Category: Wildlife

Goldfinch

Introducing All-New 2023 QuietKat Models

EAGLE, Colo. — QuietKat Electric Bikes, the leader in off-road eBikes and a Vista Outdoor Inc. (NYSE: VSTO) brand, is proud to announce all-new 2023 models that are built to be the most capable all-terrain electric bikes on the planet. If you love the outdoors as much as we do, you will appreciate our highly capable ebikes for their all-season power, ability to tackle rugged terrain, while hauling your gear silently and scent free and your trophy out efficiently. QuietKat is the original all-terrain, electric hunting bike with over ten years of experience focused on superior craftsmanship and quality to take you places other vehicles cannot access, because we feel where the road ends, the hunt begins. And with the most recent price reduction across the entire line, the new 2023 models are even easier to obtain.

The new collection is made up of four key models, starting at the pinnacle with the APEX PRO. We took our top-of-the-line APEX and gave it all the upgrades to elevate it to the pro level. Upgraded the front suspension fork to provide superior control, comfort, and performance. We then added a 16ah integrated battery for more power and an estimated range up to 48 miles with pedaling assistance and 24 miles throttle unassisted, plus the same burly 4 piston hydraulic brakes for superior control and stopping power. The mid-drive 1000-Watt motor and 9-speed SRAM gearing provides the ultimate power and utility at your fingertips to handle the most rugged and demanding trails. This is our top-of-the-line hunting bike for a reason; it’s superior strength, performance, and capabilities. Read more

General, Wildlife

SK Customs Raises More Than $20,000 at the NWTF Convention

HAYMARKET, VA –– SK Guns®, the Nation’s only limited-edition, series-driven production manufacturer, is honored to announce its contribution of more than $20,000 in support of the National Wild Turkey Federation’s conservation research mission.

On Feb. 18, 2023, at the NWTF’s Annual Convention and Sport Show in Nashville, SK Customs donated two sets of custom designed and engraved firearms, including a Henry® Golden Boy Silver in .22LR and a new model Smith & Wesson® 1911 chambered in 45ACP to help raise funds for conservation in celebration of the NWTF’s 50th Anniversary.

“At SK Customs, we find it vital to support the outdoor community and devote resources and funding to organizations such as the NWTF,” said Simon Khiabani, owner and founder of SK Guns. “Thanks to the convention’s Grand National Live Auction, we were able to help raise more than $20,000 to fund research and conservation efforts and enhance development opportunities in the overall firearm and outdoor industry through our SK Gives Back initiative.” Read more

Firearms, Wildlife

Tips for dealing with tree damage from winter storms and ice

Many homeowners in southern Michigan will be looking at ice-covered trees and broken branches this week. Wind and ice have swept through lower parts of the state with the potential for significant tree damage.

Taking proactive steps after a storm has damaged trees can make the difference between losing them or giving them a good chance of survival.

Keep it safe.

“Your life is more important than your trees or your property,” said Kevin Sayers, who leads the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ Urban and Community Forestry program. “Be aware of downed power lines or trees touching power lines and stay at least 25 feet away. Immediately report any downed lines to your local utility company. Never attempt to prune or remove trees near power lines.”

When trees are coated in ice, safety is the top priority. If you choose to work on your trees, always use proper tools. Don’t overestimate your abilities or use equipment inappropriately. Read more

Wildlife

Vermont: Moose Hunt Proposed to Improve Moose Health

MONTPELIER, Vt. — The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department has proposed issuing 180 moose hunting permits in Vermont’s Wildlife Management Unit (WMU) E in the northeastern corner of the state in a continued effort to reduce the impact of winter ticks on moose in that area. No permits are recommended for the rest of the state.

The proposal was given initial approval by the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Board at its February 15 meeting and is now available for public comment.

The goal of the department’s 2023 moose harvest recommendation is to improve the health of moose in WMU-E by reducing the number of moose and thereby reducing the abundance and impact of winter ticks.

“Moose are abundant in WMU E with significantly higher population density than in any other part of the state,” said Nick Fortin, Vermont Fish and Wildlife’s moose project leader. “Winter ticks only thrive on moose, and higher moose densities support high numbers of winter ticks which negatively impact moose health and survival.” Read more

Hunting, Wildlife

Utah DWR reminds pet owners it’s illegal to allow dogs to chase, harass big game animals

SALT LAKE CITY — Due to the deep snowfall this winter, deer, elk and other big game animals have migrated into lower-elevation areas looking for food sources. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources wants to remind dog owners to keep their pets under control after several recent instances where deer and other big game were chased by dogs, and an elk was injured.

