Utah Division of Natural Resources

Salt Lake City, Utah --(Ammoland.com)- Starting this spring, bear hunters will have opportunities they’ve never had before in Utah.

The new opportunities have been made possible through a new bear management plan the Utah Wildlife Board approved in 2011.

John Shivik, mammals coordinator for the Division of Wildlife Resources, says the plan is giving more people a chance to hunt bears in Utah. “At the same time,” Shivik says, “the plan provides some important safeguards to keep the state’s bear populations healthy and safe.”

Board approves hunting rules
At their Jan. 12 meeting, members of the Wildlife Board approved black bear hunting and pursuit rules for Utah’s 2012 seasons.

All of the rules the board approved will be available in the 2012 Utah Black Bear Guidebook.

The guidebook should be available at wildlife.utah.gov/guidebooks by Jan. 31.

The following are some highlights:

• In the past, most of the bears that were hunted in Utah were tracked with hounds and ran up trees. A few hunters have also used bait to lure bears in so the hunters could make a clean and effective shot with a bow and arrow.
• But starting this spring, more spot-and-stalk-only hunts will be offered in Utah.
• Hunters may not use hounds or bait during spot-and-stalk hunts. Instead, they must spot the bear and stalk it.
  In the past, all of Utah’s bear hunting areas were limited-entry areas. Only those who draw a permit for a limited-entry area can hunt on it.
• Starting this spring, though, the state will offer some harvest-objective hunts.
• The number of hunters who can hunt on a harvest-objective area isn’t limited, so switching a limited-entry area to a harvest-objective area gives more people a chance to hunt the area.
• To protect bears on harvest-objective areas, the number of bears that can be taken on each area is limited. Once that limit—also known as the area’s quota—is reached, the hunt on the area ends for the season.
• Harvest-objective hunts will be offered on three areas: The Wasatch Mountains, Currant Creek, Avintaquin unit in north central Utah, the Beaver unit in southwestern Utah and the Nine Mile unit in southeastern Utah.
  The spring hunts on some of Utah’s bear hunting units will run a little longer this year. The longer spring seasons will allow biologists to put more pressure on bears in areas where livestock are often killed and campgrounds raided by bears.

More hunters can hunt black bears in Utah this year. Photo by Lynn Chamberlain

Protecting the bears
In addition to providing some new hunting opportunities, the new plan provides bears with some important safeguards:

In the past, Shivik says three hunting-related factors have been used to determine the health of Utah’s bear population—the percentage of bears taken that are female, the average age of the bears taken and the number of adult bears that survive each hunting season.

You won’t find those three factors in the new plan. Instead, biologists are focusing on two key factors: the number of female bears and the number of adult male bears that hunters take.

(An adult male bear is a bear that’s five years of age or older.)

Shivik says the number of females and the number of adult males hunters take gives important information about how a bear population is doing:

The number of females hunters take is important because females give birth to cubs and then care for the cubs after they’re born.

“But the best early indicator we have about the health of a bear population is the number of adult males hunters take in relation to the number of females,” Shivik says.

Shivik says adult males wander more than other bears. The wandering the adult males do helps bear populations expand.

Because they wander more, adult males are also the bears hunters usually encounter first.

If biologists see that the number of adult males hunters are taking is going down—and the number of females is going up—they know the bear population in the area is declining.

“Once hunters start finding more females,” Shivik says, “we know the population is declining in number.”

In addition to the number of female bears and adult male bears hunters take, biologists are also using two important bear studies to monitor the health of Utah’s bear population:

One study involves snagging hair from bears at sites across Utah. After the hair is snagged, DNA tests are used to determine how often the bears that left the snagged hair visited the sites. This study is helping biologists measure how fast or slow the state’s bear populations are growing.

In the second study, biologists visit bear dens in the winter to see how many cubs are in the dens. The biologists also assess the health of the cubs and their mothers. This study is giving biologists important information about the number of new bears that are being brought into Utah’s population each year.

Lop and Scatter Project, L-R: Jeremy Anderson, AJ Smith, Brooks Greenwood, Justin Whittier and Darren West.

Mule Deer Foundation

Salt Lake City, UTAH --(Ammoland.com)- Darren West, Project Coordinator for the Mule Deer Foundation’s (MDF) Utah County Chapter, was recently honored by the Utah Division of Wildlife (UDOW).

West was recognized for his relentless work for the benefit of wildlife and habitat.

Covy Jones, the UDOW Biologist who nominated West, said he is impressed with the difficult projects Darren and the other MDF volunteers are willing to tackle. He also commended West and MDF for being enthusiastic and proactive working partners.

Over the last several years, West has worked on behalf of MDF to coordinate relevant habitat projects in partnership with UDOW. He and other MDF volunteers completed “Lop and Scatter” projects on Wildlife Management Areas near Mount Pleasant and Spanish Fork, Utah. Lop and Scatter is a labor-intensive method of removing branches from felled trees to increase the rate of decomposition and lower fire hazard. It also includes clearing areas of over-grown pinion and juniper to promote the re-growth of vegetation, and is a vital part of restoring mule deer winter range.

Jones said this habitat work has produced immediate results and is proving very beneficial for Utah’s deer herds. To date, the Utah County MDF Chapter has cleared 78 acres, with a combined total of 176 hours on the saws. At least 40 additional hours have been spent in planning and training sessions.

West, who was out of state when nominated, said he is driven by his passion and love for hunting.

He declared, “The deer in Utah are in rapid decline, and it feels good to actually do something.”

Justin Whittier, who has worked alongside West on a number of MDF projects, attended the UDOW Awards Luncheon on Dec. 7, 2011, and accepted the award on West’s behalf.

He said, “There were some 50 state employees in attendance, from conservation officers, dedicated hunter people, conservation directors … as a group, they had nominated ten honorees, and Darren West, as a volunteer for the Mule Deer Foundation, was one of them.”

Whittier continued, “Other recipients included Rod Hess with the Utah Dept. of Transportation, recognized for his work on the I-15 core project restoring wetlands and building deer fences, and Boyd McAffee, a Director with Clear Creek Outdoor Education Camp, was recognized for his 30+ years of service introducing youth to the outdoors. Darren was in good company!”

MDF’s Utah County Chapter Chair Jeremy Anderson concluded, “Our chapter is still growing, but we are gaining momentum with hard work and determination. We already have three new projects slated for 2012. When Darren West came on board we took a large step in the right direction.”

About MDF:
The Mule Deer Foundation is one of the key conservation groups in North America working to restore, improve and protect mule deer, black-tailed deer and their habitat. With a focus on science and program efficiency, MDF has raised millions of dollars and put countless hours on the ground for mission-critical projects. MDF acknowledges regulated hunting as a viable management component and is committed to recruitment and retention of youth into the shooting sports and conservation. Get involved at www.muledeer.org or call 1-888-375-DEER.

Utah DWR officer Josh Carver shows what wildlife officers and volunteers are trying to stop this winter: The illegal killing of mule deer in Utah. This 6x5 buck was shot in Iron County in November.

Utah Division of Natural Resources

Utah --(Ammoland.com)-  This winter, Division of Wildlife Resources conservation officers and members of sportsman’s groups are carrying out the largest winter range patrols ever conducted in the state.

“As Utahns celebrate the holidays and usher in a new year, our officers will be busy protecting the state’s mule deer herds from poachers—thieves who steal wildlife from present and future generations of ethical sportsmen,” says Mike Fowlks, chief of the DWR’s Law Enforcement Section.

“We won’t tolerate deer poaching in Utah,” Fowlks says. “We’re pulling out all the stops and using all the means we have to protect Utah’s deer herds.”

The following are among the things the DWR is doing:

• Patrolling winter ranges at night. Officers are conducting these patrols on land and from the air.
• Conducting saturation patrols that put several DWR officers on the same piece of winter range at the same time.
• Enlisting volunteers from sportsman groups to serve as additional ‘eyes and ears.’

The volunteers patrol the winter ranges. They have the means needed to report what they see and hear directly to the nearest DWR officer.

Patrols are underway across Utah. The patrols will continue through the winter.

Fowlks says most of the on-the-ground and aerial patrolling is focused on areas where deer are most at risk.

“But those aren’t the only areas our officers and volunteers are watching,” Fowlks says. “Far from it. We’re watching winter ranges across the state.”

Fowlks says five areas in Utah are receiving special attention:

• The desert areas on the western side of Utah
• The southwestern corner of the state
• The Paunsaugunt deer unit in southern Utah
• The Henry Mountains unit in southeastern Utah
• The Book Cliffs unit in eastern Utah

Turn-In-a-Poacher hotline
As you travel through Utah’s backcountry this winter, Fowlks encourages you to keep your eyes and ears open. “You don’t have to be part of this patrol effort to make a difference,” Fowlks says. “If you see something suspicious, let us know as soon as possible.”

Utah’s Turn-in-a-Poacher hotline is the most efficient way to contact a DWR officer. The UTiP number is 1-800-662-3337. The hotline is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Winter a critical time
Much of the deer poaching that happens in Utah happens in the winter. And for good reason—winter is the time of year when mule deer are concentrated on their lower elevation winter ranges. The bucks are also less wary because the breeding season is underway or it just finished.

Fowlks says poachers usually target the biggest bucks they can find. In addition to stealing opportunity from legal hunters, taking the bucks can also result in too many deer being taken during hunts that upcoming fall.

Fowlks says DWR biologists count the number of bucks per 100 does in December.

“In December, the deer are bunched together on lower elevation areas where it’s easier to get an accurate count,” he says. “But if poachers kill bucks after the biologists have counted them, the data that’s used to set permit numbers in the spring won’t be correct—it will show more bucks than there actually are. And that can lead to too many hunting permits being issued.”

Poachers take a big toll
So far in 2011, wildlife officers have investigated the illegal killing of 189 mule deer in Utah.

Most of the deer were bucks. The antlers on 22 of the bucks were big enough to place the deer in a trophy category.

“Hunters would haven been thrilled to take any of these bucks,” Fowlks says.

The monetary value of the animals to Utah’s citizens is $242,800.

Silencerco

Salt Lake City, UT --(Ammoland.com)- SilencerCo, the leader in firearm suppressors manufacturing has been named one of the Top Three Growing Companies in the greater Salt Lake City area by KSL, Salt Lake City’s top television station, newspaper and website. SilencerCo will be featured as part of a segment on the top Salt Lake City companies airing LIVE on KSL TV tonight, December 20, 2011.

Silencerco was formed in 2008 by Joshua Waldron and Jonathon Shults. Waldron and Shults learned that the military released a solicitation stating it wanted all firearms deployed to be silenced.

The most common Veterans Administration medical claim is hearing damage/loss due to gun fire. The second most common VA medical claim was PTSD. Tinnitus, which is a ringing in ones ears due to noise induced hearing damage, is a constant reminder of the event which caused the PTSD. If you can stop the ringing, you can more easily rehabilitate the soldier. Silencers protect the hearing of soldiers, which helps them get back into civilian life sooner or be a more effective soldier while deployed. Besides the benefits to soldiers, Waldron and Shults learned of the many benefits of civilian ownership of silencers.

In 2008 Silencerco opened a small shop of 2,700 square feet. It secured institutional lending to purchase a manufacturing machine; and, after several months of learning how to machine, designing prototypes and learning the science of fluid dynamics, it released its first product to the market in January of 2009.

While Shults stayed in the shop learning the intricacies of manufacturing and producing their first product, Waldron drove from state to state personally visiting dealers to show them why Silencerco’s product was superior to anything else on the market. In 2009, Silencerco opened 87 dealerships nation-wide and sold nearly 800 units of the Company’s first product.

In January of 2010, Silencerco released its next product which became an instant success. Business grew so fast that it had no way of producing enough supply for the demand. While trying to expand its production, the Company was turned down by over 15 lending institutions. The Company was able to get small loans and purchased two additional manufacturing machines. Even with its limited capabilities, Silencerco’s revenue grew by over 400% during 2010.

After months of disappointment from lending institutions, Silencerco finally secured a round of funding from Zion’s Bank to expand its manufacturing capabilities. In 2011, it increased its revenue by 300% from 2010’s revenue numbers. Its products have changed the industry and consumers could not get them fast enough. In August 2011, it acquired one of its main competitors. A loan from Zion’s Bank was used to fund the acquisition; and, with the added cash flow from the acquisition, Silencerco was able to get more machinery for manufacturing.

Based on 2011 operations, Silencerco is now the largest silencer manufacturer in the country for civilians and they are continuing to make progress in acquiring military deals. Silencerco has created 25 jobs and have done so in the hardest economic times our country has seen for a long time.

About the Founders
Joshua Waldron has defied odds many times in his life. Not only has Waldron made a thriving business in the worst of economies, but he learned how to walk again when every doctor said he couldn’t. When Joshua was 15, he was in a horrible car accident that severed his spinal cord. After 3 years of physical therapy, he was able to leave his wheelchair behind and has walked ever since. Waldron has never collected disability and has been self-employed his entire life. After college at the University of Utah, he was an editorial photographer and was published in hundreds of magazines.

Jonathon Shults is becoming widely known as one of the most brilliant minds in the firearms industry. Without any formal training or experience, he is now a master machinist, engineer, inventor, computer programmer and manufacturing engineer of the leading silencer manufacturer in the country. Shults has developed some of the most advanced manufacturing techniques and inventory management software in the manufacturing world and has accomplished this without a day of higher education. Before starting Silencerco with Waldron, Jonathon was a sound engineer and owned a recording studio. He has recorded for several big clients with world-wide sales.

Some of Silencerco’s Other Accomplishments.

• Expanded the silencer market dramatically with their “yes, silencers are legal” education campaign.
• Obtained patents with more pending.
• Recognized as an industry leader in only 3 years of operations.
• Had its products featured in a favorable light on Discovery Channel’s “Mythbusters.”
• Invited to be keynote speakers at the NRA, the largest lobbyist firm in the world.

See also the following links:

• www.silencerco.com
• www.silencersarelegal.com
• www.swrmfg.com (this company was acquired by Silencerco)
• www.youtube.com/silencerco

Utah Division of Natural Resources

Utah --(Ammoland.com)- If you like to hunt bears, you might have opportunities in 2012 that you’ve never had before in Utah.

A new bear management plan is making the new opportunities possible. The Utah Wildlife Board approved the plan earlier this year.

John Shivik, game mammals coordinator for the Division of Wildlife Resources, says the plan has opened the door to some new hunting options.

“At the same time,” Shivik says, “the plan provides some important safeguards to keep the state’s bear populations healthy and safe.”

All of the changes the DWR is recommending for Utah’s 2012 bear hunts are available online. The following are some highlights:

Currently, most of the bears that are hunted in Utah are tracked by hounds and ran up trees. A few hunters hunt over bait using a bow and arrow. But starting in 2012, biologists are recommending that spot-and-stalk-only hunts be held in some areas in Utah.

Hunters may not use hounds or bait during spot-and-stalk hunts. Currently, all of Utah’s bear hunting areas are limited-entry areas. Only those who draw a permit for a limited-entry area can hunt on it.

