Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG, PA –-(AmmoLand.com)- Hunters planning to participate in the state’s archery bear season on Nov. 18 and 19 must have a general hunting license and a bear license from the Pennsylvania Game Commission.

The archery bear season will be held in Wildlife Management Units 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 3A, 4A, 4B and 4D.

In WMUs where the archery bear season and fall wild turkey season run concurrently, bowhunters are required to wear a hat containing 100 square inches of solid fluorescent orange when moving. The hat may be removed when the hunter is stationary or on stand.

WMUs affected by this requirement are WMUs 2G, 3A and 4D.

Crossbows are permitted to be used by any hunter participating in the archery, regular or extended bear seasons.

Any bear taken by a bowhunter must be checked by the Game Commission within 24 hours of the time it was killed. Successful bowhunters should call a region office for instructions.

Region office staff will direct the hunter to a location where an employee will meet him or her and check the bear. Traditional check stations will not be open during the archery bear season. Telephone numbers for the six region offices are listed on page 3 of the 2009-10 Pennsylvania Hunting and Trapping Digest.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Archers Prepare For Black Bear Archery Season

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

LINCOLN, Neb. –-(AmmoLand.com)- There has been a national trend of declining participation in hunting for years. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission took a step Thursday to attract more young big game hunters.

The Board of Commissioners approved youth deer, turkey and antelope permits that cost $5 each. The board held its regular meeting at Pheasant Bonanza, northwest of Tekamah.

The current prices for selected permits are, excluding agent fees: resident deer ($29), nonresident deer ($208), resident antelope ($29), nonresident antelope ($149.50), resident turkey ($23), and nonresident turkey ($90). All hunters, including youth, pay those prices. Now, youth under age 16 may purchase those permits for $5 each.

Other permits were created and fees amended by the board.

In an effort to raise funds that will do such things as acquire land, support public access programs and improve habitat, the board raised the cost of an annual Nebraska Habitat Stamp by $4 to $20. It also raised the annual Nebraska Aquatic Habitat Stamp by $2.50 to $10.

New permits that were created include nonresident paddlefish, nonresident combination hunt/fish permit, lifetime fur harvest, nonresident elk, and nonresident landowner elk.

The board also raised the cost of a lifetime habitat stamp by $80 to $400 and created agent fees of $1 (purchased through Commission) and $2 (purchased through an agent other than Commission) for most hunting, fishing and fur harvest permits.

Changes to the 2010 fishing and turkey hunting regulations also were approved.

Changes to turkey regulations include a spring turkey permit that may be used in either the shotgun or archery season. In the past, spring turkey hunters were required to purchase either a shotgun permit or archery permit to hunt with those respective weapons during designated seasons.

The board made the following changes to other wildlife regulations:

• Suspended the bighorn sheep harvest in 2010. A pneumonia outbreak has reduced the population of the Fort Robinson herd, where sheep are hunted.
• A limited landowner applicant may be a spouse or child of the owner or leaseholder of qualifying land or a sibling sharing ownership of the qualifying land. The spouse or child need not be residing in the same household of the owner or leaseholder.
• Added landowner bull elk to the list of permit applicants who receive preference points if denied a permit and who lose all preference points if granted a permit. It also removes language that states all preference points will be lost if a person does not apply at least once for five consecutive years.
• Removed all restrictions on draw weight and draw length of archery equipment used to take deer, antelope, turkey, elk, and bighorn sheep.
• Removed all restrictions on how long deer, antelope, turkey, elk, and bighorn sheep meat may be possessed.
• Added a regulation that archers hunting deer, antelope, elk, or bighorn sheep are not required to wear hunter orange during the firearm seasons for antelope, elk or bighorn sheep.
• Removed all restrictions on how long game birds or game animals may be possessed and added language that states that it is unlawful to possess more than a possession limit of game birds or game animals.

The board also:

• Entered into an agreement with the Platte River Basin Environments (PRBE) to provide public access and conservation management on two tracts of land in the Wildcat Hills. The Carter Canyon Ranch Tract (7,870 acres) and the Montz Point Tract (1,430 acres) are owned by PRBE.
• Amended a lease with the Bureau of Reclamation to include a mitigation tract in Webster County in which the Commission will provide public access and conservation management. The 475-acre tract will be designated as Guide Rock Diversion Wildlife Management Area (WMA).
• Acquired a 13.31-acre tract of land at U.S. Highway 77 and Bluff Road in Lancaster County. It will be used to consolidate Commission operations and maintenance staff and replace sites that are being leased.
• Acquired a 156-acre tract of land in Stanton County that will be an extension of Wood Duck WMA.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Commissioners Approve Low-Cost Youth Hunting Permits

Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG, PA –-(AmmoLand.com)- Each year, Pennsylvania Game Commission field officers and foresters develop game forecasts for the areas they work to share with interested hunters and trappers. Observations on local wild turkey populations are always a part of this annual offering.

The Game Commission’s “Field Officer Forecasts” can be found in the center of the agency’s homepage (www.pgc.state.pa.us).

Developed to share field officer perspectives and observations on game and furbearer trends in their respective districts and to help hunters and trappers get closer to the action afield, this information helped many sportsmen and sportswomen have more enjoyable days afield last year.

“Our field personnel spend a tremendous amount of time afield, often in the areas hunters and trappers are most interested in learning more about,” said Carl G. Roe, Game Commission executive director.

“Their observations have value to hunters and trappers, so in 2006 we set up a cyber-clearinghouse where anyone who enjoys hunting and trapping in Pennsylvania – resident or nonresident – can access game and furbearer forecasts from every county of the state. It’s the detailed field reporting hunters and trappers seek out, and part of our longstanding commitment to be the first and best source of hunting and trapping information in the Commonwealth.”

Roe noted the Game Commission divides the state’s 67 counties into six regions, and then each region is divided into WCO districts comprised of about 300 square miles each.

There are 136 WCO districts statewide. Each of the 29 LMGS groups is comprised of a number of counties or portions of counties within each region, and seeks to equally distribute the amount of State Game Lands and public access lands within the region. The number of foresters ranges per region, from four to nine.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Pennsylvania Local Wild Turkey Information Also Available Online

Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG, PA –-(AmmoLand.com)- The Pennsylvania Game Commission is expecting hunters to encounter a sizeable wild turkey population when they head afield for the opening day of wild turkey season on Oct. 31. And, because of the abundant acorn crop this year, finding birds this fall may be more difficult than it was last year.

“Wild turkey hunting is one of Pennsylvania’s premiere outdoor experiences,” said Carl G. Roe, Game Commission executive director. “The satisfaction derived from calling in and taking a game bird that can see you twitch at 50 yards is a fulfillment that veteran hunters never tire of and new turkey hunters can’t wait to experience.

“The good news for this fall is that we believe there are great opportunities for wild turkey hunters throughout the state. But, as always, pre-season scouting and planning will be important to your hunting success.”

Season lengths vary in the state’s Wildlife Management Units for fall turkey hunting: WMUs 1A, 1B and 2A (Shotgun and bow and arrow only) – Oct. 31-Nov. 14; WMU 2B (Shotgun and bow and arrow only) – Oct. 31-Nov. 21; WMUs 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 4A and 4B – Oct. 31-Nov. 14; WMUs 2G, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4C, 4D and 4E – Oct. 31-Nov. 21; WMUs 5A and 5B – closed to fall hunting; and WMUs 5C and 5D (Shotgun and bow and arrow only) – Oct. 31-Nov. 4. (NOTE: On page 52 of the 2009-10 Digest, the fall turkey season dates for WMU 2F are incorrect. The correct dates are listed above: Oct. 31-Nov. 14.)

Mary Jo Casalena, Game Commission wild turkey biologist, said fall turkey hunters will face two challenges, but nothing that a little pre-season scouting can’t remedy. Those challenges are: smaller flocks of young turkeys in the woods caused by a cool, wet spring that decreased nesting success, which translates to a lower than average population of young turkeys; and an abundant crop of acorns, mostly red oak group, though white oaks tend to be scarce in many areas, which research has shown tends to disperse turkeys and flocks throughout the woods, making them harder to locate and hunt.

“Fortunately, the turkey population in the spring prior to nesting was above average, at about 345,000 birds, rebounding during the past three years from its low, in 2006, of 291,000, so there remains an above-average population of turkeys in Penn’s Woods,” Casalena said. “The state’s wild turkey population is above the 10-year-average thanks to good reproduction the past two springs and generally conservative fall season lengths, which prevents the overharvest of hens.”

Locating a flock is only part of the hunt, Casalena said. Properly setting up and bringing a turkey within range is another challenge, and is what makes turkey hunting simultaneously tricky and enjoyable.

“Overall, I anticipate turkey hunters to enjoy success rates only slightly lower than last year, when 16 percent of fall turkey hunters harvested turkeys, a great improvement from the 12 percent success rate over the previous three years. Hunter success has been as high as 21 percent (2001, a year with excellent recruitment), and as low as 4 percent (1979). The final 2008 fall harvest was 24,288, similar to the previous several years.”

The preliminary spring 2009 harvest, calculated from hunter report cards, was about 41,400, which is similar to last year. Additionally, during the spring season, hunters harvested about 1,880 gobblers using the second tag, or “special turkey licenses.” Even though spring harvests are down from the record 49,200, in 2001, Pennsylvania hunters have consistently maintained spring harvests above 30,000 bearded turkeys since 1995, exceeding most other states in the nation.

“Turkey population management is centered on regulating the fall either-sex season,” Casalena said. “Our goal is to maximize recreational opportunity without adversely affecting populations. According to guidelines outlined in our Turkey Management Plan, we increase fall season lengths when turkey populations are increasing, but must reduce season lengths when populations are declining.”

Casalena noted that fall turkey seasons were changed in three WMUs: WMU 2D was shortened to two weeks (Oct. 31 – Nov. 14) to help the population rebound to former abundance levels; WMUs 5C and 5D were shortened to 4 days (Oct. 31 – Nov. 4). Also, WMU 5A remains closed to fall turkey hunting for the seventh year to help restore the turkey population there.

“Research showed that the fall harvest was one factor adversely impacting that turkey population,” Casalena said. “Reopening the fall season in WMU 5A is our goal, and the turkey population has shown improvement. The fall season also remains closed in WMU 5B, where we are continuing to allow the population to grow after three years (2001-2003) of transferring wild turkeys into parts of the WMU that had sufficient habitat, but no turkeys. Citizens now regularly see turkey populations where they had been absent for close to 70 years.

“Also, please remember to report any leg-banded turkeys harvested. Leg bands are stamped with a toll-free number to call, and provide important information for the joint research project being conducted in partnership with other states and the National Wild Turkey Federation.”

In both spring and fall turkey seasons, it is unlawful to use drives to hunt turkeys. Hunters may take only one turkey in the fall season.

Shot size is limited to No. 4 lead, bismuth-tin, tungsten-iron or No. 2 steel. Turkey hunters also are required to tag their bird before moving it and to report their harvest within 10 days of taking a turkey. (For more information on the new online harvest reporting system, please see the fourth article in this news release titled TURKEY HUNTERS ENCOURAGED TO REPORT HARVEST ONLINE).

Legal hunting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. For more information, please see page 12 of the 2009-10 Digest for the legal hunting hours table. Also, it is lawful to use a dog to pursue, chase, scatter and track wild turkeys during the fall wild turkey season. Hunters are prohibited from using dogs to hunt any other big game animal, including spring gobbler. For minimum orange requirements, please see page 70 of the 2009-10 Digest, as the requirements differ depending on the Wildlife Management Unit.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Pennsylvnania’s Fall Turkey Season Begins Oct. 31

Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG, PA –-(AmmoLand.com)- The Pennsylvania Game Commission today has cancelled vehicular tours of State Game Lands 110 and 211 in Berks, Dauphin, Lebanon and Schuylkill counties because roadways in these areas have become too soft to accommodate large volumes of traffic and rain remains in the forecast through Sunday.

“It is unfortunate that these tours had to be cancelled on such short notice,” said PGC Southeast Region Director Doug Killough. “But conditions in these natural areas simply have deteriorated to the point where we were left with no choice.”

Signs announcing the tour cancellations will be posted at the Ellendale gate of SGL 211 in Dauphin County’s Middle Paxton Township, just northeast of Dauphin, as well as at the SGL 110 parking lot on Mountain Road, midway between the Shartlesville exit of Interstate 78 and Route 61.

Each location is the starting point for these two vehicular tours.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Tours Canceled For Pennsylvania State Game Lands

Arkansas Game & Fish Commission

Arkansas --(AmmoLand.com)- Flooding closes White River North Unit muzzleloader deer hunts. Click here to to the White River NWR web site. ST. CHARLES – The White River National Wildlife Refuge will close the North Unit quota deer hunt on Oct. 17-19 and the North Unit non-quota buck-only hunt, Oct. 20-23 due to an unprecedented early flood season. The South Unit hunt remains open for now. North Unit permit holders are not allowed to hunt in the South Unit.

“We regret closing these North Unit hunts due to the flood, but we also need to ensure hunter safety and protect the deer resource for the future,” said refuge manger Dennis Sharp.

Unfortunately, this water level will keep the North Unit closed for deer archery hunting and prevent the scheduled North Unit muzzleloader deer hunt.

“At this time, we do not anticipate closing the South Unit muzzleloader deer season due to flooding, but hunters are encouraged to monitor water levels,” Sharp said.

He went on to say that the North Unit quota muzzleloader deer permits will not be refundable or renewed as the money has already been spent on associated hunt administration costs. 850 hunters had been issued permits for this year’s hunt. Another 300 were not. The permits will also not be renewed for next year’s hunt.

“I can’t, in all good conscience, renew the 850 North Unit permits for next year, as that would be mean that the other 300 applicants who did not get permits would not be able to hunt there for two years,” Sharp said. “I also can’t predict the impacts of the unprecedented flooding on the deer herd in the North Unit, so I don’t know how many quotas will be offered there next year.”

“I know many hunters will be disappointed in missing this great public hunting opportunity, and I sure understand their frustration,” said Sharp. “I encourage you to apply again for next year’s hunts and hope for more favorable river levels now and next year.”

