ThinkingAfield.org

By Glen Wunderlich
Outdoor Columnist
Member Professional Outdoor Media Association

With the Supreme Court’s historic decision this past Monday, gun owners will have the law on their side when confronting onerous city and state gun regulations, such as has been the case in Chicago. With a claim that firearms violence was of such great proportion in its city, Chicago’s lawyers argued that the handgun ban struck down two years ago in Washington’s District of Columbia shouldn’t extend to the states. What these policy activists fail to acknowledge is that the very laws preventing firearms for self defense in the home may be the primary cause of their own excessive murder rates. Mounting evidence continues to show that where gun bans exist, crime soars – and, the evidence is overwhelming.

For example, in England, where handguns were outlawed in 1997, deaths and injuries from gun crime increased 340 percent from years 1998 to 2005. And, when in 1983, Chicago banned virtually all handguns, it began to reverse a trend which showed murder rates falling from 39 to 22 per 100,000 in the 8 years before the ban. After the ban, when the rest of the country experienced a 31 percent decrease in its murder rate, Chicago’s murder rate fell below what it was before the ban in only one of 17 years!

In the District of Columbia’s Metropolitan Police Department’s crime data, an interesting and predictable decline in homicide rates (different than murder rates, because it includes all killings – justified and otherwise) is reflected. Through year 2008 (during the gun ban), the lowest homicide count was 169 in year 2006. In years 2007 and 2008 the count was 181 and 186, respectively. In the very first year after residents were allowed handguns in their homes, the homicide rate in year 2009 dropped to its lowest to level in the past 20 years (and, probably well beyond that) to only 143. This year, through the first six months, only 59 homicides have been recorded, making for an annual projection of approximately 120 homicides.

But, empirical evidence such as this never stops the likes of people in the gun ban crowd like Kristen Rand, legislative director of the Violence Policy Center, which supports the strictest of gun control laws. “People will die because of this decision. It is a victory only for the gun lobby and America’s fading gun industry”, she remarked. First of all, the gun lobby gets its clout from its millions of members – American members. And, if the gun industry is fading, as she claims, well then, I guess the firearms manufacturers haven’t gotten the memo yet, because they are all posting record profits.

Back-door efforts by governmental authorities will continue to be pushed, as will the meaning of weasel words such as “reasonable”, as in gun laws. The cost of guns, ammo, and gun-related taxes will continue to escalate as a means to control them by left-leaning politicians in spite of documented records.

The argument is no longer about facts and evidence; its about political activism and the original intent of the Constitution. And, that’s what was so telling about this opinion – another 5 to 4 decision with originalists on one side and those working for “fundamental change” on the other – including Obama’s newest pick, Sonia Sotomayor. There’s only one way to insure that the scale of “justice” is not tipped any more to the left and that’s to vote for a president that honors the Constitution, rather than for one who despises its limiting powers to government. I pray that it’s not too late.

From The Journal of Wildlife Management

Deer populations are declining in the southeastern United States, and coyotes may be contributing to this decline. Although cause-and-effect studies have not been conducted, the expansion of the coyote’s range and its increasing numbers have coincided with the decline in deer. Wildlife management policies, such as limiting hunting of deer or manipulating habitat to ensure greater fawn survival, may therefore need to be adjusted.

A commentary in the June issue of The Journal of Wildlife Management discusses the changing numbers of deer and coyotes in the southeastern United States and the lack of studies examining the issue. Hunting “harvest” was the primary source of mortality in the deer population into the mid-1990s, but a new source of mortality among deer is evidenced by the declining population.

Between 1997 and 2006, the deer population in the state of South Carolina decreased by 36%. Some restrictions on hunting, such as targeting male animals only, were imposed starting in the year 2000. While hunting harvest numbers have declined, the overall population has continued to decline as well. Large-scale habitat changes, including the establishment of pine plantations, also may have affected deer populations. But it is the growth of the coyote population that mirrors the decline of deer.

Historically, coyotes were restricted to western North America, but during the last 20 to 30 years their range and numbers have expanded. They now live throughout North and Central America and along the East Coast from New Brunswick, Canada, to the US state of Florida. The Savannah River Site (SRS) in South Carolina is one of the few areas where deer and coyote populations have been documented in recent years.