Starting in 2012, biologists would like to offer some harvest-objective hunts too.

The number of hunters who can hunt on a harvest-objective area isn’t limited, so switching an area to harvest objective gives more people a chance to hunt the area. Letting more hunters hunt an area increases the chance that more bears will be taken.

Black bear hunters might have some new opportunities in Utah in 2012. Photo by Lynn Chamberlain

As soon as a predetermined number of bears are taken (called the area’s quota), the hunt on the area will end for the season.

The spring hunts on some of Utah’s bear hunting units might run a little longer in 2012. Having longer spring seasons allows biologists to put more pressure on bears in areas where bears often kill livestock and raid campgrounds.

Protecting the bears
In addition to opening the door to some new hunting opportunities, the new plan provides bears with some important safeguards:

In the past, Shivik says biologists have used three factors to determine the health of Utah’s bear population—the percentage of bears taken by hunters that are female, the average age of the bears taken and the number of adult bears that survive in Utah from year to year.

You won’t find those three factors in the new plan. Instead, biologists will focus on two key factors: the amount of female bears and the amount of adult males taken by hunters.

(An adult male bear is a bear that’s five years of age or older.)

Shivik says the number of females and the number of adult males that hunters take gives important information about how a bear population is doing: The number of females hunters take is important because females give birth to cubs and then care for the cubs after they’re born.

“But the number of adult males hunters take is the best early indicator we have about the health of a bear population,” Shivik says.

Shivik says adult males wander more than the other age groups. Because they wander more, adult males are the bears hunters usually encounter and take.

If biologists see that the number of adult males hunters are taking is going down—and the number of females is going up—they know the bear population in the area is in decline.

“Once hunters start finding females, instead of the males they normally encounter first,” Shivik says, “we know the population is declining in number.”

In addition to the number of female bears and adult male bears hunters take, biologists are also using two important bear studies to determine the health of Utah’s bear population:

One study involves snagging hair from bears at sites across Utah. After the hair is snagged, DNA tests are used to determine how often the bears that left the snagged hair are visiting the sites. This study is helping biologists measure how fast or slow the state’s bear populations are growing.

In the second study, biologists visit bear dens in the winter to see how many cubs are in the dens and to assess the health of the cubs and their mothers.

This study is giving biologists important information about the number of bears that are being brought into Utah’s population each year.

Learn more, share your ideas
After you’ve reviewed the DWR’s ideas, you can let your Regional Advisory Council members know your thoughts by attending your upcoming RAC meeting or by sending an email to them.

RAC chairmen will share the input they receive with members of the Utah Wildlife Board. The board will meet in Salt Lake City on Jan. 12 to approve rules for Utah’s 2012 bear hunting and pursuit seasons.

Dates, times and locations for the RAC meetings are as follows:

• Southern Region

Dec. 6, 7 p.m.
Beaver High School
195 E Center Street, Beaver

• Southeastern Region

Dec. 7, 6:30 p.m.
John Wesley Powell Museum
1765 E Main Street, Green River

• Northeastern Region

Dec. 8, 6:30 p.m.
Bingham Entrepreneurship and Energy Research Center
320 N Aggie Blvd (2000 W), Vernal

• Central Region

Dec. 13, 6:30 p.m.
Central Region Conference Center
1115 N Main Street, Springville

• Northern Region

Dec. 14, 6 p.m.
Weber State University, Shepherd Union Building, Rooms 404A and 404B
3848 Harrison Blvd, Ogden

Email
You can also provide your comments to your RAC via email. Email addresses for your RAC members are available online.

The group each RAC member represents (sportsman, non-consumptive, etc.) is listed under each person’s email address. You should direct your email to the people on the RAC who represent your interest.

Mule Deer Foundation Invests Over $375,000 for Utah Conservation Projects in 2011

Mule Deer Foundation

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah --(Ammoland.com)- The Mule Deer Foundation (MDF) recently gave $376,889 to the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources to pay for completed habitat projects in the state during 2011.

There are some $60,000 worth of projects still pending. MDF raised this money through the sale of Utah Conservation Permits throughout the year.

The Utah Conservation Permit Program has successfully brought in millions of dollars since its inception.

Through the sale of coveted hunting tags, conservation groups such as MDF are able to raise money for their own projects, Utah state ventures, and literally hundreds of habitat enhancements in conjunction with partners such as the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Utah Dept. of Wildlife Resources, and other conservation groups.

A sampling of the 46 projects completed this year include:

• Black Ridge Fuels Reduction and Vegetative Restoration
• Sawmill Canyon Fire Rehab
• Black Hill WMA Habitat Restoration and Access Management Project
• Twin Springs Aerial Seeding and Vegetation Treatment
• North Book Cliffs Wildlife Guzzler Project
• Research for Wildlife Crossings in Utah, What Works and Determining Best Structure Designs

The Mule Deer Foundation looks forward to participating in the Utah Conservation Permit Program again in 2012. A listing of available tags is posted online at www.muledeer.org, under Hunting, Tags and Permits.

Some of the projects slated for 2012 include:

• Logan Ranger District Aspen Treatment
• Henefer-Echo WMA Fencing
• Browns Canyon Guzzler
• Moon Ridge Bullhog
• Grimes Wash Pinyon/Juniper Removal
• Fivemile Sagebrush Restoration, Kimball Valley

For more information about the Utah Conservation Permit Program or tags available for 2012, contact the Mule Deer Foundation at 1-888-375-DEER (3337).

Contact: Miles Moretti Tel.: 801-230-2207 E-mail: miles@muledeer.org (photo available)

About
MDF The Mule Deer Foundation is one of the key conservation groups in North America working to restore, improve and protect mule deer, black-tailed deer and their habitat. With a focus on science and program efficiency, MDF has raised millions of dollars and put countless hours on the ground for mission-critical projects. MDF acknowledges regulated hunting as a viable management component and is committed to recruitment and retention of youth into the shooting sports and conservation. Get involved at www.muledeer.org or call 1-888-375-DEER.

Mule Deer Foundation US-89 Paunsaugunt Deer Crossing Project

Mule Deer Foundation

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah --(Ammoland.com)- In early November the Mule Deer Foundation (MDF) took decisive steps to protect wildlife, while working across state lines and collaborating with state agencies and other groups.

MDF has ranked the US-89 Paunsaugunt Deer Crossing Project as a top priority for receiving funds from the Arizona Special Big Game License Program for Mule Deer.

MDF has committed funds from this Program – $25,000 per year, for the next four years – to help pay for materials and installation of fencing and wildlife crossings on US-89 between the Arizona border to Kanab, Utah.

The Paunsaugunt deer herd, one of the premier mule deer herds in the Southwest, summers in Utah and winters in northern Arizona on the renowned Arizona Strip deer herd unit. The herd must cross US-89 twice each year during the spring and fall migration, and a significant number of deer are killed by vehicle collisions.

Good solutions for the long stretch of highway seemed impractical. However, a recent review of accident data showed that constructing fencing along an 11.5 mile section would be a major help to reducing accidents.

The goal of the US-89 Paunsaugunt Deer Crossing Project is to provide safe passage for mule deer and improve safety for motorists and wildlife on Highway 89. The plan is to fence the highest accident area, between MP 36.8 to 48.2. The ends of the fencing will tie into existing large bridges at each end, where animals can cross under the highway. Because of the limited distance deer are willing to travel to look for crossing opportunities, four wildlife passages will also be constructed.

MDF President and CEO Miles Moretti commented, “What’s unusual, and also special, about this project is that MDF volunteers and Utah dedicated hunters will help build escape ramps for deer that might still end up on the highway. These efforts will help save more deer, as well as $150,000 in construction costs.”

MDF is partnering on this $2.4 million endeavor with state agencies and other conservation groups. The Utah Dept. of Transportation has allotted Enhancement Funding dollars from both federal and state funds. Additional monies include up to $50,000 from Utah’s Conservation Permit Program and $15,000 per year for the first two years through the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Big Game Donation funds.

Ground work should begin on the US-89 Paunsaugunt Deer Crossing Project next year. Contact: Marty Holmes Tel.: 719-221-0732 E-mail: marty@muledeer.org

About MDF:
The Mule Deer Foundation is one of the key conservation groups in North America working to restore, improve and protect mule deer, black-tailed deer and their habitat. With a focus on science and program efficiency, MDF has raised millions of dollars and put countless hours on the ground for mission-critical projects. MDF acknowledges regulated hunting as a viable management component and is committed to recruitment and retention of youth into the shooting sports and conservation. Get involved at www.muledeer.org or call 1-888-375-DEER.

Laughter Appointed to Utah Wildlife Habitat Council

Utah Division of Natural Resources

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah --(Ammoland.com)- Mike Laughter, Regional Director for the Mule Deer Foundation (MDF), recently accepted an appointment to the Utah Wildlife Habitat Council.

The Council makes recommendations on how to distribute about $2.3 million each year. These dedicated funds, raised from hunting and fishing license sales, are used to enhance, preserve, manage, acquire and protect fish and wildlife habitat throughout the state of Utah.

Michael Canning, Habitat Section Chief for the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) said, “The Council works to restore habitat and improve hunter access. We are concerned about Utah’s deer herds, and believe Mike’s affiliation with the Mule Deer Foundation and his familiarity with habitat issues will be very beneficial.”

Council members include four individuals from the DWR and four citizens who represent big game, waterfowl, upland game and sportfishing interests. Laughter will now act as the big game representative.

Laughter has worked as a Regional Director with the Mule Deer Foundation for eight years. His region stretches from areas in Idaho, Nevada and Wyoming to the entire state of Utah, and he boasts of managing the eastern-most chapter of MDF in Atlanta, Ga. Laughter was born in Ogden, but now resides in the small town of Hooper, Utah. He has served on numerous committees for Utah state agencies and is on the oversight team for the Hardware Ranch Wildlife Management Area in Utah.

MDF’s Chief Operating Officer Eric Tycksen said, “This Wildlife Habitat Council appointment is quite an honor for Mike. MDF is proud to have him, his enthusiasm and his work ethic, as a valued member of our team.”

Laughter commented, “I am glad to be a part of MDF, and I appreciate all the support I’ve received. I look forward to this opportunity to serve on the Utah Wildlife Habitat Council and the chance to represent everything we have worked so hard for.” Laughter plans to participate in a Council meeting later this year.

In fiscal year 2010, the Utah Wildlife Habitat Council supported 68 new projects. These included habitat treatments, conservation easements and fishing piers. They also provided funding needed to manage the DWR’s Wildlife Management Areas. Total expenditures were $2.36 million. A total of 5,294 acres and nearly 10 stream miles were restored or conserved by projects with Habitat Council contributions.

About MDF: The Mule Deer Foundation is one of the key conservation groups in North America working to restore, improve and protect mule deer, black-tailed deer and their habitat. With a focus on science and program efficiency, MDF has raised millions of dollars and put countless man-hours on the ground for mission-critical projects. MDF acknowledges regulated hunting as a viable management component and is committed to recruitment and retention of youth into the shooting sports and conservation. Get involved at www.muledeer.org or call 1-888-375-DEER.

About UTAH DWR: The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources manages and protects Utah’s wildlife, as well as manages hunting and fishing opportunities within the state. For more information go to http://wildlife.utah.gov/dwr/.

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

MISSOULA, Mont. --(Ammoland.com)- Fighting invasive, encroaching vegetation and restoring native forage for elk and other wildlife are the main themes in a list of 2011 grants for Utah from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

Combined, the new RMEF funding totals $174,700 and affects 16 counties: Beaver, Cache, Carbon, Duchesne, Emery, Garfield, Grand, Iron, Millard, Piute, San Juan, Sanpete, Sevier, Tooele, Uintah and Utah.

An additional RMEF-funded conservation project–researching best designs for wildlife road crossings–has statewide interest.

“Fire suppression has slowly allowed pinyon and juniper to overtake many areas where elk once grazed, and non-native plants like cheatgrass are further reducing both the size and nutritional value of grasslands across Utah,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO. “Our grants this year are focused on restoring Utah elk country to a more natural and pristine condition.”

He added, “All together, the habitat improvement projects that RMEF is funding this year could add at least 18,000 acres to the 891,256 acres that we’ve previously helped to conserve or enhance for wildlife in Utah.”

Nationally, RMEF hopes to impact about 100,000 acres in 2011 to reach the 6 million acre lifetime mark in lands conserved or enhanced for elk and other wildlife.

Allen thanked RMEF volunteers and fundraiser attendees for building the organization’s grant coffers in Utah, saying, “Because of their amazing passion and generous support, a major conservation milestone is within reach.”

RMEF grants will help fund the following 2011 projects, listed by county:

• Beaver County–Improve water availability for elk and other wildlife by increasing storage capacity of an existing guzzler in the Woods Reservoir area of the Wah Wah Mountain Range.
• Cache County–Prescribe burn 1,392 acres to restore aspen and improve forage for elk in the Right Hand Fork area of Logan Canyon in the Wasatch-Cache National Forest.
• Carbon County–Prescribe burn 603 acres to improve forage for elk and reduce hazardous fuels in the Price Canyon Recreation Area of BLM lands northwest of Helper Utah; clear pinyon-juniper encroachment from 745 acres in Fish Creek and Dugout Creek areas of BLM lands.
• Duchesne County–Thin 657 acres of ponderosa pine to improve understory shrubs, grasses and forbs for elk, moose, mule deer, turkey and other wildlife in the Petty Mountain area of Ashley National Forest.
• Emery County–Aerially seed native grass and forbs and remove pinyon-juniper encroachment to improve 541 acres of elk habitat on BLM lands in the Grimes Wash area of Manti Mountains.
• Garfield County–Install a 10,000-gallon guzzler to provide water for elk, turkey and other species in the Dry Hollow area of Dixie National Forest.
• Grand County–Thin encroaching pinyon-juniper from 900 acres of sagebrush flats used by elk and other wildlife in the Book Cliffs area between Cedar Camp Ridge and Willow Flats; aerially seed native grass, forbs and shrubs on 324 acres in Moon Ridge area of Book Cliffs; prescribe burn and seed 1,100 acres on the San Arroyo Burn Pasture in the Cisco Desert of BLM lands near the Colorado/Utah border.
• Iron County–Mulch and hand-thin encroaching pinyon-juniper on 1,700 acres of sagebrush-steppe habitat used as winter range by elk on BLM land southeast of Beaver, Utah. This is the sixth year of an ongoing project to improve habitat on over 9,000 acres in the area (also affects Beaver County).
• Millard County–Aerially apply herbicide to reduce and control cheatgrass invasion on 645 acres of elk habitat northeast of Holden, Utah.
• Piute County–Thin pinyon-juniper to improve 1,000 acres of sagebrush-steppe habitat used by elk and mule deer in the City Creek area of Fishlake National Forest; install exclosure fencing to prevent overbrowsing in five aspen stands in the Box Creek area of Monroe Mountain in Fishlake National Forest (also affects Sevier County).
• San Juan County–Thin encroaching pinyon-juniper from 800 acres of elk winter range in the Dry Wash, Johnson Creek and Recapture drainages of Manti La-Sal National Forest; re-seed native vegetation on 1,311 acres as the first phase of a larger project to improve habitat in the Peters Canyon area of BLM lands north of Monticello, Utah.
• Sanpete County–Remove encroaching pinyon-juniper from 607 acres of ponderosa pine, sagebrush and cottonwood habitat used by elk and other wildlife in the southern portion of the Ferron Ranger District of Manti La-Sal National Forest (also affects Emery County).
• Sevier County–Improve elk and deer transitional habitat on 268 acres by mechanically treating pinyon-juniper and aerially seeding native grass and forbs in the Old Woman Plateau area east of Salina, Utah; remove pinyon-juniper, treat cheatgrass and re-seed native vegetation on 966 acres south of Glenwood, Utah.
• Statewide–Continue research on the effectiveness of different sizes, types and locations of wildlife road crossings across Utah. Results will help determine most effective designs to allow elk and other wildlife to move safely under and over roads.
• Tooele County–Remove pinyon-juniper encroachment on 150 acres of sagebrush-steppe habitat used by elk on the west side of Deep Creek Mountains on BLM lands; remove pinyon-juniper and reclaim areas damaged by illegal OHV use to improve forage on 1,561 acres in the foothills of the Oquirrh Mountains of BLM lands.
• Uintah County–Construct temporary exclosure fencing to prevent over-browsing by elk on 14 young aspen stands covering 60 acres in Book Cliffs area; mechanically thin 392 acres of pinyon-juniper encroachment to restore sagebrush habitat in the Boulevard Ridge area of Book Cliffs.
• Utah County–Improve forage for elk and mule deer by removing pinyon-juniper on 242 acres in Spanish Fork Canyon of Manti La-Sal National Forest.

