NWTF was founded in 1973 and is headquartered in Edgefield, S.C. According to many state and federal agencies, the comeback of the wild turkey is arguably the greatest conservation success story in North America’s wildlife history.

Visit www.nwtf.org or call (800) THE-NWTF for details.

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Virginia Man Wins NWTF’s Grand National Friction Calling Championship

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Florida – -(Ammoland.com)- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Chairman Rodney Barreto will announce a special season for the capture and removal of reptiles of concern, including Burmese pythons, from state-managed lands.

Thanks Steve for The Python Pic

Representatives from the National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Big Cypress National Preserve, South Florida Water Management District and Army Corps of Engineers are scheduled to attend the event.

Following the chairman’s remarks, approximately 30 hunters will receive training on how to identify, stalk, capture and remove reptiles of concern.

The FWC and experts from the reptile industry will provide the training, which includes lessons in biology and behavior. Wild and tame pythons will be used in the instruction. A local tanner will explain the value of harvested hides.

The training period will end with the instructors leading teams of hunters onto the levee to practice their skills.

Think hunting pythons is for you? Check out some footage of the hunt.

The news media are invited to cover the entire event. Dress for the outdoors. Contacts: Gabriella B. Ferraro, 772-215-9459

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Learn to Hunt Florida Special Reptiles

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Florida – -(Ammoland.com)- The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) passed new rules Wednesday affecting deer hunters, beginning with the 2010-11 season. The new rules modified zone boundaries and season dates for deer hunting on private property.

“These changes will better align the deer hunting seasons with the rut and are intended to increase hunter satisfaction,” said Cory Morea, Deer Management Program Coordinator for the FWC’s Division of Hunting and Game Management.

Morea noted that the majority of stakeholders supported these measures.

Todd Hallman of the Florida Sportsmen’s Conservation Association expressed one concern: “The South Region is a different animal. You’re going to have us hunting in hotter, not cooler weather,” he said of the hunting season changes.

The boundary separating what used to be called the Northwest Hunting Zone (renamed Zone D) from the Central Zone (renamed Zone C) has been moved a little farther west.

The new line dividing zones C and D begins at U.S. 27 at the Gadsden County/Georgia state line and runs south on U.S. 27 until it meets S.R. 61 in Tallahassee. From there, it follows S.R. 61, running south until it hits U.S. 319. There, the line follows U.S. 319, continuing south to U.S. 98; it then runs east along U.S. 98 before turning south on Spring Creek Highway and continuing to the Gulf of Mexico.

Changes to season dates on Zone D push opening day of archery season back one week. The first phase of muzzleloading gun season will have four additional days and move from November to December, where it will fill a gap that was previously closed to deer hunting in that zone. As a result, Zone D will have continuous deer hunting opportunities from the beginning of archery through the last phase of muzzleloading gun season, and total deer hunting days have been increased from 123 to 128.

Zone C’s new deer hunting season dates will begin one week earlier; archery season will begin on the third Saturday in September every year. Twelve days were added to give Zone C a total of 128 deer-hunting days.

New rules also create an additional hunting zone, made up in part by the Green Swamp Basin. This fourth zone, which previously was the southwest portion of the Central Hunting Zone, will be Zone B. This new zone lies south of S.R. 50, west of U.S. 441 and the Kissimmee Waterway, north of S.R. 60 and east of the Gulf of Mexico.

Zone B was created because the deer in that area have a much later breeding period. Deer hunting in this new zone will start with archery, beginning on the third Saturday of October each year, and run through the general gun season, ending in mid-February.

Zone A (formerly the South Hunting Zone) remains that portion of the state south of S.R. 70. Its deer season will start nearly a month and a half earlier than before, with July 31 as the opening day of archery next season. The other major change is that there will be a split general gun season. Deer hunting will be closed five weeks next season, between Oct. 18 and Nov. 19, and reopen every year on the Saturday before Thanksgiving and always ending on the first Sunday in January. Depending on how the dates fall in each year, Zone A’s total deer hunting days will be between 121 and 128, an increase from 116 previously.

These changes to Florida’s private land deer-hunting zones and season dates take into account hunter suggestions and updated biological data, aiming to increase hunter satisfaction. The new zones and corresponding dates are now better aligned with when deer breed throughout the state.

According to law, Florida’s fall turkey season dates are based on each zone’s general gun seasons. Therefore, since the FWC passed rules that added a fourth hunting zone and modified existing zones and corresponding general gun season dates, the fall turkey season dates also have been modified to reflect the new zones. Next season, the fall turkey season will be:

• Zone A: Oct. 4-17, 2010 and Nov. 20, 2010 – Jan. 2, 2011
• Zone B: Dec. 4, 2010 – Jan. 30, 2011
• Zone C: Nov. 6, 2010 – Jan. 2, 2011
• Zone D: Nov. 25-28, 2010 and Dec. 11, 2010 – Jan. 16, 2011

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Florida Deer Hunters Get Better-Aligned Zones And Season Dates

Squirrels abundant in most of Kansas; season ends Feb. 28

Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks

PRATT  - -(Ammoland.com)- February is a down time for many hunters, but the Kansas woods still provide a challenge for avid outdoorsmen and women. Squirrel season is open through Feb. 28, and this elusive tree-dweller offers Kansans an exciting late winter hunt.

Kansas has two species of squirrels — the fox and the gray. Fox squirrels can be found throughout the state just about anywhere trees are abundant. Windbreaks and wooded riparian corridors, as well as larger forested tracts, can provide excellent hunting. Abundant dead-leaf nests in trees are good indications of population density. Fox squirrels are active at midday and spend a good deal of time on the ground. Mature fox squirrels may weigh up to 3 pounds.

The gray squirrel’s range is limited to the forested regions of eastern Kansas. Smaller than fox squirrels, grays average about 1 pound. They are also more difficult to hunt. Grays are most active around sunrise and sunset, usually spending midday hours in a tree hole.

Both squirrel species are usually hunted with a .22 rifle although novices often start with a small-bore shotgun. The best time to hunt is on calm, sunny days because squirrels often stick to dens when it’s windy. Winter hunting can be more difficult than summer or fall because trees are bare, making the hunter more visible. Move slowly into a wooded area with nests and nut-bearing trees. Then sit quietly and listen for the cutting sound of a squirrel cracking nuts or scrambling through the trees. If the squirrels are out of range or don’t appear, move carefully after 20 minutes or so and take another stand. Many hunters use a squirrel distress call, which can pull curious quarry in for a closer look. Chatter or bark calls work well, too.

