Category: Hunting

Partnerships to Save Michigan’s U.P. Deer Herd

By Glen Wunderlich

When I became disenchanted with deer camp in Michigan’s northern Lower Peninsula in the mid-1980s – mostly because of the sheer number of orange hats in the woods – a good friend, “Big John” Stenvig, invited me to hunt in the Upper Peninsula. Knowing full well that the deer population would be much less than what we had grown accustomed to, the promise of escaping to a place where we might see more deer than hunters was enough to send us packing to Iron County in the northwest portion of the U.P in 1986.

The expansive commercial forest land and lack of weekend warriors was just what we had hoped for and I was able to take some five bucks and several does during the ensuing eight years of hunting amid the Yoopers. But, one harsh winter’s deer die-off after our last venture north of the Mackinac bridge in the mid-‘90s, had us cancel plans for another adventure. Little did we know how bad things would become.

The Upper Peninsula deer population had peaked at approximately 700,000 animals back then; today the numbers have continued in a downward spiral to a shocking level of 200,000. And, with this winter’s severity index well beyond the average, the alarming trend continues.

The Lake Superior watershed receives so much annual snowfall that deer will migrate from their summer range to traditional wintering areas to survive the winter, with average movement of about 18 miles. Hemlock and other conifer canopies retain snow and reduce amounts on the ground, which makes it easier for deer to move, conserving their energy. The dense cover also reduces wind, and helps deer retain body heat.

In a recent press release the DNR, Plum Creek Timber Company will work to manage more than 16,500 acres of industrial forest land for winter deer habitat. This unique partnership with the DNR is focused on improving and maintaining conifer cover, which is essential to winter deer survival in the Upper Peninsula.

Foresters and biologists with Plum Creek and DNR wildlife biologists have worked cooperatively to develop the guidelines to retain and enhance hemlock and other conifer species, while promoting forest regeneration and production of forest products.    “We’re maintaining and creating habitat today that will benefit tomorrow’s deer,” said Plum Creek resource supervisor Jeff Joseph. “It’s the right thing to do.”

Many other factors have contributed to the declining U.P. deer numbers and an ongoing study by Wildlife Ecology and Management at Mississippi State University continues to shed new light on the issue of the downward trend.

The study indicates that predators killed 73 percent of collared fawns in the first phase of the study, with coyotes being the leading culprit.  Bobcats came in second and hunters, unknown predators and unknown causes placed third.  Michigan’s 600 to 700  gray wolves account for an additional 17,000 to 29,000 kills, placing them fourth on the list.

The DNR has established the Deer Habitat Improvement Partnership Initiative, which aims to produce tangible on-the-ground deer habitat (summer and/or winter range) improvements in the U.P through grants with sportsmen’s groups and other partners.

Deer Range Improvement Program (DRIP) fund. Public Act 106 of 1971 created the DRIP fund, whereby $1.50 from every deer hunting license sold statewide is allocated into a restricted fund to be exclusively used for the improvement and maintenance of habitat for deer, acquisition of land for deer management, and the payment in lieu of taxes on purchased lands.

Understanding the issues of our deer mortality is only a first step in what we can only hope will lead to recovery our northern deer herd. There is no doubt that habitat improvement is a key factor and that cooperation is needed between stakeholders. However, the question remains: Will it be enough?

 

Hunting, Wildlife

Call Game From Your Phone with New iHunt by Ruger Speaker and App Combo

Coming in May, just in time for calling predators during the fawning season, the new Extreme Dimension’s iHunt Speaker will be paired with the iHunt by Ruger app to turn your smartphone into a complete game call system.

Extreme Dimension’s iHunt Speaker, featuring wireless Bluetooth technology, combines with the iHunt by Ruger app to allow hunters to use a smartphone as the controller for more than 600 sounds from 46 animal species. Once you sync the iHunt speaker with your phone, you can then download the complete iHunt app for free. Read more

Hunting, Wildlife

SCIlogo

Washington, D.C. – Safari Club International is deeply disappointed with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (FWS) announcement yesterday that it will continue the ban on the importation of sport-hunted elephants from Zimbabwe for the rest of 2015.  The FWS first imposed an importation ban on sport-hunted elephants from Zimbabwe in April 2014.  Yesterday’s decision will continue the importation ban indefinitely into the future until it is lifted by the FWS.

