Outdoor commentary and legislative issues.
Goldfinch
A young male peregrine falcon returned to the wild Monday along the banks of the Kennebec River, thanks to the efforts of the Maine Warden Service, the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, and Avian Haven. The bird, estimated at about a year old, immediately took flight and was soon out of sight. Read more
MISSOULA, Mont.–Funding to enhance elk habitat, reduce damage to private crops and sponsorship of various hunting heritage projects highlight the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation’s 2013 grants for the state of Michigan. The grants total $28,500 and directly affect Cheboygan, Delta, Dickinson, Monroe, Montmorency, Oakland and Otsego Counties. There are also several projects of statewide interest. Read more
GW: Just think of the taxpayer expense involved. And, more wolves are being introduced in Arizona.
PHOENIX — Personnel from the Mexican Wolf Reintroduction Project’s Interagency Field Team (IFT) yesterday captured and removed a male wolf, designated AM795, from the Paradise Pack in eastern Arizona to fulfill the non-lethal removal order that was issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) in September. Read more
A recent survey of American hunters by the Responsive Management organization asked the question “what’s the single most important reason you hunt?”. More than 35% of the responses indicated that they primarily hunted for the meat. While the responses might not seem unusual, only 22% responded that way in 2006. Trophy hunting came in dead last at 1%.
There’s a major misconception about the purpose of trophy hunting. B&C supports the taking of trophies as a matter of big game management and scientific record. B&C has long supported selective hunting for mature animals that have already genetically contributed to overall herd health. Selective hunting also supports conservation and game management efforts when a balanced age structure within a given big game population is an objective of State wildlife managers.
Our record books are a standing testament as to the success of the North American Model for Wildlife Conservation, which was the result of the Boone and Crockett Club’s early efforts to establish conservation on this continent.
In a scientific study it has been learned that opportunistic coyotes will kill moose. Live coyotes were captured and fitted with GPS collars making it easy to locate kills. The study indicates moose kills by coyotes relatively rare but the young and old alike are prime candidates to be coyote meals.
October 23, 2013
As reported in April by USSA, the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) announced that they have officially obtained drones to stalk hunters in the field.
“PETA Air Angel’s” as they are referring to them, were reported today by PETA to have been taken on a test flight in Massachusetts and “went off without a hitch.” Read more
Posted on October 23, 2013
The popular TV series, Duck Dynasty, has captured the attention of the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), with the animal rights group criticizing the show for promoting hunting. Photo credit www.foxnews.com
Duck Dynasty, a popular show on A&E, follows the lives of the Robertson family, owners of the Duck Commander duck call brand. Family members are seen sporting camouflage, building duck blinds, and often times follows the family into the field while hunting.
PETA’s Vice President Dan Mathews is speaking out against the show, claiming that hunting encourages would-be criminals. Read more
As a result of delays caused by the lapse in federal appropriations, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Thursday announced rescheduled dates for the remainder of a series of public hearings on two proposed rules-one to list the Mexican wolf as an endangered subspecies and delist the gray wolf elsewhere, and the other to improve recovery efforts for the Mexican wolf in the Southwest. Comment period deadlines also are extended until December 17 to allow these hearings to take place within the public comment periods on the proposed rules. Read more
Too bad the elk didn’t get it and had to be neutralized. But, at least the meat will get used, unlike what would may have happened had the crazed creature been allowed to continue with his bad habit.
ARMUCHEE, Ga. – Recent reports of squirrels, large numbers of squirrels, on the move has created quite a bit of interest, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division. “Our offices have been taking reports and noting unusually high numbers of road-killed squirrels for weeks, especially in the mountains. We also have received several reports of squirrels seen swimming in Lake Blue Ridge in Fannin County, with one particular angler reporting 10 or more in a day,” said wildlife biologist Adam Hammond. “What we are observing this year seems to be above and beyond the typical ‘fall shuffle’ that occurs each autumn when squirrels, especially young males searching for their own territory, are on the move.” Read more