Georgia Department of Natural Resources

SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. --(Ammoland.com)- Catching poachers and other wildlife violators often involved lengthy criminal investigations and require diligence and dedication on behalf of conservation rangers. Cpl. Michael Crawley, representing Washington and Johnson counties, was named Investigative Ranger of the Year for demonstrating tenacity and excellence in his work, which included a complex case with more than 18 violations in 2011.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division names an Investigative Range of the Year annually.

“I commend Cpl. Crawley for his drive and continued efforts to apprehend violators who damaged our natural resources,” says Col.

Eddie Henderson, chief of law enforcement for Wildlife Resources Division. “His commitment to the investigative work required for this case, as well as continuing to do all other required tasks, shows great multi-tasking skills and dedication.”

Cpl. Crawley’s investigation involved a poaching case in Washington County. The case began with a complaint about trespassing on private property. Assisting Cpl. Crawley was Storm, a canine who helped in the detection of evidence, including an injured deer and tire tracks. Over the next few weeks, Crawley gathered information on the suspected violator, and in January 2011, served the suspect with an arrest warrant.

The poacher was charged with 18 total violations including:

• possession of illegally taken wildlife
• taking game above the bag limit
• violation of a crop damage permit
• additional charges from other agencies.

He was fined $2,500 and loss of hunting privileges for two years.

Other WRD conservation rangers nominated for the award for their outstanding investigative work: Sgt. John VanLandingham, RFC Josh Chambers, Cpl. Lynn Stanford, RFC Tim Hutto and Cpl. Phillip Scott.

The Georgia Chapter of the Safari Club International sponsors this award. For more information about that organization, visit www.gasci.org . For more information about Wildlife Resources Division Law Enforcement, visit http://georgiawildlife.com/enforcement/law-enforcement-section .

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.

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries

Louisiana --(Ammoland.com)- A New Iberia man was sentenced in Federal Western District Court in Lafayette on Dec. 21 for illegally killing a Louisiana black bear.

Federal Judge Patrick J. Hanna sentenced Cory R. Ronsonet, 39, to three years of supervised probation, three years of no hunting privileges, a $3,000 fine and 300 hours of community service. If the fine is paid and community service completed within six weeks, then the probation will be reduced to unsupervised.

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Enforcement Division agents initiated the investigation during the 2008-09 hunting season after receiving a public tip that a black bear had been shot then skinned and stored in a fashion to mount it in the future. Agents then found a black bear skin and its decapitated head on May 19, 2011 off of Daniel Lane near a subdivision in New Iberia.

During the investigation, Ronsonet admitted to LDWF Enforcement Division agents on May 31, 2011 of taking the black bear in question. Ronsonet pleaded guilty for violating the federal endangered species act for illegally taking a black bear in Federal Western District Court in Lafayette on Aug. 17.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joe Mickel and Howard Parker prosecuted the case. LDWF Senior Agent David Boudreaux was the lead investigator on the case and was assisted by Sgts. James Rhodes, Mitch Darby, Brian Theriot and Senior Agent Jason Romero. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Special Agent Phillip Siragusa also assisted with the investigation.

The bear had been a part of LDWF’s black bear program and was first tagged in 2000 when it was estimated to be six years old. The passive integrated transponder implanted during the initial capture was left in the hide when the bear was skinned and provided positive identification. LDWF had never received a nuisance call about this older male bear that lived mostly in the Weeks Island area of lower Iberia Parish.

The Louisiana black bear has been listed on the Federal Threatened and Endangered Species List since 1992. Citizens are reminded that killing a Louisiana black bear is a violation of both state law and the federal Endangered Species Act.

Pennsylvania Poaching Case Involves Record-Book Buck

Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG, PA --(Ammoland.com)- A Lancaster County resident was cited for poaching a record-book class buck, according to charges filed by Pennsylvania Game Commission in the court of District Justice William Wenner, in Harrisburg, on Dec. 7.

Wildlife Conservation Officers Mike Doherty of Dauphin County, and John Veylupek, of Lancaster County, filed the charges against Scott M. Garner, 33, of Bainbridge, Lancaster County, who was charged for exceeding the bag limit for antlered deer in a license year by killing a second buck. Under long-standing bag limits, Pennsylvania hunters are limited to one antlered deer per license year.

On Dec. 1, Garner killed a 14-point buck in Londonderry Township, Dauphin County, during the two-week firearms deer season after having killed a five-point buck in archery season on Oct. 31. He re-used and altered his buck tag, originally used on the buck taken on Oct. 31, to tag the second buck illegally harvested on Dec. 1.

For killing the 14-point buck, Garner faces penalties of up to 90 days in jail and an enhanced fine of $6,500 since the size of the deer’s antlers are considered trophy class under Game Commission regulations. He also faces up to three years revocation of his hunting and trapping privileges in Pennsylvania.

Had the 14-point buck been lawfully taken by a hunter, with a Boone & Crockett green-score of 172.5 inches, it would have placed it in the top 25 for typical deer taken with a firearm in Pennsylvania’s All-Time Big Game Records.

Basspro's Santa Wonderland Local Heroes To Be Honored At Bass Pro Shops

Bass Pro Shops

Springfield, Missouri --(Ammoland.com)- Heroes are all around us. Policeman, fireman, paramedics, war veterans, soldiers and military personnel–many times they go unnoticed and unappreciated.

At Bass Pro Shops, we believe in heroes and believe they all deserve to be recognized and thanked.

To show how much we appreciate our Local Heroes and their service, Bass Pro Shops will open their doors Sunday night, December 11th, from 7pm to 10pm for a very special private evening of activities, shopping, discounts and drawings. All Local Heroes and their immediate families are invited to attend. (Must show badges or other identification to attend this event)

They and their family can visit the magical Christmas Village that is Santa’s Wonderland and enjoy items like slot car racing, laser and soft gun arcades, remote control cars and trains. Heroes and their families can even have a free picture made with the jolly old elf himself. (Free Santa photos available until 9pm) A special offer for Heroes includes a 10% discount on any photo packages they decide to order that night.

Kids will enjoy coloring and painting an ornament during the special craft activity that is offered that night only (while supplies last or until 9pm). Heroes and their families can enjoy the shopping with a 10% discount on regularly priced items plus take advantage of special sales offered throughout the store. And, to wrap up the holidays, free gift wrapping is included.

Special drawings will be held for Bass Pro Shops gift cards beginning at 7:30pm. And, to honor our Local and Military Heroes, a special ornament will be distributed to the first 100 Heroes (18 years and older) that arrive at 7pm at the Santa’s Wonderland exhibit inside the store.

Christmas is a time to remember what others have done for us. There is no better time to show our appreciation for the local heroes that are around us every day.

All Bass Pro Shops locations will participate excluding Harlingen, TX. For more information regarding Local Heroes Night and other Santa’s Wonderland events and features at your local store, visit www.basspro.com/santa.

About Bass Pro Shops Group:
Bass Pro Shops -58 retail stores in 26 states and Canada visited by over 109 million people annually, international catalog and internet retailing, American Rod & Gun wholesale division selling to over 7,000 independently owned retail stores worldwide, Outdoor World Incentives also selling Bass Pro Shops gift cards through over 132,000 retail outlets across America and a restaurant division with 28 locations. For more information regarding Bass Pro Shops store locations, products or special events, please visit www.basspro.com. To request a free catalog call 1-800-BASS PRO.

Georgia DNR Names Tim Butler Ranger Of The Year

Georgia Department of Natural Resources

SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. --(Ammoland.com)- The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division selected RFC Tim Butler, a conservation ranger for Pulaski/Bleckley counties, as the 2011 State Ranger of the Year.

Runner-up to the Ranger of the Year award, RFC Tim Hutto of the Southeast Georgia Region, received the 2011 James R. Darnell Award. This award is titled “The Fawn” and is a James R. Darnell sculpture.

“The State of Georgia is fortunate to have people such as RFC Tim Butler and RFC Tim Hutto who dedicate their lives to protecting our natural resources,” says Col. Eddie Henderson, Wildlife Resources Division’s Chief of Law Enforcement. “I commend both honorees for their dedication and contributions toward Georgia’s conservation enforcement efforts.”

RFC Tim Butler has been a conservation ranger for only six years, but his reputation for accomplishing hard work and his dedication to a job well done have earned him the respect of his peers and the public. His accomplishments this year include conducting 16 special details to detect resource violations such as illegal duck shoots, fish shocking and night deer hunting.

Butler is best known for his night foot patrols and scouting for illegal baiting and night hunting offenders. He also employs online satellite imagery and tax records to gather intelligence, study topography and formulate tactics to address unlawful activity before it occurs.

Butler easily transitions from working with fellow conservation rangers to assisting and cooperating with other agencies, whether they are local, state and federal levels in investigative work. His public outreach includes conducting information and education programs, participating in local cleanup efforts, promoting Wildlife Resources Division at various venues, and being an after-school mentor and instructor for the local CHAMPS (Choosing Healthy Activities & Methods Promoting Safety) program.

Earlier this year, Butler also was recognized as the 2011 Waterfowl Officer of the Year honor and twice previously has been nominated for Ranger of the Year by his work section.

In the process of determining the Ranger of the Year, WRD selected one nominee from each of the seven DNR Law Enforcement regions.

They were:

• Region 1, Calhoun – Cpl. Shawn Elmore
• Region 2, Gainesville – Cpl. Adam Loudermilk
• Region 3, Thomson – Cpl. Derrell Worth
• Region 4, Macon – RFC Tim Butler
• Region 5, Albany -RFC Bob Holley
• Region 6, Metter – RFC Tim Hutto
• Region 7, Brunswick – Cpl. Chris Ridley

For more information on becoming a WRD conservation ranger, visit www.georgiawildlife.com/enforcement/law-enforcement-section

Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Sykesville, Maryland –(Ammoland.com)- The Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) recognized the 53rd graduating class of Maryland Natural Resources Police Officers today at the Maryland Police & Correctional Training Center in Sykesville.

DNR Assistant Secretary for Mission Support, Wilson H. Parren, and NRP Superintendent Colonel George F. Johnson, IV attended the ceremony with U.S.C.G. Captain of the Port of Baltimore Mark O’Malley.

Candus Thomson, reporter and former outdoor columnist for the Baltimore Sun, gave the keynote address.

“The Maryland Natural Resources Police is crucial to ensuring our citizens and our natural resources are safe,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “Their contributions to our State – whether patrolling the Chesapeake Bay or protecting our wildlife and fisheries resources – are truly a blessing for all of those who enjoy Maryland’s natural areas.”

“I cannot offer praise enough for this graduating class and all of their hard work,” said Colonel Johnson. “On behalf of DNR and the NRP, congratulations on this great achievement and we look forward to working with you in protecting Maryland’s citizens and our natural resources.”

“In Maryland, more than a quarter of a million commercial and recreational fishermen, nearly 400,000 boaters and 122,000 hunters rely on the officers of the Natural Resources Police to enforce the law and keep them safe,” said Thomson. “In my more than 11 years as the Sun’s outdoors writer, I have been frozen to the bone, soaked to the skin and fried to a crisp while covering the work of NRP officers. But at the end of the day or the dawn of a new one, I got to go home, dry off, warm up or cool off and write my column. The officers soldiered on.”

Below is a list of graduates, their hometowns, and duty assignments;

• Officer Christopher A. Cary, Southern, Md; assigned to Calvert County.
• Officer David B. Garvey, Queenstown, Md: assigned to Anne Arundel County.
• Officer Steven J. Hunter, Baltimore, Md; assigned to Anne Arundel County.
• Officer Antonio M Junta, Odenton, Md; assigned to Anne Arundel County.
• Officer Martin S. Kaetzel, Hagerstown, Md; assigned to Baltimore County.
• Officer Annette K. Leonforte, Perryville, Md; assigned to Anne Arundel County.
• Officer James B. Seward, Stevensville, Md; assigned to Anne Arundel County.
• Officer Andrew J. Shaw, North East, Md; assigned to Kent County.

Individual awards given to class members included Excellence in Academic Achievement, Officer Steven Hunter; Excellence in Firearms Award, Officer Antonio Junta; Navigation and Seamanship Award, Officer Andrew Shaw; Excellence in Leadership, Officer Antonio Junta; and the Excellence in Physical Training, Officer David Garvey.

The Maryland Natural Resources Police is the oldest state law enforcement agency with its beginnings as the State Oyster Police in 1868. The NRP serves as a public safety agency with statewide authority to enforce conservation, boating, traffic and criminal laws, as well as to provide primary law enforcement services for Maryland’s ½ million acres of land owned and managed by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. The agency is also Maryland lead agency for homeland security on Maryland waters.