Despite receiving data and information from Safari Club, Zimbabwe, and many others regarding the benefits of elephant hunting in Zimbabwe, the FWS claims that it remains unable to determine that elephant hunting in Zimbabwe enhances the survival of the species.  The FWS continues to claim that it lacks enough information regarding how Zimbabwe manages its elephants and identifies six specific areas of concern (see links below).  Even though it recognizes that hunting benefits elephant conservation in various ways, the FWS has put the entire burden of addressing poaching on the hunting community.  The FWS refuses to allow importation of legally sport-hunted elephants until it finds that the benefits of hunting outweigh the detrimental impacts of poaching – setting an unrealistic and unprecedented goal for an enhancement determination.  Read more

Hunting, Wildlife

Feds Approve Rhino Permit

DALLAS – A Texas hunter has received from the U.S. government a permit to bring home the taxidermy from a planned hunt for a black rhino in Namibia.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – which administers the Endangered Species Act and regulates Americans’ associated activities – approved the import permit based on the scientific and financial validity of the rhino hunt.

Read the agency’s announcement at:http://www.fws.gov/news/ShowNews.cfm?ID=56D54860-AEA6-0EEE-73467FE9B00499F0 Read more

Hunting, Wildlife

The Predator Choke from Trulock is ‘Coyote Perfect’

There is ‘coyote ugly’ and then there is ‘coyote perfect,’ which is what the new Trulock Predator shotgun choke is when it comes to knocking down song dogs. When the goal is to cleanly kill a 40- or 50-pound coyote with a shotgun at 40 yards, you need a tight pattern with some knockdown power. That’s what the new Predator Choke from Trulock delivers.

The Predator Choke embodies all the tight patterning attributes of Trulock’s proven turkey and waterfowl chokes. Trulock recommends that the individual predator hunter spend some time patterning his or her shotgun with different loads to figure out what load will deliver the greatest knockdown punch at common distances for shooting varmints.

Contrary to what some beginning predator hunters might think, 00 buckshot is usually not a good coyote load no matter what choke you use. With 00, you have big pellets, but just nine of them, and unless you’re at extreme close range, you’re not likely to deliver a killing dose of them at longer range. Just a 40-yard shot can result in missing the canine varmint altogether or just putting a pellet or two into the dog’s outer extremities.

Depending on the shotgun make, No. 4 buck, No. 2 buck or T shot paired with the new Predator Choke will put the largest number of pellets at higher energy into that same animal at that same distance. Read more

Firearms, Hunting

All New MOJO Tail Chaser Erect Available for Spring Turkey Season

MOJO has once again revolutionized how we hunt, this time changing the game with turkeys with their Scoot & Shoot and Tail Chaser Decoys that created a sensation in the turkey hunting world by, not only causing gobblers to charge the hunter, but allowing the hunter to be successful in mid day when turkeys are hard to call and when they are henned up and usually not huntable.

It brings a whole new level to turkey hunting!

NOW, MOJO has re-designed the Tail Chaser which clamps to the shotgun barrel and both hides the hunter plus allows him or her to creep turkeys in the sensation caused by the Scoot & Shoot Decoy, but adding a pair of legs to hold your gun in the up-right position to greatly assist in creeping. Read more

Hunting

Pinpoint Gobblers With The Big Hooter Owl Call

The new Retro Series Big Hooter Owl Call from Hunter’s Specialties can help hunters stay in the hunt by locating closed-mouth gobblers.

The Big Hooter is a reed call with a select maple barrel and chamber for consistent sound and tone. It is easy to use and one of the loudest barred owl calls on the market. As a part of the World Champion series Retro Calls, the Big Hooter is once again helping hunters put their tag on a big gobbler this spring.