Utah’s wildlife often struggles to find food during the winter, and some animals — like deer and elk — rely heavily on the body fat reserves they built up during the previous summer. Mid-winter and early spring are especially vulnerable times for these animals. Data from recent DWR monitoring efforts show that the extreme cold and increased snowpack across the state this winter are starting to impact mule deer fawn survival rates, and may negatively impact the ability of the adult deer to survive the winter.

With so many big game animals migrating into valleys this winter, there have been increased conflicts in both rural and urban areas. Dogs that are off leash — or not contained within a yard — may act on their instincts to chase deer and other big game animals they see. However, that is harmful for big game animals because by the end of winter, they are usually surviving on fat reserves. Read more

Wildlife

Learn more about Michigan DNR public land review in 11 Michigan counties at virtual meetings March 1 and 2

Residents invited to offer feedback on proposed actions by March 3

Cheboygan, Crawford, Eaton, Ingham, Jackson, Kalkaska, Missaukee, Muskegon, Osceola, Otsego and Ottawa – if you spend time hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, birding or otherwise enjoying the outdoors on public lands in any of these counties, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources wants your attention.

The DNR has completed review of this seventh group of counties as part of the department’s multiyear state land review process and is determining which parcels best meet its goal of delivering broad public access to quality outdoor recreation opportunities, while also protecting natural and cultural resources on those lands.

The public is invited to participate in virtual meetings March 1 and 2 to share their input on the outcomes of that review. Read more

Wildlife

Michigan: apply for spring and summer positions

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If you or someone you know is seeking valuable experience working in wildlife conservation – or just an interesting job that gets you outdoors – apply now for one of 100 spring and summer positions with the DNR Wildlife Division.

The division regularly hires staff to work at DNR field offices, customer service centers and state game areas. Seasonal staff helps in several areas, such as:

  • Assisting with wildlife habitat maintenance and improvement, which may include farming, planting trees, cutting forest clearings and using water control structures to adjust water levels in wetland areas.
  • Mowing, landscaping and other facility maintenance duties.
  • Helping with wildlife surveys, wildlife sample collection, crop damage inspections, nuisance animal control, and equipment operation and maintenance.

“These positions are perfect for college students, entry-level wildlife professionals, those looking to re-enter the workforce, and seniors or retirees who want to be involved in the outdoors,” said Jennifer Schafer, human resources liaison with the Wildlife Division.

Sound like you? Apply for seasonal wildlife job openings by Feb. 26. Read more

Wildlife

Upland Hunting Deepens Connection to Conservation

By Tera Baird

A covey of bobwhite quail taking to the wing is an unforgettable sight. The sound, startling and chaotic. Add a German Shorthaired Pointer named Rhett locked up like a stone staring nervously into hummocks of switch grass, followed by the dull report of a Baretta O/U .20 gauge on my shoulder, and it all makes for a treasured experience. And a pivot point in one’s trajectory.

I am a wildlife biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in the Southeast. I have spent most of my career as a non-game biologist, and I was raised in a family that doesn’t hunt. So I’ve always felt a bit outside the realm of the hunting world. That changed when I had the opportunity develop further as a professional and participate in Conservation Leaders for Tomorrow (CLfT) at Charlie Elliot Wildlife Center in Mansfield, Georgia. The center is named after the renowned outdoor writer and the first director of Georgia Department of Natural Resources.

The workshop, sponsored by the Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation, is an intensive five-day hunting awareness and conservation education program designed for natural resource professionals who didn’t come into the profession through the portal of hunting. The workshop aims to give natural resource professionals a hunting immersion and encourages participants to explore and discuss the past and future roles of hunting in wildlife management. The goal isn’t to create new hunters but to foster a connection to a constituency we serve and provide that context for future natural resource leaders. Read more

Hunting, Wildlife

21 communities to share $14.2 million in Michigan Spark Grants

The DNR received more than 460 applications for the dedicated American Rescue Plan Act funding

Nearly three years after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, almost two dozen of the hardest-hit Michigan communities are benefiting from $14,178,900 in Michigan Spark Grants funding – a big boost toward creating, renovating or redeveloping public recreation opportunities for residents and visitors.