The North Unit of the refuge closes to deer hunting when the White River reaches 23 feet at St. Charles and does not reopen until the level falls below 21 feet. The river reached the 23-foot level the first week of October, closing archery deer season on the North Unit. The river is currently rising at St. Charles and projected to remain above 21 feet through Oct. 23.

The South Unit closes to all deer hunting when the White River gauge at St. Charles reaches 23 feet and the tailwater gauge reading at Norrel Lock and Dam #1 reaches 145 feet simultaneously as reported at the following website: http://www.srh.noaa.gov/lzk/html/whitervr.htm.

Up-to-date flood related deer season closure information is also available on the refuge’s recorded phone message system at (870) 282-8200. Hunters Camping on the South Unit should carefully monitor rising river levels that may flood their camp or overtop exit routes.

These types of flooding events, although part of natural floodplain system, can impact deer and other wildlife populations, and may change the number of quotas available for next year.

For more information, please visit: http://www.fws.gov/whiteriver/images/WhiteRiverHuntBrochureText09.pdf http://www.fws.gov/whiteriver/huntingpage.html.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Flooding Closes White River North Unit Muzzleloader Deer Hunts

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

LINCOLN, Neb. –-(AmmoLand.com)- Hunters in the area of Lake McConaughy had an excellent opening day of the duck season on Oct. 10, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

According to conservation officer reports, hunting pressure was heavy around McConaughy and nearby Clear Creek Wildlife Management Area (WMA) and most checked hunters got their limit of birds.

Among the birds checked by officers in the Panhandle and western Sandhills were mallards, pintails, redheads, scaup, wood ducks, gadwall, blue-winged teal, green-winged teal, and shovelers.

Southwest duck hunters had decent success, especially at Sacramento-Wilcox WMA and along the Platte River from North Platte to Sarben. A variety of ducks were harvested, including teal, mallards, scaup, and wigeon.

In south-central Nebraska, the opener was productive in areas where hunters found water, which was difficult to come by.

Conservation officers reported checking one to four birds per hunter. Most of those birds were teal, but there were good numbers of gadwall, as well as some wood ducks, mallards and a ring-necked drake.

While the number of hunters in the region was down, prospects should improve as some basins will have water pumped into them and more birds arrive.

The success rate was good to excellent in the southeast, with many hunters taking their limit Saturday. Hunting pressure was lower Sunday and hunters had fair to good success.

Saunders and Lancaster counties were busy, with at least 20 vehicles parked at Jack Sinn Memorial WMA. Memphis WMA was among the other lakes that had good numbers of hunters. Most of the birds in the bag were teal, gadwall and wood ducks, with a few pintail and wigeon also bagged.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Duck Hunters Successful on Opening Day

Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG, PA --(AmmoLand.com)- The state’s early firearms antlerless deer seasons – early muzzleloader season, Oct. 17-24, and special firearms season for junior, senior, active duty military and certain disabled hunters, Oct. 22-24 – will soon be here, along with seasons for squirrels and grouse, so there will be plenty of activity in the state’s forested areas, according to the Pennsylvania Game Commission.

“In addition to small game and firearms deer hunters, bowhunters also will be afield,” said Calvin DuBrock, Game Commission Bureau of Wildlife Management director. “Some of our most popular hunting seasons are about to begin and hunters are looking forward to heading afield.

“Of course, the fall firearms deer seasons are relatively new when compared to the decades-old small game seasons. And it wasn’t that long ago that Pennsylvania had only a four-week archery season. But these early deer seasons have been warmly received by many deer hunters, because they have extended the window of opportunity for them to take a deer and typically are held when the weather makes it more comfortable to be afield.”

DuBrock noted that these early antlerless deer seasons provide Pennsylvanians more ways to fit deer hunting into their busy schedules, and offer a more relaxing hunt to people who dislike cold weather and woods filled with large numbers of hunters.

“But the October firearms seasons are so much more than another time and another way to hunt deer,” emphasized DuBrock. “These seasons are part of our deer management strategy to stabilize whitetail numbers in most areas of the Commonwealth, and in the process, improve forested wildlife habitat and deer health, and reduce crop damage and other deer-human conflicts.

“Although the October antlerless seasons increase hunting opportunities, their harvests still are controlled by antlerless deer license allocations, which are set to remove a pre-determined number of antlerless deer from a Wildlife Management Unit (WMU).”

Hunters heading afield for the October firearms seasons should find fair to good numbers of deer in most areas, but other areas will support substantially less or more.

Last year, according to the agency’s Game-Take Survey, the 78,000 hunters who participated in the early muzzleloader season took 12,100 deer (10,000 in 2007). The 43,000 participants in the special firearms season harvested 5,400 deer (6,500 in 2007). Those figures compare with 12,300 in the 2006 October muzzleloader season and 8,500 in the special firearms season. The combined total of both October firearms seasons comprised less than 10 percent of the 2008 antlerless deer harvest, which was 213,440.

Hunters who wish to participate in the early muzzleloader season must have a general hunting license, muzzleloader stamp and an unused antlerless deer license or Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) antlerless deer permit. Hunters may use in-line, percussion and flintlock muzzleloaders during the early muzzleloader season. They also may use scopes, peep-sights and other lawful sighting devices on muzzleloaders during the October hunt.

To participate in the special firearms antlerless season, hunters must have a general hunting license and unused antlerless deer license and qualify in one of the following license categories: resident junior and senior license holders; nonresident junior license holder; nonresident adult license holders age 65 and older; persons who hold a disabled person permit to use a vehicle as a blind; residents who are serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces; and those who qualify for license and fee exceptions under section 2706. Sporting arms permitted include: manually-operated center-fire rifles, handguns and shotguns; 44-caliber or larger muzzleloading long guns; 50-caliber or larger muzzleloading handguns; long, recurve or compound bows; and crossbows.

These two antlerless deer seasons are not open to participants of the Mentored Youth Hunting Program, which was created for those under the age of 12, since mentored youth may not harvest antlerless deer. (For more information on the Mentored Youth Hunting Program, please consult page 13 of the 2009-10 Pennsylvania Hunting & Trapping Digest, which is provided to each license buyer.)

Hunters are advised that they may take only antlerless deer in the early muzzleloader and special firearms seasons and that they may hunt only in the Wildlife Management Units or Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) areas for which they have obtained antlerless deer licenses. An antlerless deer is defined as a deer without antlers, or a deer with antlers, both of which are less than three inches in length.

Muzzleloader and special firearms season hunters are reminded that when multiple harvests of deer per day are permitted, only one deer at a time may be taken. Before attempting to take an additional deer, the first deer must be lawfully tagged. However, in Special Regulations Area counties of Allegheny, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia, hunters may shoot multiple deer before tagging. Deer must be tagged immediately after they are harvested and before the carcass is moved. The tag must be attached to the ear and remain attached until the deer is processed for consumption or prepared for mounting.

Any hunter who by accident or mistake kills an illegal deer is required to deliver the carcass – entrails removed – within 12 hours of the kill to any Game Commission officer in the county where the deer was killed. A written statement also must be provided to the officer explaining when, where and how the accident or mistake occurred. The deer must be tagged with the appropriate deer harvest tag.

Hunters may purchase muzzleloader licenses at any time. The license entitles them to hunt in both the fall antlerless muzzleloader season and the traditional flintlock season. Regulations for the after-Christmas muzzleloader season remain unchanged: hunters may use only primitive type muzzleloading long guns .44-caliber or larger with flintlock ignition systems and primitive sighting devices. Fiber-optic inserts are permitted in sighting devices.

Hunters in either October firearms season are required to wear 250 square inches of fluorescent orange clothing on the head, chest and back combined at all times. Bowhunters afield during the overlap of the archery and October antlerless firearms seasons also must wear at least 250 square inches of fluorescent orange while moving and display an orange alert band while on stand.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Fall Firearms Deer Seasons Making A Difference

Georgia Department of Natural Resources

SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga --(AmmoLand.com)- It is finally that time of the year again for Georgia hunters. Firearms deer season opens Saturday, Oct. 17 and lasts through Jan. 1 in the Northern Zone and in the Southern Zone, through Jan. 15.

“Regulated hunting is the most cost effective and efficient means of managing the deer herd,” says John Bowers, assistant chief of Game Management for the Wildlife Resources Division.

“In fact, regulated deer hunting has successfully reduced the statewide deer population from 1.4 million in the 1990s to close to one million today. Georgia’s deer season and regulations provide flexibility to landowners and deer managers to meet their individual management objectives.”

More than one million acres of public hunting land is available to hunters in Georgia, including more than 100 state-operated wildlife management areas where special hunts are offered throughout the season, including ladies-only hunts and adult/child hunts. Dates and locations for these hunts are available in the 2009-2010 Georgia Hunting Seasons and Regulations guide, and WMA maps are available at www.gohuntgeorgia.com .

During the 2008-2009 firearms deer season, nearly 289,000 licensed hunters harvested over 320,000 deer in Georgia.

Hunters are allowed a season total of ten antlerless deer and two antlered deer (one of the two antlered deer must have a minimum of four points, one inch or longer, on one side of the antlers).

A valid hunting license is required to hunt deer during firearms season, as is a big game license and a deer harvest record. In most cases, a separate WMA license is required to hunt on a WMA. All deer hunters must wear at least 500 square-inches of fluorescent orange above the waist to legally hunt during firearms season, except in areas designated archery-only.

Georgia is considered the top destination in the country for non-resident hunters and continues to draw tens of thousands of deer hunters from across the country each year. The state’s quality deer herd and the more than one million available acres of public hunting land serve as the main appeal.

For more information on deer hunting seasons and regulations, visit www.gohuntgeorgia.com .

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Georgia Firearms Deer Season Opens October 17

Georgia Department of Natural Resources

SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. --(AmmoLand.com)- The week-long primitive weapons deer hunting season begins Saturday, Oct. 10. During primitive weapons season, hunters may use archery equipment (including crossbows), muzzleloading shotguns (20 gauge or larger) and muzzleloading firearms (.44 caliber or larger).

“Our primitive weapons deer season provides hunters the opportunity to hunt with traditional or inline black powder firearms or to continue hunting with archery gear,” said John Bowers, assistant chief of Game Management for the Wildlife Resources Division.

“Hunters are allowed to hunt either-sex deer during this week-long opportunity. Primitive weapons hunters have a wide variety of options depending on their personal choices and needs without being burdened by complex regulations.”

More than one million acres of public hunting land is available to hunters in Georgia, including more than 100 state-operated wildlife management areas where special hunts are offered throughout the season, including primitive weapons hunts. Dates and locations for these hunts are available in the 2009-2010 Georgia Hunting Seasons and Regulations guide, and WMA maps are available at www.gohuntgeorgia.com .

During the 2008 primitive weapons season, 58,264 hunters harvested 16,897 deer – a harvest rate that has remained relatively stable in recent years.

Hunters are allowed a season total of ten antlerless deer and two antlered deer (one of the two antlered deer must have a minimum of four points, one inch or longer, on one side of the antlers).

Under the new hunting and fishing license sales system, the primitive weapons license is no longer required to hunt during archery and primitive weapons seasons. However, a valid hunting and big game license is required, as is a deer harvest record. In most cases, a separate WMA license is required to hunt on a WMA.

All hunters, including archers, must wear at least 500 square inches of daylight fluorescent orange above the waist during primitive weapons season. Scopes and other optical sighting devices are considered legal for muzzleloading firearms and archery equipment.

Georgia is considered the top destination in the country for non-resident hunters and continues to draw tens of thousands of deer hunters from across the country each year. The state’s quality deer herd and the more than one million available acres of public hunting land serve as the main appeal.

For more information on deer hunting seasons and regulations, visit www.gohuntgeorgia.com .

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

GA Primitive Weapons Deer Season Opens October 10

Ducks Unlimited

CHARLESTON, S.C. –-(AmmoLand.com)- JAMESTOWN, Kansas --(AmmoLand.com)- Partners gathered on September 19th for a dedication and greenwing event on the Jamestown Wildlife Area. One of 12 expansive wetlands deeded by the U.S. Congress to the State of Kansas in 1859, Jamestown WA was once a waterfowl migration cornerstone made of fresh and saltwater marshes, riparian areas, and native grasslands of the Lower Republican River Basin.

Greenwings, Ducks Unlimited members under 18, had the opportunity to band Canada Geese under the supervision of Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks personelle. Following the banding, speakers representing a variety of partners discussed the importance of the project and the area.

As with many wetlands across North America, Jamestown wetlands were deeded to settlers and drained for other land uses resulting in the loss of many thousands of acres of important wildlife habitats. Today, conservation organizaitons and agencies striving to restore and protect these crucial wildlife habitats are celebrating great strides in the Jamestown Wetland Project.

Dedication speakers included Kansas Greenwing Chair Jane Irvine, Asst. Secretary of the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Keith Sexton, Past Chair of the Kansas Alliance for Wetland and Streams Dennis Haag, Playa Lakes Joint Venture Conservation Policy Director Barth Crouch, Pheasants Forever Field Representative Jordan Martincich, Executive Director of CloudCorp Kirk Lowell, Representative Elaine Bowers, Kansas House District 107, and Mayor Judy Hill of Jamestown.

The overall goals of the project are to expand the present day Jamestown WA from 4,620 acres to as much as 7,285 acres, thus creating a 13-mile wetland habitat corridor. Additionally, 3,500 acres will have wetlands and grasslands restored to habitat representing the pre-settlement landscape in 1859. To date, our conservation partnership has accomplished 35% of these land acquisition and restoration goals.

Partners on the project include Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, North American Wetland Conservation Council, Ducks Unlimited, The Nature Conservancy, Kansas Alliance for Wetlands and Streams, Pheasants Forever, Westar Energy, Kansas Wildlife Federation, CloudCorp, Cloud County Board of Commissioners, City of Jamestown, Cloud County Convention and Tourism, Jewell County Board of Commissioners, Republic County Board of Commissioners, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and over 30 private individuals.

