Category: Wildlife

Goldfinch

America’s First Waterfowl Refuge is Dry

The Klamath Basin is dry! For the first time in history, America’s first National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) established for waterfowl conservation purposes by Theodore Roosevelt is a barren wasteland. Millions of migratory waterfowl, shorebirds and other essential wildlife species will not have anywhere there or at neighboring Tule Lake NWR to rest, refuel and prepare for their migration. This could have a permanent, lasting effect on migrating birds and local wildlife along the Pacific Flyway. Healthy wetlands in the Klamath Basin not only provide refuge for migratory and local species; they also help filter groundwater and recharge aquifers. Dry wetlands could result in people losing access to a vital water source that is necessary for drinking water and for sustaining the local economy.

HISTORY AND IMPACT

Due to reduced water deliveries, waterfowl counts in both 2020 and 2021 at the Klamath refuges were among the lowest ever recorded. In 2020, 60,000 waterfowl and other waterbirds also died from an avian botulism outbreak, which was exacerbated by low water conditions. Other wildlife like bald eagles, a large number of which spend the winter in the Klamath Basin, also suffered from lack of suitable habitat. Read more

Wildlife

Michigan: Backpack the Porkies Intermediate Backpacking Clinic

Trip 1: Sept. 19-21

Trip 2: Sept. 21-23

Registration required by Aug. 29

Join the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Outdoor Skills Academy on a three-day hike for intermediate-level backpackers. This class will build on your existing backpacking knowledge and skill set while you experience the rugged landscape of Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park.

The Porcupine Mountains are a true wilderness, with more unforgiving terrain than most Michiganders are used to handling. Challenge yourself with a hike along the park’s escarpment, past Government Peak and Lake of the Clouds overlook, for a total of 19.6 trail miles through elevation changes rarely experienced in the Midwest.

Instructors will help you hone your gear list, improve your food planning and handling, reinforce the practice of conserving resources, introduce backcountry navigation skills, practice gear management, take a deeper dive into “Leave No Trace” principles and improve your basic wilderness first-aid skills. Read more

Wildlife

Michigan: MDARD, Oakland County responding to invasive spotted lanternfly

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is working with Oakland County to limit the spread of spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula). On August 10, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed a small population of spotted lanternfly in Pontiac in Oakland County. This is the first confirmed case of live spotted lanternfly in Michigan.

Read more

Wildlife

Michigan: Waterfowl Hunters Use Caution With Expected Surge of Avian Flu

With certain duck and goose hunting seasons starting September 1 throughout the state, and others to follow this fall and winter, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources asks all hunters to be observant and careful when harvesting and handling wild birds, due to the presence of the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus.

Although the rate of positive HPAI detections has slowed this summer, a recent uptick in reports of wild bird die-offs, neurologically abnormal wild birds and HPAI detections has prompted the DNR to issue additional guidance. Influenza experts expect a resurgence of this “bird flu” as waterfowl migrations get underway and fall hunting seasons begin.

The H5N1 virus continues to be detected through wild bird surveillance activities and is considered widespread in wild bird populations throughout Michigan, including all watersheds in both the Upper and Lower peninsulas. Dabbling ducks are the most commonly infected waterfowl, but geese, swans, shorebirds and other species also can be infected.

“Avian influenza or ‘bird flu’ is caused by viruses that infect both wild and domestic birds. Highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses can severely affect the health of domestic birds, wild birds and, sometimes, humans and other mammals,” said Megan Moriarty, the state wildlife veterinarian with the DNR.

“As Michigan waterfowl hunters get out in the fields and marshes this season, we want them to know there is a lot they can do both to help prevent the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza and to keep themselves, others and our bird and wildlife populations safe,” she said. Read more

Wildlife

Cameras for Feeding Station Photos

Photographing at your feeding station may allow you to take photos of birds in closer quarters, such as this male Northern Cardinal photographed by Dorian Anderson.
The Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ80 Digital Camera is a great model to start with as you shop for a camera with a built-in zoom lens.
Photographing at your feeding station allows you to take photos of birds as they perch on your feeders or on nearby perches (Ruby-throated Hummingbird photos by Paul Konrad)

To follow up on last week’s introduction to photographing in your yard, and more specifically photographing at your feeding station, we wanted to share some ideas about how you can get a solid start at expanding your backyard birding activities to include a camera in hand and digital photos in your near future. Truly, this can be the most advanced and most rewarding aspect of backyard birding, so we are hoping folks without current bird photo equipment will consider some fairly easy to use, economy-minded equipment to get started in advance of all the excitement that fall migration brings. Read more

Wildlife

Michigan: Get Paid for Picking Pine Cones

GW:  I love this form of exercise!