Excellent squirrel hunting can be found on wooded public hunting areas, and there is typically little hunting pressure, especially in late winter. Permission to hunt on private land may also be easy to obtain due to lack of competition from other hunters.

The Kansas squirrel season runs June 1-Feb. 28 with a daily bag limit of five and a possession limit of 20.

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Winter Squirrels Offer Kansas Late-Season Challenge

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Florida – -(Ammoland.com)- The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) passed new rules Wednesday, opening more public land to hunters and establishing a special spring turkey hunting weekend just for Florida’s youths.

Effective July 1, new parcels of public land will be included within the state’s wildlife management area (WMA) system and available for hunting during the 2010-2011 hunting season. Included in these new areas is the 1,290-acre Fort White Mitigation Park in Gilchrist County. The property will have an archery season, small-game season and spring turkey season.

The Lafayette Forest Wildlife and Environmental Area (WEA) is another tract comprising 2,148 acres in Lafayette County, which will offer archery, muzzleloading gun, family, wild hog and spring turkey hunts.

The 9,754-acre Charles H. Bronson WMA in Orange and Seminole counties will feature archery, muzzleloading gun, general gun, small-game and spring turkey hunts. The parcel is cooperatively owned by the state’s Division of Forestry, the St. Johns River Water Management District and Orange County.

The Department of Environmental Protection’s 6,445-acre Marshall Swamp in Marion County, currently a public small-game hunting area, will become a full-blown WMA, offering archery, muzzleloader, general gun, small game and spring turkey hunts.

Watermelon Pond WEA is a 4,231-acre tract in Alachua County that is cooperatively owned by the Division of Forestry and the FWC. It too will feature an archery season and small-game hunts.

Youth hunters are sure to benefit from yet another rule passed by the FWC. This one establishes a two-day youth turkey hunt on private property the weekend prior to the opening of spring turkey season in each hunting zone, beginning with the 2011 spring turkey season. Only those under 16 years old will be allowed to harvest a turkey while supervised by an adult, 18 years or older. However, any adult supervisor who has a hunting license and the necessary permits will be allowed to “call in” the turkey and otherwise participate in the hunt, but they will not be permitted to harvest one.

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Florida Hunters Get More Public Land Florida Youths Get New Turkey Hunting Weekend

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Florida – -(Ammoland.com)- The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) voted Wednesday to temporarily prohibit the chasing of foxes and coyotes in enclosures, while moving forward to draft rules guiding such enclosures in Florida. An executive order prohibiting chasing of foxes and coyotes within an enclosure will be issued by Feb. 24.

Before making the decision, Commissioners listened to more than 40 speakers on fox and coyote pens, beginning with Rep. Debbie Boyd, D-High Springs. Boyd urged the Commission to recognize the shortcomings on both sides of the issue, to address those shortcomings and engage stakeholders in the process.

“This issue has been painted with a broad brush,” Boyd said. “I ask the Commission to engage stakeholders and put fox and coyote enclosures into rule rather than through the permit process.”

After listening to emotional appeals from the public, whose comments ranged from calling the practice of hunting foxes and coyotes within enclosures a “heritage” and “a way of life” to making charges of “cruelty” and “mauling” of the animals, Commissioners discussed how to proceed based on staff recommendations and public comment.

“Rep. Boyd said it best,” said Commissioner Kathy Barco. “We need to allow for the process so everybody works together.”

FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto said he leaned toward an outright ban of the practice but also felt the process should be given a chance for review.

“I’m not sure I’ll support the draft rules when they come back,” Barreto said. “I don’t see any sport in the animals’ having no escape. I personally don’t agree with the practice.”

Last September, FWC commissioners directed the agency’s law enforcement staff to explore the history behind the enclosures, including a review of the agency’s permitting process and the number of such enclosures in the state. Then-Executive Director Ken Haddad issued an executive order, putting a moratorium on issuing permits for chasing foxes or coyotes in enclosures.

During Wednesday’s meeting at Apalachicola, commissioners received the report, indicating such enclosures have been around since 1988, when the agency began meeting with stakeholders to draw up regulations for permitting them. Previously, fox hunting took place on large land tracts, but fewer tracts were available as Florida’s human population grew.

Enclosure operators also began using more-readily available coyotes captured within Florida. Importing coyotes from other states is illegal.

It is not legal to kill foxes in Florida, but chasing them with dogs has been a long-standing tradition.

At one time, there were about 50 fox and coyote pens from the Panhandle to Central Florida. Currently, however, because of the moratorium and decreasing demand, the state has only one permitted facility.

In 2007, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources completed an investigation into fox pens in that state, and shared information with the FWC, indicating illegal importation, sale and delivery of foxes or coyotes was taking place among Alabama and six other states.

FWC investigators made similar discoveries during a 10-month undercover operation in 2008. They found some enclosures were ignoring permit provisions. As a result, officers cited 12 suspects for 46 alleged violations.

FWC wildlife veterinarian Mark Cunningham stated in a report that importation of foxes from other states could result in the spread of disease strains and parasites that are not native to Florida, and that poses health risks for humans, native wildlife, pets and livestock.

“This is not a referendum on hunting; we are a pro-hunting commission,” said Commissioner Brian Yablonski. “But we must consider the concept of ‘fair chase,’ and I am not sure chasing coyotes and foxes in an enclosure meets that standard of hunting – a standard that is important to preserving hunting in the future.”

The Commission asked staff to hold workshops and meet with stakeholders to develop draft rules. The draft rules will be brought back for consideration at the June meeting, with the possibility of final rule approval in September.

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Florida Wildlife Commission Decides To Draft Rules Guiding Fox And Coyote Enclosures

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife

Olympia, WA - -(Ammoland.com)- Hunters may now purchase and submit applications for a 2010 spring black bear hunting permit, applicable to specific areas of western and eastern Washington.

To be eligible for a permit, hunters must purchase and submit an application to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) by midnight March 12.

A drawing will be held in mid-March for 345 permits in western Washington and 185 permits for hunts east of the Cascades. Permit winners will receive notification in the mail by March 31. Applicants may also check the results of the drawing at http://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting on the WDFW website.

To apply for a permit, hunters must purchase a special permit application and a 2010 hunting license that includes bear as a species option. Hunting licenses, bear transport tags and bear permit applications may be purchased online at http://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov/ , by calling (866) 246-9453, or at any license vendor in the state.

