Category: Wildlife

Goldfinch

North Dakota: Crowing Counts Up Statewide

Watch the spring pheasant crowing count webcast with RJ Gross.

The number of roosters heard crowing during the North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s 2024 spring pheasant crowing count survey was up 37% statewide from last year.

“This is really good news but expected, considering we had such great production last year and the mild winter we had certainly wasn’t hard on birds,” said RJ Gross, Department upland game management biologist.

The primary regions holding pheasants showed 28.8 crows per stop in the southwest, up from 19.5 in 2023; 21.5 crows per stop in the northwest, up from 16.6; and 16 crows per stop in the southeast, up from 12.8. The count in the northeast, which is not a primary region for pheasants, was 5 crows per stop, up from 3.3 last year. Read more

Hunting, Wildlife

ALPS Mountaineering Graphite 20 Hybrid Dry Bag/Backpack

New Haven, Mo. – ALPS Mountaineering, a manufacturer of performance-driven gear for wilderness adventures, exploration, and family camping, offers a solution to bulky dry bags in the form of the Graphite 20 dry bag/backpack hybrid.

Most dry bags, although functional, are often awkward to carry and certainly are not designed for hiking. The Graphite 20, however, presents dry bag functionality in an easy-to-carry backpack configuration. This diversity allows the Graphite 20 to serve as a minimalist backpack for short-duration hiking trips where wet conditions are expected. This design also makes portages more efficient. Since you can carry your gear on your back while still transporting your canoe or kayak, you can spend more time on the water and less time traversing the portage route to retrieve your gear or vessel.

Made of durable and waterproof 300D polyester ripstop, the pack features a roll-top closure and compression straps to secure the contents and prevent water intrusion. A padded back panel and adjustable shoulder straps address the comfort factor, while a full-length daisy chain provides exterior attachment points. Read more

Wildlife

Michigan’s Got Wild Hogs, Too!

By Glen Wunderlich

Charter Member Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA)

Years ago, a few friends and I learned about the presence of feral pigs in mid-Michigan, sighted in our big-game firearms and headed to an area reported to have been invaded by the invasive hogs.  We poked around and reluctantly headed home without locating a trace.  If it interests you as a hunter, farmer, or as an outdoors enthusiast, a report has been submitted to the DNR this past week of a wild hog in south-central Shiawassee County between Perry and Owosso!  That’s right and I am the person responsible for reporting the shocking experience.

If you live in the area – specifically a mile west of M-52 on W. Tyrrell Road – you may be contacted as part of a USDA investigation into the matter.  While driving on the dirt road at approximately 35 MPH, the large, lone hog scurried across the road without hesitation no more than 40 yards and vanished before my eyes into heavy cover.  I’ve estimated its weight to be approximately 300 pounds.  I really don’t know if my jaw bones have ever been stretched so far down!

After dwelling on the moment, I realized it may be a good idea to report the sighting on the DNR’s website section on invasive species.  Once there, the form gets quite detailed about location, date, and time of the observation.  After that, I followed up with a phone call to Dwayne Etter at 517-284-4725, who is the DNR’s wildlife research specialist in such matters.  Apparently, he was away from the office, so I left a voice mail hoping for a return call that never came.  Not to be denied, I followed up with a call to 517-284-9453, which is the general line and the receptionist directed me to Amberly Hauger of the U.S.Department of Agriculture (USDA) wildlife services division at 517-336-1928 and she promptly answered my call.  The USDA receives national funding to work with the state(s).

I didn’t get some of my questions answered, because officials are notified not to divulge information to members of the media without first conferring with higher-ups.  However, she cordially promised to follow up with answers to specifics later.

If you are not familiar with the appearance of these destructive animals, there are plenty of photos online.

