Economic hardships top study as No. 1 catalyst for increase in hunting, fishing
The number of hunters has increased, after years of declining numbers. Research shows the reasons here…
Category: Wildlife
Goldfinch
Hunters in the Crosshairs
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
PETA Takes Aim at Teen Bear Mauling Victim
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
USSAF Files Comments on Proposal to Delist Gray Wolves
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
DNR responds to new aquatic invasive plant – parrot feather
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 has successful elk season, in more ways than one
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
Mountain Lion Settles Score with Wolf
Wolves had taken their toll on mountain lion cubs in an area of Wyoming. This time it was different. Thanks to The Outdoor Pressroom.
RMEF Lauds Growth of Hunting, Findings of Scientific Study
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
Data alone won’t delist Yellowstone grizzlies
GW: A perfect example of how delisting anything from protected status – no matter the facts – becomes problematic. The usual suspects will fight any attempt to hunt anything. Here’s proof…
Marketing the Truth About Hunting
By Glen Wunderlich
It’s almost time to toot our horn. No it’s not New Year’s Eve, but when Governor Snyder signs HB 4993 into law, as is expected, Michigan sportsmen and women will have reason to celebrate.
The bill sponsored by Representative Jon Bumstead, would create a statewide council, called the Michigan Wildlife Council, which would be charged with hiring a marketing firm and directing funds for the creation and implementation of a targeted multi-media marketing campaign.
Here is how the plan would work: Revenue for the information campaign will be derived from the hunting and fishing license package already signed into law. Beginning in March 2014, a $1 surcharge on every hunting and fishing license purchased will be used to educate the general non-hunting and non-fishing public relative to the significance of wildlife conservation through hunting and fishing. Read more