Thursday, January 31, 2008

Friday Afternoon, I had the pleasure to attend a couple of great seminar on ballistics and photography. As I was walking the halls I came upon Kenneth W. Royce who was getting ready to jump into a new seminar.  The thing was, I walking behind Kenneth and his book cover was just so amazingly striking that I had to ask about his book.

At that moment, I had just spent the last 2 plus days dreaming of going on Safari and I could not help myself,  I stopped Kenneth and asked him if he could send me a copy of his book to review. He did one better and gave me a copy on the spot.

Packing up on Sunday to catch my flight, I actually had to get a second bag to hold all of the brochures and on the top of the pile was Kenneth's book so I threw it into my carry on bag and got on the plane.  I  grabbed the book out of my bag and for a 3 hour flight and then a second 3 hour flight I could not put it down.  This book is excellent.

READ THE REST OF THE REVIEW..

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:00 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, January 31, 2008

Jerry Henry had a great couple of weeks shooting trap around Florida this past month and won a ton of awards for his prowess with a shotgun.  He competed in the Fourth Dixie Grand American at Silver Dollar Gun Club and The CCC Miami and won numerous awards. Jerry is the father of Jeff Henry a long time friend of ours and he looks to be a pretty great shot.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 03:34 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, January 31, 2008

In a cooperative vision to conserve and sustain wildlife, renowned artist John Banovich and RCR owner, Richard Childress, offered a spectacular, one-of-a-kind NASCAR hood at the Safari Club International convention, January 25th live auction with proceeds jointly benefitting the Banovich Wildscapes Foundation and Safari Club International Foundation.   “Inside the Red Zone” is an original oil creation by renowned artist, John Banovich.  This remarkable image graced the hood of driver Kevin Harvick’s #29 racing car – and joyfully celebrated the new 501 (C) 3 Banovich Wildscapes Foundation as a recognized and respected conserver of the earth’s wildlife and wild places.  
 
“Inside the Red Zone,” reveals a segment of time when immense energy, unleashed momentum, precise timing and incredible focus define life for the leader of the pride at its most extreme extension.  Sharing common bonds, both lion prides and racing teams struggle together at the most basic level of survival of the fittest.  Drawing on underlying, complex social structures, both groups test themselves against intense competition, so that from their numbers, a single, battle-scarred, but most competitive winner ultimately emerges. One single lion will dominate the pride – one singe driver will take the checkered flag before all competitors.  
 
The hammer price at auction was $51,000.00. As a special touch, the hood will bear autographs from Banovich, Childress & Harvick.  The $61,000 of total money raised that night will be split between Safari Club International and the Banovich Wildscapes Foundation.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:54 AM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

I have followed this story for the last year plus and I am constantly amazed by the new facts and the amount of effort that has gone into this story.  Rhonda Shearer contacted me today and I asked her permission to put this story up on the site with a quick comment as to what I think about the story.  She asked me what my take on the story was.....

I have several opinions about this and most of them I am going to keep to myself.  I learned along time ago that if you don't have something nice to say, sometimes it is best to shut your mouth.  I hope that you will all comment with your opinions on the site and feel free to keep them anonymous or be open and honest, your choice.

I personally choose to hunt all animals in a fair chase environment.  When I am hunting any animal, I take enough of a weapon to humanly dispatch the animal in one shot.  Sometimes it takes more then one shot to kill an animal but that is the reality of the situation and not a conscious choice. 

I have never hunted an animal that i do not respect and I have never been disrespectful of the animals that I do hunt.

My hope is that young Jamison Stone has learned some valuable lessons and my hope is that both he and his father gain some mentors to teach them about conservation, responsibility and real hunting. I do not believe that Jamison was hunting this animal in any way shape or form.  I also believe that an eleven year old boy does not have the capacity to know whether he is hunting or not.  I believe that Mike Stone made some poor choices in choosing this operation to take his son hunting and I think he made a poor choice in the weapon that he allowed his son to use in this situation.

While I choose to participate in fair chase hunting as defined by the Boone & Crockett Club, I leave it up to every hunter to make his own decisions about what he uses to define fair chase and what is acceptable to them in their hunting career.  I like to hunt and I love the hunting world and the ability to make the decision myself each and every day about what is fair and right for my hunting life.

Game ranches will always exist as long as people are willing to book trips at these ranches.  That being said, I will never speak out against these ranches because I know they are a very real part of the hunting industry.  That being said I think there needs to be some standards that all of these ranches adhere to and I hope that in time these standards are written and put into place. 

Published on HuntingLife.com by permission of Rhonda Shearer 

Editor's note: Rhonda Shearer is the director of Art Science Research Laboratory, which she founded with her late husband Stephen Jay Gould. The New York-based think tank promotes cross-disciplinary studies and supports a journalism ethics program that publishes StinkyJournalism.org, a site bent on debunking erroneous media. She and her colleagues have put hundreds of hours into investigating the claims around a "monster" pig kill in Alabama last year, which they see as a case study in how to create an international media hoax. Because the investigation involves hunting law and ethics, she has written this report for ESPNOutdoors.com, to be published simultaneously on StinkyJournalism.org.

When Jamison Stone shot and killed a massive swine in Alabama last year, the headlines blared: "Boy Bags Monster Pig in 'Bama." An 11-year-old taking down a hog in Dixie was front-page news in Manhattan. "The Today Show" lined him up for an appearance.

Quickly, though, as the details of the hunt emerged, the spotlight abandoned Stone. After countless hours of following the story since it broke in May, I've pieced together a far shadier account of events than initially reported. And I've learned that Stone this week will face a secret grand jury in Clay County to answer for possible animal cruelty charges. He and the four adults he trusted - who ultimately tricked him and an overeager press - are all subject to questioning, and possible enforcement.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:49 PM | 32 COMMENTS | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Mathew Butler understands hunting and Mathew Butler understands children.  Mathew has put together something that is going to bring children into conservation and Billy Goes Hunting is a great book that should do just that.  This book is very well written and shares with it the land ethic and concern for animals that all hunters have.

