Outdoor commentary and legislative issues.
Goldfinch
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Michigan State University Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health announced that epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) has been confirmed in a white-tailed deer in Muskegon County, which is the first county to have EHD hit this fall. Read more
By Glen Wunderlich
Since archery deer season is nearly upon us, it’s incumbent upon us to take inventory. Let’s see… We have sharpened our broadheads, waxed the strings, checked the cables and we’ve been practicing longer and longer shots at targets.
Certainly the integrity of treestands, that have been in place for years, has been checked, along with pull-up ropes and safety harnesses. In a nutshell, we are feeling pretty good about this season’s preparations.
But, there’s another inventory item that must be added to the list: a mirror. No, not for signaling when you become “disoriented” (although a good companion piece in the wild), but one that will return an image of a sportsman. All of us have one of these tools handy, so here are some tips to fine tune that reflection. Read more
MISSOULA, Mont.–Vintage photos of giant mule deer with yardsticks nestled in their headgear. Historic score sheets boasting crazy-wide antler spreads–up to 43-4/8 inches for typicals; 49-2/8 inches for non-typicals. Classic accounts of legendary muley hunts. Such memorabilia and tons more are being released from the Boone and Crockett Club archives in a new book, “A Mule Deer Retrospective.”
A free preview of “A Mule Deer Retrospective” is at www.boone-crockett.org or by clicking the URL below:
http://www.boone-crockett.org/
The book also boasts chapters by some of today’s most respected mule-deer fanatics: Guy Eastman, Ryan Hatfield, Jim Heffelfinger, Miles Moretti and Wayne van Zwoll.
“This is a comprehensive look at one of the West’s most iconic trophies–an album of historic treasures for anyone who’s interested in the past, present and future of mule deer,” said Boone and Crockett Publications Director Julie Tripp. “It’s the third in our series of retrospective books, following the successes of ‘A Whitetail Retrospective’ and ‘An American Elk Retrospective.'”
“A Mule Deer Retrospective” is 304 colorful pages, hardcover, great for a gift, priced at $34.95 but discounted for Boone and Crockett associates. Join and/or order at www.boone-crockett.org or 888-840-4868.
Boone and Crockett Club maintains the highest standards in fair-chase sportsmanship, habitat stewardship and wildlife management–and has documented their conservation benefits through big-game records that date back to the late 1880s.
GW: If I were in this area, I’d be participating.
Outdoor enthusiasts of all levels are invited to attend an Outdoorsman Swap Meet on Saturday, Sept. 14, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Tippy Dam Recreation Area in Brethren (Manistee County). This is the perfect opportunity to exchange hunting and fishing gear – as well as a few stories – with fellow sportsmen.
Tippy Dam Recreation Area is a popular place for anglers and sportsman in the fall, and the Outdoorsman Swap Meet is an opportunity for people to trade items for an entirely new outdoor experience. In the spirit of the outdoors, the swap meet will occur rain or shine.
Anyone interested in selling gear at the swap meet can visit www.michigan.gov/tippydam and click Tippy Dam Recreation Area Events, locate the Sept. 14 Outdoorsman Swap Meet listing, and download, fill out and submit the online vendor signup sheet. The signup sheet may also be filled out at Tippy Dam Recreation Area. For more information about this event please call 231-848-4880. Please email signup forms to dennerte@michigan.gov, fax them to 231-869-4725, or return them to the park.
Tippy Dam Recreation Area is located at 1500 Dilling Road, in Brethren. Park amenities include a boat launch, cross-country ski trails, hiking trails, fishing, camping and more. Although there is no charge for entry to the Outdoorsman Swap Meet, a Recreation Passport is required for entry to Tippy Dam Recreation Area.
MISSOULA, Mont.-A $50,000 grant from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation will assist the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) with its wolf management plan. Read more
MISSOULA, MT.–Idaho Fish and Game (IDFG) accepted a $50,000 grant from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation to assist with its wolf management plan. Read more
Pierre, SD- South Dakota released the results from its highly-anticipated annual pheasant brood survey today, which revealed a 64 percent decrease in statewide pheasant abundance. Pheasants Forever says upland habitat loss is the primary culprit in the downturn of South Dakota’s legendary pheasant population, a trend which will continue unless federal policy makers swiftly enact strengthened conservation policies. Read more
Small-game hunting season begins Sept. 1 with the opening of the early Canada goose season and continues until rabbit and hare season ends on March 31. Department of Natural Resources wildlife biologists across the state say hunters should find conditions similar to last year in Michigan’s wood lots, farm fields and wetlands. Read more
MISSOULA, Mont.–Funding provided by the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation will assist elk research and help ensure Alaska’s rich hunting heritage. The RMEF 2013 grants total $41,550 and affect communities and locations across Alaska. Read more
Sturm, Ruger Company, Inc (NYSE: RGR) announces the release of the Ruger American Rimfire™ bolt action rifle. The 100% American made Ruger American Rimfire™ builds on the enormous success of the centerfire Ruger American Rifle®. With many of the standard Ruger American Rifle® features, this new line also combines several design innovations from the popular 10/22 ® rimfire rifle. This combination, along with the rifle’s adaptability, will appeal to all bolt action enthusiasts-young or old, novice or experienced. The new line consists of four models – full sized (22″ barrel/13.75″ length of pull) and compact (18″/12.5″ length of pull) models, both of which are available in either .22 LR or .22 Magnum. Read more