How many we have in Michigan nobody really knows; however, the ferocious beasts have been spotted in many of Michigan’s 83 counties.  Wild hogs are known to carry up to 34 different diseases, some of them highly infectious and deadly to animals and people. These can be spread by a bite, by handling the carcass, or by eating the pork without taking careful precautions. Pig farmers are particularly fearful feral pigs could bring back swine flu. This respiratory disease was eradicated in 1978 only after decades of intense, concentrated effort. It was hard enough to eliminate the disease when it was localized on farms that could be isolated. If this disease were to spread freely among an uncontained population, it would be nearly impossible to contain.

Pursuant to MCL 433.14a(3), individuals not affiliated with the government may kill feral pigs as follows:

    • A person may kill swine running at large on private propertyif the person is, or is accompanied by or has the permission of, the owner or lessee of the property.
    • A person may kill swine running at large on public propertyif he or she possesses either of the following:A license to carry a concealed pistol issued under MCL 28.421 to MCL 28.435.
    • A valid hunting license for any game issued under the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, MCL 324.43501 to MCL 324.43561.
    • This empowerment does not authorize the discharge of a bow and arrow, crossbow or firearm in an area where the discharge of that weapon or hunting of that weapon is prohibited by a local ordinance. MCL 433.14a(4).

Those who kill wild swine under these provisions are to report incidents to local law enforcement.  The Michigan DNR and the U.S. Department of Agriculture may want to collect blood or tissue samples from the carcass to test for diseases or to determine migration patterns for the species.

Hunting, Wildlife

Help your trees beat the summer heat with a little water

If you planted any trees within the last couple of years, it may be time to bring out the garden hose. Hot summer conditions such as those Michigan is experiencing this week mean your newly planted trees will likely need a drink.

“If your trees are not getting at least 1 inch of rain per week, water them until regular rain returns,” said Kevin Sayers, Urban and Community Forestry Program manager with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

Deciduous trees – those that lose their leaves in fall – show drought stress through curling or drooping leaves. Leaves may “scorch,” or turn brown at the edges, fall off early or exhibit early fall color. Evergreen needles may turn yellow, then red or brown.

Watering and care tips

It’s important to water trees correctly. When watering, prioritize newly planted or high-value trees. Here are some tips:

    • Sprinkler: Place an empty container or rain gauge nearby while watering; stop when it measures about 1 inch of water.
    • Hand watering via hose: Let water run slowly until the ground is saturated 10-12 inches deep and moist near the base of small trees or at various points under the canopy of large trees.
    • 5-gallon bucket: Most newly planted trees need 5 to 10 gallons of water each week, so give them a bucket or two.
    • Soaker or trickle hoses: These types of hoses provide slow watering. This is important to provide moisture deep into the soil, where roots need it most.
    • Don’t water during the middle of the day. Much of the water applied at the hottest or windiest time of day is immediately lost to evaporation.
    • Mist sprinklers aren’t effective for trees. As much as 70 percent of water may evaporate into the air.
    • Lay off the fertilizer. Fertilizer salts can injure tree roots when soil moisture is limited.
    • Try mulch. Mulch helps retain soil moisture and save water. Apply 3 to 4 inches of organic mulch under the tree canopy, around but not touching the base of the trunk. You want the finished mulch pile to look like a doughnut, not a volcano..

Read more
Wildlife

FL FWC June 27 workshop in Palm Bay encourages gopher tortoise conservation

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is holding regional workshops to present information on opportunities for local governments to help conserve gopher tortoises and other state-listed species in Florida.

The goal of these workshops is to encourage participation in gopher tortoise conservation at the local level by providing information that could assist participants with establishing local gopher tortoise protection policies. Additionally, the FWC will discuss how local policies can assist in conserving other state-listed species and will provide information on financial incentives available to local governments for habitat management.