This is a book that i was excited to share with my kids.  The story is very well written and in a simple language that kids of all ages are going to understand.  The pictures and graphics are very well done and this book will be one of those that after your children grow up and trade up to bigger and bigger books, this is one that is going to remain on the shelf as a cherished treasure.

We need more writers like Matt in our world who are willing to take chances and do something great for our youth.  Matthew self published this book and took giant risks in order to get this message out there in front of our youth.  His willingness to take these chances stems from his love of hunting, wildlife and the outdoors.  Matt is a father, US Army Green Beret and RANGER, occasional Bull Rider, and avid bow hunter.  Mathew likes to write and runs a search engine in the outdoor industry.

Karah Force did the illustration for this book and I can assure you all that we will be seeing her work in the future. Karah Force is a BFA student at Saginaw Valley State University. She loves all sports and has a deep respect for hunting and the historic significance and balance it has brought to our environment. 

This book has a incredibly reasonable price of $9.95 and I urge you to order it for the children in your life.  If our world in the outdoors is to continue, if hunting is to continue, if conservation and habitat is going to be protected, we must enlist the future generations in our passions for the outdoors and hunting.  What better way to begin teaching them the conservation ethic that is the cornerstone of hunting?  GO BUY THIS BOOK.

www.billygoeshunting.com

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:18 PM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Saint Paul, Minn. - January 30, 2008 - The Kandiyohi County Chapter of Pheasants Forever (PF) was recently recognized as the Minnesota Chapter of the Year by PF at the annual Minnesota PF state meeting. The chapter received the honor at PF's National Pheasant Fest and 25th Anniversary Convention presented by Cabela's in Saint Paul.

This honor recognizes a Minnesota PF chapter that is balanced in its approach to accomplishing the mission of PF and excels in all aspects of being a PF Chapter.  The Kandiyohi County chapter, the first chapter ever formed outside of the parent organization, received the award because it supports PF's conservation mission in numerous ways.

In the past year, the Kandiyohi County chapter has supported PF Habitat Teams, has grown in membership and had several committee members participating in the Minnesota PF State Convention & Summer Habitat Meeting.  In addition, the committee supports their local youth with a kid's camp and partnership trap shoot, and has cost share programs to assist private landowners in their area. The chapter is also a leader in supporting state and federal conservation policy.  The chapter participates in the Minnesota Habitat Fund and is active in improving habitat management on public lands.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 05:25 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Saint Paul, Minn. – January 30, 2008 – Minnesota Pheasants Forever (PF) awarded Kim Hennings, a Wildlife Land Acquisition Coordinator for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the 2008 Minnesota PF Professional of the Year Award. Hennings was honored this month at PF's National Pheasant Fest 2008 and 25th Anniversary Convention presented by Cabela's in Saint Paul.

The award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to the protection of wildlife, habitat and our hunting heritage in Minnesota.  The honor is awarded annually to a person who demonstrates uncommon achievements for pheasant and other wildlife habitat. As a DNR Wildlife Land Acquisition Coordinator, Hennings has helped acquire 1,380 tracts totaling 163,500 acres of state Wildlife Management Areas (WMA) during his career.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 05:23 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

MISSOULA, Mont.-If a year's accomplishments were scored like antlers, 2007 would be a trophy-class wallhanger for the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. The conservation group last year helped to enhance more acres of elk habitat and complete more land protection projects than anytime in its history.

In all, the Elk Foundation impacted 366,206 acres-a monster conservation effort that will benefit hunters and wildlife enthusiasts for generations to come.

Habitat enhancement projects were completed in 20 states. Work included invasive and noxious plant control, water developments, prescribed burns, riparian restoration, various research projects and more.

In 13 states, elk habitat was permanently protected from urban development via conservation easements and acquisitions from willing sellers.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 12:47 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

PHOENIX – Fifty-five Rio Grande turkeys were introduced to Arizona on Jan. 16 by the Arizona Game and Fish Department, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, and Bureau of Land Management (BLM), with assistance from the Arizona and Utah chapters of the National Wild Turkey Federation.

All the Rios were released on BLM land at Black Rock Mountain in the far northwest corner of the state on the Arizona Strip (approximately 15 miles south of the Utah border). This terrain is similar to where the birds were transplanted from and their native habitat.

The Rios were donated from the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources as part of a cooperative effort. Utah’s turkey population is doing very well and has areas where reductions are needed. Arizona on the other hand, is gaining a turkey population in an area that is more suited for the Rio Grande subspecies than for the more common Merriam’s subspecies. This translocation will enhance the diversity of wild turkeys in Arizona and the areas in which they can be experienced. The Gould’s subspecies has been reintroduced into the southeastern portion of the state and is doing well.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 12:15 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

San Antonio, Texas — The state’s only non-profit organization solely dedicated to Texas deer, the Texas Deer Association (TDA), proudly introduces a new charitable program designed to help children in distress throughout the state. For 2008, the TDA is taking a warm and fuzzy approach to connect with children and families in need by providing plush deer toys through direct product donations to children’s charities as well as financial donations based on online toy sales.

With the new TDA Plush Deer Campaign, a percentage of the proceeds from the on-line sales of the cuddly fawns will be donated to Texas-based children’s charities throughout the year, plus TDA will make regular donations of the plush toys to children shelters and various other organizations helping children in need.

