Outdoor commentary and legislative issues.
Goldfinch
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
The hands-free night vision device is the budget friendly alternative for total darkness nocturnal viewing for hunters, boaters, home security or wildlife enthusiasts. Read more
The world’s oldest-known wild bear has died of old age in northern Minnesota at the age of 39½.
Known to Minnesota DNR researchers as Bear No. 56, the female American black bear was first captured and radio-collared in July 1981 by DNR scientists during the first summer of a long-term research project on bear population ecology. The bear was 7 years old at the time and was accompanied by three female cubs.
Bear No. 56 became a significant animal in the DNR research project. During a 32-year study period, she and her many offspring provided an almost uninterrupted record of reproduction, survival, movements and, eventually, senescence (aging), within a single matriarchal lineage. Data from this bear and her offspring have contributed significantly to the scientific literature on black bear biology. Read more
The DNA of a wounded bear killed Aug. 18 by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources does not match the DNA of the bear that attacked 12-year-old Abby Wetherell near Cadillac, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced today. The bear’s carcass was examined by the DNR Wildlife Disease Laboratory in Lansing, in cooperation with Michigan State University and the Michigan State Police. Tests were conducted for disease, and the bear’s DNA was extracted. The bear DNA was then checked against DNA from fur and saliva lifted from Abby’s clothing and from the scene of the attack. The tests showed that the bear that attacked Abby was a female. The bear that was killed was a male. Read more
GW: So you can’t find a job? You don’t have that excuse anymore…
Want to play a part in the Department of Natural Resources’ mission of keeping state forests healthy and sustainable and maybe even make a few bucks in the process? Here’s your opportunity!
This fall, as cones are ripening, people can collect red and jack pine cones and sell them to the DNR by visiting offices in Cadillac, Gaylord, Manistique and Marquette. The seeds are placed in cold storage at the DNR-operated Wyman State Nursery until needed.
Each bushel of pine cones can net between $30 and $35 for the person willing to put in some sweat equity. Read more
By Glen Wunderlich
When John Glynn goes hunting, he means business. He and his decoy dogs, Nuts and Scrap, are the primary protectors of 1800 head of cattle in S.E. Oklahoma, which roam freely on his 10,000 acres. So do the coyotes. Lots of them.
John manages his livestock so that his cows give birth at the same time. And, with myriad calves being born simultaneously, the coyotes can smell the “dinner bell”. Most of the time, however, they’re coming for the afterbirth. But, sometimes they’ll tear a newborn calf to shreds before it hits the ground. He’ll lose about 200 calves with some 25 to 30 percent related to predation. And, at a future value of over $1000 per animal, that’s bad business.
And, that’s why he and his two dogs work as a team. Read more
By Glen Wunderlich
Early in life each of us develops our “likes” and “dislikes” – and, I’m not talking Facebook. For example, I don’t know why, but I never was able to stomach lima beans regardless of my father’s fruitless attempts to get me to eat them. Of course, he knew what was good for me, but I never allowed one bean down my throat. Nice try, Dad.
And, that’s the way it is with all of us. We evolve through trial and error and naturally gravitate to things we like, which explains how the Mid-Michigan Old Gas Tractor Association show makes it to the top of my priority list each August.
My first show over 20 years ago was an eye-opener. When my friend, Charley Coston, introduced me to the event, I was flabbergasted by the tons of ancient iron, which had been preserved, protected, and converted to “wow” status in many cases. Count me as a lifer now.
And, so it is with our children. Schools do a good job of exposing youngsters to a wide variety of subject matters. Teachers become tool makers filling students’ tool boxes with knowledge – some will become useful, and some of it will be discarded out of hand. But, it is the wise teacher that bridges the gap from the knowledge to possible end-use – the missing link, if you will. Read more