A workshop hosted by the City of Palm Bay is scheduled for June 27 at the Palm Bay Council Chambers. Representatives from local governments in nearby counties are encouraged to attend. Read more

Wildlife

Keep An Eye Out For Invasive Species

Summer is the busy season for most creatures, including invasive species like spongy moth, box tree moth and Japanese beetle, to name just a few. Many of these species are established in Michigan, meaning they’re here to stay, but if you know what to look out for, you can help contain their spread and mitigate further environmental damage. While these bugs are just following their natural instincts, their presence can affect the delicate balance of ecosystems, making it harder for native species to thrive. Read more

Wildlife

Donate to Wildlife and Receive Crispi Boots

SCI Foundation and Crispi Boots have teamed up to raise funds for vital wildlife conservation efforts.

This spring, a donation of $500 or more to SCI Foundation will earn you a pair of Crispi Boots of your choice. These durable and comfortable boots are perfect for hiking, hunting, or everyday wear. With a variety of styles for men and women, you’re sure to find your perfect fit. Visit https://bit.ly/scifcrispi to claim this offer.

Your contribution not only get you a fantastic boot, but it will but it will help us to continue our ongoing effort to estimate leopard density in Africa, as well as support programs related to bears and other carnivores in North America, antipoaching efforts, research into management of wildlife diseases like chronic wasting disease, and the African Wildlife Consultative Forum.

Every act of generosity, regardless of size, truly aids our mission at the SCI Foundation. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to SCI Foundation this spring. Your unwavering backing of our wildlife and wild lands is deeply appreciated.

Visit https://bit.ly/scifcrispi to donate and receive a pair of Crispi boots. Read more

Wildlife

Cougar Hunting in Utah

In May 2023, new legislation went into effect that allows year-round hunting of cougars with just a hunting or combination license. The new legislation also allows trapping of cougars. Cougars are still designated as protected wildlife and must be checked in at a DWR office. Over the past year, biologists have monitored harvest rates to better determine the effects of the new hunting strategy.

“Most cougar harvest occurs during the winter months, and from the data we’ve received of cougar harvest, 511 cougars were harvested from May 2023 to May 2024,” DWR Game Mammals Coordinator Darren DeBloois said. “From May 2022 to May 2023 — prior to when the legislation went into effect — 512 cougars were harvested. This last year there has also been a decrease in the number of livestock preyed upon by cougars, as well as cougar incidents with people.” Read more

Hunting, Wildlife

Wild Sheep Foundation: $1 Million for Stone’s Sheep

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Coming off another record-breaking Sheep Show®, and in celebration of our 16th chapter & affiliate summit held this year in Calgary, Alberta, the Wild Sheep Foundation (WSF) announced a commitment of $1 Million in Grant in Aid for Stone’s sheep conservation in northern British Columbia.

“Since our founding in 1977, a lot of emphasis has been placed on recovering and sustaining bighorn and desert bighorn sheep populations,” said WSF President and CEO Gray N. Thornton. “With dedicated efforts by our chapters and affiliates, alongside our agency and tribal partners, great successes have been achieved for bighorns. It is time for WSF to dedicate similar efforts to Stone’s Sheep. Our Board of Directors has put an exclamation mark on this need with this $1 million funding pledge.” Read more

Wildlife

Delta Waterfowl Awarded Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s $100,000 Grant

Grant will enhance efforts by The Duck Hunters Organization to conserve at-risk, vital duck-producing wetlands in the prairie pothole region

A generous grant from the Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Outdoor Fund will advance efforts by Delta Waterfowl to conserve critical breeding duck habitat in the prairie pothole region. In bolstering Delta’s Habitat Conservation programs, the $100,000 grant will support the breeding efforts of multitudes of ducks by helping to maintain the PPR’s robust wetland base.

“We are grateful to stand alongside our customers to support the vital work being done by Delta Waterfowl to help protect and support the prairie pothole region,” said Johnny Morris, noted conservationist and Bass Pro Shops founder. “There’s no way to overstate the importance of these waterfowl breeding grounds, and the impact that these initiatives contribute will make a positive difference for future generations.” Read more

Wildlife
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