Iowa: Fatal deer disease confirmed in Wayne County

A hunter harvested adult doe taken in southeast Wayne County during the first shotgun deer season has tested positive for the presence of chronic wasting disease (CWD). This is the first hunter harvested wild deer outside of northeast Iowa to test positive for the always fatal disease.

The deer was shot on Dec. 5.

“We contacted the hunter once it was confirmed,” said Terry Haindfield, wildlife biologist and coordinator for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources chronic wasting disease monitoring effort. “The test results are disappointing but not surprising. We are seeing an increasing number of CWD positive deer in northeast Iowa and from our neighboring states.”

Haindfield said there have been seven additional CWD positive tests so far from deer in northeast Iowa that came from the 2017 seasons – six in Allamakee County and one in Clayton County. The Iowa DNR is awaiting the final set of test results from the special collection in Allamakee and Clayton counties in January. Read more

Michigan Elk updates: results of 2017 elk hunting season, winter elk survey

The 2017 hunting season statistics are in, and the winter elk survey just wrapped up, giving the Michigan Department of Natural Resources a clear picture of where the state’s elk population currently stands.

Hunt period 1, which targets elk outside of their traditional range, was 12 days long. From Aug 29-Sept. 1, Sept 15-18, and Sept. 29-Oct. 2, 100 state hunters harvested 74 elk (30 bulls and 44 antlerless elk).

During hunt period 2, Dec. 9-17, all locations in the northern tip of the state were open to hunting. Another 100 state hunters harvested 84 elk (30 bulls and 54 antlerless elk) during this hunt.

Before regulated hunting can take place to assist in management, Michigan’s elk population has to be evaluated.

“Our population goal for elk is between 500 and 900 animals. This has been determined as the best balance for the forests, area agriculture and residents,” said DNR elk specialist Chad Stewart. “Besides having an estimated population, knowing where they are located is also very important.” Read more

Hunter Safety System Brings Back the Pro Series Harness

Danville, Ala. (Feb 6, 2018) – In response to customer requests, Hunter Safety System—the leader in treestand safety—has announced that a new updated Pro Series harness will be available this year. With new features and lighter, high-tech materials, the new Pro Series is poised to become as popular as the original Pro Series, which was introduced in 2005 and became one of the most popular treestand safety harness of all time. Read more

Backyard Exotic Wood Calls

By Glen Wunderlich

The act of calling wild animals holds a high level of intrigue for most hunters. It’s never been easier, either, with remote control electronic callers and battery-operated decoys with the ability to utilize hundreds of stored calls at the push of a button. Everything from squirrels to mountain lions can be tricked into reacting to realistic recordings good enough to fool even the most wary wildlife.

Although it may be easier than ever to produce appropriate audio for the task at hand, closing the deal involves much more than pushing the right button for the occasion. It takes knowledge of the target animals’ vocalizations and when to use them correctly.

In addition, setting the caller up in the proper position relative to the wind and surroundings involves a basic understanding of how a given animal may respond. Other than that, the entire experience has been dumbed down to the point that novices can be successful. Obviously, there is no guarantee that these electronic marvels can overcome inexperience, but they’ve gotten plenty of hunters into the pursuit of predators and other game animals. All it takes is cash.

However, there is always one piece of equipment I will carry afield as an insurance policy against electronic malfunctions: a mouth-blown call. Invariably, battery-operated anything is subject to failure, and when your caller is some 100 yards away and doesn’t respond to your transmitter’s signal, you’re out of business. Enter the hand call.

Closed-reed calls are simple to use, providing the user knows the particular language needed to coax an animal nearer. It’s simplicity itself to hang a number of them around one’s neck on a lanyard and to use them spontaneously – something the electronic caller cannot match.

Over the years, my collection of hand calls has grown to include store-bought calls, as well as custom calls made by some of the most talented woodworkers in the country. More specifically, some of these cherished game calls have been fashioned from wood I’ve found locally while cutting firewood.

Shiawassee County Michigan “Flame” Boxelder custom crow calls

What is surprising is how much exotic wood may be hidden under a tree’s bark.
In fact, my favorite crow calls were turned from wood that most people typically overlook even for firewood: boxelder. Yes, those horrid trees that host those creepy boxelder bugs may contain a silver lining known to custom callmakers as flame boxelder – a red coloration in the otherwise plain, blond wood.