The Maryland Natural Resources Police has an authorized strength of 247 officers and a dedicated staff of civilian and volunteer personnel that provide a variety of services in addition to maritime, conservation and general law enforcement duties throughout the State of Maryland. These services include homeland security, search and rescue, emergency medical services, education, information and communications services on a round the clock basis. NRP is the only police force aside from the Maryland State Police that has statewide jurisdiction.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages nearly one-half million acres of public lands and 17,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland’s forests, fisheries and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic and cultural resources attract 11 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland’s effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state’s number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.dnr.maryland.gov

Georgia Department of Natural Resources

MACON, Ga. --(Ammoland.com)- The Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division recently selected Sgt. Tim Kendrick of the Macon Law Enforcement office as the 2011 Supervisor of the Year.

Kendrick currently serves as a Sergeant Supervisor for the DNR Law Enforcement office located in Macon, Georgia. This office oversees operations in 28 middle Georgia counties. Sgt. Kendrick supervises rangers in Monroe, Butts, Jasper and Lamar counties. He is a 24-year veteran of the department, serving nine of those years in his current supervisory position.

“Sgt. Tim Kendrick shows exceptional leadership skills and is a true asset to the Law Enforcement Section and to the Department,” says Col. Eddie Henderson, Chief of the Law Enforcement Section of Wildlife Resources Division. “He is a respected leader and trusted supervisor that fosters an atmosphere of teamwork within his work section and often inspires others through his actions.”

Sgt. Kendrick is a supervisor that leads by example. As a supervisor, one of his most important responsibilities is training and enhancing the capabilities and skills of other Rangers in his work section and Region. Kendrick often uses his experience, both successes and failures, to help grow and mentor those that work for him. He maintains a positive work ethic, professional presence, compassionate demeanor and a spirit of public service that is contagious to those around him.

Sgt. Kendrick has previously received the James R. Darnell Award and also was awarded an Award of Valor by the Peace Officer Association of Georgia. Fellow law enforcement officers nominated for this award this year include Sgt. Stan Elrod, Sgt. Lee Brown and Sgt. Keith Byers.

For more information on the 2011 Supervisor of the Year Award, call the Wildlife Resources Division Law Enforcement Headquarters office at (706) 557-3311.

Wisconsin DNR

MADISON, WI --(Ammoland.com)- Warm temperatures have continued to dominate the weather scene in Wisconsin this week, with most of the state also receiving some much needed rainfall, including some locally heavy rains in central and southern Wisconsin, which have lead to some rapidly rising and falling water levels on streams and rivers.

The warm weather continues to bring out large numbers of boaters to lakes and rivers, and conservation wardens are receiving many complaints of boats and personal water craft traveling too close to other boats. Water levels had dropped significantly on the Rock and Crawfish River and boaters are urged to use caution as several boats have been damaged by hitting rocks, but levels have risen some with recent rains. Water levels on the lower Wisconsin State Riverway also rose this week. The north has received just light and scattered rainfall in last few weeks and most streams and rivers are near their typical summer low levels. Most natural lakes are also at a low level and many of the flowages are beginning to experience a drop in water levels as well.

Angling success continued to be erratic, with bass providing the most consistent action. Largemouth were being found in thick cover, in the down wood, near the bog edges, in the thick lily pad beds and under mats of vegetation, with smallmouth a little more inconsistent as dropping water levels and warmer temperatures keeping theme on the move. Walleye success has been fair. With water temperatures still in the 80-degree range, many musky anglers have heeded the warnings and let up on fishing pressure. Panfish action has been generally good, with some decent catches of crappie, perch and rock bass reported, but bluegill retreating to deeper water and tough to find. In the south, anglers are having some luck on Beaver Dam area lakes with perch and walleye. Wisconsin River area anglers have been doing very well on catching northern pike, and anglers have still been catching channel catfish throughout the upper Rock and Crawfish rivers .

On Green Bay, walleye fishing continued to be good off Geano Beach on the west shore and Bayshore Park on the east. Perch fishing has improved some in Sawyer Harbor at Sturgeon Bay. On Lake Michigan, west winds last week dropped water temperatures as low as 45 degrees north of Two Rivers. But by the weekend, temperatures rose to 60 degrees at piers to 65 degrees in some lakeshore areas. Angler success out on the lake from most ports continued to be slow, with some chinook reported out of Manitowoc and Two Rivers and a mixed bag of coho, chinook, and lake trout out of Sheboygan and Port Washington. Racine and Kenosha trollers have been catching fewer coho, but more chinook, and rainbow trout.

Some very small spotted fawns are being seen again, indicating some late birthing still taking place. Similarly, some turkeys broods are being seeing with very small poults, indicating there was probably some late re-nesting. The fall shorebird migration is going strong with the peak of adults moving through the Wisconsin at this time. Good numbers of yellowlegs, least sandpipers, and other species are being seen at various wetlands.

Good numbers of swallowtail butterflies are being seen in some areas, while some are reporting fewer monarchs. Black caps are reaching their peak in southern Wisconsin, but large swarms of deerflies continue to make picking difficult.

Georgia Department of Natural Resources

SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. --(Ammoland.com)- July 11 marks 100 years of conservation in Georgia, where outdoor recreation packs a $3 billion-plus economic punch each year and biological diversity ranks among the richest in the U.S.

A century ago, concerns about declining wildlife populations fueled a national conservation movement. Georgia lawmakers responded by approving legislation on July 11, 1911, to create the state’s first wildlife agency.

What was then the Department of Game and Fish was envisioned as a network of county game wardens and regulations aimed at protecting and restoring populations of “game, fish and birds … for the enjoyment of all the people.”

What is now the Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division is fulfilling that vision, and more.

“As one of the fastest-growing states in the country, Georgia faces the enormous task of balancing increasing demands on our land and water with the conservation and management of important wildlife habitats and species,” DNR Commissioner Mark Williams said. “For 100 years, DNR’s Wildlife Resources Division has done an outstanding job of protecting our natural resources while also providing abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation.”

The Wildlife Resources Division regulates hunting, fishing and boating, protects nongame and endangered wildlife, provides conservation education, manages habitat, and enforces laws for the protection and use of Georgia’s natural resources.

Division Director Dan Forster said that with “roots firmly embedded in law enforcement,” the agency has “effectively evolved over time to meet the new and varying challenges of the day.”

The evidence is easy to find. Georgia’s deer herd has boomed from about 12,500 animals in 1937 to nearly 1 million. Sport fisheries are thriving in lakes, trout streams, rivers and public fishing areas. Some 200 conservation rangers patrol woods and waters, safeguarding wildlife and the public. Wildlife management areas provide almost 1 million acres of public hunting opportunity. A State Wildlife Action Plan guides conservation of nongame wildlife, helping preserve Georgia as a top-six state in biological diversity while also grappling with significant challenges such as habitat loss.

The division’s work helps fuel an annual economic impact estimated at $3.3 billion alone from hunting, fishing and wildlife watching, according to the most recent U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service survey.

Yet, suggested Forster, the impact reaches even further, to clean air, clean water and the conservation of wildlife and wild places that enrich all Georgians’ everyday quality of life.

Now and for the next 100 years.

JOIN THE 100 DAYS OF CONSERVATION

The public is invited to join the celebration with the 100 Days of Conservation at http://gawrdcentennial.com , and on Facebook, www.facebook.com/WildlifeResourcesDivisionGADNR , and Flickr, www.flickr.com/wildliferesourcesdivision .

Check out the:

• Daily walk through wild history, from the first state hunting license to the first turkey stocking.
• 100-year timeline of highlights, including deer re-stockings and the original black bear season.
• Photographs to remember, such as a 1940 shot of ranger Dan Royal checking quail bagged by Spurgeon “Spud” Chandler, a Georgia native and New York Yankees star pitcher.

HOW TO HELP

Georgians can also help support the next 100 years of conservation through:

• Hunting and fishing. License sales and equipment taxes contribute to wildlife management
• Buying or renewing a bald eagle, hummingbird, Bobwhite Quail Initiative or Trout Unlimited license plate. A share of the fees for these plates goes to DNR conservation efforts.
• Details: www.georgiawildlife.com

Wisconsin DNR

MADISON, WI --(Ammoland.com)- The June issue of the Wildlife Management bi-monthly report is now available on the DNR’s website (http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/wildlife/wildlife2.pdf).

In this issue, you will find information about potential changes to the duck zones, an increase in the ruffed grouse population, a summary of the deer season framework, and elk assisted dispersal, among many other things.

Keep up to date with the activities of the wildlife biologists and property managers of the Wisconsin DNR’s Bureau of Wildlife Management.

The following reports have been contributed by staff from the WDNR wildlife management and research programs, is compiled and edited by Bill Vander Zouwen, and designed by Meaghan Proctor.

This report is intended to raise awareness of DNR staff and stakeholders regarding wildlife management activities, accomplishments, challenges and plans. We are hoping that these reports will help build a broad coalition working toward our shared vision of producing abundant wildlife for all who appreciate how wildlife contributes to their quality of life.

—

June Issue Wisconsin Wildlife Management Bi-Monthly Report

West Virginia DNR

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – -(Ammoland.com)- The application deadline for 14 open Natural Resources Police Officer (NRPO) positions statewide is this weekend, according to Lt. Tim Coleman of the Law Enforcement Section of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR).

All candidates are required to pass a Physical Agility Test (PAT) at West Virginia State University in Institute, W.Va., on Friday, June 10, 2011, or on Saturday, June 11, 2011. The tests start at 8 a.m. each day. Walk-ons will be accepted.

NRPOs in the WVDNR Law Enforcement Section are responsible for the prompt, orderly and effective enforcement of all laws and rules of the state and have full law enforcement authority statewide. Of primary importance is the protection of West Virginia’s wildlife to the degree that they are not endangered by unlawful activities

To be considered for this position, candidates must be willing to relocate and work in any county in the state; must be willing to work all shifts and be on call; and understand that this is a statewide position, and as such, that the county of assignment may not be guaranteed.

Minimum qualifications include graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with preference given to majors in natural sciences, law enforcement, criminology, or criminal justice, or candidates may substitute previous employment as a law enforcement officer under certain circumstances.

The PAT consists of three parts: a 37.5 yard swim; an agility test consisting of completing a minimum of 18 pushups in proper form in one minute and completing 27 sit-ups in proper form in one minute; and a 1.5 mile run in 15 minutes, 20 seconds or less. Failure to satisfactorily complete any part of the test is cause for disqualification and will eliminate candidates from further consideration.

Directions: Take Exit 50 (Institute) off I-64; turn left onto Route 25; turn right at the first traffic light onto Barron Drive; turn left onto Academic Drive and park in Lot G. Enter Fleming Hall through the Chester Burris entrance.

Full details about the job description and an online job application form can be found at www.wvdnr.gov/lenforce/employment.shtm. For more information, contact the WVDNR Law Enforcement Section at 304-558-2784 or email DNR.Law@wv.gov .

West Virginia DNR

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – -(Ammoland.com)- Applications are being accepted for 14 open Natural Resources Police Officer (NRPO) positions statewide, according to Lt. Tim Coleman of the Law Enforcement Section of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR).

NRPOs in the WVDNR Law Enforcement Section are responsible for the prompt, orderly and effective enforcement of all laws and rules of the state and have full law enforcement authority statewide. Of primary importance is the protection of West Virginia’s wildlife to the degree that they are not endangered by unlawful activities

To be considered for this position, candidates must be willing to relocate and work in any county in the state; must be willing to work all shifts and be on call; and understand that this is a statewide position, and as such, that the county of assignment may not be guaranteed.

Minimum qualifications include graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with preference given to majors in natural sciences, law enforcement, criminology, or criminal justice, or candidates may substitute previous employment as a law enforcement officer under certain circumstances.

All candidates are required to pass a Physical Agility Test (PAT) at West Virginia State University in Institute, W.Va., on Friday, June 10, 2011, or on Saturday, June 11, 2011. The tests start at 8 a.m. each day. Walk-ons will be accepted.

The PAT consists of three parts: a 37.5 yard swim; an agility test consisting of completing a minimum of 18 pushups in proper form in one minute and completing 27 sit-ups in proper form in one minute; and a 1.5 mile run in 15 minutes, 20 seconds or less. Failure to satisfactorily complete any part of the test is cause for disqualification and will eliminate candidates from further consideration.

Directions: Take Exit 50 (Institute) off I-64; turn left onto Route 25; turn right at the first traffic light onto Barron Drive; turn left onto Academic Drive and park in Lot G. Enter Fleming Hall through the Chester Burris entrance.

