Pennsylvania Board Closes Pike Run Wild Pheasant Recovery Area

Pennsylvania Game Commission

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pheasant Chicks

Pennsylvania Game Commission

Pennsylvania --(Ammoland.com)- Sportsmen’s organizations with approved propagation facilities can augment local ring-necked pheasant stockings and increase localized hunting opportunities by raising day‑old pheasant chicks supplied free-of-charge by the Pennsylvania Game Commission.

Information and applications to participate can be downloaded from the agency’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us), by putting your cursor over “Hunt/Trap” in the menu bar at the top of the homepage, then clicking on “Hunting” in the drop-down menu listing, then selecting “Pheasant” in the “Small Game” listing, and then clicking on “Cooperating Sportsmen’s Clubs Pheasant Chick Program.” In order for Game Farm superintendents to plan and set hatches to accommodate requests, the Bureau of Wildlife Management must receive completed applications by March 31.

“To restore self-sustaining and huntable pheasant populations, the Game Commission is committed to creating Wild Pheasant Recovery Areas (WPRAs), as outlined in our pheasant management plan,” said Calvin W. DuBrock, Game Commission Bureau of Wildlife Management director. “As such, the Game Commission has released wild pheasants captured from South Dakota and Montana into the designated WPRAs. We do not stock Game Farm-raised pheasants into WPRAs, and do not allow any propagated pheasants to be released in these areas.

“While we strive to establish self-sustaining pheasant populations in WPRAs, we continue to urge interested clubs to participate in our pheasant chick program, which also provides wonderful opportunities to get young people involved in raising birds. In addition to learning about the food and habitat requirements of pheasants, they’ll have the chance to see the chicks mature into adult game birds, and to help increase local pheasant hunting opportunities.”

In 1929, the Game Commission began the propagation of pheasants on an extensive scale with the establishment of two game farms. Over the next six decades, to off‑set the increasing demand for pheasants from hunters, three other farms were placed into operation, and the day‑old pheasant chick program was implemented and made available to sportsmen’s organizations, 4‑H clubs, farmers, and other cooperators for rearing and releasing on areas open to public hunting.

In 1959, the number of pheasant chicks distributed to cooperators reached 229,685, an all-time high, in addition to the more than 88,500 pheasants raised and released by the agency. Unfortunately, cooperator participation has dwindled significantly over the last few decades. In recent years, only a dozen or so clubs have participated; raising and releasing 4,000-5,000 birds.

Because of budgetary constraints, the Game Commission was forced, in 2005, to reduce its annual pheasant stocking allocation from 200,000 to 100,000. However, as part of the agency’s pheasant management plan and the recent realization of increased revenues from Marcellus shale natural gas development on State Game Lands, the agency intends to increase that stocking effort to 200,000 birds this fall.

DuBrock said the agency provides, free of charge, day-old pheasant chicks to clubs entering into an agreement with the Game Commission to raise birds and promote recreational hunting on lands open to public hunting. Gender is not determined as the chicks are boxed for distribution, but are generally at a one-to-one male/female ratio. The number of chicks received depends on the size of the club’s facility. The agency will provide enrolled clubs with plans for a brooder building, covered pen, and guidelines for rearing pheasants.

“The agency also offers enrolled organizations technical assistance and advice at the club’s facility, and a training session and overview of agency game farm operations can be scheduled during the off‑season from January through March to assist in development of the club’s program,” DuBrock said.

To be eligible to receive pheasant chicks, a sportsmen’s club is required to have a minimum of 25 square feet of covered pen space available per bird. In addition, 72 square inches of floor space per chick is recommended in the brooder building. All feed and expenses incurred in the work of constructing covered pens and raising pheasants will be the responsibility of the club. All pheasants propagated by organizations must be released on lands open to public hunting.

Pheasant chicks can be raised at the cooperator’s facility or by a designated caretaker with the proper facilities.

“We recommend releasing some hen pheasants in early September in areas where habitat is sufficient to provide food and cover,” DuBrock said. “These birds can provide good dog training opportunities and releasing hens early also provides additional room in the pen to finish growing out the males for the hunting season. Maximum recreational opportunities can be attained by releasing male pheasants as close to the opening of small game season as possible.”

Game Commission pheasant hatches come off once a week during the month of May, and the chicks for clubs will be scheduled into those hatches. Game farm superintendents will send notification to approved organizations when chicks will be ready for pick‑up.

The Game Commission requires a complete report of the production and release results. Renewal applications will not be processed unless a complete report has been filed for the prior year.

In addition to the cooperating sportsmen’s club program, the agency also sells day-old hen pheasant chicks and surplus eggs in lots of 100 chicks for $60, or 300 eggs for $180. Applications for chick and egg sales must be received by the supplying Game Commission game farm by March 31, and early requests receive top priority. Both eggs and chicks must be picked up at the supplying game farm. Applicants who intend to sell, barter or transfer possession for purposes other than releasing on lands available for public hunting are required to have a Game Propagators Permit. Contact the Game Commission’s Special Permits Division (717-783-8164) regarding propagation permits.

Applications to purchase surplus day-old hen pheasant chicks or pheasant eggs also can be downloaded from the agency’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us), by putting your cursor over “Hunt/Trap” in the menu bar at the top of the homepage, then clicking on “Hunting” in the drop-down menu listing, then selecting “Pheasant” in the “Small Game” listing, and then clicking on clicking on “Day Old Pheasant Hen Chick & Surplus Egg Program.”

The pheasant is native to Asia. Recorded attempts to establish pheasants in North America date back to the mid 1700s. These early attempts were unsuccessful; it wasn’t until 1881, in the Willamette Valley of Oregon, that pheasants first became established.

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

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

For more information on WPRAs, pheasants and the history of the agency’s pheasant management plan and propagation program, visit the Game Commission’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us), put your cursor on “Hunt/Trap” in the menu bar at the top of the homepage, then click on “Hunting” in the drop down menu then click on “Pheasant” in the “Small Game” listing.

Kansas Waconda Lake Youth & Women Pheasant Hunt A Big Success

Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks

GLEN ELDER, KS -–(Ammoland.com)- “There were 18 happy and tired kids — both girls and boys — leaving the Waconda Lake [Glen Elder Reservoir] area and heading home on the night of Saturday, Dec. 10,” said Chris Lecuyer, Glen Elder Wildlife Area manager.

These new hunters had just wrapped up a full day of activities after participating in the 14th Annual 2011 Waconda Lake Youth, Women, and Celebrity Pheasant Hunt. The event is co-sponsored by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) and Pass It On – Outdoor Mentors, Inc., of Wichita.

“We began before sunrise with a biscuits and gravy breakfast served by the Waconda Struttin’ Dusters Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation,” Lecuyer said. “The youngsters listened to a quick talk concerning regulations and safety, and then we introduced them to celebrities and heroes who would join them for the hunt.

Celebrities included John Gillotte, the 2010 National Youth Crappiemasters Champion; Wayne Hubbard, creator and host of Urban American Outdoors TV show; and Guy Caster, former professional drag race car driver. The youth were also joined by four true heroes, soldiers who had been wounded in action, including Colonel Phil McCune and Colonel Tom Kurlick from the Fort Riley Warrior Transition Battalion, and Captain Aaron Isaacson and Second Lieutenant Chad Blow from the Kansas National Guard of Topeka.

Near-perfect morning weather greeted the hunters after breakfast. They were divided into three groups to hunt for the rest of the morning. Several non-hunting adults, parents, and family members went with each group to serve as mentors for the inexperienced hunters. The groups hunted in portions of Glen Elder State Park and the refuges of Glen Elder Wildlife Area.

“Generally, public hunting is not allowed in these parts of the Waconda Lake property except for special events such as this,” Lecuyer explained. “The young hunters were definitely up to our challenge, and the groups managed to bag 16 roosters in just three hours of hunting. Many of the young hunters harvested their first-ever pheasants, and nearly everyone had the opportunity to take a shot or two at the tough birds. A couple of the kids actually harvested multiple birds, and even Colonel Kurlick got his first pheasant.”

A hamburger, hot dog, and chili lunch was served at noon by volunteers from the Waconda Lake Association. The association also sponsored a prize contest for the youth with the longest tail feather from their bird. Devin Basnatt’s 22 1/2 inch tail feather won by more than 1 inch.

After lunch, a trap shoot was held near the Glen Elder Area Office. Three shooting stations were available for the participants to hone their shooting skills. A few of the young hunters and their mentors decided to continue hunting during the afternoon at other locations on the wildlife area.

The day’s events concluded in the evening with a barbeque brisket supper at Memorial Hall in Downs. After the meal, each young hunter received a prize package and heard a few words and got autographs from the celebrities. Attendees also listened to information about youth and mentor hunting opportunities, the importance of recruiting new hunters, and the work of conservation organizations.

This year’s youth participants were Bryce Nichols – Beloit; Rhiley Kaser – Osborne; Bryce Griffin, Andrea Howard, Noah Bradley, Matt Parks, and Cole Sauber – Salina; Cody Heiland – Topeka; Ryan and Megan Richards – Stillwell; Marcus Florence – Olathe; Derek McCarthy – Kansas City, Brandon Regester, Dylan Brittain, Nick Miller, and Jakhai Adams – Wichita; and Devin Basnatt and Sabian Dolvig – Rose Hill.

“We couldn’t have done this without donations from of a host of local businesses,” Lecuyer said. “And a special thanks goes out to all the volunteers and mentors who gave their time to the kids. Almost 50 adults gave up a substantial portion of their day or weekend to help these young hunters.”

KDWPT and Pass It On – Outdoor Mentors believe that offering youth opportunities such as the Waconda Lake Youth, Women, and Celebrity Pheasant Hunt is vitally important to ensure both the development of future hunting generations and well-rounded young people. For information about future special hunts at Glen Elder, phone (785) 545-3345.

Nebraska Harlan County Lake Area Benefits from Focus on Pheasants Initiative

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

LINCOLN, Neb. --(Ammoland.com)- In response to declining pheasant populations statewide, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Harlan County Lake and Pheasants Forever have been working to reverse the trend through the Focus on Pheasants habitat improvement initiative.

The Focus on Pheasants initiative was designed in 2003 to restore high-quality pheasant habitat that benefits hunters. The program also educates landowners and other stakeholders about pheasant habitat needs.

Harlan County Lake property managed by the Corps was included in the program because of its potential for intensive pheasant management based on the size of the area, its high use by pheasant hunters and its history of good pheasant populations.

The lack of high-quality habitat, such as diverse nesting and brood rearing cover, is one of the factors limiting pheasants, quail and other grassland birds. Management activities such as prescribed burning, grassland disking, chemical treatment, grassland interseeding and tree removal are used to address those factors. These practices increase the quality and diversity of grassland plants and benefit many wildlife species.