“As the leading non-profit organization supporting the health and management of Texas deer, we are always interested in promoting deer and the deer industry, but we also want to help children in our state,” says Karl Kinsel, executive director of the Texas Deer Association. “The Plush Deer allow us to do more than promote deer. The toys allow us to help the infants, toddlers, adolescents and teenagers during a difficult time in their lives and positively impact their futures and that of their children, for the better.”

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 04:18 AM | 2 COMMENTS | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

The Safari Club International Diana Award honors the female hunter. Named for the huntress of Roman mythology, it recognizes the women of SCI who have excelled in international big game hunting. Award winners have shown exemplary ethics in the field, remained committed to the mission statement of SCI, and have personally given of their time and energies to enhance wildlife conservation and education. The award is sponsored by She-Safaris Expedition Clothing.

Abigail is the founding president of the SCI London Chapter, which in just two years has become the second largest chapter in Europe, and has raised over $60,000 for conservation. She regularly assists SCI’s Washington team and the European hunting body in conservation and lobbying issues, including representing SCI and its members at the 14th CITES Conference of the parties in the Netherlands.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 04:16 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Springfield, Missouri —Its TV programming slogan is, “Your Passion, Your Lifestyle, Your Channel.” Now, through its new sponsorship of National Hunting and Fishing Day, The Sportsman Channel is reminding Americans that sporting passions and lifestyles also channel vital funding into conservation.

The Sportsman Channel’s sponsorship supports Wonders of Wildlife museum, the official home and national organizer of National Hunting and Fishing Day.

Congress formalized the annual holiday, set for Sept. 27, 2008, to recognize hunters and anglers for their vital contribution to conservation. Through fees and excise taxes, over 34 million hunters and anglers generate $100,000 every 30 minutes for fish, wildlife and habitat programs.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 04:13 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Bogart, Georgia – The Quality Deer Management Association (QDMA) has recently updated one of its most popular educational posters with new data. The poster features a map showing the county-by-county distribution of Boone & Crockett and Pope & Young record-book bucks killed during the 10-year period from 1996 to 2005. The previous version of the map included data on record-book bucks taken from 1991 to 2000.

The distribution map combines all of the bucks that were officially entered and qualified for the Boone & Crockett Club’s Awards program or higher and the Pope & Young Club’s Bowhunting Big-Game Records of North America. The poster includes names of counties with one or more bucks in either records program.

Also included are smaller maps showing the separate distribution of Boone & Crockett and Pope & Young bucks. Plus, tables display record-book entry numbers by state for each club, as well as the top counties in the nation in each club’s records, with statistics on typical and non-typical records.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 04:12 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, January 28, 2008

MADISON, N.C. - Remington Arms Company Inc., America's oldest gunmaker now in their 192nd year of United States manufacturing, has just announced a multi-year marketing relationship with NFL quarterback Bret Favre. The 2007 season marked Favre's astounding 17th year as a pro quarterback, and Brett was recently named Sports Illustrated's Sportsman of the Year. Favre's appeal to America is as much about his profound personal perseverance as it is his ability to put footballs in the hands of receivers, still, Favre makes no secret of the fact that hunting is one of his favorite ways to decompress.

When asked about his idea of the perfect day, Favre said, "If I could squeeze in throwing touchdown passes at a morning practice, lunch with my family and pulling the trigger on a trophy buck at sunset, that would be about as perfect as life can get. And it seems the older I get, the more I treasure the days spent in solitude in the woods. I've already hunted about 20 days this season, so this recent agreement with Remington is pretty special to me."

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 07:00 PM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, January 28, 2008

Reno, Nevada – Safari Club International is pleased to announce the 2008 winners of its prestigious annual awards for selected Members of Congress. Rep Adam Putnam (R-Fla.) is the winner of the Federal Legislator of the Year. Rep Mike Thompson, (D-Calif) is the winner of the Hunting Heritage Award.

The winner of the Federal Legislator of the Year award, Rep. Adam Putnam, is a young firebrand and a fifth generation Floridian. Now in his fourth term, he is Chairman of the Republican Conference, which means he is the #3 ranking republican in the House – a tremendous feat for a lawmaker who has yet to turn 40. Rep. Putnam quickly ascended into the ranks of leadership, and now carries the conservation agenda to his colleagues when issues are pending. He is known as a hard-charging workhorse, and can usually be found behind the scenes counting votes and hammering out details. Putnam is also a former co-chair of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 03:15 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, January 28, 2008

Bismarck, North Dakota – Ducks Unlimited says the amount of carbon that will be released in the Prairie Pothole Region the next four years from plowing up Conservation Reserve Program grassland will equal 15 million new cars on the road.

Nearly 820,000 acres of CRP grassland disappeared in the Dakotas and Montana in 2007. But DU says this is a drop in the bucket compared to what will be lost over the next four years. New US Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency data shows that nearly 5.6 million acres, or two-thirds of the current CRP in these states, will expire by October 2012.

“This magnitude of CRP loss hurts more than waterfowl populations, it will have a large impact on efforts to fight global warming,” said Scott McLeod, Farm Bill specialist with DU’s Great Plains Regional Office. “This is an absolutely staggering amount of grassland to be losing in such a short period of time and impacts on wildlife will be disastrous.”

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 03:11 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, January 28, 2008

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania—Seminars by top hunting and fishing experts is a hallmark of the Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show (Feb. 2-10) presented by Chevrolet and this year’s lineup of seminar speakers is no exception.

Chuck Adams

There is no bigger name in the bowhunting world than Chuck Adams. For each day of The Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show two lucky contest winners will have one-on-one bowhunting clinics with Chuck Adams.

Entering the contest is easy. Go to easternsportshow.com , click on the Chuck Adams contest box and fill out the entry form.