Full details about the job description and an online job application form can be found at www.wvdnr.gov/lenforce/employment.shtm. For more information, contact the WVDNR Law Enforcement Section at 304-558-2784 or email DNR.Law@wv.gov .

Georgia Department of Natural Resources

SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. --(Ammoland.com)- The Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division recently honored RFC Tim Butler with the Rocky Wainwright Waterfowl Officer of the Year Award for his outstanding efforts regarding waterfowl conservation over the past year.

Butler is a Conservation Ranger assigned to Bleckley and Pulaski counties. The award is named in memory of Conservation Ranger Cpl. Rocky Wainwright, who was dedicated to the conservation of waterfowl.

“RFC Tim Butler takes pride in both his enforcement of waterfowl laws and regulations as well as his ability to educate the public on the same,” says Division Chief of Law Enforcement Col. Homer Bryson. “He is an asset to the Department and the hunting public and has contributed immensely to the success of Georgia’s waterfowl management program.”

RFC Tim Butler has been with the Division since 2005. Here are some of his accomplishments this past year:

• Conducted an impressive 34 waterfowl-related information/education presentations, making contact with more than 1,100 elementary, middle and high school students. During his presentations, Butler introduces students to waterfowl biology, food habits, migration patterns, species identification and hunting laws.
• Exhibited ability to be a team player in organizing the observation of hunting areas, including bringing in conservation rangers from many other counties and agents of the US Fish and Wildlife Service.
• Conducted multiple morning/evening operations to detect and address illegal hunting activity in Bleckley, Houston, Pulaski and Twiggs counties.

Other conservation rangers nominated for this award include RFC Jeff Phillips of the Southwest Georgia Region, RFC Tim Hutto of the Southeast Georgia Region and RFC Chris Moore of the Coastal Region.

For more information on the Rocky Wainwright Waterfowl Award, call the WRD Law Enforcement Office at (770) 918-6408.

Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Annapolis, MD --(Ammoland.com)- The Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) are accepting applications for NRP Officer Candidates.

Applications will be accepted until July 27, 2011 and the position has a starting salary of $40,000. NRP is currently attempting to fill 20 positions for the next academy class which is anticipated to start in the first half of 2012.

NRP Officer Candidate is the entry level law enforcement position for a person interested in becoming a Natural Resources Police Officer. A prospective candidate will undergo a fitness assessment, extensive background investigation and written, polygraph medical and psychological examinations.

Once a person is selected as an Officer Candidate, they will be required to attend a six month live-in police academy at the Maryland Police Training Center located in Sykesville, Md. The next phase of training is a four month field training program. After graduation from training, the newly commissioned law enforcement officer will be assigned to one of eight areas of the state as determined by the needs of the agency and will be on a two year probationary period.

NRP is a State-wide law enforcement agency that enforces Maryland’s conservation laws, serves as the primary law enforcement agency on almost 500,000 acres of land owned or controlled by DNR and serves as Maryland’s lead agency in Maritime law enforcement and search and rescue.

NRP responds to over 20,000 calls for service a year, which include 4,000 maritime calls throughout the Chesapeake Bay, tributaries and the Atlantic Ocean. These calls range from boats in distress, boating accidents, search and rescue to boating and criminal incidents. NRP is also charged with protecting the maritime infrastructure that is vital to Maryland’s economy.

As the oldest state law enforcement agency in existence since 1868, NRP is responsible for protecting and enforcing Maryland’s precious natural resources. These resources range from native brook trout and black bears found in Western Maryland mountains to the white marlin lurking off the coast in the Atlantic Oceans.

Applicants must be willing to accept the challenges that are associated with a unique agency that has vast responsibilities and limited resources. Candidates must be self motivated, independent and confident individuals. The successful candidate must be willing and able to work in isolated areas, harsh conditions, and with little direct supervision to complete the daily assignments that are carried out in Maryland’s beautiful maritime and terrestrial environments.

To apply for this position the applicant must be a United States Citizen, possess at least a high school diploma/GED, possess a valid drivers license, correct vision to 20/20, be at least 21 years old, excellent physical condition, good reputation and sound moral character, no current court orders relating to domestic violence, and are truthful in every stage of the application process.

• To view the position announcement please go to dnr.maryland.gov/hr/pdfs/NRPJobAnnouncementFINAL2011.pdf
• For more information on becoming a Natural Resources Police Officer Candidate please call the NRP recruiter at 443-534-2288.
• Information on the Natural Resources Police can be found at dnr.maryland.gov/nrp/.

National Rifle Association

FAIRFAX, Va. --(Ammoland.com)- The National Rifle Association is pleased to announce the selection of Arkansas Game & Fish Wildlife Officer Michael Neal as its 2010 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year.

Officer Neal was selected for this distinguished award based upon his selfless act of valor on May 20, 2010, in West Memphis, Arkansas.

On that day, West Memphis Arkansas Police officers Brandon Paudert and Bill Evans were brutally murdered during a traffic stop. The suspects’ mini-van was soon located and blocked in by Crittenden County Arkansas Sheriff Dick Busby and Chief Deputy Wren, who immediately came under fire from the suspects.

Spotting the gunfight, Arkansas Game & Fish Wildlife Officer Michael Neal readied his patrol rifle and rammed the suspects’ vehicle. Officer Neal immediately came under attack as more than a dozen rounds pierced his windshield, dashboard, and grill. He returned fire through the windshield, emptying a full 30 round magazine from his rifle. Neal then withdrew from the area, exited his vehicle, and took a firing position alongside the other officers who arrived upon the scene.

“Officer Neal is a prime example of what a heroic and dedicated Law Enforcement officer does in the line of duty,” said NRA President Ron Schmeits. “Officer Neal proceeded to protect a fellow officer, that could have been anyone, you – me, but he risked his life to protect another. Congratulations to Officer Neal for his commitment to Law and Order and for being selected as the 2010 NRA Law Enforcement Officer of the Year.”

NRA’s Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award was established in 1993 and recognizes exceptional valor, public service, and dedication to the principles of our Constitutional heritage. To obtain an entry form for nominating a candidate for the 2011 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award, call 703-267-1649, send email to ebailiff@nrahq.org, or visit www.nrahq.org/law/index.asp. Entry forms must be received by October 15, 2011. Nominations may be submitted by the nominee’s agency head or by an NRA member. Nominations must also be endorsed by an NRA Life Member.

NRA Law Enforcement Training Endowment
NRA’s Law Enforcement Division is committed to enhancing the professional skills of law enforcement officers through state-of-the-art training, competitive shooting programs, and benefits. Many of these programs are made possible through The NRA Foundation’s Law Enforcement Training Endowment, which is supported especially by major contributions from Davidson’s (www.lawgun.com) and Brownell’s (www.brownells.com). Additional named endowments include: Bruce Nelson, Harry and Florence Reeves, Harlon B. and Maryann Carter, and Component Engineers, Inc. Acorn Fund. For information on contributing to any of these endowments, call 1-877-NRA-GIVE.

About:
Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America’s oldest civil rights and sportsmen’s group. Four million members strong, NRA continues its mission to uphold Second Amendment rights and to advocate enforcement of existing laws against violent offenders to reduce crime. The Association remains the nation’s leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the military. Visit: www.nra.org

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Washington, DC --(Ammoland.com)- Retired Chief Benito Perez of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement and Senior Trooper Mark Prodzinski of the Fish and Wildlife Division of the Oregon State Police have been selected to receive the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s 2010 Guy Bradley Award for wildlife law enforcement.

Both recipients were honored during the 76th North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference in Kansas City, Missouri, on March 17, 2011. The Guy Bradley Award is named after the first wildlife law enforcement officer killed in the line of duty in 1905 and is presented each year by the Foundation to recognize individuals for outstanding lifetime contributions to wildlife law enforcement.

“We’re honored to present the Guy Bradley Award to Chief Perez and Senior Trooper Prodzinski for their outstanding service in protecting and conserving wildlife resources. Their dedication and accomplishments provide a model for all those charged with safeguarding wildlife and wildlife habitat,” said Foundation Director Jeff Trandahl.

“We join the Foundation in applauding the accomplishments of these men, who together have spent more than 60 years on the frontlines of wildlife conservation,” said Service Acting Director Rowan Gould. “Their work and the work of all wildlife enforcement officers are truly making a difference for wildlife.”

Perez, a native Texan who joined the Service as a special agent in 1988 after 10 years as a game warden with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, is being honored for his contributions as a criminal investigator and for his leadership of the Service’s law enforcement operations at both the national and regional level.

As Chief of the Office of Law Enforcement from fall 2006 through January 2011, Perez guided Service enforcement related to the Endangered Species Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the nation’s many other wildlife protection laws. Under his direction, Service special agents, wildlife inspectors, and forensic scientists pursued some 13,000-plus investigations a year involving the numerous threats to wildlife resources including illegal commercialization and habitat destruction. He also served two stints as deputy chief, during which he played a major role in shaping and implementing strategic and workforce plans for Service Law Enforcement.

From 2001 to 2003, Perez successfully managed Service law enforcement operations in an area that encompassed the States of Oregon, Washington, Idaho, California, Nevada and Hawaii and the Nation’s Pacific island territories. Investigations completed under his direction secured prosecutions or settlements in cases involving the destruction of endangered species habitat; the trafficking of eagles, endangered ocelots, and State-protected leopard sharks; and the killings of a California condor and other endangered or threatened wildlife.

Perez was also recognized for his personal accomplishments and expertise as a criminal investigator. In 1999, for example, he helped break up a highly sophisticated elephant ivory smuggling operation in Kenya in cooperation with the Kenyan Wildlife Service. As a field agent for the Service in Dallas and Los Angeles, he completed numerous high-profile cases that exposed illegal trafficking in eagles, sea otter skins, and endangered fish and documented the illegal take of wildlife by defendants that ranged from big game hunters to a California fish farm.

Senior Trooper Prodzinski, a well-respected officer over the course of his 30-plus year career with Oregon’s Fish and Wildlife Division, is being recognized for his enforcement skills and sustained success in making cases that contributed to the conservation of state resources. Stationed since 1993 at the Division’s Madras Work Site in central Oregon, he has helped protect natural resources in an area prized for its many outdoor recreation opportunities. His enforcement “beat” encompasses the eastern foothills of the Cascade Mountains as well as some 100 miles the Deschutes River, an officially designated “wild and scenic” river.

Prodzinski’s accomplishments include significant contributions to safeguarding and restoring fishery resources. He developed and implemented a bull trout protection plan that reduced the illegal harvest of these fish from Lake Billy Chinook and the Metolius River (the State’s only active fishery for this species). His patrol and surveillance work over the years have helped protect that lake’s kokanee population from illegal fishing. He has also served as the Division’s cadet coordinator for the Lower Deschutes River, training and coordinating the work of seasonal officers assigned to policing this popular recreational area — an area visited by thousands of anglers and whitewater rafting enthusiasts each year.

Prodzinski is also being recognized for his accomplishments while assigned to the Division’s Portland office from 1985 to 1993. During this period, he played a major role in efforts to protect critical salmon and steelhead stocks in the Columbia River Basin. He worked to address conservation issues that included water pollution and habitat protection and excelled in enforcing laws and regulations governing big game and waterfowl hunting.

Prodzinski demonstrated his dedication to wildlife conservation early in this career when he worked for over four years as a seasonal cadet for the Wildlife Division. Hired by the Oregon State Police as a patrol officer in 1985, he quickly secured a divisional transfer so that he could pursue his “passion” for protecting wildlife.

A nonprofit organization established by Congress in 1984, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation sustains, restores and enhances the Nation’s fish and wildlife. By teaming leadership conservation investments with those of public and private partners, the Foundation maximizes measurable conservation benefits. Since its establishment, the Foundation has awarded 10,800 grants to more than 3,700 organizations in the United States and abroad, while leveraging more than $635 million in federal funds into $1.5 billion for conservation. For more information, visit www.nfwf.org.

About:
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.

Michigan Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officer Steve Lockwood was named the Shikar Safari Club International Officer of the Year at the March 10 Michigan Natural Resources Commission meeting in Lansing. Pictured from the left are: Natural Resources Commission Chair Tim Nichols; Gunnar Klarr, representing Shikar Safari Club International; Conservation Officer Steve Lockwood; and Department of Natural Resources Director Rodney Stokes.

Michigan Department of Natural Resources

Michigan --(Ammoland.com)- Department of Natural Resources and Environment Conservation Officer Steve Lockwood was recognized as the 2010 Conservation Officer of the Year at last week’s Natural Resources Commission meeting in Lansing.

The Shikar-Safari Club International, a wildlife conservation organization, honors one Michigan officer with this award each year.