Projects are selected for grants using science-based criteria and a committee of RMEF volunteers and staff along with representatives from partnering agencies and universities.

Partners for 2011 projects in Utah include Bureau of Land Management (BLM), National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, U.S. Forest Service, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, other agencies, organizations and landowners.

Since 1985, RMEF and its partners have completed 315 different conservation and hunting heritage outreach projects in Utah with a combined value of more than $30.4 million.

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:
Snowy peaks, dark timber basins and grassy meadows. RMEF is leading an elk country initiative that has conserved or enhanced habitat on over 5.9 million acres–a land area equivalent to a swath three miles wide and stretching along the entire Continental Divide from Canada to Mexico. RMEF also works to open, secure and improve public access for hunting, fishing and other recreation. Get involved at www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.

Mule Deer Foundation

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah –-(Ammoland.com)- The Mule Deer Foundation and Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife presented a check for $283,500 to the Utah Division of State Parks and Recreation for wildlife habitat improvement and management work on Antelope Island State Park which is located in the Great Salt Lake.

The funds were raised from the auction of a Mule Deer tag and a California Bighorn Sheep tag to be hunted on the Island this fall.

The tags were auctioned last February at the Western Hunting and Conservation Expo (WHCE) held in Salt Lake City.

The Mule Deer Tag sold for $265,000 and the Sheep tag sold for $50,000. The WHCE retains ten percent of the sale price.

Mule deer have not been hunted on Antelope Island for more than 30 years. Bighorn Sheep have not previously been hunted on the Island. The bighorn sheep were transplanted to the Island in 1997 by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. The sheep herd has served as a source of transplant animals for the West Desert area of Utah.

The most visible Island resident is the bison. “From bison and bighorn sheep, to mule deer and pronghorn, all island wildlife will benefit from this generous gift,” said Director Mary Tullius, Utah State Parks and Recreation.

Mike Styler, Executive Director of the Department of Natural Resources said, “This is a prime example of sportsmen reinvesting in habitat, and in this case the recipient is a great state park. Because of one deer and one bighorn sheep tag, we will have more than $280,000 invested directly into habitat work.”

Byron Bateman, President of Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife said, “The $283,500 raised at this year’s Expo is a win/win for Utah State Parks and the bighorn sheep and mule deer that live on Antelope Island with 100% of the money going directly to projects to benefit both species.”

State Park budgets have been reduced in recent years resulting in layoffs and some parks potentially being shut down. The auctioning of these special tags will bring much needed funds to help maintain and improve wildlife habitat on the Island that wouldn’t be available due to the budget cuts.

“We are glad we can help fund wildlife projects on Antelope Island during these difficult economic times,” said Miles Moretti, President and CEO of the Mule Deer Foundation. “This is a great example of a public/private partnership finding innovative ways to provide funding for the Park.”

In addition to the two auction tags, a public drawing was held for one deer and one sheep tag. The hunts will take place in November.

About MDF (www.muledeer.org) The Mule Deer Foundation is one of the key conservation groups in North America working to restore, improve and protect mule deer, black-tailed deer and their habitat. With a focus on science and program efficiency, MDF has raised millions of dollars and put countless man-hours on the ground for mission-critical projects. MDF acknowledges regulated hunting as a viable management component and is committed to recruitment and retention of youth into the shooting sports and conservation. Visit the MDF Web site or call 1-888-375-DEER.

About SFW (www.sfwsfh.org) Headquartered in North Salt Lake, Utah, SFW is a charitable, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. The mission of SFW is to promote the protection and enhancement of wildlife habitat, assist in providing quality wildlife management programs, educating the public about the role hunters play in wildlife conservation, and perpetuating the family tradition of hunting and fishing. Visit the SFW Web site or call 801-936-1386.

The DWR is recommending a cougar hunting change. The change would allow biologists to better balance Utah's cougar and deer populations.

Utah Division of Natural Resources

Utah --(Ammoland.com)- A deer study that’s underway in Utah has provided two things—better information about the number of adult deer that are surviving from year to year and a chance to manage cougars in a way that should benefit deer the most.

Starting with the 2011–2012 cougar hunting season, biologists with the Division of Wildlife Resources would like to make the following changes:

They want to establish nine large cougar management areas in Utah. Each area would have smaller hunting units within it. The units would be used to set hunting permit numbers for the entire area.

After setting permit numbers for each unit in the area, biologists would add the number of permits together. The total number of permits would be the cougar objective for the entire area. Hunting would continue on all of the units in the area until the total objective for the area was reached or the season ended.
One additional factor—the number of female cougars taken in an area—could also result in the hunt in the area closing early. If a certain number of females were taken, the hunt would close early to protect the cougar population in the area.

More precise management
Kevin Bunnell, Wildlife Section chief for the DWR, says creating cougar management areas based on areas in the state where deer have had radio collars placed on them is a more precise way to balance the number of cougars and the number of deer.

“The study is giving us up-to-date information about the deer herds in these areas,” he says.

Bunnell says predation by cougars is just one of several reasons why adult deer die. And it’s probably not the major reason deer herds in many areas are struggling. “But when the number of adult deer in a herd is below average,” Bunnell says, “that’s an indication that cougars might be one of the factors that are limiting the growth of the herd.

“In a situation like this,” he says, “temporarily increasing the number of cougars that are taken can allow a deer population to expand.”

Bunnell says cougars rarely prey on deer fawns. Instead, they focus mostly on adult deer.

Helping bighorn sheep
Eight of the nine cougar management areas are centered around areas where radio collars were placed on female deer starting in 2009. The ninth “area” is actually three separate areas that have large populations of bighorn sheep.

DWR biologists want to manage the cougar areas that have bighorn sheep differently:

A minimum number of cougars to be taken would be set on these areas. Regardless of the number of female cougars taken, the hunt would not end until the minimum number of cougars was taken or the season ended.

Learn more, share your ideas

Information about all of the cougar hunting changes the DWR is recommending for the 2011–2012 season should be available at wildlife.utah.gov/public_meetings by July 18.

After you’ve reviewed the ideas, you can let your Regional Advisory Council members know your thoughts by attending your upcoming RAC meeting or by sending an email to them.

RAC chairmen will share the input they receive with members of the Utah Wildlife Board. The board will meet in Salt Lake City on Aug. 18 to approve rules for Utah’s 2011–2012 cougar hunt.

Dates, times and locations for the RAC meetings are as follows:

• Southern Region
  July 26, 7 p.m.
  Richfield High School
  510 W 100 S, Richfield
• Southeastern Region
  July 27, 6:30 p.m.
  John Wesley Powell Museum
  1765 E Main Street, Green River
• Northeastern Region
  July 28, 6:30 p.m.
  Bingham Entrepreneurship and Energy Research Center
  320 N Aggie Blvd (2000 W), Vernal
• Central Region
  Aug. 2, 6:30 p.m.
  Springville Civic Center
  110 S Main ST, Springville
• Northern Region
  Aug. 3, 6 p.m.
  Brigham City Community Center
  24 N 300 W, Brigham City

You can also provide your comments to your RAC via email. Email addresses for your RAC members are available at wildlife.utah.gov/public_meetings.

The group each RAC member represents (sportsman, non-consumptive, etc.) is listed under each person’s email address. You should direct your email to the people on the RAC who represent your interest.

Shooters can test their long-range rifle shooting skills in comfort at Spirit Ridge Rifle Golf, which is located a short drive north of Salt Lake City, Utah.

Spirit Ridge

TREMONTON, Utah --(Ammoland.com)- Shotgunners have skeet, trap and sporting clays and now there’s a new game in town for long-distance riflemen, thanks to Spirit Ridge Rifle Golf.

This 10,000-acre shooters’ paradise, located a short drive north of Salt Lake City, Utah, offers more than 30 realistic wildlife targets set at distances ranging from 175 to 1,300 yards.

Marksmen can test their long-range accuracy on multiple rifle golf targets set up at different angles and slopes along a 6-mile course. ATVs are used to travel to each of the four stations and shooters can choose from the classic course for newcomers or the more challenging masters’ course. Each hole or target is assigned a par value depending on the degree of difficulty. Shooters can cut strokes from their score by hitting the life-size wildlife targets in the vitals area. Successful shooters are rewarded by a “dinging” sound when they hit the steel target fitted to each silhouette.

“Rifle golf is an ideal way for hunters to practice their shooting skills. You’ll become a better shooter and identify your limits regarding how far you can accurately and consistently shoot,” said Jeff Petersen, Spirit Ridge guide. “For target shooters who love long-range shooting, rifle golf is a thrilling competition.”

Spirit Ridge Rifle Golf, set against the backdrop of north central Utah’s sweeping vistas, is a great place for friends and family to enjoy a fun target shooting adventure. Groups of four to six shooters are accompanied by a guide who assists with locating targets and scoring.

Each shooting station sits on a concrete slab covered by a metal awning and is equipped with shooting benches, a picnic table and chairs for participants, guides and spectators. The club house features meeting space, restrooms, showers and other amenities. Guests also will find lodging and restaurants in nearby Tremonton, Utah.

A single event costs only $50 and discounts are available for more frequent visitors. Spirit Ridge also can cater to larger groups and regularly hosts tournaments.

“We’re a one-of-a-kind shooting facility,” Petersen said. “While there are plenty of places to shoot targets, there’s no other operation like this. Nobody else has a range of this size and variety.”

Book your tee time now by calling 435-764-6980 or visit the website at www.spiritridgeriflegolf.com

About Spirit Ridge Rifle Golf
Spirit Ridge Rifle Golf was born in 2005 when we embarked on a mission to provide outdoorsmen and women with the most realistic, exhilarating and educational target shooting experience in the world. And we did it!

Spirit Ridge Rifle Golf, located a short drive north of Salt Lake City, Utah, is a must-see, must-do shooting adventure for hunters and all outdoors enthusiasts!

For more information: www.spiritridgeriflegolf.com

KSL.com Gun Classifieds

Utah Shooting Sports Council

Utah -–(Ammoland.com)- Sunday’s Deseret News has an article stating that KSL.com is considering banning classified ads for guns.

This change of policy appears to be based on the usual lies from the anti-gunners that private sales of firearms are a huge source of guns for criminals.

Whether or not you use or even plan to use KSL.com to buy or sell guns they need to hear from you as soon as possible. Let them know that you do not want them to ban classified ads for firearms.

This is a much bigger issue than losing an online option to buy and sell guns. The issue here is the demonization of guns and gun owners, and that is part of the anti-gun crowd’s long standing goal to eliminate all private sales and media advertising for guns, especially in any sort of classified ads.

If KSL.com bans firearm classified ads they will be making a statement that the lawful buying and selling of firearms is something dangerous and dirty. That placing an ad to sell a gun is the equivalent to placing an ad for prostitution or illegal drugs, things KSL currently prohibits. A ban on firearms advertising will work nicely to advance the anti-gun agenda to demonize the lawful ownership of firearms.

The Deseret News and KSL.com are seeking input on this matter. Please go to the following links and let them know what you think.

KSL.com poll/questionnaire- http://ksl.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_cIvAeOWbZyDByqU

Deseret News article on guns in Utah, permits, etc,- very long- read it and then post comments at the end: www.deseretnews.com/article/700121981/Welcome-to-Gun-Land-Utah-concealed-firearm-permits-attract-gun-lovers-critics.html

Related Deseret News article just on the topic of KSL.com banning gun listings:
www.deseretnews.com/article/700121967/KSLcom-reviewing-whether-to-allow-gun-listings.html

USSC is disappointed that the Deseret News chose to interview two anti-gun activists, balanced somewhat by interviews with two staunchly pro-gun legislators, but failed to seek input from any gun rights groups in Utah. While it was not as biased as some reporting has been in other media outlets, it is disappointing that even the Deseret News has veered to the left in their gun views.

About:
The Utah Shooting Sports Council represents the citizens of Utah who safely and legally own and use firearms, exercising rights guaranteed under both the United States and Utah constitutions. Visit: www.utahshootingsports.com

KnifeRights.org

Gilbert, AZ --(Ammoland.com)- Utah Governor Gary R. Herbert has signed the Knife Rights backed Knife Law Preemption Bill, HB 271, making Utah the nation’s second state to enact Knife Law Preemption.

Knife Rights would like to thank the bill’s chief sponsor, Representative Ryan D. Wilcox and the Senate sponsor, Senator Allen M. Christensen, for their support.

Knife Rights appreciates Governor Herbert’s signing the bill promptly. We’d also like to thank the Utah Shooting Sport Council for all their support during our lobbying effort.

Knife Rights Chairman, Doug Ritter, said, “we are very pleased to have Utah become the second state in the nation to pass Knife Law Preemption, helping to lead the way to a sharper future. Knife Rights’ National Knife Law Preemption Campaign is now gaining momentum and this law is further proof that Knife Rights is leading the charge in legislative initiatives to decriminalize knife possession and improve or eliminate restrictive knife laws.”

The bill becomes law 60 days after adjournment of the Legislature. You can read the text of the bill here: www.kniferights.org/hb0271.pdf

Knife Rights would like to offer our special thanks to Blade HQ of Lehi, Utah, for their financial support for this effort and for testifying in support of the bill at the Legislature. Knife Rights cannot pass legislation alone, we need the support of our members and the knife community to pay for lobbying and other expenses. Blade HQ not only support Knife Rights as a Corporate Member, but when the opportunity arose to move this legislation in Utah, they were was willing to step up and help make it a reality.