A recent discovery is sure to lead to more unique custom calls, as packages of wild cherry have been sent thousands of miles from my Michigan property to some fine craftsmen in Arizona. The deal provides the callmakers enough “foreign” material to make me a call or two and all they have to pay is the cost of USPS flat-rate shipping. They, in turn, use the remaining wood for works of art destined to parts unknown.

Although I still rely on the electronic caller, I never leave home without contingency plans around my neck.

Coyotes over Baitcicles

By Glen Wunderlich

While there is no way to estimate the number of coyotes that inhabit given areas of Michigan one thing is certain: They’re everywhere. Although our neighbors in the Upper Peninsula can point to wolves as their number one apex predator, coyotes, through sheer numbers, have become an omnipresent danger to game animals, livestock and family pets throughout the state. If ever hunters should be inclined to take matters into their own hands, it is now.

From late January through mid-March is coyote mating season and with it comes a bevy of adventurous males and certain vulnerability for them. Their drive to mate will have them traveling for miles on end in search for satisfaction and wise hunters can use this knowledge to their advantage. Although control strategies include trapping and myriad hunting techniques, one particular method of baiting is worth sharing: baitcicles.

The term “baitcicles” is a coined word used to describe a frozen concoction of table scraps and meat juices within a 5-gallon bucket. It is then released from the container and placed strategically as bait for a varmint hunter. Unlike typical bait, the frozen formula can withstand coyotes’ attempts to carry off or otherwise quickly devour the bait.

Here’s how it works. With temperatures below freezing, a bucket is placed outdoors and filled with aromatic meat products. As the bucket is filled, adding hot water to the mix will create juice that will solidify the contents into a block of delectable ice. When full, the bucket is placed at the site and the contents released by heating the exterior of the bucket. (I like to use a soil torch for this purpose.)

Once in place, it’s basically a hide-and-watch proposition best done from a comfortable hunting blind some 100 yards or so downwind of prevailing breezes. Once located by the targeted predators, they’ll return time after time – and, even after the last morsel is gobbled up.

Obviously, game cameras can provide valuable information as to visiting times, but typically most action will occur near dusk or dawn or at night. However, unlike using vocalizations to attract the demons and trying to scan surrounding areas for motion, the focal point will be wherever you want it to be. And, this is especially helpful when hunting in darkness.

While having a partner to operate a red or green light is helpful, it is not altogether necessary with the proper setup. Gun-mounted lights can be used, but I much prefer not waving a firearm all over creation to spot potential game. Without a partner, a light can be placed on a rest aimed directly at the baitcicle and turned on from time to time as a check.

Remember to check the game laws for allowable firearms, because the laws have changed recently for night hunting. Specifically, .269 or smaller diameter cartridges must be used below the shotgun line (Zone III) on private land only.
Above the shotgun line (Zones II and III) centerfires on state parks or recreational areas are not legal, but they are elsewhere in northern Michigan. It is also important to note that rifles are prohibited from elevated platforms after dark anywhere.

Nothing is easy about hunting coyotes, but adding baitcicles to your bag of tricks may be just the ticket to prey on predators.

Stealth Cam Doubles Down on Cellular With Camera Duo

Stealth Cam®  Doubles Down on cellular with the new WXV & WXA Cameras
Grand Prairie, TX- Stealth Cam® ups the ante on wireless image transmission & expands its coverage with the introduction new WX Series Cellular cameras with options for both AT&T or Verizon Networks.
Users have complete control of their cameras via the updated Stealth Cam Remote APP 3.0. The apps new streamlined interface allows the user to configure all camera settings as well as manage the transmission schedule and remotely erase the memory card. New features for 2018 include Take Test Photo, providing the ability to send a command to the camera to take and transmit a photo on demand. Enhanced location function plots cameras on Google maps within the app supplying the user a visual reference a to where their cameras are placed.

Read more

HAWK® Introduces PANORAMIC VISION WATCHTOWER™ BOX BLIND

Never before has a hard-sided blind offered the inside comfort, luxury AND the natural, full ‘panoramic’ view of hunting outside. The Hawk® WatchTower Blind features ‘game changing’, game viewing Panoramic Vision Windows – oversized 30”x30” windows wrap the blind from door-to-door for a full 300-Degree of Virtually Uninterrupted Vision. Each Panoramic Vision Window is constructed of premium, lightly-tinted polycarbonate and features a 9”x28” hinged tempered glass window that can be rotated to horizontal-or-vertical shooting orientation; the hunter can easily customize each window orientation at any time for unmatched versatility.