“Steve is an outstanding all-around officer, a leader among his peers with a work ethic second to none,” said DNRE Law Enforcement Division Chief Gary Hagler. “Steve sets the bar high for himself, prompting fellow officers to follow his lead, and at the same time will go out of his way to assist a colleague.”

An 11-year veteran of the DNRE’s Law Enforcement Division, Lockwood has spent his entire career in Gladwin County, where he has developed an outstanding working relationship with other law enforcement agencies. In addition to his regular duties, he serves as a field training officer and a first aid instructor for the division. He was selected the Gladwin County Crimestoppers Officer of the Year two years in a row in 2006-2007.

Lockwood plays an active role in the local community, serving as a volunteer member of the countywide dive team and participating in hunter safety classes and kids’ day events at local sporting clubs.

Hagler said that among the positive impacts of Lockwood’s diligent efforts as a conservation officer, he has helped make local campgrounds quieter, safer places for families to enjoy the outdoors and protected state land from illegal activity such as marijuana growing operations – including finding and helping shut down the largest such operation ever located in Michigan, totaling over 4,000 marijuana plants with a street value of over $4 million. Lockwood’s investigation of a boat collision in which the suspect caused a death and fled the scene was instrumental in effecting a law change that made it a felony to leave the scene of a fatal boating accident.

“Fish and wildlife poaching investigations are what Steve excels at the most,” said Hagler, noting one case where Lockwood’s determined investigation uncovered a local poaching ring with four suspects and 13 different illegally killed deer. “He travels the extra mile when it comes to a poaching investigation and leaves no stone unturned.”

Founded in 1952 as a way to advance the knowledge of wildlife worldwide, Shikar Safari Club International works to enhance and preserve wildlife, and has placed particular emphasis on endangered and threatened species through the promotion of enforcement of conservation laws and regulations.

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

Arkansas Game & Fish Commission

LITTLE ROCK, AR --(Ammoland.com)- The National Rifle Association last week recognized Wildlife Officer Michael K. Neal of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission as NRA’s 2010 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year.

Neal will receive the award during the group’s fall meeting in Virginia.

Neal was named officer of the year for his heroic actions May 20, 2010, when he received a call for assistance after West Memphis Police Department officers Brandon Paudert and Bill Evans were killed during a traffic stop on Interstate 40.

When Neal arrived at a West Memphis parking lot, the two suspects in the officers’ deaths were in a van and engaged in a firefight with Crittenden County Sheriff Dick Busby and Chief Deputy W.A. Wren.

Arkansas Game & Fish Commission's Michael Neal

When Neal rammed the van with his vehicle, the suspects directed fire toward his truck and away from Busby and Wren, both of whom were wounded.

Neal returned fire, disabling one and possibly both suspects before placing his truck in reverse and backing out of the line of fire.

His actions saved the lives of Busby and Wren. Neal sustained shrapnel wounds during the incident.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Washington, DC --(Ammoland.com)- William Woody has been appointed the new chief of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) Office of Law Enforcement.  Woody, who had served as director of Law Enforcement and Security for the Interior Department’s Bureau of Land Management (BLM) since 2003, officially joined the Service on March 7, 2011.

As chief, Woody will direct the nationwide investigative and inspection efforts of the Service’s 300-plus special agents and wildlife inspectors, who enforce Federal laws that protect endangered and threatened species, migratory birds, marine mammals, and global wildlife and plant resources.

He will also oversee the National Fish and Wildlife Forensics Laboratory, located in Ashland, Oregon, and National Wildlife Property and Eagle Repositories near Denver and manage enforcement staff involved in policy, budget, legislative, and regulatory affairs; international liaison; enforcement training; intelligence gathering and analysis; and digital evidence recovery and high-tech investigative support.

“Bill Woody has been a tremendous asset to BLM law enforcement, and we expect him to bring similar leadership to our efforts to protect wildlife resources,” said Acting Service Director Rowan Gould.  “His knowledge of natural resource law enforcement positions him well to continue our enforcement program’s 111-year record of sustained contributions to wildlife conservation.”

As director of BLM’s Office of Law Enforcement and Security, Woody oversaw the efforts of some 270 rangers and special agents to protect public safety and natural resources on more than 245 million acres of BLM-managed public lands.

His experience in natural resource law enforcement includes more than 15 years with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources.  Hired as a conservation officer in 1985, he worked his way up through the ranks, serving as an investigator, lieutenant, and captain, before being appointed in 2001 to lead that agency’s law enforcement unit.

Woody is a graduate of the elite FBI National Academy, an intensive invitation-only leadership development program whose selectees represent less than half of one percent of police commanders and executive officers. He earned his undergraduate degree at Utah State University.

Woody will be only the 14th individual to direct wildlife law enforcement for the Service and its predecessor agencies. He succeeds Chief Benito Perez, who retired on January 31, 2011, after more than 30 years of protecting wildlife resources at both the State and Federal levels.

About:
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.

National Wild Turkey Federation

NASHVILLE, Tenn. --(Ammoland.com)- The National Wild Turkey Federation has named Conservation Officer Steven K. Sutton of Great Meadows, N.J., its 2011 New Jersey Wildlife Law Enforcement Officers of the Year.

The NWTF’s Wildlife Law Enforcement Officer of the Year awards program honors the nation’s top wildlife officers in appreciation for their dedication to conserving wildlife and upholding the law.

As a state NWTF Wildlife Enforcement Officer of the Year, Sutton was among 21 winners who were eligible to win the NWTF’s National Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award during the NWTF’s 35th annual National Convention and Sport Show recently held in Nashville, Tenn.

The national law enforcement officer of the year winner was announced during the NWTF’s 35th annual National Convention and Sport Show recently held in Nashville, Tenn.

Cpl. Roger Tate of Arkansas was awarded the 2011 National Law Enforcement Officer of the Year award.

The 2011 State Law Enforcement Officers of the Year recognized during the show included:

• Alabama — Officer Keilan Lord of Centre, Ala.
• Arkansas — Cpl. Roger Tate of Evening Shade, Ark.
• California — Warden Don Powers of Fort Bragg, Calif.
• Delaware — Cpl. Gavin Davis of Seaford, Del.
• Georgia — Ranger First Class James McLaughlin of McRae, Ga.
• Idaho — Officer Korey Owens of Preston, Idaho
• Illinois — Officer David A. Hyatt of Newton, Ill.
• Indiana — Officer Mac Spainhour of Clarksville, Ind.
• Louisiana — Sgt. William Roberts of Slaughter, La.
• Michigan — Officer Andrew Bauer of Bridgman, Mich.
• Missouri — Conservation Agent Mark Henry of West Plains, Mo.
• New Jersey — Officer Steven K. Sutton of Great Meadows, N.J.
• New York — Officer Steven Bartoszewski of Watertown, N.Y.
• North Carolina — Master Officer Bryan Scott Loflin of Lincolnton, N.C.
• Pennsylvania — Officer Christopher Ivicic of Houtzdale, Pa.
• South Carolina — Pfc. Andrew Godowns of Darlington, S.C.
• South Dakota — Regional Supervisor Mike Kintigh of Rapid City, S.D.
• Texas — Game Warden Adam Clark of Dalhart, Texas
• Washington — Officer Dustin Prater of Tacoma, Wash.
• West Virginia — Officer Ronnie Runyon of Fort Gay, W.Va.
• Wisconsin — Conservation Warden Robert Jumbeck of Alma, Wis.

The NWTF also recognized two wildlife officers who lost their lives in the line of duty, while doing a job that most law-abiding outdoors enthusiasts take for granted.

Last March, USDA Forest Service Law Enforcement Officer Christopher Andy Upton, of Monroe, Ga., was on a routine patrol in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. Two men were hunting coyotes with a high-powered rifle, equipped with night vision.

The men apparently mistook Officer Upton for game and shot and killed him. He was 37 years old.

In November, Pennsylvania Wildlife Officer David L. Grove was shot and killed on a rural road west of Gettysburg, Pa.

Officer Grove pulled over a pickup truck after suspecting the men inside were poaching. The driver stepped out of the vehicle and shot Officer Grove with a pistol when he tried to cuff him.

The shooter, a convicted felon, later told police he didn’t want to go back to jail for illegally carrying a gun. Officer Grove was only 31.

The convention was themed “Our Youth. Our Legacy.” to honor the next generation of hunters and conservationists. MidwayUSA was the official convention sponsor.

The NWTF is the leader in upland wildlife habitat conservation in North America. The NWTF is a nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving the wild turkey and preserving our hunting heritage.

Through dynamic partnerships with state, federal and provincial wildlife agencies, the NWTF and its members have helped restore wild turkey populations throughout North America, spending more than $331 million to conserve nearly 16 million acres of habitat. Wild turkeys and hundreds of other species of upland wildlife, including quail, deer, grouse, pheasant and songbirds, benefit from this improved habitat.

For more information about the NWTF, call 1-800-THE-NWTF.

2011 Convention Sponsors

MidwayUSA – Official Sponsor
Academy Sports and Outdoors, Bass Pro Shops, Bank of America, Benelli USA, Browning-USRAC, Call Makers and Collectors Association of America, Chevrolet, Federal Premium Ammunition, Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center, HuntVe, Marlin Firearms Company, Mossberg & Sons Inc., Nashville Convention and Visitors Bureau, Nationwide, The Outdoor Connection Inc., Remington Arms Company Inc., Rivers Edge Treestands, SHE Outdoor Apparel, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance, Weatherby Inc., Wild Turkey Bourbon, Winchester/Olin Corporation

Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG, PA --(Ammoland.com)- Following a six-month investigation by the Pennsylvania Game Commission and Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, five residents of Maine – four adults and a 17-year-old juvenile – were charged with more than 250 counts of violating the Game and Wildlife Code and the Crimes Code in the one of the largest wildlife crime sprees ever detected in the Commonwealth’s history.

The group is charged with multiple counts of killing deer at night with a light, killing deer in closed season and killing deer in excess of season bag limits in Armenia Township and surrounding municipalities, Bradford County. During the months of October and December, the group is accused of killing dozens of deer unlawfully, including three large-racked bucks, during the state’s early muzzleloader season and regular firearms deer seasons. The group also has been charged with numerous wildlife crimes in Maine.

“This investigation is a prime example of why it was so critically important for the General Assembly to have enacted legislation to increase the fines and penalties for chronic poachers last year,” said Carl G. Roe, Game Commission executive director. “The increased fines and penalties addressed the exact type of violations allegedly committed by these individuals, which involved killing multiple deer out of season, at night with spotlights and significantly over the bag limits.”

In late 2010, Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Bureau of Warden Service contacted the Game Commission with information that Everett Tyler Leonard and E.H. “Lenny” Leonard were suspected of killing a large number of deer over the legal limit in both Pennsylvania and Maine.

A joint investigation between the Game Commission and the Maine Warden Service was initiated and continued throughout the deer hunting seasons in both states. Game Commission Special Operations Division investigators conducted surveillance on the group’s illegal hunting activities in Pennsylvania during the white-tailed deer hunting seasons.

“Good interagency communication and teamwork was what made the investigation a success,” said Dan Scott, Captain of the Maine Warden Service. “It’s been our experience that fish and wildlife violators know no jurisdictional boundaries, and this investigation once again proved that to be true. These individuals showed complete disregard for the wildlife laws of both Maine and Pennsylvania. By doing so, they were stealing opportunity and natural resources from the citizens of both states.”

In January, a team of Game Commission investigators traveled to Maine to accompany Maine Warden Service investigators on the execution of five search warrants as a result of the investigation. During the execution of these warrants, investigators seized hundreds of pounds of deer meat, firearms, deer antlers, bows and arrows, spotlights, a mounted hawk and owls, a computer, documents and other hunting-related equipment.

The four adults charged in Pennsylvania were: Everett Tyler Leonard, 31, Everett H. (Lenny) Leonard, 59, and Carlton John Enos, 19, all of Turner; and Lucien H. Clavet, 44, of Monmouth. The 17-year-old juvenile, from Greene, will be charged with multiple summary violations involving the unlawful killing and attempting to kill deer both out of season and at night with a spotlight, using a motor vehicle to hunt and possession of a loaded firearm in a vehicle.

Pennsylvania Game Commission Special Operations Division Chief Thomas P. Grohol and Bradford County Wildlife Conservation Officer Vernon I. Perry III filed Pennsylvania’s charges against the group before Magisterial District Judge Jonathan Wilcox of Troy, Bradford County on Feb. 23.

The law to increase fines and penalties for poaching was made possible by House Bill 1859, which was sponsored by House Game and Fisheries Committee Democrat Chairman Edward G. Staback. The bill was approved by the House on July 21, 2009, by a vote of 196-3. The Senate, after making minor adjustments to the bill, approved the measure unanimously on July 3, 2010, followed by a 189-6 concurrence vote in the House also on July 3. The bill was signed into law on July 9, making it Act 54 of 2010.