About:
With more than a million supporters, Ducks Unlimited is the world’s largest and most effective wetland and waterfowl conservation organization with more than 12 million acres conserved. The United States alone has lost more than half of its original wetlands ? nature’s most productive ecosystem ? and continues to lose more than 80,000 wetland acres important to waterfowl each year.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Kansas Wildlife Area Dedicated

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Washington, DC --(AmmoLand.com)-Americans of all ages have the opportunity to help restore the beauty and vitality of our public lands on September 26 as part of the 16th annual National Public Lands Day. Across the nation, people will join the largest coast-to-coast, single-day volunteer effort to improve America’s public lands.

Many of this year’s events will focus on water and its importance in healthy ecosystems. More than 130,000 expected volunteers will clean up waterways, rivers and wetlands, build fish habitats, reduce runoff by planting native vegetation and test water quality in streams and rivers. National Public Lands Day provides Americans with a great chance to get outside and improve our public lands, while answering the new administration’s call for Americans to participate in public service.

“National Public Lands Day is an opportunity for people of all ages to get outside and become a naturalist for a day. We are proud to be a long-time partner in this public-private partnership,” said Sam Hamilton, Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. “I encourage citizens to volunteer in local efforts, spruce up public lands and introduce children to the natural environment.”

This year, organizers are expecting a record number of volunteers to participate at events. Nonprofit organizations, community groups and land management agencies at the local, county, state and federal levels are among the participants in these activities and events.

“Many of our refuges are designated to protect rare natural features or particular species of birds, animals and plants. During National Public Lands Day, volunteers will make significant contributions at refuges, such as maintaining visitor facilities, restoring precious dune and salt marsh habitats, collecting wildflower seeds for prairie restoration and cleaning up beaches,” said Greg Siekaniec, Chief of the National Wildlife Refuge System.

A list of refuges participating in National Public Lands Day is available at www.fws.gov. The special events Web site at www.fws.gov/refuges/SpecialEvents/FWS_SpecialEvents_Search.cfm has additional locations, and to find a specific refuge, visit the locator map at www.fws.gov/refuges/refugeLocatorMaps/index.html.

“Wherever Americans go outdoors to explore, hike, fish, paddle, jog or just enjoy nature, that location is likely to be a candidate for a National Public Lands Day event,” said Robb Hampton, director of National Public Lands Day, a program of the National Environmental Education Foundation. “For 2009, we have a special focus on the connection water has on our public lands.”

Planting vegetation and trees near bodies of water can help improve water quality in many ways. Trees remove pollutants and carbon dioxide from the air. When trees and shrubs are planted as a “buffer zone” along the edges of rivers and streams, they are effective in reducing the amount of polluting runoff that would otherwise end up in those bodies of water. Just one tree can eliminate 4,000 gallons of runoff annually.

National Public Lands Day is now the nation’s largest hands-on volunteer effort to enhance the public lands that all Americans enjoy. Last year, more than 120,000 volunteers planted an estimated 1.6 million trees, fixed hundreds of miles of hiking trails and removed trash at nearly 1,900 sites.

National Public Lands Day partners include the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, Department of Defense, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service, USDA Forest Service, U.S. Invasive Species Council, over 30 states, numerous local agencies and nonprofit groups, such as the National Parks Conservation Association, International Mountain Bicycling Association, Boy Scouts of America and Girl Scouts of the USA. Community members can find an National Public Lands Day site in their area or register a location of their own at www.publiclandsday.org.

The National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) provides knowledge to trusted professionals who, with their credibility, amplify messages to national audiences to solve everyday environmental problems. Together, we generate lasting positive change. NEEF partners with professionals in health, education, media, business and public land management to promote daily actions for helping people protect and enjoy the environment. www.neefusa.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.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

USFWS Hosts National Public Lands Day at Refuges Across the U.S.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Washington, DC --(AmmoLand.com)-What’s the most natural place to marvel at autumn’s show? A National Wildlife Refuge is hard to beat — and you can see for yourself during National Wildlife Refuge Week, October 12-18, 2009.

Whether you prefer to admire the fall colors, thrill to a skyful of migratory birds, explore a mountain trail or learn about the cultural resources that are part of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s conservation mission, you can find what you like at a National Wildlife Refuge.

National Wildlife Refuge Week celebrates the richness of the 550 units that make up America’s National Wildlife Refuge System. And it’s a great opportunity to find an outdoor family event near where you live.

“President Teddy Roosevelt established tiny Pelican Island in Florida in 1903 as the first National Wildlife Refuge. Roosevelt’s mission was clear: protect Pelican Island’s birds from poachers and plume hunters,” said Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar. “And with that simple promise of wildlife protection, the National Wildlife Refuge System was born. It is my hope that citizens across the country will take advantage of this weeklong celebration to experience wildlife in their natural habitats and play a firsthand role in conservation by participating in special events and programs, or simply observing and enjoying the great outdoors at a local refuge.”

National Wildlife Refuges are dedicated to the conservation of fish and wildlife and their habitats. They also offer a wide range of wildlife-dependent recreation — from fishing, boating, hunting and hiking — to wildlife observation and photography, nature interpretation and environmental education. The Refuge System includes more than 2,500 miles of land and water trails. There is at least one National Wildlife Refuge in every state and one within an hour’s drive of most major cities.

“If we’re serious about wanting to save the environment and the many wild things dependent on wild places, we can’t afford to have children growing up disconnected from nature,” said Sam Hamilton, Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. “Teaching children ways to enjoy the outdoors while respecting the chain of life that sustains the natural world is what National Wildlife Refuge Week is all about.”

This year, Refuge Week also focuses on the health of the world’s birds — especially those that depend on refuge lands and waters for nesting, foraging, wintering or as rest stops during their migrations. This past spring, a national report by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and its partners under the U.S. North American Bird Conservation Initiative, credited conservation efforts over the past four decades with averting the extinctions of some previously threatened bird species, including the bald eagle and the peregrine falcon. However, the U.S. State of the Birds report noted major population drops for several other bird species, particularly those along the coasts and in the Hawaiian Islands. In the North, 38 percent of Arctic nesting birds are thought to be in decline. Threats to birds include climate change, loss of habitat and disease.

Meanwhile, the number of Americans enjoying birding as a hobby is on the rise. More than 40 million Americans feed wild birds at home or travel to see them, according to the Service’s National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation. Many of the refuges in the United States were officially established as bird sanctuaries. Following recommendations offered by a panel of government and private industry birding experts convened by the Service, refuges are seeking out new ways to encourage and support birding activities.

Some refuges are erecting bird feeding stations and posting bird sighting updates on boards outside their visitor centers. Some are loaning binoculars and birding guides to visitors as well as offering tips on certain species. Others are providing scopes at popular bird viewing areas. Some are even installing computer stations that visitors can use to confirm and map bird sightings (with the help of photos and bird calls) and share their finds with other users, wherever they’re located.

This long-distance aspect is being joined by amateur radio enthusiasts who are also supporting Refuge Week by operating special event stations on a number of refuges. They will be communicating with other stations operating from other refuges as well as stations across the United States promoting refuges. Amateur radio operators must obtain permission from the refuge manager to operate within the boundaries of a national wildlife refuge. Interested licensed operators can find a registration form and more information at: http://www.nwrweek-radio.info.

National Wildlife Refuge Week Highlights From the end of September through the month of October, many events are planned in celebration of National Wildlife Refuge Week. Here’s a sample:

National Bird Count – The Big Sit!
On Sunday, October 11, participate in the 15th annual Big Sit!, an international bird count. National Wildlife Refuges across the United States from Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge in Texas to Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge in Indiana are hosting a Big Sit!

Participants sit in a designated circle counting all the bird species seen or heard for 24 hours. Observers can work in shifts; they are not required to stay in the circle for the entire day. Observers can leave and return to the circle as frequently as desired, but they must return to the exact same circle.

Only birds seen from the circle can be included in the Big Sit! count. Bird Watcher’s Digest will conduct the final tally of birds and identify prize winners in several categories. To register your circle and find out more information on the Big Sit! go to: http://www.birdwatchersdigest.com/site/funbirds/bigsit/bigsit.aspx.

More Events:

• Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge, Minnesota Saturday, September 26, Fall Festival: Enjoy educational programs and family activities. Photo contest winners will be displayed. 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. For more information: http://www.fws.gov/midwest/tamarac or 218-847-2641.
• Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge and Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge Friday, October 2, Islands & Rivers of Life: A photo exhibit in Celebration of a Century of Conserving Alaska’s Wildlife & Wild Lands, 7:00 p.m., Wendy Williamson Auditorium, Anchorage. For more information: http://alaskamaritime.fws.gov or 907-226-4606.
• Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, Washington Saturday, October 10 and Sunday, October 1, Birdfest and Bluegrass Festival: Enjoy owl walks, sandhill crane sunrise tours, kayak tours, plus indoor and outdoor music jamming sessions. For more information: http://www.fws.gov/ridgefieldrefuges/ridgefield or 360-887-3883.
• Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Louisiana Saturday, October 17, Annual Fall Celebration: Enjoy family activities and free fried fish dinners. For more information: http://www.fws.gov/northlouisiana/blackbayoulake or 318-387-1114.
• Southeast Louisiana Refuges, Lacombe Saturday, October 17, Annual Wild Things Festival: Attend a festival showcasing eight National Wildlife Refuges. The festival features speakers, live animals, wildlife crafts, live entertainment, gardens and grounds tours. Children’s highlights include the Youth Wildlife Art Show, orienteering, decoy painting and nature crafts. Wild Things also features canoe and pontoon boat tours of Bayou Lacombe. For more information: http://www.fws.gov/southeastlouisiana or contact Byron Fortier at 985-882-2025.

For more information on National Wildlife Refuge Week events: http://www.fws.gov/refuges/SpecialEvents/FWS_SpecialEvents_Search.cfm.

For more information on a specific refuge: http://www.fws.gov/refuges/refugeLocatorMaps/index.html.

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.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Celebrate National Wildlife Refuge Week in Your State October 12-18, 2009

National Hunting and Fishing Day

GoHuntGeorgia.com

SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga.  –-(AmmoLand.com)- Make plans now to participate in one of the many FREE celebrations that will be held in honor of the upcoming 2009 National Hunting and Fishing day on Sat. Sept. 26, 2009. This event is a statewide celebration and there will be exciting events happening all across the state.

Events that will be offered in Georgia include nine kids’ fishing events and five Outdoor Adventure Days (activities will differ at each event – but some highlights include archery and air rifle shooting, trout fishing, hunting dog demonstrations, wildlife programs, exhibits and more).

By geographic location in the State, events include:

• Northwest Georgia: Outdoor Adventure Day (James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State park), Kids Fishing Event (Summerville State Fish Hatchery)

• Northeast Georgia: Outdoor Adventure Day (Unicoi State Park), Kids Fishing Event (Buford Dam-Lower Pool Park)

• Central East Georgia: Outdoor Adventure Day (McDuffie Public Fishing Area)

• Central West Georgia: Four Kids Fishing Events (Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center, Flat Creek Public Fishing Area, Big Lazer Public Fishing Area and Ocmulgee Public Fishing Area).

• Southwest Georgia: Kids Fishing Event (Cordele State Fish Hatchery)

• South Central Georgia: Outdoor Adventure Day/JAKES Day (Paradise Public Fishing Area), Kids Fishing Event (Hugh Gillis Public Fishing Area), Kids Fishing Event (Evans County Public Fishing Area)

• Coastal Georgia: Outdoor Adventure Day (Richmond Hill State Fish Hatchery)

In addition to these events, a FREE fishing day is offered to all Georgia residents on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009. On this day, residents do NOT need a fishing license or a trout license to fish on any public waters in the state including lakes, streams, ponds and public fishing areas (PFA). In addition, residents do not need to obtain a wildlife management area (WMA) license to fish on a PFA, WMA or on Waters Creek on this day.

And if you thought the day could not get better – it just did. Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites are offering a FREE day on Sept. 26, 2009, which means no parking or admission fees.

The U.S. Congress and President Richard Nixon established National Hunting and Fishing Day 38 years ago to recognize generations of hunters and anglers for the time and money – more than a billion dollars each year – they donate to wildlife conservation programs. According to the proclamation signed by Governor Perdue, conserving the state’s natural and wildlife resources is one of the most important responsibilities for this and future generations, and the conservation programs supported and financed by Georgia hunters and anglers have benefited hundreds of wildlife species, including deer, wild turkeys, bald eagles and songbirds for all Georgians to enjoy.

For more information on NHF Day in Georgia – including a complete listing of all events in the state visit www.georgiawildlife.com , and then select “Get Involved.” For more on NHF Day across the nation, visit www.nhfday.org .

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Celebrate National Hunting And Fishing Day On September 26Th

Pheasants Forever

Saint Paul, Minn. --(AmmoLand.com)- Last week, Pheasants Forever (PF) closed on a 233-acre parcel in Pipestone County using funds from the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Fund.

The new 233-acre Dubbledee addition connects to the existing 310-acre Winter Wildlife Management Area (WMA) creating a 543-acre tract. This is the first land acquisition using funds from the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment approved by Minnesota voters last November.

The new 543-acre Winter WMA provides critical habitat for a wide variety of wildlife and is in one of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s (USFWS) highest priority areas in the state. PF plans to turn the land over to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) with the possibility of it being open yet this year to public hunting.

The acquisition was led by the Pipestone County Chapter of PF, with funding partners in addition to the Outdoors Amendment funds including: The Nature Conservancy, North American Wetlands Conservation Act, PF’s Minnesota Habitat Fund, and the Minnesota DNR. The seller, Al Dubbledee, also donated a portion of the sale. In total, the acquisition was $583,300.

The original 310-acre Winter WMA was acquired by the 2005 Build a Wildlife Area campaign. Developed by PF, the Anoka County Chapter of PF, Game Fair, Outdoor News and Gander Mountain in 2003, the Build a Wildlife Area campaign raises funds for the acquisition of public wildlife areas. Through the unique partnership, every dollar raised is tripled through matching grants from the DNR and the USFWS. All acquisitions are then transferred to DNR or USFWS and are open to the public.