Special permit applications, which require a correct hunt choice number, may be submitted online at http://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov/ or by calling (877) 945-3492.

Hunters interested in hunting on the Kapowsin Tree Farm should contact the tree farm before submitting an application to find out what areas are open. Those selected for the Kapowsin Tree Farm hunt must then purchase an access permit from Hancock Forest Management by calling (800) 782-1493.

Hunters selected for the Copalis hunt must obtain a Recreational Use Permit and should contact Rayonier at (360) 533-7000 during regular business hours.

More information on hunts scheduled on both sides of the state is available on page 49 in the 2009 Big Game Hunting Rules pamphlet at http://wdfw.wa.gov/wlm/game/hunter/hunter.htm .

Any legal weapon used during the modern firearm, archery or muzzleloader seasons can be used for spring black bear hunts. Bait or hounds are not allowed for bear hunting.

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Washington Spring Black Bear Hunt Applications Due March 12

American Deer & Wildlife Alliance

AUSTIN, Texas- -(Ammoland.com)- One of the nation’s premiere hunting ranches, Hunter Ridge Ranch of Camdenton, Mo., has announced its support for the American Deer & Wildlife Alliance (ADWA) and that it will begin coordinating with ADWA to establish a youth-based outdoor education camp to take place this summer.

Nestled in the beautiful Ozark Mountains, Hunter Ridge Ranch boasts more than 1,000 acres of pristine forest, meadows and streams for a quality, trophy-hunting experience. The ranch is home to some of the largest trophy deer in the world, along with other exotic animals such as elk, red stag and fallow deer.

“The American Deer & Wildlife Alliance is promoting our industry through dozens of activities on a grass roots level that is reaching thousands of children,” says Oscar Hunter, owner of Hunter Ridge Ranch. “Most sportsmen understand our love for hunting and fishing goes hand-in-hand with wildlife conservation, but we cannot assume that future generations will automatically know that. We’re proud to be a member of ADWA and we look forward to working with them to help provide greater opportunities for young sportsmen to learn about wildlife and outdoor sports.”

The American Deer & Wildlife Alliance is a non-profit trade organization representing deer and wildlife associations and companies within the deer and wildlife industry as well as individual sportsmen. ADWA’s primary goal is to promote wildlife, habitat and land stewardship, and to grow the deer and wildlife industry through education and aggressive public relations for its members. ADWA is the title sponsor of Keith Warren’s Deer & Wildlife Stories program, airing on the Pursuit Channel, and also broadcasts public policy messages to millions of households via the Pursuit Channel.

To learn more about Hunter Ridge Ranch, call 800.288.9997 or 314.393.7381 or visit www.hunterridgeranch.com. For more information on the American Deer & Wildlife Alliance and/or to become a member, please call 877.331.8607 or visit www.deerwildlifealliance.org.

Headquartered in Austin, Texas, the American Deer & Wildlife Alliance is a non-profit organization dedicated to the growth of the deer and wildlife industry, and to help educate consumers and the youth on the conservation issues which effect deer and wildlife as well as the industry. For more information on the American Deer & Wildlife Alliance, call 877.331.8607 or visit www.deerwildlifealliance.org.

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Hunter Ridge Ranch Partners with American Deer & Wildlife Alliance

National Wild Turkey Federation

EDGEFIELD, S.C.- -(Ammoland.com)- James J. Harget, from Theresa, Wis., has won a trip for four to the National Wild Turkey Federation’s 34th annual National Convention and Sport Show in Nashville, Tenn., Feb. 18 to 21.

As the Grand Prize Winner of the NWTF’s “Live the Tradition” sweepstakes, Herget and three companions will attend the NWTF’s convention and enjoy a prize package that includes:

• Four round-trip tickets aboard Southwest Airlines.
• Four nights at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center.
• Four tickets to the Grand Ole Opry
• Four tickets for a Dinner Cruise aboard the General Jackson steamboat.
• Four tickets to an NWTF dinner function as well as four, three-day general admission passes to the NWTF National Convention and Sport Show.

Sponsors of the NWTF’s “Live the Tradition” sweepstakes were Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center and West Coast Marketing.

The NWTF National Convention and Sport Show, sponsored by Midway USA and themed “Live the Tradition,” will give credit where credit is due: to the thousands of volunteers who work to progress the NWTF’s mission on a daily basis so future generations can live the tradition of hunting and enjoying the outdoors.

During the convention, NWTF volunteers, members, and staff as well as the general public gather to celebrate the Federation’s accomplishments and plan for the future at several featured banquets. Entertainment from Jeff Foxworthy, Little Big Town and Colt Ford make banquet tickets a hot item throughout the weekend.

For only $12 attendees can browse more than 545 booths of the latest hunting gear in the 4-acre exhibit hall, and view the work of master taxidermists and callmakers. They also can meet and get autographs from some of the biggest names in outdoor television, hear the world’s best turkey callers and attend seminars by some of the most recognizable hunters in North America.

Founded in 1973, the NWTF is a nonprofit conservation organization that works daily to further its mission of conserving the wild turkey and preserving our hunting heritage. Through dynamic partnerships with state, federal and provincial wildlife agencies, the NWTF and its members have helped restore wild turkey populations across the country, spending more than $306 million to conserve 14 million acres of habitat for all types of wildlife.

2010 Convention Sponsors:

Affinity4, ATK/Federal Premium Ammunition, Bank of America, Bass Pro Shops, Benelli, Browning, Call Makers and Collectors Association of America, CamoFX, Chevrolet, Farm Service Agency, Foxy Huntress, Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center, HuntVe, Knight Rifles, Leupold & Stevens, Marlin Firearms Company, MeadWestvaco, MidwayUSA, Nashville Convention and Visitors Bureau, National Band & Tag Co., O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc., Mossy Oak and The Pursuit Channel, The Outdoor Connection, Remington Arms Company, Inc., SHE Outdoor Apparel, TriStar Sporting Arms, USDA Forest Service, Weatherby, Inc., Wild Turkey Bourbon, Winchester Division/Olin Corp.

About the NWTF:
The National Wild Turkey Federation is a nonprofit conservation organization that works daily to further its mission of conserving the wild turkey and preserving our hunting heritage.

Through dynamic partnerships with state, federal and provincial wildlife agencies, the NWTF and its more than 350,000 members have helped restore wild turkey populations across the country, spending more than $306 million to conserve 14 million acres of habitat for all types of wildlife.