Among the 250 charges filed against the adult defendants are the following:

Defendant 1: Everett T. (Tyler) Leonard, 31 of Turner, Maine:

Total charges: 117

Highlights of Title 34 Game and Wildlife Code Charges:

• 22 Felony 3 counts of Section 2321 Unlawful killing or taking of big game(white-tailed deer). Possible Penalty: Up to $15,000 and up to 36 months imprisonment per count.
• 4 Misdemeanor of the first degree counts of Section 2321 Unlawful killing or taking of big game (White-tailed deer). Possible Penalty: Up to $10,000 and up to 18 months imprisonment per count.
• 4 Misdemeanor counts of Section 2321 Unlawful killing or taking of big game (White-tailed deer). Possible Penalty: Up to $3,000 and up to 6 months imprisonment per count.
• 2 Misdemeanor Counts of Section 2312 Buying and Selling Game(White-tailed deer).

Possible penalties: Up to $3,000 and up to 6 months imprisonment per count.

• 9 Summary 2nd degree counts of Section 2307 Unlawful taking or possession of game or wildlife (White-tailed deer). Possible Penalty: $400 to $800 and up to one month imprisonment per count.
• 7 Summary 5th degree counts of Section 2310 Unlawful use of lights while hunting (spotlighting while in possession of a firearm or bow and arrow). Possible Penalty: $100 to $200 per count.

In addition to Game and Wildlife Code Violations, the defendant also was charged with:

• 4 Misdemeanor counts of The Controlled Substance, drug, device and cosmetic Act, Section 780-113 Prohibited Acts. Possible Penalties: Up to $5,000 in fines and up to three years imprisonment per count.
• 1 Misdemeanor 3 count of Pa. Crimes Code Section 4906, False reports to law enforcement authorities. Possible penalty: Up to $2,500 in fines and up to one year imprisonment.

Defendant 2: Everett H. (Lenny) Leonard, 59, of Turner, Maine:

Total charges: 52

Highlights of Title 34 Game and Wildlife Code Charges:

• 14 Felony 3 counts of Section 2321 Unlawful killing or taking of big game (White-tailed deer). Possible Penalty: Up to $15,000 and up to 36 months imprisonment per count.
• 2 Misdemeanor of the first degree counts of Section 2321 Unlawful killing or taking of big game (White-tailed deer). Possible Penalty: Up to $10,000 and up to 18 months imprisonment per count.
• 4 Misdemeanor counts of Section 2321 Unlawful killing or taking of big game (White-tailed deer). Possible Penalty: Up to $3,000 and up to 6 months imprisonment per count.
• 2 Summary 2nd degree counts of Section 2307 Unlawful taking or possession of game or wildlife (White-tailed deer). Possible Penalty: $400 to $800 and up to one month imprisonment per count.

In addition to Game and Wildlife Code Violations, the defendant also was charged with:

• 2 Misdemeanor counts of The Controlled Substance, drug, device and cosmetic Act, Section 780-113 Prohibited Acts. Possible Penalties: Up to $5,000 in fines and up to three years imprisonment per count.
• 1 Misdemeanor 3 count of Pa. Crimes Code Section 4906, False reports to law enforcement authorities. Possible penalty: Up to $2,500 in fines and up to one year imprisonment.

Defendant 3: Carlton John Enos, 19, of Turner, Maine:

Total Charges: 59

Highlights of Title 34 Game and Wildlife Code:

• 11 Felony 3 counts of Section 2321 Unlawful killing or taking of big game (White-tailed deer). Possible Penalty: Up to $15,000 and up to 36 months imprisonment per count.
• 4 Misdemeanor of the first degree counts of Section 2321 Unlawful killing or taking of big game (White-tailed deer). Possible Penalty: Up to $10,000 and up to 18 months imprisonment per count.
• 4 Misdemeanor counts of Section 2321 Unlawful killing or taking of big game (White-tailed deer). Possible Penalty: Up to $3,000 and up to 6 months imprisonment per count.
• 4 Summary 2nd degree counts of Section 2307 Unlawful taking or possession of game or wildlife (White-tailed deer). Possible Penalty: $400 to $800 and up to one month imprisonment per count.
• 8 Summary 5th degree counts of Section 2310 Unlawful use of lights while hunting (spotlighting while in possession of a firearm or bow and arrow). Possible Penalty: $100 to $200 per count.

In addition to Game and Wildlife Code Violations, the defendant also was charged with:

• 1 Misdemeanor 3 count of Pa. Crimes Code Section 4906, False reports to law enforcement authorities. Possible penalty: Up to $2,500 in fines and up to one year imprisonment.

Defendant 4: Lucien H. Clavet, 44, of Monmouth, Maine:

Total charges: 22

Highlights of Title 34 Game and Wildlife Code:

• 5 Felony 3 counts of Section 2321 Unlawful killing or taking of big game (White-tailed deer). Possible Penalty: Up to $15,000 and up to 36 months imprisonment per count.
• 2 Misdemeanor of the first degree counts of Section 2321 Unlawful killing or taking of big game (White-tailed deer). Possible Penalty: Up to $10,000 and up to 18 months imprisonment per count.
• 2 Misdemeanor counts of Section 2321 Unlawful killing or taking of big game (White-tailed deer). Possible Penalty: Up to $3,000 and up to 6 months imprisonment per count.

Rare Ocelot Observed In Southern Arizona - Image: AZGFD

Arizona Game and Fish Department

PHOENIX, AZ – -(Ammoland.com)- Arizona Game and Fish Department officials report that a rare ocelot was observed this morning (Feb. in the Huachuca Mountains in southern Arizona.

An individual called Game and Fish this morning to report that while he was working in his yard in the Huachuca Mountains, his dogs began barking at a cat-like animal which quickly climbed a tree. The individual drew closer and suspected that the small spotted cat might be an ocelot. An ocelot is a rare and endangered species of cat.

The man called Game and Fish and an officer responded to the site and confirmed that it was, in fact, an ocelot. The officer did a non-intrusive, visual inspection of the animal from the ground near the tree, and the animal appeared to be healthy. There was no indication that there had been any dog-to-cat direct interaction, as no wounds were visible on any animal.

As with all wildlife-human interaction cases, photos were taken of the animal. The officer was also able to retrieve some scat samples from the scene.

Once the final confirmation was determined, the officer directed that all humans and dogs retreat from the area, and the ocelot, apparently unharmed, was allowed to go on his way.

Ocelots are small to medium-sized spotted cats with a long tail. These cats have been listed as endangered since 1982 under the Federal Endangered Species Act. Since being listed, ocelots have only rarely been seen in Arizona. Only one other ocelot, an animal run over near Globe in April 2010, has been confirmed in Arizona since the mid 1960s. One other ocelot was reportedly captured on film by the Sky Island Alliance in November of 2009; however, it has not been possible to fully verify the species or the animal’s origin based on that photo.

Ocelots tend to be smaller in size in the more northerly portions of their habitat range than those individuals in the central or southern habitat areas. The upper body coloring is highly variable, ranging from grayish to cinnamon or tawny to reddish brown. Dark markings form chainlike streaks down the sides of the ocelot’s body. They have a long, curling, ringed tail that wraps around limbs for stability and is very indicative of the species.

The present range for ocelots is in the eastern and western lowlands of Mexico, from southern Mexico through Central America and in the lowland areas of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Brazil. On the fringes of their range, they occupy a very limited region in both the United States (a remnant population exists in Southern Texas) and Argentina. And now Arizona can be included in that range. Other animals such as bobcats and young mountain lions are sometimes misidentified as ocelots, which is why verification is so very important.

Arizona Game and Fish will work together with the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service to review materials from the site and the photos to attempt to determine whether or not this was a naturally occurring ocelot. Some ocelots are known to be kept as pets, and occasionally, individual animals escape or are released into the wild.

Ocelots are protected by the Endangered Species Act and should be left alone. If anyone encounters a cat believed to be an ocelot, we would request that all sightings and photos along with observation information be reported immediately to the department. More information and additional photos will be made available Wednesday, visit www.azgfd.gov for details.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, or disability in its programs and activities. If anyone believes that they have been discriminated against in any of the AGFD’s programs or activities, including employment practices, they may file a complaint with the Deputy Director, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086-5000, (602) 942-3000, or with the Fish and Wildlife Service, 4040 N. Fairfax Dr. Ste. 130, Arlington, VA 22203. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation or this document in an alternative format by contacting the Deputy Director as listed above.

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife

OLYMPIA, Washington --(Ammoland.com)- A Fish and Wildlife Police officer for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) who stared down a gunman and alerted his partner to impending danger has been named Officer of the Year by the Washington Council of Police & Sheriffs.

WDFW Police Officer Chad McGary, 28, of Othello, received the award Wednesday (Feb. 2) at a ceremony attended by Gov. Chris Gregoire, WDFW Director Phil Anderson, and other law enforcement officers.

The statewide council recognized McGary for his “bravery and heroism” during an incident last July, a year after he had joined WDFW as a fish and wildlife police officer. He had previously served for three years as a police officer in Royal City.

McGary and his supervisor, Capt. Chris Anderson, were patrolling the banks of Crab Creek near Mattawa when 18-year-old Garcia Miraz allegedly pulled a handgun on McGary during a fishing-license check.

Officer McGary reasoned with the man and refused to hand over his own pistol, even when the man’s father showed up brandishing a five-inch fillet knife.

“I just had a feeling that it would be all over if I gave up my gun,” said McGary, who instead threw it into a thicket. After warning the two men that his captain was nearby, McGary eventually convinced the younger man to get in his car and leave.

That’s when Officer McGary used his radio to call Capt. Anderson, who chased the younger man in his patrol vehicle and apprehended him after an exchange of gunfire.

Miraz was charged with attempted murder, and is scheduled to appear in Grant County Superior Court next week. His father pleaded no contest to a charge of second-degree assault, and was sentenced to five months in jail and deported.

“Officer McGary kept his wits about him and succeeded in turning a bad situation around,” said Bruce Bjork, WDFW Chief of Enforcement, who nominated him for the award. “Intelligence and courage are qualities we look for in all of our officers.”

The Washington Council of Police & Sheriffs is a statewide organization that represents 5,000 law enforcement professionals.

WDFW officers are general authority police, who regularly enforce all state laws while protecting Washington natural resources

Officer McGary lives in Othello with his wife, Jande, and their three children.

Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG, PA --(Ammoland.com)- Anthony Mark Marasco, 38, of Pittsburgh Street in Cheswick, Allegheny County, was sentenced to pay more than $4,750 in fines and serve two 90-day concurrent prison sentences after being convicted of his fourth poaching-related offense in 13 years, according to Pennsylvania Game Commission officials.

Marasco is the first to be sentenced to prison under the new fines and penalties for poaching that took effect in September.

Game Commission Wildlife Conservation Officer (WCO) Dan Puhala filed charges against Marasco in the office of District Judge Elissa M. Lang, in Sharpsburg. On Jan. 20, Lang found Marasco guilty of the following:

• Unlawfully killing big game (turkey) over the limit, for which the judge assessed a fine of $1,500 and 90 days imprisonment;
• Unlawfully hunting while on license revocation, for which the judge assessed a fine of $1,500 and 90 days imprisonment;
• Unlawfully shooting on or across a highway, for which the judge assessed a fine of $300;
• Unlawfully hunting from a vehicle, for which the judge assessed a fine of $500; and
• Unlawfully taking or possessing game, for which the judge assessed a fine of $450, which is the result this most recent offense being a second and/or subsequent violation within a seven-year period.

Also, under the “enhanced penalties” section of the Game and Wildlife Code, Judge Lang added an additional $500 to the total fines, of which the witness is eligible for a $250 reward.

According to WCO Puhala, Marasco’s most recent incident in November was preceded by three deer-related convictions, beginning in 1997, followed by convictions in 2003 and 2007.

“The habitual nature of Marasco’s poaching offenses left little room for leniency,” Puhala said.

On Nov. 6, as WCO Puhala and Deputy WCO Art Harencame were on patrol, they were contacted by the Fox Chapel Police Department, who had stopped an apparent turkey poacher based on an anonymous tip.

“When we arrived on scene, Marasco was in his truck, along with his bow and some arrows, and was returning to the scene to pick up the turkey he had just shot with his compound bow along Trillium Lane in Fox Chapel,” WCO Puhala said.

“We found that he saw the flock of turkeys from his truck, got out and shot a hen from the road, then left the area to return a short time later.

