Outdoor commentary and legislative issues.
A court refused the Animal Protection League’s attempt to block the six-day bear hunt, and now the group has requested permission to protest at the weighing station in Franklin, N.J. They are whining because passing motorists might see bears being weighed.
Maybe they should keep their eyes on the road.
By Glen Wunderlich
Old Man Winter finally arrived and just in time for some muzzleloading deer hunting. Actually, he made his appearance on the final day of regular firearms deer season in Shiawassee County, much to the chagrin of commuters but much to the delight of late-season deer hunters.
Snow has always signified a refreshing change in an otherwise drab outdoor environment turned gray after final leaf drop. It sparkles in the moonlight like billions of diamonds sprinkled from the inner city to the outermost reaches of the country. It just seems to clean everything up. Beyond its natural beauty, however, a backdrop of white can also highlight the presence of wildlife. Read more
Steve Beyer, DNR Research and Management Section supervisor whines about not getting an increase in fees since 1996. What he fails to mention is that fees were increased a few years ago – 50 percent to be exact – for antlerless permits. So, how’s that working out?
The real problem is how the herd is managed: for numbers, not quality. People from Michigan hunt elsewhere for quality whitetails – Iowa, Kansas, Illinois, Ohio, etc., because of better buck-to-doe ratios and ultimately better bucks.
Driving up the cost of licenses will eliminate more hunters from the pool, so there’s always a tradeoff.
Revenue will only have a chance of increasing if the quality of hunting gets better.
Here are three suggestions: 1) Lower cost of antlerless permits to balance the herd and decrease car/deer accidents. 2) Allow only one buck per season. 3) Mandate antler restrictions state-wide to a minimum of 4 antler points per side for several years.
Maybe a bit radical but if we keep doing what we have been doing, we’ll keep getting what we have gotten.
I found these horrific photos on predatortalk.com. And animal rightists are so worried about how inhumane hunting is. A well-placed shot is about as humane as it gets; this is, however, acceptable to the whackos, because it’s natural.
http://www.predatortalk.com/topic/11965-why-hunt-coyotes/page__pid__48801#entry48801
MISSOULA, Mont.-The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation is on record supporting a proposal to extend wolf-hunting seasons in Montana through the end of 2011, and beyond if necessary, until the harvest quota is met. Read more
 |
This year, give the gift that tells people just how close to you they really are – a Nikon rangefinder! From November 24 through December 24, 2011, the purchase of a PROSTAFF 550 or Team REALTREE 550 Laser Rangefinder can earn you a $30 mail-in rebate. Plus, get free ground shipping when you order online at the Nikon Store. Read more
Defeat of Lawsuit Keeps Hunt on Schedule
Washington, D.C. – Safari Club International (SCI) and the New Jersey State Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs (Federation) have again helped successfully defend against a legal challenge aimed at stopping the New Jersey black bear hunt. Today, a State appellate court upheld the decision authorizing the hunt. Barring reversal by the New Jersey Supreme Court, the hunt is scheduled to begin on Monday, December 5, 2011. This will be the first time in recent history that the State will be able to hold a hunt for two consecutive years. SCI and the Federation applaud the efforts of the New Jersey state wildlife professionals and decision-makers. Read more
Many northwoods hunters still practice the ages-old art of tracking in the snow. So can you, and here are a few tips to help you along the trail.
A frenzied duck dog shot his owner in the tailbone when it got excited in the boat. No ducks were injured in the incident.
An Oregon man shot himself in the foot while attempting to shoot a squirrel with his .22 rimfire. Like Chris Matthews, he had a funny feeling running down (maybe up) his leg.