Outdoor commentary and legislative issues.
Goldfinch
Courtesy of the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance (www.ussportsmen.org)
There are groups that undermine and manipulate systems across America to end hunting, trapping and fishing. These same “less-than-honest” groups also often then exploit wildlife and conservation issues in the name of raising dollars for their devious causes. Here are a dozen organizations that have taken efforts in the past year to prevent you from hunting or trapping: Read more
The Department of Natural Resources reminds hunters that spring turkey hunting applications are on sale now through Feb 1. The application fee is $4. Hunters may apply for one limited-quota hunting license, or purchase a license for spring turkey Hunt 234, which does not require the $4 application fee. Applications and licenses may be purchased at any authorized license agent or online at www.michigan.gov/huntdrawings. Read more
This from the Center for Consumer Freedom…
Two developments have recently emerged that could be body-blows to the Humane Society of the United States and its deceptive practices of raising money from pet loving Americans who are deceived into giving to the group.
First, news broke this morning that the ASPCA has agreed to pay Feld Entertainment, owner of the Ringling Bros. Circus, nearly $10 million as part of a settlement in a federal racketeering lawsuit. Feld will continue its litigation against other defendants, including HSUS and two of its attorneys. HSUS could be on the hook for millions upon millions in damages. And for anyone who may have been thinking this lawsuit didn’t have merit, the fact that ASPCA was worried enough to shell out almost $10 million just to make it go away should make them think again. Read more
By Glen Wunderlich
Congratulations are in order for Michigan’s deer hunters in the northwest Lower Peninsula for a vote to strengthen the declining, unbalanced whitetail deer herd. By an overwhelming majority, deer hunters in the 12-county area, which includes Charlevoix, Emmet, Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Lake, Manistee, Missaukee, Mason, Osceola and Wexford counties, have approved antler-point restrictions (APR). Next on the agenda is for the Natural Resources Commission to address the approval of the issue at its spring meeting. Read more
A couple of sneaky hunters are in big trouble if the Mayor of Warren (border city of Detroit) gets his way. It seems as though the “hunters” arrowed a deer in the no-hunting city and scrambled off with it. A witness provided enough information to track the scoundrels to a rented U-Haul vehicle and the evidence was obvious. Details here…
The wolf whackos are at it again. This time they’ve threatened to sue the feds for relocating wolves in the great Southwest. The story is here…
No doubt about it: Michigan faces a long and costly fight to hunt wolves, even though politicians have authorized a season. While the details are developed, opponents clash on the concept here…
A seemingly simple hike by a Coast Guardsman in Alaska evolves into a search by his co-workers turning into a mystery, as no sign of him has been found. Hope is not lost but snow has hampered efforts. More here…
Outdoor enthusiasts seeking a unique winter getaway are reminded that several of Michigan’s State Parks have yurts available for rental year-round.
Yurts are sturdy, round, tent-like structures – the use of which can be traced back through history for an estimated 3,000 years.
Yurt
The year-round yurts found in Michigan’s State Parks have become popular alternative lodging options for winter hikers, cross-country skiers and snowmobilers wishing to explore some of the most remote locations and stunning scenery the state has to offer. Read more
On Friday, sparks flew on Alan Warren Outdoors, a Texas-based radio show. HSUS CEO Wayne Pacelle went on to explain his organization’s position on hunting and fishing. Warren, a hunting advocate, pressed Pacelle hard on what kind of hunting HSUS supports. And then we called in to debate Wayne about his animal rights group’s deceptive practices on the whole.
You’d think a slick politician like Pacelle, especially given the size of his ego, would be happy to try to talk his way around our criticism of his organization. But instead, he spouted off a few insults and then hung up.
Listen to the exchange: http://humanewatch.org/index.php/site/post/hsus_tucks_tail_and_runs Read more