The Federation works to increase interest in the outdoors by bringing new hunters and conservationists into the fold through outdoor education events and its outreach programs – Women in the Outdoors, Wheelin’ Sportsmen, JAKES and Xtreme JAKES.

The NWTF was founded in 1973 and is headquartered in Edgefield, S.C. According to many state and federal agencies, the comeback of the wild turkey is arguably the greatest conservation success story in North America’s wildlife history.

Visit www.nwtf.org or call (800) THE-NWTF for details.

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NWTF Announces Winner of Live the Tradition Sweepstakes

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

LINCOLN, Neb. – (Ammoland.com)- Mentors still have an opportunity this month to help novices gain some hunting experience by going on a rabbit hunt. The cottontail season runs through Feb. 28, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

Nebraska has plenty of rabbits, and their meat makes good table fare. Plus, the cover of snow may be used as an advantage to the hunter.

Tracking rabbits in the snow is a good way to learn how many cottontails use an area and what types of cover they prefer.

Overgrown weedy fence lines are good places to find rabbits, especially those located next to fields of corn stubble. When passing a brush pile, kick at it and wait for a rabbit to come running out from beneath it. Walk in a slow, erratic pattern through a weed patch or grass waterway between harvested crop fields, stopping after a few steps and waiting for a rabbit to appear.

The daily bag limit is seven cottontails, and the possession limit is 28. Shooting hours are 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset.

The reward for the hunt is a tasty meal. The NEBRASKAland Magazine Wild Game Cookbook, available at the Commission for $2, includes a number of rabbit recipes. Call toll-free at (800) 742-0056 or order at NebraskalandGifts.com.

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Nebraska Cottontail Season Continues Through February

New Jersey Outdoor Alliance

Belmar, NJ --(AmmoLand.com)- It’s true. Approval of fishing is highest at 87% followed by hunting at 66% and then trapping at 45%.

This is great news for environmental stewardship and conservation. It is especially encouraging since not all New Jerseyans participate in these activities… but, impressively, support them!

Who says?
Well, I am sure New Jersey’s 650,000 to 800,000 anglers, hunters and trappers would be boastful, but we admit to our bias. So, we will instead rely on the findings of the research firm Responsive Management.

“Responsive Management is an internationally recognized public opinion and attitude survey research firm specializing in natural resource and outdoor recreation issues. Their mission is to help natural resource and outdoor recreation agencies and organizations better understand and work with their constituents, customers, and the public.”

According to their website, “Responsive Management has conducted more studies on more hunting-related issues in more geographic locations than any other organization in the world.”

This firm also has “extensive experience in the use of quantitative and qualitative research on fishing and fisheries management issues and has conducted more studies on different fishing topics in more geographic areas than any other organization.”

Some additional information you might find of interest:

Hunting (Nationally)
Responsive Management research indicates that support for hunting and fishing has remained strong over the past decade with approximately every 3 out of 4 Americans approving of legal hunting. In 1995, 73% of Americans approved of hunting, 75% approved in 2003, and in 2006, 78% approved of hunting. Responsive Management’s 2006 study shows that 11% moderately disapprove and 11% strongly disapprove of hunting

Women & Hunting
According to research from the National Sporting Goods Association (NSGA), women’s participation in hunting and shooting sports increased significantly in the past 5 years with more than 3 million women hunting in 2005. In 2001, the National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation reported 1.2 million female hunters age 16 years old and older.

Fishing (Nationally)
Recreational fishing is one of America’s most popular and universal outdoor recreational activities. According to the National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation, nearly 30 million Americans 16 years old and older went fishing in 2006.

The percentage of Americans who have ever fished during their lifetime shows that at least a little experience with fishing is nearly universal: 83% of Americans indicate that they had fished as a child, and 71% had fished at least once since the age of 16.

Feel free to visit Responsive Management’s website to learn more:
http://responsivemanagement.com/index.php

Also, visit the New Jersey Outdoor Alliance website for additional information:
http://www.njoutdooralliance.org/justthe/facts.html

Anglers, hunters, trappers and all conservationists should be satisfied with knowing that New Jersey supports us!

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

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

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New Jerseyans Overwhelmingly Support Fishing & Hunting

Maine Inland Fisheries and Wildlife

AUGUSTA, Maine – -(Ammoland.com)- Preliminary deer harvest numbers show a decrease of 14% from the 2008 harvest with an initial tally of 18,045 deer taken by hunters.

“To put this into perspective, we must consider that the 2008 and 2009 winters represent the most severe back-to-back winters since 1971-72,” according to IF&W Deer Biologist Lee Kantar.

Long winters with deep snows have a tremendous impact on the overwinter survival of deer. Both expected regional declines in deer abundance and adverse hunting conditions — two weeks of poor hunting conditions during the firearms season — played a role in the fall 2009 harvest decline.

Decreases in the deer harvest from 2008 also were expected given the 16% decrease in any-deer permits for Maine’s hunters (reducing overall success rates). The reductions in any-deer permits for 2009 were necessary to allow the deer herd to begin to recover.

Relative to adjacent provincial and state jurisdictions, the decline in Maine’s deer harvest was less in comparison to our Canadian neighbors in Quebec and New Brunswick whose deer harvests declined greater than 30% during the same time period, but was greater than the decline in New Hampshire’s deer harvest (decrease of approximately 5%).

For 2009, Department biologists projected a statewide harvest of approximately 19,289 deer. The annual deer harvest projections by department biologists in the late spring result from an analysis of mortality and reproductive rates, harvest trends, and any deer permit allocations to meet Wildlife Management District (WMD) goals and objectives. Thus our initial number for statewide harvest was 6% less than projected.

Over the next few weeks, department biologists will complete a more detailed analysis of the 2009 harvest and will release the final deer harvest number and further details about how the harvest looked by season, WMD, sex and age.

Maine Fish and Wildlife Online!

IF&W:
We are stewards of Maine’s fish and wildlife, protecting and preserving Maine’s natural resources, quality of place and economic future.

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Maine Department Of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife Preliminary 2009 Deer Harvest Numbers Released

Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks

Kansas, Pratt — The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) reports that the 2009 hunting seasons were the safest on record. Hunters reported 12 hunting accidents — and no fatalities. This is a decrease of four accidents from the previous year and one below the previous record low of 13.

