Outdoor commentary and legislative issues.
Goldfinch
Leftover licenses go on sale March 11
The Department of Natural Resources reminds hunters to check their spring turkey drawing results and the availability of leftover licenses, now online at www.michigan.gov/
Anti-trapping bills have been introduced in Connecticut, New Mexico, and Oregon. Sportsmen in these states need to contact their legislators and ask them to oppose the bills. Details are below. Read more
Massachusetts State Senator Mark Montigny (D-New Bedford) recently introduced a bill that would allow private individuals to file lawsuits for the “protection and humane treatment of animals.” This is of great concern for all sportsmen, farmers, and dog owners. Read more
On Tuesday, February 26th the New Mexico House of Representatives shot down House Bill 316, a measure banning “coyote killing contests,” by a 38 to 30 vote. Sponsored by Representative Nathan Cote (D-Las Cruces), it would have prohibited holding or participating in organized competitions with the objective of killing coyotes for prizes or entertainment. Read more
Just when it seems everything in the economy is down, comes this news. Michigan is eligible to get more than $17 million, up from $12.3 million in 2012 and from 2010 when Michigan received a record $16.1 million in proceeds from federal excise taxes. The more gun-grabbers talk, the more wildlife benefits. The irony is here…
As of Feb. 25, hunters and trappers reported killing 219 wolves during the state’s third season and first that allowed trapping, which was 53 more than last year’s total. More here…
Columbus – Dick Cabela, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance (USSA), and Orrin Ingram, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation (USSAF), jointly announced that, after 16 years of distinguished service, Bud Pidgeon, President and CEO, will step down from this leadership position by the end of 2013. Read more
By Glen Wunderlich
Wildlife management strategies in Michigan have produced some rather dubious results over the years and recent results depict an ongoing trend. For example, deer/vehicle collisions are up 6 percent over the past 10 years making Michigan second in the nation at 97,856 in 2011/2012. At an average cost of $3,000 per incident, all Michigan drivers share in the expense through insurance premiums. At the same time, hunters have killed one-percent less antlerless deer over the past three years. We are also in second place in the country for the most antlered bucks taken by hunters, but the figures reflect a whopping 59 percent being adolescents. That percentage places Michigan at the very top (or, bottom, if you will) when it comes to quality hunting opportunities. We continue to kill more juvenile deer than any other state.
Is it any wonder why Michiganders travel to neighboring states to spend their hunting dollars? If ever we are going to turn it around, we must change strategies. The antler point restrictions being proposed in northern Michigan will prove to be a wise decision, but more needs to be done. And, the DNR’s proposed fiscal year 2014 budget displays a bold move toward that end. Read more
Common Redpoll by Missy Mandel, Ontario, 2013 GBBC
From Antarctica to Afghanistan, bird watchers from 103 countries made history in the first global Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC), February 15-18, 2013. In the largest worldwide bird count ever, bird watchers set new records, counting more than 25.5 million birds on 120,000+ checklists in four days-and recording 3,144 species, nearly one-third of the world’s total bird species. The data will continue to flow in until March 1. Read more
By Glen Wunderlich
As a lifelong birder, it’s easy to be misunderstood in the outdoors, while in mixed company. Immediately following a blank stare into surrounding nothingness in the middle of an otherwise sane conversation, it goes like this: “Wait! A red-bellied woodpecker!” Response: “Huh? Where? I don’t see anything.”
While the uninitiated remains confused, I’ll concentrate on a distant bird call, ever vigilant for a glimpse of movement. “See. Over there. Looks like a male. Sorry. What were we talking about?”
Just last week it happened again, but at least this time I was alone. Normally we see migratory birds returning to our area the first part of March, give or take a few weeks. But, this familiar call sounded like a belted kingfisher. No, it couldn’t be. It’s way too early. So, I blew it off, thinking to myself maybe I was hearing things and went about my business. Read more