We urge you to support companies like Blade HQ that are helping to make a difference and protect or improve the law to benefit all knife owners.

Passing legislation such as this takes money, plain and simple. Help support out efforts to improve the laws for all knife owners. Please donate today to support Knife Rights: www.bit.ly/fMccv9

Join or Renew your Knife Rights membership today! www.bit.ly/2QEVMP

About:
Knife Rights has quickly grown to become America’s largest grassroots knife owners organization. Invest in a Sharper Future. Become a Knife Rights member and make a contribution to support the fight for your knife rights. Visit www.kniferights.org

Utah Shooting Sports Council

Utah --(Ammoland.com)- H.B. 75 (1st Substitute) will be coming to the House floor for a vote very soon, probably Friday.

This bill eliminates some of the more onerous definitions of “on or about school premises.”

And it protects law-abiding gun-owners who might otherwise be inadvertently ensnared by Utah’s overly expansive “Gun Free School Zone” definition which is much broader than in federal law or nearby states. We expect it to be a close vote and your Representative needs to hear from you ASAP.

Politicians respond to polite contacts from voters, and YOUR emails and phone calls really do make a difference.

If YOU don’t take action to defend gun rights, don’t complain when we all lose them.

We need to get this pro-gun bill passed by the House, and then passed by the Senate.

Here are some important points about this bill :

HB 75 won’t affect colleges or universities. It doesn’t allow “guns in schools.” It’s a common sense step that brings our definition in line with surrounding states and protects honest gun-owners.

Utah’s current definition of “on or about school premises” is far too broad. Under the current definition, you may have unintentionally violated Utah’s gun-free school-zone act many times. The federal law is limited to K-12 schools, but Utah law adds day-care centers, pre-schools and vocational schools. Utah law includes a 1,000-foot “gun free zone” around each of these “schools.” Thus, for example, under state law you’re on “school premises” if you get within 1,000 feet of a day-care center that’s operating inside a private residence, or if you get within 1,000 feet of a small cosmetology school located in a strip mall.

This bill will cease turning well-meaning gun-owners into inadvertent criminals. It brings the definition in line with what everyone considers to be schools: K-12 and colleges or universities.

This bill can be called up for a vote by the full House any time, probably Friday.

Full text and status of the bill at: http://le.utah.gov/~2011/htmdoc/hbillhtm/HB0075S01.htm

ACTION REQUIRED

ASK ALL HOUSE MEMBERS TO VOTE FOR HB75 Dangerous Weapon Amendments. Please email, fax or call as soon as possible as they could vote on this very soon. Use the following message. (Contact info follows the sample email) House FAX number for all members is (801) 326-1544

SAMPLE EMAIL, FAX OR PHONE MESSAGE
Subject: VOTE FOR HB 75 Dangerous Weapon Amendments

Dear Representative ___________
I am asking you to VOTE FOR HB 75 (1st Substitute) “Dangerous Weapon Amendments,” sponsored by Representative Curt Oda.

This bill continues to ensure the safety of K-12 schools and colleges or universities.

Utah’s current definition of “on or about school premises” is far too broad and should be brought into line with surrounding states and common sense.

Currently it is impossible for gun owners to identify all the “school zones” where guns are prohibited around day cares, pre-schools, vocational schools and the like. Even worse, school field trips create an invisible almost half-mile wide “roving gun-free school-zone.”

This bill is needed to protect well-meaning gun-owners from being turned into inadvertent criminals by simply passing through invisible restricted areas.

Please VOTE FOR HB 75.

Sincerely.

[insert your name, and when contacting your own Representative, your address so they know you are in their district]

END OF SAMPLE EMAIL OR FAX

Contact YOUR REPRESENTATIVE and as many others as you can right away.

Use this easy tool to identify your Utah Representative District and find your representative’s email address and phone number-

http://www.le.utah.gov/GIS/findDistrict.jsp

Just enter your address, and then click on the name of the REPRESENTATIVE and then click on their email address to open a form where you can cut and paste the message above.

If you know your district or your Representative’s name you can go to the House roster and click there for the email addresses for all Utah Representatives:  http://www.utah.gov/house/representatives.html

Thanks for your time!

About:
The Utah Shooting Sports Council represents the citizens of Utah who safely and legally own and use firearms, exercising rights guaranteed under both the United States and Utah constitutions. Visit: www.utahshootingsports.com

KnifeRights.org

Gilbert, AZ --(Ammoland.com)- Utah State Representative Ryan D. Wilcox has introduced a Knife Rights backed Knife Law Preemption bill in the Utah House of Representatives.

HB 271 prohibits a municipality, county, or local district from regulating the use of a knife unless specifically authorized. Read HB 271: http://bit.ly/f1GPNm

Rep. Wilcox’s bill is modeled on Knife Rights’ Knife Preemption Law passed in Arizona last year. Knife Rights, with support from Utah sportsmen’s groups, local knife owners and other organizations is working hard to pass H.B. 271.

Without H.B. 271 law abiding knife owners in Utah could face a confusing patchwork of local knife laws and ordinances which could cause an otherwise law abiding knife owner to be in violation. While Utah currently has few knife ordinances, H.B. 271 is critical to keeping it that way.

Utah residents should call, write or email their State Representatives urging support for HB 271. You can find your Representatives here: www. le.utah.gov/GIS/findDistrict.jsp

About:
Knife Rights has quickly grown to become America’s largest grassroots knife owners organization. Invest in a Sharper Future. Become a Knife Rights member and make a contribution to support the fight for your knife rights. Visit www.kniferights.org

Utah Shooting Sports Council

Utah --(Ammoland.com)- Everyone is invited to this free event.

The 45 minute ceremony at the Capitol building to honor John M. Browning and the 100th anniversary of the adoption of the Model 1911 pistol begins at noon on Monday.

The great exhibit of John M. Browning designed guns will be open all day, from 8:00 AM to about 5:00 or 6:00 PM. The exhibit will be in the beautiful rotunda, and if you have not been to the Capitol, it is double worth the trip to see this great gun exhibit and the beautiful building.

This is a special one day, once in a lifetime exhibit, so don’t miss it!

How many items designed before 1926 are still in production today, virtually unchanged, other than some of Browning’s guns?

Although Browning died in 1926, at least fifteen different guns he designed are still in production today, ranging from the unsurpassed Model 1911 pistol and tireless .50 caliber Browning Machine Gun to the Model 97 pump shotgun, and the Model 62 .22 pump rifle.

Even Browning’s first commercial design, the 1885 Single shot rifle is currently in production. And, the world’s most popular sporting arm, the Model 94 .30-30 “deer rifle,” his Woodsman .22 caliber pistol, along with several others.

A free video will be shown in the Capitol media room highlighting the life and contributions of John M. Browning.

The exhibit is a joint effort by the Fort Douglas Military Museum; the John M. Browning Firearms Museum (Union Station), in Ogden; Browning, Morgan, UT; the Utah Gun Collectors Association, the Utah National Guard and the Utah Shooting Sports Council.

For more information on John M. Browning’s life and work, and to download a selection of historic photos, please visit www.fortdouglas.org/jmb2011/index.htm

About:
The Utah Shooting Sports Council represents the citizens of Utah who safely and legally own and use firearms, exercising rights guaranteed under both the United States and Utah constitutions. Visit: www.utahshootingsports.com

1911 pistol was adopted by the US Army March 29 1911

Browning Firearms

Morgan, UT --(Ammoland.com)- In recognition of his lasting contributions to the development of firearm design and the military defense of the United States, the Utah State Legislature has officially designated January 24, 2011 as John M. Browning Day.

A native of Ogden, Utah, John M. Browning is widely considered the world’s greatest firearms designer, and many of his gun designs remain popular around the globe to this day.

The official commemoration will take place on January 24th at the Utah State Capitol Rotunda in Salt Lake City. Planned activities throughout the day include a display of many rare, historic and unique Browning firearms and modern military aircraft. The public is invited to attend and there is no charge for the event.

Utah Governor Gary Herbert is scheduled to make a formal presentation of the resolution to Christopher Browning, the great grandson of John M. Browning, at the noon ceremony on the capitol steps. A fly-by of F16 fighters from Hill Air Force Base in Ogden is also planned for the noon hour (weather permitting).

Also on the agenda for the Utah State Legislature’s 2011 session is a resolution by Rep. Carl Wimmer (R-Salt Lake) designating the Browning-designed 1911 pistol as the Official Utah State Firearm.

2011 represents the 100th anniversary of the adoption of Browning’s 1911 .45 caliber automatic pistol by the US Army. After a full century of service this pistol design remains in active military use with US special operations forces and is more popular than ever among civilians, gun collectors, competitive shooters and law enforcement officers.

For more information on John M. Browning’s life and work, and to download a selection of historic photos, please visit these links:

• John M. Browning Historic Timeline
• The History of the 1911 Pistol
• Popular John M. Browning Firearm Designs – 1885 to 1926

You must complete a free online course before gathering shed antlers in Utah. Photo by Brent Stettler

Utah Division of Natural Resources

Utah --(Ammoland.com)- Late winter and early spring is the worst time of the year for elk, moose and especially deer in Utah.

Deep snow makes it harder for deer to move and find food in the winter. And cold temperatures sap the deers’ strength. By the time winter ends, deer are usually the weakest they’ll be all year.

Winter is also the time of year when male deer, elk and moose shed their antlers. The animals will be without antlers until this spring, when they’ll start to grow a new set.

Gathering shed antlers
Gathering antlers that drop off the heads of deer, elk and moose is an activity that’s grown in popularity across the country, including here in Utah.

The challenge with shed-antler gathering is that it happens during the worst time of the year for the animals and the habitat they rely on in the winter.

“By the time winter ends, the animals are stressed,” says Mike Fowlks, Law Enforcement Section chief for the Division of Wildlife Resources.

“The habitat they rely on in the winter is also wet,” he says. “It’s easily damaged. Once the habitat is damaged, it can take years for it to recover.”

Fortunately, Fowlks says you can have fun gathering shed antlers without stressing the animals and damaging their habitat.

“A free course that’s available at our website will show you how,” he says.

Fowlks says you must complete the DWR’s Antler Gathering Ethics course if you want to gather shed antlers in Utah between Feb. 1 and April 15, 2011.

Free course
The free course is available at wildlife.utah.gov/shedantler. After you finish the course, make sure you print a certificate that shows you’ve completed the course.

“And make sure you carry your certificate with you,” Fowlks says. “By law, you must have your certificate with you while you’re gathering shed antlers.”

If you have young children, and you’ve completed the course, your children don’t need to complete it. As long as you’ve completed the course, your certificate will cover your kids too.

Fowlks says if you complete the course, you can gather antlers across Utah.

“Please remember, though, that many of the state’s wildlife management areas are closed in the spring and the winter to protect wildlife,” he says.

You must complete the course if you want to gather shed antlers between Feb. 1 and April 15. If you wait until April 15 or later to gather antlers, you don’t need to complete the course.

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

Jim Karpowitz, director of the Division of Wildlife Resources, has written a letter to Utah's deer hunters. Photo by Brent Stettler

Utah Division of Natural Resources

Utah --(Ammoland.com)- Since the end of the deer hunt, I have received numerous e-mails from sportsmen who are concerned about the condition of the deer herd in Utah.

For many sportsmen, this proved to be a difficult deer hunt.

Our checking stations also suggest that success was down in many areas of the state. The weather was not good, and the hunt was short, but this does not fully explain the lack of deer observed by many hunters.

As an avid deer hunter myself, I want all of you to know that I understand your concerns, and I share your frustrations that deer hunting is not better in Utah. From both a personal and a professional perspective, I would like to see better deer hunting in Utah.

We are working very hard at the DWR to make sure we are doing everything we can to improve our deer herd and to improve deer hunting. It has been and continues to be a top priority for the Division. We have a comprehensive deer management plan that lays out a path to improve deer populations. Tens of millions of dollars have been invested in the last five years to implement the deer plan and to help our struggling deer herd. We will continue to focus whatever resources and personnel we have to improve our deer populations around the state.

We can certainly do more, but what we have done in recent years is both significant and noteworthy. I would like to take just a minute to review some of the things that have been done and that we will continue to do to help our deer herd.

1. Habitat — We are conducting the most massive effort to restore mule deer habitat conditions ever undertaken in Utah, or in the West. In the last five years, the Division, along with its many partners, has improved mule deer habitat on more than 600,000 acres at a cost of more than $70 million. Habitat improvement projects often take a few years before they begin to pay off, but I am confident that in the long term they will result in healthier deer populations throughout the state. Our deer management plan has an objective to improve another 500,000 acres of habitat in the next five years.
2. Predators — The Division recognizes that coyotes and other predators can cause significant mortality, especially among mule deer fawns, and that predator control is an important part of a deer management program. In the last five years, the Division has provided almost $3 million to Wildlife Services to control coyotes in areas that are important to our deer populations. Last year alone, Wildlife Services killed more than 1,700 coyotes in critical deer habitat areas with funding and guidance provided by the Division. The Division would like to expand our predator control efforts if we can obtain new funding.
3. Highway Mortality — Deer-auto collisions are responsible for the death of thousands of deer annually. We are working closely with the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) to reduce highway mortality, and we appreciate their cooperation in addressing this serious issue. In the past five years, UDOT has spent more than $45 million on fencing and highway bypass structures around the state for both mule deer and elk. The Division is also providing funding to Utah State University for a study to further identify the most effective types of highway bypass structures for both deer and elk.
4. Poaching — The Division has stepped up our law enforcement efforts and put more resources into catching poachers who steal many deer from Utah sportsmen each year. Several high-profile arrests have recently been made of poachers who have unlawfully killed multiple deer. Information we receive from sportsmen, alerting us to illegal activity, has been a key to our law enforcement success.
5. Disease — Diseases can cause significant mortality in deer populations. The Division has expended more than $1 million in the last five years in the surveillance and research of chronic wasting disease and other diseases that affect mule deer.
6. Research — The Division has initiated numerous research projects in recent years to better understand the factors that are negatively affecting our mule deer populations. Last winter, the Division embarked on an extensive statewide radio telemetry study to better understand over-winter survival of both does and fawns. Hundreds of deer will be collared over the next few years—at an expense of more than $1 million—in order to gain better information about deer survival rates. The Division is also planning a comprehensive productivity study that will focus on the impacts of predators on mule deer fawns.
7. Emergency Feeding — The Division has an emergency winter feeding policy for deer should unusually severe conditions arise that warrant supplemental feeding. Even though feeding deer is both expensive and labor intensive, the Division has resources set aside for emergency situations. In 2008, the Division, in concert with several sportsman organizations, fed more than 14,000 deer in the Northern Region at a cost of more than $228,000.

There are several meetings scheduled over the next few days that should be of interest to sportsmen. On Thursday, December 2, the Wildlife Board will decide how we will hunt mule deer bucks for the next several years. While hunting and buck harvest is a very important social consideration, it has very little to do with increasing overall deer numbers. Having a few more bucks in the post-season population will have virtually no effect on deer herd productivity or total deer numbers.