Are you a whiz at tree identification and would you like to make some money? Collecting a bushel of red pine cones this September will earn you $100 and help the Michigan Department of Natural Resources plant trees in state forests.

From Sept. 1-30, you can pick red pine cones and drop them off by appointment at several DNR locations in the Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula where red pines are most abundant.

What are foresters looking for in a quality seed pine cone from a red pine? Freshness, proper storage and most of all – the right species. Old cones or the wrong species of cone won’t be accepted.

To be paid for your collected cones, register as a vendor in the DNR’s online system. Read more

Wildlife

Vermont Game Wardens and Biologist Respond to Bear Attack in Strafford

MONTPELIER, Vt. – The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department responded to a bear attack in Strafford on August 20.

Ms. Susan Lee, 61, of Strafford, was treated at Gifford Medical Center for non-life-threatening injuries from the attack. She called 911 while being transported to the hospital by her neighbor. Game Warden Sergeant Jeffrey Whipple and Game Warden Kyle Isherwood responded.

Warden Isherwood interviewed Ms. Lee at the hospital. He advised her of the risk posed by rabies and collected her clothes from the attack as evidence.

Ms. Lee reported that she and her two dogs, a Jack Russell terrier and labradoodle, were walking trails on her Strafford property at the time of the attack. She stated that she had just recalled her dogs which had moved out of sight, when she heard a loud noise and realized a bear was charging her.

Ms. Lee stated that she tripped on a stone wall as the bear charged her. She then felt pain on her upper left leg and realized the bear was on top of her and had bitten her. Ms. Lee stated that her Jack Russel terrier intervened by barking at the bear, which got off her and appeared to focus on the dog. Ms. Lee stated that she got up and retreated down the trail, followed by her terrier and without further sighting of the bear.

Ms. Lee called 911 once she reached her residence and texted her neighbor for transportation to the hospital. She sustained a bite wound on her upper left leg and multiple scratches between two and nine inches long on both her sides. Read more

Wildlife

Annual Breeding Waterfowl Population Survey Returns, Estimates 34.2 Million Ducks

May pond counts are 4% above the long-term average, which should lead to good duck production and a strong fall flight

BISMARCK, NORTH DAKOTA — After being cancelled for the previous two years by concerns over COVID-19, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Canadian Wildlife Service were able to conduct the annual Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey this spring. The results were released today in USFWS 2022 Waterfowl Status Report.

The survey, which is used to set hunting regulations throughout North America, put the total spring breeding population index at 34.2 million ducks, which is 4% below the long-term average and 12% below the 2019 index. Importantly, the May pond count, a key indicator of duck production potential, showed 5.45 million ponds, which is 4% above the long-term average and 9% above the 2019 index.
“Given the widespread dry conditions last year across most of the prairies where ducks breed, it’s not surprising that the breeding population number is lower than it had been throughout most of the 2010s,” said Dr. Chris Nicolai, waterfowl scientist for Delta Waterfowl. “The good news is that much of the prairie — especially the Dakotas, Manitoba, and eastern Saskatchewan — was really wet this spring. Duck production should be good to excellent across the eastern part of the prairie and in the northern areas, too.”
Duck production is typically high the first year following a drought, said Dr. Frank Rohwer, Delta’s president and chief scientist.
“Predators have a hard time in drought years just like ducks do, so ducks tend to get a break the when the water comes back on the prairies,” he said. “Our Predator Management sites and duck nesting surveys are showing very high nest success this year.”
Delving into the survey results, the breeding mallard population was estimated at 7.22 million, which is 9% below the long-term average in the survey, which dates back to 1955. In fact, the breeding mallard population is the lowest since 2005. Still, mallard production should be good this year across much of the prairie.
Blue-winged teal, the second-most abundant duck in the survey at 6.49 million, are 27% above the long-term average and 19% above the 2019 population. Green-winged teal indexed at 2.17 million, a 32% decrease from 2019 but right at the long-term average.
“Teal numbers are the surprise of the survey,” Rohwer said. “It’s the opposite of what we might expect, with bluewings being so high and greenwings being down.”
Among other puddle ducks, gadwalls came in at 2.67 million, down 18% but still 30% above the long-term average. Wigeon declined 25% to 2.13 million, 19% below the long-term average, while shovelers at 3.04 million remain 15% above the long-term average.

