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Michigan DNR Order Listing Sporting Swine as Invasive Species Takes Effect
At least 40 private game ranches in Michigan sell wild boar hunts on property surrounded by high fences.

Michigan Department of Natural Resources

Michigan --(Ammoland.com)- A Department of Natural Resources director’s order listing sporting swine as an invasive species took effect over the weekend on Oct. 8, making it illegal to possess the animals in Michigan.

“Absent a regulatory program in Michigan law for sporting swine facilities, the invasive species order is being put into effect,” said DNR Director Rodney Stokes.

Stokes said active enforcement of the invasive species order will not start prior to April 1, 2012, with compliance visits to swine shooting and breeding facilities planned after that date.

Sporting swine facilities can use the next six months to schedule hunts to reduce the population of sporting swine on their properties. Facilities still in possession of sporting swine on April 1, 2012, may face violations and fines.

The DNR acted to list sporting swine as an invasive species to help stop the spread of invasive swine across the State to eliminate the disease risk they pose to humans, domestic pigs and wildlife, and to prevent damage to agricultural and other lands. The state is working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to eradicate feral swine.

Legislation was also passed last year allowing people with any valid hunting license to shoot feral swine on public land and on private land with the permission of the landowner.

For more information on feral swine in Michigan, go to www.michigan.gov/feralswine.

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

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Ohio Hunters Asked to Help Spot Asian Longhorned Beetle
Invasive insect documented in southwest Ohio.

Ohio Hunters Asked to Help Spot Asian Longhorned Beetle

Ohio Department Natural Resources

COLUMBUS, OH --(Ammoland.com)- Ohio hunters are asked to be on the lookout for trees displaying signs and symptoms of Ohio’s newest, non-native invasive insect, the Asian longhorned beetle, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife.

Hunters pursuing game in Ohio’s woodlots, especially in southwestern Ohio, are encouraged to report sightings of any suspicious tree damage or beetles. While the Asian longhorned beetle (ALB) has only been found in Clermont County in Tate Township and parts of Monroe Township, hunters should be alert for this pest in trees across the state.

Trees affected by the ALB include all species of maple, birch, horse chestnut, poplar, willow, elm, ash, mimosa, mountain ash, London plane, and Ohio buckeye.

Hunters should look for trees displaying large, round exit holes with smooth edges, often oozing sap, as a strong indication of ALB activity. Frequently, piles of frass (insect waste and sawdust) are found at the base of infested trees and in branch crotches. Leaves of infested trees may also exhibit unseasonable yellowing or drooping.

Hunters can report suspicious tree damage or suspected ALBs by calling toll free at (855) 252-6450 or going online to www.BeetleBusters.info.

Hunters are also encouraged to buy firewood near their destination – BUY IT WHERE YOU BURN IT. Invasive species can “hitch-hike” to new wooded areas and cause infestations, impacting the landscapes that are enjoyed for hunting. There are several quarantines in Ohio that restrict the movement of firewood; protect our forests by not moving firewood.

The ALB already has caused tens of thousands of hardwood trees to be destroyed in Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York.

This invasive beetle has no known natural predators and poses a threat to Ohio’s hardwood forests (more than $2.5 billion in standing maple timber) and the state’s $5 billion nursery industry, which employs nearly 240,000 people.

Ohio Hunters Asked to Help Spot Asian Longhorned Beetle

Learn more about the Asian longhorned beetle at agri.ohio.gov/TopNews/asianbeetle/.

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

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