“This is an incredibly small number considering that approximately 271,000 hunters spent more about 3.5 million hunter-days afield throughout the season,” says Wayne Doyle, KDWP statewide hunter education coordinator. “And this is the first year that swinging on game was not the number-one cause of accidents; careless handling received that dubious ‘honor’.”

The total accidents included eight careless handling of firearms and four swinging on game. Two other accidents were reported when a treestand collapsed and when a hunter fell while setting up a treestand. Neither victim was wearing fall restraint gear. (Treestand data is kept separately because there is no requirement to report them.)

“As always, all of these incidents were preventable,” says Doyle. “If the basic rules of gun handling had been observed, no one would have been hurt. If fall restraint systems had been used, neither treestand incident would have resulted in injury.

“But I salute the 1,300 volunteer hunter education instructors who give more than 20,000 hours of effort each year. Their efforts, along with countless hours by KDWP staff, made another record low possible.”

Hunter education courses are offered throughout the state, primarily in summer and prior to fall hunting seasons, as well as prior to spring turkey season. For information on hunter education and course offerings, go to the KDWP website, www.kdwp.state.ks.us. Then click “Hunting/Hunter Education.”

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Kansas Record Low Hunting Accidents In 2009

U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance

Washington, D.C - -(AmmoLand.com)-Sportsmen understand that hunting is not just a tradition that is passed along from generation to generation, but is also the cornerstone for wildlife conservation programs throughout the nation. They compliment and thrive because of each other.

This thought came to me as I read an excellent blog post from a good friend of the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance, Tammy Sapp, editor of The Women’s Wire, explaining that hunting is also essential for wildlife conservation around the world. Her “Wire” is one of three that we always read from Jim Shepard, the other two being The Tactical Wire and Outdoor Wire.

In that post she interviewed Peggy Vallery, president of the National Wild Turkey Federation. Peggy has hunted around the world from Africa to New Zealand and from Bulgaria to China. As an accomplished hunter, she has seemingly seen it all and has been able to observe that hunting provides innumerable conservation benefits everywhere. As in America, hunting abroad spurs management of wildlife populations, but it also does something else that a lot of people might miss.

It helps to increase the worth of game animals. Often, big game in other countries are seen as dangerous to local communities, especially those cultures that are dependent day by day on what they farm. Historically, many locals felt compelled to kill majestic animals like elephants and rhinos due to fears over crop destruction. Animals would also fall prey to poachers who were looking to make an extra buck regardless of the consequence to the animal population.

But with several generations of hunters having traveled abroad, a transformation has taken place. Hunting brings much money into the local economies in communities around the globe. That simply has made animals worth more to locals thus reducing poaching. Additionally, the locals understand that the animals are not their enemy, but a major part of their future well being.

So understand that this “fireworks and the 4th of July” relationship can be seen not just in Pennsylvania, Texas and California, but in Ethiopia, Botswana, and numerous other places too.

Make sure to check out this and other blogs from Tammy. Feel free to leave comments and send us your thoughts at info@ussportsmen.org.

About:
The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance (USSA) and the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation (USSAF) work nationwide, representing over 1.5 million sportsmen through member clubs and individual constituents. The organizations provide legislative, legal defense and public education services to defend and advance sportsmen’s rights in Washington, D.C. and in all 50 states. Visit: www.ussportsmen.org

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Hunting and Conservation Go Together Like Fireworks and the 4th of July

HunterSurvey.com

FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla. – -(AmmoLand.com)- In 2009, a majority of hunters made going afield a priority in their life.

According to HunterSurvey.com, almost 25 percent said they hunted more than they expected to in 2009 and 40 percent said they hunted about as much as they expected to.

Results from this poll support the finding that hunting license sales rose by 3.5 percent in 2009 in the 12 states that make up the National Shooting Sports Foundation’s Hunting License Sales Index.

While several factors can affect hunting licenses sales, experts point to the high jobless rate as the most likely reason for the 2009 uptick in license sales.

“While the exact reasons for the 3.5 percent increase are unknown at this time, past research suggests that slowdowns in the nation’s economy often result in hunters having more time to go afield,” said Rob Southwick, president of Southwick Associates, Inc.

States participating in the NSSF License Sales Index are New York and New Jersey in the Northeast; Florida, North Carolina, Louisiana and Tennessee in the Southeast; Minnesota, Indiana, Tennessee and Texas in the Midwest; and Oregon and Utah in the West.

Typically, hunting license sales data does not become available until 18 to 24 months after sales end. “NSSF and Southwick Associates saw there was a need to work directly with states to receive data in a more timely matter,” said Jim Curcuruto NSSF’s director of industry research and analysis.

The NSSF Hunting License Sales Index is designed to be an indicator of hunting license sales but not an exact measure of all hunting license sales nationally. Should the 3.5 percent rise hold true nationwide, it would represent one of the largest percentage increases in hunting license sales in more than 20 years.

HunterSurvey.com and NSSF’s Hunting License Sales Index are important tools to help the industry better understand hunting participation and license buying behavior, critical factors in ensuring the continuation of the hunting tradition.

Those who hunt, fish and target shoot are invited to participate in www.huntersurvey.com and www.anglersurvey.com. By completing the survey, you will be entered in a monthly drawing for one of five $100 gift certificates to the sporting goods retailer of your choice.

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Hunters Report Going Afield As Much Or More Than Expected

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

LINCOLN, Neb. --(AmmoLand.com)- Adults may be trained to become volunteer apprentice hunter education instructors, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

Firearm instructor training will take place Feb. 23 in Chadron. The class begins at 6 p.m. at Chadron State College in Burkhiser Technology Complex Room 321.

Training for bow hunter instructors will be March 5 in Kearney beginning at 2 p.m. in the Camelia Room of the Ramada Inn.

Contact Hunter Education Coordinator Mike Streeter at (402) 471-6134 or mike.streeter@nebraska.gov by Feb. 23 to register for firearms training and by March 4 to sign up for bow hunter training.

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Hunter Education Apprentice Instructor Training Scheduled

Colorado State

Colorado --(AmmoLand.com)- I wanted to let your readers know that the Colorado Springs Utilities Company is looking for public input on their watershed access plan until Feb. 26.

These properties provide some excellent habitat for deer, elk and bighorn sheep on Pike’s Peak. Below is the link to Colorado Spring’s Utilities Watershed Access Plan. You can click on the top-right part of the page to look at the plan, and download a comment form:

http://tiny.cc/hunteraccess

The plan (as currently written) will prohibit hunting on their properties, in any capacity. As an advocate for sportsmen at the DOW, we’ve publicly maintained throughout this process that we feel hunting is an acceptable and safe use of this area.