While an area may be seen as unusable to wildlife due to haying, disking or prescribed burning, this disturbance is temporary. The benefits from resulting increase in diversity will last for many years. By rotating disturbances on a multiyear schedule, resource managers assure that the environment provides the optimal mix of cover types to enhance habitat quality, which should result in an increase of grassland bird populations.

Contact Focus on Pheasants Coordinator Jake Holt at 402-471-5413 to learn more about the program and to learn how landowners can implement these practices.

Kansas Governor (Right) Hosts First Ringneck Classic Pheasant Hunt

Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks

OAKLEY, KS -–(Ammoland.com)- Kansas Sam Governor Brownback hosted the inaugural Kansas Governor’s Ringneck Classic on Nov. 18-20 in Oakley. Approximately 68 hunters joined the Governor for the hunt.

The weekend began with a community dinner on Friday night, then hunting and an awards dinner on Saturday, followed by a bonus hunt on Sunday.

“It was a beautiful, cold Kansas day, and I hope I can speak for all the hunters when I say that I had a fabulous time,” Brownback said. “I especially want to thank the city of Oakley and all of northwest Kansas for hosting the hunters. I also want to thank the Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism and everyone who helped to plan this event and make it possible.”

The Ringneck Classic was held to showcase Kansas as the premiere destination for pheasant hunting in the Midwest.

“Kansas is consistently ranked as one of the top three states in the country for pheasant hunting,” Brownback added. “This is an underutilized asset for our rural communities. If we do a better job telling folks about the high-quality hunting available here in Kansas, we will pull more of those tourism dollars into Kansas.”

Brownback used a shotgun passed down to him from his grandfather. He shot four pheasants, reaching the limit for individual hunters within three hours of beginning the hunt, and accompanied hunters for the remainder of the day.

“Hunting, and specifically pheasant hunting, is part of our heritage in western Kansas,” Kansas Secretary of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Robin Jennison said. “Northwest Kansas has traditionally been one of the state’s best pheasant hunting regions, and I am confident ‘The Classic’ will grow to be a prominent part of our Kansas hunting tradition. The hunt also will allow us to showcase the many other tourism opportunities in northwest Kansas.”

Lieutenant Governor Jeff Colyer also joined Jennison and the Governor, along with Kansas State Senator Ralph Ostmeyer and Kansas state representatives Gary Hayzlett and Don Hineman.

“Pheasant hunting in northwest Kansas has a long and cherished tradition,” hunt organizer Raelene Keller said. “The Oakley community is thrilled at the opportunity to represent Kansas and Governor Brownback as hosts for the inaugural hunt.”

Four soldiers with the 1st Infantry, Second Brigade at Fort Riley were Brownback’s special guests: Bronze Star recipient 1st Lt. Josh Willis and sergeants Christopher Dean, Justin Hillman, and Brad Slickers. All four men returned from duty in Iraq on Nov. 4, 2011

“These young men’s sacrifice is incredible,” Brownback said. “I’m honored that they were able to participate in the hunt. They are wonderful young men, and I had a great time with them.”

Hunters participating in the two-day event included George Brett, former Kansas City Royals baseball player; Tom Watson, professional golfer. Two live music performances highlighted Friday and Saturday nights. Heath Wright, with the country-western band Ricochet, performed live Friday night at Oakley High School, and Wright and Nashville singer Chuck Wicks each performed live on Saturday night at the banquet.

For photographs of the pheasant hunt, go online to on.fb.me/vfNWdc.

New Jersey Fish and Game

Trenton, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- The NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife reports that approximately 1,500 pheasants died as a result of the October 29 snowstorm damage to the Rockport Pheasant Farm.

As many as 15,000 additional birds may have escaped from the collapsed pens.

Since the storm, Division staff have been working around the clock to repair the damaged pens and to recapture escaped birds. Work continues to recapture escaped birds.

After breeder birds are put aside, the Division estimates there are enough pheasants on hand to stock all the days with the number of pheasants listed on the stocking schedule through December 17.

At current estimates, this leaves some pheasants for reduced stockings for all or some of the scheduled stocking dates from December 18 through the 31st. Several options are being prepared and will be presented to pheasant stamp buyers via email and online survey within the next several weeks.

A better estimate of pheasants available for stocking will be obtained as birds are counted as part of the stocking process during the next several weeks. As pheasants are stocked and recapture efforts continue updates on the number of pheasants and potential stocking schedules for the December 18 – 31 period will be posted on the Division’s website.

South Dakota Fish, Game & Parks Offers Tips for a Safe and Successful Pheasant Season

South Dakota Fish, Game & Parks

PIERRE, S.D. --(Ammoland.com)- Pheasant season brings family and friends together to share old memories and create new ones.

The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Department offers the following basic guidelines encouraging hunters to be safe and legal:

1. A safe hunt is a successful hunt. Safety First — Safety Always. Know where everyone is in your group. Shoot to the blue.
2. Remember your license.
3. Bring someone along, young or old, to experience the South Dakota autumn.
4. Leave your vehicle and cares behind. The best hunting experience comes when walking.
5. Daily limit for pheasants is three, and the possession limit is 15. Possession limit may not be met until the fifth day of hunting.
6. It is illegal to allow a firearm to protrude from a motor vehicle on a public highway. It is illegal to shoot from a motor vehicle, including an ATV, while hunting pheasants.
7. Nontoxic shot is required on most public lands.
8. Make sure your birds are property packaged for transporting.
9. Obey the 660-foot safety zones around occupied dwellings, livestock, churches and schools.
10. Respect landowners, the land, and the people in your hunting group.

More details are available in the 2011 Hunting Handbook of rules and regulations.

Michigan Department of Natural Resources

Michigan --(Ammoland.com)- The Department of Natural Resources is offering a guided fall pheasant hunt designed for women through the department’s Becoming an Outdoors-Woman program (BOW).

Hunters Creek Club in Metamora will host the hunt, on Saturday, Oct. 15, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Beginners are welcome for this three-bird-limit hunt. The day will start with safety orientation, then target practice with one-on-one instruction and extra attention and instruction for those who have never bird-hunted before.

After lunch, participants will break up into small groups and head out to the field for a guided, walk-up hunt with dogs. Birds will be cleaned by Hunters Creek staff.

For this hunt, participants will need a small game license or apprentice license. For license information, visit www.mdnr-elicense.com. Hunter orange as the outermost clothing layer is required by law.

Several 20-gauge shotguns, hunter orange vests, and eye and ear protection for target practice will be available for participants’ use. Target ammunition, donated by Federal

Ammunition, also will be provided.

Attendees should bring one box of shotgun shells – field load – for the hunt in the afternoon. Ammunition is available for purchase at the Hunters Creek Pro Shop.

The $150-per-person cost includes target practice, the guided hunt and lunch with participants’ menu choice in the Hunters Creek dining room. Hunting license and guide gratuities are not included in the registration fee. The registration deadline is Oct. 6.

Hunters Creek Club is located at 675 E. Sutton Rd. in Metamora. For driving directions and more information, visit www.hunterscreekclub.com.

BOW is designed to be a noncompetitive program in which each individual is encouraged to learn at her own pace. The emphasis is on the enjoyment, fun and camaraderie of outdoor activities, and sharing in the success of one another.

For registration forms and information on this and other BOW programs, visit www.michigan.gov/bow.

The Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, and accessible use and enjoyment of the state’s environment, natural resources, and related economic interests for current and future generations. Learn more at www.michigan.gov/dnr.

Federal Premium Ammunition Prairie Storm Steel for Pheasant Hunters

FederalPremium.com

ANOKA, Minn. --(Ammoland.com)- Federal Premium Ammunition brings pheasant hunters a new non-tox option with Prairie Storm FS Steel.

These new loads feature the patented FLITECONTROL Wad and a unique mix of FLITESTOPPER and Premium Steel for unprecedented patterns on birds. Prairie Storm FS Steel loads can be found on store shelves now.

Patterning Makes Perfect
Federal Premium continues to use the unique and proven FLITECONTROL wad to help performance in the field. The new Prairie Storm 12 and 20-gauge steel options feature a mix of 50% Premium Steel and 50% FS Steel to give pheasant hunters perfect patterns. This mix was decided on after extensive testing with brand new, industry leading patterning software.

“Prairie Storm steel loads offer a unique advantage,” said Ammunition Director Rick Stoeckel.

“We did a lot of development to ensure these loads were designed for pheasant hunters. This fall, pheasant hunters will see the advantages of these loads with increased steel performance and less lost or crippled birds.”

Federal Premium has also added 20-gauge 2-3/4” Prairie Storm FS Lead loads.

To learn more about the entire Federal line, go to www.federalpremium.com.

Part No. Description

• PFS143FS 3 12-ga, 3″, 1-1/8 oz, #3 1600 fps
• PFS143FS 4 12-ga, 3″, 1-1/8 oz, #4 1600 fps
• PFS207FS 3 20-ga, 3″, 7/8 oz, #3 1500 fps
• PFS207FS 4 20-ga, 3″, 7/8 oz, #4 1500 fps

About Federal Cartridge Company
Headquartered in Anoka, Minnesota, Federal Cartridge Company has been providing hunters and shooters with high-quality rimfire, centerfire and shotshell ammunition since 1922. It pioneered the Premium category of ammunition and is part of the world’s leading ammunition manufacturer, ATK Security and Sporting. For more information on Federal, visit www.federalpremium.com.

Pheasant Counts Decline From Historic Highs But Still Good

South Dakota Fish, Game & Parks

PIERRE, S.D. --(Ammoland.com)- Pheasant brood counts indicate that pheasant numbers in South Dakota have returned to levels below the remarkable high counts of the past few years.

However, the pheasant population in the main part of the state’s pheasant range will still provide quality hunting opportunities.

From 2003 through 2010, the statewide pheasant-per-mile index was at levels not seen in the previous 40 years.

The index this year is 46 percent lower than the 2010 index and 41 percent lower than the average of the past 10 years.

“We observed abnormally high mortality of hen pheasants during the brutal winter of 2010-11,” explained Jeff Vonk, Secretary of the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Department, “The loss of that reproductive potential inhibited the ability of our pheasant population to rebound to the record levels that we have enjoyed in recent years.”

Declines in the counts were consistent across the state and most pronounced in eastern South Dakota, where winter’s grip was tightest and grassland nesting habitat is diminished.

“We knew this day was coming when important pheasant habitats provided by the cover in Conservation Reserve Program fields were lost,” Vonk said.

CRP enrollments in the state are currently at 1.17 million acres, down from 1.56 million acres in 2007. The reduction equates to over 600 square miles of grassland habitat.