The more important part of that meeting will occur on Wednesday, December 1, when the Division will discuss with the Board how we can improve and increase deer populations throughout the state.

Beginning at 1 p.m. on December 1, the Division will discuss the issues listed above as well as any other issues related to mule deer population management. We invite any of the public who would like to attend this meeting to come and listen to what is being done for mule deer and what we can do better. We have also been working to have this meeting streamed via the Internet so you can listen on your home computer. The meeting will also be recorded and posted on our website, along with the PowerPoint presentations, so you can get the information at a later time. I hope all of the sportsmen of Utah will take the time to either listen to the meeting live or to the recording of the meeting.

There is also a “deer forum” being sponsored by KFAN radio on Tuesday, November 30. This forum will discuss the same issues that will be talked about at the Board meeting on December 1. The Division will be in attendance at the forum to answer questions from sportsmen about how we can help our struggling deer population. The Division will not be at the forum to discuss deer hunt strategies—that will be the topic of the Wildlife Board meeting scheduled for December 2.

In conclusion, we appreciate your interest and concern about deer in Utah. We want you to know that we are working diligently to improve the condition of our deer herd. I invite you to be a part of the important meetings scheduled for next week. If you want to know what is currently being done, or to discuss what needs to be done to improve our deer herds, I invite you to attend or listen to the Wildlife Board meeting on December 1. If your main concern is how we will be hunting bucks in the future, then I hope you will attend the Board meeting on December 2.

Thanks for your time and your continued support of Utah’s wildlife.

Youth Duck Hunting - Several States Hold Youth Hunting Days, Including Utah.

Utah Division of Natural Resources

Utah --(Ammoland.com)- Hunters 15 years of age and younger will have Utah’s marshes—and the ducks and geese that go with it—all to themselves on Sept. 18, 2010.

That’s the day Utah hosts its annual Youth Hunting Day.

Tom Aldrich, migratory game bird coordinator for the Division of Wildlife Resources, says Youth Hunting Day is a perfect way to get your children involved in duck and goose hunting.

“The marshes are usually filled with ducks in mid-September,” Aldrich says, “so your kids should see plenty of birds and get plenty of shots.

“And because adults can’t hunt that day, your kids get all of your attention,” he says. “Youth day might be one of the best days you have in the marsh all season.”

Shooting on Youth Hunting Day starts at 6:41 a.m. Hunting is open to those who are 15 years of age or younger.

To qualify, you must be a Hunter Education course graduate, have a current hunting license and Harvest Information Program (HIP) number, and be accompanied by an adult.

Learn more
More information about Youth Hunting Day, including the number of ducks and geese your kids can take, is available on page 30 of the 2010–2011 Utah Waterfowl Guidebook.

The guidebook should be available at wildlife.utah.gov/guidebooks by Sept. 9, 2010.

Utah Division of Natural Resources

Salt Lake City, UT -(Ammoland.com)- If you’re interested in Utah’s cougars, pay attention to the Division of Wildlife Resource’s latest cougar hunting proposals—they’ll be in effect for the next three years.

The Division is proposing rules that would guide cougar hunting in Utah for the next three years.

“Keeping the hunting rules and permit numbers consistent will give our efforts to manage cougars more time to work,” says Kevin Bunnell, mammals coordinator for the DWR. “And that will result in future recommendations that will be best for the cougars and for the animals the cougars prey on.”

Utah’s cougar management plan was updated in 2009. This is the first season cougars will be managed under the new plan.

In addition to keeping the number of hunting permits consistent for three years, the plan gives biologists more direction on how to manage cougars on units that have bighorn sheep. It also provides more direction on how to manage cougars on units where the number of mule deer—the main animal cougars prey on—is still under the goal specified in unit management plans.

For the 2010–2011 season, biologists are recommending a slight increase in the number of cougars hunters can take. They estimate raising the number by about eight percent will result in hunters taking an average of about 325 cougars each season for the next three seasons.

Photo by Lynn Chamberlain

Over the past three seasons, hunters took an average of 300 cougars each season.

(The state’s cougar management plan is available at wildlife.utah.gov/pdf/cmgtplan.pdf.)

Learn more, share your ideas

After you’ve reviewed the DWR’s cougar hunting proposals at wildlife.utah.gov/public_meetings, you can let your Regional Advisory Council members know your thoughts by attending your upcoming RAC meeting or by sending an e-mail to them.

RAC chairmen will share the input they receive with members of the Utah Wildlife Board. The board will meet in Salt Lake City on Aug. 19, 2010 to approve cougar hunting rules for the next three seasons.

For Dates and times of the RAC meetings can be found here.

You'll know by July 14 whether you drew a permit to hunt doe deer in Utah this fall. Photo by Ron Stewart

Utah Division of Natural Resources

Utah --(AmmoLand.com)- If you’re one of the more than 27,000 hunters who applied for an antlerless big game hunting permit for this fall, watch your e-mail closely on July 14, 2010.

You’ll know by July 14 whether you drew a permit to hunt doe deer in Utah this fall.

If you supplied the Division of Wildlife Resources with an e-mail address, you’ll receive an e-mail letting you know if you drew a permit.

If you didn’t supply an e-mail address, you can learn the results by calling 1-800-221-0659 or visiting wildlife.utah.gov.

This will be the first time the Division hasn’t mailed letters to applicants.

Judi Tutorow, wildlife licensing coordinator for the Division, says most of the 27,000 applicants supplied the agency with an e-mail address.

“If you don’t have access to the Internet, you can still get your results fast by calling the 1-800 number starting July 14,” she says. “The phone line is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”

For more information, call the Utah Hunt Application office at 1-800-221-0659. You can also call the nearest Division office or the Division’s Salt Lake City office at 801-538-4700.

If you don’t have a permit to hunt buck deer in Utah this fall, June 17, 2010 is the next chance to get one. A total of 5,500 permits for the Northern Region will go on sale at 7 a.m. that morning. Photos by AJ Rogers

Utah Division of Natural Resources

Utah --(Ammoland.com)- If you don’t have a permit to hunt buck deer in Utah this fall, your next chance to get one begins June 17, 2010.

That’s when Northern Region rifle and muzzleloader permits that were not taken in this year’s big game draw go on sale. Buy a permit If you don’t have a permit to hunt buck deer in Utah this fall, June 17, 2010 is the next chance to get one. A total of 5,500 permits for the Northern Region will go on sale at 7 a.m. that morning.

Most of Utah’s buck deer permits were taken in the draw, but 5,500 Northern Region rifle and muzzleloader permits are still available.

Bull elk permits to hunt during Utah’s general season also go on sale June 17, 2010.

You can buy a permit starting at 7 a.m. at the DWR’s website (wildlife.utah.gov) and from DWR offices and more than 300 hunting license agents across Utah.

The website will be busy

“Our website will be busy on the morning of June 17,” says Judi Tutorow, wildlife licensing coordinator for the DWR. “If the site reaches the maximum number of people it can serve, a message will pop up indicating the site has reached its full capacity.

“If that happens, stay on the site and be patient,” she says. “You should be able to access the site again in just a few minutes.”

When did permits sell out in 2009?
In 2009, buck deer permits that were not taken in the 2009 draw went on sale on June 11. Permits to hunt in the Northern Region sold out on June 13, just two days after they went on sale.

General bull elk permits also went on sale on June 11 last year.

Permits to hunt on spike-only units sold out on Aug. 28. Permits to hunt on any-bull units sold out on Sept. 28.

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

A bighorn sheep from Montana is released onto Goslin Mountain in 2007. Photo by Ron Stewart

Utah Division of Natural Resources

Utah --(AmmoLand.com)- Recent surveys by Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) biologists have found most of the bighorns in the Goslin herd near the Green River in Daggett County are infected with the disease.

“We’ve noticed a decline in the Goslin population for a couple of years, but we weren’t able to identify the reason until recently,” says Charlie Greenwood, regional DWR wildlife manager.

In mid-February, Lowell Marthe, area wildlife biologist for Daggett County, saw a bighorn coughing. He then surveyed other animals in the area to determine if the coughing was an isolated event. Unfortunately, he found other bighorns coughing too. And some of the sheep were acting quite sick. Samples of lung tissue taken from several animals confirmed the animals had pneumonia.

The Goslin herd is relatively new. Bighorn sheep captured in Montana were reintroduced to the area in 2004 and 2007.

The population increased fairly rapidly after the 2004 release, which is normal for a new herd. That didn’t happen with the 2007 release, however. Lamb production and survival were poor and the total number of sheep started to decrease.

The population estimate dropped from 65 to 40 between 2008 and 2009.

Tough decisions
When a deadly disease infects a herd, wildlife managers have very few options. Native wild sheep have several things going against them: they’re very social animals, and they’ve evolved with few defenses or immunities against diseases. As a result, most diseases can be deadly to wild sheep. And those diseases can rapidly infect all the bighorns in an area.

Wildlife managers are left with two choices: watch the sheep die or try to keep the disease from spreading to other bighorns by severely culling (taking) animals from the herd.

“We’ve been watching similar events unfold in Montana, Washington and Nevada,” says Leslie McFarlane, DWR wildlife disease coordinator. “There’s no known cure for pneumonia in bighorns. [The good news is that] it’s not hazardous to livestock or humans.

“Taking infected sheep is the only way to prevent the disease from spreading to other bighorns in the herd,” McFarlane says. “It’s also the most humane thing to do. When sheep get pneumonia, it’s almost always fatal. We want to end the suffering as quick as we can.”

As of Feb. 22, 2010, the DWR had taken 26 bighorns from the Goslin herd. Biologists are closely monitoring another small band from this herd. Biologists haven’t noticed any coughing, but they’re concerned that these animals could also be infected.

Surveys of bighorns in nearby herds indicate that the animals in these herds are healthy.

“Our biggest concern is stopping the spread of the disease to the Bare Top, Carter Creek and Sheep Creek herds,” Greenwood says. “We are still trying to locate all of the animals in the Goslin unit. It’s not a pleasant task, but we know if we don’t get ahead of the disease, we could lose everything.”

Deadly legacy
Like many North American wild animals, ancestors of today’s wild sheep crossed the Bering Land Bridge from Asia. These sheep were isolated from their cousins in Asia, Europe and Africa by the great ice sheets that covered North America during the ice ages. They evolved into the bighorns (Ovis canadensis) and thinhorns (Ovis dalli) found today.

In addition to isolating the sheep, the ice sheets kept temperatures cold and dry. These conditions helped prevent diseases from spreading. As a result, North American wild sheep evolved few defenses or immunities against diseases.

In contrast, some of the sheep populations in Europe, Asia and Africa were domesticated. Great herds of domestic animals wandered the steppes and grasslands moving north or south as weather permitted. These great herds were breeding grounds for disease. Because they frequently encountered each other, the domestic sheep—exposed to a variety of diseases—developed strong defenses and immunities.

Wild sheep are highly social animals. They seek each other out and travel in small bands or larger herds. Individual bands will often mix with sheep from other herds. This mixing allows a disease to spread quickly from band to band and herd to herd.

When domestic sheep were introduced to the Americas, they brought their exotic diseases with them. These diseases proved deadly to native wild sheep and often eliminated entire populations. Bighorn sheep, once the most abundant large mammal in the mountainous areas of the West, were nearly driven to extinction by the early 1900s. Many factors, including competition for forage, habitat degradation and unregulated hunting all played their parts, but exotic diseases were the biggest factor.

Today’s bighorns are ancestors of isolated, remote bands that somehow escaped the exotic diseases rampaging through the herds as the Wild West was tamed. They still lack immunities to most diseases, and their survival depends mostly on remaining relatively isolated.

This deadly ice-age legacy—the lack of immunity to exotic diseases—is the biggest challenge still facing bighorns today.

Learn more
More information about river big horn sheep and their future in Utah is available in the state’s website:  www.wildlife.utah.gov

See as many as 10,000 snow geese

Utah Division of Natural Resources

Utah, Delta — -(Ammoland.com)- It’s a sight you have to see to believe: thousands of pure white snow and Ross’ geese lifting off Gunnison Bend Reservoir amid honks and the beating of wings.

You can see this spectacle yourself on Feb. 19, 20 and 21 at the annual Utah Snow Goose Festival. The festival will be held at and near Gunnison Bend Reservoir, just west of Delta. Admission is free.

As many as 10,000 snow geese have been at the reservoir during past festivals. Except for the black tips on their wings, snow geese are pure white.

“We’ll provide spotting scopes so you can get a close look at the geese,” says Bob Walters, Watchable Wildlife coordinator for the Division of Wildlife Resources. “We’ll also be available to answer any questions you have.”

In addition to seeing the geese, you can learn more about wildlife at free seminars offered by the DWR. The seminars will be held on Saturday, Feb. 20.

Thousands of snow geese at Gunnison Bend Reservoir. Photo by Lynn Chamberlain

The best times to see the geese

The areas where you’ll see the geese vary according to the time of the day.

“If you arrive early in the morning, you can watch the geese feeding in fields that surround the reservoir. Then, at about 10:30 a.m., the geese take off and fly back to the reservoir. That’s an exciting time to see and hear the geese,” Walters says.

After landing on the reservoir, the geese usually spend the next few hours there. “Then, anywhere from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., they take off again and fly back to the fields,” he says. “It’s thrilling to be there when the geese do this.”

DWR biologists will watch which fields the geese fly to. If you arrive after the geese have left the reservoir, the biologists will direct you to the fields where the geese are feeding.

Viewing tips:
Use binoculars or a spotting scope to view the geese. If you get too close to the geese, you could scare them away.
If you pull off the road to view the geese, pull as far off the road as you can. And watch for cars.
The weather could be cold and wet. Bring the proper clothes so you can stay warm and dry.
For more information about the 2010 Snow Goose Festival, call the Delta Area Chamber of Commerce at (435) 864-4316.

Utah Division of Natural Resources

Utah - -(Ammoland.com)- If you didn’t obtain a limited-entry permit to hunt wild turkeys in Utah this spring, don’t put your shotgun away. Permits for Utah’s first general statewide turkey hunt go on sale starting Feb. 16.

“We’re excited,” says Judi Tutorow, wildlife licensing coordinator for the Division of Wildlife Resources. “For the first time, every hunter who wants to hunt wild turkeys in Utah can hunt.”

Because the general hunt is brand new, Tutorow says the DWR has received lots of questions from hunters. She provides the following information:

You don’t have to get a permit on Feb. 16. General turkey permits are not limited in number, so they won’t run out. Permits will be available until the season ends on May 31.

Photo courtesy of Wild Turkey Federation

You can buy a general turkey permit and still keep all of your limited-entry turkey bonus points. You won’t lose any of your bonus points if you buy a general turkey permit.

If you buy a general turkey permit, you can hunt anywhere in Utah that’s open to turkey hunting.

If you obtained a limited-entry turkey permit, you can’t obtain a general turkey permit. (You can have only one turkey permit each year.)

You can buy a permit at wildlife.utah.gov starting Feb. 16. Permits will also be available at DWR offices and from more than 300 hunting license agents across Utah.

