Category: Hunting

Share your opinions on future Michigan bear management

Michigan is home to an estimated 12,000 adult black bears. To guide bear management throughout the state, the DNR, with assistance from tribes and many others interested in maintaining a healthy black bear population, developed the state’s first bear management plan in 2009.

Now, the DNR is working to revise that plan and is encouraging the public to help. A questionnaire (available at https://www.research.net/r/BearPlan) has been developed to capture opinions, which will be accepted until July 31, 2018.

“The plan we have been operating under for almost 10 years has been a great tool,” said DNR bear specialist Kevin Swanson. “We want to make sure that the plan is still meeting the state’s and others’ needs, or determine if changes are needed to ensure a thriving bear population for future generations.” Read more

Hunting, Wildlife

2018-2019 federal duck stamps on sale Friday, June 29

MEMPHIS, Tennessee –  The new 2018-2019 federal duck stamp goes on sale Friday, June 29. The stamps, which cost $25, are valid from July 1 through June 30, 2019. Purchased by millions of waterfowl hunters, wildlife enthusiasts and collectors every year, duck stamps help raise money to purchase and protect wetlands for ducks, geese and other wildlife species.

“Duck stamps are one of the traditional ways hunters and others invest in wetland and waterfowl conservation,” said DU CEO Dale Hall. “We encourage everyone, whether they hunt waterfowl or not, to buy one or more duck stamps to help conserve our precious wetland resources. The federal duck stamp is a powerful tool for conservation in the United States. Every year the program raises more than $38 million used to purchase and protect wetlands in the National Wildlife Refuge System. These habitats benefit waterfowl and numerous other species of wildlife. It’s an incredibly successful program we should support and be proud of.” Read more

Hunting, Wildlife

Michigan: results of 2018 elk and bear hunt drawings now available

If you applied for a bear or elk license during the May 1-June 1 application period, you can now view your results.

Check hunt drawing results online or call a DNR Customer Service Center or 517-284-WILD to find out if you were successful. If you used a DNR Sportcard to apply, please call us at 517-284-WILD to get your results.

More than 7,100 bear licenses and 200 elk licenses were available for the 2018 fall hunting seasons.

There are 203 leftover licenses remaining for the Bergland third-period bear hunt, available to Michigan residents only.  Points will be reset to zero for those who buy a leftover bear license, except for comprehensive lifetime license holders. Leftover licenses will be sold as follows:

  • July 9, 10 a.m.: Comprehensive lifetime license holders who were not selected for a license can get a free leftover license.
  • July 16, 10 a.m.: Unsuccessful applicants can purchase a leftover license.
  • July 23, 10 a.m.: Any remaining licenses will be available to the general public. Read more
Hunting

Choosing a Michigan Deer Hunting Optic

By Glen Wunderlich

Choosing a deer hunting rifle scope can be a daunting proposition.  To simplify matters, let’s begin with some basics designed to determine what’s best for the task of a typical Michigan hunt.  For purposes of clarity, the focus will be on magnifying optics, rather than crude iron sights or red dots, although both of the latter can be effective under the proper conditions.

 

As we age, our eyesight demands better optics.  Younger people have the advantage of possessing larger pupils – the black circle in the middle of the eye that lets light in through an optic nerve to the brain.  However, at the age of 60, light gathering is a bit more than half as much as that of a 30 year-old; by age 70 it’s less than half.  And, when we think of prime-time deer hunting – when deer are most active – it occurs when light is less than optimal.  This is when the decision to get a bargain at the local Cheap Mart may prove to have the costly unintended consequence of being out of business early.

 

A big objective lens – the lens at the forward end of a scope – can really help a youngster who’s able to use the available light it affords.  But, the old-timer’s light gathering ability is limited by his smaller pupil and thereby gains no advantage.  His money is spent more wisely on better glass and coatings.

 

Often overlooked disadvantages of large objective lenses include the sheer size and weight, plus the center of the reticle requires higher mounting, which in turn becomes problematic for several reasons. 

 

First, having a scope mounted higher will cause the shooter’s cheek to be uncomfortably higher on the comb of the gun.   This may seem relatively inconsequential, but if positioning is unnatural, it can be harder to get aligned.  Secondly, a high line of sight relative to the bore can mean accuracy issues, when a shot is taken at distances unequal to that for which the firearm was sighted in.

 

Target scopes with parallax adjusting capabilities and fine crosshairs may allow a shooter to show off when punching paper at the range; however, a deer hunter’s needs are different.  Low light can mean those fine crosshairs will not be visible, when heavier crosshairs will still be effective afield.  One may not be able to shoot the wings off flies, but deer hunting is the task at hand and the proper optic will pay dividends when the chips are down.