“On the other hand, we were pleasantly surprised how well pheasants responded in central South Dakota, where abundant moisture from winter snow and spring rain allowed grasslands to flourish and provide the essential habitat for excellent pheasant production,” Vonk said.

The counts in the main pheasant range are similar to or higher than the counts in 2002 when hunters bagged 1.2 million pheasants. Pheasant hunters harvested 1.8 million pheasants in 2010.

“All things considered, pheasant numbers in much of the traditional pheasant range of the state are still good despite the declines in the counts,” Vonk said.

“Much of South Dakota will continue to provide a premier opportunity to hunt pheasants.”

The complete 2011 Pheasant Brood Survey Report, including local survey results for different areas of the state, can be found online at http://gfp.sd.gov/hunting/small-game/pheasant-outlook.aspx

Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG, PA --(Ammoland.com)- Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe today offered his praise to the 19 sportsmen’s clubs throughout Pennsylvania who signed up to host junior pheasant hunts.

The clubs will share about 1,800 pheasants the agency is providing for junior pheasant hunts, which all will be held on Saturday, Oct. 8.

Last year, 24 clubs signed up to host junior pheasant hunts.

“While the agency’s financial situation remains a concern, providing pheasants to clubs sponsoring junior pheasant hunts is a wise investment,” Roe said. “The only two stipulations for clubs to be eligible to receive Game Commission birds are that these hunts must have registration open to the public and must be held on public lands or private lands enrolled in one of the Game Commission’s Hunter Access Program.

“The state’s long-standing two-pheasant daily bag limit will apply to junior hunters participating in the season. In addition, depending on the area in which they are hunting, juniors will be required to comply with restrictions on hunting male or female pheasants.”

Eligible juniors must be between 12 and 16 years of age, and have successfully completed a basic Hunter-Trapper Education course. There is no requirement that participating juniors purchase a license, but they must wear the necessary orange and be accompanied as required by law.

Roe noted the junior pheasant hunt is not part of the Mentored Youth Hunting Program for those hunters under the age of 12, which allows mentored youth to hunt for groundhog, squirrel, coyotes, spring gobbler and antlered and antlerless deer. (For more information on the Mentored Youth Hunting Program, please see page 15 of the 2011-12 Pennsylvania Hunting & Trapping Digest, which is provided to each license buyer.)

The junior pheasant season runs from Saturday, Oct. 8, through Saturday, Oct. 14. The season also takes advantage of many schools having off for the Columbus Day holiday. In addition to the pheasants being provided to clubs hosting a junior pheasant hunt, the Game Commission will stock 15,000 pheasants for the junior pheasant season on various sites throughout Pennsylvania on Friday, Oct. 7.

For more information, including a listing of general stocking locations for the junior pheasant season, see pages 25-27 of the Digest, or go to the Game Commission website (www.pgc.state.pa.us), put your cursor over “Hunt/Trap” in the menu bar at the top of the page, click on “Hunting,” click on “Pheasant” in the “Small Game” listing and then look under the “Junior Youth Pheasant Hunt” category.

Following is a county-by-county listing of the clubs hosting junior pheasant hunts, as well as contact information to enroll junior hunters:

Allegheny:
Bullcreek Rod and Gun Club will host its junior pheasant hunt at the club near Tarentum for 30 juniors. Deadline to register is Sept. 15. Contact Donald Lang at 724-889-6948 or email donaldlang0605@yahoo.com.

Armstrong:
Pine Creek Sportsmen’s Club will host its junior pheasant hunt on Bassinger Farm near Templeton for 20 juniors. Deadline to register is Sept. 10. Contact William Bassinger, Jr at 724-548-7746.

Apollo Spring Church Sportsmen’s Club will host its junior pheasant hunt at the club for 30 juniors. Deadline to register is Sept. 15. Contact Rocco Ali at 724-478-4303 or Dan Shaffer at 724-681-2834.

Beaver:
Beaver County Sportsmen’s Conservation League will host its junior pheasant hunt for 50 juniors at Midland Sportsmen’s Club. Deadline to register is Sept. 15. Contact Rich Kerlin at 724-378-8345 or email kerlinkanine@aol.com.

Bedford:
Bedford County Sportsman’s Club will host its junior pheasant hunt in Centerville for 50 juniors. Deadline to register is Sept. 13. Contact Chad Kendall at 814-847-2558 or email ckkendall@embarqmail.com

Bedford-Fulton Pheasants Forever will host its junior pheasant hunt on SGL 97 for 40 juniors. Deadline to register is Sept. 15. Contact Jeff Green at 814-977-5458 or email jeff@green-ranch.com.

Centre:
Three Point Sportsmen Club will host its junior pheasant hunt at DCNR Ground in Kato for 50 juniors. Deadline to register is Sept. 15. Contact Steven Demyan at 814-387-6779 or email smdguidr@yahoo.com or Richard Biggans at 814-387-4248.

Clearfield:
Pennsylvania Wildlife Habitat Unlimited will host its junior pheasant hunt at the “Big A” hunting lodge near Luthersburg for 30 juniors. The deadline for registration is Sept. 15. Contact Laura Johnson at 814-371-4856 or email lauraj@zitomedia.net.

Columbia:
Central Susquehanna Pheasants Forever will host its junior pheasant hunt on SGL 226 for 50 juniors. Deadline for registration is Sept. 15. Contact Jack Kile at 570-443-7618 or email jgkile@pa.metrocast.net.

Erie:
Pheasants Forever NWPA Chapter 728 will be hosting is junior pheasant hunt on Millers Farm, Riley Siding Road near New Union City for 60 juniors. Deadline for registration is Sept. 8. Contact Heath Moss at 814-566-1774 or email heath@nwpapf.org.

Elk:
Pheasants Forever Chapter 630 will host its junior pheasant hunt on SGL 44, Sawmut Tract, Brockport for 45-50 juniors. The deadline to register is Sept. 15. Contact Tim Rowan at 814-849-8065 or 814-715-2754.

Greene:
Tri-County Quality Deer Management Assn will host its junior hunt at the Association for 35 juniors. Registration deadline is Sept. 15. Contact Kathy Davis at 724-263-9719 or Dennis McCann at 724-998-2809 or email kdavis4537@aol.com.

Lancaster:
Lititz Sportsmen’s Association will host its junior pheasant hunt at Speedwell Forge Lake near Lititz for 24-28 juniors. The deadline to register is Sept. 15. Contact Phil McCloud at 717-626-5884.

Luzerne:
Northeast PA Chapter of Pheasants Forever will host its junior pheasant hunt on SGL 119 near Bear Creek for 45 juniors. The deadline to register is Sept. 9. Contact Corey Wiesel at 570-282-6346 email corey21@email.com.

Pike:
Promised Land Sportsman’s Association will host its junior pheasant hunt at the association on Route 390 for 50 juniors. Deadline to register is Sept. 1. Contact Craig Fischer at 570-236-9756 or cfisch20@gmail.com.

Schuylkill:
Gordon Game & Fish Club will host its junior pheasant hunt at “The Barn” two miles east of Gordon for 25 juniors. The deadline to register is Sept. 15. Contact John Towey at 570-205-2682 or email nucleartechjpt@yahoo.com.

Warren:
Kalbfus Rod and Gun Club will hold its junior pheasant hunt at the Hibner property near Sugar Grove for 20 juniors. The deadline to register is Sept. 15. Contact Michael Fadale at 814-723-4461 or email aggie@westpa.net.

Washington:
McDonald Sportsmen will host its junior pheasant hunt in McDonald for 50 juniors. Deadline to register is Sept. 15. Contact Bernie Dhans at 724-288-5092.

Westmoreland:
NWTF Local Chapter 1 will host its junior pheasant hunt at Bush Creek Road, Mt. Pleasant for 25 juniors. Registration deadline is Sept. 15. Contact Deborah Overly at 724-691-4756.

Laurel Highlands Chapter of Pheasants Forever and Kingston Veterans & Sportsmen Club will host its junior pheasant hunt at the Kingston Veterans & Sportsmen Club in Latrobe for 50 juniors. Deadline to register is Sept. 13. Contact Kevin Adams at 724-423-8445 or email adamsk@wpa.net.

Law Enforcement Officers of Westmoreland County will host its junior pheasant hunt at Mammoth Park, near Norvelt for 50 juniors. Registration deadline is Sept. 10. Contact Jerry Trainer at 724-837-3927 or email jjtrainer@outdrs.net.

Little Sewickley Sportsman Club will host its junior pheasant hunt at “The Old Hunt Farm” in Lycipus for 50 juniors. Registration deadline is Sept. 11. Contact Jay Bossart at 724-423-6714.

York:
Starview Sportsmen’s Association will host its junior pheasant hunt on SGL 243, Franklintown for 12 juniors. The deadline to register is Sept. 4. Contact Michael Heindel at 717-266-0783.

JUNIOR HUNTING SEASONS JUST AROUND THE CORNER
In addition to the upcoming junior pheasant season, which will be held Oct. 8-15, the Pennsylvania Game Commission has established other special seasons for those 12 to 16 years of age, who can hunt either with or without a junior hunting license.

Carl G. Roe, Game Commission executive director, noted that the newest junior season added to the agency’s line up is the junior rabbit season, which will run concurrently with the junior pheasant season, from Oct. 8-15.

“As pheasants and rabbits inhabit similar habitat and can both be pursued using bird or rabbit hunting dogs, running these two seasons together broadens the opportunity and excitement for younger hunters,” Roe said. “Experienced hunters with dogs are encouraged to pass along our state’s hunting heritage by serving as mentors for junior hunters. In fact, the Game Commission has published a new planning guide to assist individual hunters or conservation organizations that host guided hunts for eligible junior hunters.”

To view a copy of the new manual, go to the Game Commission website (www.pgc.state.pa.us), click on “Education” in the menu bar at the top of the homepage, select “Special Hunts” in the “Special Events and Programs,” and then choose “Youth/Junior Hunt Planning Guide” in the “Special Hunt Guides.”

Other junior-only seasons in which participating junior-aged hunters are not required to first obtain a license are for squirrel (Oct. 8-14) and waterfowl (Sept. 17 and 24). While they are not required to purchase a license, participating youth must first pass a basic Hunter-Trapper Education course.

Junior-only seasons in which participating youth must pass a basic Hunter-Trapper Education course and obtain the required licenses are: antlerless deer (Oct. 20-22) and spring gobbler day (April 21).

Roe also noted junior license holders’ antler restrictions require that a legal buck must have one antler of more than three inches in length or one antler with at least two points.

Pheasant Chicks

Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG, PA --(Ammoland.com)- Sportsmen’s organizations with approved propagation facilities can augment local ring-necked pheasant stockings and increase localized hunting opportunities by raising day‑old pheasant chicks supplied free-of-charge by the Pennsylvania Game Commission.