The Big Hooter Owl Call sells for a suggested retail price of $16.99. Read more

Hunting

Plans Unveiled for a New National Conservation Destination

GW:  Johnny Morris, Bass Pro Shops founder, has partnered with some of the biggest names in the outdoors to provide and unbelievable destination for just about any outdoor enthusiast.  This past week, I had a chance to get a sneak preview of the aquarium exhibit, and I can tell you it’s awesome.  When the other groups get onboard, it will be the premier outdoor museum in the country.

America’s Wildlife Museum and Aquarium envisioned to be the foremost destination for anyone who loves and protects the outdoors

Springfield, Mo. – Johnny Morris, founder of Bass Pro Shops and leading conservationist, in partnership with noted conservationists from around the world, has unveiled plans behind America’s Wildlife Museum and Aquarium in Springfield, Missouri, envisioned as the most elaborate conservation attraction of its kind for fish and wildlife conservation. Scheduled to open in spring 2016, the 315,000-square-foot educational experience will consist of multiple thematic attractions and exhibits on a scale unlike anything else in the world.

Anchored by an all-new world-class aquarium, the massive facility brings together a variety of compelling opportunities for visitors of all ages to engage with nature like never before. Through immersive environments and incredible live animal habitats, the experience aims to showcase the beauty of wildlife while celebrating the critical role hunters and anglers play in wildlife conservation by honoring past accomplishments and ongoing efforts.

“Responsible hunters and anglers are often the unsung heroes in conservation despite playing a significant role,” said Johnny Morris, the visionary behind the experience. “Our vision is to create a world-class experience that celebrates hunting, fishing, and conservation in Springfield where half of the U.S. population lives within a day’s drive.”

When fully realized, the attraction will consist of an all-new 1.3-million-gallon aquarium adventure showcasing 35,000 live fish, mammals, reptiles and birds in an immersive tour through the world’s marine habitats; a wildlife museum that brings visitors eye-to-eye with amazing mammal specimens from North America, Africa and the Arctic; and a conservation education center for youth programs, conservation groups and events.

Construction on the project – funded entirely by private dollars, primarily from the nonprofit Johnny Morris Foundation – is underway with a grand opening anticipated in spring 2016. Additional details will be announced prior to the opening. Specific components include:

All new aquarium adventure and Fishing Heritage Hall

The centerpiece is an entirely new world-class aquarium adventure designed by renowned aquarium architect Michael Olesak that plunges guests into a thrilling tour of the world’s oceans, lakes and streams, bringing them eye-to-eye with more than 35,000 animals. Visitors will encounter sharks, rays, jellies, eels and more in fully immersive environments that transport visitors to some of the wildest aquatic ecosystems on earth.

• New Fishing Heritage Hall – Visitors will first enter the breathtaking 60,000-square-foot entry hall, home to a dramatic 300,000-gallon “open ocean” habitat teeming with saltwater marine life including mahi-mahi. Guests can become awe-inspired by a collection of boats fishing legends were made on, including the very first Tracker and Ranger boats, as well as historical boats used by Jimmy Buffet, and Ernest Hemingway. In addition, guests can view renowned author and angler Zane Grey’s famous boat, moved to the Museum from New Zealand, where the first 1,000-pound marlin was caught. The Hall also serves as the ticketing and lobby area.

• New aquarium adventure – Designed to transport visitors to some of the world’s greatest undersea environments, visitors will discover an elaborate trail system that winds in and around marine habitats teeming with life, including a sunken shipwreck, colorful coral reefs, tropical coasts, underwater caves, steamy rainforests, freshwater swamps and more. Throughout the more than one-mile journey, visitors can get closer than ever before with surprises around every turn including opportunities to get “hands-on” with a variety of ocean animals. The aquarium celebrates the diversity of all sea life, especially game fish, and highlights the need to conserve the beautiful ecosystems they call home.

• New International Fishing Hall of Fame – The new International Game Fish Association Fishing Hall of Fame will highlight some of the sport’s most accomplished men and women through interactive exhibits, personal artifacts and masterfully recreated replicas of world-record fish mounts from both freshwater and saltwater species.