In the past decade, annual model estimates of the deer population and harvest have veered off-course. “Spotlight” surveys in the field show declining numbers rather than the continued growth that was expected. No decrease in deer reproduction has been found at SRS that might explain the lower numbers. Nor have increases been indicated in disease-related mortality or deer-vehicle collisions.

The coyote, however, is a known predator of deer, particularly neonatal fawns. Research is needed to determine the scale of the impact of coyotes on deer populations. While it may be a welcome method of deer population control in addition to hunting, the level of coyote predation needs to be understood.

Full text of the article, “Can Coyotes Affect Deer Populations in Southeastern North America?” The Journal of Wildlife Management, Volume 74, Issue 5, 2010, is available at http://www2.allenpress.com/pdf/wild-74-05-929-933.pdf

About The Journal of Wildlife Management
The Journal of Wildlife Management, published since 1937, is one of the world’s leading scientific journals covering wildlife science, management, and conservation. It is published eight times per year by The Wildlife Society. To learn more about the society, please visit: http://joomla.wildlife.org/.

LANSING, MICH — It was the news we all suspected was coming but dreaded to hear – a live Asian carp has been found past the barrier of the Chicago canals. Federal and state officials in Illinois confirmed yesterday that a live bighead carp was discovered by commercial fisherman in Lake Calumet, just six miles from Lake Michigan – this is the same area where a poisoning operation had been conducted recently that turned up no carp.

“Today was supposed to be a day of semi-celebration. Gabe VanWormer and I had just finished posting the first video on MichiganOutofDoors.com showing we were able to catch 30 different species of fish in 30 hours here in Michigan,” said Tony Hansen, Deputy Director of Michigan United Conservation Clubs. “We did that to showcase what Michigan has to offer and to raise awareness about the disaster waiting to happen if carp get past those barriers. The elation of a goal met and a project completed was dashed with the news that the carp have cleared the barrier.”

Perhaps more troubling than the fact that there is now concrete evidence that the U.S. Army Corp of Engineer’s electrical barriers are incapable of preventing the spread of carp and other invasive species is the response from the Federal Government and Corp of Engineers who, according to numerous media reports, have stated that they have no intentions of closing the locks because of this discovery.

“That’s ludicrous. DNA was discovered months ago and they did nothing. Now we have living proof that their barriers do not – and will not – work. And yet they continue to do nothing. That’s absolutely astonishing – what are they waiting for? The carp are past the barrier and will continue to establish populations past the barrier,” said Hansen. “The federal government must close off Lake Michigan from the Chicago River and canal system. And they need to do it immediately.”

Earlier this month MUCC and MichiganOutofDoors.com conducted a 30-hour Fish-A-Thon to raise awareness about the Asian carp issue. The event generated outstanding public support and media coverage as Tony Hansen and video producer Gabe Van Wormer attempted to catch 30 different species of fish in Michigan. The event was a success and the pair actually surpassed the 30-species goal.

Just yesterday, MUCC and MichiganOutofDoors.com also launched its 2010 gubernatorial candidate video forum, where each major party candidate for Michigan’s next governor answered an identical series of six questions, one dealing with invasive species. While there has been a significant amount of bi-partisan support from Michigan’s political leaders on the Asian carp issue, MUCC asked the question of each candidate so the voters of Michigan may get an idea of how our next governor will work to battle invasive species like the Asian carp.

MUCC, the nation’s largest state-specific conservation organization, has worked to stop the spread of invasive species in Michigan for many years. It will continue to coordinate efforts through its membership urging Federal leaders to create a hydrological separation between the Great Lakes Mississippi River system.

Contact:
Tony Hansen – (269) 420-9510
Dave Nyberg – (517) 346-6462

By Glen Wunderlich
Outdoor Columnist
Member Professional Outdoor Media Association

Michigan’s Natural Resources Commission (NRC) is considering several proposals aimed at expanding the use of crossbows – and, for good reason: The use of crossbows has generated much-welcomed revenue in our pitifully crippled economic straits. And, when it’s all said and done, it will come down to the almighty dollar.

Two proposals would allow hunters 10 years of age and older to use crossbows during any hunting season, whereas the current regulations require hunters to be at least 12 years old. In the Upper Peninsula, one proposal would retain the current rule, which permits only those age 50 and older to use crossbows. In any case, it appears that the minimum 10-year age requirement for crossbows will become effective for the entire Lower Peninsula.

