Oklahoma’s pronghorn population has declined, according to statistics presented by Dallas Barber, Big Game Biologist for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, to members of the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission at their regular meeting March 4.

Aerial survey results in 2019 showed 2,088 pronghorns throughout Texas and Cimarron counties. That number decreased to 800 pronghorns counted this year. Hunters reported harvesting about 90 pronghorns in 2023, down from about 150 the previous year. Read more

The wild population of Mexican wolves saw another year of growth in 2023, according to the results of the annual survey.

The 2023 population census revealed a minimum of 257 Mexican wolves distributed across Arizona and New Mexico. This increase marks the eighth consecutive year of population growth, the longest continuous streak since recovery efforts began.

The 2023 population minimum count represents a six percent increase from the minimum of 242 wolves counted in 2022. Survey results show the population is distributed with a minimum of 144 wolves in New Mexico and 113 in Arizona.

“In the aggregate, the 2023 data points out that Mexican wolf recovery has come a long way since the first release,” said Jim deVos, the Mexican wolf coordinator for the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

“Each year, the free-roaming Mexican wolf population numbers increase, and the areas they occupy expands. Read more

Grant program marks 10 years of progress

The state of Michigan announced that 31 projects will share $3.6 million in grants through the Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program.

This cycle marks the MISGP’s 10th anniversary. To date, over $36 million has been awarded to support 269 projects undertaken by units of government, nonprofits and institutions. Read more

The funding Congress is expected to approve this week for the State and Tribal Wildlife Grant program — at a moment when America’s wildlife crisis is accelerating — underscores exactly why Congress needs to pass mandatory funding for state, territorial, and Tribal wildlife conservation. The legislation reduces the funding available in FY24 for essential state and Tribal wildlife conservation funding by more than $1.4 million below what Congress approved for the current fiscal year. Read more

What does your perfect outdoor day look like?

Maybe it includes a hammock, blue skies and a soft summer breeze rustling through the leaves of a shade tree. Perhaps you’re reading under a flowering tree in spring, or picking autumn apples right off the branches in your backyard.

We may be biased, but at the DNR we think the best days often involve trees! If you agree, take steps now to set the stage for perfect planting days this spring. Read more

For a healthy herd and optimal antler growth, deer need comprehensive nutrition. That’s why Antler King developed a premium feed that features just about everything – Everything But The Kitchen Sink.

With an expertly crafted blend of high-quality oats, wheat, corn, barley, protein pellets, and more, Everything But The Kitchen Sink provides the essential nutrients for thriving deer populations.

It enhances antler growth, supports functions such as muscle development, immune system function, and healthy digestion, boosts energy throughout all seasons, and contributes to a lustrous coat. Read more

National Invasive Species Awareness Week is an international annual event held February 26 through March 3, 2024, looking to raise awareness about invasive species, the threat they pose, and what can do together to prevent their spread. In support of NISAW, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is encouraging all Michiganders to do their part to prevent the spread of invasive species.

Invasive species are plants, animals, insects, and pathogens not native to an area and can cause serious harm to the environment, economy, agriculture, or public health. These pests often are fast growing, reproduce rapidly, and have few predators or natural controls in their new environments.

“Our department works tirelessly to prevent the spread of these pests, but getting everyone involved in prevention and detection is key to the fight against invasive species,” said Steve Carlson, MDARD’s Pesticide and Plant Pest Management Division Director.

Here are some ways to help limit the spread of invasive species: Read more

Contact: Addison Motta AMotta@WildlifeForever.org

White Bear Lake, MN – Wildlife Forever, in partnership with the USDA Forest Service, is proud to announce the winners of the 3rd annual Art of Conservation Songbird Art Contest®. The contest brings awareness to the importance of songbirds and their critical conservation needs. A panel of judges from across the conservation industry selected state and national winners from over 2400 entries.

This year’s contest featured the Northern Cardinal, the Painted Bunting, the Chestnut-collared Longspur, the Red-winged Blackbird, and the Yellow-throated Warbler. After students select and research their species, they create both an artistic rendition and a piece of creative writing. Read more