Information and applications to participate can be downloaded from the agency’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us), by putting your cursor over “Hunt/Trap” in the menu bar at the top of the homepage, then clicking on “Hunting” in the drop-down menu listing, then selecting “Pheasant” in the “Small Game” listing, and then clicking on “Cooperating Sportsmen’s Clubs Pheasant Chick Program.” In order for Game Farm superintendents to plan and set hatches to accommodate requests, the Bureau of Wildlife Management must receive completed applications by March 31.

“To restore self-sustaining and huntable pheasant populations, the Game Commission is committed to creating Wild Pheasant Recovery Areas, as outlined in our pheasant management plan,” said Calvin W. DuBrock, Game Commission Bureau of Wildlife Management director. “While we strive to create these areas, we continue to urge interested clubs to participate in our pheasant chick and egg programs, which provide wonderful opportunities to get young people involved in raising birds. In addition to learning about the food and habitat requirements of pheasants, they’ll have the chance to see the chicks mature into adult game birds, and to help increase local pheasant hunting opportunities.”

In 1929, the Game Commission began the propagation of pheasants on an extensive scale with the establishment of two game farms. Over the next six decades, to off‑set the increasing demand for pheasants from hunters, three other farms were placed into operation, and the day‑old pheasant chick program was implemented and made available to sportsmen’s organizations, 4‑H clubs, farmers, and other cooperators for rearing and releasing on areas open to public hunting.

In 1959, the number of pheasant chicks distributed to cooperators reached 229,685, an all-time high, in addition to the more than 88,500 pheasants raised and released by the agency at its four game farms. Unfortunately, cooperator participation has dwindled significantly over the last few decades. In recent years, only a dozen or so clubs have participated; raising and releasing 3,000-4,000 birds.

Because of budgetary constraints, the Game Commission was forced, in 2005, to reduce its annual pheasant stocking allocation from 200,000 to 100,000. The Game Commission released 100,000 adult birds again this past season, and expects to keep pheasant production at 100,000 until additional financial resources are made available. However, as part of the agency’s pheasant management plan, the agency intends to increase that stocking effort to 250,000 birds, should increased funding become available.

DuBrock said that the agency provides, free of charge, day-old pheasant chicks to clubs entering into an agreement with the Game Commission to raise birds and promote recreational hunting on lands open to public hunting. Gender is not determined as the chicks are boxed for distribution, but are generally at a one-to-one male/female ratio. The number of chicks received depends on the size of the club’s facility. The agency will provide enrolled clubs with plans for a brooder building, covered pen, and guidelines for rearing pheasants.

“The agency also offers enrolled organizations technical assistance and advice at the club’s facility, and a training session and overview of agency game farm operations can be scheduled during the off‑season from January through March to assist in development of the club’s program,” DuBrock said.

To be eligible to receive pheasant chicks, a sportsmen’s club is required to have a minimum of 25 square feet of covered pen space available per bird. In addition, 72 square inches of floor space per chick is recommended in the brooder building. All feed and expenses incurred in the work of constructing covered pens and raising pheasants will be the responsibility of the club. All pheasants propagated by organizations must be released on lands open to public hunting.

Pheasant chicks can be raised at the cooperator’s facility or by a designated caretaker with the proper facilities.

“Youth who participate in raising birds can help release hen pheasants in early September in areas where hens are protected from hunting and where habitat is sufficient to provide food and cover,” DuBrock said. “These birds can provide good dog training opportunities and releasing hens early also provides additional room in the pen to finish growing out the males for the hunting season.

“Maximum recreational opportunities can be attained by releasing male pheasants as close to the opening of small game season as possible, and no later than the end of the second week of the season.”

Game Commission pheasant hatches come off once a week during the month of May, and the chicks for clubs will be scheduled into those hatches. Game farm superintendents will send notification to approved organizations when chicks will be ready for pick‑up.

The Game Commission requires a complete report of the production and release results. Renewal applications will not be processed unless a complete report has been filed for the prior year.

In addition to the cooperating sportsmen’s club program, the agency also sells surplus day-old hen pheasant chicks and eggs in lots of 100 chicks for $60, or 300 eggs for $180. Early requests receive top priority and orders are processed until the last scheduled hatch, which usually is the first week of June. While day-old hen pheasant chicks may be purchased by anyone, pheasant eggs will be sold only to licensed game propagators. Both eggs and chicks must be picked up at the supplying Game Commission game farm.

Applications to purchase surplus day-old hen pheasant chicks or pheasant eggs also can be downloaded from the agency’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us), by clicking on “Self-Help” in the menu bar at the top of the homepage, then click on “Download Forms and Brochures” in the “Related Links” section and then selecting “Pheasant Chick and Egg Program” in the “Agency Programs” section.

The pheasant is native to Asia. Recorded attempts to establish pheasants in North America date back to the mid 1700s. These early attempts were unsuccessful; it wasn’t until 1881, in the Willamette Valley of Oregon, that pheasants first became established.

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

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

For more information on pheasants and the history of the agency’s pheasant management plan and propagation program, visit the Game Commission’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us), put your cursor on “Hunt/Trap” in the menu bar at the top of the homepage, then click on “Hunting” in the drop down menu then click on “Pheasant” in the “Small Game” listing.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks

HAVRE, Mont. --(Ammoland.com)- Final figures compiled from the FWP Region 6 hunter game check station outside Havre show a higher number of white-tailed deer and mule deer were checked in as compared to other recent hunting seasons.

According to FWP biologist Scott Hemmer, the number of pronghorn antelope, elk, pheasants, sharp-tailed grouse and Hungarian (gray) partridge brought in was in each case less than the average checked in recent years.

This season 333 pronghorn antelope, 689 mule deer, 314 white-tailed deer, 33 elk, 707 pheasants, 156 sharp-tailed grouse and 50 Hungarian partridge were brought to the check station by hunters.

Hemmer said check station data indicate the 2010 antelope harvest was down 17 percent, the mule deer harvest was up 11 percent, the white-tailed deer harvest was up 24 percent, the pheasant harvest was down 32 percent, and the sharp-tailed grouse harvest was up 3 percent.
While numbers of elk and Hungarian partridge were also down this year, state biologists said not enough of these species come through the Havre check station to provide meaningful harvest trend data. FWP will also be conducting the annual telephone harvest survey this winter, which will give more accurate harvest information by species for individual hunting districts.

FWP Region 6 Wildlife Program Manger Mark Sullivan noted that mild fall temperatures and excellent habitat conditions during the first part of the big game season reduced movements and feeding activity by big game animals in many areas.

“Although big game numbers were generally good across the Region, animals were not very visible during the first half of the season,” Sullivan said. “Weather conditions changed abruptly during the fourth week of the season as temperatures dropped to well below freezing, and repeated snowfall made hunting conditions and travel difficult. This caused animals to be much more visible and concentrated, but hunter numbers dropped in many hunting districts the last two weekends due to snow, cold and poor road conditions.”

Sullivan said FWP field personnel noticed a significant increase in big game hunter numbers in Region 6, particularly in the hunting districts between Glasgow and Havre. Most of these were deer hunters who may have been displaced from other parts of the state due to lower deer numbers in their traditional hunting areas.

Scottlindenoutdoors.com

California --(Ammoland.com)- Greetings from California, the first leg of our third annual Awesome Upland Road Trip. Tad, Lynn, Buddy, Manny and I are traveling the west this fall, making shows for next year’s Wingshooting USA television series.

We’re getting tons of great hunting – exciting footage of valley quail, pheasants, sharptails, bobwhites … just about anything shootable (I even shot a mallard!) and I’m hoping you will enjoy the programs next year.

Scott Linden Bird Hunting with Manny

In the meantime, please visit my blog and find out where we are, where we’re going, and maybe you’ll be inspired to go there or somewhere, one more time this season.

Watch some videos, get some behind-the-cameras insights, add your comments, download the free Ultimate Upland Checklist, and possibly even learn something!

From California to South Dakota, there’s something for every upland hunter and bird dog enthusiast … guaranteed, or your money back!

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.

Nebraska Pheasant Season Opens Oct. 30

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

LINCOLN, Neb. –-(Ammoland.com)- Pheasant hunting season opens across the state on Oct. 30, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

Pheasant abundance appears to be high in southwest Nebraska, according to Game and Parks’ 2010 Upland Game Hunting Outlook. Combined with public access, this region should offer excellent pheasant hunting opportunities. The outlook is based on surveys and input from biologists and staff.

According to the outlook, the abundance of pheasants in Nebraska this year is highest in the southwest, followed by the Sandhills, central, northeast, Panhandle, and southeast regions. Overall, the abundance statewide is slightly lower than in 2009.

Pheasant season is an excellent opportunity for experienced hunters to introduce the activity to a person who never has hunted or reintroduce it to someone who has not hunted in many years.

The pheasant season ends Jan. 31, 2011. Only rooster pheasants may be taken. The daily bag limit is three birds and the possession limit is 12.

The quail and partridge seasons also are Oct. 30-Jan. 31.

All upland bird hunters, except for residents under age 16, are required to have a Nebraska hunting license and a habitat stamp. An annual permit costs $14 for residents and $81 for nonresidents. The annual habitat stamp is $20.

Hunters should review the 2010 Nebraska Public Access Atlas, which includes Conservation Reserve Program-Management Access Program lands, as well as Open Fields and Waters program lands, and other public hunting lands.

Permits and stamps may be purchased at OutdoorNebraska.org.

Michigan Department of Natural Resources

Michigan -(Ammoland.com)- The Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment reminds hunters that pheasant season opens across the Lower Peninsula Wednesday, Oct. 20.

Each year the DNRE monitors pheasant populations through the mail carrier brood survey. Results of this year’s survey were comparable to 2009.

“Prospects for the upcoming hunting season are similar to last year,” said DNRE upland game bird specialist Al Stewart. “Hunters looking for the best success should focus on grasslands adjacent to agricultural fields. Habitat is key to locating pheasants. Habitat is also critical for maintaining pheasant numbers.”

Pheasant season runs through Nov. 14. It reopens in select areas of southern Michigan Dec. 1 and runs through Jan. 1. Check the 2010 Michigan Hunting and Trapping Digest for details. The daily bag limit for pheasants is two roosters with a possession limit of four.

As the 2010 pheasant season begins, the DNRE announces a new Pheasant Recovery Initiative.

The DNRE has been working with a group of partners including Pheasants Forever, Michigan United Conservation Clubs, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Michigan Department of Agriculture, and other conservation organizations to facilitate a revitalization of Michigan pheasants. An initiative such as this has the potential to change small game hunting opportunities, increase wildlife populations, improve hunter satisfaction and help Michigan’s economy.

