Outdoor commentary and legislative issues.
Goldfinch
In 2010, two Michigan men used trained hunting dogs to help Todd Yoder, an American Indian who was allowed to hunt for bear a month beyond the normal hunting season. Turns out, it wasn’t against the law. The story is here…
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North America’s total spring duck population is the highest ever recorded, according to the annual Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey released Tuesday.
Conducted each May by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Canadian Wildlife Service, the survey puts the duck population at 48.6 million birds. That represents a 7 percent increase from 2011’s record number of 45.6 million. Read more
PHOENIX – A unique, fascinating, low-maintenance and educational pet can be had through the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Tortoise Adoption Program, conducted in partnership with the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum and the Phoenix Herpetological Society.
If you have a yard, but little time for a dog, this well-mannered critter might be just the answer to having a household companion. Read more
The bald eagle population is increasing in Florida, which continues to be one of the top spots in the lower 48 states for bald eagles to nest and raise their young. Read more
(Columbus) – Today, the California Assembly Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committee held a special hearing specifically to revote on Senate Bill 1221, a bill banning the hunting of black bears and bobcats using hounds. The Committee passed the bill by a vote of 8-4, with one abstention. Read more
GW: No foolin’, these things work!
Bedford, MA – Experts predicted a record number of mosquitoes this summer and consumers want DEET-free repellent options such as ThermaCELL lanterns and appliances so they do not have to worry about topical chemicals. ThermaCELL, the most effective area repellent available, has been approved by the EPA and found to be highly effective in tests conducted by the U.S. Department of Defense. Read more
In a May 19th written statement from the Sierra Club’s Board of Directors, the group has officially gone on record as opposing nearly any and all forms of trapping—period.
The official statement concealed on the group’s website notes that:
“The Sierra Club considers body-gripping, restraining and killing traps and snares to be ecologically indiscriminate and unnecessarily inhumane and therefore opposes their use.” Read more
Most outdoor enthusiasts in the state are familiar with the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund and the role it plays in making outdoor recreation opportunities more plentiful and accessible for everyone.
The Trust Fund (which is funded from the interest earned on a $500 million investment derived from royalties from oil and gas development on state-managed land) is used to buy property and develop projects that have recreational or natural resources value to Michigan citizens. Read more
Near-drought conditions in some areas spark concerns…
As residents and out-of-state visitors prepare to camp, bike and hike throughout Michigan over the Fourth of July holiday season, Department of Natural Resources officials warn that wildfire danger will vary greatly in different areas of the state and urge caution and common sense, accordingly, with fireworks and campfires. Read more
BOGART, Ga. — The Quality Deer Management Association (QDMA) Individual Certification Program, known as “Deer Steward,” wrapped up another successful year of in-person courses this past weekend in Kentucky. The first level of the course is also offered online and remains open year round. Read more