“Marasco has had his hunting privileges suspended for his previous game law violations, and remained on revocation for failure to pay more than $800 in fines assessed for offenses dating back to 1997.”

The law to increase fines and penalties for poaching was made possible by House Bill 1859, which was sponsored by House Game and Fisheries Committee Chairman Edward G. Staback. The bill was approved by the House on July 21, 2009, by a vote of 196-3. The Senate, after making minor adjustments to the bill, approved the measure unanimously on July 3, 2010, followed by a 189-6 concurrence vote in the House also on July 3. The bill was signed into law on July 9, making it Act 54 of 2010.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks

GLASGOW, Mont. --(Ammoland.com)- A multi-year investigation into the illegal killing of elk in southern Phillips County has resulted in criminal convictions for 11 resident and nonresident hunters.

According to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) Criminal Investigator Lennie Buhmann, a total of $37,300 in fines and restitution has been collected in the case, which involves defendants from Columbus and Shepherd, Mont., and South Dakota, Utah and Arizona.

Eight of the 11 defendants also lost a total 22 years of hunting, fishing and trapping privileges in the 36 states involved in the Interstate Wildlife Violators Compact.

“The case involved a group of hunters from the Billings area, South Dakota, Utah and Arizona who hunted south Phillips County from 2000 to 2009, killing elk without licenses and valid permits while loaning licenses to those in the hunting party who did not have them,” Buhmann said.

“When the hunters were confronted about their violations, most of them were honest and owned up to what they had been doing for almost a decade.”

The three-year-long investigation resulted in two search warrants being served on a hunting camp/lodge in southern Phillips County and a residence in Yellowstone County. Defendant interviews were conducted by the FWP Region 6 Enforcement team and officers from the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish & Parks.

“Without the help of the officers in South Dakota, successful prosecution of this case would not have been possible,” Buhmann said.

In all, 11 unlawfully killed bull elk were recovered. Two of the bulls were trophy class, which resulted in $8,000 in restitution being charged for each. Another animal, a cow elk, was also unlawfully killed but was not recovered.

The defendants, who were primarily prosecuted in Phillips County Justice Court, include:

• Donald Ray Keever, 54, of Shepherd, Mont. Charged with four misdemeanor counts of possessing unlawfully killed bull elk and two counts of loaning an elk license to another person. Fined $1,910, paid $8,500 in restitution, and lost hunting, fishing and trapping privileges for eight years.
• Howard F. Keever, 63, of Columbus, Mont. Charged with two counts of possessing an unlawfully killed bull elk; one count of using two-way communications to hunt; and one count of loaning an elk license to another person. Paid $1,405 in fines and lost hunting, fishing and trapping privileges for two years.
• Ben L. Krogman, 58, of White River, S.D. Charged with six counts of killing bull elk without a valid license and two counts of loaning an elk license to another person. Fined $3,680, paid $6,000 in restitution, and lost hunting, fishing and trapping privileges for two years
• Dan L. Krogman, 57, of White River, S.D. Charged with three counts of possessing unlawfully killed bull elk; one count of loaning an elk license to another person; and one count of fishing without a valid license. Paid $1,575 in fines and $10 in restitution for an illegally caught northern pike. He lost hunting, fishing and trapping privileges for two years.
• Arnold E. Hill, 61, of White River, S.D. Charged with one count of possessing an unlawfully killed bull elk; two counts of hunting bull elk without a valid license; and one count of using two-way communications to hunt. Fined $1,740, paid $8,000 in restitution, and lost hunting, fishing and trapping privileges for two years.
• Casey G. Krogman, 58, of White River, S.D. Charged with one count of hunting a bull elk without a valid license. Fined $535.
• Carl L. Murra, 63, of Renner, S.D. Charged with one count of possessing an unlawfully killed bull elk. Fined $535 and lost hunting, fishing and trapping privileges for two years.
• Al E. Kuehl, 58, of Brandon, S.D. Charged with one count of possessing an unlawfully killed bull elk and one count of killing a bull elk without a valid license. Fined $1,070, paid $1,000 in restitution, and lost hunting, fishing and trapping privileges for two years.
• Tate Bouman, age unavailable, of Spearfish, S.D. Charged with one count of possessing an unlawfully killed bull elk. Paid $135 fine.
• Joshua L. Fisher, 29, of Winslow, AZ. Charged with one count of possessing an unlawfully killed bull elk. Fined $535 and the charge was then dismissed by then-Phillips County Justice of the Peace Gayle Stahl.
• Kelly J. Keever, 29, of Vernal, Utah. Charged with one count of possessing an unlawfully killed bull elk and one count of using two-way communications to hunt. Fined $670 and lost hunting, fishing and trapping privileges for two years.

Arizona Game and Fish Department

PHOENIX, AZ – -(Ammoland.com)- Arizona Game and Fish customers are reminded that the department’s Phoenix headquarters and regional offices in Pinetop, Flagstaff, Kingman, Yuma, Tucson and Mesa will be closed on Thursday, Dec. 23, as part of the mandated furlough days for state employees.

The department will conduct law enforcement activities that day and the Operation Game Thief program will be active.

Wildlife violations can be reported by calling 1-800-352-0700 or online at www.azgfd.gov/thief.

Those department wildlife areas that are normally staffed will be closed.

Fish hatcheries will be staffed to ensure the health of hatchery fish but will not be open to the public.

Although Game and Fish offices will be closed that day, there are still a number of services that will be available to the public as noted below:

• The Ben Avery Shooting Facility and Clay Target Center will be open during their normal range hours (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.) on Thursday, Dec. 23. The Ben Avery Shooting Facility Main Range will be closed on Friday, Dec. 24 and Saturday, Dec. 25, and will open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 26. The Clay Target Center will be open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 24, is closed on Saturday, Dec. 25, and will open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 26. For more information, visit www.azgfd.gov/basf or www.azgfd.gov/ctc.
• Hunting and fishing licenses and stamps may be purchased online at www.azgfd.gov/eservices/licenses.shtml (and can also be purchased in person at more than 300 license dealers statewide).
• Renewals of watercraft registration may be performed online at www.azgfd.gov/outdoor_recreation/WatercraftRegistration.shtml.You can take an online education course for OHV, boating, hunting or bowhunting (visit www.azgfd.gov/i_e/education_programs.shtml).
• You can sign up for Game and Fish e-news at www.azgfd.gov/signup, follow us on Facebook or Twitter, or check out videos online.

The furlough days are part of the state’s budget-balancing efforts. State employees are required to take six unpaid furlough days during fiscal years 2009-10 and 2010-11 under a schedule set by the Arizona Department of Administration.

Remember, department offices also have holiday closures this year on Friday, Dec. 24 and Friday, Dec. 31.

Furlough days on which department offices will be closed in 2011 are June 10, July 22, Aug. 19, Sept. 16, Nov. 25 and Dec. 23.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, or disability in its programs and activities. If anyone believes that they have been discriminated against in any of the AGFD’s programs or activities, including employment practices, they may file a complaint with the Director’s Office, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086-5000, (602) 942-3000, or with the Fish and Wildlife Service, 4040 N. Fairfax Dr. Ste. 130, Arlington, VA 22203. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation or this document in an alternative format by contacting the Director’s Office as listed above.

NYBowHunter.com

New York - -(Ammoland.com)- A major operation to crack down on illegal deer poaching from Montauk to Buffalo has led to charges against 137 individuals for more than 250 offenses, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced Wednesday.

The initiative, dubbed, ” Operation Dark Night,” focused on the illegal taking of deer by use of artificial light – a practice commonly known as ” deer jacking.” This involves nighttime wildlife crimes where poachers shine a spotlight on a deer feeding in fields to ” freeze” the animal long enough to shoot it – killing deer when they are most vulnerable. Typically, deer jacking occurs in remote rural areas, late at night. Due to these late hours and secluded areas, there are few, if any, witnesses to this crime.

This fall, DEC undertook the largest coordinated anti-deer jacking initiative in the state’s history. During a seven-week period, ECOs were assigned to saturation patrols in targeted rural locations in every part of the state except New York City, with stakeouts taking place at all hours of the night. While ECOs are vigilant for wildlife poaching crimes throughout the year, these targeted patrols largely covered the weeks before the start of the southern zone deer season, when, historically, DEC fields numerous complaints about deer jacking.

” Our officers’ work sends a strong message that such illegal practices will not be tolerated,” said Peter Fanelli, DEC’s Director of Law Enforcement. ” During this operation, they put in long hours at night, often dealing with armed individuals. Their effort speaks of their dedication to the job and to protecting New York’s natural resources.”

” Most hunters play by the rules – but deer jackers don’t,” Acting Commissioner Peter Iwanowicz said. ” This illegal practice not only gives them an unfair advantage but also puts many unsuspecting people who may be nearby at risk. DEC takes this crime seriously for many reasons – safety, foremost.”

During the seven-week operation, DEC officers charged 137 individuals with more than 250 misdemeanors and violations. This included 10 instances of killing a deer at night with the use of a spotlight or other artificial light and 79 instances where a hunter was caught using a light but had not yet killed a deer.

Typically, other related charges were filed in these instances, such as carrying a loaded gun in a vehicle, discharging a firearm over a public highway or within 500 feet of a dwelling and using a spotlight within 500 feet of a dwelling.

By region, 124 misdemeanors and violations were filed in the Adirondack Park and surrounding North Country, 48 were filed in the Capital Region and Catskills, 47 in Central New York, 24 in Western New York and 9 on Long Island.

Fifteen guns were confiscated, along with seven spotlights and eight illegally-taken deer.

Many Environmental Conservation Law offenses relating to deer jacking are misdemeanors which may result in significant fines and/or jail time. Additionally, hunting license privileges of convicted deer poachers may be revoked in New York State as well as simultaneously in other states that are members of the Wildlife Violator Compact and honor reciprocal revocations.

Turn in Poachers and Polluters (TIPP) Hotline

DEC encourages anyone with information on environmental crimes and violations are urged to call its 24-hour hotline, 1-800-TIPP-DEC or 1-800-847-7332. Callers may request to file complaints anonymously. An online form also is available at

http://www.dec.ny.gov/regulations/67751.html

Penalties

• Taking of deer with the aid of an artificial light” is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of $250 to $2,000 and/or incarceration for up to one year, as well as possible revocation of hunting privileges for up to five years.
• Operating an artificial light on lands inhabited by deer while possessing a firearm” is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of $200 to $1,000 and/or incarceration for up to 90 days.

Violations are punishable by a fine of up to $250 and/or incarceration of up to 15 days.

Additionally, hunting privileges may be revoked in New York State as well as simultaneously in many other states who are members of the Wildlife Violator Compact.

Contact: Linda Vera (585) 226-5324

About:
NYBowhunter.com is built around our passion for bowhunting throughout the State of New York. We are the most comprehensive resource for everything from bowhunting whitetail deer and black bear to the latest news in hunting legislation and activism in New York. Visit: www.NYBowHunter.com

Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Annapolis, MD --(Ammoland.com)- Anne Arundel County

• On December 7, 2010 at 4:45 p.m., the Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) charged Anthony Michael Smith, 31 of Glen Burnie, Md., with hunting while intoxicated/under the influence of alcohol, hunting forest game with a shotgun capable of holding more than three shells, and failure to wear fluorescent orange while hunting forest game. NRP officers approached Smith at River Road and Furnace Road in Linthicum during a routine patrol. Smith showed signs of being under the influence of alcohol and failed a field sobriety test. He was in possession of a 12 gauge shotgun and two unopened beers.

Garrett County

• On December 2 at 8:15 p.m., NRP charged Kory Austin Kamp, 20 of Lonaconing, Md., with possession of an antlerless deer during closed season. Officers responded to the area of Avilton Road to investigate a report of illegal hunting. At the scene, the officers followed ATV tracks in the snow to 295 Louvina Road and observed Kamp in the garage with an antlerless deer. Antlerless deer are not allowed to be harvested in Garrett, Allegany and Washington Counties on private lands between November 27 and December 9. The illegal antlerless deer was donated to a needy family.
• On December 7, NRP served Tyler Ray Cosner, 19 of Oakland, Md., with a criminal summons for possession of marijuana, possession of paraphernalia and trespass on private property. The summons was a result of an investigation into trespassing on property of Wisp Resort, where Cosner returned after being asked to leave. During the investigation, NRP officers found a small metal pipe with suspected marijuana.