“We are giving greater focus to small game hunting opportunities in Michigan,” said Wildlife Division Chief Russ Mason “We believe by restoring our high quality pheasant hunting tradition, we can attract new hunters and bring back hunters who have left the sport.”
Three priority Pheasant Recovery Areas have been indentified for this initiative: 1) Huron, Sanilac, and Tuscola counties; 2) Hillsdale, Lenawee, and Monroe counties; and 3) Gratiot, Saginaw, and Clinton counties. To participate in this cooperative initiative, a group of property owners must agree to work together to improve pheasant and small game habitat on their collective acreages.

“We believe that habitat restoration must be done in large landscape blocks to achieve meaningful recovery,” Mason continued. “We are focusing on working with coalitions of private landowners to restore pheasant habitat on 15-30 percent of the landscape within Pheasant Recovery Areas.”

For participating coalitions, DNRE staff will provide advice and assistance on habitat prescriptions; project partners will aid in securing seed for grass plantings; and federal resources may be leveraged to provide financial incentives for participating landowners. Also, for land that meets habitat restoration objectives, the DNRE may provide seed and/or materials for plantings, the use of equipment, and in some cases, the release of wild pheasants to initiate population response.

This winter, DNRE staff and project partners will be hosting landowner workshops to discuss the initiative in greater detail. Dates are yet to be set. Please go to www.michigan.gov/dnre for additional information. To get involved in the program, landowners may contact Al Stewart (stewarta1@michigan.gov), DNRE Upland Game specialist, or Mark Sargent (sargentm@michigan.gov), DNRE Private Lands coordinator.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment is committed to the conservation, protection, management, and accessible use and enjoyment of the state’s environment, natural resources and related economic interests for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnre.

Ringneck Phesasant Stocking

Ohio Department Natural Resources

COLUMBUS, OH --(Ammoland.com)- More than 15,000 ring-necked pheasants will be released on 28 public hunting areas across the state this fall, as part of a seasonal effort by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife to enhance hunting opportunities for this popular game bird.

Ring-necked pheasants will be released on the evenings (after shooting hours) of October 22 and 29 in anticipation of the weekend’s small-game season for youth hunters. Releases will also take place on the evenings of November 4 and 12. The final release of the fall is scheduled for the evening of Wednesday, November 24, to increase pheasant hunting opportunities during the Thanksgiving weekend.

Although not listed in the 2010-2011 hunting regulations, pheasants will be released for the youth hunts on October 22 and 29 on Ringneck Ridge and Tiffin River wildlife areas. Hunters interested in hunting the Ringneck Ridge Area in Sandusky County will require a free permit from the Sandusky County Park District. For more information regarding the issuance of these free hunting permits, contact the Sandusky County Park Office at (419) 334-4495 or the Sandusky County Park District Ranger Office at (419) 637-2900.

Pheasant hunting season opens Friday, November 5 and remains open through January 9, 2011, with a daily bag limit of two rooster (male) birds. Statewide hunting hours are sunrise to sunset.

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

(Editor’s Note – A list of pheasant release dates follows)

The more the merrier when you hunt with the Governor & friends.

Scottlindenoutdoors.com

South Dakota – -(Ammoland.com)- Hopefully, safe and amiable folk who share their shots and become friends by the end of the hunt, even if they weren’t when everyone climbed into the truck that morning.

But this wasn’t one of those groups. Sure, it was all of the above, but times two. Or ten.

Movers, shakers, and the rest of us, from the four corners of the world and every discipline from diplomats to media moguls.

All drawn together by a love of pheasant hunting and South Dakota’s hospitality.

Yep, it's a crowd, but it works in South Dakota.

Big Labrador retrievers rumbled through grass, battered their way into cattails and slobbered their way into our hearts. Our first drive, it was clear the easy birds were on vacation.

We earned every flush, every feather puff and retrieve by human and canine. With most of the crops still in the fields, most pheasants were hunkered down there, not in the low spots and CRP.

Our hunt party of big shots and small, regular guys and headline makers, began the day with a head start in the friendship department: dinners and talk lubricated the camaraderie prior to our donning blaze orange Saturday.

We shared some values, learned to say “thank you” in Arabic, and made plans for future visits to the United Nations and once more to South Dakota … the single commonality among us.

Read more at Scott Linden WingShooting USA.

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.

Pheasants Forever

Saint Cloud, MN -(Ammoland.com)- Thanks to a local effort led by Pheasants Forever and the Stearns Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD), Minnesota’s Stearns County has surpassed 20,000 acres enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) since starting a Farm Bill initiative in 2003.

Stearns County’s conservation efforts are spearheaded by Pheasants Forever’s Farm Bill Wildlife Biologist Jason Selvog and SWCD Technician Vince Manderfeld. They explain the benefits of the conservation programs, and provide the one-on-one technical assistance for program implementation. To reach this 20,000 acre milestone, this initiative involved more than 5,300 landowner contacts and approximately 13,000 hours working directly with landowners.

Pheasants Forever’s efforts are part of an overriding Minnesota Farm Bill Initiative that includes the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) and the Stearns County SWCD.

In 2004, the Stearns County SWCD further accelerated their promotion of Conservation Reserve Program by partnering with several local groups to implement Conservation Reserve Program within their respective areas of the county. With Pheasants Forever and USDA’s help, partnerships were created between the Sauk River Watershed District, North Fork Crow River Watershed District, Clearwater Watershed District, Stearns County Chapter of Pheasants Forever, Rice Lake Association and the Koronis Lake Association. Efforts were concentrated on several Conservation Reserve Program practices that focus on water quality and wildlife habitat.

“Ultimately, we have a common goal and that’s improved conservation,” Selvog said, “This work improves the quality of our environment with cleaner waters, protects vulnerable soils, and creates more wildlife habitat in Stearns County. We can attribute the success of this initiative to the partnerships that were created. This gave us the opportunity to reach more people and implement more conservation.”

Stearns County will now start working on the next 20,000 acre mark with help from the upcoming General Conservation Reserve Program.

More on Pheasants Forever in Stearns County found at www.stearnspf.org.

Pheasants Forever is dedicated to the conservation of pheasants, quail and other wildlife through habitat improvements, public awareness, education and land management policies and programs.

Pheasants Forever

Lincoln, Neb -(Ammoland.com)- Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever announce Jerry McDonald of Lincoln, Nebraska, as the organization’s new Regional Representative for eastern Nebraska. McDonald’s 25-plus years of marketing experience will help strengthen “The Habitat Organization’s” Cornhusker conservation mission.

McDonald will work to start new Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever chapters in eastern Nebraska and assist existing chapters with raising and expending funds on wildlife habitat and conservation education. He will also work with local, state, and federal natural resource agencies on wildlife habitat initiatives. In addition to serving as a point person for local Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever chapters, McDonald will assist in Pheasants Forever’s “Reload Nebraska” campaign, created last year to raise $20 million to establish and improve 1.1 million acres of wildlife habitat on private and public land in the state.

“The most important ingredient conservation requires is people with a burning passion for wildlife and the outdoors, and Jerry McDonald has that,” said Pete Berthelsen, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever Senior Field Coordinator and an Elba, Nebraska, resident. “That passion will help engage more people in our mission in an area where there is a great deal of potential for habitat projects.”

McDonald grew up hunting and fishing with his dad around Geneva, Nebraska, and continues to hunt every chance he gets. Recently, his Brittany passed away and he’s begun the search for another hunting dog to take its place. “Hunting pheasants and quail without a bird dog isn’t nearly as rewarding for me,” McDonald said, “I love the work, the point, the shot and the retrieve. Of course, may favorite activity wouldn’t be possible without quality and quantity of habitat. I’m as excited about getting to down to work for Pheasants Forever as I am about my next pup.”

McDonald earned a B.S. at the University of Nebraska in Omaha. He joins Pheasants Forever after three years with Alegent Health at Home where he operated as a marketing representative. McDonald can be reached at (402) 440-9613 and JMcDonald@pheasantsforever.org.

Nebraska is home to 60 Pheasants Forever chapters, 4 Quail Forever chapters and more than 9,700 members of “The Habitat Organization.” Since 1987, local chapters have spent over $26.7 million on habitat and youth education and impacted 2.8 million acres of habitat in the state. In 2010, chapters will celebrate working on their 3 millionth acre of habitat in the state, the first state within the organization to reach that mark. For more info on Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever in Nebraska, visit www.NebraskaPF.com.

Pheasants Forever and its quail division, Quail Forever, is dedicated to the conservation of pheasants, quail and other wildlife through habitat improvements, public awareness, education and land management policies and programs.

Wild Pheasant Recovery Areas

Pennsylvania Game Commission

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

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

The agency’s Ring-necked Pheasant Management Plan seeks to restore self-sustaining and huntable populations of wild pheasants in suitable habitats, and specifically calls for the creation of four WPRAs by 2015. The agency is releasing wild-trapped pheasants into these areas, with a goal of achieving a density of 10 hen pheasants per square mile.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Southern California Pheasant Shoot

California Outdoor Heritage Alliance

Norco, CA --(AmmoLand.com)- 1st Annual Pheasant Hunt at Raahauge’s Pheasant Club in Norco on Friday, March 19th.

The event, which will benefit the efforts of the California Outdoor Heritage Alliance (COHA), will not only offer a great upland bird hunt, but also an opportunity to meet and talk with members of COHA staff and Board of Directors.

The rolling fields of Raahauge’s Pheasant Club – some of the most beautiful in Southern California – are conveniently located close to Orange County and just a short drive from downtown Los Angeles.

The fields will be made up of five person teams with four birds provided per person (cleaned). Dogs can be provided (please bring a tip for the handler). The day’s activities include a catered Mexican lunch, raffle and auction.

Registration begins at 7:00 AM at Raahauge’s Pheasant Club, 5800 Bluff St., Norco, CA. Directions can be found at: Raahauge’s Pheasant Club or call 951-738-9212.

The cost is $160 per shooter through March 10th, $200 per shooter after March 10th. Valid hunting license and upland game stamp required.

Come and enjoy a fun day in the field while doing your part to support COHA’s important fight to protect your right to hunt today, and for generations to come.

Please send your registration in to: Gretchen Heffler, So. California Director of Development, 10 Shasta Court, Oceanside, CA 92057

Ph: 760-722-6697 Fax: 760-722-6695 gretchen@outdoorheritage.org

Pheasant hunters demand fast loads for the open plains. These new loads feature a mixture of copper-plated lead and nickel-plated FLITESTOPPER Lead delivered by unique rear-braking wad.

