Outdoor commentary and legislative issues.
When predators are taking food from the mouths of Alaskans, officials step up. A total of 89 black bears and grizzlies were killed to provide 2 tons of meat to residents, while attempting to give young moose a chance to grow up. It’s called wildlife management and it benefits humans. Details here…
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today advised the public that an organization will hold informational meetings regarding deer antler point restriction (APR) proposals at a number of locations in June 2013. Individuals are invited to attend a local event to learn more about the APR process and the specific proposals currently under consideration. Read more
The California Assembly recently passed a ban on traditional ammunition containing lead that may result in a complete ban on all hunting ammunition.
Assembly Bill 711, which would outlaw the use of lead for hunting in California, passed the State Assembly on May 22nd by a vote of 44-21. In a twist that presents a threat to all hunting, passage of AB 771 by the California Senate could stop all hunting with rifles as the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) may consider alternative rifle ammunition as “cop killer bullets” triggering a ban on those, as well. Read more
Washington, DC – June 7, 2013, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) formally announced its proposal to remove the gray wolf from the endangered species list throughout the lower 48 states (with the exception of the Mexican wolf population). The FWS’s monumental decision recognizes the gray wolf’s recovery resulting from state wildlife management and the participation of the hunting community. This achievement in conservation demonstrates the impact of successful science based efforts across the country. Read more
A National Park Service employee who was inspecting wildlife guzzlers found four desert bighorn dead on Old Dad Mountain, 15 miles southeast of Baker, California, during the week of May 20. The employee also observed other sick animals that appeared to be weak and unsteady with labored breathing. Laboratory analysis of blood and tissue samples taken from one animal indicated that it had pneumonia. Read more
Minneapolis, MN – The country’s fastest-growing laser sight brand is proud to introduce a breakthrough that makes weapon-mounted lights radically more effective. Read more
GW: Whodathunk?
JACKSON – Over the past several hunting seasons, Mississippi deer hunters have harvested some of the largest white-tailed deer on record. Mississippi is beginning to be acknowledged as one of the top white-tailed deer states in the nation. This was recently highlighted in the June/July issue of Outdoor Life magazine. Outdoor Life ranked Mississippi seventh in the nation for producing large bucks.
This ranking was based on four criteria for each state: number of bucks qualifying for the Boone and Crockett records program, hunter density, cost of guided hunts, and hunter friendliness in terms of laws and regulations. The top ten states were ranked as follows: Read more
Hunters, anglers and trappers are the original conservationists. We fund Michigan’s conservation efforts through license fees and excise taxes on sporting equipment. Governor Snyder’s proposed license package would simplify the license system and raise over $18 million per year for the habitat and enforcement work that supports our outdoor activities.
As part of the Governor’s license package, the DNR released a list of outcomes from increasing hunting and fishing license revenue, with the bulk going toward additional fish and wildlife habitat work, fish stocking, and more conservation officers. They’re asking for a strategic investment in our state’s fish and wildlife by hunters,anglers and trappers and they’re being open and transparent with how they’ll invest it.
We have an opportunity to maintain, improve and provide more great opportunities to hunt, fish and trap. The bill containing the license structure changes passed the House of Representatives yesterday by an overwhelming bipartisan 77-32 vote. The bill now goes to the Senate. Read more
Lansing – The search for the State of Michigan Christmas tree is under way. The state is now taking nominations for the 2013 Christmas tree that will ultimately sit on the front lawn of the Capitol this November. The Department of Technology, Management and Budget (DTMB) announced today they are now searching for a 65-foot spruce or fir. Read more
By Chris Hoving, adaptation specialist, DNR Wildlife Division
Michigan is perhaps the best state in the country to see flying squirrels, with more forest open to public recreation than any other state east of the Mississippi River. In fact, Michigan has the largest system of state forests in the country. Forests are the place to find flying squirrels, and the forest needs to be mature enough to have at least a few snags, or dead standing trees. Many different animals benefit from snags, including flying squirrels. Flying squirrels are not particular about what kind of forest they live in, although they prefer trees with nuts, such as beech, oak and hickory. Read more