Read more

Wildlife

Arizona: Fires, Flooding Limit Hunting Access In Units 7E, 11M

Coconino National Forest says closures to affect all hunts in 2022

FLAGSTAFF — The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) advises hunters that the recent Tunnel and Pipeline fires, and subsequent burn-scar flooding, have resulted in serious safety issues that will impact public access into these areas near Flagstaff.

The Coconino National Forest has closed portions of game management units 7E and 11M to address these issues. These closures will limit hunting access for all hunts in 2022. AZGFD is working closely with the Forest to ensure hunters will have as much access into these units as safely as possible.

The U.S. Forest Service administratively closes lands for various reasons, including safety concerns. These types of closures are not necessarily limited to vehicular travel; they also may include access by foot. All hunters are urged to be safe, follow all restrictions, and plan ahead to determine areas of access for their hunts. Read more

Hunting, Wildlife

Keeping the Hunting Tradition Alive

By Glen Wunderlich

Charter Member Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA)

When one thinks of unintended consequences of the pandemic, thoughts typically turn negative in almost all respects.  Americans and Michiganders included didn’t take well to being homebound under unnatural mandates and, as a result, began to find freedom outdoors.  What better way to social distance than to do it naturally, they surmised.  So, began a startling reversal in the ever-declining participation in hunting and fishing across the nation.

As indoor entertainment options vanished, many young adults joined the hunting ranks by first taking hunter safety classes.  These first-time hunters – including a growing number of females – have bolstered the declining league of seasoned citizens, while doing the same for states’ wildlife funding.

However, the question remains as to whether there will be any staying power with the new recruits now that a sense of normalcy has returned to their lives.  Certainly there will be some that get hooked on the outdoors and will become lifers.  Studies have shown that hunting is a tradition that gets passed onto youngsters by parents in most instances.  Skipping one generation, therefore, tends to stop the connection and I suspect that’s what has been happening.

Could it be different now?  With all the activities apart from the outdoors competing for time, there is one relatively new means of attack:  cancel culture.  These hateful people will attempt to destroy anyone, because they don’t think and act as they do; hunters certainly are not immune to this crowd’s antics.

The good news is that we hunters have partners that will help us defend our rights through education, outreach and advocacy.  One solid group is The National Deer Association (www.DeerAssociation.com).  It is a non-profit deer conservation group that leads efforts to ensure the future of wild deer, wildlife habitat and hunting.

Here in Michigan we have a collective voice, as well, with Michigan United Conservation Clubs (www.MUCC.org).  Michigan United Conservation Clubs is the largest statewide conservation organization in the nation. Founded in 1937, its mission is to unite citizens to conserve, protect and enhance Michigan’s natural resources and outdoor heritage.

The Sportsmen’s Alliance (www.sportsmensalliance.org) individual membership helps to create a powerful and united voice for sportsmen and women fighting the animal rights and anti-hunting movement.

The National Rifle Association (www.nra.org) is America’s oldest civil rights and sportsmen’s group. More than five million members strong, NRA continues to uphold the Second Amendment and remains the nation’s leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the armed services.

Hunting is not the type of activity that is easily picked up.  There are myriad moving parts beyond those with four legs including the environment, habitat, firearms and archery gear, survival techniques – and, yes, those that would stop us because they don’t agree with our efforts toward self-sufficiency.  Without genuine conservation organizations like those mentioned above, our lonely voices would not be heard.

Consider joining a group or gifting a membership in true conservation to a newcomer; doing so will benefit us all and will help to sustain the wildlife we cherish so much.

Hunting, Wildlife
1 … 62 63 64 65 66 … 353