Wicomico County

• On December 3, NRP charged Matthew Lee McCallister, 39 of Allen, Md., with twelve counts of failure to field tag deer before removing from place of kill, twelve counts of failure to record deer kill on harvest record, one count of possessing deer during closed season, and one count of possessing red-tailed hawk. The charges stem from a three week investigation that resulted into a search and seizure warrant that was executed on the McCallister residence. A red tailed hawk was seized and given to Tri-State Rehabilitation Center for rehabilitation. A rifle, whitetail deer and numerous antlers were also seized during the search.

Poachers Are Not Hunter T-Shirt

Poacher Chronicles

Phoenix, Arizona --(Ammoland.com)- It is official,,, you can now order your Poacher Chronicles Clothing online.

Follow this link and support the fight against wildlife criminals.

When you order from this link www.mt-marketing.com/pccart , $1.00 of each sale goes to www.ianrc.org to purchase body armor for game wardens around the country.

Order now to be in time for the holidays. help us help the wardens and show your support for the anti-poaching movement around the country.

Support our Anti-Poaching Posse.

About:
“Xplor the Outdoors”, which is short for “Xplor the Outdoors with Jim and Patti Solomon”, has brought you such progressive monthly outdoor, one of a kind, radio shows as “The Poacher Chronicles” which includes 37 state Wildlife Law Enforcement Agencies and 8 Canadian Provinces, “Xplor the Outdoorz Kidz”, the only radio program that’s just about kidz in the outdoorz ages 5-16 and “Go Take a Hike” for the beginning and veteran outdoor enthusiast, can be heard every Sunday morning from 7-9 MST on AM 1060 The Fan and streamed LIVE around the world and archived on www.xplortheoutdoors.com and www.myoutdoortv.com.

Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Annapolis, MD --(Ammoland.com)- Allegany County – On October 25, 2010, the Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) charged Donald Sneckenberger, 75 of Hagerstown, Md. and Doy Sneckenberger, 46 of Hagerstown, Md. with hunting bears with the aid of bait. This offense occurred in the Little Orleans area of Allegany County.

Baltimore County – On October 25, 2010 at 9:20 p.m., NRP charged Daniel Scott Pieper, 23 of Whitehall, Md. with hunting at night and possessing a loaded weapon in a vehicle. Pieper was stopped as officers were investigating a suspicious vehicle on Hunter Hill Road. NRP seized two loaded weapons from Pieper’s truck. The weapons seized during the incident were a loaded Bushmaster .223 caliber rifle equipped with a silencer, night vision scope and a laser sight and a loaded .22 caliber rifle.

Garrett County – On October 25, 2010, Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) charged the following individuals;

• Donald David Gutermuth, 53 from Baldwin, Md. was charged with hunting bears with the aid of bait and Lee Cliford Brenneman, 63 from Accident, Md. was charged with the use of attractants to lure bears. This incident occurred on private land near Bittinger.
• Charles Dock Crigger II, 52 from Middle River, Md. was charged with hunting bears with the aid of bait, failure to wear fluorescent orange and failure to maintain visual contact between permitees. Earnold Lee Crigger, 52 from Middle River, Md. was charged with hunting bears with the aid of bait and failure to maintain visual contact between permitees.
• Jerome Stanley Ziemski, 55 from Baltimore, Md was charged with hunting bears with the aid of bait and failure to maintain visual contact between permitees. These charges occurred on private property near Swanton.
• Rex Allen Penick, 55 ofWestminster, Md. and Terri Lynn Penick, 48 from Westminster, Md. were both charged with hunting bears with the aid of bait. This incident occurred on private land near Grantsville.
• James Bennett Wood, 42 from Westminster, Md. was charged with hunting bears by the aid of bait in the Oakland area of Garrett County.

Garrett County – On October 26, 2010, NRP charged Allen Eugene Soth, 55 from Swanton with hunting deer with the aid of bait, hunting bears without the permitee and possession of deer during closed season. This incident occurred on Backbone Mountain near Swanton.

Worcester County – On October 27, 2010 NRP charged James Melvin Steward, 33 from Fruitland with casting rays of artificial light onto fields and woods with a weapon in possession and possessing a loaded weapon in a vehicle. This incident occurred in the area of Old Furnace Rd and Whitesburg Rd near Snow Hill.

Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG, PA --(Ammoland.com)- Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe today said the agency supports the recent enactment of House Bill 181, and that it – hopefully – will put to rest, once and for all, the false notion that its Wildlife Conservation Officers had “more authority than any other law enforcement officer in the Commonwealth.”

“For years, the Game Commission has been attempting to correct the misinformation that our WCOs could operate outside the boundaries set by the U.S. Constitution and Supreme Court rulings, especially in relation to search and seizure,” Roe said. “Our WCOs follow all of the constitutional requirements and court-issued rules and regulations regarding searches and seizures. They are trained to do so, and they receive updates on changes in the laws as new court rulings are issued.

“In addition, this bill codifies a 2006 case from the Pennsylvania Supreme Court in which the Court found that Game Commission Officers may act pursuant to the ‘open fields’ doctrine, which permits Officers to enter certain areas, such as pastures and woods, without first having obtained a warrant. However, as specifically noted in the bill, the authority to enter property pursuant to the open fields doctrine does not extend to buildings or curtilage, which is generally defined as the area immediately adjacent to a structure that is generally enclosed and to which an individual has a reasonable expectation of privacy. To enter a building or curtilage, an Officer must first obtain a warrant or be within one of exceptions to the warrant requirement.”

Roe also noted that, annually, Game Commission WCOs issue between 9,000 and 10,000 citations for a wide variety of violations, but they also issue 12,000 to 14,000 warnings.

“While we have maintained a 96 to 97 percent conviction rate for all of the citations issued, we still only record six or seven official complaints as a result of the more than 190,000 law enforcement contacts we have with the public,” Roe said. “With all of the interactions our Officers have with the public, I believe our continued high conviction rate and low number of official complaints speak volumes about the professionalism of our Officers, as well as their adherence to the law.

“The bottom line about this new law is that it doesn’t limit the authority of our Officers, it merely brings Title 34 – the law governing their authority – into the 21st century and is now up to date with current case law.”

House Bill 181, sponsored by Rep. Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster), passed the House by a vote of 192-0 on June 1, 2009, and received a unanimous vote in the Senate on Sept. 27. Gov. Edward G. Rendell signed the bill into law on Oct. 7, making it Act 64 of 2010.

Georgia Department of Natural Resources

BRUNSWICK, Ga. --(Ammoland.com)- The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division recently selected Capt. Doug Lewis of the Brunswick Law Enforcement office as the 2010 Supervisor of the Year.

Until this past month when he was promoted to Captain of the Region, Lewis served as Administrative Sergeant for the DNR Law Enforcement office located in Brunswick, Georgia. This office oversees operations in ten coastal counties, including Chatham, Camden and Glynn. He is a 24-year veteran of the department and served 13 of those years as Sergeant.

“Capt. Doug Lewis exemplifies the outstanding leadership that we expect from our officers,” says Col. Homer Bryson, Chief of the Law Enforcement Section of Wildlife Resources Division. “His motto is that ‘you take care of your staff and your staff will take care of you’ and he absolutely does his best to make sure that his staff receives the best, and they support him 100 percent.”

During this past year, Capt. Lewis was key to the success of a pilot CAD project for this Region, including involvement with installation, implementation and troubleshooting. He also was involved in the procurement of equipment associated with a $1.4 million Port Security Grant awarded to this Region.

Lewis is involved with the administration of the Joint Enforcement Agreement and serves on the Grays Reef Advisory Panel. In addition to the recognition as ‘Supervisor of the Year’ with DNR Law Enfocement, he also received the “Wayne County Volunteer of the Year” award for his efforts with a local catfish tournament and other events.

Capt. Lewis previously received the James R. Darnell Award and additionally, was recognized as Ranger of the Year in 1989. Fellow law enforcement officers nominated for this award include Sgt. Steve Seitz, Sgt. Bo Kelly and Sgt. Butch Potter.

For more information on the 2010 Supervisor of the Year Award, call the Wildlife Resources Division Law Enforcement Headquarters office at (770) 918-6408.

Wildlife Management Institute

Gardners, PA --(Ammoland.com)- Following a successful workshop for state wildlife agency employees earlier this year, the Conservation Leaders for Tomorrow (CLfT) program will host three workshops in 2010-11 for nonhunting, federal and state natural resource management personnel in communication, administration and management positions.

CLfT is a joint program of the Wildlife Management Institute and the Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation.

It was initiated in 2004, to provide university Juniors, Seniors and graduate students in natural resource degree programs with an understanding of hunting in relation to conservation. More than 310 students and approximately 35 agency staff and university faculty members have gone through workshops. Program success in terms of improving understanding of hunting’s relationship to conservation, as measured by the participants, is 96 percent. The 2010 workshop for employees from six wildlife agencies around the country reportedly was an unqualified success for all.

“The agency participants noted that the experience was very valuable for their better appreciation of what the agency does and why hunters are such ardent and valuable constituents,” said Zach Lowe, CLfT Director. “They clearly enjoyed the workshop and were able to ask sensitive questions relative to their professional roles. Several also acknowledged that their exposure to hunting would give them improved credibility with the public and a worthwhile sense of camaraderie with hunters within their agencies.”

Conservation Leaders for Tomorrow

The agency workshops will be conducted at the Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation in Dundee, Illinois. The dates are November 14-19, January 2-7 and January 16-21. There will be no cost to the participants or participating agencies other than the cost of transportation to and from the Foundation, which will be coordinated by CLfT. All state fish and wildlife agencies, plus the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Natural Resource Conservation Service will be invited to send nonhunting staff members who would benefit from the events.

“As with our student workshops, we will make it clear that CLfT is not about recruiting hunters. The program will provide participants with a lot of information about the diverse roles of recreational hunting and enough skills to experience a hunt toward the end of the program, if they so choose,” said Lowe.

“CLfT is about making sure that resource management decisions and actions are considered by people who recognize and appreciate the important and multiple values of recreational hunting, whether or not those people are hunters.”

Each four-day workshop will involve no more than 18 participants. Nine or more experienced CLfT instructors will ensure a safe, informative and worthwhile professional development investment.
You can learn more about the CLfT program on their website: www.clft.org. For more information about the agency workshops, contact Zach Lowe at zach@clft.org

About:
Wildlife Management Institute: Founded in 1911, WMI is a private, nonprofit, scientific and educational organization, dedicated to the conservation, enhancement and professional management of North America’s wildlife and other natural resources. Visit: www.wildlifemanagementinstitute.org

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife

OLYMPIA, Wa --(Ammoland.com)- Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) offices will be closed Friday, Aug. 6, for the second of 10 statewide, unpaid, employee-layoff days.

During the layoff day, WDFW wildlife areas and water-access sites will remain open for public use, but WDFW hatcheries will not be open to the public. Fishing and hunting licenses may be purchased online at https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov/ and at retail vendors.

The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission – a nine-member citizen panel that sets policy for WDFW – will hold its scheduled public meeting Aug. 5-7 in Room 172 of the Natural Resource Building in Olympia. A small number of essential WDFW staff will work during the Aug. 6 portion of the commission meeting, and will take a later, alternate, temporary layoff day.

The statewide, temporary layoffs are mandated by ESSB 6503 ( http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=6503 ), adopted by the 2010 Legislature to help balance the state budget in the face of a revenue shortfall.

WDFW enforcement officers are exempt from the temporary layoffs under the law. WDFW also has exempted fish counters who distinguish various species of salmon as they move past Columbia River hydropower dams. The federally required and federally funded fish counting must be conducted consistently as salmon pass the dams. Certain WDFW employees who feed animals or perform other tasks critical to resource management will take alternate temporary layoff days.

Other upcoming 2010 state employee temporary layoff dates are Tuesday, Sept. 7; Monday, Oct. 11; and Monday, Dec. 27. In 2011, scheduled temporary layoff dates are Friday, Jan. 28; Tuesday, Feb. 22; Friday, March 11; Friday, April 22; and Friday June 10. The first employee layoff day was July 12.

More information on statewide office closures associated with the temporary layoff is available at http://www.ofm.wa.gov/layoff/default.asp .

Kentucky Department Fish Wildlife

Kentucky --(Ammoland.com)- Two Tennessee men were fined and lost even more in equipment forfeitures after pleading guilty in Ballard District Court to hunting turkeys over bait they placed.

Arthur James Coleman III, 45, and Stephen Bridges, 47, both of Brentwood, Tennessee, were found hunting wild turkeys over bait at Huntland Farms, a private tract bordering the Ballard Wildlife Management Area.

Fish and Wildlife officers Tony Dunker, Kyle Webb, and Sgt. Denny Broyles observed the men place corn on three areas of the farm and then found them hunting over it on the opening morning of the spring turkey season.

