Outdoor commentary and legislative issues.
Goldfinch
The Quality Deer Management Association (QDMA) will attend and participate in the annual business conference of the Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA) in Columbia, S.C., March 6-9. Read more
MISSOULA, Mont.-The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation is the recipient of one of the largest endowments ever gifted to a hunter-based, wildlife conservation organization. The $30 million Torstenson Family Endowment will allow RMEF to vastly accelerate the rate at which its carries out its mission to ensure the future of elk, other wildlife, their habitat and our hunting heritage. Read more
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