 

Higher magnification may seem to make sense, but it too can be problematic – especially when a close-up opportunity is presented; compromising field of view can mean lost game.  It’s a common problem and completely avoidable with the proper equipment.  If we understand a critical rule of safe gun handling, then we know not to use a firearm’s optic to identify a target.  That’s the purpose of binoculars!

A hunting scope with lower magnification and superior glass is better suited for Michigan’s whitetail deer.  Good glass can be a fair trade-off for complicated features that can hinder effectiveness afield.  Simplicity has its rewards.

Hunting, Optics

New Cirrus Wind Indicator®

Victoria, TX- Cirrus Outdoors changed the wind detection game with the launch of the Cirrus Wind Indicator®. “We tested the indicator for several years before bringing it to market. Being the first wind indicator on the market to utilize true vaper technology we had to make sure everything was right. Over the last year we developed our base unit into the ultimate hunting tool. Our product development team built the technology to not only have the best wind indicator on the market but the best multi tool as well.” Said Jim Angott President of Cirrus Outdoors.

The new Cirrus Wind Indicator® features three multi colored LED Lights. (red and white) This new lighted unit allows hunters to monitor and check the wind and thermals in total darkness or extremely low light. Not only do the lights help you detect the wind but they can be used as a flashlight when needed as well. Not only will the Cirrus Unit work as a wind checker and a flashlight built into one compact design, it will also act as a USB charging bank for your phone. “With all the technology, we take into the woods I find myself looking to downsize on how much I take with me to the stand. While testing the new Cirrus Wind Indicator® I had a flashlight, charger, and most important a wind indicator that all fit into my pocket.” Mike Hecht General Manager of RubLine Marketing.

Cirrus Wind Indicator® is available at several fine retailers across the country as well as several online retailers.

MSRP $44.95

 

Hunting

SCI Counters Antis’ Lies About Federal Commission

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Contact: Steve Comus
Email:scomus@safariclub.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Safari Club International isn’t about to sit by idly as anti-hunters attack a federal conservation council and its members.
Anti-hunters never let facts get in the way of an emotionally-based false argument, as is evidenced in their attacks in the media on tomorrow’s meeting of the International Wildlife Conservation Council in Atlanta, GA.
“The shameful criticisms of the IWCC from the anti-hunting community are not surprising but are characteristically unfounded and disappointing,” said SCI President Paul Babaz. “Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke has assembled an advisory group of individuals with scientific expertise and hands-on experience with the conservation strategies that are succeeding in Africa and elsewhere around the world.
“Not only is the hunting carried out by the members of the IWCC and their constituencies sustainable, but it has been recognized by scientific authorities around the world, including by the IUCN and CITES, as having a significant role in the conservation of many species.  It is time for the anti-hunters to grow-up and recognize that hunting has historically played and will continue to play an important part in international wildlife management and conservation,” Babaz stated.

Read more

Animal Rights, Hunting, Wildlife

Arizona: Game and Fish Commission Modifies Proposed Rules on Trail Cameras

Ban on use of live-action trail cameras remains in place; prohibition on use of other trail cameras within one-fourth mile of a developed water source is lifted

PAYSON, AZ — In a 5-0 vote, the Arizona Game and Fish Commission agreed to retain the provision that prohibits use of live-action trail cameras for the purpose of taking or aiding in the take of wildlife, but removed the provision that prohibits the use of other trail cameras within one-fourth mile (440 yards) of a developed water source.
The provisions were in the amended Article 3, “Taking and Handling of Wildlife,” Notice of Final Rulemaking, which was submitted to the Commission for consideration during Friday’s public meeting in Payson.
A live-action trail camera is defined as an unmanned device capable of transmitting images, still photographs, video or satellite imagery, wirelessly to a remote device such as, but not limited to, a computer, smartphone or tablet. This does not include a trail camera that records photographic or video data for later use (such as on an SD card), provided the device is not capable of transmitting wirelessly. Read more

Hunting

CWD is Cause for Aggressive Action in Michigan

By Glen Wunderlich

After months of talking with citizens and hunting and wildlife stakeholders and reviewing the best available science regarding chronic wasting disease (CWD), the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will present CWD recommendations to the Natural Resources Commission at its next monthly meeting Thursday, June 14, in Lansing as a means to begin aggressive measures to contain or slow the pace of growth of the fatal disease.

The department’s recommendations are the result of a six-month-long public engagement effort, during which DNR staff and NRC members met with people around the state, hosted 11 public meetings, and offered online survey and comment opportunities. The recommendations are being presented for information to the commission, as part of the public input process.

