SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, has been detected for the first time in free-ranging California wildlife.

One hunter-harvested mule deer, a buck from El Dorado County, was confirmed to be infected with SARS-CoV-2. The deer was harvested in 2021 and sampled by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) for chronic wasting disease (CWD) surveillance. It was negative for CWD and did not show any outward signs of illness.

In California, SARS-CoV-2 has been confirmed in pets and zoo animals, but never in free-ranging wildlife. Following reports of SARS-CoV-2 detections in free-ranging white-tailed deer and mule deer in other states and Canadian provinces, CDFW tested archived deer samples for SARS-CoV-2. The samples consisted of lymph nodes collected as part of CDFW’s CWD surveillance efforts. CWD has never been detected in California’s deer or elk populations.

CDFW submitted archived samples from 170 black-tailed and mule deer collected in 2020 and 209 black-tailed and mule deer collected in 2021. Initial testing for SARS-CoV-2 was conducted at the California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory at UC Davis, and confirmatory testing was conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services (APHIS) National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Ames, Iowa. Read more

New X-TERRA PRO offers modern technology in a durable, waterproof, and affordable package

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIb2fxPud1g

Chicago, IL (April 26, 2023) – Its technical rugged good looks aren’t by accident. It’s that kind of detector – durable, full-of-features, and, yes, waterproof… If you’ve been intrigued by the burgeoning outdoor activity of treasure hunting, but haven’t yet stepped in the ring, now’s the time to join the growing crowd.

Minelab, the international leader in metal detection, proudly introduces the X-TERRA PRO. Priced to be a gateway into the sport, the X-TERRA PRO offers more for the money than any metal detector, ever. Read more

WESTFIELD, Massachusetts –– Savage Arms proudly announces “Aldo Leopold | Serve the Land” which debuted exclusively on Carbon TV on April 26, 2023 and is now available on Savage’s website. This complete film breaks down the impact, importance and of course, legacy, of Leopold. Viewers will learn why he was such an influential person in the history of wildlife conservation in North America and also discover a direct tie Savage Arms had to Leopold.

Many people know Leopold as a pioneer in wildlife conservation and are familiar with his life story and major accomplishments. Leopold’s collection of essays “A Sand County Almanac” is iconic in many conservation, environmental and hunting communities. With more than two million copies sold, it is one of the most respected books about the environment ever published and is a driving force behind Leopold being regarded as the most influential mind in conservation in the 20th century.

“Aldo Leopold’s name, story and many of his accomplishments are well-known within the hunting community,” said Megan Harten, Marketing Manager at Savage Arms. “But this film highlights specific stories and paramount events with great detail. Our partners on this project present information and unparalleled knowledge that will allow even the most dedicated followers or studiers of Leopold to learn something new. We’re proud of this film and look forward to hearing how viewers gained new perspective and appreciation for the work of a great man, conservationist and hunter.”

Leopold, like many who truly make a difference in their field, fully dedicated himself to conservation. In 1928 he believed wildlife conservation was so flawed, he quit his high-paying, comfortable job at the Forest Service to pursue, develop and implement his progressive thoughts on the topic. At the time he had five children and the country was about to enter The Great Depression.

Leopold’s urge to step out and make a difference was fueled by the initial reasoning that wildlife conservation was not sufficiently achieved by wildlife protection—it required active management. This meant that having Game Wardens enforce laws was not enough, and that effective wildlife conservation required wildlife managers. Read more

Contact: Kristen Bennett, 248-431-1265

DNR outlines temporary closures due to enhancement projects in state parks this spring and summer

Thanks to $250 million in federal relief COVID-19 funding made possible through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, several of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ planned improvement projects at state parks are getting underway this spring and summer.

The result? Temporary closures will be in place so the DNR can address a long list of critical needs.

Because of this work, visitors will be able to enjoy new and upgraded camping amenities, park roads, electrical and water distribution systems and toilet and shower buildings, as well as visitor center enhancements and historic preservation work – all things that contribute to a better visitor experience.

“Although there may be some dust and some campgrounds and amenities may temporarily close during construction, staff is working hard to minimize the duration of any closures and the inconvenience to our guests,” said Ron Olson, DNR Parks and Recreation chief. “Shovels in the ground are a true testament to the historic investment being made in our state parks and recreation system, and we appreciate visitors’ patience this season.”

Stay up to date on closures

Get the latest information on closures at all DNR facilities at Michigan.gov/DNRClosures. Some of the planned state park closures include: Read more

Head into the outdoors without worrying about pesky insects with Zone Protects Realtree Invisible Insect Repellent.

This two-pack features the Zone REALTREE Invisible Hunter Insect Repellent and Tightline Insect Repellent.

Both the Invisible Hunter and Tightline Insect Repellent are made from a 20% Picaridin, DEET-free formula. Odor-free and unscented, the formulas are designed for 12 hours of invisible protection from mosquitoes, ticks, flies, chiggers, gnats and no-see-ums.

Non-greasy and non-sticky, both versions comes in a convenient 4-ounce mist spray that will fit in your pocket, backpack, boat bag or tackle box.The repellents will not damage your hunting gear or fishing gear, stain your clothing or leave you feeling sticky or oily. They are safe for adults, children and pregnant/nursing women.

Features:

• 12 Hours + protection and invisibility from mosquitoes, ticks, flies, chiggers, gnats and no-seeums
• 20% Picaridin formula, EPA registered
• Non-oily, non-greasy, non-sticky formula goes on easy and clean
• Safe for adults, children, and pregnant women
• DEET-Free formula. Better chemistry, better results

COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife recently auctioned off $51,542 of ginseng and yellow root that was forfeited from illegal possession cases. That total came from 59.7 pounds of ginseng and 3.1 pounds of yellow root from evidence collected following cleared Ohio court processes.

The money raised in the auction was added to the state’s Wildlife Diversity Fund, which supports projects for species of greatest conservation need such as sandhill cranes, trumpeter swans, and lake sturgeon.

The recent Division of Wildlife auction contained roots that were illegally harvested or possessed and were subsequently forfeited by the court of jurisdiction. During the auction, 23 lots of ginseng and one lot of yellow root were sold to licensed ginseng dealers, averaging a price of $861.52 per pound of ginseng sold and $35.16 per pound of yellow root. Read more

A screenshot of a BirdCast bird migration map resembles a radar screen. This screenshot is dated April 1st at 4:20am EDT.

Spring migration brings a number of high-tech options for birders to use online when planning birding trips and to keep in touch with bird migration across the Lower 48 States. BirdCast provides migration forecasts that show predicted nocturnal migration activities for tonight and the next 2 nights. You can also see real-time BirdCast migration maps that show intensities of nocturnal bird migration as detected by the US weather surveillance radar network between sunset and sunrise each night.

Nocturnal Bird Migration Radar Maps – BirdCast real-time analysis maps show intensities of color-coded radar movements throughout the nighttime hours as detected by the US weather surveillance radar network from sunset to sunrise across the Lower 48 States. The migration movements progress with time, with a red line that moves east to west to show the timing of local sunset, followed by colored flight patterns detected by the radar, and a yellow line moves across the states to show the progression of sunrise.

Bird migration intensity is indicated on the maps with areas showing a range of colors from purple and blue for light migration rates and lighter colors where higher migration rates are detected. Brighter colors indicate a higher migration rate, expressed in units of birds per kilometer per hour. Orange arrows also show the directions birds were flying.

You can now monitor the maps daily, weekly, or whenever you think of it during this spring migration season at Live bird migration maps – BirdCast including access to the library of past migration maps for any date during present and past spring and fall migrations. Read more