Last year, archery participation was up and so were archery deer kills. And, considering the increased cost of tags last year, this is no small accomplishment. The State of Michigan gets a well-needed boost in income from license sales, retailers funnel more money to the state coffers through sales taxes, and the fees generated from the Pittman-Robertson act provide an infusion of cash for wildlife management.

It all sounds so good, who would complain? Archers of the vertical variety, that’s who. Well, it’s time to give it up, boys. Just listen to the money talk.

Decades ago, I’m sure there was a contingent of more traditional archers scoffing at the notion of compound bows for hunting, which a vast majority of today’s bow hunters now use. It’s called progress and there will be no looking back, just as it has been for them. Hey, if you prefer stick bows or sling shots, have at it; they’re legal, too.

We’ve made it easier for youngsters to get outdoors and to enjoy the hunting experience by lowering age barriers. And, if it were up to me, there would be no age requirements. Parents would decide when their children were old enough to become a game getter. And, as far-fetched as it may sound, some states do just that.

The proposals on the NRC’s table are simply means to recruit new hunters, and thus, retain them. It’s what we were asking for and it’s what we have received, when declining numbers made all hunters an endangered species. It is not a time to squabble among each other; it’s a time to unite and celebrate.

Adding more individuals to the outdoor ranks gives all hunters a louder voice. Sure, it’s that money talking again, but to me it’s more than that. It’s a chance to introduce youngsters to a world of reality far from the video monitor. But, once a youngster begins to mature without being exposed to nature, chances are they will never become an outdoors person. That’s reality!

While PETA and The United States Humane Society would applaud such an outcome, I am intimately familiar with one outdoor writer who is grateful for being introduced to the outdoor world of hunting and fishing. And, I also have it on good word that that same outdoor writer has already ordered his crossbow for the coming season.

Crossbows are just another tool that promotes humane hunting by young and old. Even more traditional archers acknowledge that accuracy can be achieved in a short amount of time. And, if I never kill another deer with an arrow wound from some William Tell wannabe, it will be too soon.

Bring on the crossbows and bring on more hunters! I love it!

June 21, 2010
The Department of Natural Resources and Environment today announced it has reviewed a Menominee County trail camera picture of an animal thought to be a cougar. Although the image is blurred, the photo is consistent with a cougar.

On June 11, DNRE Wildlife Technician Bill Rollo received a call reporting a trail camera picture that appeared to show a cougar. The photo was taken on May 26 near Wallace in the Upper Peninsula.

Rollo immediately went to the area to conduct a field investigation and verify the photograph location. The information Rollo collected was shared with the DNRE’s trained cougar team, and the consensus was reached that the photo and supporting documentation indicated the animal was a cougar. The image is blurry, especially around the head, but other characteristics of the animal are consistent with a cougar.

“This is the first confirmed cougar picture in Menominee County. We appreciate the cooperation of the caller who shared the photograph and contacted the DNRE,” said DNRE wildlife biologist Kristie Sitar, who is a member of the DNRE’s cougar team. “Other landowners who believe they have evidence of a cougar on their property, such as tracks or a kill site, are encouraged to contact their local DNRE field office as soon as possible, which allows staff to investigate before the evidence is compromised. Without good evidence, such as verifiable photographs or tracks, confirmation becomes increasingly difficult.”

Cougars, also known as mountain lions, originally were native to Michigan but were thought to have been extirpated around the turn of the last century. The last known wild cougar taken in Michigan was killed near Newberry in 1906. The Menominee County photograph represents the latest in a series of track and photo verifications of cougars in the Upper Peninsula. Since March 2008, five sets of tracks and two trail camera pictures have been verified in Delta, Chippewa, Marquette, Schoolcraft and now Menominee counties. The origin of the animal or animals is unknown. There have been no confirmations of breeding activity of cougars in Michigan in recent years.

Established cougar populations are found as close to Michigan as North and South Dakota, and transient cougars dispersing from these areas have been known to travel hundreds of miles in search of new territory. Characteristic evidence of cougars include tracks, which are about three inches long by three and a half inches wide and typically show no claw marks, or suspicious kill sites, such as deer carcasses that are largely intact and have been buried with sticks and debris.