The International Game Fish Association, which represents members in more than 125 countries, has hosted this interactive collection at its global headquarters in Dania Beach, Florida, for the past 16 years. Relocating the exhibit to the new Museum will provide substantially more exposure and engage more of IGFA’s members and the public.
“We’re thrilled with the opportunity to join a much larger conservation vision that celebrates our sport and the wildlife we love,” said IGFA President Rob Kramer. “Partnering with long-time friend and supporter Johnny Morris on this experience is a win-win for our organization and our mission of game fish conservation.”

All-New wildlife museum and Hunting Heritage Hall

Walk amongst the largest land mammals on earth, go eye-to-eye with the Arctic’s top predator and discover some of the most spectacular game animals on the planet in this sprawling 50,000- square-foot showcase of amazing mammals from around the world.

• Hunting Heritage Hall – Meticulously recreated lifelike environments will educate visitors about the importance of conserving the icons of the animal kingdom. Inspired by Johnny Morris’ visits to the great natural history museums of America, this all-new showcase takes the concept even further with lifelike animal diorama displays surrounded by recreated natural settings including hand-painted murals, foliage, waterfalls, lighting, sound, wind, and temperature settings to transport visitors to many of the world’s most diverse habitats. Special features include the King of Bucks, the largest collection of trophy white-tailed deer in the world, and Art Dubbs’ record collection of sheep from around the globe set amongst a dramatic rocky mountain cliff. Displays highlight the work of America’s leading conservation groups including Ducks Unlimited, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, National Wild Turkey Federation and many others.

• Boone and Crockett Club’s world-famous National Collection of Heads and Horns – Experience a part of history through more than 40 historically significant North American big game mammals that originally helped bring conservation to the forefront of public awareness in America when it debuted at New York’s Bronx Zoo in 1922.

Established by the Boone and Crockett Club, a wildlife conservation organization founded by Theodore Roosevelt, the collection originally exposed thousands to big game animals at a time when their numbers were dwindling, drawing national attention to the plight of wildlife after decades of unregulated harvest and irresponsible land use practices. Amazed by the natural beauty, an inspired and determined public ensured subsequent legislation proposed by Club members to protect wildlife and habitats were given top priority.

Today, guests can still marvel at the bears, bison, caribou, elks, walrus and other big game animals, many of which are considered world-record holders for their size. The collection is relocating from the Buffalo Bill Historical Center in Cody, Wyoming, to once again introduce this historic and influential collection to new audiences.

“The Boone and Crockett Club is honored to contribute our historic collection to what will surely become the most elaborate conservation education attraction in the world,” said Tony Schoonen, the club’s chief of staff. “Johnny’s Museum builds on our rich legacy of conservation to ensure future generations will join our efforts to protect wildlife.”

John A. and Genny Morris Conservation Education Center

The conservation leaders of today and tomorrow already gather together at the completed 50,000-square-foot Conservation Education Center, which connects to the Museum facility.

• The Wonders of the Ozarks Learning Facility School, a comprehensive outdoor learning school operated in partnership with Springfield Public Schools, Missouri Department of Conservation and Bass Pro Shops, is a national model for outdoors education. The school educates and inspires future conservation leaders by offering lucky fifth-grade students a full-time curriculum for an entire school year. While students spend significant time in nature, fully equipped classrooms and labs offer everything they need to learn about and protect the outdoors for life.

• National Outdoor Recreation and Conservation School, which runs outdoor conservation education programs for families across Missouri.

• Elaborate banquet spaces with a signature wilderness atmosphere are available for national conservation organizations as well as local community groups throughout the year. Conferences, meetings, lectures, workshops and special functions can be accommodated with a full kitchen and hospitality team to support catering and events.

Additional Conservation Partnerships

• The National Archery Hall of Fame seeks to preserve the sport’s history and tradition with more than 1,500 artifacts including a handmade bow made by the Native American Apache leader Geronimo. By honoring the outstanding men and women in the sport, the experience sends a message that anyone can enjoy archery as a gateway to appreciating the outdoors.

• The NRA Sporting Arms Museum showcases the development and evolution of hunting arms in America from colonial times to today in this educational gallery and one of the premier firearms museums in the world. Home to nearly one thousand artifacts the Museum tells the story of American icons such as Lewis and Clark and Theodore Roosevelt. 500,000 visitors experienced the Museum in its first 18 months.