“This is the perfect example of the great projects we’ll be able to accomplish thanks to Minnesota voters supporting the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment. This acquisition is in a very important area for Minnesota wildlife and it connects to another parcel of critical habitat at a time a willing seller was ready,” explained Ron Leather’s, PF’s Government Grants Administrator.

PF has 77 chapters and over 22,000 members in Minnesota. Join Pheasants Forever online at www.PheasantsForever.org or attend a local Pheasants Forever Chapter Banquet in Minnesota this autumn.

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

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

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Pheasants Forever Leads First Land Acquisition Using Outdoors Amendment Funds

Arkansas Game & Fish Commission

LITTLE ROCK, Ar –-(AmmoLand.com)- Feral hogs are not native to North America, but many feral hogs live in Arkansas because of illegal releases and high reproductive success. Hogs compete directly with many native game animals for food and destroy habitat for many other wildlife species.

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission tries to eradicate feral hogs from its wildlife management areas and encourages private landowners to kill all free-ranging feral hogs on their property.

There are a number of problems caused by feral hogs, including:

• Habitat destruction – Feral hogs root for food and wallow, which destroys vegetation, ruins water holes used by other wildlife and contributes to erosion.
• Damage to endangered or sensitive plant/animal communities – Feral hogs can cause major, sometimes irreparable, damage to small, fragile habitats, such as acid seeps in the Ouachitas and cedar glades in the Ozarks.
• Disease – Feral hogs can carry brucellosis and pseudorabies, both of which can spread to livestock. Some diseases carried by feral hogs can be transmitted to humans. Gloves should always be worn when handling feral hogs.
• Direct competition with native wildlife – Deer, squirrels, ducks, turkeys, bears and many other species depend on acorns. Hogs also love acorns and are very efficient at finding them (often tearing up wildlife habitat in the process).
• Crop loss – Hogs often cause heavy damage to row crops, gardens, flower beds, pine plantations, orchards, tree farms and pastures.
• Trespass – It is illegal to release hogs or pigs on any public land. Feral hogs may be released only onto private land that is adequately fenced to prevent them from escaping. The Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commission has additional regulations regarding disease testing, slaughter and identification of all hogs, including feral hogs.

On private land, feral hogs may be killed or trapped year-round by a landowner or anyone with the landowner’s permission (except anyone who has had his or her hunting license revoked). All general regulations for hunting safety should be observed.

The AGFC encourages hunters to shoot all feral hogs they see on WMAs. Hunters may kill feral hogs on WMAs during any open hunting season as long as they are using a weapon legal for that season. Only permit holders may hunt feral hogs during special permit hunts. Feral hogs killed on WMAs can be taken for processing or left where they were shot. Hunters may not use dogs, bait or traps to hunt feral hogs on WMAs and may not hunt at night.

The following WMAs have particularly high hog numbers. They may suffer extreme loss of habitat for deer, turkey and other wildlife if feral hogs are not eradicated:

• * Cut Off Creek WMA
• * Petit Jean WMA
• * Gene Rush WMA
• * Sulphur River WMA
• * Gulf Mountain WMA
• * Dr. Lester Sitzes III Bois d’Arc WMA
• * Harold E. Alexander Spring River WMA
• * Shirey Bay Rainey Brake WMA

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Can I Shoot A Feral Hog? AGFC Says – Please Do

Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG, PA –-(AmmoLand.com)- The Pennsylvania Game Commission has slated 106,142 ring-necked pheasants for release on public lands throughout the Commonwealth for the upcoming small game hunting seasons, including 16,800 birds for the junior only season (Oct. 10-17).

“Based on agency’s budget cuts first implemented in the 2004-05 fiscal year and carried forward since, we reduced our pheasant propagation program by 50 percent,” said Carl G. Roe, Game Commission executive director. “Reducing the pheasant propagation program has saved the agency more than one million dollars. Without a hunting license fee increase, we expect to continue producing at the 100,000-bird level.

“Despite the overall reductions, this year our game farm staff had an excellent production season. They have worked hard with limited resources to achieve the goal to have 100,000-birds available for stocking this fall.”

The region staff will begin the stocking season Oct. 9, when the agency will release 15,000 birds (8,610 males and 6,390 females) for the junior pheasant hunt scheduled for Oct 10-17. A listing of stocking locations for the youth hunt can be found on pages 23-25 of the 2009-10 Pennsylvania Digest of Hunting and Trapping Regulations, which is provided to each license buyer. Another 1,800 pheasants have been allocated for those clubs sponsoring mentored pheasant hunts for juniors on Oct. 10. (For more information on those clubs participating, please see News Release #087-09.)

Opening day of the general pheasant hunting season is Oct. 24, and closes on Nov. 28. Preseason releases will consist of 50 percent of the fall allocation, and will be stocked in each region beginning Oct. 22, followed by the first in-season stocking consisting of 25 percent beginning Oct. 28. The second in-season stocking will be held the week of Nov. 4, consisting of another 25 percent. Only male pheasants are legal game in Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) 2A, 2B, 2C, 4C, 4E, 5A and 5B. Male and female pheasants are legal game in all other WMUs.

During the regular fall season, the agency focuses pheasant stocking on State Game Lands and select state parks and federal lands. However, in some areas where habitat conditions on public lands are marginal, birds may be stocked on properties enrolled in the Game Commission public access program. Game Commission regional offices have an updated publication titled A Guide To Pheasant Releases And More, which identifies State Game Lands, and those state parks and federal lands with suitable habitat that receive pheasant stockings. The publication, posted on the Game Commission’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us), can be viewed by selecting on “Hunting” in the left-hand column, clicking on the photograph of the pheasant and then choosing “Pheasant Management Program.”

New for the 2009-10 pheasant season is a major change designed to be the first major step toward re-establishing wild pheasant populations in Pennsylvania.

Under the agency’s Ring-necked Pheasant Management Plan, the Game Commission calls for restoring self-sustaining and huntable populations of wild pheasants in suitable habitats called “Wild Pheasant Recovery Areas” (WPRAs), and defined as the Pike Run, Somerset and Central Susquehanna WPRAs. The agency will facilitate the release of wild-trapped pheasants into these areas, with a goal of achieving a density of 10 hen pheasants per square mile.

To give these wild pheasants the best opportunity to establish naturally reproducing populations, the Board has banned the release of any artificially propagated pheasants – including Game Commission raised pheasants – pheasant hunting is closed in these WPRAs. Also, to limit disturbances to nesting hen pheasants, dog training of any manner will be prohibited in these WPRAs from the end of small game season in early February through July 31 each year.

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

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

.

For the 2009-10 seasons, the WPRAs are defined as the following geographic locations:

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

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

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

A regional breakdown for the regular season stocking is as follows: Northwest Region, 7,600 males and 11,400 females; Southwest Region, 19,260 males and 5,910 females; Northcentral Region, 6,930 males and 5,912 females; Southcentral Region, 8,980 males and 7,080 females; Northeast Region, 8,150 males and 5,370 females; and Southeast Region 14,670 males and 4,880 females. Regional allocations are based on the amount of suitable pheasant habitat open to public hunting and pheasant hunting pressure.

To offer hunters better information about the stocking schedule, the Game Commission has posted on its website charts for each of its six regions outlining the number of birds to be stocked in each county, the public properties slated to be stocked and a two- to three-day window in which stockings will take place within the counties. To view the charts, go to the Game Commission’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us), select “Hunting” in the left-hand column, clicking on the photograph of the pheasant and then choose “Pheasant Allocation” and click on the map for the county or region of interest.

“As financial considerations have forced us to reduce the number of pheasants we are stocking, it was decided that we should provide hunters with additional information to assist them in deciding when and where to hunt those pheasants stocked,” Roe said. He reminded hunters that, two years ago, the agency enacted a regulation aimed at improving safety for agency employees and vehicles involved in pheasant stocking.

“Each year, when Game Commission personnel are releasing pheasants from the stocking trucks, employees and trucks are shot at by unsuspecting hunters in the field. To prevent this, the agency approved a regulation that prohibits hunters from discharging a firearm within 150 yards of a Game Commission vehicle releasing pheasants. As we provide better information about when and where stockings will be conducted, we remind hunters that they have an obligation to ensure that no stocking trucks or personnel are in the vicinity.”

This year, the late season is scheduled for Dec. 14-23 and Dec. 26-Feb. 6, for Wildlife Management Units 1A, 1B, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4A, 4B, 4D, 5C and 5D. Male and female pheasants are legal game in these WMUs. All other WMUs are closed during these dates.

“We are holding these birds to be released as close as possible to the holiday season so youth can take advantage of going afield during their school break and some business close down for the holidays as well,” Roe said.

For details on the pheasant seasons, please see pages 22-25 of the 2009-10 Digest. For more information about the clubs who sponsored junior pheasant hunts, go to the Game Commission’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us), select on “Hunting” in the left-hand column, then click on the photograph of the pheasant and then choose “Junior Pheasant Hunt Listings.”

To augment the Game Commission’s pheasant stocking program, Roe noted that each January sportsmen’s clubs are invited to enroll in the agency’s “Pheasant Chick Program.” As part of the program, clubs are required to erect appropriate facilities, purchase feed and cover other expenses, and then they can receive pheasant chicks to raise and release for hunting and dog training purposes on lands open to public hunting in their local community.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for sportsmen to get kids involved in raising pheasants and to learn more about wildlife and habitat requirements,” Roe said. “Kids can be involved in raising the birds, assist in developing habitat in their community, and help release the pheasants into the wild. Our game farm superintendents can assist sportsmen’s clubs by providing technical advice and training to get a facility started.

“We are striving to live within our current revenues. Now, more than ever, we need sportsmen’s clubs to help us in many aspects, including raising pheasants.”

Also, Richard Palmer, Game Commission Bureau of Wildlife Protection director, reminded hunters that an executive order remains in effect that bans dog training on State Game Lands from the Monday prior to the start of the youth pheasant season until the close of the youth pheasant season, which, for this coming season, translates to Oct. 5-17. The order does not, in any manner, prohibit dog handlers from using dogs as part of a junior-only pheasant hunt activity or for dog training activities on any lands other than State Game Lands. He also noted that this order does not impact dog training activities statewide during the remainder of the year, including general small game seasons.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

PA Game Commission Announces Fall Pheasant Stocking Plans

GoHuntGeorgia.com

SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. --(AmmoLand.com)- Hunters statewide can celebrate the beginning of dove season at noon Saturday, Sept. 5. Long-awaited opening day is traditionally considered the beginning of fall hunting season, and with the numerous wildlife management area hunts scheduled, it is the perfect opportunity to introduce children and grandchildren to the sport.

“Georgia has some fantastic public areas for dove hunters. In fact, many WMAs provide fields managed specifically for dove hunting opportunities,” says John W. Bowers, Wildlife Resources Division’s assistant chief of Game Management. “In addition to being the ‘kick-off’ to the fall hunting season, dove hunting is a prime time to introduce family and friends to hunting, as it typically is a fun-filled day.”

Several WMA public dove fields that were previously open for sign-in are now quota only on opening day (e.g., Alexander, Broad River, Clarks Hill and Di-lane WMAs). As such, hunters are encouraged to review dove hunting rules and regulations to ensure the availability of the field they plan to visit.

The official 2009-2010 dove seasons are Sept. 5-20, Oct. 10-18 and Nov. 26 – Jan. 9. Shooting hours are noon until sunset on opening day (Sept. 5) of the first season and one-half hour before sunrise to sunset for the remaining two seasons. Sunrise and sunset times for each day are found in the 2009-2010 Georgia Hunting Seasons and Regulations guide or online at www.georgiawildlife.com .

The daily bag limit is 15 doves per hunter. Additionally, there have been some reports of white-winged doves in Georgia. White-winged doves may be harvested, but count toward the daily bag limit of 15.

Any autoloading or other repeating shotgun must be plugged to hold no more than three shotshells while hunting doves. As always, hunters must obtain permission from landowners before hunting on private property and please respect the land by cleaning up spent shells, leaving gates the way they were found and removing all trash.

Dove hunters 16 years of age and older must possess a Georgia hunting license and a free Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program Permit (HIP Permit). Those hunting WMAs also must possess a WMA license. Hunters may purchase licenses at more than 600 license agent locations, by phone at 1-800-366-2661 or online at www.georgiawildlife.com .

For more information on dove hunting rules and regulations, public dove fields and conditions, or adult/child dove hunts, hunters should review the 2009-2010 Georgia Hunting Seasons and Regulations guide, available at www.gohuntgeorgia.com or at any Wildlife Resources Division Game Management office.

Updated and accurate harvest rate estimates facilitate the successful management of doves. As such, the U.S. Geological Survey, Biological Research Division and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in cooperation with several states, including Georgia, initiated a dove trapping and banding project in 2003.

Hunters can participate in this conservation effort by examining harvested doves for bands and reporting band numbers to the USFWS by calling 1-800-327-BAND.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Georgia Wildlife Management Areas Offer Prime Dove Hunting Opportunities

NRA awarded $25,000 for a new range at West Virginia’s Kumbrabow State Forest. (l. to r. NRA’s John Joines; Curtis Taylor, Chief of the Wildlife Resources Section of the West Virginia DNR; and Brian Hyder, NRA Eastern Regional Director)

NRAHuntersRights.org

Fairfax, VA - -(AmmoLand.com)- One of the greatest challenges facing hunters today is finding a public shooting range where they can sight-in their rifles and sharpen their shooting skills without driving long distances or paying excessive fees. And if a hunter is lucky enough to have a free public range near his or her home, long lines can often be expected due to the high demand for these facilities.

Such is the case at the Indian Creek Rifle Range in the Sumter National Forest near Whitmire, S.C., where crowds of shooters have been known to gather on Saturdays for a crack at one of the range’s six covered shooting tables.

But a $25,000 grant from NRA’s Public Range Fund will soon give shooters in upstate South Carolina a new range option. With that money, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is going to build a brand new rifle and pistol range 30 minutes from Indian Creek at Belfast Wildlife Management Area (WMA), a 4,664-acre former plantation situated on the Newberry/Laurens county line, which was acquired by the DNR last October. That grant is part of $150,000 awarded by NRA this year for range projects in South Carolina, West Virginia and Georgia.