Reports of cougar tracks and other evidence should be made to a local DNRE office or by calling the department’s 24-hour Report All Poaching line at 800-292-7800. If a citizen comes into contact with a cougar, the following behavior is recommended:

– Stop, stand tall, pick up small children and do not run. A cougar’s instinct is to chase.

– Do not approach the animal.

– Try to appear larger than the cougar. Never take your eyes off the animal or turn your back. Do not crouch down or try to hide.

– If the animal displays aggressive behavior, shout, wave your arms and throw rocks. The idea is to convince the cougar that you are not prey, but a potential danger.

– If a cougar attacks, fight back aggressively and try to stay on your feet. Do not play dead. Cougars have been driven away by people who have fought back.

Cougars are classified as an endangered species in Michigan. It is unlawful to kill, harass or otherwise harm a cougar except in the immediate defense of human life. For more information about the recent cougar photo, call Kristie Sitar at 906-293-5131 or Adam Bump at 517-373-9336. To learn more about cougars and how to identify their tracks, go online to www.michigan.gov/dnrcougars.

By Glen Wunderlich
Outdoor Columnist
Member Professional Outdoor Media Association

Dear President Obama:

I am hoping you can help with a problem I am having with Emerald Ash Borers. I am not sure who to blame but I have learned that these killer bugs came from Asia and arrived in the Detroit area about 8 years ago. I only want to know who to blame for this terrible scourge on my towering ash trees. Somebody must pay! I realize you may not know how to fix the oil leak, which is destroying the Gulf Coast shorelines, but you sure know how to fix blame and hold people responsible. Can you do the same for me?…Your new best friend, Glen.

I’m sure not going to hold my breath waiting for some Obama bucks from his stash on this one, although Illinois Senator Durbin is seeking federal aid through some proposal. It’s time to salvage what we can from the millions of dying ash trees throughout the State of Michigan and I’m ready to do my part.

While I’m waiting, I better take that treestand down, which sits over 25 feet from the ground in a dying ash tree. I’m not sure how long these sick trees will stand but the handwriting is on the wall. I’m not going to push my luck anymore and will relocate to a pest-free tree.

Everyone knows that the majority of wood baseball bats used in professional baseball today are made from northern white ash. Hey, I’m willing to deal, so come and get it! I have an old ShopSmith, which easily converts to a wood lathe, that I’ll toss in, too. Call me. And, you congressmen and women could help out by outlawing aluminum bats in the lesser leagues. Come on! You did it with smoke. Everyone will understand that you’re doing it for the economy. We could start our own baseball bat factory right here in mid-Michigan. In fact, I know the Koskis over there in Saginaw County have a wood handle factory at the Mid-Michigan Old Gas Tractor Association grounds that could easily be converted. Jobs. Jobs. Jobs. Batter up!

I’ve been fighting the green movement long enough and maybe it’s time to reconsider my strategy. Yep. This heating season, I’ll do my part to become energy independent by joining the greenies. It’ll be green, white ash all winter long in the outdoor furnace. Just color me green. I realize there may be a little smoke involved, but with all the non-smoking facilities recently created in Michigan, things are sure to balance out. (Not recommended to city dwellers – certainly not for those in Owosso proper.)

And, in place of rock salt for melting ice, which we all know is bad for the environment, I’ll have plenty of ash ash to sprinkle atop the slippery ice surfaces around home this coming winter season. Just BYOB (bring your own bags) and I’ll hook you up.

I feel a bit sorry for the woodpeckers that have done their level best to eradicate the borers. Eventually they will lose a good source of protein, but it’s every man for himself.

Go green. Go white – ash, that is.

Laser Genetics announces the ND-3®x40 Laser Designator.

Turn your scoped rifle into a powerful night hunter—the 532nm green laser light is an unparalleled source of illumination that makes animal eyes glow and clearly visible at extended distances without scaring them off.

Until now, hunting at night required a flashlight or spotlight with bulky, heavy batteries. Now you can pinpoint your target with virtually no loss due to flooding. Quick, one-handed adjustment controls the beam diameter and light intensity to focus light where you need it most. The 7-hour battery life allows you to handle a full night of hunting or a variety of emergencies.