The WatchTower is constructed with ThermalFusion™ Insulated Metal Walls for superior heat retention.  Hawk CHAOS™ Camouflage on textured UV-protected aluminum exterior for long-term weatherproof integrity and the extremely heavy-duty rotomolded roof is near ‘grizzly-proof’.   Includes a complete Tower Kit with SafeTread™ Ladder, Metal Cross Braces, Double Safety Handrail and Walk-In Landing Platform.

MADE IN THE USA

WATCHTOWER  MSRP: $2499 Read more

A Doe for Joe

By Glen Wunderlich

New Year’s Eve celebrations take on many forms but there is typically a common denominator:  abundant wishes of all good things for the coming year.  (Oh, and you thought the answer would have been adult beverages.)   But, longtime pal and hunting partner, Joe Reynolds, bucked the time-honored tradition of dancing and horn tooting for one last chance at taking what had become an elusive late-season whitetail doe.

The generous deer seasons had combined for some 90 days already, and for various reasons along the way, Joe found himself getting serious on the final afternoon of 2017.  Now, that doesn’t mean ol’ Joe was about to get unethical – just that he wasn’t about to pass on an adult doe; he also could not afford more mistakes, as explained below.

October 1st, opening afternoon of archery deer season, the veteran hunter was drooling over three respectable bucks a bit out of range for his Parker crossbow, when from cover stepped a worthy 9-point buck in range.  As the archer attempted to get into position, the buck detected movement and vanished as fast as you can say “Poof!”

Fast forward to the final weekend of deer season in Shiawassee County – the final Saturday to be exact.  Joe was toting his fine-shooting CVA muzzleloader, which had been readied a few weeks prior for Zone III muzzleloading season.  Things were looking good, as a group of does ran onto the stage in front of him right in his wheelhouse near 100 yards.  The long wait was over, as he squeezed the trigger on the chip shot; however, the modern muzzleloader omitted a feeble pop, as Joe literally watched the bullet fall harmlessly in the snow in front of him.  That was that.  A dud.

His last chance would be New Year’s Eve afternoon, but that morning he agreed to test my new Ruger American in .450 Bushmaster caliber in an effort to eliminate equipment failures.  A target was placed precisely at 100 yards and the only shot taken punched the paper at 12 o’clock two inches high.  Perfect.

On stand, Joe radioed to let me know several does had entered the field within range.  Once again, a human blunder sent the deer to cover, and for the first time all season, Joe’s confidence was shaken.  Heck, only 30 minutes remained in his season and the brassica field was vacant.  Meanwhile, I kept an eye on the clock.  Fifteen minutes, ten minutes, eight minutes, five minutes and then bang.

Joe radioed that the large doe targeted gave the unmistakable rear-leg kick – a sure sign of a well-placed shot – as it sped to the woods.  Daylight turned to darkness, as we followed an easily identifiable blood trail to the expired animal in short order.

Joe Reynolds brings home the venison

The perfectly placed 250-grain Hornady Flex-Tip projectile was on the mark at 129 yards and there was nothing left to do but field dressing and muscling the prize to the garage.  There, we would light a wood fire to keep the animal from freezing, as the temperature had already sunk to -6 degrees.

What remained of New Year’s Eve left ample time for celebrating the reward of persistence and yet another memorable deer season.

 

Pennsylvania has a New Record Buck

Ron Shaulis holding his record-breaking typical whitetail deer rack taken with a compound bow on Oct. 24, 2017. L to R: Official Boone and Crockett Club scorer Ray Brugler, Ron, and Game Commission Big-Game Scoring Program Coordinator and official B&C Club scorer Bob D’Angelo

History was made once again this year, yesterday at the Pennsylvania Game Commission headquarters, when a trophy whitetail rack shattered the previous record in the Typical Archery category in the state records.

Ron Shaulis, of West Newton, Pa., harvested the trophy buck on Oct. 24, 2017, with a compound bow on public land in Westmoreland County. The rack had a net score of 185-4/8, which surpasses the previous record of 178-2/8 from a buck harvested in Allegheny County in 2004.

“The 13-point rack was very symmetrical, and lost only 7 7/8-inches in side-to-side deductions, which included an inch-and-a-half abnormal point off the right-side G-2 point,” said Bob D’Angelo, Game Commission Big Game Scoring Program coordinator. “That’s not much in deductions on a set of antlers this size,” he added.

The rack had 25- and 26-inch main beams, more than 11-inch G-2 and G-3 points, a more than 20-inch inside spread and 4½-inch or better circumferences at the four locations where circumference measurements are taken on the main beams. Read more

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