Outdoor commentary and legislative issues.
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North America’s total spring duck population is the highest ever recorded, according to the annual Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey released Tuesday.
Conducted each May by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Canadian Wildlife Service, the survey puts the duck population at 48.6 million birds. That represents a 7 percent increase from 2011’s record number of 45.6 million. Read more
(Columbus) – Today, the California Assembly Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committee held a special hearing specifically to revote on Senate Bill 1221, a bill banning the hunting of black bears and bobcats using hounds. The Committee passed the bill by a vote of 8-4, with one abstention. Read more
A downstate Illinois pro-gun group says it turned payouts from Chicago’s firearm buyback program last weekend into a fund-raiser for a youth summer camp sponsored by none other than theNational Rifle Association. The model for future gun buy-backs is here…
GW: No foolin’, these things work!
Bedford, MA – Experts predicted a record number of mosquitoes this summer and consumers want DEET-free repellent options such as ThermaCELL lanterns and appliances so they do not have to worry about topical chemicals. ThermaCELL, the most effective area repellent available, has been approved by the EPA and found to be highly effective in tests conducted by the U.S. Department of Defense. Read more
Most outdoor enthusiasts in the state are familiar with the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund and the role it plays in making outdoor recreation opportunities more plentiful and accessible for everyone.
The Trust Fund (which is funded from the interest earned on a $500 million investment derived from royalties from oil and gas development on state-managed land) is used to buy property and develop projects that have recreational or natural resources value to Michigan citizens. Read more
BOGART, Ga. — The Quality Deer Management Association (QDMA) Individual Certification Program, known as “Deer Steward,” wrapped up another successful year of in-person courses this past weekend in Kentucky. The first level of the course is also offered online and remains open year round. Read more
Washington, DC – Safari Club International Foundation (SCI Foundation) announced today that it has contributed $537,590 in the past six months to fund worldwide wildlife conservation projects. SCI Foundation strategically focuses funding towards research and management of large predators and their prey, including game species, principally throughout North America, Asia, and Southern Africa. Read more
Anti-hunting Bill Fails to Clear Key Panel
(Columbus) –Backers of Senate Bill 1221, which would ban hunting of black bears and bobcats using hounds, failed to earn enough votes to pass the Assembly Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committee this afternoon.
“It all came down to last minute telephone calls from hunters to key Assembly members on the committee,” said Evan Heusinkveld, USSA’s director of state services. “The folks who made those calls made the difference today.”
From the beginning, sportsmen and women have outworked the anti-hunters, Read more
NEWTOWN, Conn. — The National Shooting Sports Foundation, the trade association for the firearms and ammunition industry, has filed a motion to intervene in the frivolous lawsuit brought by the anti-hunting Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) and six other organizations to force the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ban traditional ammunition containing lead components. Read more