“Probably three or four years ago the decision was made that we need to help build more unmanned public ranges where people can shoot,” said Kyle Weaver, managing director of NRA’s Field Operations Division, which awarded the grants. “We knew we had friends in the state DNRs that could make that happen. And this is just the beginning. You’re going to see more of these types of range projects throughout South Carolina and other states in the future.”

The range at Belfast WMA is actually one of three new public ranges the South Carolina DNR has in store, thanks to two additional $25,000 NRA grants. One of those grants will be used to build a 50- and 100-yard rifle and pistol range at Woodbury WMA in Marion County, with the possibility of extending the range to 200 yards. The other grant will be used to build three new trap and skeet fields for youth programs at Marsh WMA, also in Marion County, although adults can also use the fields if they make prior arrangements with the DNR.

Brian Hyder (front), NRA Eastern Regional Director, shoots at the future Belfast WMA range site, while John Joines from NRA Range Services measures the sound pressure. (Photo by Justin McDaniel)

In all, NRA awarded $75,000 to South Carolina—funds that unlocked an additional $225,000 from the DNR’s share of federal Pittman-Robertson funds. The Pittman-Robertson Act, which levies an excise tax on the sale of firearms and ammunition and then returns that money to the states each year for habitat and range projects, requires matching funds at a 3:1 ratio. Thus, each $25,000 grant from NRA will be matched in kind with $75,000 from South Carolina’s Pittman-Robertson appropriations, for a total of $100,000 per range project, or $300,000 in all.

“I’m excited about this partnership we have with NRA and look forward to a very long partnership together,” said Emily Cope, assistant director for special projects for the South Carolina DNR, who is overseeing the construction of the three ranges.

Of the new ranges South Carolina is building, the one at Belfast WMA will be the first. The Belfast range will be open to the public free of charge Monday through Saturday from daylight to dark and, out of courtesy to nearby churches, on Sundays from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Although the range will be an unmanned facility, it will be monitored by DNR officers as part of their normal patrols. Shooters should note that the range will feature covered firing points for both 50- and 100-yard targets, but the DNR is leaving open the possibility of eventually expanding the range to accommodate longer distances.

“We’re initially going to have a 50-yard range and a 100-yard range, but it will be designed so that later on in the future, if we see a need and there’s an interest, we have the opportunity to add on and expand to 200 yards,” Cope said.

John Joines from NRA Range Services provided a preliminary layout for the new Belfast range and discussed range design options and suggestions with the state engineers. Joines also conducted a sound test to identify how the range will impact surrounding neighbors. The test involved visiting different sites within a mile radius of the range to measure ambient, or normal, sound pressure and comparing those readings to the sound of a .30-06 being fired at the range site. The results of the test showed that neighbors will notice little, if any, noise when the range is fully operational.

“The ambient pressure reading was actually louder than the gunshot,” said Joines. “All around the property we recorded a one-tenth of 1 percent noise change or none at all. Compared to ambient sound, the sound from the shooting range will be negligible.”

One of those neighbors is Frankie Gresham of Kinards, whose home is located just down the road from the range’s future location on South Carolina Highway 560. A hunter and shooter, Gresham said his family will make good use of the new range.

“I lived in Joanna all my life, and I had to go to Philson Crossroads, it’s a rifle range probably 15 miles from Joanna. Since I moved out here to the country, I just use my yard [to shoot],” said Gresham. “I’m sure we’ll bring the kids and use the archery and the rifle ranges.”

As Gresham noted, the new rifle range isn’t all that the South Carolina DNR has in store for the Belfast property. The property will be managed for hunting, with draw hunts for deer and turkey already in the works, along with some special hunts for youth and mobility-impaired individuals. The DNR will also be offering hunter education classes at Belfast WMA. A hunter education classroom will be established on site, and students will have access to the rifle range, as well as a planned archery course. The archery range will feature two field ranges, a kids range, two walk-through courses, and an archery tower, which will simulate shooting from an elevated stand.

“It’s a public recreational use facility,” said Al Hammond, Southern Regional director for the NRA Field Operations Division. “You’re going to get people from cities driving out here using these ranges who would normally never take advantage of these public lands otherwise, and that’s going to create awareness that the state has these public lands available for hunting and shooting.”

One of the individuals who was very supportive of the DNR’s efforts to acquire the Belfast tract was state Sen. Ronnie Cromer (R-Dist. 18), who serves as chairman of the Fish, Game and Forestry Committee in the South Carolina Senate. Cromer was on hand for a check presentation from NRA to the DNR at Belfast Plantation on July 9 and spoke of the state’s need for public shooting facilities.

“The ones who live in the city have to have somewhere they can go to sight-in their rifles and do a little target practice with their handguns,” said Cromer, whose senatorial district encompasses much of Belfast WMA. “We greatly appreciate NRA making the effort to come down and make the quality of life here, especially in upstate South Carolina, a little bit better.”

In West Virginia, NRA provided two $25,000 grants for new public, unmanned rifle and pistol ranges at Kumbrabow State Forest in Randolph County and Chief Logan Wildlife Management Area in Logan County. Both ranges will be available free of charge. The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources is matching each grant with $25,000 from state funds for a total of $50,000 per range.

NRA also awarded $25,000 for a public range in Georgia.

“This new range grant program moved incredibly fast,” Weaver said. “We went in a year and a half from having nothing to putting checks in people’s hands. Without South Carolina, Georgia and West Virginia, we wouldn’t have any of it. These states really did help to pioneer this program for us.”

For more information on NRA’s Public Range Fund and how your state can apply for a future grant, contact John Joines in the NRA Range Services Department at 703-267-1278 or jjoines@nrahq.org.

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.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

NRA Awards $150,000 in Public Shooting Range Grants

Ohio Department Natural Resources

COLUMBUS, OH – -(AmmoLand.com)- The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Forestry is seeking public input on a recently completed draft management plan for the Shawnee State Forest Wilderness Area. Comments will be accepted through September 14.

The 8,000-acre Shawnee State Forest Wilderness Area, located in Adams and Scioto Counties, was created by state law in 1988 with the intent of creating an area in which past human influences go largely unnoticed, to allow for natural forest succession and to provide an area with outstanding opportunities for solitude and recreational experiences.

The law creating the Shawnee State Forest Wilderness Area specified that every ten years the Wilderness Area’s management plan should be updated. ODNR Division of Forestry staff members have reviewed the existing plan and have suggested several revisions designed to provide quality wilderness experiences over the next decade.

Some of the suggested changes include:

• Restricting Camping access during severe wildfire hazard conditions;
• Requiring the use of a Camping stove and prohibiting open fires;
• Changing approval for wildfire and emergency response within the wilderness area from the Shawnee State Forest Manager to the Incident Commander dealing with the incident.
• The current plan and the proposed plan can be found at www.ohiodnr.com/forestry. Click on the link, “Shawnee State Forest Wilderness Area Management Plan being reviewed.”

Comments regarding the proposed plan can be submitted by one of the following methods:
E-mail comments to State Forest Program Administrator Nate Kirk, Nate.Kirk@dnr.state.oh.us.
Attend one of the scheduled open houses at the Athens ODNR office on August 19, 4:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.; or the Shawnee State Forest office on August 20, 4:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Mail comments to:
Nate Kirk, State Forest Program Administrator
ODNR Division of Forestry
2045 Morse Rd., Building H-1
Columbus, OH 43229-6693

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

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Public Comment Requested for Proposed Shawnee State Forest Wilderness Area Management Plan

Saint Paul, Minn. --(AmmoLand.com)- Pheasants Forever, Inc. announces the completion of seven projects, all additions to existing wildlife areas, that are now open to the public for hunting, fishing, trapping and bird watching. Funds for these projects were provided by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR), PF Chapters, and several partners. Trust Fund dollars originate through the Minnesota State Lottery.

In total, 412 acres of wetlands, grasslands and woodlands were added to enhance the state wildlife management area system or federal waterfowl production area system. Long-term management and stewardship of these lands will be provided by the Minnesota DNR and United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Initial site and habitat development is being completed in partnership with the Minnesota DNR, Pheasants Forever and the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund.

“Our state wildlife management area system is one of the best in the country,” explained Eran Sandquist, regional wildlife biologist for Pheasants Forever. “Minnesota’s Habitat Conservation Partnership provides a catalyst for partners to work together, make our dollars go farther, and ultimately provide a better place for the wildlife we all love to thrive and prosper.”

Projects completed under the 2007 Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund grant to Pheasants Forever include: Spring Creek WMA 201 acre addition (Becker County); Bench WMA 120 acre addition (Swift County); Henjum Lake WPA 35 acre addition (Kandiyohi County); Copeland WMA 32 acre addition (Otter Tail County); Alvstad WMA 10 acre addition (Grant County); Sangl WMA 80 acre addition (Jackson County); White Bear WMA 50 acre addition (Pope County).

“On the surface, the scope of individual projects may seem small, but when you consider their proximity to other investments in public and private land habitat, the benefits are greater than they appear.” explained Matt Holland, PF’s Senior Field Coordinator. â?oWe are striving to build upon existing habitats one project at a time, along with providing significant public recreation benefits.”

For more information on the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund go to www.lccmr.leg.mn <http://www.lccmr.leg.mn/> and for information on Minnesotaâ?Ts Habitat Conservation Partnership, go to www.mnhabitatcorridors.org <http://www.mnhabitatcorridors.org/> .

About:
Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever are non-profit conservation organizations dedicated to the protection and enhancement of pheasant, quail, and other wildlife populations in North America through habitat improvement, land management, public awareness, and education. PF/QF has more than 130,000 members in 700 local chapters across the continent.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Seven New Wildlife Area Additions Through Habitat Conservation Partnership

Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG, PA – -(AmmoLand.com)- Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe today announced that visitors to the agency’s more than 1.4 million acres of State Game Lands will start seeing a new crop of signs designed to educate the public about four of the primary methods of habitat improvement used to benefit wildlife.

“Each year, the agency spends more than 40 percent of its total budget on wildlife habitat improvements,” Roe said. “Each of these news signs will provide a short description about one of the four primary habitat management practices being employed by agency personnel and, in most cases, when it occurred.

“For decades, the Game Commission has been conducting these types of habitat enhancements, but too often the general public doesn’t readily recognize the efforts are deliberate and habitat-based. A good example is herbaceous openings, also referred to as ‘food plots,’ which many people believe are part of the natural landscape rather than ‘man made.”

Likewise, Roe noted that the agency’s use of prescribed fire is sometimes viewed as the result of arson or accidental fires, rather than a well-planned deliberate burns used to enhance or create wildlife habitat.

“If the sportsmen actually knew just how much habitat work is conducted on all our State Game Lands, they would certainly be impressed,” Roe said. “But, we have not always done a good job of telling visitors to State Game Lands exactly what has been done to improve wildlife habitat.”

Roe noted that the four practices that will be promoted by the signs are: Wildlife Openings, also called food plots or herbaceous openings; Prescribed Burn Area; Forest Management Area; and Deer Exclosure Fence.

The exact wording on the signs is as follows:

WILDLIFE OPENING: This herbaceous area benefits wildlife throughout the year. It is maintained to promote native plants, legumes, or annual grains. Maintenance may include planting, spraying, prescribed fire and mechanical treatments.

PRESCRIBED BURN AREA: This area was intentionally burned following a detailed plan to improve wildlife habitat. Prescribed fire is a safe, cost effective tool to reduce undesirable plants, improve soil conditions, and promote native plants. This burn was conducted on ____.

FOREST MANAGEMENT AREA: Trees in this area were cut to improve wildlife habitat. Removing over-story trees allows sunlight to reach the forest floor, resulting in greater food and cover available for wildlife. Harvests also generate revenue that is used to improve additional habitat on State Game Lands. Date Cut: ______________.

DEER EXCLOSURE FENCE: This fence is intended to reduce deer browsing on a limited area to allow regeneration of understory plants. The fence will be removed when adequate trees and shrubs are established, providing habitat for numerous wildlife species, including deer. Hunting is welcome and encouraged inside the fence. Please enter through the yellow access gates. This fence was installed on: ______________________.

Roe noted that each year, from mid-September through mid-October, the Game Commission hosts a series of State Game Lands tours to enable residents to see what the agency is doing on behalf of wildlife.

“State Game Land tours provide the opportunity for those who enjoy nature to come out and talk with our employees – the people who are directly responsible for managing and protecting these lands,” said Carl G. Roe, Game Commission executive director. “Coupled with these new signs, the agency is enhancing the public’s opportunity to see how the Game Commission is spending hunting and furtaker license fees to acquire and manage these lands for wildlife.”

In 1919, the Game Commission was granted authority to purchase lands for the protection, propagation and management of game and wildlife, and to provide areas for public hunting and trapping. Since that time, the Game Commission has acquired more than 1.4 million acres in 65 of the state’s 67 counties (Philadelphia and Delaware counties being the exceptions).

With few exceptions, State Game Lands were purchased using revenues from hunting and furtaker license sales; State Game Lands timber, coal, oil, gas and mineral operation revenues; the state’s share of a federal excise tax on sporting arms and ammunition, known as the Pittman-Robertson Program; from Working Together for Wildlife artwork and patch sales; and from the Pennsylvania Waterfowl Management stamp and print sales.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Pa Game Commission Unveils New Habitat Improvement Signs

Pennsylvania Game Commission

Kleinfeltersville, PA - -(AmmoLand.com)- The Pennsylvania Game Commission’s Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area visitor center will feature hundreds of original paintings and fine-art prints from some of the best-known wildlife artists in the state during its annual Wildlife Art Show from Aug. 7-9. The show is free, and the hours are: Friday, 1-6 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

In addition to the artists’ sales, the show will offer tickets for $2 each or three for $5 to win a selection of artwork in a drawing that will be held at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 9. Proceeds from the drawing will benefit The Wildlands Preservation Fund land acquisition program.

