New Jersey Fish and Game

Trenton, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- The NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife reminds hunters that the 2011-12 small game firearm seasons for pheasant, chukar, ruffed grouse (south of Route 70) and woodcock (south of Route 70) open at 8:00 AM on Saturday, November 12.

Small game seasons for several other species have already opened.

Hunters should review current regulations, season exceptions and bag limits in the 2011-12 Hunting and Trapping Digest (specifically page 65 – http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/dighnt11.htm ) for information regarding the specific season(s) they wish to hunt.

Firearm hunting is prohibited November 11 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 more information on the upcoming season, visit www.njfishandwildlife.com/news/2011/smgame11.htm on the division’s website

Georgia Department of Natural Resources

SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. --(Ammoland.com)- The beginning of squirrel season is just around the corner, are you ready? Often revered as a celebrated American fall tradition, squirrel hunting provides the perfect opportunity to introduce youth or a novice to the sport of hunting.

Unlike some big game hunts, the pursuit of bushytails often involves more action for energetic youth, providing a greater level of interaction with the outdoors.

Georgia Squirrel Hunting Season Opens August 15Th

Beginning August 15, 2011 and lasting through February 28, 2012, hunters can pursue both gray and fox squirrels. The maximum daily bag limit is 12 per hunter.

“Prior to the successful restoration of white-tailed deer, pursuing squirrels in the fall became a significant cultural hunting tradition in Georgia,” says John Bowers, Wildlife Resources Division’s Game Management assistant chief. “Squirrel hunting provides one of our best opportunities to introduce youth to hunting, instill in them our responsibilities to wildlife conservation and provide exposure to the outdoors. Additionally, it’s fun, inexpensive and provides constant action.”

Squirrel hunting, especially with squirrel dogs such as feists, terriers and curs, is a great way to introduce youth to hunting and the outdoors. In terms of number of hunters and harvest, squirrels are the second most pursued small game species in Georgia, behind doves.

Georgia’s wildlife management areas offer access to nearly one million acres of hunting opportunity for only $19 a year, and squirrel hunting is allowed on WMAs at specified times during the statewide squirrel season. Hunters are advised to check the hunting regulations for specific WMAs and dates.

The two species
Both the gray and fox squirrels can be found throughout Georgia. The gray squirrel, abundant in both rural and urban areas is the most common species. Though mostly associated with hardwood forests, grays also can be found in mixed pine/hardwood forests. Predominantly gray, with white under parts, gray squirrels appear more slender-bodied than fox squirrels, weighing anywhere from 12 ounces to one-and-a-half pounds.

Fox squirrels have several color phases, varying from silver-gray with a predominantly black head, to solid black, to a light buff or brown color tinged with reddish-yellow. Generally larger than grays, fox squirrels range in weight from one pound to nearly three, and are more closely associated with mature pine and mixed pine/hardwood habitats and especially in the Piedmont and Coastal Plain regions.

For more information on the 2011-2012 squirrel hunting season or other small game hunting seasons, visit www.gohuntgeorgia.com . To renew or purchase a hunting license, visit www.georgiawildlife.com/recreational-licenses .

Hare Rabbit

Outdoors Magazine

Vermont --(Ammoland.com)- Hares have an interesting place in the English language.

Have you ever heard the phrase “Mad as a March hare” and wondered where it came from?

March is the breeding season for hares, thus their odd behavior of boxing and jumping during this time of year.

This is not a new phenomenon, and the earliest written testament to it was circa 1500, in Blowbol’s Test reprinted by W. C. Hazlitt in Remains Early Popular Poetry of England, 1864.

It states, “Thanne [th]ey begyn to swere and to stare, And be as braynles as a Marshe hare.”

In hunting circles, the phrase derived from a male hare’s (bucks) tendency to travel several miles to breed with a female (doe) during the month of March. When a hunter’s dog would disturb the buck, he would return to his home area miles away with the dog often in pursuit.

This meant the hunters would either lose their dog or have to travel miles to find it.

