Interior Secretary Announces Distribution of Excise Tax Revenues

Fish, Wildlife, Outdoor Recreation and Local Communities Benefit from Excise Tax Revenues

WASHINGTON – America’s sportsmen and sportswomen generated nearly $1 billion in excise taxes last year that support state conservation programs. Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt today announced the disbursement of these funds, generated through excise taxes on hunting, shooting and fishing equipment and boat fuel to all 50 states and U.S. territories by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service).

To date, the Service has distributed more than $22.9 billion in apportionments for state conservation and recreation projects. The recipient state wildlife agencies have matched these funds with approximately $7.6 billion throughout the years, primarily through hunting and fishing license revenues.

“Our conservation model is funded and supported by America’s hunters, shooters, anglers, boaters and other outdoor enthusiasts. These stewards of conservation generated nearly a billion dollars last year alone and make our country’s conservation legacy the envy of the world,” said Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt. Read more

Firearms, Fishing, Hunting, Wildlife

Michigan’s Outdoors Are Still Here For You

Enjoy getting outside, but be ‘COVID-19 smart, safe and solo’

We know there’s been a steady stream of “closure” information and messaging about self-isolating to slow the spread of COVID-19. It’s true, we are in uncharted territory, and such steps are critical in protecting Michigan residents from coronavirus risk. Safeguarding mental health is just as important, and spending time outdoors – whether in your backyard, on your balcony or in big, open spaces – can boost mind, body and spirit.

Although the public contact areas (restroom buildings, shooting ranges, visitor centers) at many DNR-managed facilities are temporarily closed, people are still welcome to enjoy the public outdoor areas at state parks and recreation areas, state game and wildlife areas, state forests, state trails and, of course, our lakes, rivers and streams. For the duration of the COVID-19 situation, we’re waiving the need for the Recreation Passport for entry at state parks and other destinations.

Whether you want to hike or bike a new trail, scout your next hunt, paddle the open water or find a favorite fishing spot … Michigan’s outdoors are here. Explore things to do on our website for inspiration; check out our YouTube channel for how-to videos; and get hunting and fishing licenses at our new license system website. Closer to home, you could soak up some sun on the back deck, walk around the block or jog the nearest local trail. Read more

Wildlife

Stoeger STR-9 Pistol Line Expands With Compact Model

Stoeger STR-9 Pistol Line Expands to Include Compact Model for Concealed Carry and Home Defense

ACCOKEEK, Md. – Stoeger continues the tradition of manufacturing quality firearms at an economical price with the introduction of the Stoeger STR-9 Compact. Chambered in 9mm, the striker-fired, semi-automatic pistol is an all-around solution to everyday conceal carry and home protection. The compact model is available with a 13-round magazine and a 10-round magazine for those that live in capacity-restrictive states. The Stoeger STR-9 Compact will be available at dealers and retailers in May. Read more

Firearms

Arizona: Mexican Wolf Population Rises to At Least 163 Animals

Contacts:
Aislinn Maestas, USFWS, 505-248-6599, aislinn_maestas@fws.gov

Tom Cadden, AZGFD, (623) 236-7392, tcadden@azgfd.gov

2019 survey numbers show a 24 percent increase in minimum population

PHOENIX — The wild population of Mexican wolves continues to grow at a healthy pace. The recent Mexican wolf count shows the population of Mexican wolves has increased by 24 percent since last year, raising the total number of wolves in the wild to a minimum of 163 animals.

That number is among the findings of the Mexican Wolf Interagency Field Team (IFT), a task force comprising federal, state, tribal and international partners. From November 2019 through January 2020, the team conducted ground counts in Arizona and New Mexico that concluded with aerial counts of Mexican wolves in January and February.

According to the IFT, the 163 wolves are distributed with 76 in Arizona and 87 in New Mexico. Last year, the team documented 131 wolves at the end of 2018, which was a 12 percent increase from 2017. This population has increased an average of 15 percent annually in the last 10 years. Read more

Wildlife

Leica Revolutionizes Thermal Imaging for Hunters

Leica Sport Optics has unveiled its first ever thermal imaging camera designed specifically for hunters: the Leica Calonox. Launching this August, the Leica Calonox will be available in two versions: As a pure hand-held observation device – The Leica Calonox “View” – and as a mounted device on a riflescope – The Leica Calonox “Sight”.

Similar in design to conventional digital cameras, thermal imaging cameras emit infrared radiation as a heat signature that is not visible to the human eye. With the new Leica Calonox thermal imaging cameras, the terrain can be searched for huntable game in the dark or in difficult light conditions. The Leica Calonox models offer a large field of view with a high detection range and high-contrast imaging. Read more

Optics

RMEF Regional Director-Michigan Wanted

Regional Director – Michigan

Job Announcement:

The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, a non-profit, wildlife habitat conservation organization seeks a performance-motivated team player with strong interpersonal skills to engage and manage volunteer activities, event fundraising and major gift fundraising in Michigan. BS/equivalent degree and five years of experience in business, fundraising and volunteer management required. Pro-hunting background is critical. Extensive weekday and weekend travel required. Email letter of interest and resume to jobs@rmef.org by April 4th. Read more

Wildlife

NRA Launches Free Experienced Hunter Education Course

Fairfax, Va. – The National Rifle Association is pleased to announce the launch of our latest contribution to the hunting community, the NRA Experienced Hunter Education Course.