To maintain quality of the experience, also think that hunting could be implemented on a limited basis.similar to other areas in the state. It is surrounded by USFS land that already allows public hunting (GMU 59).

Springs Utilities told me that they heard my comments loud and clear, but simply have not heard from enough sportsmen in Colorado to make this a consideration. Any comments you can provide with respect to allowing hunting would be beneficial to sportsmen.

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Colorado Springs Utilities Company Is Looking For Hunter Input on Land Access

Camp Compass Academy

Allentown, PA --(AmmoLand.com)- On Saturday February 13th students from the award winning program Camp Compass will be receiving a unique reward.

The students will be honored with mounted game heads from hunting trips from this past year. The mounts are a donated service by the Pennsylvania Taxidermy Association.

“This is an annual event and it will be neat to have the sponsors get to see the kids receive their mounts since usually the students receive them at the P.T.A. Convention each year.” stated John Annoni, Founder of the program. “Each student receiving a mount has been involved with Camp Compass for at least 2 1/2 years and this event will be a culmination of lots of classroom and field time.”

The event will be held prior to the show doors opening on Saturday, February 13th in the Northwest hall (booth 3445) adjacent to the Pennsylvania Taxidermy Association’s booth. It will start promptly at 9 a.m. and the event will end around 9:45 a.m. This will give participants in the show time to return to their booths for the start of the show. The event is only open to exhibitors and media involved with the show.

Camp Compass Academy is an award winning program that rewards inner-city children with hunting and fishing trips based on academic and social performance. It was recently featured on the NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams. It is nationally known as a program that has been able to implement a college style learning with an outdoor focus in places where traditional outdoor outlets have not been able to reach youth.

Contact:

Website: www.campcompass.org
Email: info@campcompass.org

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Inner-City Youth Hunting Program Celebrates Its 10th Anniversary

HunterSurvey.com

FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla. —-(AmmoLand.com)- Adult sportsmen and women reported an impressive level of mentoring to young hunters on a recent HunterSurvey.com study commissioned by the National Shooting Sports Foundation.

More than 77 percent of active hunters and target shooters indicated they had taken their sons and daughters hunting. Even adults without a child or stepchild got into the act, with 56 percent of them reporting they also took a young person hunting.

“The information collected from this and other research projects will prove valuable in determining how hunters first entered the sport and what youth projects can be initiated to help increase participation in hunting and shooting sports in the future,” said Jim Curcuruto, NSSF’s director of research and analysis. “The National Shooting Sports Foundation is proud to partner with Southwick Associates on research projects such as this.”

The poll also shows 83.4 percent of young people were introduced to hunting, even if they didn’t carry a firearm or bow, before they turned 13 years old, which is a critical factor in ensuring the next generation will be avid, lifelong hunters.

The average age of the mentor was 38, according to a concurrent study conducted by the NSSF. A majority of adult hunters, 61.7 percent, first introduce a young person to hunting when they are between the ages of 30 and 45. Mentoring is an important component not only for recruiting new hunters but for ensuring experienced sportsmen and women continue spending time afield.

The majority of adult hunters, 55.3 percent, reported they took young men hunting while 10.1 percent said they mentored young females, according to HunterSurvey.com. More than 34 percent of hunters reported they mentored both sexes, though, which increases the percentage of adult hunters mentoring males into hunting to 72.6 percent while adults mentoring young women rises to 27.4 percent.

With 10.3 million big game hunters in the United States according to the 2006 National Survey of Hunting, Fishing and Wildlife Associated Recreation, it’s no surprise HunterSurvey.com showed deer were the most popular game species pursued during a young person’s first hunt. Nearly 56 percent of youth deer hunted with an adult mentor on their first hunt, though the second most popular hunt was for small game with 40.7 percent participation. Upland hunting ranked third at 16.7 percent and wild turkey a distant fourth at 12.8 percent.

Those who hunt, fish and target shoot are invited to participate in www.huntersurvey.com and www.anglersurvey.com. By completing the survey, you will be entered in a monthly drawing for one of five $100 gift certificates to the sporting goods retailer of your choice.

About the National Shooting Sports Foundation
The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) is the trade association for the shooting, hunting and firearms industry. Formed in 1961, NSSF is a not-for-profit organization with a membership of more than 5,000 manufacturers, distributors, retailers, sportsmen’s organizations and publishers. The NSSF’s mission is to promote, protect and preserve hunting and the shooting sports. To become a member of NSSF, please contact BettyJane Swann in member services at (203) 426-1320 or bswann@nssf.org

About AnglerSurvey.com and HunterSurvey.com
Launched in 2006, AnglerSurvey.com and HunterSurvey.com help the outdoor equipment industry, government fisheries and wildlife officials, and conservation organizations track consumer activities and expenditure trends. The information above represents only a small sample of the vast amount of data that is available from the complete survey results. The results are scientifically analyzed to reflect all U.S. anglers.

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Poll Finds Adult Hunters Are Mentoring Young People

Hunting Legend Bob Foulkrod Sheep Hunt

Electronic Hearing Protection

Indianapolis, IN --(AmmoLand.com)- EHP president Denny Snyder recently announced that outdoor hunting personality and professional hunter Bob Foulkrod has joined the EHP pro staff for 2010. Foulkrod will represent EHP throughout various media including print and television promoting electronic hearing protection using the full line of EHP products.

Bob Foulkrod’s hunting exploits around the world before the never blinking eye of television cameras have made him a legend in his own time. Since the 1970s, this life-long hunter and Pennsylvania native has devoted himself to the goal of becoming the world’s top hunter.

Along the way he has been inducted into the Bowhunting Hall of Fame and is the first hunter in history to kill all big game animals in North America during a five year period he named the Obsession Quest.

From operating bear and caribou hunting camps, to conducting his own bowhunting school and giving seminars across the country, Bob Foulkrod is a well known name in the hunting public and hunting industry. The combination of his expertise as a bowhunter, rifle hunter, and big game hunting specialist is unsurpassed in the modern world.

Snyder states “I have known Bob for many years- shared deer camp with him in the past and really look forward to working with him this year to promote hearing protection to all shooting sports enthusiasts.”

“Bob represents everything that is right about hunting and having someone of his caliber join EHP is absolutely fantastic.”