The phrase “hare-brained” refers to the same behavior. This is also old and is referenced in Edward Hall’s Chronicle, 1548: “My desire is that none of you be so unadvised or harebrained [sic] as to be the occasion that …”

Other interesting facts about hares include that the rabbit in Bambi named Thumper derived its name from a female hares’ tendencies with her young. Hares do not live in the ground like cottontails, so they have their young above ground and the babies (leverets) spread out to hide so that if one is discovered by a predator it will not find the entire clutch. When it is time for the young to nurse, the mother hare will “thump” her back foot rapidly to call them in to feed.

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

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.

Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG, PA –-(AmmoLand.com)-If there’s one game animal that could use some additional attention in Pennsylvania, it’s squirrels. Pennsylvania Game Commission field officers report squirrel populations are strong in most areas of the state.

Gray squirrels continue to be found across Pennsylvania in sizable numbers, and the black-phase gray squirrel isn’t hard to find north of Interstate-80 and east of the Ohio line all the way into the state’s north-central counties. Fox squirrels also are becoming increasingly available as they continue to push east of the Allegheny Front and north through Pennsylvania’s ridges and valleys. Fox squirrels can be found as far east as the Susquehanna River.

Squirrel populations have been enjoying the benefits of declining hunting pressure and the maturation of habitat instate for some time. These factors have spurred fox squirrel range expansion and recovery. Game Commission field officers believe squirrel hunting will be good to excellent in many of the state’s forests and woodlots.

For county-specific details on game populations, habitat conditions and where-to-go hunting information, visit the Game Commission’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us). Reports filed by Wildlife Conservation Officers, Land Managers and foresters are available from every county. To access them, just click on the “Field Officer Game Forecasts” link found on the homepage.

“Gray squirrels are our most abundant game species and are found throughout Pennsylvania,” said Tom Hardisky, Pennsylvania Game Commission biologist. “Look for mast-producing trees such as walnut, butternut, oak and hickory when searching for the best hunting areas. In agricultural areas, woodlots in the vicinity of standing cornfields often support large numbers of squirrels. They can be found throughout deep woods areas. The black squirrel is actually a color phase of the gray squirrel. In general, black squirrels can be found in the northern half of Pennsylvania. Squirrels with this black color variation often occur in local concentrations scattered about their northern Pennsylvania range.

“Fox squirrels are up to 50 percent larger than gray squirrels and weigh about two pounds,” Hardisky explained. “Fox squirrels have been expanding their range eastward in recent years and now inhabit much of the western half of Pennsylvania. They prefer more open areas than gray squirrels and are not found in the deep woods. Fox squirrels favor open fields and pastures with large trees nearby. Small woodlots and forest edges are typical fox squirrel haunts. Although some gray squirrels may possess orange coloration along their sides and tails, fox and gray squirrels do not interbreed, nor do gray and red squirrels. Each squirrel species has some color variation, even within local populations. However, this color variation largely results from genetic differences. Local diet, habitat, and climate differences also may contribute to color variation.”

When hunting squirrels, look for large-trunked trees near a food source. Larger trees offer better protection from predators and are favorite den sites. Gray squirrels are most active during the early morning and evening, while fox squirrels often travel during mid-day.

Squirrel season opens on Oct. 17, and runs through Nov. 28. The season reopens on Dec. 14-23, and Dec. 26-Feb. 6. The daily limit is six.

Pennsylvania’s youth squirrel hunt will be held Oct. 10-16 and is open to youths 12 to 16 years of age who have successfully completed a hunter-trapper education course and are properly accompanied by an adult. A hunting license is not required to participate.

Hunters also are reminded that squirrels are listed as a game animal that can be pursued by youngsters participating in the Mentored Youth Hunting Program, which permits those under the age of 12 to hunt under the guidance of a mentor. For more information about this new program, visit the Game Commission’s website and click on Mentored Youth FAQs in the “Quick Clicks” box in the upper right-hand corner of the homepage.

Information on both of these youth hunting programs also can be found on page 13 of the 2009-10 Pennsylvania Digest of Hunting and Trapping Regulations, which is provided to each license buyer.

Squirrel hunters are required to wear at least 250 square inches of fluorescent orange clothing, visible 360 degrees, at all times. The daily bag limit for squirrels is six.