“Buying chances in the drawing provides you with a chance to win something really special for your home or business, and you don’t have to be present to win,” said Carl G. Roe, Game Commission executive director. “Just as important is that contribution you’ll be making to help buy important wildlife habitat through the Wildlands Preservation Fund. It’s a great opportunity for any wildlife enthusiast who appreciates art.”

The Game Commission’s Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area Visitor Center is along Hopeland Road, two miles south of Kleinfeltersville, Lebanon County.

The Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area is a special tract owned and set aside by the Game Commission for the protection, propagation, management, preservation and controlled harvest of wildlife. This area of more than 5,000 acres provides habitat for waterfowl, forest wildlife and farmland wildlife and includes a 400-acre shallow water lake and a 70-acre impoundment.

Visitors to the wildlife area can see a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles, and from late February to late March can be fortunate to witness and photograph the flocks of beautiful snow geese and tundra swans that stop in Pennsylvania during migration. Contact the Middle Creek Visitor’s Center at 717-733-1512 for more information.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

24th Annual Pennsylvania Wildlife Art Show Set For Aug. 7-9

West Virginia DNR

Sleepy Creek, WV - -(AmmoLand.com)- The public shooting range at Sleepy Creek Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Berkeley County will reopen for the use of shotguns only beginning June 29, 2009. Last month, the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR) had to temporarily close the rifle range on Sleepy Creek WMA because of a safety problem involving bullets intermittently hitting a home approximately ¼-mile down range.

The DNR determined certain individuals were illegally placing targets on top of the bunkers instead of in front of them. In addition, some shooters were engaged in the rapid firing of semiautomatic rifles, which resulted in the rifle muzzles rising over a safe line of sight toward the bunkers. These unsafe and illegal actions created a downrange hazard and are direct violations of the posted range rules. Other safety violations were discovered, including indiscriminate firing, failure to control muzzle direction, shooting from non-designated areas on the range, shooting after range hours, etc.

“Once the DNR became aware of these potentially life threatening conditions, the agency had no alternative but to temporarily close the range and explore options for resolving these safety concerns,” said Rich Rogers, District Wildlife Biologist for the Eastern Panhandle.

The DNR is committed to reopening the public shooting range at Sleepy Creek WMA, Rogers said. The first step in this process will be to open the existing range to shotguns only beginning June 29. In addition, the DNR will continue to explore options to construct another range on Sleepy Creek WMA that will allow for the safe shooting of rifles and pistols.

Like many of the public shooting ranges built and maintained by the DNR, the Sleepy Creek WMA range was constructed on a wildlife management area. Lands acquired for wildlife management areas are purchased with funds derived through the sale of West Virginia hunting and fishing licenses. This same source of funding (i.e., hunting and fishing license dollars) is used to construct and operate these public shooting ranges.

The goal of the DNR’s public shooting range program is to improve the opportunity for sportsmen and women of all ages to become familiar with the safe handling of firearms and to provide safe and convenient public shooting range facilities for recreational shooting within a reasonable driving distance of everyone in the state. The ranges were first built as a convenience for hunters and a safe place for them to sight in their hunting guns.

As time elapsed, more and more people began looking for places to enjoy the sport of recreational shooting. These activities are strongly encouraged and supported by the agency; however, when people do not abide by the rules of the range the DNR simply can’t assume the potential liability that these illegal acts create, according to Rogers.

The current range problems at Sleepy Creek WMA involve both rifles and pistols, as both are now chambered for the same long range cartridges creating a potential downrange hazard. Therefore, shotguns only will be allowed on the existing range at Sleepy Creek WMA. Concurrent with this action, the DNR is exploring other options to relocate and develop a new rifle and pistol range on Sleepy Creek WMA.

“The DNR simply cannot provide direct supervision of the range during all the hours it is open,” Rogers said. “We have been in contact with legislators representing the Eastern Panhandle to explore possible solutions. We have also called upon the National Rifle Association (NRA) for assistance in reviewing range operations and resolving these safety issues. One possible solution being investigated would be to construct a rifle and pistol range across the road from the present range.

“Both DNR staff and NRA representatives are working together to conduct field surveys to determine if this site, or other alternative locations, can be found that will be suitable for range development and operation. If a safe location can be found to relocate the rifle and pistol range, the next hurdle will be to secure adequate funding for range construction. While the DNR does not currently have monies budgeted to cover the estimated cost of construction for a new range at Sleepy Creek WMA, the agency is exploring funding options.”

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

WV Public Shooting Range on Sleepy Creek Wildlife Management Area to Reopen

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

LINCOLN, Neb. – -(AmmoLand.com)- A public informational meeting about Clear Creek Wildlife Management Area (WMA) regulations has been scheduled by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission for June 24 at 7:30 p.m. at the Lake McConaughy visitors center.

The public will hear information concerning and be allowed to comment on proposed hunting changes for the WMA, which is a 6,000-acre area at the west end of Lake McConaughy in Keith and Garden counties.

In the 1970s, ’80s and ’90s, Clear Creek and the Garden County Refuge were the primary destination for Canada goose hunting in Nebraska. However, today, nearly all locations in Nebraska offer quality Canada goose hunting opportunities.

According to Richard Nelson, Commission district wildlife manager for the southwest district, the Commission will consider regulations, at it’s July meeting, that would expand outdoor recreational opportunities on the Clear Creek Refuge to include allowing additional hunting of turkey, deer, elk, waterfowl, and upland game birds, as well as trapping. The regulations would include developing a seasonal refuge for Clear Creek WMA from the Monday before Thanksgiving until February 15 of each year. In the past several years, prime Canada goose hunting opportunity has occurred from the later part of November through January.

The Commission also will consider no longer administering the controlled waterfowl hunt on Clear Creek. If these regulations are approved, hunters will self-regulate blind selection and hunt Canada geese and other waterfowl on the Clear Creek WMA, using waterfowl blinds on a first-come, first-served basis. That portion of the seasonal Clear Creek Refuge that also is part of the statutory Garden County Refuge will be signed and no additional recreational opportunities will be allowed on the Garden County Refuge.

Scott Bonertz

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Public Meeting to Discuss Proposals for Clear Creek WMA Neb

Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG, PA –-(AmmoLand.com)- While Pennsylvania’s junior pheasant hunt seems like a long way off, Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe noted that now is the time for hunting clubs to make plans to host an organized junior pheasant hunt.

“The future of hunting is directly related to the continuing participation of young Pennsylvanians,” Roe noted. “The goal is to successfully compete with all the other activities and recreational opportunities that vie for a young person’s time. It’s truly a challenge for the Game Commission, as well as Pennsylvania’s one million hunters.

“To maximize this opportunity for younger hunters, and to ensure we pass along the importance of ethics and sound ideals that have shaped our hunting heritage, the Game Commission and Pheasants Forever urge local clubs to consider hosting a junior pheasant hunt in their community.”

Those clubs interested in hosting a junior pheasant hunt are encouraged to use the 26-page planning guide prepared by the Game Commission and the Pennsylvania State Chapter of Pheasants Forever. The booklet offers a step-by-step guide on how to develop an organized junior pheasant hunt. The guide-book includes: a sample timeline; suggested committees and assignments; general event planning considerations; and several sample forms and news releases. It also includes event evaluation guides so clubs and organizations may consider changes for future junior pheasant hunts.

The guide can be viewed on the Game Commission’s website, by clicking on “Hunting” in the left-hand column of the homepage, then selecting the pheasant photo and then choosing “Junior Pheasant Hunt Planning Guide.” Later this year, the agency will update this section to include a listing of locations that the Game Commission plans to release birds for the 2009 junior pheasant hunts, as well as a listing of all the junior pheasant hunts being hosted by local clubs.

To participate in the junior pheasant hunt, youngsters must be 12 to 16 years of age, and must have successfully completed a basic Hunter-Trapper Education course. As required by law, an adult must accompany the young hunters. Participating hunters do not need to purchase a junior hunting license to take part in the youth pheasant hunt, but all participants must wear the mandatory 250 square inches of fluorescent orange material on their head, chest and back combined, visible from 360 degrees.

To bolster participation in the junior pheasant hunt, the Game Commission again plans to stock pheasants just prior to this special season. For the 2009 hunt, the agency will release 15,000 birds on lands open to public hunting. These areas will be identified in the 2009-2010 Pennsylvania Digest of Hunting and Trapping Regulations, as well as in future Game Commission news releases and on the agency’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us).

Additionally, for those clubs who sign up before July 31, the Game Commission will provide, free of charge, a limited number of pheasants from its propagation program to those clubs that host a junior pheasant hunt. The only two stipulations to be eligible for clubs to receive Game Commission birds are that these hunts must have registration open to the public and must be held on lands open to public hunting.

Based on previous surveys, about half of the junior participants successfully bagged game; a male relative had accompanied most of them; the majority of participants were between the ages of 12 and 14; and many of them intend to hunt again. The agency also received many positive comments about the junior hunting opportunity.

The Game Commission has posted a link on its website to a video clip on YouTube promoting pheasant propagation and junior pheasant hunts.

About:
Pheasants Forever is a national non-profit habitat conservation organization with a system of hard-working local chapter volunteers dedicated to the protection and enhancement of pheasants and other wildlife populations. Pheasants Forever emphasizes habitat improvement, public awareness and education, and land management policies that benefit private landowners and wildlife alike. For more information, visit the organization’s website (www.pheasantsforever.org).

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Planning Guide For Junior Pheasant Hunts

West Virginia DNR

West Virginia - -(AmmoLand.com)- The public rifle range at the Sleepy Creek Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Berkeley County will be closed temporarily beginning on Friday, May 15, 2009. The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources has been made aware of a problem that involves bullets intermittently hitting a home approximately ¼-mile down range. The homeowner has noted that the house is not his primary residence, but expressed patient concern for public safety. Several bullets have been recovered from the homeowner’s property in recent years.

bullets passing over the top of the range bunkers are usually the result of people shooting illegally placed targets on top of the bunkers instead of in front of them, or from rapid firing of semiautomatic rifles often resulting in rifle muzzles rising over a safe line of sight toward the bunkers. Legally posted range regulations clearly state that both of these activities are not to be practiced at the range.

Rich Rogers, District Wildlife Biologist for the Eastern Panhandle, has stated that the range will be closed until it can be realigned or moved to a different location.

“We realize that this is a great inconvenience to many shooters, but we simply must deal with this issue of public safety. I have spoken with an NRA representative and numerous other callers during the past week expressing concern over the range closing. All of them understand the serious nature of this situation and recognize the need for our agency to take this responsible action,” Rogers said.

The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources plans to initiate realignment and/or relocation of the range this summer.

“We hope to have the public shooting range at Sleepy Creek WMA reopened by this fall,” noted Rogers. “This is a priority for our agency, given the number of shooters in the region.”

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

WV Rifle Range on Sleepy Creek Wildlife Management Area to Close Temporarily

Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG, PA – -(AmmoLand.com)- In a recent survey of Pennsylvanians, 63 percent of respondents believe the Pennsylvania Game Commission is doing a good to excellent job managing black bears. The survey also stated that only five percent of residents have had a problem with a bear in the last two years.

The survey, which was called for by the Game Commission’s black bear management plan, was conducted by Responsive Management, a natural resources public opinion firm based in Harrisonburg, Virginia, and released to the Board of Game Commissioners at its recent meeting. The four objectives of the survey were to determine public opinions about current bear population levels; types and frequency of bear-human conflicts; public opinions on bear hunting and methods; and knowledge about bears in Pennsylvania.

“What this survey tells us is that most local bear populations appear to be at or slightly above social carrying capacity, which is the population threshold where people no longer desire more bears,” said Mark Ternent, Game Commission bear biologist. “Of those who responded, 59 percent believe the bear population in their county should remain the same – a view shared by both hunters and non-hunters.

“Among the minority who would like to see an increase in their area’s bear population, 78 percent only want a small to moderate increase. Also, 40 percent of respondents want bear populations in their county, but not in their city or township.”

Ternent said the survey shows that there is strong support for managing bear populations, as 79 percent either strongly or moderately agree that bear populations should be managed to control population size.

“Even in the southeast portion of the state, where bears and human-bear conflicts are relatively uncommon, 77 percent of people agree that controlling bear populations is important,” Ternent said. “Also, 70 percent of Pennsylvania residents support the regulated hunting of bears.”

The survey noted that five percent of Pennsylvanians have had a problem with a bear in the past two years. Yet 50 percent of problems are with birdfeeders and 40 percent involve garbage cans/dumpsters. Thus, limiting bears access to birdfeeders or garbage could potentially eliminate up to half of the human-bear conflicts. Of those who had a problem with bears, only 19 percent said that they reported it to the Game Commission.

“What this means is that our perception of conflicts is only about one-fifth of those occurring,” Ternent said. “However, 42 percent of the bear problems reported to the Game Commission are handled at the time of reporting by providing advice/information over the phone, and 51 percent of people reporting a bear problem to the Commission were satisfied with the response or service they received.

“People have an interest in bears, yet know little about them. Self-professed knowledge about black bears among Pennsylvania residents is low; only one of four say that they know a great deal or moderate amount about bears, while three-quarters say that they know a little or nothing. Information about bears, their ecology and management in Pennsylvania is available on the Game Commission’s website at www.pgc.state.pa.us, click on Wildlife and select “Black bear.”

To view a copy of the 500-page survey, go to the Game Commission’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us), click on “Hunting” in the left-hand column, click on the photo of the bear, and scroll down to “Pennsylvania Residents’ Opinions On and Attitudes toward Black Bears.”

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Pennsylvania Public Supports Game Commissions Management Of Bears

Georgia Department of Natural Resources

SOCIAL CIRCLE, GA - -(AmmoLand.com)- The Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division today announced that beginning July 1, there will be three less wildlife management areas (WMA) in the state’s program and one WMA will be reduced in size.

These changes were necessary due to decreased appropriations in the FY2010 state budget. Also, the Board of Natural Resources recently approved an addition of more than 1,700 acres to the state-owned Silver Lake Wildlife Management Area in Seminole County and another 7,000 acres in Long and McIntosh counties, known as Townsend WMA.