Even if you don’t win the contest you can still learn from the master. All Show attendees are invited to watch, listen and learn from the legend himself at these twice-daily clinics.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 03:09 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, January 28, 2008

MISSOULA, Mont.—With an unwavering mission to “ensure the future of elk, other wildlife and their habitat,” the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation depends on ample funding. And ample funding, officials reveal, depends on ample firearms.
 
The conservation organization expects to spend over $4 million this year on guns for fundraiser auctions, raffles and games that vary by state.
 
“Nationwide, there are 500-plus Elk Foundation banquets scheduled for 2008. Volunteers stock these events with a combination of guns from our national headquarters and local donations or purchases. Either way, the chance to win or buy a quality gun is a proven attraction for banquet attendees—and a major revenue source for our mission,” said Steve Decker, director of field programs for the Elk Foundation.
 
Elk Foundation banquet-merchandise buyers are headed to SHOT Show, the firearm industry’s annual trade show slated Feb. 2-5 in Las Vegas, with a $2 million checkbook for firearms purchases alone.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 03:01 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Friday, January 25, 2008

Reno, Nevada – Safari Club International is pleased to announce that Taz Ridley is the 2008 winner of the prestigious Hall of Fame Award.

Induction into the Safari Club International Hall of Fame may be the most prestigious honor bestowed upon an SCI member. Potential inductees are nominated by SCI members. The Hall of Fame selection committee ranks each nominee based upon the following criteria: history of service to the world hunting community, dedication to Safari Club International’s goals of conservation, protecting the freedom to hunt, and education of the people. Hall of Fame criteria do not include the candidates’ hunting accomplishments. The award is sponsored by Carl Zeiss Optical, Inc.

Taz Ridley has been a dedicated member of SCI serving in a number of capacities. Some of the highlights of his SCI career are as follows. In 1988 the Kansas City chapter awarded Taz with the member of the year and in 1991 he was honored with Outstanding Sportsman, Conservationist and Hunter of the year. SCI awarded him with the Outstanding Member of the Year Award in 1996 followed by the Sables Man of the Year Award in 1999. Taz’s true love is education, and he has served on the SCI Education Committee since 1990. He has been very active in supporting educational programs like the Apprentice Hunter Program.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 04:35 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Friday, January 25, 2008

Reno, Nevada – Safari Club International is pleased to announce the 2008 winners of the prestigious Young Hunter Award. The award was conferred upon Keagen Christenson, Justin D. Fox, and Austin McMahon.

The SCI Young Hunter Award, sponsored by Cabela’s, is based on five criteria. Applicants must submit a 500 word essay on “How to be a Role Model for Hunting,” and are judged on Community and Conservation Activities, Hunting, Fishing & Outdoor Experiences, and recommendation from an SCI Chapter. The selection committee gives points based on on the hunter’s ability to demonstrate they are a positive role model for the hunting community. Bonus points are awarded to the applicants if they have attended either the Apprentice Hunter Camp or the Student Week at the American Wilderness Leadership School (AWLS). 

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 04:31 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Friday, January 25, 2008

Today has been amazing.  We made it over to the convention about 10am after a great breakfast at the El Dorado.  I dropped off my two ton bag at the press room and proceeded to begin to pick up where we left off viewing the exhibits.  We saw some amazing stuff at the show.  Berretta, Holland & Holland, Swanepool and Scoundral, Profihunt, you name it this show is a veritable who's who of the hunting world.  Today I had the pleasure of conversing with Jim Zumbo, Vicki & Ralph Giancarlo(they promised me an interview for the site) and some young hunters we will talk about in a second.  Mom and I both got to walk past Tom Selleck and mom was swooning.  Chuck Yeager introduced The Oakridge Boys for tonights entertainment and i feel like I am surrounded by people I look up to in the world.

This afternoon we hit the Thursday Auction and sat through a couple of hours of the day auction and watched a lot of great hunts and art get sold all in the name of conservation.  Tomorrow we are hitting the Sables Auction and lunch and catching up with a couple of old friends and then off to the dinner on Friday night.

Tonight we had the pleasure of getting to attend the dinner, awards ceremony, and auctions.  The entertainment for tonight was the Oakridge Boys and the highlight of the evening for me was getting to see the Young Hunters Awards.  SCI recognized 3 young gentlemen for their accomplishments in Hunting, Conservation, & Education(both their own and the education of other youth hunters).  These three young men all looked to be amazing young examples of what is possible in the world of hunting and conservation and I rushed out to get our information in front of them so we can get some interviews for the site to share their stories.  I am looking forward to the opportunity to bring these interviews to you all in the next couple of weeks.

I shot a ton of pictures today and we will be shooting many more tomorrow in the Sables event and at tomorrows dinner.  We hope you like the coverage of the event and we are working on talking to as many people as possible to get some great interviews and products to review for the site.

LOTS MORE PHOTOS... READ MORE... 

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 04:20 AM | 2 COMMENTS | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, January 24, 2008

The finale three hours of the convention for Wednesday were filled with great connections meeting artists, outfitters, Professional Hunters and hunters. This show is absolutely amazing and we are having a wonderful time. My Mom and I are having a great visit and I am sure we are opening up her eyes to an entirely different world.

On a regular day I know that the hunting world is so much bigger than I can possibly ever imagine. It has been and will be for the next 3 days an amazing experience. If you are looking for the experience of a lifetime and you are passionate about hunting and conservation then you need to think about getting out to this show.

POSTED BY JERIT AT ERESOURCES AT 12:01 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, January 24, 2008

Beaver Dam, Ky. – January 24, 2008 – Local residents of Kentucky's Ohio, Daviess and Grayson counties have formed the Green River Chapter of Quail Forever (QF) to rally together in rebuilding quail populations on and around the Peabody Wildlife Management Area (WMA). The Green River chapter is the 8th QF chapter formed in the state.