Ohio Division of Wildlife

COLUMBUS, OH --(AmmoLand.com)- Ohio’s youth hunters will again have several added opportunities to learn and practice their hunting skills this fall. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife offers several ways for families to hunt together and create lasting traditions in the state’s outdoors.

WATERFOWL: Youngsters age 15 and younger wanting to pursue waterfowl may do so, statewide, on Saturday and Sunday, October 3-4.

SMALL GAME: Hunters age 17 and younger may hunt statewide for rabbit, pheasant and all other legal game in season during two designated weekends, October 24-25 and October 31 and November 1. Quail also may be taken in 16 designated open counties.

Pheasant releases for young hunters will occur prior to these dates on the following state wildlife areas: Resthaven, Oxbow, Berlin, Killdeer Plains, Camp Belden, Grand River, Spencer, Wellington, Delaware, Dillon, Caesar Creek, Rush Run, Fallsville and Darke, as well as Charlemont Metropark in Lorain County.

WHITE-TAILED DEER: A youth deer-gun season will be open statewide, November 21- 22. Young hunters age 17 and younger who are accompanied by a non-hunting adult may take one deer of either sex during this season, in accordance with existing bag and deer zone limits.

WILD TURKEY: It is not too early to be planning to participate in the spring youth wild turkey hunting for 2010. A statewide spring youth wild turkey season will be offered on Saturday and Sunday, April 17-18. This hunt is open to youths age 17 and younger.

CONTROLLED HUNTS: The Division of Wildlife also offers several controlled hunts for young hunters throughout the hunting season. Applications to participate in these hunts are accepted June 1 through July 31. Applications are available at the division’s five district offices and on wildohio.com, and may be completed by mail or online. There are controlled youth hunts for white-tailed deer, wild turkey and waterfowl.

To participate in the upcoming youth hunts, all young hunters must be accompanied by a non-hunting adult, and must abide by all regular hunting hours and bag limits. A valid 2009-2010 youth hunting license, along with the appropriate permits, are required. For complete details on all of Ohio’s youth hunting seasons, refer to 2009-2010 Ohio Hunting and Trapping Regulations booklet, call 1-800-WILDLIFE (1-800-945-3543) or go online to wildohio.com.

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

About:
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.

Georgia Department of Natural Resources

SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. --(AmmoLand.com)- Whether still, stalk or squirrel dog hunting is your preference, the beginning of squirrel season is just around the corner.

Often revered as a celebrated American fall tradition, squirrel hunting provides the perfect opportunity to introduce youth or a novice to the sport of hunting. Unlike some big game hunts, the pursuit of bushytails often involves more action for energetic youth, providing a greater level of interaction with the outdoors.

Beginning August 15, 2009 and lasting through February 28, 2010, hunters can pursue both gray and fox squirrels. The maximum daily bag limit is 12 per hunter.

“Prior to the successful restoration of white-tailed deer, pursuing squirrels in the fall was a significant cultural tradition in Georgia,” says John Bowers, Wildlife Resources Division’s Game Management assistant chief. “Squirrel hunting can provide one of our best opportunities to introduce the younger generation to hunting and instill in them our responsibilities to wildlife conservation. Additionally, it’s fun, less expensive and provides constant action.”

Squirrel hunting, especially with squirrel dogs such as feists, terriers and curs, is a great way to introduce youth to hunting and the outdoors. In terms of number of hunters and harvest, squirrels are the second most pursued small game species in Georgia, behind doves.

Georgia’s wildlife management areas offer more than one million acres of hunting opportunity for only $19 a year, and squirrel hunting is allowed on WMAs at specified times during the statewide squirrel season. Hunters are advised to check the hunting regulations for specific WMAs and dates.

The two species

Both the gray and fox squirrels can be found throughout Georgia. The gray squirrel, abundant in both rural and urban areas is the most common species. Though mostly associated with hardwood forests, grays also can be found in mixed pine/hardwood forests. Predominantly gray, with white under parts, gray squirrels appear more slender-bodied than fox squirrels, weighing anywhere from 12 ounces to one-and-a-half pounds.