“Every Michigander in every community deserves access to the great outdoors to connect with nature, exercise, and spend time with friends and family,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “These Spark Grants will fund a variety of public recreation projects across our state, including accessible trails at a Flint park, a rebuilt splash pad in Muskegon, and new bike racks, picnic tables and benches at a park in Sault Ste. Marie.

“Under the bipartisan Building Michigan Together Plan that I signed last year, we made the largest one-time investment ever in our state and local parks,” Whitmer said. “Now, we’re delivering those resources to move dirt and make a real difference in people’s lives while supporting good-paying jobs along the way.”

Open grant awards list 

Michigan Spark Grants, administered by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, offer the DNR a chance to reach people in communities whose economic opportunities and public health were most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. This reimagined approach activates historic support for projects that provide safe, accessible public recreation facilities and spaces to improve people’s health, introduce new recreation experiences, build on existing park infrastructure and make it easier for people to enjoy the outdoors.

Two key ways these grants differ from the department’s existing recreation grant programs are that applicants can seek up to $1 million for a single project and there is no 25% match requirement.

In total, the DNR considered 462 applications requesting more than $280 million – figures that far eclipsed what the department is used to. In comparison, the DNR’s top three recreation grant programs – the Land and Water Conservation Fund, the Recreation Passport and the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund – usually field a collective ask of around 150 applications seeking between $50 million and $60 million annually.

“The response was more than we could have imagined,” said acting DNR Director Shannon Lott. “Clearly, the Michigan Spark Grants opportunity and outreach have tapped into a critical need in many areas of the state, and we are proud to deliver support that will help create and restore the quality public recreation resources that we know can improve public health, anchor communities and strengthen a sense of place.”

Some of the funded projects in this round include:

  • $1 million to rehabilitate the St. John Street Neighborhood Memorial Park along the Flint River, in Genesee County, through improved and accessible trails, parking and a kayak/canoe launch, plus a new playground.
  • $716,600 to revitalize Alford Park in Sault Ste. Marie, in Chippewa County, with the addition of accessible pedestrian paths and amenities such as bike racks, picnic tables and benches.
  • $475,000 for replacement of the aging boardwalk at the Covert Park Beach and Campground, located along the Lake Michigan shore in Van Buren County.
  • $393,000 to renovate the Marlette Community Park, in Sanilac County, with an accessible walking trail and playground equipment and updated pavilions.
  • $250,000 to rebuild the city of Muskegon’s existing community splash pad, in Muskegon County. Read more
Wildlife

Rare Michigan Ecosystem Restoration Underway

Hunter-driven grant provides critical funding for pine-barren restoration in NWTF’s Huron-Manistee Focal Landscape.

Pine barrens and pine-oak barrens occur throughout the East and Midwest and are what they sound like, landscapes filled with pine and oak species that are barren for agricultural production. They are characterized by their sandy, acidic soils that hardly retain moisture – terrible for growing most food crops but a haven for wildlife, including wild turkeys, and are one of the rarest ecosystems in Michigan’s Great Lakes Regions.

With their low-growing grassy species, interspersed with mature mast-producing species such as oak, barren ecosystems provide a diversity of habitat for wild turkeys, white-tailed deer and even non-game species like Kirtlands’s warbler, a recently delisted endangered species that relies heavily upon pine barren ecosystems. However, the presence of these rare communities on the landscape is not what it used to be.

“Due to increases in human development, suppression of naturally occurring wildfire and fragmentation of the landscape, we have seen a decline in the abundance and quality of these habitats,” said Ryan Boyer, NWTF district biologist for Michigan, Ohio and Indiana. “We are also losing many of the forested wildlife openings once found within Michigan’s northern forests due to changes with succession tied to a lack of disturbance, as well as an influx of invasive species which out-compete native plants.

(NWTF Staff Photo.)

Ultimately, these factors reduce the quality of these habitat types for many wildlife species.”

While these essential landscapes are increasingly rare, the NWTF is currently working to revitalize oak and pine barren ecosystems back to their former glory throughout Michigan, thanks to a generous $277,000 grant from the MDNR via its Wildlife Habitat Grant Program. Read more

Wildlife
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