"We want there to be as vivacious a quail population in Kentucky as there are in other states where my family has traveled and visited," remarked Scott Young, the newly elected president of the chapter. "My wife was researching what we could do to bring back quail populations and came across Quail Forever. We saw how local chapters are funded and realized starting a new chapter in the area could help to improving our local quail populations to where they should be."

Pheasants Forever launched Quail Forever in August of 2005 to address the continuing loss of habitat suitable for quail and the subsequent quail population decline. QF chapters promote local, state, and federal conservation programs that help landowners protect environmentally sensitive acres for quail and other wildlife. They also employ the organization's unique model of empowering local chapters with 100 percent control of the chapters' locally-raised funds to complete habitat and youth education projects in the chapters' own communities.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:58 AM | 19 COMMENTS | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, January 24, 2008

Missoula, Montana—A log home for your dog. A 12-foot-tall elk sculpture made from rifles, tools and farm implements. A bundle of New Mexico big-game hunting tags valued at over $150,000.

These are among the 400 items to be auctioned at a conservation fundraiser held as part of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation’s 24th Annual Elk Camp & Hunting, Fishing and Outdoor Expo, Feb. 21-24, in Reno, Nev.

All together, sale items are valued at $1.4 million—a total the Elk Foundation expects to yield vital funding for its mission.

“The race is on to keep elk country from suffocating in noxious weeds, strip malls and subdivisions. Auction proceeds will fund our ongoing efforts to conserve and enhance habitat for elk and other wildlife,” said David Allen, president and CEO of the Elk Foundation.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:19 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, January 24, 2008

These are the pictures I took up until about 1:45 of day one of the SCI Convention.

See the Rest of the Photos. 

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 01:57 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

We have only spent a couple of hours at the show and we are absolutely amazed at the unbelievable displays and people we are meeting. Lots more text coming but please take look at some of the photos.

POSTED BY JERIT AT ERESOURCES AT 06:31 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

We arrived just an hour ago at the Reno Convention Center and the show does not open until 10am.  I have already had the pleasure to introduce myself to Jim Shockey and shake his hand and take a look around.  We have some amazing photographs to share with you.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 01:09 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

We have arrived in the great state of Nevada to attend the SCI Convention.  Tonight we stopped down to peak into the doors of the Weatherby Foundation Awards and we quickly realized that we were very very under dressed.  tonights award ceremony and live auction was a black tie event and very formal.  Everyone looked wonderful but we decided we had best leave before security came over and escorted us away.

We shot some pictures around the casino and from todays trip in.  Reno is filling up with snow as I write this and I am glad we came over Donner Summit one night early.

Read more to see the pictures 

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 01:40 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, January 21, 2008

We are traveling on Tuesday and heading over the hill to Reno, Nevada on Wednesday for the start of the Safari Club Convention and we have two really cool press releases coming out this week and important announcements coming this week along with a ton of coverage of all of the events at the Safari Club show.  We are going to be sending pictures, posts and meeting with as many people as we possibly can over this week to continue to provide you all the best in conservation news.

Stay tuned this week for some amazing announcements including a new Pro Staff Member coming to our ranks that we could not be more proud to have join the team.

Quick UPDATE 

We are in California and headed to Reno tonight to beat an incoming storm before tomorrow morning and they decide to close the pass.  Hopefully we will make it in time to sneak in and get the news about the Weatherby Awards tonight.

We will keep you posted.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:30 PM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, January 21, 2008

Ducks Unlimited commemorates millionth acre of Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program

Joins Secretary of Agriculture in marking the conservation milestone

WASHINGTON – January 17, 2008 – Ducks Unlimited and the US Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency celebrated the enrollment of the one millionth acre into the popular Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) today.  Ducks Unlimited has been a part of many of the acres of restoration work put on the ground through CREP.

Scott Sutherland, director of the DU Governmental Affairs Office, was joined at the ceremony by Acting Secretary of Agriculture Chuck Conner, as well as Rep. Tim Holden of Pennsylvania and Rep. Tim Walz of Minnesota, whose district was home to the record breaking acre.

“The Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program has been a real boon for ducks and waterfowl habitat all across the nation,” said Sutherland.  “Ducks Unlimited has been involved with many of the first million acres of CREP, and we look forward to working with the USDA to help restore the next million.”

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:23 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, January 21, 2008

NEWTOWN, Conn. -- Safari Club International Foundation has announced that it will contribute $250,000 to the Hunting Heritage Partnership (HHP), a program of the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF). The donation increases annual grant money available by 50 percent, from $500,000 to $750,000 to address critical issues affecting the future of hunting.

HHP awards annual grants to individual states for effective, new projects aimed at the successful recruitment and retention of hunters. States and local grassroots partners provide funds and/or in-kind services to match the critically needed HHP funds.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:20 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, January 21, 2008

This video while not the best filmed video in the world is a wealth of information for those of you thinking of going to Alaska in pursuit of Bull Moose. When I am looking for a future hunt, I like to know what I am getting myself into as quickly as I can before I go on the hunt and this video really helps you learn either what the guide is going to be doing or what you will need to be doing in order to have success in the moose rut.

The video features over an hour of calling sequences as well as some great hunting scenes.  If you are thinking of booking a trip or want to know more about moose calling and hunting then this is the video for you.

Love, Thunder & Bull 2 in Alaska:  A video guide to Moose Hunting and Calling.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 03:14 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, January 21, 2008

This weekend I had the pleasure of getting up to see my old pal Dennis and attend the Reading Sport Show to see some old friends in the industry.  We had a blast getting to talk with everyone.  My old pal Harry Walker was there with Michael Moore looking to find some guys to head up to Manitoba for black bear and whitetail hunts.