For optimum night vision for hunting, pair the ND-3×40 laser designator with a high quality variable power scope having a 40mm or larger objective lens to provide maximum light transmission. The 40mm diameter lens at 100 yards it has a more powerful output that is 65% brighter than the original ND-3 and locates targets up to 400 yards away.

The included mounting system fits 1” scope tubes and provide full adjustment for windage and elevation alignment. A pressure sensitive switch, mount for weaver rails and a tripod mount included.

ND-3×40 SPECIFICATIONS

• Rotary Optical Beam Collimator – Quick adjustment of beam diameter and intensity
• 532nm Laser Light Frequency – Easiest light for the human eye
• Amplified Coherent Light – Most efficient light for long distance illumination
• Output Power: 30mW
• Lens Diameter: 40mm
• Range: 3.0 Miles
• FDA Class 2M
• 1 Year Warranty
• Hard Coat Anodized Finish
• Fully O Ring Sealed for Dust and Water
• Nitrogen Charged for Anti-fog
• 1” Tube Adapts to Many Mounting Systems
• Dimensions: 9.45”L x 2”Dia. objective x 1.0” Dia.Tube
• Weight: 20.64 oz.
• Power Supply: Two (2) – CR123A Batteries (provided)
• Battery Life: up to 7 hours

Laser Genetics utilizes exclusive patented optical laser technology to develop the lighting instruments of the future for civilian and professional use. Founded in 2006, Laser Genetics is one of the nation’s fastest growing manufacturers of personal-use laser lighting products. With its headquarters in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Laser Genetics is dedicated to developing high efficiency laser illumination products specific for outdoors, hunting, marine, emergency, and home defense use.

GAMO OUTDOOR USA, INC. is a leading consumer products company that designs, manufactures and markets a diverse portfolio of sporting goods products under such world class brands as GAMO®, BSA Optics®, Laser Genetics®, Aftermath®, Stunt Studios®, BSA Guns™ and the exclusive licensee for Kahles® Scopes.

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If you would like to learn more about this topic or about any other Laser Genetics products, contact Angela Scarbrough at 954-376-6246, email at ascarbrough@gamousa.com or visit us online at www.lasergenetics.com

By Glen Wunderlich
Outdoor Columnist
Member Professional Outdoor Media Association

A friend of mine has been having trouble with foxes lately. Seems his newfound chicken raising has something to do with it. Funny thing for me, too. When I seeded a field with alfalfa and clover, I reckon somebody must have slipped a few woodchuck seeds in the bag, because they sprouted soon after the vegetation appeared. I guess if you plant it, they will come.

For me, it’s not a big deal to have a few of them devouring portions of the food plot, because none of it is harvested for cash; however, for a hard-working farmer, it’s a pig of a different color.

For example, a single woodchuck has the potential to consume up to an acre of beans in one season! And, it’s this time of year when they can do tremendous damage, because it takes plenty of small, tender bean plants to satisfy the appetite of an appropriately named groundhog. If you have difficulty locating woodchucks, active holes can be determined by simply looking nearby for a lack of vegetation in an ever-growing radius. It’s also easy to ask a frustrated farmer.

In addition to crop predation in hayfields and bean fields, these hogs create potentially dangerous leg-breaking traps for livestock and unsuspecting humans by digging their holes. They’ll also dull the knives on a haybine, when excavation mounds of dirt are run over. And, losing a wagon-load of hay, when it hits unseen obstacles, doesn’t endear them to farmers, either.

Hunting them this time of year can provide an opportunity to help farmers, while getting in a little practice with your favorite rifle. Many people don’t believe it, but any high-power, centerfire rifle caliber is legal anywhere in Michigan. Yes, it’s true that your .30-06 is illegal for deer in Zone III, but for ‘chucks, it’s good to go.

Certainly, high-stepping varmint rigs may be better for the job with their flatter trajectory, but if you don’t possess one, fear not; a deer rifle can do the trick with deer-hunting ammo, too. And, chuckin’ with your deer gun can help make it more familiar in November.

Begin by making sure you have enough ammo – the same type you’ll typically use for deer. Get enough of the same lot number, which is printed on each box so that you can sight it in properly and have lots left for the wily whistle pigs and the whitetails later this year. Acquiring the same lot number is important, because even ammunition made by the same manufacturer using the same bullets, may not shoot to the same point of aim, if you purchase more at a later date.

