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The British Columbia government plans to hunt as many as 184 wolves in an attempt to save five dwindling caribou herds.

There are just 18 South Selkirk caribou left, down from 46 animals in 2009, and the government says evidence points to wolves being the leading cause of the deaths.

In four caribou herds in the south Peace area, research shows that wolves are responsible for at least 37 per cent of the fatalities.

The province says hunting and trapping the wolves hasn’t worked and that method may even split up the packs and lead to more caribou being killed.

Instead, ministry staff will hunt two dozen wolves in the south Selkirk area and another 120 to 160 wolves in the south Peace by helicopter before the snow melts this spring.

The government says it has been working with First Nations and organizations in Idaho and Washington to find ways to save the caribou because one of the herds crosses boundaries.

Sparta, NJ – Grow the Bone™ (www.growthebone.com) announced today that it has selected The Media Group, a creative services agency based out of Chicago, Illinois, to manage Grow the Bone’s Public Relations and Communications efforts.

About Grow the Bone
Described in a single word as “revolutionary” by Major League Bowhunter’s own, Jeff Danker, Grow the Bone delivers as the game-changing leader among whitetail deer feed supplements and attractants. Whether you’re serious about developing healthy large-bodied deer and huge racks or you’re serious about getting deer into your setup right now, Grow the Bone gives you the high ground. Grow the Bone’s deer management tested, hunt proven, 100% satisfaction guarantee make it the most effective feed supplement, attractant and bait on the market. Grow the Bone’s roots run deep in growing healthy deer herds, becoming better stewards of God’s great outdoors and adding to your overall outdoor experience by Growing the Bone! Live the life you love to live!

For more information about Grow the Bone, please visit their website at www.growthebone.com. Read more

PIKE COUNTY, Ill. – Coming in March, a hashtag will unite outdoor enthusiasts across America during the second annual #ShedRally – The World’s Largest Shed Hunt.

Whitetail Properties and Realtree are inviting men, women and families who love the outdoors to get outside on March 7 and hunt for shed antlers upload creative photos and videos to Facebook, Twitter and Instagram along with the hashtag, #ShedRally.

“#ShedRally was started so America could shed hunt together,” said Michael Turbyfill, Whitetail Properties PR & Marketing Director. “The hashtag lets us show the world, in real time, how much we love the outdoors.”

The #ShedRally 2015 Official Trailer at Youtube.com/WhitetailPropTV explains more.

“At Realtree, we’re about family, friends and the outdoors are very important to us,” said Dodd Clifton, Realtree marketing coordinator. “Guy or girl, young or old, shed hunting is something anyone can do while enjoying time outside.” Read more

‘Hare cuts’ – DNR, volunteers work to improve wildlife habitat in
northern Michigan

Volunteers with Michigan United Conservation Clubs and local Department of Natural Resources staff members recently spent a day together giving “hare cuts” on public land in the Grayling Forest Management Unit as part of an effort to improve wildlife habitat.

“Snowshoe hares are a type of rabbit here in the northern areas of Michigan, and a lot of folks have great memories hunting them,” said DNR wildlife biologist Brian Piccolo. “Unfortunately, snowshoe hare populations have steadily declined over the past few decades, and research suggests that this decline is due partially to shorter winters and less snow cover due to climate change.”

Snowshoe hares differ from the more common eastern cottontail rabbit in several ways – they have longer ears and bigger hind feet than the cottontail, and one other unique trait.

“Snowshoe hares have the ultimate adaptation for survival by being able to completely change the color of their fur to adapt to their surroundings,” said Piccolo.

Snowshoes are a brownish-cinnamon color in the summer and will molt, or grow new white fur, in the winter. While many animals molt, most do not change their color so drastically. The white fur gives snowshoe hares great camouflage when snow is on the ground. If there is little or no snow cover during the winter months, having white fur against a brown background can lead to increased detection by predators. Read more