Sheep Die-Off Prompts Hunting District Closure

Montana’s Fish & Wildlife Commission today closed a bighorn sheep hunting district near Gardiner due to an ongoing disease-related die-off.

The emergency action came in response to a pneumonia die-off that began late last year in bighorn sheep hunting district 305, near Gardiner. So far at least 34 sheep from the native herd have died.

Wildlife biologists who conducted an aerial survey of the area Sunday counted 55 bighorn sheep—found another dead animal and a number of sick ones—where 89 healthy sheep were counted last year.

“The disease event is not over yet,” said Karen Loveless, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ wildlife biologist in Livingston. Read more

Historic Heads-and-Horns Exhibit Moves to Springfield, Mo.

MISSOULA, Mont. – The National Collection of Heads and Horns, an exhibit dedicated in 1922 to “the vanishing big-game animals of the world” and helped spark America’s conservation movement, is relocating to a new home in Springfield, Mo.

The collection, owned by the Boone and Crockett Club, will reside at America’s Wildlife Museum and Aquarium.

Formerly known as Wonders of Wildlife, the facility is expanded, renovated and targeted for reopening in spring 2016. Located adjacent to Bass Pro Shops’ flagship store, the all new, state-of-the-art showcase of hunter-and-angler led conservation is the vision of Bass Pro Shops founder and Boone and Crockett Club member Johnny Morris.

Tony Schoonen, Club chief of staff, said, “Boone and Crockett is honored to share our historic collection with what will be the most elaborate conservation education attraction in the world. Johnny’s museum builds on a rich legacy of conservation and ensures that future generations will join us in sustaining wildlife and stewarding habitat.” Read more

NWTF and Powderhook Release Gobble Map App

EDGEFIELD, S.C. — Turkey hunters are now able to check turkey activity and sightings in their local area thanks to the Gobble Map from the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) and Powderhook.

“Powderhook and the NWTF are working hard to provide some of the most reliable and relevant information to the modern hunter,” said Eric Dinger, Powderhook co-founder and CEO. “Hunters already can view public land property boundaries in their area and they can now research and provide information about turkey activity in their local area.”

The user-driven Gobble Map, released on March 23, through Google Play and Apple app stores, allows users to post and view turkey sightings with information about gobble frequency and size of the turkey flocks.

Users don’t have to worry about giving up their hot spots, because the interface provides anonymity and location buffering. Read more

SCI Chapters and SCI Foundation Contribute to Historic Wood Bison Restoration

Tucson, AZ – Joseph Hosmer, President Safari Club International (SCI) Foundation announced that on March 22, 2015 Safari Club International and SCI Foundation will attend the Alaska Department of Fish and Game Wood Bison Media Day in Portage, Alaska. Al Maki, SCI Corporate Secretary and SCI Foundation Conservation Committee Chair and Eddie Grasser, SCI Vice President will represent SCI Foundation, SCI, and the SCI Alaska Chapter at the event.

Over the past decade, SCI Chapters and SCI Foundation have helped finance the management and upkeep of the wood bison herd. Now, we hunter-conservationists are pleased to participate in the second phase of this historical event, moving bison to the wild.

SCI Foundation has contributed about $150,000 dollars to this project in addition to the thousands of dollars donated by SCI Chapters. This is a major achievement made possible through your contributions and because of you, an iconic species is returning to its native habitat. Read more

Michigan’s five birding trails offer wildlife-viewing adventure

Those looking for an outdoor adventure this spring are encouraged to give birding trails a try! With increasing popularity, birding trails are popping up along Michigan’s scenic roadways. Now with five different trails to explore, for the beginning birder or the seasoned veteran, wildlife-viewing hot spots have never been easier to find and enjoy.

With prime birding areas noted along well-known driving routes, a birding trail is like a treasure hunt for those looking to get out and enjoy Michigan’s outdoors. Birding trail stops are typically in county parks, nature preserves or Department of Natural Resources’ state parks or wildlife areas – allowing access to all who are interested. Visits in May and June will provide the greatest opportunity to witness both migrant and nesting birds. Routes also include many options for amenities such as restaurants, hotels and campgrounds.

Five birding trails, each offering unique experiences, are located around the state: Read more

POMA Pinnacle Award Winners Announced

Pinnacle Award Winners (L to R): Bill Miller, Lindsay Thomas, Jr., Kenneth Cook, and Steve Finch, accepting on behalf of Corey Holtgard. Pictured with Kevin Tate of Mossy Oak (second from right).

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – The Professional Outdoor Media Association’s (POMA) 2015 Pinnacle Award honorees were announced by Kevin Tate, vice president of media production at Mossy Oak, during POMA’s 10th Anniversary Business Conference in Springfield Mo. on Friday, March 20. Mossy Oak has been the presenting partner of the Pinnacle Awards since the program’s inception. Read more

Learn How You Can Help Nesting Birds

Blue Jay with nestlings. Photo by Dave Magers

Ithaca, N.Y.—Springtime is nesting time, and that means another season of beautiful birdsong, colorful eggs, and downy nestlings. Spring also brings another season of NestWatch, a free citizen-science project from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Volunteers have been helping the Lab monitor nesting birds for 50 years, keeping tabs on open-cup nests and actively putting out the welcome mat for species that prefer a cozy cavity.

“Even those who already have birds nesting nearby can support more birds by putting up a nest box, or by landscaping for nesting birds,” says NestWatch project leader Robyn Bailey. “Supplying nesting materials, like wool, cotton, or pet fur is another great way to encourage more birds to take up residence.” Read more

For Eagle Cam Viewers, Egg Watch has Begun

Number viewing Game Commission’s live stream expected to soar as eggs near likely hatch dates.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission’s bald eagle cam already has attracted nearly 643,000 viewers, many of whom faithfully have followed the daily happenings at the nest near Codorus State Park in Hanover, Pa.

But in the coming days, those looking in on the live stream, available at the Game Commission’s website, might well get to see a great miracle of nature.

Egg watch officially is underway.  To view the eagle cam, visit the Game Commission’s website, www.pgc.state.pa.us Read more

Public Can Follow Journey of Golden Eagle Originally Captured in Kentucky’s Bernheim Forest

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Researchers recently captured a golden eagle in the Bernheim Forest in Bullitt and Nelson counties and fitted it with a tracking device as part of an ongoing research project. Golden eagles are seldom seen in Kentucky.

“Bernheim Forest has a few golden eagles that come back every winter and is one of the more reliable places in the state to see golden eagles,” said Kate Heyden, avian biologist for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. “They don’t nest in Kentucky, but spend winters here. Golden eagles that winter here probably nest in Canada.” Read more

Gov. Rick Snyder approves $24.7 million in outdoor recreation development,

LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Rick Snyder today signed legislation creating more outdoor recreation opportunities for local communities and authorizing nearly $24.7 million in Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) grants.

“Michigan is home to some of the most beautiful outdoor spaces in North America,” Snyder said. “These grants will help give local communities the ability to create more quality recreation opportunities that encourage people of all ages and abilities to get outdoors. Every year, these projects boost the quality of life for Michigan residents, enhance local economies and encourage tourism in our state.”

House Bill 4078, sponsored by state Rep. Jon Bumstead, approves funds for 69 recreation projects and land purchases recommended by the Trust Fund board last December.

It is now Public Act 7 of 2015.

This year, the Trust Fund board recommended $18.2 million for acquisition grants and $6.4 million for development grants. Sixteen acquisition grants were awarded to local units of government for a total of $8.9 million, while nine acquisition grants went to the Department of Natural Resources for projects totaling $9.3 million. Read more

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