Outdoor commentary and legislative issues.
Goldfinch
The Secretary of the Interior, Sally Jewell, has announced that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing to expand fishing and hunting opportunities throughout the National Wildlife Refuge System, opening up new hunting programs on six refuges and expanding existing hunting and fishing programs on another 20 refuges. Read more
The popular online survey group, SurveyMonkey.com, has contributed over $100,000 to the nation’s largest anti-hunting organization, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), through their charity program known as SurveyMonkey Contribute. Read more
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources reminds hunters that wolf hunting licenses go on sale starting at noon EDT (11 a.m. CDT) on Saturday, Sept. 28. A total of 1,200 licenses will be available for purchase beginning at that time. Wolf license sales end Oct. 31, or before, if the license quota is met. Read more
By Glen Wunderlich
Years ago, Detroit Lions fans and fans throughout the NFL, were treated to one of the most creative and celebrated running backs of all time. His name was Barry Sanders, and although he was widely known for record-breaking performances, it was what he didn’t do and how it relates to hunters.
Barry Sanders didn’t toss the ball into the crowd, nor did he invent a new dance for the world to critique. He didn’t spike the ball. He didn’t jump into the stands after a single touchdown. Barry Sanders never rubbed his greatness in the faces of those who may not have appreciated it. He would tap-dance his way into the end zone enroute to yet another 100-yard day and politely hand the ball over to the nearest official.
Barry had no need to boast with antics designed to draw attention. He was the best. Period. His actions proved it. And, sportsmen would do well to take a page from Barry’s book. Read more
The ongoing IRS scandal that is hitting Washington has yet another twist with new questions surrounding the number one group on our Dirty Dozen List, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). The latest twist comes after the person at the heart of the IRS scandal, Lois Lerner, was found to have ties to this anti-hunting organization.
Lerner is the Director of the IRS’s tax-exempt organizations division, which has come under investigation for improperly targeting conservative groups. Lerner’s involvement might not stop there, however. Now questions are being raised as to whether the IRS ignored accusations regarding HSUS’s tax exempt status because of Lerner’s active membership with HSUS. Read more
Animal rights activists under the name “Fur Free West Hollywood” have succeeded in a campaign to ban the sale of fur in all West Hollywood retail stores. Beginning Saturday, September 21, 2013, West Hollywood retailers will become the only city in the U.S where it is illegal to sell clothing made with fur. Read more
A golden eagle attacks two Capercaillie (Woodland Grouse). Seems like the first survivor couldn’t comprehend what happened and became a victim, as well.
A hunter unknowingly killed two mountain lions with one arrow. Game officials gave him a pass on a ticket but issued a warning, nonetheless. Accidents do happen and the story is here…
A young coyote had been taken from a den and raised illegally until he was nine weeks old, at which point he was discovered by authorities and taken to a wildlife rehabilitation center. It was later determined that Cody was far too tame to be reintroduced to the wild and the coyote was transported to the Howell, Michigan nature center. More here…
LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Rick Snyder today signed legislation that authorizes important changes to Michigan’s hunting and fishing license structure, simplifying the license options for outdoor enthusiasts – reducing the number of license types by more than 80 percent – and providing vital additional revenue for wildlife and fisheries habitat, conservation, outreach work and law enforcement. Under the new structure, which takes effect March 1, 2014, anglers will no longer need to choose between Restricted and All-Species licenses, and hunters will now purchase a new “base” license. Read more