I am headed up to hunt with Sandy River Outfitters on May 25th - 31st, 2008 and Harry still has a couple of open slots in camp for that week.  If you are looking for a Black Bear this is the hunt for you.  The average bear goes 250# with several breaking the 400 lb mark each and every year.  This is a really great opportunity to pick up a Pope and Young bear.  The hunt cost runs $2750.00 for the week of hunting and about $300.00 for your tags.  I booked this hunt and I trust Harry and his team will provide an amazing experience.  Harry Walker has been my bear mentor for many years and he knows his stuff.  Check out his listing in the outfitter section.

Read more.... 

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 02:34 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, January 21, 2008

Throughout the year, I get in my email box one of the most informative newsletters in the world of African Hunting from Gerhard Damm.  The African Indaba Newsletter is free to subscribe to and I highly recommend it to all of you interested in what is happening in African Hunting and Conservation.

African Indaba Newsletter Volume 6

Log onto their website and sign up for a subscription.  African Indaba News

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:30 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Sunday, January 20, 2008

The great team at Northstar Video Productions sent me out 4 DVD's to review and all I can say is.... WOW!

The four videos they sent me were Awesome Archery Bulls, Awesome Archery Bulls 2, Tricks of the Trade and El Gato.  Watching these great videos over the past week while writing up posts and working on the site has provided me several hours of pure enjoyment.  Most of the video's were filmed in the southwest and the hunting is intense.

The video work in these is well filmed and educational.  I especially liked Tricks of the Trade and to see the size of some of these bulls are absolutely amazing.  If you are interested in heading out on a southwestern adventure for archery elk then these are the videos that you should be looking into.

El Gato was intense and very educational.  Having never been on a Mountain Lion hunt this video really puts you in the hunt and lets you know what kind of experience you are going to have on a mountain lion hunt and covers the 3 different types of hunting for big cats with an emphasis on hunting the big cats with hounds.

For the money you really cannot go wrong picking up a set of these videos.   The four DVD's that were sent out to me will be added to the silent auction items at the Bull Run RMEF banquet on March 15th, 2007.

Northstar Video Productions

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 09:33 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Saturday, January 19, 2008

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – MDF Volunteers will be getting an after-Christmas present, thanks to Sportsman’s Warehouse, a large sporting goods retailer based out of Midvale, Utah.

MDF’s Ray Crow and Jeremy Sage from Sportsman’s Warehouse started talking about how they could recognize MDF’s hard-working and dedicated volunteers. The end result was a hat that represents the Mule Deer Foundation, Sportsman’s Warehouse and the MDF volunteer.

Ray Crow said, “MDF is proud of our volunteers, and we can’t thank Sportsman’s Warehouse enough for their continued generosity and support.”

Jeremy Sage, of Sportsman’s Warehouse, said, “We are honored to be a part of the Mule Deer Foundation and their mission. Their goals could not be fulfilled without the passionate and dedicated MDF volunteers.”

Crow concluded, “MDF is very fortunate to have the type of volunteers needed to grow our organization and supporters like Sportsman’s Warehouse to make things like this come to fruition.”

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 05:56 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Saturday, January 19, 2008

Saint Paul, Minn. – January 19, 2008 – Today, U.S. Department of Agriculture Acting Secretary Chuck Conner announced an important change to the Conservation Reserve Program that will encourage state-specific wildlife focused projects.  Speaking before attendees at National Pheasant Fest 2008, Secretary Conner announced approval for 45 State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement or SAFE proposals covering 259,776 acres in 18 states. The SAFE projects will be available through USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) service centers as part of the ongoing continuous sign-up for the Conservation Reserve Program.


The Minnesota approved SAFE practice, called the “Minnesota Back Forty” is specifically targeted at improving habitat for ring-necked pheasants and had been allocated 23,100 acres in the CRP.  Other states approved SAFE’s target bobwhite quail and black bears in Mississippi, Roosevelt elk in Washington, Columbian Sharp-tailed grouse in Idaho, and numerous others.  According to Secretary Conner, actual enrollment will start shortly and additional SAFE proposals will be approved shortly toward the goal to approve 500,000 acres nationwide.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 05:50 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Saturday, January 19, 2008

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The Mule Deer Foundation’s mission is to ensure the conservation of mule deer, black-tailed deer and their habitats. MDF has just created a very unique and innovative way for people to help support that mission.

Late last year negotiations started between MDF and YTB, an online travel agency. The end result is a new online travel booking site (www.mdftravel.org) that “turns your vacations into Mule Deer Foundation donations.” You can now book all of your travel through this site, and MDF gets the agency commission.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 05:37 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, January 17, 2008

We would like to welcome Rocky Mountain Ranches to our stable of outfitters as a part of our team.  We hope all of you will visit them soon and if your interested in a Colorado hunt, go check them out.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN RANCHES

Owned and managed by licensed Colorado big game outfitter and guide Larry Bishop, Rocky Mountain Ranches provides a way for you to enjoy some of the finest elk hunting, mule deer hunting, and pronghorn antelope hunting in Colorado. All of our elk hunting take place in 4-point or better Colorado hunting units, which improves your chances for a trophy bull elk. In past seasons, our rifle hunters have enjoyed a success rate of over 50% on 4-point or better bull elk, over 90% success on buck mule deer, and 100% success on buck antelope.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 00:32 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Every once in a while you kind of have to laugh at life and at yourself. 

Last night I got home late and a bit wobbly from a long day.  I needed a good meal and I was ready to cook a couple of antelope steaks.  I had a package on the table waiting for me.  It was the Mister Tenderizer.  I knew it was coming but had no idea it would show up so soon.  I pulled out the box dropped in the DVD and watched it quickly while I put it together.  It is not really complicated to put together but takes a minute to figure out what goes where.  It was already 9pm and I was hungry.  I threw it together and watched the video until I felt like I had enough.