Foulkrod also commented “There’s an unwritten bond between all hunters. Denny is a fellow PA bowhunter and we bowhunters tend to stick together like family. Hunting is a family tradition and I’m glad to now be a part of the EHP family.”

Foulkrod hosts the television shows Bass Pro Shops, Winchester Legends, and Whitetail Revolution and joins world champion shooter Max Michel as one of the first two official pro staffers for EHP.

The goal of EHP is to be represented by the ‘Best of the Best’ and also takes pride that the electronic muffs are made in the USA- a rarity in today’s changing economy. The entire EHP line of products will eventually be available through most major sporting goods stores and retailers. Dealer inquiries are welcome.

For more information on EHP-Electronic Hearing Protection , contact Denny Snyder at (317)502-7942 or visit on the web at www.ehphearing.com.

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Hunting Legend Bob Foulkrod Joins EHP – Electronic Hearing Protection Pro Staff

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Florida - -(Ammoland.com)- The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service established Feb. 6-7 as Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days.

These select days are a great opportunity to get young people outdoors and to introduce them to the excitement of waterfowl hunting.

The statewide, two-day season allows children younger than 16 years old – with adult supervision – to hunt waterfowl, coots and common moorhens. Supervisors (18 years or older) must be present and may assist young hunters, but state regulations prohibit the supervisors from hunting. Hunters younger than 16 years of age do not need licenses, permits or federal duck stamps.

All regulations and bag limits for hunting waterfowl apply to this two-day season. Hunting regulations are available online at MyFWC.com/Hunting or in the FWC’s waterfowl and coot seasons brochure, available at county tax collectors’ offices.

About:
Managing fish and wildlife resources for their long-term well-being and the benefit of the people of Florida.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission came into existence on July 1, 1999 – the result of a constitutional amendment approved in the 1998 General Election as part of the package proposed by the Constitution Revision Commission.

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Florida Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days are Feb. 6-7

AmmoLand Gun Rights News

Manasqaun, NJ --(AmmoLand.com)- Nothing supports the fight for expanded gun rights like spreading the news and educating people about gun rights.

Keeping up with breaking gun rights news, new laws, media lies and the good work of gun rights organizations around the USA is easy to do with the AmmoLand Gun News Widget.

AmmoLand has deployed this free and easy to use tool just for webmaster and bloggers.

Now you can publish constantly updated pro-gun news stories on your own website. This is a fast way to provide valuable information for your visitors and an easy way to support the pro-gun cause.

All you have to do is copy and paste a little snippet of code to your site and our news stories will be automatically fed to your page.

You just need to install the AmmoLand Gun News Widget on your blog, website and we do the rest to update the widget with all kinds of firearms news and events.

The AmmoLand Gun News Widget updates itself automatically every time we post Gun News on AmmoLand.

Feed real time gun news to your readers readers and fans and help spread the word.

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Need Help:
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Gun News Widget – When You Support AmmoLand You Support Gun Rights

Scottlindenoutdoors.com

Bend, OR – -(AmmoLand.com)- Neil,  In Denver last weekend you wondered aloud why we hunt. Why anyone would work so hard and so long for a few bits of protein. I thought about that while hunting chukars today. Thanks for the motivation – everyone should go through this exercise periodically, taking stock of why they wander the ridgelines and prairies. Other hunters may have their own reasons, but here are some of mine:

Oh yeah, and then there’s the scenery.

It starts, and ends, with the mystery and magic of a dog at work, centuries of genetics and instinct in a furry, panting, slobbering package … the manic excitement of that first 15 minutes out of the truck, trembling, intense points, the way at the end of the day he lays his head on my lap as we drive home. A hunter knows where the term “dog tired” came from.

Dog and man, hunting, speak a language others don’t understand, and both of us are better off from our time together. There’s tiny towns like Fields, Oregon, population 9, opening its arms and hearts to me. Rural America is alive and well if you know where to look. Hunting places are full of honest, kind, helpful, hard-working people and we are lucky to share their world if only for a few days.

There’s the chance to spend time with the only person from college worth spending time with. Sure, it’s just an excuse and we could do the same on the golf course or in Vegas … or could we? Sharing a wild place puts things in perspective. There is no posturing, there are no walls, literally and figuratively. Knowing you’re in a place where humans aren’t at the top of the food chain changes your attitude, as does realizing every step could be your last: off a cliff or battered to pieces in a rock slide. We embrace life fully when we risk losing it. Respectfully taking a life reminds us of how close we are to the brink, to the earth, sky, and fundamental elements that make up a full life.

Scott Linden Outdoors

Hunting is the ultimate reality check.

We see things that nobody else does outside of the Discovery Channel: bald eagles and great blue herons, the spear point lost 200 years ago by a Paiute deer hunter, the tiny spring hidden by lava frozen in time. The long-lost friend driving up a rural road as I’m driving down, and catching up on the past five years at the local café where I know how to run the coffee maker. And do.

The gratitude of knowing a year earlier I couldn’t walk the length of my driveway, yet today sat at the top of a 2,000 foot climb with my dog at my side, surveying majestic mountains, sere desert, lush riverside and blue sky. Knowing you are truly alive on a hunt, senses pegged to the max. Killing something isn’t necessary for a successful hunt, knowing you might is critical. Bringing home free-range, organic protein is good, in fact better food than most of our friends will ever dine on. But the pursuit also links us with our not-so-distant past, and those who still must hunt to survive.

You walk with purpose while hunting, eyes open wider, smells more intense and sounds piercing your soul. You are re-connecting with generations past, fulfilling a centuries-old mandate to provide for the tribe. But the nourishment goes beyond rebuilding cell walls and fueling one’s metabolism.

Sorry for the long list Neil, but those are a few of my reasons. Come with me some time and start your own list.

[And the rest of you - how about starting YOUR list, in the comments section?]

About:
Linden Media Mgt. LLC was founded in the personal experience of Scott Linden, a city slicker made good by fresh air and wild places. A mid-career epiphany/introduction to fly fishing pushed Scott off the edge, a tumble that now includes dog ownership, multiple shotgun purchases and fanatic bird hunting. For more details visit www.scottlindenoutdoors.com.

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Scott Linden On Why We Hunt

New Mexico Game and Fish

SANTA FE, NM --(AmmoLand.com)- Wednesday, Feb. 3, is the deadline to apply for New Mexico 2010-2011 oryx licenses, bear Wildlife Management Area permits, population reduction hunts and special spring turkey permits.

Online applications must be made before 5 p.m. Mountain Time on the deadline day. Paper applications must be delivered or postmarked on or before the deadline day.