Fox squirrels have several color phases, varying from silver-gray with a predominantly black head, to solid black, to a light buff or brown color tinged with reddish-yellow. Generally larger than grays, fox squirrels range in weight from one pound to nearly three, and are more closely associated with mature pine and mixed pine/hardwood habitats and especially in the Piedmont and Coastal Plain regions.

What about the ‘lumpy’ variety?

This time of year, hunters and wildlife watchers often come across a few squirrels with an out-of-the-ordinary ‘lumpy’ appearance. These lumps and bumps are not tumors and actually are caused by warbles, which are bot fly larvae growing just under the squirrel’s skin.

Bot flies (cuterebra emasculator) naturally parasitize gray squirrels, fox squirrels and chipmunks throughout the eastern and midwestern regions of North America. Affected squirrels typically are observed during late summer and early fall – from mid to late July to the end of October.

Adult bot flies lay their eggs in the vicinity of the squirrel’s habitat or directly on the squirrel. Once the larva hatches, it enters a body opening and migrates to a location underneath the skin of the squirrel. The larva creates a warble pore where it grows for three to ten weeks, matures and exits, falling to the ground. There it burrows to pupate and the cycle repeats itself the following year.

Affected squirrels tend to recover quickly once the larvae exit from the warbles to the ground.

While the sight of a squirrel with warbles may be a bit unsettling, they generally pose no threat to uninfected squirrels, other wildlife, humans or domestic animals, and are perfectly safe for squirrel hunters to skin and eat.

For more information on the 2009-2010 squirrel hunting season or other small game hunting seasons, visit www.gohuntgeorgia.com, contact a local Game Management office or call (770) 918-6416.

Winchester 22 LR 555 Round Bulk Pack

Winchester Ammunition

East Alton, IL - -(AmmoLand.com)- Winchester® Ammunition recently expanded its rimfire ammunition line for hunters and shooters by launching two new .22 Long Rifle (LR) loads; the new Hyper Speed HP™ .22 LR and the 555 round .22 LR bulk pack.

The new Winchester Hyper Speed HP™ .22 LR features a 40-grain, plated hollow point bullet, with a muzzle velocity of 1,435 feet per second (fps). This load provides plenty of punch for improved penetration on small game and pests. This round is also designed to provide consistent hunting accuracy and small game stopping power.

The new Hyper Speed HP™ .22 LR features:
• 40-grain, plated hollow point bullet
• Muzzle velocity of 1,435 fps
• Boxed in convenient 100-round plastic tray
• Symbol number: XHV22LR

Also in the line-up for small game hunting, plinking and target shooting is Winchester Ammunition’s 36 gr., copper plated hollow point in the 555-round bulk pack. This round features a copper plated hollow point bullet to reduce fouling and has a muzzle velocity of 1,280 fps. for improved cycling in semi-automatics.

The new .22 LR 555 Round Bulk Pack features:
• 36-grain, copper plated hollow point bullet
• Muzzle velocity of 1,280 fps
• 555 rounds per box
• Symbol number: 22LR555HP

Winchester® ammunition was first introduced in 1866; 143 years later rimfire is the world’s most popular ammunition. The company offers a wide selection of rimfire products ideal for precision target shooting, silhouettes, plinking, small-game and varmint hunting, and pest control.

For more information about Winchester Ammunition and its complete line of products visit www.winchester.com.

Winchester is Proud to be a Leader in the Shooting Sports

Winchester® Ammunition pledged $500,000 to permanently endow the NRA’s Marksmanship Qualification Program, thus becoming the exclusive sponsor of the officially renamed Winchester/NRA Marksmanship Qualification Program.

The Winchester/NRA Marksmanship Qualification Program is a self-paced shooting development program. Open to adults and youngsters alike, the program measures an individual’s shooting proficiency against established par scores in 13 courses of fire across three disciplines: pistol, rifle and shotgun.

By supporting the Winchester/NRA Marksmanship Qualification Program, Winchester is providing everyone the chance to explore the benefits that hunting and the shooting sports have to offer.

To learn more about the Winchester/NRA Marksmanship Qualification Program, please call 800-672-3888 ext. 1505 or visit www.nrahq.org/youth.

About Winchester:
The company who brought to life “the Gun that Won the West” is the same company who today continues to supply sportsmen with the best sporting ammunition in the world.