Grabbing a bowl and some Worcester sauce,Lemon juice, black pepper and my steaks.  I mixed it all up sliced the steaks to about a half inch think, ran them through the Mister Tenderizer and threw them onto the George Foreman.  It was an infomercial night using my QVC rice cooker.

All of that being said, the Mr. Tenderizer actually works.  My steaks had great flavor, were very tender and the thing was very easy to use.  I also really liked the clean up as it was very easy.  I sprayed it off, dropped it into the dishwasher and it was clean.  I was actually impressed.  For $19.95 the product is one I will actually keep and I can see a need for.  I have had a couple of tough steaks in my day and with clean up being this easy, it is a keeper.

Go here if you are interested in picking one of these up:

Mr. Tenderizer

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:28 PM | 3 COMMENTS | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Mike Hanback, one of the top deer hunting writers in the world and a TV co-host for Winchester Whitetail Revolution on the Versus sports network, has launched his new blog and website, www.mikehanback.com.

“The blogosphere has changed the way we talk about world events, politics, entertainment, and now hunting, especially deer hunting,” says Hanback. “I invite everybody to come and join the discussions and debates we’ll have about guns, bows, anti-hunters, and laws and current events that affect your hunting. Brainstorm with fellow hunters from across the country and make your opinions heard.”

Hanback’s blog is also the place to see and read about some of the biggest whitetail bucks shot in North America each  story and photo to post.season—160-to 200-inch monsters.

I have been a long time reader of this blog and Mike is a great guy, head on over to his blog and browse around.  I know you will all enjoy his great work. 

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 06:41 AM | 18 COMMENTS | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Missoula, Montana—Five veterans returning from wars in Iraq and Afghanistan were recently welcomed home to Kentucky with news that they’d been selected for elk hunts of a lifetime, sponsored by grateful volunteers and supporters of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

Kentucky servicemen receiving cow elk tags, fully guided hunts, tent camps, meals and more include:

1. Lt. Col. Gene Hughes of Union
2. Matthew Armstrong of London
3. Maj. Tim Culver of Cox’s Creek
4. Jeff Ford of Lexington
5. Lt. Col. Mike Farley of Corbin

Hughes’ hunt will be held later this month in New Mexico. The other four were held last month in Kentucky, with each hunter successfully taking elk.

In a letter to the Elk Foundation, Hughes wrote: “My father shared with me the sport of hunting…He taught me to respect the land, the landowner and the importance of fair chase…Since I was a young teen my dream has been to hunt elk…Your organization has tied two of my greatest passions together—my lifelong dream of hunting elk and my military career.”

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 06:28 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Waycross, Georgia— The National Wild Turkey Federation's Georgia state chapter, in cooperation with its partners, has announced a Wildfire Relief Fund for forest restoration in Southeast Georgia.

Georgia's unprecedented drought in 2007 led to an onslaught of wildfires. The subsequent damage scorched a total of 462,753 acres across a 21-county area of Southeast Georgia, with 30,921 of those acres consisting of private family lands.

The Fund, which consists of private donations, will provide financial assistance for forest restoration to family forest owners who were affected by Georgia's 2007 wildfire season. Once funds have been received, the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) will notify affected family forest owners and give them the opportunity to apply for incentive payments from the Wildlife Relief Fund to reforest their lands. GFC foresters will review applications, inspect affected lands and reward incentive payments based on need and the amount available in the Fund.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 06:22 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Jon Schwedler over at the Sierra Sportsmen has graciously allowed us to republish the following interview with Jed Meunier who is a direct descendant of Aldo Leopold one of the great forefathers of the conservation and environmental movements in our world.  I felt that this interview was important for hunter conservationists to hear the message that Jed has shared in this interview and i hope you will all read it and ponder it.  Please come back and share your comments with us here.  Aldo Leopold was a great man and it looks like Jed Meunier is on his way to becoming a great man in his own right.

The Leopold Family Legacy:
Interview with Jed Meunier

In celebration of conservation pioneer Aldo Leopold's birthday January 11, we interview his great-grandson, Jed Meunier, about Aldo's conservation legacy.

Jed Meunier is the oldest great-grandson of Aldo Leopold's eldest daughter, Nina Leopold Bradley. Jed grew up in Baraboo spending his summers at the Leopold Shack on the Wisconsin River. Jed, like Leopold, is an avid hunter and fly fisherman, and enjoys finding grouse and woodcock in the Red Lanterns of fall with his wife, Tricia, and German shorthair pointer, Riva.

Jed obtained a Masters of Science from the University of Wisconsin in Wildlife Ecology studying the fall migration of the American Woodcock. Jed is presently a doctoral candidate at Colorado State University where he working on the fire history of the US/Mexico borderland's forests.

Read the entire Interview with Jed Meunier

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 00:31 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, January 14, 2008

WEST POINT, MS - Mossy Oak, the industry leader in camouflage design, is proud to introduce its newest pattern, Treestand, designed specifically for hardcore whitetail hunters who hunt from an elevated position.  Treestand offers whitetail hunters the ideal camouflage solution for altering their silhouette among the bare limbs of a tree in late fall.

"Hunting whitetails from a tree is one of our favorite pursuits here at Mossy Oak," said founder and CEO Toxey Haas.  "If we took the time to add up all the hours that our staff has spent in a treestand over the years, we'd probably wonder just how anything gets done around here. But it is exactly that dedication to the sport that helps us bring you a pattern as effective as Treestand."