FederalPremium.com

ANOKA, Minn. -(Ammoland.com)-  Federal Premium® Ammunition introduces a specialized load for pheasant hunters. Prairie Storm™ is available in 12 and 20-gauge and provides excellent patterns. A payload of copper-plated lead and nickel-plated FLITESTOPPER® (FS) Lead make these loads extra lethal. Available summer 2010.

Consistent edge-to-edge patterns

Prairie Storm capitalizes on the proven FLITECONTROL® wad for full patterns at a variety of distances. The same technology that helped Black Cloud drastically raise waterfowl steel shot performance will do the same to pheasant loads.

This specialized wad opens from the rear, and pulls itself off the payload in a controlled manner. “We’ve been able to increase the performance of several loads with our FLITECONTROL wad,” said Brand Manager Rick Stoeckel. “Prairie Storm gives pheasant hunters excellent performance at longer distances. FS Lead patterns well and hits birds hard.”

Minimizing crippled birds

Federal Premium Prairie Storm Ammunition

Nickel-plated FS Lead pellets feature a cutting edge that gets better penetration and hits birds harder. The distinct shot also fills out patterns to provide pheasant hunters with more pellets on target. This means fewer lost birds.

Hunters will see consistent patterns with less choke constriction. The FLITECONTROL wad helps put 80% of the pattern in a 30-inch circle at 40 yards with a modified choke. This allows hunters to choose chokes that feature less constriction—but still get excellent downrange performance.

These new loads also show Federal’s continued partnership with Pheasants Forever®. A portion of the proceeds from each box sold will go directly to PF. These funds will help PF preserve vital wildlife habitat and work to ensure excellent hunting opportunities for future generations. Learn more at www.pheasants.org.

Available in 2010

Part No. Description

PF154FS 4 12-ga, 2-3/4″, 1-1/4 oz, #4 1500 fps

PF154FS 5 12-ga, 2-3/4″, 1-1/4 oz, #5 1500 fps

PF154FS 6 12-ga, 2-3/4″, 1-1/4 oz, #6 1500 fps

PF129FS 4 12-ga, 3″, 1-5/8 oz, #4 1350 fps

PF129FS 5 12-ga, 3″, 1-5/8 oz, #5 1350 fps

PF129FS 6 12-ga, 3″, 1-5/8 oz, #6 1350 fps

PF258FS 4 20-ga, 3″, 1-1/4 oz, #4 1300 fps

PF258FS 5 20-ga, 3″, 1-1/4 oz, #5 1300 fps

PF258FS 6 20-ga, 3″, 1-1/4 oz, #6 1300 fps

For more information on Prairie Storm and the entire Federal Premium lineup, visit www.federalpremium.com.

About Federal® Cartridge Company:
Headquartered in Anoka, Minnesota, Federal Cartridge Company has been providing hunters and shooters with high-quality rimfire, centerfire and shotshell ammunition since 1922. It pioneered the Premium category of ammunition and is part of the world’s leading ammunition manufacturer, ATK Armament Systems. For more information on Federal, visit www.federalpremium.com.

About ATK Armament Systems:
ATK Armament Systems has its headquarters in Utah, employs 6,000 people and is the world’s largest ammunition manufacturing entity—generating approximately $1.5 billion annually in sales. The organization manufactures small and medium caliber ammunition, medium caliber gun systems, rocket motors, ammunition propellants, commercial and military smokeless powder, law enforcement and sporting ammunition, tactical systems, optics and shooting accessories. It also operates two U.S. Army ammunition manufacturing plants. www.atk.com.

About ATK:
ATK is a premier aerospace and defense company with more than 18,000 employees in 22 states, Puerto Rico and internationally, and revenues in excess of $4.8 billion. News and information can be found on the Internet at www.atk.com

Pheasant Chicks

Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG, PA --(AmmoLand.com)- Sportsmen’s organizations with approved propagation facilities can augment local ring-necked pheasant stockings and increase localized recreational hunting opportunities by raising day‑old pheasant chicks supplied free-of-charge by the Pennsylvania Game Commission.

Applications to participate can be downloaded from the agency’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us), by clicking on “Self Help,” then “Forms & Programs” and then selecting “Pheasant Chick & Egg Program.” In order for Game Farm superintendents to plan and set hatches to accommodate requests, the Bureau of Wildlife Management must receive completed applications by March 31.

“To restore self-sustaining and huntable pheasant populations, the Game Commission is committed to creating Wild Pheasant Recovery Areas, as outlined in our pheasant management plan,” said Calvin W. DuBrock, Game Commission Bureau of Wildlife Management director. “While we strive to create these areas, we continue to urge interested clubs to participate in our pheasant chick and egg programs, which provide wonderful opportunities to get young people involved in raising birds. In addition to learning about the food and habitat requirements of pheasants, they’ll have the chance to see the chicks mature into adult game birds, and to help increase hunting opportunities.”

In 1929, the Game Commission began the propagation of pheasants on an extensive scale with the establishment of two game farms. Over the next six decades, to off‑set the increasing demand for pheasants from hunters, three other farms were placed into operation, and the day‑old pheasant chick program was implemented and made available to sportsmen’s organizations, 4‑H clubs, farmers, and other cooperators for rearing and releasing on areas open to public hunting.

In 1959, the number of pheasant chicks distributed to cooperators reached 229,685, an all-time high, in addition to the more than 88,500 pheasants raised and released by the agency at its four game farms. Unfortunately, cooperator participation has dwindled significantly over the last few decades. In recent years, only a dozen or so clubs have participated; raising and releasing 3,000-4,000 birds.

Because of budgetary constraints, the Game Commission was forced, in 2005, to reduce its annual pheasant stocking allocation from 200,000 to 100,000. The Game Commission released 100,000 adult birds again this past season, and expects to keep pheasant production at 100,000 until additional financial resources are made available. However, as part of the agency’s pheasant management plan, the agency intends to increase that stocking effort to 250,000 birds, should increased funding become available.

DuBrock said that the agency provides, free of charge, day-old pheasant chicks to clubs entering into an agreement with the Game Commission to raise birds and promote recreational hunting on lands open to public hunting. Gender is not determined as the chicks are boxed for distribution, but are generally at a one-to-one male/female ratio. The number of chicks received depends on the size of the club’s facility. The agency will provide enrolled clubs with plans for a brooder building, covered pen, and guidelines for rearing pheasants.

“The agency also offers enrolled organizations technical assistance and advice at the club’s facility, and a training session and overview of agency game farm operations can be scheduled during the off‑season from January through March to assist in development of the club’s program,” DuBrock said.

To be eligible to receive pheasant chicks, a sportsmen’s club is required to have a minimum of 25 square feet of covered pen space available per bird. In addition, 72 square inches of floor space per chick is recommended in the brooder building. All feed and expenses incurred in the work of constructing covered pens and raising pheasants will be the responsibility of the club. All pheasants propagated by organizations must be released on lands open to public hunting.

Pheasant chicks can be raised at the cooperator’s facility or by a designated caretaker with the proper facilities.

“Youth who participate in raising birds can help release hen pheasants in early September in areas where hens are protected from hunting and where habitat is sufficient to provide food and cover,” DuBrock said. “These birds can provide good dog training opportunities and releasing hens early also provides additional room in the pen to finish growing out the males for the hunting season.

“Maximum recreational opportunities can be attained by releasing male pheasants as close to the opening of small game season as possible, and no later than the end of the second week of the season.”

Game Commission pheasant hatches come off once a week during the month of May, and the chicks for clubs will be scheduled into those hatches. Game farm superintendents will send notification to approved organizations when chicks will be ready for pick‑up.

The Game Commission requires a complete report of the production and release results. Renewal applications will not be processed unless a complete report has been filed for the prior year.

In addition to the cooperating sportsmen’s club program, the agency also sells surplus day-old hen pheasant chicks and eggs in lots of 100 chicks for $60, or 300 eggs for $180. Early requests receive top priority and orders are processed until the last scheduled hatch, which usually is the first week of June. While day-old hen pheasant chicks may be purchased by anyone, pheasant eggs will be sold only to licensed game propagators. Both eggs and chicks must be picked up at the supplying Game Commission game farm.

The pheasant is native to Asia. Recorded attempts to establish pheasants in North America date back to the mid 1700s. These early attempts were unsuccessful; it wasn’t until 1881, in the Willamette Valley of Oregon, that pheasants first became established.

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

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

For more information on pheasants and the history of the agency’s pheasant management plan and propagation program, visit the Game Commission’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us), select “Hunting Home” from the “Recreation” drop-down menu then click on the pheasant photograph.

Image: Wheelersgamebirds.com

Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG, PA –-(AmmoLand.com)- The Board of Game Commissioners today gave preliminary approval to a continue a major change in pheasant hunting designed to be a major step toward re-establishing wild pheasant populations in Pennsylvania.

The agency’s Ring-necked Pheasant Management Plan calls for restoring self-sustaining and hunt-able populations of wild pheasants in suitable habitats called “Wild Pheasant Recovery Areas” (WPRAs). In 2009, the Board created three such areas, defined as the Pike Run, Somerset and Central Susquehanna WPRAs. The agency is releasing wild-trapped pheasants into these areas, with a goal of achieving a density of 10 hen pheasants per square mile.

To give these wild pheasants the best opportunity to establish naturally reproducing populations, the Board has continued its ban on releasing of any artificially propagated pheasants – including Game Commission raised pheasants –within these WPRAs. Also, to limit disturbances to nesting hen pheasants, dog training of any manner will continue to be prohibited in these WPRAs from the end of small game season in early February through July 31 each year.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

South Dakota Fish, Game & Parks

PIERRE, S.D. –(Ammoland.com)- The S.D. Game, Fish and Parks Department has completed the state’s pheasant management plan that will guide conservation efforts for pheasants and other related activities over the next five years.

“Pheasants and pheasant hunting are an important part of who we are as South Dakotans,” Chad Switzer, GFP terrestrial wildlife administrator said. “We drafted this plan in recognition of that importance and the need to manage for the future rather than wait for problems to arise.”

Switzer noted that besides the input of wildlife professionals with GFP, the plan also benefited from a public draft review. “It is obvious that both hunters and non-hunters value pheasants in our state. Our success with these birds relies heavily on cooperation with all citizens.”

The Ring-necked Pheasant Management Plan for South Dakota 2009-2014 can be found on the GFP Web site.

To Feed or Not to Feed Pheasants?

Pheasants Forever

Saint Paul, Minn –-(AmmoLand.com)- From the Dakotas and Minnesota to Iowa and Illinois, much of the core pheasant range is experiencing winter’s first real test due to recent heavy snowstorms and extreme cold.

Naturally, many hunters and conservationists have found cause for concern regarding ring-necked pheasants’ ability to survive, and ask “Should we be feeding pheasants?” Pheasants Forever has some careful considerations.