The four areas affected by the 2010 budget are the Lake Burton, Lower Blue Ridge, King Tract and Rayonier WMAs. Lake Burton and Lower Blue Ridge are part of the Chattahoochee National Forest and although the Division no longer will be conducting wildlife management on these areas, they will still remain open for public hunting. The King Tract and Rayonier are annual leases in southeast Georgia and will most likely be leased from the landowners by hunting clubs.

With the state’s recent land acquisition, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources brings the total amount of hunt-able land added to state properties since 2001 to more than 69,500 acres.

“The good news is that we have a net gain in total acres available to hunters over the last several years,” said Commissioner of Natural Resources Chris Clark. “The Department is fortunate in being able to offer more than one million acres of land to Georgia hunters for the purchase of a $19 WMA license. There is no better value, especially in these difficult economic times, for access to land for hunting.”

Areas were reviewed using several criteria, including whether they would remain available to hunters as public land or leases, proximity to other public hunting land and recent acquisitions potential for effective wildlife management and annual hunter participation. Recognizing that these areas provide some unique hunting opportunities, the Department is minimizing these impacts by identifying similar opportunities on other WMAs.

For example, opportunities for hunting deer with dogs being lost on the Rayonier WMA are scheduled for nearby Paulk’s Pasture and Dixon Memorial WMAs and a special regulation change is being proposed to add dog hunting for deer on Little Satilla WMA.

“The Division appreciates the continued support of the hunting public and is confident that by strategically selecting the areas to be reduced, we will minimize the ultimate effect on sportsmen,” says Wildlife Resources Division Director Dan Forster.

For more information on public hunting land in Georgia, visit www.gohuntgeorgia.com .

About:
For more information regarding black bears, visit www.georgiawildlife.com or contact a Wildlife Resources Division Game Management office. The public also can visit their local library to check out a copy of an informational DVD entitled, “Where Bears Belong: Black Bears in Georgia.”

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Georgia DNR Announces Changes To State WMA Program

North Jersey bear finds its way to Delmarva…

Approximate Route Traveled by Recently Captured Black Bear

Wye Mills, MD – -(AmmoLand.com)- The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has successfully captured and relocated the black bear that has been roaming the Eastern Shore for the past seven months. The bear was captured on the evening of April 22 in the Centreville area of Queen Anne’s county, and held overnight pending an evaluation of a tag affixed to its ear.

Surprisingly, the bear was originally captured in Mercer County, New Jersey, on June 9, 2008, approximately 110 miles from Wednesday’s capture location. New Jersey biologists tagged the bear and marked him with a lip tattoo prior to relocating the bear to a nearby wildlife management area. The New Jersey data provided DNR staff excellent information on the history of the bear and confirmation of its previous release location.

Prior to its release Thursday morning, the bear was evaluated by DNR wildlife officials and determined to be a young male in good health. He was fitted with Maryland bear tags and microchips and was released on public land in Washington County.

“Based on the history of this bear in New Jersey and its recent time on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, we followed our established protocols for bear management and relocated this animal into occupied bear range,” said Paul Peditto, Director of DNR’s Wildlife and Heritage Service.

“This was the first bear to wander the mid-shore in modern history,” added John Moulis, Eastern Region Manager for the Wildlife and Heritage Service. “We are thankful that most Eastern Shore residents were very tolerant of this visitor and expressed concern for the bear’s safety. We were also appreciative of the support and professionalism from various law enforcement and animal control agencies that helped monitor this animal during his visit.”

Despite unverified reports to the contrary, DNR is confident that this was the only bear roaming the Eastern Shore, but will continue to follow up reports of additional sightings. Citizens may learn more about this and other bears in Maryland at www.dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/bbmd.asp.

About:
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages more than 449,000 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

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Eastern Shore Black Bear Captured and Relocated

Georgia – -(AmmoLand.com)- Georgia’s Wildlife Management Areas offer excellent turkey hunting opportunities. Through the WMA system, resident hunters have access to nearly one million acres of prime hunting land for just $19 a year.

Success rates and total harvest numbers from 2008 may help indicate which WMAs hunters should target this year.

In the northwest, Pine Log WMA and Berry College WMA reported the highest harvest rates. In the northeast, Warwoman WMA and Swallow Creek WMA had the highest success rates. In west central Georgia, hunters should try Blanton Creek WMA and Rum Creek WMA. In east central Georgia, Di-Lane Plantation WMA and Yuchi WMA reported high harvest rates. In the southeast, hunters should visit Dixon Memorial WMA and Griffin Ridge WMA.

A special WMA license is required for any person 16 years or older who does not possess a valid honorary, sportsman or lifetime license when hunting wild turkey on a WMA, Public Fishing Area or State Park. In addition, both a valid hunting license and a big game license are required to legally hunt wild turkey. Wild turkey legally can be hunted with shotguns, loaded with No. 2 or smaller shot, any muzzleloading firearm, longbow, crossbow or compound bow.

For more information regarding wild turkey hunting opportunities, WMA hunting opportunities, 2009 wild turkey hunting seasons, regulations or license requirements in Georgia, visit www.gohuntgeorgia.com

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Georgia’s WMA Hunting Opportunities

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Florida – -(OutDoorWire.com)- If you weren’t lucky enough to get drawn for a special-opportunity or spring turkey quota permit, don’t fret; there are numerous wildlife management areas (WMAs) that don’t require them.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) offers 37 public hunting areas statewide where hunters need only to “walk on” to hunt spring turkeys.

These hunts are made possible through the FWC’s partnerships with the state’s Division of Forestry, Florida’s water management districts, the U.S. Forest Service, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the National Park Service and Department of Defense, who contribute their lands to the state’s public-hunting system.

Hunters need only a hunting license ($17 for residents, $46.50 for a nonresident 10-day license), management area permit ($26.50) and turkey permit ($5 for residents, $100 for nonresidents) to spring turkey hunt on the following areas. These licenses and permits are available for purchase at county tax collectors’ offices and at most retail outlets that sell hunting and fishing supplies. Also, hunters can purchase them with a credit card by calling 888-486-8356 or online at www.wildlifelicense.com.

The spring turkey season runs March 7 – April 12 in the South Hunting Zone and March 21 – April 26 in the Central and Northwest zones, unless otherwise noted below. Shooting hours during spring turkey season on WMAs are one-half hour before sunrise to 1 p.m.
Osceola turkeys inhabit these areas

Arbuckle WMA – 13,531 acres in Polk County. Season runs March 24-26 and April 7-9. There are 10 no-cost, daily quota permits available at the check station on a first-come, first-served basis. Camping allowed only by permit from the Division of Forestry by calling 863-635-7801.

Big Bend WMA-Jena Unit – 12,522 acres in Dixie County. A no-cost, daily use permit is required and available at the check station.

Big Cypress WMA – 565,848 acres in Collier, Miami-Dade and Monroe counties. Season runs March 7 – April 12. Camping allowed.

Bull Creek WMA – 23,646 acres in Osceola County. Camping allowed.

Devil’s Hammock WMA – 7,635 acres in Levy County. Season runs March 21-29. There are 15 no-cost, daily quota permits available at the check station on a first-come, first-served basis.

Green Swamp WMA – 49,768 acres in Polk, Sumter and Lake counties. Hunters must have a quota permit to hunt the first weekend, but there are 200 no-cost, daily quota permits available at the check station on a first-come, first-served basis for the remainder of season. Camping allowed only by special permit from the FWC.

Jumper Creek WMA – 10,552 acres in Sumter County. Camping allowed.

J.W. Corbett WMA – 60,288 acres in Palm Beach County. Season runs March 7 – April 12, Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays only. Camping allowed.

Kissimmee River Public Use Area – 23,433 acres in Glades, Highlands, Okeechobee, Osceola and Polk counties. Area is split between Central and South hunting zones. When hunting the South Zone, the season runs March 7 – April 12. For Camping information only, call the South Florida Water Management District at 800-250-4200, ext. 3019. Management area permit not required.

Lochloosa WMA – 11,149 acres in Alachua County. Camping allowed only by permit from St. Johns River Water Management District; call 386-329-4404.

Log Landing WMA – 1,147 acres in Dixie County.

Richloam WMA – 58,146 acres in Hernando, Pasco, Sumter and Lake counties. Hunters must have a quota permit to hunt the first nine days, but those without one may hunt the remainder of the season, beginning March 30 through April 26. Camping allowed only by permit from Division of Forestry; call 352-754-6896.

Three Lakes WMA – 54,628 acres in Osceola County. Camping allowed.

Upper Hillsborough WMA – 5,178 acres in Polk and Pasco counties. Wednesdays and Thursdays only. There are 75 no-cost, daily quota permits available at the check station on a first-come, first-served basis. Camping allowed.

Upper St. Johns River Marsh WMA – 124,623 acres in Brevard and Indian River counties. Camping allowed.

Eastern turkeys inhabit these areas

Apalachicola National Forest – 581,837 acres in Franklin, Leon, Liberty and Wakulla counties. Camping allowed.

Apalachicola River Wildlife and Environmental Area – 86,140 acres in Franklin and Gulf counties. Camping allowed. Management area permit not required.

Aucilla WMA – 47,532 acres in Jefferson and Taylor counties. Camping allowed.

Big Bend WMA:

Hickory Mound Unit – 14,427 acres in Taylor County. A no-cost, daily use permit is required and available at the check station.

Snipe Island Unit – 11,687 acres in Taylor County. Hunters must have a quota permit to hunt the first 16 days, but those without one may hunt the remainder of the season, April 6 – April 21.

Spring Creek Unit – 14,600 acres in Taylor County.

Tide Swamp Unit – 19,538 acres in Taylor County. A no-cost, daily use permit is required and available at the check station.

Blackwater WMA – 191,148 acres in Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties. Camping allowed.

Eglin Air Force Base – 265,000 acres in Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Walton counties. Hunting and Camping allowed only by permit from Jackson Guard Natural Resource Office by calling 850-883-1152. Only shotguns, bows and muzzleloaders are legal.

Escambia River WMA – 34,476 acres in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. Camping owed.

Joe Budd WMA – 11,039 acres in Gadsden County. Saturdays and Sundays only. There are 20 no-cost, daily quota permits available at the check station on a first-come, first-served basis. Hunters may use bows and muzzleloaders only. Camping allowed.

Lower Econfina River WMA – 2,837 acres in Taylor County. Season runs March 21-29.

Mallory Swamp WMA – 29,463 acres in Lafayette County. Season runs March 21 – April 5.

Ochlockonee River WMA – 2,790 acres in Leon County. Saturdays and Sundays only. Only shotguns, bows and muzzleloaders are legal.

Osceola WMA – 266,270 acres in Baker and Columbia counties. Camping allowed.

Pine Log WMA – 6,911 acres in Bay and Washington counties. Season runs March 21 – April 5. Camping allowed.

Point Washington WMA – 12,414 acres in Walton County.

Santa Fe Swamp Wildlife and Environmental Area – 5,627 acres in Bradford County. Only bows and muzzleloaders are legal.

Steinhatchee Springs WMA – 20,909 acres in Lafayette, Dixie and Taylor counties. Season runs March 21 – April 12. There are 40 no-cost, daily quota permits available at the check station on a first-come, first-served basis to hunt the first nine days.

Talquin WMA – 3,053 acres in Leon County. Saturdays and Sundays only.

Twin Rivers WMA – 9,288 acres in Madison, Hamilton and Suwannee counties. Season runs March 27-29 and April 17-19. There are 12 no-cost, daily quota permits available at the check station on a first-come, first-served basis.

Upper Chipola River WMA – 7,377 acres in Jackson County. Camping allowed only by permit from Northwest Florida Water Management District; call 850-539-5999.

For more information on spring turkey hunting, or to download management area rules and maps, visit MyFWC.com/Hunting. Brochures also are available at tax collectors’ offices in counties close to the wildlife management areas.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Where To Hunt Florida Spring Turkeys Without A Quota Permit

HARRISBURG - -(OutdoorWire.com)- With the spring gobbler season set to open in April, Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe is reminding all first-time license buyers to make plans to attend a Hunter-Trapper Education (HTE) course now.

To register for a course in your area, visit the Game Commission’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us), select the “Hunter Education Classes” icon in the center of the homepage, and then follow the instructions.

“Right now, Game Commission Wildlife Conservation Officers, Deputy WCOs and volunteer HTE instructors are meeting to schedule courses, review curriculum updates and prepare for this year,” Roe said. “From there, course schedules are provided to our Region Offices and the information is posted on the agency’s website for students to choose and enroll in courses.”

With the support of thousands of volunteers, HTE courses are being held throughout the state. There is no fee for the basic HTE course. Pre-registration is required for many classes, so contact information is provided. Online registration also is available for most courses offered by the agency.

Taught by dedicated teams of trained volunteers, most HTE classes last at least 10 hours over two or more days, and participants must attend all instruction before taking the test at the end of the course. Youngsters must be at least 11 years old to receive HTE certification.

Successful completion of a basic Pennsylvania HTE class, or another state’s equivalent course, is required by state law to obtain a first-time hunting or furtaker license, regardless of age.

Registrations also are being accepted for the independent study version of the basic HTE program, which is available for those 11 years of age or older. A fee of $1.59 may apply if applicants order a printed copy of the study manual, which also is available online free of charge.

In addition, registrations are being accepted for two other educational programs offered by the Game Commission, “Successful Bowhunting!” and “Cable Restraint Certification.”

The Successful Bowhunting course is a one-day voluntary training program for those seeking to expand their skills and knowledge of bowhunting. While voluntary in Pennsylvania, certification for this course may be required by other states. The course fee is $18, and students will get to keep the independent study materials provided as part of the course.

The Cable Restraint Certification course is required for those trappers seeking to participate in the annual trapping season in which cable restraints are used to capture coyotes and foxes. The course fee is $15, and students will get to keep various education materials and one legal cable restraint provided as part of the course.

In 1959, the Game Commission began offering a voluntary hunter safety program, and about 25,000 students participated in that program annually. Beginning in 1969, the General Assembly required all first-time hunting license buyers under the age of 16 to successfully complete a four-hour hunter education course. The course requirement was expanded to six hours in 1977. The program became mandatory for all first-time hunting license buyers regardless of age in 1982.