“If you’ve taken a break from the shooting sports or haven’t hunted in a season or two, our Experienced Hunter Education Course is the perfect refresher for firearms safety and safe hunting practices,” explained Elizabeth Bush, managing director of NRA Community Engagement. “Best of all, we’re offering this service completely free of charge.”

NRA’s Experienced Hunter Education Course in an online review of everything an experienced hunter should know, including a review of firearm safety and safe hunting practices. Though not a substitute for state-mandated hunter safety requirements, it will provide a solid foundation of the fundamentals.

“The NRA is dedicated to providing our members and supporters with the best safety training possible. Our Experienced Hunter Education Course is a wonderful addition to that commitment,” concluded Bush.

Free to all, this comprehensive hunting refresher course will help hunters become safer and more confident before heading out into the field. For more information, visit https://nra.yourlearningportal.com/Courses/NRA-Experienced-Hunter-Education and get ready for a safe and successful season. ?

Firearms

Nature’s Way Cedar Bluebird House with a Viewing Window

The Nature’s Way Cedar Bluebird House with a Viewing Window.
When the side panel is raised, the clear plastic viewing window protects you and the birds during a quick monitoring view.

Considered among the best nest boxes, the Nature’s Way Cedar Bluebird House with a Viewing Window is a classic nest box that provides a number of important features, including a new side panel that lifts upward to reveal the clear plastic viewing window that makes it safe and easy to monitor nesting activity. The classic shape and sturdy cedar body ensure this robust nest box will benefit bluebirds and other cavity nesting birds, featuring a one inch thick predator guard that surrounds the 1½ inch diameter entrance hole, creating a secondary physical barrier for potential predators.

The wide overhanging roof directs water away from the nesting chamber, gaps on the sides provide ventilation, and small openings in the bottom corners provide drain holes if needed. An important metal screen is positioned slightly above the wooden floor, and the plastic viewing panel can be removed for easy access cleaning. This well-built cedar nest box ensures durability for many nesting cycles, resists damage from water and insects naturally, and it even comes with a three year warranty. Read more

Wildlife

The WBU Barred Owls are Back on Camera

Enjoy monitoring the nesting activities of Barred Owls at the Wild Birds Unlimited Owl Cam through the spring season.

They’re back! The infamous pair of Barred Owls is back nesting in their big nest box in Indiana, and you can monitor their progress as often as you wish through the spring on the Wild Birds Unlimited live cam. The female began incubating after laying her first egg March 9th, followed by the second egg last Wednesday, and the third last Saturday the 14th. You can see the female incubating inside, and there’s even a second camera that permits you to view the occasional action outside the extra-large nest box too.

Although the incubation period may not always be action-packed, it’s great fun to wait for moments of interaction between the owls. As we let the live cam run a while yesterday, the pair began calling and answering one another, which is always exciting. Although the male was out of sight, the incubating female rose up to “duet” for a few moments – sharing another wonderful sound of the wild.

Through the dedication of Jim Carpenter, Founder & CEO of Wild Birds Unlimited, the WBU Barred Owl Cam has introduced generations of people to Barred Owls in his wooded backyard over almost 20 years. You too can watch the entire nesting process as it happens at https://www.wbu.com/owl-cam/ Read more

Wildlife

How Birds Determine When to Migrate

For long distance migrants such as this Whimbrel, which may have wintered along a coast in South America, the timing of their spring migration north to Arctic nesting areas is instinctive and the timing remains static regardless of weather conditions.
Snow and Ross’s Geese that winter along the Gulf Coast tend to begin migrating north as soon as weather conditions permit, stopping short of areas with ice and snow, then continuing northward as warmer weather produces open water and snow-free fields to feed in. Eventually, they make one last push into the Arctic to claim a territory at traditional colony nesting sites.

As North American birds begin their spring migrations northward from wintering areas, stopping at traditional resting and feeding areas for periods of time as they make their way to nesting ranges, our interest in bird migration is piqued. As we see the first migrants appearing and as we anticipate the waves of migrants that will soon follow, let’s examine some simple information about bird migration, especially spring migration, and what triggers birds to make these impressive and dangerous journeys from wintering areas to nesting sites.

Migrating birds can be divided into two groups: obligate migrants and facultative migrants, although these are not black and white divisions – many birds migrate using some aspects of both obligate and facultative migration strategies – but the two definitions are helpful in understanding what triggers a species’ migration.

For obligate migrants, the timing of travel is dictated by instinct. They begin migrating at about the same time each year, regardless of weather. An unusually warm or cool season won’t make them suddenly decide to change their departure dates.

Facultative migrants are more tuned in to the conditions of the moment. They have a standard time period for their migration, but they might alter the timing by days or weeks if the season is warmer than usual, or colder with snow cover later than usual. In short, they are more flexible. Read more

Wildlife
1 … 986 987 988 989 990 … 2,102