Habitat is the Effective Long-Term Solution
The key to carrying pheasants through the winter is quality thermal habitat. While this may provide no consolation this winter, consider that resources spent on establishing high quality winter cover will yield far greater results and the best winter survival rates down the road. The lesson to be learned from a tough winter is the need to plant more high quality thermal cover this spring. Start your habitat planning now!

“More than anything, feeding is reactionary to the winter, when the best thing we can do is be proactive about improving quality habitat,” said Rick Young, Pheasants Forever’s Vice President of Field Operations. “Unfortunately, many well-intentioned people who provide corn and other grains as food sources actually harm pheasants more than they help them.”

Why NOT to Feed Pheasants

• The biggest reason to shy away from feeding pheasants is that feeders attract predators and expose pheasants to death by predation. Feeders give predators a focus point similar to a bait pile.
• In fact, it is rare for a pheasant to starve, but death by freezing can be common. Poorly-placed feeders may draw the pheasants out and away from their protective winter cover and cause birds to congregate and expend energy competing for food. Instead of saving birds, this actually adds to freezing deaths.

Contact Pheasants Forever Field Staff
To contact a Pheasants Forever representative in your area with your winter habitat or pheasant feeding questions, click here.

Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever are non-profit conservation organizations dedicated to the protection and enhancement of pheasant, quail, and other wildlife populations in North America through habitat improvement, land management, public awareness, and education. “The Habitat Organization” has over 125,000 members in 750 local chapters across the continent.

For additional information about Pheasants Forever, please visit www.PheasantsForever.org

Pheasant and Bobwhite Quail Stocking Planned

New Jersey Fish and Game

Trenton, NJ --(AmmoLand.com)- The NJDEP’s Division of Fish and Wildlife has decided that pheasants will be stocked for Thursday, December 24 on central and southern region Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs).

The 1,160 pheasants that were not stocked for December 22 on central and southern region WMAs will be evenly distributed amongst the last 3 stocking days in those regions for December 24, 29 and 31.

The pheasant stocking allocations for northern region WMAs remain as originally scheduled for December 24, 29 and 31.

Progress on the road and parking area snow clearing in the southern and central regions will be sufficient to stock pheasants and to provide vehicle access for hunters on December 24. However, hunters should be prepared for difficult hunting conditions due to snow cover in excess of 20 inches on some WMAs.

A decision has also been made to stock bobwhite quail on Greenwood and Peaslee WMAs for December 29 and December 31. The 800 quail from the cancelled stockings for December 22 and 24 will be added to the 1,200 quail scheduled for stocking on December 29 and 31.

The WMAs affected by the pheasant stocking cancellation for December 22, which will receive extra birds for the December 24, 29 and 31 stockings include:

Central Region
Assunpink, Colliers Mills, Fort Dix, Howardsville, Manahawkin, Manasquan, Medford and Stafford Ford.

Southern Region
Dix, Glassboro, Heislerville, Mad Horse, Millville, Nantuxent, Port Republic, Tuckahoe and Winslow

If any further stocking changes are necessitated by severe weather, they will be posted on the Division website at http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/news/2009/stockingchange12-09.htm .

New Jersey Fish and Game

Trenton, NJ --(AmmoLand.com)- The NJDEP’s Division of Fish and Wildlife has canceled the scheduled stocking of pheasants for Tuesday, December 22, 2009 on all Wildlife Management Areas (WMA) in the central and southern region of the State due to excessive snow cover from the weekend storm.

The pheasant stocking scheduled for northern WMAs for December 22 will not be affected.

Division personnel are working to clear parking lots and roads on the central and southern WMAs to provide hunter access for the next scheduled stocking of pheasants for December 24. A decision to stock pheasants for December 24 will be made on Wednesday, December 23 and will be based on the progress of the snow clearing work. Updated pheasant stocking information will be posted on the Division’s website at http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/smgame_info.htm on December 23.

If birds are stocked for December 24, the pheasants from the canceled stocking will be added to the December 24 allocations for all affected WMAs. If stocking for December 24 is canceled, the pheasants from both canceled stockings will be added to the two scheduled stockings for December 29 and 31.

Due to the inability of stocked quail to endure the effects of this record snowfall, quail stocking for both December 22 and 24 have been canceled. The decision on stocking quail for December 29 and December 31 will be based on snow depths prior to the scheduled stockings.

Updated quail stocking information for December 29 and 31 will be posted on the Division’s website at http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/smgame_info.htm . If snow depths decrease enough next week for quail to be stocked, the birds from the canceled stockings will be added to the December 29 and 31 allocations for Greenwood and Peaslee.

Hunters are advised that the ability of personnel to clear roads within the WMAs may affect the location of stockings.

Affected Wildlife Management Areas are:

• Central Region: Assunpink, Colliers Mills, Fort Dix, Howardsville, Manahawkin, Manasquan, Medford and Stafford Ford.
• Southern Region: Dix, Glassboro, Heislerville, Mad Horse, Millville, Nantuxent, Port Republic, Tuckahoe and Winslow
• Quail stocking: Greenwood and Peaslee.

Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks

GLEN ELDER, KS —-(AmmoLand.com)- On Dec. 19, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) and Pass It On – Outdoor Mentors, Inc., are sponsoring a pheasant hunt for youth and women at Glen Elder Reservoir.

Hunters will be selected from applicants, and as many as 60 may participate.

The event will begin early on Saturday, Dec. 19, with a hunter breakfast and safety meeting, then groups will move to various areas around Glen Elder Reservoir and hunt until noon. Lunch will be provided for hunt participants.

A free trap shoot will be held from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. just west of the Glen Elder Area Office. The trap shoot is open to anyone interested in attending but is targeted toward beginning shooters. Several “hero-celebrities” (military personnel recently returned from Iraq or Afghanistan) are expected to participate as mentors.

Women of any age and youth ages 11 through 16 are eligible to apply for this event. Hunting experience is not required, and shotguns and ammunition will be provided, if needed.

For applications, questions, or more information, contact Mike Nyhoff at the Glen Elder Area Office, 2131 180 Rd., Glen Elder, KS 67446 or phone 785-545-3345. The application deadline is Dec. 16.

South Dakota Fish, Game & Parks

Pierre, S.D. –-(AmmoLand.com)- Due to the delayed harvest of crops this fall, the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Commission intends to act at its Dec. 3-4 meeting in Pierre on a proposal to raise the three-bird daily pheasant bag limit to five cock pheasants daily.

Under the proposal, the current 15-bird pheasant possession limit would increase to 25 male pheasants.

If adopted, the emergency rule would take effect Saturday, Dec. 5, 2009, and remain in place until the current pheasant season ends on Jan. 3, 2010.

“The ability of hunters to harvest pheasants in the first seven weeks of the 2009 pheasant hunting season has been severely inhibited by lack of row-crop harvest,” said GFP Secretary Jeff Vonk. “The weather patterns that led to this situation were not anticipated by the Commission when it adopted the pheasant season back in April.”

The adjustments in the daily limit and possession limit will not hurt overall pheasant numbers in future years because only cock pheasants may be harvested, Vonk said.

“As crops are taken from the fields, the refuge that pheasants found in oceans of cornfields will disappear, and birds will be concentrated in the remaining cover,” Vonk said. “The addition to the limits will allow hunters the ability to make up for opportunities that were lost in the first part of the season.”

New Jersey Fish and Game

Trenton, NJ --(AmmoLand.com)- The NJ DEP Division of Fish and Wildlife reminds hunters that the small game seasons for pheasant, quail, fox and coyote open 8:00 AM on Saturday, November 7.

The seasons for rabbit, hares and squirrel, ruffed grouse and woodcock north of Rt. 70 and raccoon/opossum remain open with an 8:00 AM start on November 7.

Firearm hunting is prohibited November 6 on state Wildlife Management Areas designated as Pheasant and Quail Stamp Areas to allow for stocking (except in tidal marshes open to an on-going waterfowl season).

For detailed information on hunting for all legal species, including a link to the pheasant/quail stocking schedules, visit http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/news/2009/smgame09.htm on the division’s website.

Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks

STERLING, KS —-(AmmoLand.com)- On Nov. 7, the Heartland Pioneer Chapter of Quail Forever will sponsor a youth hunt at Dr. Jack Mull’s wildlife preserve, approximately 12 miles east of Sterling.

Experienced instructors and bird dogs will safely guide young hunters on a pheasant and quail hunt.

The event will reinforce hunter education concepts, and participants will learn how to hunt in a line and behind trained bird dogs.

This mentor/youth hunt will include a morning session and an afternoon session.

Each session will be limited to 10 students. Participation is limited to youngsters in grades 6 through 12.

Students must possess a hunter education certificate and a hunting license if they are 16 or older. (Because the hunt will be conducted on a controlled shooting area, youth older than 16 may participate.)

Food and fellowship at Dr. Mull’s cabin will cap off the day.

The registration deadline is Oct. 31. Contact Nolan Fisher at 620-242-3700 for more information.

Ohio Department Natural Resources

“The state’s ring-necked pheasant population has been stable for the last several years, and this year should show some good opportunities for sportsmen,” said Nathan Stricker, project leader with the division’s Olentangy Wildlife Research Station.

Although 2009 started with a cool, wet spring, mild summer temperatures and moderate precipitation provided for good conditions during the nesting season, noted Stricker.

Conditions have been good in areas of the state where habitat is plentiful. Private lands enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program have been very important to supporting upland game populations. Williams and Defiance counties in northwest Ohio have strong pheasant populations because of the habitat contributions by local landowners. Upland game populations are responding positively to habitat programs in other areas around the state, especially in counties with significant enrollment in Scioto CREP and CP33 Quail Buffer practices.

Cottontail rabbit hunting continues through February 28, 2010. Ring-necked pheasant hunting is open through January 10, 2010. Both seasons are closed during the statewide 2009 deer-gun hunting season, November 30 through December 6, as well as the extra weekend of deer-gun hunting December 19-20.

Rabbits, pheasants and quail may be hunted from sunrise to sunset. The daily bag limit for all three species remains unchanged from last year at four rabbits, two pheasants (roosters/males only) and four quail.

Hunters are reminded that snowshoe hares are not legal game in Ohio and may not be taken. Recently reintroduced to northeastern Ohio after nearly a century of absence, snowshoe hares are brown early in the season, resembling cottontail rabbits. To avoid confusion between cottontail rabbits and snowshoe hares, portions of Geauga and Ashtabula counties will be closed to all rabbit hunting from November 6 through December 6. The coats of most hares will have turned white by early December, allowing for proper distinction.