Two general hunts will be held:

The first hunt is a special youth hunt. This hunt is for hunters who are 15 years of age or younger. It runs April 30–May 2.

To participate, young hunters must buy a general statewide hunting permit. Young hunters who drew a limited-entry permit can’t participate in the youth hunt.

Youngsters who buy a permit for the youth hunt can also use the permit to hunt during Utah’s general statewide hunt. That hunt opens May 3.

The second hunt is open to anyone who buys a statewide general turkey permit. The hunt runs May 3–31.

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

BATFE

SALT LAKE CITY, UT — -(AmmoLand.com)- Federal firearms charges ranging from possession of an illegal machine gun to using a gun in furtherance of violent or drug trafficking crimes were filed against 170 individuals in Utah during 2009.

Gun cases are investigated and prosecuted as a part of Utah Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a coordinated initiative targeting gun and gang violence in Utah communities. The initiative, which includes federal, state, and local law enforcement officers and prosecutors, has been active in Utah for about 10 years. Utah has used Department of Justice funding to support a multi-jurisdictional task force housed at the ATF Field Office in Salt Lake City and in the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Jurisdictions around the state have worked with the special agents and task force officers to refer cases for investigation and prosecution.

The Utah PSN Task Force received national recognition for its work on several occasions, including awards recognizing the success of its partnerships in Utah, outstanding contributions by police officers and local prosecutors working with the task force, and media outreach efforts.

By way of comparison, 162 individuals were indicted in 2008, 204 in 2007, and 221 in 2006. Twelve indictments have been returned so far in 2010. While all violations of federal firearms laws are screened for prosecution, in recent years PSN officers and prosecutors have targeted firearms cases related to domestic violence, individuals with histories of violent crime arrests who were found in possession of a firearm, and individuals who make false statements on forms when purchasing firearm — “lie and buy” cases.

Of the 170 cases referred for prosecution last year, 143 targeted defendants were prohibited or restricted under federal law from possessing firearms. Included in the 143 are 92 individuals who had previous felony convictions; 35 individuals who were in the country illegally; nine individuals who were subject to a protective order or had previous domestic violence-related convictions; five who were addicted to drugs; one who was a fugitive; and one who was under indictment on another matter. (Federal law restricts individuals with felony convictions, drug addiction, domestic violence convictions, those subject to protective orders, those in the country illegally, or individuals under indictment from possessing firearms.)

Other PSN cases filed in 2009 include 35 defendants charged with possessing a firearm during the commission of violent or drug trafficking crimes. Eighteen defendants were charged with possession of stolen guns. Another 11 defendants were charged with possessing an unregistered firearm and two defendants were charged with stealing guns from a federal firearms licensee. Two defendants were charged with possessing a gun with an obliterated serial number. Individuals also were charged with possessing an illegal machine gun, transferring a gun to a juvenile and, lying on ATF forms to buy a gun. (Individual numbers add up to more than 170, because some individuals were charged with more than one count.)

“The goal of Utah Project Safe Neighborhoods is straightforward and clear — to disrupt gun violence strategically and comprehensively, using all available enforcement and prosecution tools and uniting federal, state and local efforts. We recognize that guns in the hands of convicted felons, individuals addicted to drugs or those engaged in violent crimes or drug trafficking offenses is a recipe for disaster in our communities,” Carlie Christensen, Acting U.S. Attorney for Utah, said today. “Project Safe Neighborhoods continues to be successful in Utah because of the consistently high level of cooperation between our partners.”

Melvin King, acting special agent in charge of ATF’s Denver Field Division, which includes Utah, said, “Today, more than ever, policing is a team effort if we are going to bring violent crime under control in our communities. ATF is grateful for the support and commitment of the state and local police departments who are supplying investigators and continued support for the PSN initiative.”

King also said it is important to understand that gun crime is not just a local or state issue. Criminals are passing guns from state to state and moving them into other countries, including Mexico and South America. “Violent criminals like these are our highest priority,” King said.

Examples of Informations/Indictments filed so far in 2010:

• David Tyrone Smith, 50, of Midvale, was charged in a two-count indictment returned Wednesday with retaliation against a federal official and possession of a firearm following a felony conviction. According to a complaint filed in the case, Smith was at the Social Security Administration office in Murray on Jan. 12, 2010, and became upset when he was advised that his disability claims had been denied. According to a complaint filed in the case, he made threats to shoot himself and others, including SSA employees or police officers. Smith ultimately left the SSA office. He was later arrested by Midvale police officers who found a .44 Taurus gun at Smith’s home in Midvale. Smith, who has a previous felony conviction, is prohibited from possessing a firearm.
• Ira Jay Walker, 33, and Christy Maria Carson, 27, both of Orem, are charged in an indictment returned Jan. 13, 2010, with possession of a stolen firearm. Walker also faces a one count of possession of a firearm after a felony conviction. Both counts carry potential 10-year sentences. Walker and Carson came to law enforcement’s attention in late November during an investigation of a stolen vehicle. The Orem Police Department officer investigating the case learned that a rifle was in the truck at the time of the theft. Information obtained during the course of the investigation led officers to Walker and Carson.
• Durango James Hart, 29, of Vernal, is charged in a one-count indictment with possession of an unregistered sawed-off shotgun. The charge carries a potential 10-year sentence. The charge against Hart stems from an investigation by the Uintah County Sheriff’s Office and the Vernal City Police Department.
• Jose Manuel Ortiz-Huerta, 33, of St. George, Utah, is charged in a felony information with being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm. The charge carries a potential 10-year sentence.

Defendants charged in indictments or felony informations are presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty in court.

Additional PSN case examples

• Troy Richard Opfar, 33, of West Valley City, charged in a two-count indictment returned in October 2007 with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, was sentenced to 96 months in federal prison (no parole) in July 2009 after pleading guilty to possessing two handguns. Opfar had previous convictions for possession of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, burglary, witness tampering, and possession of ammunition by a convicted felon.
• Andre Mark Vasquez, 65, of Salt Lake City, who pleaded guilty in May 2009 to two counts of armed bank robbery, two counts of brandishing a firearm during the commission of a violent crime, two counts of bank robbery, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, was sentenced in August 2009 to 492 months in federal prison. Vasquez’ sentence included 32 years for brandishing weapons during the bank robberies. Before one of the robberies — a May 23, 2008, robbery of TransWest Credit Union in Sandy — Vasquez created a distraction by calling police and reporting that he had seen an armed person entering a local high school. He then robbed the credit union.
• Jonathan William Rodgers, 22, of the Salt Lake City area was indicted in September 2009 on two firearms charges, possession of a firearm and ammunition following a felony conviction and possession of an unregistered shotgun. According to a complaint filed in the case, U.S. Marshals in Utah learned that two individuals who were wanted by Wyoming officials for escape were in Taylorsville, Utah. Rodgers was one of those individuals. Law enforcement officers found the truck the suspects were driving at an apartment complex. The truck was observed leaving the apartment complex and driving to a store at 4700 South and Redwood Road in Taylorsville. When the suspects started to leave the store parking lot, law enforcement officers attempted to stop them. According to the complaint, the driver of the truck attempted to ram a police car and a pursuit was initiated. The truck ended up running through a fence and into a ditch in the Murray area. Occupants of the truck fled but were later apprehended. Jonathan William Rodgers was one of the individuals in the truck. Inside of the truck, officers found a maroon duffle bag and a black back pack. A 12 gauge sawed off shotgun with four rounds in it was found in the maroon duffle bag. In the back pack, officers found three boxes of shotgun ammunition. They also found items belonging to Rodgers, including a wallet, jail booking paperwork, and a West Valley City citation for jaywalking. As a convicted felon, Rodgers is prohibited from possessing a firearm or any ammunition. Rodgers pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in October and was sentenced Jan. 12, 2010, to 33 months in federal prison.
• Richard Reynolds Hill, 55, of St. George, was charged in May 2009 with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and drug charges. He was arrested in May when officers from the St. George Police Department and the Washington County Drug Task Force served a search warrant at his home and he was found in possession of a Glock 9 millimeter pistol. Hill, who according to the complaint has multiple convictions, is prohibited from possessing a firearm. He pleaded guilty Nov. 2, 2009, to the firearms charge. Sentencing in the case is set for March 1, 2010. He faces up to 10 years in federal prison.

More information about the ATF, Project Safe Neighborhoods and its other programs is available at www.atf.gov.

International Sportsmen's Expositions Outdoor Adventure Show

International Sportsmen’s Exposition

Vancouver, WA - -(AmmoLand.com)- We are giving away $1400 worth of tickets!

International Sportsmen’s Expositions has allotted AmmoLand Shooting Sports News a small amount of FREE passes to the upcoming Outdoor Adventure Shows in Arizona, California, Colorado and Utah.

Any of our readers who live in these states and want to take advantage of these 100% Free passes / ticket please email us with the complete names of the two people attending, your contact information and the event you would like to attend. Tickets will then be held for you, in your name, at the Will Call window of each event.

Show Dates & Tickets Left

• Denver, CO January 7 – 10th 2010 …Tickets Remaining 20pc
• San Mateo, CA January 14 – 17th 2010 …Tickets Remaining 20pc
• Sacramento, CA January 21st – 24th 2010 …Tickets Remaining 20pc
• Phoenix, AZ February 26th – 28th 2010 …Tickets Remaining 20pc
• Salt Lake City, UT May 18th – 21st 2010 …Tickets Remaining 20pc

Limit is two passes per group. Check our Forum for tickets left available…

Read more about ISE events here: ISE Outdoor Adventure Show

About International Sportsmen’s Exposition (ISE)
Headquartered in Vancouver, Washington, ISE is the world’s premier producer of hunting, fishing and outdoor sports shows. ISE events are held in Denver, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, San Mateo and Sacramento. ISE events annually attract more than 200,000 attendees interested in fishing, hunting, camping and adventure travel. Visit: www.sportsexpos.com

Ammoland is not responsible for lost, missing or miss connected tickets. Contrary to popular belief we can’t fix stupid.

If your application is drawn to join Utah’s Dedicated Hunter program, you can hunt all three general buck deer seasons for the next three years. Photo by Bill Bates

Utah Division of Natural Resources

Utah --(AmmoLand.com)- Jan. 4 is the first day to apply for Dedicated Hunter program

You can hunt all three general buck deer seasons for the next three years if your application is drawn to join Utah’s Dedicated Hunter program.

And you can hunt those seasons in the region of your choice.

Applications to join the program will be accepted starting Jan. 4. Before you can apply, however, you must complete the program’s free online orientation course. The course will teach you more about the program.

You can take the course at wildlife.utah.gov/dh.

“The Dedicated Hunter program is a great program for the state’s deer hunters and for the state’s wildlife,” says Rhianna Christopher, volunteer services coordinator for the Division of Wildlife Resources.

“The program gives participants a chance to help mule deer and other wildlife by helping with habitat projects,” she says. “In return, you get to hunt deer all three seasons in the region of your choice.”

Christopher says the program is capped at 10,000 hunters. About 4,000 spots are open for 2010.

To be included in the draw to join the program, your application must be received no later than 11 p.m. on Jan. 19.

In addition to the required orientation course, wildlife.utah.gov/dh also provides an overview of the program. You can also call the nearest Division of Wildlife Resources office or (801) 538-4711 for more information.

DWR officers Brandon Baron, Casey Mickelsen and Ben Riley (left to right) show antlers from three bull elk poaching cases that have been successfully prosecuted. They need your help to solve the remaining seven. Photo by Brent Stettler

Utah Division of Natural Resources

Utah --(AmmoLand.com)- Wildlife officers have solved three bull elk poaching cases in east-central Utah.
Now they need your help to solve seven more.

“The seven bulls were taken on the Central Mountains-Manti and the Wasatch Mountains bull elk hunting units in east-central Utah,” says Casey Mickelsen, a sergeant with the Division of Wildlife Resources.

“Each of the bulls was killed illegally and then left to rot,” says Ben Riley, another DWR officer who is investigating the shootings. “Each one that was lost means fewer hunting opportunities for hunters and fewer chances to see these bulls while camping and hiking.”

“We need the public’s help to catch the people who killed these animals,” Mickelsen says. If you have information, please call Mickelsen at (435) 820-6010. You are not have to give him your name.

Because most of the bulls that were killed are considered trophy animals under Utah state law, you might be eligible for a limited-entry elk bull permit for the 2010 season or a cash award if you have information that leads to an arrest and conviction.

In the photo that accompanies this story, conservation officers Brandon Baron, Casey Mickelsen and Ben Riley (L-R) are holding the sets of antlers from the three cases that have been successfully prosecuted.

In front of them are the antler sets from the seven unsolved cases. (Each antler has a yellow tag next to it.):

1. 5×6 bull elk found on Oct. 18 on the Wasatch Mountains unit near Long Ridge in Utah County. Officers believe the elk was shot during the last week of the general-season spike elk hunt.
2. Spike bull that was also found on Oct. 18 near Long Ridge in Utah County. Officers believe whoever killed the 5×6 bull killed this bull too. The person left the elk to rot.
3. 7×8 bull elk poached in October 2008 on Black Mountain in the Muddy drainage in Emery County. Although the bull was killed more than a year ago, officers haven’t closed the case. They’re still searching for clues that will lead to the arrest and conviction of the person who killed this trophy animal.
4. 5×6 bull elk poached in Seeley Canyon in Sanpete County during the first week of the 2009 general-season spike elk hunt. This elk may have been killed by a spike elk hunter who shot into a herd of elk. Officers think other hunters may have been in the area and may have witnessed the shooting.
5. 6×6 bull elk poached near the intersection of the Buck Flat all-terrain vehicle trail and the North Face Road on Ferron Mountain in Sanpete County. This bull was probably shot during the last few days of the 2009 general-season spike bull hunt. Whoever shot this bull dragged it behind an ATV and then covered it with branches and logs. Officers hope another hunter may have seen someone dragging an elk with an ATV.
6. 6×6 bull elk discovered on Sept. 28 on the Central Mountains-Manti unit near the Indian Creek drainage in Emery County. The elk was shot and left not far from the Spoon Creek trailhead. Officers believe the elk was killed during the last week of the early limited-entry elk hunt. A limited-entry elk hunter may have shot the animal and then left it to try to find an even bigger elk to kill.
7. 6×6 bull elk poached during the overlapping 2009 muzzleloader deer/muzzleloader limited-entry bull elk hunt. The carcass was found in the canyon directly east of the Indian Creek Campground at the base of East Mountain in Emery County. Officers think a muzzleloader elk hunter may have shot the bull.

Mule Deer Foundation

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah --(AmmoLand.com)- Mule Deer Foundation President and CEO Miles Moretti announced today that MDF has once again put over $1.5 million dollars on the ground in 2009 to enhance and conserve mule deer and black-tailed deer habitat throughout the western United States.

The money was raised through the sale of state wildlife auction and raffle tags, local fundraising banquets, along with corporate and private donations. Despite the economic downturn, MDF has been able to exceed project funding goals for 2009.