Finally, in 1986, the safety program was increased to 10 hours of class time and trapper training was included. The name of the program also was changed to Hunter-Trapper Education, and was required for all first-time furtaker license buyers, too.

Since 1959, more than 1.8 million students have been certified through this course.

Facts from the Pennsylvania Game Commission:
To promote the safe and responsible behaviors of hunters and trappers, as well as provide a means to meet licensing requirements, 721 basic Hunter-Trapper Education (HTE) classes were conducted across the state during 2008, and produced 32,509 students now ready to join the ranks of Pennsylvania’s hunters and trappers. Additionally, during the past year, 651 students were certified through the 23 Successful Bowhunting classes held statewide, and 801 students were trained and certified at the 23 cable restraint classes conducted throughout the state.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Pa Game Commission HTE Classes Starting To Fill Up

Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks

Kansas – -(AmmoLand.com)- On March 28, the Flint Hills Gobblers Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Hunter Education Program will conduct its 8th Annual Spring Turkey Hunting Clinic. The event will take place at Camp Alexander, near Emporia, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is open to anyone interested in learning how to become a better turkey hunter, especially youth, and it’s free.

Participants will learn calling tips and other turkey hunting techniques. Bluestem Farm and Ranch of Emporia will have on display all the latest turkey hunting equipment and will hold a drawing for a turkey vest packed with accessories. Lunch and free T-shirts will be provided. The clinic will consist of several educational sections dealing with all aspects of becoming a successful turkey hunter, including the following:

• turkey calling and locator calling;
• scouting/roosting;
• wild turkey biology and management;
• shotgun hunting for wild turkeys;
• bowhunting for wild turkeys;
• turkey hunting equipment; and
• turkey hunting safety.

Participants should register by March 12 and include the total number of youth and adults attending, as well as their respective T-shirt sizes (limited to 100 attendees). For more information or to register, contact Gib Rhodes at 620-437-2012.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Flints Hills Gobblers Plan 8Th Annual Spring Turkey Hunting Clinic

Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks

Kansas – -(AmmoLand.com)- The Flint Hills Gobblers Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) is challenging youngsters to write a story and win a two-day guided spring turkey hunt and a new turkey shotgun. In 500 words or less, entrants must answer the question, “If you could introduce one person to hunting, who would it be and why?”

Youth 16 years and younger from Chase, Coffey, Greenwood, Lyon, Morris, Osage, and Woodson counties are eligible to participate. Participants must have completed a hunter education course, be available to hunt during the 2009 spring turkey season, and purchase a Kansas spring turkey hunting permit if they win.

This is the seventh year of the contest, and all past winners have harvested a gobbler. In addition to the shotgun and guided hunt, the winner will receive a turkey hunting vest and other turkey hunting items donated by Bluestem Farm and Ranch Supply, Emporia.

Essay submissions must include name, age, address, and phone number and sent to Gib Rhodes, 1643 360th St., Madison, KS 66860 or Shelley Sparks, 1789 Road B5, Emporia, KS 66801, by March 14. The winner of the contest will be notified March 25. Lodging will be provided if the winner is not from Emporia or the surrounding area. A parent or guardian is welcome and encouraged to accompany the youth on this hunt. For more information, phone Rhodes at 620-437-2012.

The contest is co-sponsored by the Flint Hills Gobblers Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, the Lyon County Hunter Education Program, Bluestem Farm and Ranch Supply of Emporia, and the Conrad Carlson Charitable Foundation.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

2009 Youth Essay Contest Offers Turkey Hunt Prize

Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks

Kansas – -(AmmoLand.com)- The 2009 spring turkey season runs April 8-May 31, and hunters across the state are already making preparations. Turkey permits allow hunters to use a shotgun, crossbow, or bow throughout the regular season. Archery-only and youth/disabled seasons run concurrently, April 1-7.

Turkey permits for units 1, 2, and 3 may be purchased online from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) website, or over the counter at any license vendor. A regulations brochure may be downloaded from the KDWP website and printed or obtained at KDWP offices and license vendors. This brochure also includes a resident-only, limited-draw permit application for Unit 4, but the application deadline for these permits was Feb. 20. The brochure can be used only for general regulations regarding the 2009 Kansas spring turkey hunting season.

Archery hunters, anyone 16 years old or younger, and those with disability permits may hunt April 1-7. (All youth must have an adult supervisor during the youth season.) Hunters younger than 16 are not required to have hunter education certification to hunt while they are supervised by a person 18 or older, but they must have a turkey permit. (During the regular season, persons age 12 through 15 may hunt without adult supervision if they have completed a certified hunter education course.) Hunter education certification may not be obtained until age 11, and all hunters younger than 12 must have adult supervision to hunt at any time.

Online license and permit purchasing simplifies preparation. Online license and permit sales are available at the KDWP website. Permits (except for Unit 4) may also be purchased over the counter, and second turkey game tags are available in units 2 and 3. Last year, KDWP sold 38,990 Spring Turkey permits and 19,397 Second Turkey game tags, and 35,040 turkeys were taken.

A spring turkey atlas showing all public hunting lands and spring Walk-In Hunter Access program lands will be available at KDWP offices and the KDWP website in late March.

To enhance the 2009 spring turkey hunting experience, KDWP is joining with the Kansas University Endowment Association and other private landowners to offer special spring turkey hunts. Special hunts will be offered in 12 counties (Atchison, Chase, Clay, Dickinson, Douglas, Leavenworth, Osage, Ottawa, Pottawatomie, Riley, Saline, and Sumner), opening more than 5,000 acres for 95 special hunt opportunities. The special hunts range from youth-only and youth-mentor hunts to open hunts. The KU Endowment Association has signed up properties in four counties where seven youth-only hunts will be offered.

All special hunt opportunities are available by online application and a random drawing. Those applicants who are drawn for a hunt will be notified by email with additional hunt information and their special hunt permit. The online application and hunt information is on the KDWP website. The application deadline is Monday, March 16.

Access to lands enrolled in these special hunts will be limited to foot traffic only, unless posted otherwise. Each property will have special restrictions for dates allowed and type of hunt that will be listed on the application.
For more information on the program or applications, write Jake George, Private Lands Coordinator, KDWP, 512 SE 25th Ave., Pratt, KS 67124; phone 620-672-5911, ext. 160; or email jakeg@wp.state.ks.us.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Spring Turkey Permits, Special Hunts Applications Available Online

PHOENIX - The Arizona Game and Fish Commission yesterday (Feb. 23) voted to oppose a proposed amendment to House Bill 2235, legislation that would change an existing law concerning the qualifications and appointment process for Game and Fish Commission membership.

The bill was also on yesterday’s meeting agenda of the House Natural Resources and Rural Affairs Committee, but the committee meeting was postponed. It is unknown at this time when consideration of the bill by the Committee may be rescheduled, but it likely would be next Monday, March 2.

The Commission previously voted on Jan. 23 to oppose the original version of the bill. The proposed amendment was circulated to Commission members late last week. At a public telephonic meeting yesterday, the Commission considered the revisions and voted unanimously to oppose the amendment.

“The Commission didn’t see anything in the amended version that would warrant changing a system that has worked well for the interests of Arizona’s wildlife and its citizens for 80 years,” said Commission Chair Bob Hernbrode.

“We continually remind Arizonans that hunters, anglers and shooting sports enthusiasts provide the majority of funding for wildlife conservation in our state,” said Hernbrode. “We also recognize that Arizona’s wildlife is managed for all Arizonans, most of whom have an interest in and desire for wildlife conservation.”

The Arizona Game and Fish Department manages and conserves for more than 900 wildlife species in Arizona, ranging from hummingbirds and pupfish to elk and black bear.

“The current Commission system has served as a buffer for the best interests of wildlife conservation during eight decades of back-and-forth political change,” said Hernbrode. “There isn’t a compelling reason to change it now.”

Hernbrode said that despite the Commission’s disagreement with supporters of this particular bill, it believes people on all sides of this issue are interested in the best interests of wildlife in Arizona.

“We will continue to work with all constituents to achieve good outcomes for wildlife conservation and the citizens of our state,” he said.

To view the original language and proposed amendments to HB 2235, visit www.azgfd.gov/inside_azgfd/legislative_affairs.shtml

About:
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, (602) 942-3000, or with the U.S. 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.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

News from the Arizona Game and Fish Commission

OLYMPIA- (WDFW) -(OutdoorWire.com)- Managers this week are advising more than 100 employees their jobs may be eliminated to meet an expected multi-million-dollar budget shortfall.

A total of about 170 positions are affected, although some are currently vacant. The cuts will affect field staff- including hatchery personnel, enforcement officers, biologists and outdoor educators-as well as business operations such as financial management and computer support. The job cuts are spread statewide, throughout department programs and all levels of the agency.

The lay-offs will begin in April and be concluded by end of June, when the current fiscal year ends, said WDFW Deputy Director Joe Stohr. The workers that will first be affected are being advised now, in response to requests from employees for early information, he said.

The lay-off plans are based on an anticipated funding cut of more than $30 million from WDFW’s $348 million, two-year operating budget. Gov. Chris Gregoire called for reducing WDFW’s budget by $30 million in her proposed 2009-11 state budget, and directed the department to reduce spending by more than $5 million in the current fiscal year. The department’s final spending plan will be determined when the Legislature passes a new two-year state budget.

Staff cuts are being considered as a last resort, after department managers pursued efforts to trim other spending, increase recreational license sales and restructure agency operations, said WDFW Interim Director Phil Anderson. With personnel expenses consuming about 80 percent of the department’s budget, other measures are inadequate to address the shortfall, he said.

“We made every effort to reduce impacts to public service and to our employees, but there’s just no way to absorb a funding cut this large without a lot of pain,” said WDFW Interim Director Phil Anderson.

In planning the staff cuts, department managers attempted to preserve core services, which include conserving natural resources, providing sustainable fishing, wildlife viewing and hunting opportunities, and maintaining professional business practices, Anderson said.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Washington Department Of Fish And Wildlife Advises Employees Of Likely Job Cuts

Arizona Game and Fish Department

PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department is bringing a new format to the fall hunt recommendation process by offering six public forums across the state to allow constituents an opportunity to provide input to regional biologists before the hunt recommendations are presented to the commission for the 2009-10 hunting seasons.

Each region will be providing details about the populations within their jurisdiction. This means that if you have interest in a particular unit, you will need to attend the public meeting in that region to discuss management direction.

“This new process of including our customers before finalizing the hunt recommendations, will address the concerns of hunters earlier in the process, when we still have the ability to make changes if they are warranted,” said Brian Wakeling, chief of game management. “This collaboration should also reduce some of the questions during the commission meeting, improving the efficiencies of those public meetings.”

Constituents interested in attending a public forum where department biologists will be on hand to share the preliminary details of the recommendations may go to any of the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s regional offices.

Public forum dates, times and locations are:

• Tuesday, March 3, 6-8 p.m. – Pinetop regional office, 2878 E. White Mountain Blvd.
• Tuesday, March 3, 6-8 p.m. – Kingman regional office, 5325 N. Stockton Hill Road
• Tuesday, March 3, 6-8 p.m. – Yuma regional office, 9140 E. 28th St.
• Tuesday, March 3, 6-8 p.m. – Tucson regional office, 555 N. Greasewood Road
• Tuesday, March 3, 7-9 p.m. – Mesa regional office, 7200 E. University Drive
• Thursday, March 5, 6:30-8:30 p.m. – Flagstaff regional office, 3500 S. Lake Mary Road

After the public forums the final draft of the hunt recommendations to be presented to the commission will be made available for public review at six regional open houses. No formal presentation will be made. However, a knowledgeable staff person will be available to discuss regional hunt recommendations.

Open house dates, times and locations are:

• Tuesday, April 7, 3-6 p.m. – Kingman regional office, 5325 N. Stockton Hill Road
• Tuesday, April 14, 4-6 p.m. – Pinetop regional office, 2878 E. White Mountain Blvd.
• Tuesday, April 14, 4-6 p.m. – Flagstaff regional office, 3500 S. Lake Mary Road
• Tuesday, April 14, 3-5 p.m. – Yuma regional office, 9140 E. 28th St.
• Tuesday, April 14, 5-7 p.m. – Tucson regional office, 555 N. Greasewood Road
• Tuesday, April 14, 3-5 p.m. – Mesa regional office, 7200 E. University Drive

A PDF version of the 2009-10 hunt recommendations will be available for review at the Game and Fish Department’s Web site beginning Saturday, April 11 at www.azgfd.gov/h_f/hunt_guidelines.shtml.

Each year, the department makes recommendations to the commission regarding the management of game species for the annual hunting and trapping regulations, which establish the seasons, dates, bag limits, open areas, and hunt permit-tag allocations based on the framework of the hunt guidelines set by the commission every two years. The next guidelines will be set in the summer of 2010 for hunting seasons 2010-11 and 2011-12.

The final recommendations are scheduled to be presented to the Arizona Game and Fish Commission for consideration during its April 17-18 meeting in Phoenix at the department headquarters at 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix (1.5 miles west of I-17). The agenda will be posted at www.azgfd.gov/commission under commission agenda.

About:
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.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Arizona Game And Fish To Discuss 2009-10 Fall Hunting Regulations

A conservation officer since 1983, Brandt is described by Law Enforcement Division District I Supervisor Jim Zimmerman as being “one of the most consistent officers I have in the district and one of the most active officers every year.”

Zimmerman said Brandt is an accomplished investigator and has been successful in a large variety of game cases. “A couple of years ago he was the lead investigator of a commercial waterfowl outfitter in Scotts Bluff County that resulted in one of the bigger, if not the biggest, waterfowl cases in the history of the agency.”

In addition to his law enforcement functions, he has been active in public relations activities, has sponsored a youth waterfowl hunt, has taken several kids on their first waterfowl hunts, is an active member of Platte River Basin Environments and has helped in the acquisition and development of thousands of acres of public access lands in the Scotts Bluff County area.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Officer Scott Brandt Receives Nebraska Wildlife Officer Of The Year Award