The Museum complements its neighbor, Bass Pro Shops’ iconic flagship store. Known as the “Grandaddy” of all Bass Pro Shops locations, this is the largest Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, and the number one tourist attraction in Missouri, attracting four million sportsman and outdoors enthusiasts each year as Missouri’s most popular tourist destination.

Together the campus components create a remarkable new “must-see” destination poised to become a world-class attraction for the millions who enjoy outdoor recreation. More details about the new Museum and its features will be available in the coming months.

About The Johnny Morris Foundation
 Established by Bass Pro Shops Founder and noted conservationist Johnny Morris, The Johnny Morris Foundation is a national leader in promoting and supporting conservation and outdoors education. In addition to supporting a variety of conservation partnerships and education initiatives nationally, the Foundation currently operates Dogwood Canyon Nature Park, a 10,000-acre park in Lampe, Mo. and will operate various components of America’s Wildlife Museum and Aquarium scheduled to open in spring 2016 in Springfield, Mo.

About The International Game Fish Association
 Founded in 1939, the IGFA is a non-profit organized under Section 501(c)(3) under the Internal Revenue Code and is best known for conservation efforts of fisheries, educational programs, rule-making and for maintaining worldwide game fish records in freshwater, saltwater, fly fishing and junior angler categories. IGFA members are located in over 125 countries. For further information, contact the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, 300 Gulf Stream Way, Dania Beach, Florida 33004; phone 954-927-2628, fax: 954-924-4299, website: www.igfa.org.

About The Boone and Crockett Club
 The Boone and Crockett Club was founded by Theodore Roosevelt in 1887 as North America’s first hunting and conservation organization. Its mission is to promote and encourage hunting, and to maintain the highest ethical standards of fair chase and sportsmanship in North America. Join us at www.boone-crockett.org.

About Bass Pro Shops®
Bass Pro Shops®, which specializes in outdoor fun, operates 90 retail stores and Tracker Marine Centers across America and Canada that are visited by more than 120 million people every year. Bass Pro Shops stores, many of which feature restaurants, offer hunting, fishing, camping and other outdoor gear while their catalogs and website serve shoppers throughout the world. The company’s Tracker Marine Group® (http://www.trackermarine.com), a leading brand of fishing boats for more than 36 years, manufactures and sells a variety of boats for fishing and cruising. Family fun is on tap at Bass Pro Shops resort Big Cedar Lodge® (http://www.bigcedar.com), voted number six by Travel + Leisure Magazine as World’s Best Hotels for Families. For more information, visit www.basspro.com. To request a free catalog, call 1-800-BASS PRO. Follow us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/bassproshops

 

Fishing, Hunting, Wildlife

NWTF and Powderhook Release Gobble Map App

EDGEFIELD, S.C. — Turkey hunters are now able to check turkey activity and sightings in their local area thanks to the Gobble Map from the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) and Powderhook.

“Powderhook and the NWTF are working hard to provide some of the most reliable and relevant information to the modern hunter,” said Eric Dinger, Powderhook co-founder and CEO. “Hunters already can view public land property boundaries in their area and they can now research and provide information about turkey activity in their local area.”

The user-driven Gobble Map, released on March 23, through Google Play and Apple app stores, allows users to post and view turkey sightings with information about gobble frequency and size of the turkey flocks.

Users don’t have to worry about giving up their hot spots, because the interface provides anonymity and location buffering. Read more

Hunting, Wildlife

POMA Pinnacle Award Winners Announced

Pinnacle Award Winners (L to R): Bill Miller, Lindsay Thomas, Jr., Kenneth Cook, and Steve Finch, accepting on behalf of Corey Holtgard. Pictured with Kevin Tate of Mossy Oak (second from right).

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – The Professional Outdoor Media Association’s (POMA) 2015 Pinnacle Award honorees were announced by Kevin Tate, vice president of media production at Mossy Oak, during POMA’s 10th Anniversary Business Conference in Springfield Mo. on Friday, March 20. Mossy Oak has been the presenting partner of the Pinnacle Awards since the program’s inception. Read more

Ammunition, Archery, Firearms, Fishing, Hunting, Wildlife
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