Each year, sportsmen, bird watchers, and other wildlife enthusiasts can join the Wildlife Department in documenting federally endangered whooping cranes as they migrate through Oklahoma. It is important for sandhill crane hunters to be aware that whooping cranes could migrate through Oklahoma and be roosting or loafing in hunting areas at any time throughout the entire season.

The 2,500-mile journey from nesting grounds in Canada to wintering grounds in coastal Texas can take nearly two months, with the first migrating family groups of cranes reaching Oklahoma in mid- to late-October. The birds may touch down in wetlands or grain fields for a few days to rest and refuel on crustaceans, other small animals, or grain before continuing on to Texas.

The small flocks of whooping cranes that migrate through Oklahoma are part of the only remaining naturally occurring population, known as the Aransas/Wood Buffalo population. Read more

The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation strongly opposes a reckless ballot initiative that undermines scientific wildlife management, hampers the ability of Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) to balance predator and prey species, and endangers public safety.

Proposition 127 will appear on Colorado’s November ballot and seeks to ban all hunting of mountain lions, bobcats and lynx, even though it is already illegal to hunt lynx in the Lower 48.

So far, RMEF supplied more than $340,000 to defeat the measure while collaborating with Colorado partners.

“We’ve seen this before in Colorado. Activists use deceptive language and emotion to purposely circumvent the recommendations of professional wildlife managers and biologists in favor of their own agendas,” said Blake Henning, RMEF chief conservation officer. “This ballot box biology flies in the face of proven, science-based wildlife management as well as key principles of the North American Wildlife Conservation Model, which is the bedrock for maintaining successful wildlife populations in Colorado and across America.”

Important points: Read more

USDA grants support climate-smart agriculture practices on working lands

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced major investments in delivering voluntary and incentive-based conservation practices, including an estimated $95 million for projects involving Ducks Unlimited (DU), which will be used to impact nearly 55,000 acres of agricultural working lands, improving wildlife habitat and water quality.

The grants are awarded under the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), which incentivizes a voluntary, partnership-driven approach to conservation on working agricultural lands. DU is the lead partner for projects totaling about $32 million in California’s Central Valley and Illinois.

“DU learned long ago that partnership-driven, incentive-based conservation practices can benefit producers, wildlife and our environment in equal measure,” said DU CEO Adam Putnam. “The grants funded through RCPP will support farmers and ranchers by making their operations more sustainable while improving habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife. We’re thrilled to see such a strong investment in working lands conservation.”

The funding is part of a $1.5 billion investment by USDA in voluntary conservation practices on agricultural landscapes, which support habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife, offer additional revenue streams for farmers and ranchers, and provide a host of ecosystem services. Read more

Arizona’s original “snowbirds” now arriving daily

Sandhill cranes by the thousands are once again returning to their wintering grounds at the Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area in southeastern Arizona.

For the next several months, more than 20,000 of these fascinating birds, along with waterfowl and other wetland-associated species, will provide an unparalleled wildlife-viewing experience.

“In my opinion, there just isn’t a better wildlife-viewing opportunity in Arizona” said Jeff Meyers, wildlife viewing program manager for the Arizona Game and Fish Department. “Nothing beats seeing these large, noisy birds in person. The cacophony of sound that they make is thrilling.” Read more

Waypoint TV, the world’s leading entertainment destination for the outdoors, featuring the ultimate collection of fishing, hunting, and outdoor adventure programming is excited to announce the Get Out & Grill Giveaway presented by COBB®. From October 14 through October 28, outdoor cooking enthusiasts have the opportunity to enter to win premium COBB® grilling essentials designed to elevate their outdoor culinary game.

COBB® has transformed outdoor cooking with its portable, innovative cooker that allows users to grill, smoke, boil, fry, roast, or bake with ease, no matter where their adventure takes them. Known for their portability, versatility, and ability to create exceptional meals, COBB® grills are a favorite among adventurers and camp chefs alike, whether cooking at home, on the road, deep in the wilderness or on the water.

From October 14-28, Waypoint TV viewers will be able to enter the giveaway daily with the opportunity for bonus entries to increase their chances of winning this incredible outdoor cooking prize pack, valued at over $550. One randomly selected winner will take home the following: Read more

Saturday October 12th you can participate in the biggest birding day of fall, the October Big Day. Wherever you are, whenever you have a few minutes or a couple hours, you can join birders participating from around the world. It’s easy, just identify and count the birds during any time period you choose this Saturday, then report your results to eBird to join tens of thousands of people from nearly 200 countries during this “global day of birding.” Participate from your favorite birding hotspot, a new location you choose especially for this event, or from an easy chair at home or in your yard. You can even visit more than one location to make it especially exciting for you and anyone you would like to invite to join you.

Each fall, October Big Day activities clearly demonstrate the power of birds to bring people together for a common goal. The importance of the OBD is that the bird lists participants share with eBird provide an excellent snapshot of what species are being found in which locations in each state, nation, and continent during the midst of fall migration – and it all adds up to a wealth of useful information for biologists, conservation groups, and birders. Be a part of the global team to help set a new world record for the number of people participating and the number of birds observed.

To learn more about how you can participate in the October Big Day, simply refer to October Big Day—12 Oct 2024 – eBird and consider inviting a family member, friend, or co-worker to join you birding during the October Birding Day – it’s a worldwide celebration of birds and birding! Read more