So many hunters only use their favorite deer gun once a year, that weird, kick-yourself-in-the-pants stuff happens when that big buck appears. One of those things is familiarity with the safety. How many shots are never attempted, simply because the once-a-year hunter fumbles away an opportunity? We’ll never know. But, the mere act of handling the firearm in off-season mode, may just prevent your being among the hapless.

So, get afield with your favorite firearm and help the farmers, while helping yourself in the process.

For more information, contact Brent Lawrence at (803) 637-3106.

EDGEFIELD, S.C. — Landowners nationwide have the opportunity to recoup costs of habitat improvement on their land through a recently extended federal program. The sign-up period for the Conservation Stewardship Program has been extended through June 25, 2010.

The program, which is administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, was authorized in the 2008 Farm Bill. The voluntary program offers payments to landowners who exercise quality land stewardship and want to improve the effectiveness of their conservation efforts.

“This is a tremendous win-win opportunity for landowners and wildlife,” said James Earl Kennamer, chief conservation officer of the National Wild Turkey Federation. “By signing up for this program, landowners will be able to make critical habitat improvements, and can then be reimbursed for expenses. Improved habitat for wildlife is very important to many of our members and the CSP program is a valuable resource.”

Reimbursable expenses may include land management plans completed by NWTF biologists, and seed and seedlings purchased through the NWTF.

CSP pays participants based on conservation performance – the higher the performance, the higher the payment. Landowners get credit both for conservation measures they have already implemented and for new measures they agree to add.

CSP is available to all landowners, regardless of operation size, crops produced or geographic location. Eligible lands include cropland, pastureland, rangeland, non-industrial private forest land and agricultural land under the jurisdiction of a Native American tribe.

Potential applicants are encouraged to use the CSP self-screening checklist to determine whether CSP is suitable for their operation. The checklist, which highlights basic information about CSP eligibility requirements, contract obligations and payments, and additional information about CSP, may be obtained from the CSP website at www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/new_csp/csp.html.

To apply, call or visit a local USDA Service Center, listed online at offices.usda.gov, or in the telephone book under United States Government, Agriculture Department. For information on seed, seedlings or for habitat plans, landowners can contact their local NWTF biologist or call 1-800-THE-NWTF.

About the NWTF: The National Wild Turkey Federation is a nonprofit conservation organization that works daily to further its mission of conserving the wild turkey and preserving our hunting heritage.

Through dynamic partnerships with state, federal and provincial wildlife agencies, the NWTF and its members have helped restore wild turkey populations across the country, spending more than $306 million to conserve 14 million acres of habitat for all types of wildlife.

For more information, visit www.nwtf.org or call 1-800-THE-NWTF.

GW: This from Nebraska Game and Parks Commission; it’s good advice for us all. However, everyone knows (except Nebraska’s Game and Parks Commission) that animals can never have “babies.” Only humans are capable of that.

It is never a good idea for people to disturb or rescue young wildlife. These wildlife babies do not make good pets, and though they may appear to be abandoned, their parents frequently are not far away.

Most people are not equipped or knowledgeable enough to raise wildlife species, so taking them out of the wild is typically a death sentence for these creatures, despite the good intentions of the rescuer.

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission offers other reasons for leaving wildlife babies alone:

— Some wildlife babies may appear to be abandoned, orphaned or injured, but their parents usually are feeding or drinking nearby.

— A doe will leave its fawn to keep it from being detected by predators. A fawn is well-camouflaged and difficult for predators to see when it is still. The doe is much larger and can be seen easily by predators as she feeds. She keeps the fawn hidden and leaves the area to draw attention away from the fawn’s location.

— The longer a young animal is separated from its mother, the slimmer the chance it will be reunited with her.

— Trying to raise a wild animal as a pet is a poor idea. As an animal matures, it becomes more independent and follows its natural instinct to leave and establish its own territory. Rescued animals are poorly prepared for life in the wild.

— Most wild animals are protected by state or federal law, and it is illegal to possess them.

— Wild animals may carry disease that can be transmitted to humans or pets.

— Once wildlife babies mature, they may become aggressive toward their handlers, such as deer during the rut.