In a lengthy memo from the DNR the sad facts and cause for drastic action based on the Michigan’s Surveillance and Response Plan for Chronic Wasting Disease of Free-Ranging and Privately-Owned Cervids follows in abbreviated fashion:

 

·        Since the finding of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in a free-ranging white-tailed deer in Michigan on May 20, 2015, CWD-positive deer have been found in Clinton, Ingham, Ionia, Kent, and Montcalm counties. As of mid-January 2018, after testing approximately 30,600 free-ranging deer, 57 were positively confirmed with CWD, with 48 occurring during the 2017 deer hunting season.  In addition, two Privately-Owned Cervid (POC) facilities in Mecosta County were positively confirmed with CWD in 2017. 

·        The DNR recommends restricting the possession and use of non-synthetic cervid urine-based lures and attractants while hunting or trapping game species.  Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Pennsylvania (within CWD areas), Vermont, and Virginia have banned the use of urine-based lures or attractants. 

·        The DNR recommends instituting a baiting and feeding ban effective January 31, 2019, for the entire Lower Peninsula. A delayed implementation provides opportunity for those with economic interests to shift business models for next year.  However, The Department recommends granting a baiting exception for qualified hunters with disabilities outside of the 13-County CWD Management Zone and Bovine Tuberculosis (TB) Management Zone (Alcona, Alpena, Montmorency, and Oscoda counties) during the Liberty and Independence Hunts.  The DNR recommends instituting a baiting and feeding ban effective immediately for the 13-County CWD Management Zone.

·        The DNR recommends providing public and private land antlerless licenses for individual DMUs located in the 13-County CWD Management Zone that will be valid for the entire season. 

·        To provide an early firearm opportunity to harvest antlerless deer, the DNR recommends an early antlerless season for all hunters for antlerless deer on private land in the 13-County CWD Management Zone for a total of four days starting the Thursday prior to the second Saturday in October and for three days thereafter. The season will occur October 11 through October 14 for the 2018 hunting season.

·        To expand opportunity in existing seasons, the DNR recommends opening opportunities to more hunters in the muzzleloader season by allowing centerfire firearms, thus making in effect a second firearms season.  All firearms that are legal during the firearms season for that respective zone will be legal during the muzzleloader season. 

·        The Director may authorize a disease management hunt, lasting no longer than nine days between January 2 and March 31 where additional harvest is deemed necessary.

·        The Department recommends resuming the 4-point antler point restriction on the restricted tag of the deer combination license.

·        The DNR is recommending expansion of areas open to both the early and late antlerless seasons in the Northern Lower Peninsula (NLP) Region. Clare, Gladwin, Mason, and Osceola counties.

The NRC will review, discuss and possibly modify recommendations before making a final decision at a future commission meeting. Comments may be submitted to the commission via email at NRC@michigan.gov.

Hunting, Wildlife

Arizona: Time Running Out to Submit 2018 Fall Hunt Online Applications

PHOENIX – The Arizona Game and Fish Department encourages hunters to apply online now for 2018 hunt permit-tags issued through the draw process for deer, fall turkey, fall javelina, bighorn sheep, fall bison and pheasant.
All online applications must be received by the Arizona Game and Fish Department no later than 11:59 p.m. (Arizona time) Tuesday, June 12.
To apply online, visit https://draw.azgfd.gov/ and scroll down to “Apply for a Draw.” As a reminder, applicants must possess a valid Arizona hunting license to apply online for a hunt permit-tag. That license must be valid on the last day of the online application period (June 12). Licenses are available online and at department offices and license dealers statewide.
Customer service representatives will be available at all statewide offices until 5 p.m. for those who need assistance filling out an online application. Online application assistance only will be offered until 6 p.m. Tuesday by calling (623) 236-7424.
Meanwhile, the department encourages all online applicants to sign up for a free AZGFD portal account. A portal account allows customers to create a secure account where they can view and manage their contact information, as well as their licenses, draw results history and bonus points in their personal “My AZGFD Dashboard” section. That’s also where draw results will be posted once the process is completed. Read more

Hunting

Michigan DNR to present chronic wasting disease recommendations to Natural Resources Commission

After months of talking with interested citizens and hunting and wildlife stakeholders and reviewing the best available science regarding chronic wasting disease, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is set to presentCWD recommendations to the Natural Resources Commission at its next monthly meeting Thursday, June 14, in Lansing. Recommendations will be presented during Committee of the Whole.

The department’s recommendations are the result of a six-month-long public engagement effort, during which DNR staff and NRC members met with people around the state, hosted 11 public meetings, and offered online survey and comment opportunities. The recommendations are being presented for information to the commission, as part of the public input process.

The NRC will review, discuss and possibly modify recommendations before making a final decision at a future commission meeting. Comments may be submitted to the commission via email at NRC@michigan.gov. Read more

Hunting, Wildlife
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