ThinkingAfield.org

PHOENIX — The latest international research study on Mexican wolves says that encouraging recovery of the endangered subspecies north of its outlined historical range would be detrimental to preserving the wolf’s unique characteristics.

The leading wildlife science journal Biological Conservation recently highlighted the new research, further rebuking calls for Mexican wolves to be released far outside their historical range, defined as southeastern Arizona, southwestern New Mexico and the Sierra Madre Mountains in Mexico. Doing so would encourage genetic mixing with northwestern wolves originally from Canada, which threatens the genetic uniqueness of the Mexican wolf. Read more

Game and Fish continues to notify hunters of new areas where CWD is found

Cheyenne – The Wyoming Game and Fish Department confirmed a bull elk harvested by a hunter tested positive for chronic wasting disease (CWD) in Elk Hunt Area 66. The elk was killed northeast of Meeteetse and this is the first time CWD has been found in this elk hunt area.

To ensure that hunters are informed, Game and Fish has the practice of announcing when CWD is found in a new hunt area. Additionally, Game and Fish follows the human health recommendation of the Centers for Disease Control, which state that hunters should strongly consider having their elk, deer and moose tested if harvested in an area where CWD is known to occur, and not consume any animal that is obviously ill or tests positive for CWD. Read more

BOONE – Iowa’s pheasant hunters can expect to find more birds this fall when they head to the fields, predict state wildlife experts. That forecast is based on the recently completed statewide population survey of pheasants, quail, partridge, cottontail rabbits and jackrabbits.

Iowa’s pheasant population increased in every nine county region except northwest where it was similar to last year. The survey counted a state average of 21 birds per 30 mile route which translates to a statewide harvest estimate of 250,000 to 300,000 roosters this fall.

The August roadside survey is tool used by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to physically record the number of upland game seen while driving the survey routes. It’s a product of 218 30-mile routes across that state that are conducted Aug. 1-15 beginning at sunrise. The survey has used the same routes since 1962. Read more

Registration is open for wildlife classroom curricula available to elementary through high school educators. Curricula fit current state educational standards and are free of charge.

K-5th grades

Go Wild for Michigan’s Wildlife introduces elementary students to a variety of species found throughout Michigan and their habitats. Included in the materials are sets of “critter cards” for each student to keep. Sets of the cards are limited and are issued on a first-come, first-served basis to Michigan educators who register.

6th-8th grades

Students can learn about Michigan black bears – from their life history to how the DNR manages populations – with A Year in the Life of a Michigan Black Bear. Students get to “follow” black bears’ movements by looking at actual location data from collared bears.

They also can get an introduction to wetland habitats and the ducks, geese and swans that call Michigan home with Michigan’s Wondrous Wetlands and Waterfowl.

9th-12th grades

One hundred years ago, wild elk were brought to Michigan to re-establish our state’s elk population. High school students are put in the role of a wildlife manager while learning about this conservation success story through Elk University. These lessons also include Michigan history, forest management and social considerations for wildlife management.

Register for wildlife classroom curricula and learn about additional opportunities the DNR has to offer educators by visiting michigan.gov/dnreducation.