Outdoor commentary and legislative issues.
Goldfinch
So far in 2013, 347 javelina encounters and seven bites were reported to Arizona state wildlife officials. People are afraid to go for walks after dark and have resorted to carrying weapons for self defense. Pets and humans are becoming more at-risk as development encroaches on the range of the collared peccary. Details here…
As incomes rise in China, Russia, and Korea, fur demand has followed. It sure is comforting to know that Asians are buying something other than our metals, which they promptly turn into junk and sell back to us. Good news for traditionalists is here…
The number of hunters has increased, after years of declining numbers. Research shows the reasons here…
From USSA…
Posted on December 20, 2013
Recent studies show a steady increase of hunting and fishing participants since 2006. Couple that with the public’s approval of hunting at 79 percent and wildlife populations abundant and growing, things seem to be looking up for sportsmen. Unfortunately, these facts have not deterred the animal rights lobby and sportsmen are finding themselves in the crosshairs now more than ever.
Why are sportsmen facing more opposition considering these facts?
“It really comes down to some segments of the public not understanding why all hunting is important and key to conservation programs here and abroad.” said Nick Pinizzotto, USSA President and CEO. “Hunters are providing vital funds and services to protect wildlife globally and are also the most effective and efficient group to control burgeoning wildlife populations. That fact has been lost to the general public to some degree. Simply put, a lack of education is at fault.” Read more
Says to Put Herself in Bears Shoes
After 18-year old Camille Bomboy of Lock Haven, PA narrowly survived a black bear attack while deer hunting last week, the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) called out the girl for being a hunter and suggested she put herself in the place of the “individuals you and the rest of your hunting party were trying to kill”. Read more
On Tuesday, December 17th, the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation (USSAF) filed comments with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) over a proposal to remove Gray Wolves from protection under the Endangered Species Act.
Wolves continue to remain at the forefront of the issues facing the sportsmen’s community today. While the Western Great Lakes and Rocky Mountain populations of wolves have already been removed from ESA protection (“delisted”), this latest proposed rule would delist the remaining wolf populations across the country (with narrow exceptions for Mexican wolves in the Southwest and Red wolves in the Southeast). In addition, USSAF and our partners are currently engaged in lawsuits in Wisconsin over their wolf hunting season and in a lawsuit in federal district court in which the Humane Society of the United States is asking a judge to again overturn the delisting of wolves in the Western Great Lakes.
Of particular concern with the latest proposal is the potential for the Service to recognize two separate wolf species. Read more
A suspected sighting of the highly invasive plant parrot feather (Myriophyllum aquaticum) was reported to the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) in the fall of 2013. Following recently developed state agency protocols, the DEQ transferred the report to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Wildlife Division. A team of Wildlife Division staff, utilizing the new Early Detection and Response Plan, conducted verification and assessment at a small detention pond in Wayne County’s Brownstown Township. Read more
Michigan’s 2013 elk hunting season that just wrapped up was a successful season all-around. While hunters walked away with an experience they’ll never forget, Department of Natural Resources (DNR) staff members are happy management goals were met, both safely and legally.
“We manage elk in Michigan by hunting,” said area wildlife biologist Jennifer Kleitch. “Our seasons are very specific. We have certain hunting areas, dates and quotas, and we are very deliberate in order to maintain a healthy elk herd in balance with the available habitat.” Read more
Wolves had taken their toll on mountain lion cubs in an area of Wyoming. This time it was different. Thanks to The Outdoor Pressroom.
MISSOULA, Mont.–A recent study shows an increase in the participation of hunting and fishing is related to several major factors including the economic recession, hunting for meat and the locavore movement, and an influx of new hunters including those who are younger, female and suburban. Read more