Projects funded vary from water developments and habitat improvement projects to the purchase of land to be conserved for mule deer and other wildlife.

Moretti said, “The number one goal I had for MDF when I took over the reins in 2006 was to increase MDF’s presence in funding habitat projects for mule deer. We have worked with State and Federal agencies, other conservation groups and private landowners to make that happen.”

In 2009, several projects highlight the organization’s commitment to funding projects that make a difference. MDF, in partnership with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, purchased the Allan Smith Property in Eastern Utah. The purchase of these 5,700 acres protects a critical migration corridor between summer and winter range for mule deer and elk. The property also contributes critical winter habitat for mule deer, elk and sage grouse.

MDF also partnered with Pheasants Forever to purchase 1,000 acres adjacent to the Beckman Wildlife Management Area in Central Montana. This piece of property is a key component that connects land owned by Montana FWP, Block Management land and Department of Natural Resources and Conservation land. Together, these properties total over 15,000 contiguous acres of incredible wildlife habitat, and they also provide ample opportunity for outdoor recreation and hunting.

MDF’s Chapter Rewards Program has also contributed to funding of on-the-ground projects. This program enables chapters to keep a percentage of money raised at the local level for projects in their area. In 2009, MDF chapters funded 72 projects utilizing over $200,000 from the Chapter Rewards Program. The Central Wyoming Chapter in Casper, Wyo., contributed over $42,000 to the Bates Creek Watershed Restoration Project in Central Wyoming. The project involves prescribed burns and mechanical treatment of Aspen to restore a viable aspen community and improve the watershed. The multi-year endeavor has treated over 6,000 acres of aspen to date.

Other projects funded by MDF will be highlighted at the 10th Annual Mule Deer Foundation Convention which will be part of the Western Hunting and Conservation Expo (WHCE) in Salt Lake City, Utah, Feb. 11-14, 2010. Over the past three years, the WHCE has raised over $20 million dollars for wildlife. For details about the Fourth Annual WHCE, go to www.huntexpo.com.

Visit MDF’s Web site (www.muledeer.org) to learn more about projects funded in your state.

About MDF (www.muledeer.org)
The Mule Deer Foundation is a national non-profit 501(c)3 organization, with over 14,000 members. MDF’s mission is to ensure the conservation of mule deer, black-tailed deer and their habitats. MDF is dedicated to restoring, improving and protecting mule deer habitat (including land and easement acquisitions) resulting in self-sustaining, healthy, free ranging and huntable deer populations; encouraging and supporting responsible wildlife management with government agencies, private organizations and landowners; promoting public education and scientific research related to mule deer and wildlife management; supporting and encouraging responsible and ethical behavior and awareness of issues among those whose actions affect mule deer; and acknowledging regulated hunting as a viable component of mule deer and black-tailed deer conservation.

The otter "sticks her tongue out" at the spectators. Photo by Scott Root

Utah Division of Natural Resources

Provo, Utah --(AmmoLand.com)- The odds you’ll see a river otter in Utah just got better.

On Nov. 25, biologists with the Division of Wildlife Resources released a northern river otter into the Provo River between Jordanelle and Deer Creek reservoirs. (This stretch of the river is commonly referred to as the “middle Provo.”)

The otter, a young adult female, is the first of as many as 10 to 15 otters the DWR hopes to place into the middle Provo River in the next few months. The otter released on Nov. 25 was trapped by DWR biologists on the Green River in northeastern Utah.

Three-year study
Releasing river otters into the middle Provo will provide Utah with another river otter population. It will also provide biologists with valuable information about the habits of river otters in the state.

“Releasing this otter marks the beginning of a three-year study to learn more about otters in Utah,” says Justin Dolling, game mammals coordinator for the DWR.

The day before the otter was released, a veterinarian at Brigham Young University placed a small transmitter in the otter’s abdomen, just under its skin. The transmitter will allow Casey Day to track the otter. Day is a graduate student at BYU.

Transmitters will also be placed in other otters that are released into the river.

“The types of food otters eat, the distances they travel and how successful they are at reproducing are among the things Day will learn,” Dolling says. “The information we gain from his study will guide us in other river otter reintroductions we do in the future.”

UWIN provides funding
Utah Wildlife in Need (UWIN)—a new charitable foundation in Utah—is providing all of the funding for the project.

So far, the foundation has raised $66,000 for the project. That’s half of what’s needed to see the project through to the end.

“If you want to help otters in Utah, this project gives you the perfect chance,” says Bob Hasenyager, UWIN director. “The ALSAM Foundation has provided $66,000 to get the otter project up and going. Now we need other folks to step up and provide the funding needed to see the project through to the end.”

You can learn more about UWIN—and make a donation to the otter project—at www.uwin.org.

Otters and trout
DWR biologists have heard from anglers who are concerned about the effect river otters will have on trout in the middle Provo River.

“Crayfish [also called crawdads] are an otter’s favorite food,” Dolling says. “But if they can’t find crayfish, they’ll turn to other sources, including frogs and fish. An adult otter eats about two to three pounds of food per day.”

Dolling says the middle Provo River has plenty of crayfish. But if the otters have any difficulty finding crayfish in the river, there are plenty of fish to eat.

“Otters usually target slower-moving fish, such as sculpin, whitefish, carp and suckers,” he says. “Most of the fish they eat are between five and seven inches long.”

Dolling says the river otters will also eat trout. And that may not be a bad thing.

“This stretch of the river has an abundant trout population that’s dominated by brown trout,” says Roger Wilson, sport fish coordinator for the DWR. “Because there are so many fish in the river, the fish are having to compete with each other for food and space. The competition they’re having is reducing their growth rate and affecting their overall condition.

“Letting otters take some fish could actually improve fishing in the river,” Wilson says. “If otters take some fish, the fish that remain should grow to a larger size.”

Walt Donaldson, Aquatic Section chief for the DWR, says the middle Provo River is a blue ribbon fishery that’s known to anglers across the country.

“We reintroduced otters into the Green River in 1989, and they’ve haven’t caused the fish in the river any problems,” he says. “After otters are placed in the Provo River, we’ll keep monitoring the fish population in the river. If we find the otters are causing the fish problems, we can take management actions to make sure fishing in the river doesn’t suffer.”

Those actions include stocking trout in the river and capturing and removing some of the otters.

Not only should the otters not cause problems for fish in the river, they might also add to the enjoyment anglers find while fishing.

“Many anglers who fish the Green River have enjoyed seeing the otters,” Donaldson says. “They say it’s a treat to watch a family of otters play while they’re fishing.”

Otter history
River otters were never abundant in Utah. But they were found in various parts of the state. Some of the biggest populations were in northern Utah.

River otters were doing fine until Utah was settled. Then over trapping started to take a toll. In 1899, the Utah Legislature closed the state to otter trapping.

Otters faced another challenge, though: the degradation of vegetation along steam banks, and agricultural and urban encroachment. Each of these factors affected water levels and water quality in the state. And that, in turn, that affected the otters’ food supply.

As their habitat and food supply declined, the number of otters declined too.

Bringing otters back
Management practices during the 1900s improved conditions along some of the state’s steam banks. That, in turn, improved water quality. By the 1980s, it was time to increase the number of river otters in Utah.

The DWR started expanding river otter populations in 1989 when biologists released nine otters from Nevada and Alaska into the Green River in northeastern Utah.

The DWR followed the 1989 release with several more otters releases in the area.

In 2005, Utah’s river otter population expanded more when three otters trapped by the DWR in northeastern Utah were released into the Escalante River in southwestern Utah.

That release was also followed by several other releases in the river.

Learn more
More information about river otters and their future in Utah is available in the state’s River Otter Management Plan. The free plan is available at wildlife.utah.gov/pdf/otter_plan.pdf.

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

MISSOULA, Mont.—-(AmmoLand.com)- Nineteen Utah counties are slated for wildlife habitat conservation projects using $262,462 in new grants from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

The 2009 RMEF grants will affect Cache, Daggett, Duchesne, Emery, Garfield, Grand, Iron, Kane, Millard, Piute, Rich, San Juan, Summit, Tooele, Uintah, Utah, Wasatch, Washington and Wayne counties.

All grants are funded by proceeds from Utah hunting permits sold at RMEF fundraisers.

“Thanks to our volunteers across Utah who helped drive the 2008 fundraisers that made these grants possible. When Elk Foundation banquets, auctions and other events transform into on-the-ground conservation work, it’s payday for all of our supporters who are passionate about giving something back to the outdoors,” said David Allen, Elk Foundation president and CEO.

Elk Foundation grants will help fund the following Utah projects, listed by county:

• Cache County— Use herbicide to treat weeds and then reseed 255 acres of elk and mule deer range at Millville Wildlife Management Area.
• Daggett County— Remove and mulch 390 acres of pinion-juniper to restore sagebrush habitat for elk in the Diamond Mountain area on BLM land; burn, chain and reseed 200 acres of winter range for elk and mule deer at Middle Fork Wildlife Management Area.
• Duchesne County— Thin ponderosa pine forest to improve vegetative diversity and big game forage on 450 acres in Dry Gulch area of Ashley National Forest.
• Emery County— Mechanically treat 1,000 acres to promote understory growth for elk, sage grouse and other wildlife in the Wildcat Knoll area of Manti-La Sal National Forest.
• Garfield County— Rejuvenate meadows and aspen stands within ponderosa pine forest by prescribe burning 1,000 acres near Ahlstrom Hollow in Dixie National Forest; repair and replace sections of an exclosure fence to protect an emerging aspen stand near Antimony Creek in Dixie National Forest.
• Grand County— Remove encroaching conifers and restore 2,115 acres of sagebrush communities in the Cedar Camp area.
• Iron County— Prescribe burn and reseed 1,000 acres to reduce pinion-juniper and improve riparian habitat for elk and other wildlife in the Cottonwood Canyon area of Dixie National Forest.
• Kane County— Repair wildlife drinkers by replacing underground storage tanks in Dixie National Forest.
• Millard County— Remove pinion-juniper overgrowth to restore habitat for elk on 614 acres in the Canyon Mountain area of Fishlake National Forest; increase forage on elk winter range by treating 750 acres of encroaching conifer in the Kanosh Bench area of Fishlake National Forest; improve wildlife forage by treating 1,050 acres of pinion-juniper near Pahvant Mountain on BLM land; enhance grasslands by treating conifer on 837 acres near Pahvant Mountain on Fishlake National Forest.
• Piute County— Partner with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources to acquire 400 acres of crucial elk and deer winter range in the Kingston Canyon area.
• Rich County— Restore a 35-acre aspen stand by prescribe burning and fencing in the Otter Creek area of BLM land.
• San Juan County— Hand cut, pile and burn brush, and then aerially reseed 1,650 acres to improve habitat for elk and other wildlife in the Little Baullie Mesa area on BLM land; treat and reseed 53 acres of habitat in the Peters Canyon area on BLM land; thin 612 acres of encroaching conifer to improve forage for elk and reduce the risk of catastrophic wildlife east of La Sal on BLM land; use no-till range drill to re-vegetate 18 acres of crucial winter range for elk in the Upper Pack Creek area.
• Summit County— Restore native browse and forage for elk and other wildlife by disking and reseeding 300 acres of elk winter range near Harris Canyon in the Henefer-Echo Wildlife Management Area.
• Tooele County— Remove encroaching conifer to rejuvenate sagebrush and browse for elk on 1,400 acres n the Deep Creek Mountains on BLM land.
• Uintah County— Reduce lodgepole pine density and increase vegetative diversity by prescribe burning 815 acres of elk habitat in Ashley National Forest; treat noxious weeds and cheatgrass, and then reseed native grasses, forbs and shrubs, on 153 acres in the Big Park area on BLM land; aerially reseed 80 acres to improve habitat for a variety of species in the Johnson Draw area; remove conifer and seed 555 acres in the Book Cliffs area on BLM land.
• Utah County— Treat and prescribe burn 1,000 acres of oak-maple habitat to improve habitat for elk and other wildlife in Uinta National Forest.
• Wasatch County— Aerially and ground spray and reseed 932 acres of knapweed to improve habitat for elk and other wildlife in the Wallsburg Wildlife Management Area.
• Washington County— Remove encroaching pinion-juniper and aerially reseed native grasses and forbs to improve habitat for elk on 600 acres in the Eight Mile Bench area of Dixie National Forest.
• Wayne County— Improve 4,298 acres of big game winter range by prescribe burning, mechanical thinning and reseeding in the Thousand Lake Mountain area of Fishlake National Forest.

To date, partners for 2009 projects in Utah include Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, other agencies, corporations, landowners and organizations.

Since 1984, the Elk Foundation and its partners have completed more than 285 conservation projects in Utah with a value of more than $27 million.

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

Cougar Hunting Permits Available

Utah Division of Natural Resources

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

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

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

What’s a harvest-objective unit?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Utah – -(AmmoLand.com)- Last winter, the transplant of 30 bison from the Henry Mountains to the Book Cliffs drew the attention of people across the country.

Bison on the Book Cliffs

DWR biologists know of four calves that have been born into the new herd. So how are those bison doing?

Very well, biologists with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) are happy to report.

“Our surveys this spring and summer have documented not only great survival but also fairly good reproduction,” says Dax Mangus, DWR wildlife biologist.

“[It doesn't appear that any of the 44 bison that we reintroduced in two separate releases died this past winter]. And we’ve seen four calves. That’s a sign of good reproduction and good nutrition. Among the bison we moved, only a few cows were pregnant, [so seeing four calves is great].

“The bison are adapting well to their new environment.”

The Book Cliffs are in east-central Utah.

Two releases

Last summer, the Ute Indian Tribe donated 14 bison to the DWR. Biologists released the bison onto public land in an area in the Book Cliffs that doesn’t have any roads. This area is known as the “Roadless Area.”

In January 2009, another 30 bison were collected from a public herd on the Henry Mountains in southeastern Utah. These bison were released on two ridges in the western area of the Book Cliffs that has roads.

“We put radio collars on eight of the 14 bison we released in the Roadless Area,” Mangus says.

After the bison were transplanted, Mangus says these yearling bulls and cows moved downstream and farther into the Roadless Area.

Within a few weeks, however, almost all of them were seen on the edge of Ute land, or on the tribal land itself. “Human activity during the first few weeks of the hunts likely spooked them off the public lands,” Mangus says. “As the winter progressed, some of these bison moved off the tribal lands and back into the Roadless Area.”

Meanwhile, the 30 bison from the Henry Mountains, which were released in the middle of the winter, stayed close to their release sites. “The exception were a couple of bison that headed down the south slope of the Book Cliffs divide,” Mangus says. “Fortunately, they decided to stay on the south slope. They didn’t try to cross the Cisco Desert and make their way back to the Henry’s.”

Exploring their new homes
As spring moved into summer, the bison began exploring their new homes.

“Four of the eight collared animals from the Ute tribe moved well into the Roadless Area, where they were joined by bison from the Henry Mountains release,” Mangus says. “At least four more from the tribe have checked out the southern slopes, but all of them have since returned to the divide area.