District Judge Keith Myers fined each $343.00 and ordered forfeiture of seized equipment – a tractor with seed spreader, an electric utility vehicle, and a twelve gauge shotgun.

NC Wildlife Staff Receives NRA RSO Training

NRAHuntersRights.org

Fairfax, VA--(Ammoland.com)- Staff from NRA’s Training Department traveled to Crossnore, N.C., at the end of June to conduct NRA Range Safety Officer (RSO) and Chief Range Safety Officer (CRSO) training for 28 wildlife enforcement officers and hunter education specialists from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC).

The training, held June 22-24 at the North Carolina Division of Forest Resources’ B.H. Corpening Training Facility, was arranged by Travis Casper, NCWRC assistant hunter safety coordinator, at the suggestion of Morris Aguilar, program coordinator in NRA’s Hunter Services Department.

Casper also serves as director of the wildlife identification event at NRA’s International Youth Hunter Education Challenge (YHEC), which will take place July 26-30 in Mansfield, Pa.

“We just recognized the need for more training for our staff,” said Casper.

“We do a lot of live-fire activities through our hunter education program, and you can never have too much training. We wanted to further the knowledge base of our volunteer staff, so we put our hunter education specialists and some of our wildlife officers through it to have a base for training volunteer hunter ed instructors.”

Aguilar and Casper thought the training would benefit staff conducting North Carolina’s state YHEC event, but the NCWRC identified the need for all of their personnel involved in firearm instruction to be certified as Range Safety Officers. The three-day session covered the NRA Range Safety Officer course, basic instructor training, and the Chief Range Safety Officer course. By having a core group of certified Chief Range Safety Officers, the NCWRC can conduct training and certify their own RSOs as needed.

Casper said the training brought in new ideas and reinforced old ones that the department could put into practice on its ranges for hunter education and YHEC.

“The training gave us a new outlook on some things,” Casper said. “We were pretty proficient before, but it was beneficial from the standpoint of having somebody else come in that deals with the shooting sports from another end and who brought in some new ideas that we honestly hadn’t even thought about.”

NRA Range Safety Officer

The NRA Range Safety Officer Program was developed in response to the demand for a nationally-recognized range safety officer certification. NRA Range Safety Officers possess the knowledge and skills that are needed for organizing, conducting and supervising safe range operations.

NRA RSO training is available to any group that supervises and runs live-fire activities, including YHEC volunteers, hunter education instructors, and local shooting clubs.

The Range Safety Officer course consists of Range Safety Officer’s roles and responsibilities, range standard operating procedures, range inspection and range rules, firearm stoppages and malfunctions, and range safety briefings, which include emergency procedures.

“I enjoyed the recently completed NRA training,” said Kevin R. Crabtree, District 4 hunter education specialist for the NCWRC.

“The instructors were passionate and knowledgeable about the material. The stress placed on range and firearm safety was evident, as expected. The NRA lesson plans allow students to be involved in the courses and put into practice what is learned. The need to formulate an emergency plan was demonstrated well and is what I got most from the course.”

Range Safety Officer training is conducted by NRA-certified Chief Range Safety Officers and consists of practical range exercises and nine hours of classroom time. In addition to the classroom and range-based training, candidates must also receive a score of 90 percent or better on the course’s written exam to receive their RSO credentials.

“Training is a key component in reiterating ideas that have not been employed for some time, as well as learning new and innovative ideas,” said Lt. Rob Fullbright of the NCWRC Division of Enforcement.

“Serving 23 years as a North Carolina wildlife law enforcement officer and with 19 years as a general instructor and specialized instructor with the North Carolina Justice Academy, I came away from the NRA’s RSO and CRSO training with key components that will benefit me in many aspects as a training instructor.”

The Chief Range Safety Officers who conducted the training for NCWRC staff were Steve Hoback, NRA senior training program coordinator, and Mark Richardson, NRA’s Training Counselor program coordinator.

“Mark and I thoroughly enjoyed the training, and the professionals who attended were very impressive,” said Hoback.

“Travis indicated that the NCWRC would not have finalized the training without assurance that the training was conducted by NRA staff.”

While NRA has certified 12,465 Range Safety Officers to date, this is the first time a state game department has organized an RSO training course for its staff. Other game departments seeking RSO training for range staff, hunter education instructors, and YHEC volunteers/staff are encouraged to contact John Howard in the NRA Training Department at 703-267-1423 or jhoward@nrahq.org.

Prospective students can sign-up for any NRA firearm training course online by visiting www.NRAinstructors.org.

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Wild Bat Blitz Coming

Georgia Department of Natural Resources

SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. --(Ammoland.com)- The ninth annual Bat Blitz, hosted by the Georgia Wildlife Resources Division in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and the Southeastern Bat Diversity Network, is set for July 25-29, 2010, at Fort Mountain State Park near Chatsworth.

The blitz provides an opportunity for researchers, management biologists and students from federal and state agencies, universities, and industry to exchange information and develop strategies for studying bat communities.

The event kicks off with a family-friendly education night at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, July 25. Admission is free but there is a $5 park pass fee to park.

The bat blitz involves intense surveys – three nights of mist netting at 30-40 sites, acoustic sampling and other techniques – to look at the species composition and prevalence of bats on state and federal lands within an hour of Fort Mountain. Base camp will be at the park.

“The bat blitz brings researchers together from around the eastern U.S. to sample a large area in a short period of time,” said Trina Morris, a wildlife biologist with the Wildlife Resources Division, part of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.

“It provides a great opportunity to teach people about bats and survey techniques and to learn more about the bats in the area.”

Small insectivorous bats like the species found in Georgia can eat more than 1,000 mosquito-sized insects in an hour. Other species of bats around the world serve important roles as pollinators of crops such as bananas and mangoes.

Georgia is home to 16 bat species, all of which seek a sheltered roost during the day and emerge at night to eat flying insects such as moths, mosquitoes and beetles. Some species, such as the gray bat and Southeastern myotis, depend upon suitable caves for roosting. Others, such as big brown bats and evening bats, are more adaptable and use hollow trees and buildings. Red bats and Seminole bats conceal themselves in foliage.

All Georgia bats use echolocation, a biological sonar system, to find food and avoid obstacles while flying rapidly in the darkness.

DNA Evidence Helps Convict York County PA Trophy-Buck Poacher

Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG, PA --(Ammoland.com)-  Michael Eugene Sponseller Jr., 19, of East Berlin, Adams County, was found guilty and sentenced to pay $1,100 in fines and $5,000 in replacement costs for the unlawful poaching of a trophy-class white-tailed deer in York County, according to Pennsylvania Game Commission officials.

The sentence was handed down, on June 29, by Senior Magisterial District Judge Roger Estep, after a hearing in West Manchester Township, York County. Sponseller also faces revocation of hunting privileges for up to six years.

Sponseller was found guilty of unlawful taking and possession of game or wildlife; unlawful devices and methods for using a motor vehicle to locate the deer; trespass on private property while hunting; and false or fraudulent statements on reports.

In September 2009, Sponseller and another individual were travelling in a vehicle on Hoke’s Mill Road in West Manchester Township, when they spotted a 16-point white-tailed deer in an adjacent field from the roadway. Sponseller stalked and killed the deer, using archery equipment, during a closed season. The defendant took possession of the unlawfully killed trophy buck and claimed to have killed the deer during the open archery deer season in Lycoming County.

Game Commission Wildlife Conservation Officer Chad Eyler, of York County, and Deputy Wildlife Conservation Officer Robert Simmonds received information regarding the unlawful killing of the 16-point buck and began an investigation in October. Eyler and Simmonds found that the trophy class deer was indeed unlawfully killed during the closed season for deer in September.

Eyler and Simmonds, along with Game Commission Wildlife Conservation Officer Darren David, of Adams County, retrieved evidence of the illegal killing, including the 16-point rack, the cape, and numerous other items that pointed to the unlawful killing of the deer.

A West Manchester Township police officer contacted Eyler and informed him that he possessed a set of 14-point white-tailed deer shed antlers that were found in the early part of 2009 in the vicinity of the unlawfully killed 16-point buck. The officer believed these to be the sheds from the unlawfully killed 16-point buck.

“White-tailed deer shed their antlers on an annual basis,” Eyler said. “The sheds were found about one mile from the place of the unlawful killing.”

Eyler and Simmonds inspected the 14-point antlers, along with certified Boone and Crockett Club Official scorers, and had each rack measured for their green score. The green score for the 16-point rack was 175 7/8. The score for 14-point shed rack, which was turned over to Eyler by the West Manchester Township Police Officer, was 151 3/8.

For a white-tailed deer to be considered a trophy-class buck, it must Boone and Crockett green score at 115. According to the Pennsylvania Big Game Records Book for 2009, the 16-point trophy class buck would have ranked 16th in the Non-typical White-tailed Deer-Archery Category, had the deer been killed in a legal manner.

Eyler and Simmonds submitted both the 16-point rack from the unlawfully killed deer that the defendant claimed to have killed in Lycoming County, and the 14-point shed rack that was found in York County, to Dr. Jane Huffman, director of the Northeast Wildlife DNA Laboratory, Applied DNA Sciences, East Stroudsburg University, to compare DNA from each rack to see if the racks were from the same deer. After DNA extraction from both sets of antlers, Dr. Huffman determined that the racks were from the same deer.

This evidence, coupled with additional expert testimony at the hearing, proved that the 16-point deer lived in and was unlawfully killed in York County, not the more than 110 air miles away in Lycoming County, as the defendant alleged.

Eyler and Simmonds filed the charges on Sponseller at the conclusion of the investigation in March.

Due to the 16-point buck being considered trophy-class under Game Commission regulations, upon conviction, Sponseller was sentenced to not only pay the $1,100 in fines, but also to pay $5,000 in replacement costs for the unlawful killing.

The replacement costs were adopted by the Board to enhance penalties associated with poaching and deter poaching activity. All costs that were associated with the DNA services that were provided by The Northeast Wildlife DNA Laboratory were paid for by the members of the Pennsylvania Deer Association.

“This case took months of investigation, DNA analysis, evidence collection, interviews and legal preparation,” Eyler said. “While we are pleased with the successful conclusion of this case and the fact that Sponseller was held accountable for his crime, this is an unfortunate example of how one violator can steal wildlife from legitimate hunters and others who enjoy seeing wildlife in Pennsylvania.

“On the positive side, this is a perfect example of concerned citizens, different agencies, conservation associations, police departments, members of the York County District Attorney’s Office, and the Pennsylvania Game Commission coming together to solve a major wildlife crime in York County. Without these individuals, and the outstanding corps of Deputy Wildlife Conservation Officers that we are blessed to have in York County, and throughout this Commonwealth, crimes against our natural resources would go unnoticed and unpunished.”

Facts from the Pennsylvania Game Commission: Cases such as this would carry increased fines and penalties if House Bill 1859, sponsored by House Game and Fisheries Committee Chairman Edward G. Staback (D-Lackawanna), is enacted. The bill was approved by the House on July 21, by a vote of 196-3. The bill was approved by the Senate Game and Fisheries Committee on Jan. 26, and presently awaits final consideration in the Senate.

Additionally, under Senate Bill 1200, sponsored by Senate Game and Fisheries Committee Chairman Richard Alloway II (R-33), if Pennsylvania were a member of the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact, defendants in cases such as this would lose their ability to lawfully hunt in other states. SB 1200 passed the Senate by a unanimous vote, and presently is awaiting further action in the House Appropriations Committee.

Beebe Honors Wildlife Officer With Medal Of Valor

Arkansas Game & Fish Commission

LITTLE ROCK, AR --(Ammoland.com)- It was a day to remember for Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Wildlife Officer Michael Neal. Neal was honored last week for his heroics during a fierce gun battle in West Memphis. Gov. Mike Beebe presented Neal with the Medal of Valor for his actions May 20.

Beebe said Neal’s efforts to stop two gunmen who had killed two West Memphis police officers and wounded two Crittenden County sheriff’s officers probably saved many lives.

“His training kicked in,” Beebe said. “Further tragedy was averted and avoided by his trained, heroic, selfless action.”

Neal rammed his AGFC vehicle into a minivan carrying 17-year-old Joe Kane and his 45-year-old father, Jerry R. Kane. The Kanes killed West Memphis Police Department officers Brandon Paudert and Bill Evans during a traffic stop on Interstate 40. They also wounded Crittenden County Sheriff Dick Busby and Deputy Chief W.A. Wren during a shootout in the West Memphis Walmart parking lot in which the Kanes were killed.

Neal also was recognized by the AGFC, Sen. Jim Luker of Wynne, the Crittenden County Quorum Court and the West Memphis Police Department. Neal is assigned to Lee County and has been a wildlife officer since 2007.