To be eligible for the drawing, all hunters must obtain a Customer ID Number — online at www.wildlife.state.nm.us or by visiting a Department office in Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Raton, Las Cruces or Roswell. Customer ID Numbers are free and are required whether applications are made online or on paper applications.

Online applicants are encouraged to apply early to avoid missing the deadline because of forgotten passwords or other computer-related issues at the last minute. Late applications will not be accepted. Drawing results will be available March 10 on the Department Web site, www.wildlife.state.nm.us, or in person at Department of Game and Fish offices. Results will be available by telephone March 25.

The Department expects to receive more than 18,000 applications for approximately 3,000 licenses and permits. About 16,000 of those applications will be for 2,215 available oryx licenses.

Hunters who held deer permits or elk licenses for the 2009-2010 season must have reported their harvest results before applying. Hunters who fail to report their 2009-2010 harvest results — successful or not — will have their 2010-2011 applications rejected. Harvest reports can be submitted online at www.newmexico-hunt.com or by calling toll-free (888) 248-6866.

For more information about big-game hunting in New Mexico, please consult the 2010-2011 Big Game & Trapper Rules and Information Booklet, available at all license vendors, Department offices, and online at www.wildlife.state.nm.us. Information also is available by calling (505) 476-8000.

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Hunters Apply For Oryx, WMA Bear, Special Turkey Hunts

HunterSurvey.com

FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla.—-(AmmoLand.com)- A new survey estimates nearly 700,000 sportsmen and women will hunt outside of the United States in the next two years, which is welcome news to the international community.

HunterSurvey.com, conducted by Southwick Associates, showed 2.6 percent of this country’s 12 million hunters will hunt outside the U.S in the next year while 5.7 percent plan to do so in the next two years.

More than a half million people, or 4.5 percent of HunterSurvey.com respondents, hunted outside of the U.S during the last three years. The most popular destination was Canada, with 46.9 percent of respondents reporting they had visited that destination. Nearly 23 percent of respondents traveled to Africa during the last three years, making it the second most popular international destination. Other popular places to hunt outside the U.S. included Mexico (9 percent), South America (7.6 percent), Europe (5.5 percent) and Australia (5.5 percent).

The survey also revealed what international travel barriers hunters cited as most significant. Cost of international travel ranked number one with 41 percent of survey respondents agreeing it is a barrier. Regulation of firearms and ammunition transportation was number two with 33.2 percent of respondents considering it a barrier.

Hunters spend big bucks when they travel outside the U.S., which is an important source of revenue for the international community, especially developing nations. On average hunters spend $6,718 outside of the U.S. on international hunting trips. This indicates U.S. hunters distributed $3.6 billion to other nations during the past three years. Survey results also show 29 percent of hunters spent $2,001 to $5,000 while 27.6 percent reported expenditures totaling between $5,001 and $10,000. More than 24 percent hunted outside the U.S. for less than $2,000 while 19 percent spent more than $10,000.

Those who hunt, fish and target shoot are invited to participate in www.huntersurvey.com and www.anglersurvey.com. By completing the survey, you will be entered in a monthly drawing for one of five $100 gift certificates to the sporting goods retailer of your choice.

About AnglerSurvey.com and HunterSurvey.com
Launched in 2006, AnglerSurvey.com and HunterSurvey.com help the outdoor equipment industry, government fisheries and wildlife officials, and conservation organizations track consumer activities and expenditure trends. The information above represents only a small sample of the vast amount of data that is available from the complete survey results. The results are scientifically analyzed to reflect all U.S. anglers.

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HunterSurvey.com Results Show International Destinations Are Popular With Hunters

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

LINCOLN, Neb. – -(Ammoland.com)- There were 12 hunting-related incidents reported to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission in 2009. Two of those incidents resulted in a death.

In those 12 incidents, six of the shooters were age 10-19, four were age 20-29 and two were age 40-49. In seven incidents, the shooter shot himself/herself, and in five the incidents someone else was shot. In two incidents, a nonhunter was injured or killed, and three of the incidents involved illegal activity. Six incidents involved the discharge of a rifle, three a shotgun and three a handgun.

Three of the incidents involved hunting nongame animals, three involved hunting furbearers, one involved hunting small game, three involved hunting upland birds, and two involved hunting deer.

The incidents that resulted in a death occurred in Wheeler County in June and Saunders County in December.

Hunting incidents resulting in injury or death are rare in Nebraska. The injury rate per 1,000 hunters commonly is lower than .01 percent. Nebraska has about 170,000 hunters each year, and over the last 10 years there have been about 12 incidents a year in which a hunter was injured or killed.

“All of these incidents were preventable,” said Mike Streeter, Nebraska hunter education coordinator.

Streeter said the most common cause of a hunting incident in Nebraska is when shooters swing on flying game birds and fire without knowing what is beyond their target, resulting in hunting companions being struck with shot. In such an incident, the age of the person firing the firearm is three times as likely to be in the age group 10-19 as any other age group.

“Hunting safety is a concern for everyone and Nebraska hunters do an excellent job of ensuring safety each year,” Streeter said. “Safe hunting is no accident. Follow the rules of safe hunting and enjoy the great outdoors in Nebraska.”

For a list of available hunter education classes, go to OutdoorNebraska.org, click on Hunting, Hunting Programs then Hunter Education.

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Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Report Twelve Hunting-Related Incidents in 2009

Quail Hunting

Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG, PA –-(AmmoLand.com)- The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners today gave preliminary approval to close the bobwhite quail season statewide beginning with the 2010-11 seasons. However, under the proposal, quail could be hunted on regulated hunting grounds, and hunters would be allowed to release captive-raised or propagated quail for hunting on public and private lands by permit.

“We have significant evidence that bobwhite quail populations have declined dramatically in the state since 1966,” said Carl G. Roe, Game Commission executive director.

“We also are concerned that the continued release of pen-reared bobwhite quail may have negative impacts on remaining isolated quail populations. The first step toward recovery of the Northern Bobwhite is to close the season statewide.”

Roe noted that Game Commission staff currently are working to complete a state bobwhite quail plan that carefully reviews the status and trend of Pennsylvania’s quail population, restoration potential, and management practices.

“Given the diminished status of wild quail populations, and our ongoing work to complete and implement a bobwhite quail management plan, we believe the timing is appropriate to close the quail season,” Roe said.

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Pa Board Closes Bobwhite Quail Season