“Our last survey in mid-July showed most of the bison from the original Roadless Area release have moved into the head waters of West Willow and Hill Creek. That puts them on the border of the tribal land, or just inside the tribal boundary.

“From what I could see on my last trip into the Roadless Area, it’s likely that they moved to the tribal land to avoid people. There isn’t much difference in the habitat between the two units, but there is a major difference in the number of people in the two areas.”

Mangus says the largest concentration of bison is in the roaded area near the divide. “This herd includes animals from the Henry Mountain releases, a few left over from a private herd and some bison that have made their way over from tribal land,” he says. “As a result, this herd is a bit larger than expected.

“These animals seem to be more tolerant of people, but that may be because in the Roadless Area, people are on foot or horseback and are easier to see. In the roaded area, most people are partially hidden inside their vehicles. And the vehicles generally follow specific routes along the roads.”

Watch from a distance
Mangus wants visitors to enjoy seeing the bison, but he asks you not to approach the bison too closely.

“These bison are large, wild animals, and they can be dangerous if they’re cornered or spooked,” he says. “We also have a herd of young animals that haven’t become established yet. We don’t want people to frighten them off the areas they’ve found. These areas have good habitat.

“So, if you see them, go ahead and watch, but please keep your distance,” he says. “If you see them start to move or react to your presence, then you’ll know you’re much too close.”

Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership

WASHINGTON – -(AmmoLand.com)- Citing a need for more comprehensive upfront planning in crucial wildlife habitat, the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership today filed an official protest of 26,000 acres of oil and gas leases proposed for federal public lands in Utah. Valuable habitat for mule deer, elk, pronghorn, sage grouse and Gunnison sage grouse is of concern to the sportsmen’s group and spurred its action in the Bureau of Land Management’s Aug. 18 mineral lease sale. Administrative protests are the public’s only means for participating in the leasing of public minerals to private entities.

“Sportsmen support responsibly planned energy development that sustain a range of public-lands uses,” said Joel Webster, associate director of campaigns for the TRCP Center for Western Lands. “Our worry with these Utah leases, however, is that advance planning and adequate stipulations for wildlife and recreational resources have not been established prior to the lands being opened to development. History indicates that after public lands are leased, very little can be done to address the course of subsequent development on other values and uses like wildlife habitats and hunting.”

The TRCP protest includes approximately 9,000 acres of viable pronghorn habitat in Utah’s West Desert region, which is overseen by the BLM’s Fillmore Field Office. Since 2007, the TRCP has been vocal in requesting that the BLM undertake the necessary upfront planning to ensure the area’s responsible energy development and sustain activities such as hunting and fishing. Other leases objected to by the sportsmen are located on mule deer and elk crucial winter range in Utah’s famous Book Cliffs and in Gunnison sage grouse habitat southeast of Moab.

“We find it disheartening to be continually addressing the same issues with the BLM over and over again,” continued Webster. “Models for development exist that would enable the leasing and extraction of these energy reserves in a way that conserves traditional public uses of these lands and the valuable habitat for the critters that inhabit them. The approach currently being taken by the Utah BLM works for neither fish and wildlife nor for balanced public land management. Sportsmen will persevere in attempting to assure the responsible management of these shared resources.”

“The BLM has admitted that it sometimes has neglected to pursue adequate advance planning for fish and wildlife in its drive to open public lands to the energy industry,” said Steve Belinda, associate director of policy and science for the TRCP Center for Western Lands, “and in fact the agency is subjecting other areas in Utah to increased scrutiny – including on-the-ground inspections of proposed lease parcels – in an effort to accurately evaluate their suitability for development. While this represents a step forward, we’d like to see similar attention and level of review instituted as standard operating procedure to avoid conflicts and result in fewer protests.”

The TRCP is actively engaged in promoting a new model for energy development on public lands and waters that safeguards fish and wildlife populations and hunting and fishing traditions. The TRCP and its partners believe that to better balance the concerns of fish and wildlife in the face of accelerating energy development, federal land management agencies must follow the conservation tenets outlined in the FACTS for Fish and Wildlife and the CAST principles.

About:
Inspired by the legacy of Theodore Roosevelt, the TRCP is a coalition of organizations and grassroots partners working together to preserve the traditions
of hunting and fishing.

Mule Deer Foundation

FRUITLAND, Utah - -(AmmoLand.com)- More than 5,700 acres of critical big game and sage-grouse habitat now belongs to the state of Utah.

On June 29, Allan Smith and representatives from the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) and the Mule Deer Foundation (MDF) finalized the sale of the land.

“Our grandfather, Moroni Smith, who acquired much of this land 100 years ago, instilled a simple philosophy in us: ‘leave the land in better shape for future generations than you found it,’” Smith says. “Our family is happy that this land-5,700 acres-is going to the DWR. It’s our legacy to the people of Utah.”

Miles Moretti, president of the Mule Deer Foundation, and Kevin Christopherson, DWR regional supervisor, agree. “This land exchange protects thousands of acres of critical wildlife habitat,” Christopherson says. “It’s a tremendous legacy for the people of Utah.”

The land, located in the foothills of Tabby Mountain north of Fruitland, is a critical piece of winter and transition range for elk, deer, sage-grouse and other wildlife.

“A couple thousand elk and several thousand mule deer either winter in this area or pass through it on their way to other winter ranges,” Christopherson says. “Sage-grouse habitat has also been enhanced in the area, and more and more sage-grouse are using the southwestern corner of the property.

“The Smith property adjoins and compliments the other WMA [wildlife management area] lands in this area. It’s no accident that the Tabby Mountain WMA is the largest WMA in the state: it provides critical winter range for some of the biggest, healthiest herds in Utah.”

MDF and DWR provide the funds

“I was delighted when they [the DWR] asked me if the Mule Deer Foundation could assist with the purchase,” Moretti says. “I first saw this land over 30 years ago when I worked for the DWR. It was prime country then, and it’s even better now.”

Moretti says the land is critical winter and transition range for the Wasatch, Currant Creek and Tabby Mountain deer herds.

“The MDF contributed over $200,000 for the purchase,” Moretti says. “We raised most of that money at a local banquet. It feels good to be investing in the future of wildlife. And it feels even better when we can make that investment close to where the funds were raised.”

The DWR provided the rest of the funds.

“Most of the funds came from the sale of some DWR property in Roosevelt,” Christopherson says. “The property had been used as a game farm and was open to hunting until residences were built all around it. Local leaders asked if we would sell it as it had now become more valuable as commercial or residential property than wildlife property.”

Close call

Smith says his family had been talking about selling the land to the DWR for years, but it was still a close call. “Family members had also been approached about selling it for development,” he says. “We could have gotten much more if we had sold it [to a developer who would have turned it into] 5- to 20-acre lots for trophy homes. “In the end, we decided to work with the DWR to preserve the land for wildlife,” Smith says.

Smith says he’s looked over this property when between 1,200 to 1,500 elk, and an equal or greater number of deer, were on it.

“Seeing that was an amazing sight,” he says. “Now that sight will be protected for future generations to enjoy.”

Future focus

Christopherson says protecting the land’s critical winter range is the DWR’s long-term goal. “Also, now that the property belongs to the state, we can make it more accessible to the public, at least during the summer and fall,” he says. “During the winter, it will likely be closed to the public to provide deer and elk with a disturbance-free place to spend the winter.”

Christopherson says habitat biologists will continue to enhance the area for wintering wildlife, giving special attention to sensitive species, such as sage-grouse. “We’ll also do plenty of enhancement work for elk and deer,” he says. “We’d like to see the herds stay on our ground rather than moving into the farms, ranches and communities below the property.”

Christopherson says livestock grazing will also continue. “We plan to use cattle as a tool to maintain and enhance wildlife habitat through using cattle for selective grazing,” he says.

“This sale means a lot to wildlife and to the people of Utah,” Christopherson says. “We will protect and enhance the land’s wildlife values and preserve them forever.”

Cooperation was the key

Christopherson says the Smith property sale would not have happened without support from the landowner, surrounding landowners, local communities and local political leaders.

Smith agrees.

“This land is a good example of how wildlife and ranching communities can come together,” Smith says. “The Tabby Mountain foothills were homesteaded in 1905. Our family, which ran sheep at the time, was able to acquire the land when the homesteaders learned it was unsuitable for farming.”

Smith says just 20 years ago, the property was almost a “badlands.” “It was mostly old sage with little grass or forbs in the understory,” he says. “Studies also showed these and the surrounding lands were responsible for roughly half of the silt flowing into Starvation Reservoir.”

Smith’s family was in the process of decreasing its sheep and cattle herds on the land when the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) approached them. The NRCS asked them to participate in a restoration project.

“The NRCS provided most of the plan and the machinery, the DWR provided seed, and we provided funds and extra manpower. By the time we were done, we had treated about 5,000 acres.”

Today, Smith estimates the land has about 2,300 to 2,400 pounds of forage on it. “Both livestock and wildlife share that forage,” he says. “And we’ve slowed the flow of silt down by roughly 99 percent. “We [the DWR and ranchers] are the stewards of the land,” Smith says. “This is a good example of what can be done. We can co-exist together.”

For more information, call the DWR’s Northeastern Region office at 435-781-9453.

About MDF:
The Mule Deer Foundation is a national non-profit 501(c)3 organization, with over 14,000 members. MDF’s mission is to ensure the conservation of mule deer, black-tailed deer and their habitats. MDF is dedicated to restoring, improving and protecting mule deer habitat (including land and easement acquisitions) resulting in self-sustaining, healthy, free ranging and huntable deer populations; encouraging and supporting responsible wildlife management with government agencies, private organizations and landowners; promoting public education and scientific research related to mule deer and wildlife management; supporting and encouraging responsible and ethical behavior and awareness of issues among those whose actions affect mule deer; and acknowledging regulated hunting as a viable component of mule deer and black-tailed deer conservation.

For information about the Mule Deer Foundation please call 888-375-DEER (3337).

Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership

WASHINGTON –-(AmmoLand.com)- The Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership today welcomed an announcement by the Utah Bureau of Land Management that valuable public-lands fish and wildlife habitat would receive additional review before being leased for oil and gas development.

The BLM initially offered more than 90,000 acres of public land on 67 parcels in its June 23 lease sale in Utah. The TRCP filed a protest of 31 parcels, comprising 46,000 acres of crucial mule deer, elk and sage grouse habitat where supplementary development conditions could lessen negative effects on wildlife populations. Administrative protests such as these are the public’s only recourse for commenting on the federal leasing process and raising concerns about impacts to resources like fish and wildlife.

“Sportsmen unreservedly support oil and gas production on America’s public lands,” said Joel Webster, TRCP associate director of campaigns, “but responsible administration of these resources demands a consistent approach to leasing and development activities in order to sustain fish and wildlife – and to provide companies wishing to extract energy from our lands and waters an increased level of certainty in their investments and planning.”

In 2007 and 2008, the TRCP protested approximately 2.5 million acres of energy leases in Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming after concluding that fish and wildlife resources or hunting and fishing could be significantly affected if the areas were developed as proposed. The TRCP reviewed each proposed lease for management actions or protections for fish and wildlife and protested only those leases that, based on this analysis, could not be managed to sustain these resources during development.

“Neither current science nor the BLM’s multiple-use mandate has been reliably adhered to during the most recent energy boom in the Rocky Mountain West,” concluded Webster. “Consequently, public-lands energy development often is troublingly one-sided, with industry demands superseding the needs of fish and wildlife and the interests of citizens. A new federal approach guiding the development of our shared resources is critical – and its implementation is long overdue.”

The TRCP and its partners believe that to better balance the concerns of fish and wildlife in the face of accelerating energy development, federal land management agencies must follow the conservation tenets outlined in the FACTS for Fish and Wildlife and the CAST principles.

About:
Inspired by the legacy of Theodore Roosevelt, the TRCP is a coalition of organizations and grassroots partners working together to preserve the traditions
of hunting and fishing.

Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership

WASHINGTON – -(AmmoLand.com)- While promoting responsibly planned energy projects that sustain a range of public-lands uses, the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership today formally protested leases on more than 86,000 acres of federal lands in Utah, where development as proposed could negatively affect vast expanses of important habitat for game species, as well as hunting and fishing opportunities. A laundry list of fish and wildlife species jeopardized in the March 24 lease sale includes mule deer, elk, pronghorn, waterfowl, sage grouse and Gunnison grouse.

The massive sale constitutes close to 160,000 acres of Utah public lands and encompasses 15,000 acres overseen by the Bureau of Land Management’s Fillmore Field Office, where the agency’s proposal to forgo detailed environmental analysis in opening the region to energy development has drawn criticism from a range of diverse interests. The TRCP recently led a consortium of sportsmen’s groups in objecting to BLM plans to permit leases on more than 4 million acres following only a bare-bones environment assessment that fails to adequately analyze the impacts of drilling on the area’s trout and big-game populations.

“Utah’s federal public lands and their abundant fish and wildlife and hunting and fishing opportunities draw sportsmen from across the country,” said Joel Webster, TRCP’s associate director of campaigns.

Certainly, oil and gas development is an important use of these lands. But any development must be pursued carefully and be subjected to rigorous upfront planning if we’re to continue enjoying our shared natural resources. The leases slated for sale to the energy industry in March currently do not include these critical checks and balances.

Other leases protested by the sportsmen are located in Utah’s popular Book Cliffs big-game hunting unit and in areas northeast of Monticello inhabited by mule deer, elk and Gunnison grouse. Gunnison grouse have suffered a 90-percent loss in historic habitat, and only eight extant populations of the birds remain.

“Current science demonstrates that Gunnison grouse populations are negatively affected by habitat loss and fragmentation, including areas used for breeding, nesting and brood rearing,” Webster continued. “Sportsmen want to see populations of these birds sustained and restored so that they continue to be classified as a game bird instead of ending up on the endangered species list. Oil and gas development as planned, including the protections proposed for the parcels up for sale, will not facilitate recovery of the Gunnison grouse – and it could contribute to the species’ further decline.”

“We have diligently examined energy development on public lands firsthand,” said TRCP Energy Initiative Manager Steve Belinda, “and we have concluded that the federal approach to oil and gas development does not work to sustain fish and wildlife resources at acceptable levels. Furthermore, it limits the range of multiple uses for public lands that our government is legally mandated to uphold.”

Recent events in Utah – the controversial December lease sale, the debacle over environmental analysis currently playing out in the Fillmore Field Office – only confirm that our system is broken. Sportsmen have a stake in fixing it.

“Interior Department Secretary Ken Salazar has stated that we need a new, comprehensive energy plan for public lands that upholds our fish and wildlife heritage,” concluded Belinda. “Hunters and anglers wholeheartedly agree. We offer our assistance in crafting this new approach and our support of efforts to more responsibly administer America’s shared natural resources.”

The TRCP believes that to better balance the concerns of fish and wildlife in the face of accelerating energy development, federal land management agencies must follow the conservation tenets outlined in the FACTS for Fish and Wildlife.

About:
Inspired by the legacy of Theodore Roosevelt, the TRCP is a coalition of organizations and grassroots partners working together to preserve the traditions of hunting and fishing.