There are two restricted zones that cover portions of Geauga and Ashtabula counties. The first restricted area encompasses parts of Geauga and Ashtabula counties and is bordered by U.S. Route 6 to the north, U.S. Route 322 to the south, Kile Road to the west, and State Route 534 to the east. The second restricted area is in Ashtabula County bounded on the north by Cork-Cold Springs Road, on the west by Windsor-Mechanicsville Road, on the south by New Hudson Road and on the east by U.S. Route 45. A map of these two areas can be viewed in the 2009-2010 Ohio Hunting and Trapping Regulations and on the Internet at wildohio.com.

The ODNR Division of Wildlife releases pheasants on selected public hunting areas throughout the state prior to opening day of the pheasant season, the second Saturday of the season and Thanksgiving Day. Hunters may call 1-800-WILDLIFE for locations of specific release sites.

Bobwhite quail hunting is limited to 16 counties in southern Ohio: Adams, Athens, Brown, Butler, Clermont, Clinton, Highland, Jackson, Meigs, Montgomery, Pike, Preble, Ross, Scioto, Vinton and Warren. The season continues through November 29.

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

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

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

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

LINCOLN, Neb. –-(AmmoLand.com)- Nebraska pheasant hunters should look forward to a good season of wing shooting in 2009 when the opener arrives Oct. 31.

Wildlife surveys in the spring and summer have indicated a statewide increase in pheasant abundance compared to 2008, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. A generally mild winter, then a warm spring, provided favorable conditions for the over-winter survival and subsequent pheasant production.

Hunters should note that lands enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)-Management Access Program (MAP) have changed, especially in northeast Nebraska. Because of that, hunters are advised to scout areas to ensure they still will be available to hunt. They also should review the 2009 Nebraska Public Access Atlas, which includes CRP-MAP lands, as well as the new Open Fields and Waters program, and other public hunting lands.

According to the April and July Rural Mail Carrier Surveys, regional pheasant numbers were highest in the Southwest, Northeast and Panhandle pheasant regions. The population in the Southwest was particularly good, and Commission staff believes hunting should be good in most areas of the Southwest.

In the Northeast region, frequent observations of broods have been made in areas with permanent grasslands, such as CRP land.

Increased rainfall in the Panhandle had improved habitat conditions throughout the region, but there is more access for hunting in the northern Panhandle.

Pheasant season is an excellent opportunity for experienced hunters to introduce the activity to a person who never has hunted or reintroduce it to someone who has not hunted in many years.

The pheasant season ends Jan. 31, 2010. Only rooster pheasants may be taken. The daily bag limit is three birds and the possession limit is 12.

All pheasant hunters, except for residents under age 16, are required to have a Nebraska hunting license and a habitat stamp. An annual permit costs $14 for residents and $81 for nonresidents. The annual habitat stamp is $16.

The youth pheasant season is Oct. 24-25, with a bag limit of two and possession limit of four. Hunters in this season must be less than 16 years of age. Birds taken during the youth season do not count against the youth’s possession limit during the regular season.

A mentoring opportunity exists in the youth season for adults who want to teach youths how to hunt safely and responsibly. Adults accompanying youth hunters may not shoot pheasants during a youth season hunt.

All hunters must obtain permission to hunt on private land.

Permits and stamps may be purchased at OutdoorNebraska.org.

Pheasants Forever

Washington, DC --(AmmoLand.com)- The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced that one of their policy options under consideration is to drop Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) enrollment to 24 million acres nationwide.

In Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever’s view, this is completely unacceptable and we urge all of our members and supporters to take immediate action by contacting the USDA in opposition of this proposal.

Additionally, Pheasants Forever considers the current 32 million acre CRP cap a short term goal, and recommends the USDA request Congressional authority to expand the program to a minimum of 40 million acres.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) has asked the public for comments on the Conservation Reserve Program. Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever have some simple suggestions for what to communicate during the public comment period:

• Request USDA implement CRP at its maximum acreage of 32 million acres, and that
• USDA request additional authority for an expanded CRP of at least 40 million acres from Congress.
• Call for a new CRP General Signup.
• Call for new authority for Continuous CRP programs such as CRP SAFE and CRP Upland Bird Habitat Buffers.
• Ask that all Continuous CRP including CRP SAFE and CRP Upland Bird Habitat Buffers, be made available to all expiring contract holders.
• Call on USDA to implement a CRP “Open Fields” Public Access program immediately.
• Encourage USDA to enroll expired CRP into the Grasslands Reserve Program and the Conservation Stewardship Program.

Public Comments on CRP Due by October 19, 2009

• Email comments to CRPcomments@tecinc.com
• Submit comments online at the Federal eRulemaking Portal at www.regulations.gov
• Mail comments to: CRP SEIS, c/o TEC Inc., 8 San Jose Dr., Suite 3-B, Newport News, VA 23606
• Fax comments to: (757) 594-1469

Help continue CRP’s wildlife habitat and environmental legacy by voicing your support of the program this week.

CRP Benefits

• CRP produces an estimated 13.5 million pheasants annually.
• CRP in the Prairie Pothole Region produces 2 million ducks per year.
• CRP boosts populations of bobwhite quail, prairie grouse and non-game grassland birds.
• CRP reduces the amount of sediment released into the environment by 200 million tons.
• CRP reduces sheet, rill and wind erosion.
• CRP sequesters carbon, helping stop more than 50 million metric tons of carbon dioxide from entering the environment.

About:
Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever are non-profit conservation organizations dedicated to the protection and enhancement of pheasant, quail, and other wildlife populations in North America through habitat improvement, land management, public awareness, and education. Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever have more than 125,000 members in 750 local chapters across the continent.

Pheasants Forever

Bottineau, N.D. --(AmmoLand.com)- Residents from Bottineau County, North Dakota have formed the newest chapter of Pheasants Forever (PF). The group’s first fundraising banquet will be held on Thursday, October 29th at the Bottineau Armory with the chapter’s leaders focused on using those dollars to improve local habitat for pheasants.

“Being only 10 miles south of the Canadian border, our birds face tough winters. Through Pheasants Forever’s model, our banquet dollars stay under our control for habitat projects to create winter cover for the birds here in Bottineau County,” explained Ryan Getzlaff, the chapter’s president and Bottineau resident.

PF is the only national conservation organization that empowers local chapters with the responsibility to determine how 100 percent of their locally raised conservation funds will be spent. This local control allows members to see the fruits of their chapter efforts in their own communities, while belonging to a national organization with a voice on federal conservation policy in Washington D.C.

“I hunted last week’s opener near Crosby, which is roughly the same distance south of Canada as Bottineau, and there were birds everywhere,” reported Getzlaff. “The recipe is simple; plant the habitat and establish the winter cover, and the pheasants here in our county will respond too.”

North Dakota’s 27 chapters account for nearly 3,000 PF members statewide. Those chapters have completed 4,000 habitat projects benefitting over 43,000 acres in the state since the first PF chapter formed in North Dakota in 1986.

“I am very excited to finally have a chapter based in Bottineau County,” said Jesse Beckers, PF’s regional wildlife biologist for North Dakota. “There is tremendous potential for increasing the bird numbers in the area with some strategic thermal cover habitat projects. I hope all the bird hunters and pheasant fans across the county will come out for the chapter’s banquet on the 29th of October to support this group of volunteers working hard to improve wildlife habitat for the entire community.”

To purchase tickets for Bottineau County’s first-ever Pheasants Forever banquet, please contact Ryan Getzlaff at (701)228-4959, Kenny Fix at (701)228-2220, or Stuart Coleman at (701)263-7375. You can also email Getzlaff at ryangetzlaff@yahoo.com for more information about the chapter.

If your are interested in joining a chapter or starting a chapter in North Dakota, please contact PF’s Jesse Beckers at (701) 202-8120 or email jbeckers@pheasantsforever.org.

Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks

PRATT, KS —-(AmmoLand.com)- The 2009 upland bird hunting forecast is one of the best in the past 20 years. Wherever hunters and others connected to the land meet, conversation revolving around pheasant and quail hunting is animated, and that’s good news for Kansas youth.

The pheasant and quail youth season — Nov. 7-8 — is a premier opportunity to get youth outdoors in a high-quality setting. Public wildlife areas and Walk-In Hunting Access areas are uncrowded, and young roosters are less wary.

The youth season (pheasant and quail only) gives the first shot at this year’s crop of roosters and quail to youth age 16 and younger accompanied by an adult 18 or older.

The adult may not hunt. No licenses are required for the adults or youth younger than 16, but youth age 16 need a current hunting license and hunter education certification.

Daily bag limits during the youth season are two pheasants and four quail, half the regular season bag limit.

Preparation for the hunt can be almost as much fun as the hunt itself, and it’s not too early to take a prospective youth hunter out to review safe gun handling rules and practice shooting clay targets. A little advance training and planning will make the hunt more enjoyable. It is also wise to take the hunting dog out for some fitness training.

Kansas is blessed with great outdoor opportunities. Make sure a young hunter doesn’t miss this one. Whether you’re a father, mother, brother, sister, friend, or next-door neighbor, if you’re 18 years old, you may supervise a youth hunter.

In addition to the satisfaction derived from teaching a beginner how to handle something new, the adult gets to scout areas for the regular season opener just one week later on Nov. 14.

Ohio Department Natural Resources

COLUMBUS, OH --(AmmoLand.com)- More than 15,000 ring-necked pheasants will be released on 30 public hunting areas across the state this fall, as part of a seasonal effort by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife to enhance hunting opportunities for this popular game bird.

Ring-necked pheasants will be released on the evenings (after shooting hours) of October 23 and 30 in anticipation of the weekends’ small-game season for youth hunters. Releases will also take place on the evenings of November 5 and 13.The final release of the fall is scheduled for the evening of Wednesday, November 25 to increase pheasant hunting opportunities during the Thanksgiving weekend.

Two new areas not listed in the hunting regulations have been added to this year’s list of release sites: Tiffin River Wildlife Area in Fulton County and Ringneck Ridge in Sandusky County. Ringneck Ridge is owned and operated by the Sandusky County Park District and will require a free permit to hunt.

For more information regarding the issuance of these free hunting permits, contact the Sandusky County Park Office at 419-334-4495 or the Sandusky County Park District Ranger Office at 419-637-2900. These areas will provide larger, high quality areas for hunters to use.

This will be the last year for pheasant releases at Maumee State Forest and North Turkeyfoot State Park. Both Maumee State Forest and North Turkeyfoot State Park have seen dramatic declines in the amount and quality of grassland habitat available for sportsman to use over the past decade.

Pheasant hunting season opens Friday, November 6 and remains open through January 10, 2010, with a daily bag limit of two rooster (male) birds. Statewide hunting hours are sunrise to sunset.

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

Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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