Nearly 20 years ago, Mossy Oak introduced the original version of Treestand and revolutionized the way we look at camo by being the first to incorporate tree limbs into a pattern.  Almost two decades later, Treestand now utilizes digital technology to exactly reproduce the details and subtleties of actual tree limbs laid over the neutral tones most commonly seen when looking up through bare trees.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:12 PM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, January 14, 2008

ATLANTA - The auditorium is packed, the judges are tough and the tension is palpable. It's not the latest installment of American Idol - it's the National Wild Turkey Federation Grand National Wild Turkey Calling Championships, sponsored by Wild Turkey Bourbon.

The championships, which will be held in Atlanta during the Federation's 32nd annual Convention and Sport Show Feb. 21 to Feb. 24, 2008, at the Georgia World Congress Center, will showcase dozens of contestants from all over North America as they strut their stuff to impress the judges.

Entrants will take their best shot at imitating the sounds of the wild turkey. Contestants are scored by a panel of judges who are directly in front of the stage, but cannot see who is doing the calling. Callers have one minute per call requested to mimic a series of wild turkey sounds using an assortment of wild turkey calls or their voices. Points are awarded for the realism of the call, cadence and the caller's creativity.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:53 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, January 14, 2008

Saint Paul, Minn. - January 14, 2008 - In its silver anniversary year, Pheasants Forever (PF) announces a milestone conservation achievement. Since its inception in 1982, PF has completed over 370,000 projects which have benefited more than 5 million acres of wildlife habitat across North America.

Nationwide, PF - which will formally celebrate its 25th Anniversary at National Pheasant Fest in Saint Paul, Minnesota, January 18th, 19th and 20th, 2008 - has spent over $260 million on wildlife conservation and education. Those funds have translated into 370,262 habitat projects affecting 5,003,578 acres across the continent. These 5 million acres includes work accomplished by Quail Forever (QF, Pheasants Forever's quail division launched in 2005) and Habitat Forever, which includes PF's habitat specialist teams.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:43 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, January 14, 2008

Fairfax, Virginia.  Earnest Padgette, President of the Arlington-Fairfax Chapter, Inc. of the Izaak Walton League of America (IWLA) announced an important initiative that the Chapter has undertaken to enhance environmental stewardship of their property in Centreville, Virginia.Last year, the Chapter conducted a series of voluntary assessments to assist in designing Environmental Stewardship Programs and developing an Environmental Management System (EMS).

Mr. Padgette said: “We have developed management programs to address environmental aspects of site activities, which we are implementing as part of a property wide Environmental Management System (EMS) focused on continuous improvement in the stewardship of the land and natural resources on the site. Our plans include Best Management Practices (BMP) for shooting ranges and implementing source reduction, reuse, and recycling opportunities.

As part of this process, we have switched to biodegradable targets on our skeet and trap ranges, and have implemented lead management best practices, including treatment of soils and regular testing, as well as recycling plans for our ranges. We will share our experiences, methods and results with other facilities engaged in similar activities, to encourage them to undertake their own Environmental Management programs.”

In January, 2008, the Arlington-Fairfax Chapter is moving forward with additional best practices to enhance the stewardship of the environment, and do so as part of an EMS which may be recognized by the Commonwealth as part of the Virginia Environmental Excellence Program (VEEP).  The Chapter is pleased that the Department of Environmental Quality and the Commonwealth of Virginia have chosen to encourage organizations to use EMS by recognizing such organizations as leaders and stewards of the environment.

The Chapter has worked with Environmental Security International and its President Mike Penders, to facilitate these processes. Questions may be directed to Mr. Padgette at (540) 439-6085, or Mr. Penders at (571) 435 7962.
 

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 05:29 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Sunday, January 13, 2008

On January 23rd, 2008 hunters from around the world will be traveling to Reno, Nevada to attend "THE SHOW."  The SCI Convention is 650,000 sq. feet of exhibition space with some of the worlds greatest safari operators, professional hunters(PH's), Outfitters, Equipment Manufacturers, Gun Makers, Taxidermists and Artists in the world.  There will be people traveling from all 7 continents to offer hunts from African Lions, Brown Bears, Polar Bears, Stags, Tar, Elephant, Elk, etc.  If you can hunt it as a species in the world this is the place to come.  If you are interested in attending this great event become a member of SCI and log on to their website at www.safariclub.org.

We will be at this show all week shooting pictures and reporting as many great stories as possible.  We look forward to meeting as many people as possible and bringing you all the pictures of the weeks events. 

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 06:45 PM | 29 COMMENTS | LINKS TO THIS POST

Friday, January 11, 2008

DNR will have strong presence at PF's National Pheasant Fest 2008

Saint Paul, Minn. – January 11, 2008 – Pheasants Forever (PF) and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) are celebrating 25 years of partnering to improve wildlife habitat in the state. PF will formally celebrate its 25th Anniversary at National Pheasant Fest 2008 presented by Cabela's at the Saint Paul RiverCentre in downtown Saint Paul on January 18th, 19th and 20th, 2008.

PF formed in Saint Paul in 1982. "It's only fitting that Pheasants Forever's 25th Anniversary celebration is in Minnesota, where the organization began," said Mark Holsten, MN DNR Commissioner, "The DNR is proud to have been partners with Pheasants Forever all these years, and we look forward to continuing that partnership for the benefit of wildlife across this great state."

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:42 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, January 10, 2008

Saint Paul, Minn. – January 9, 2008 – A Bird Dog Parade will kick off Pheasants Forever's National Pheasant Fest 2008 presented by Cabela's. On January 18th, local outdoor personalities Ron Schara and Raven will head a parade of over 25 different sporting dog breeds and their owners through portions of downtown Saint Paul, leading to the opening of Pheasants Forever's National Pheasant Fest and 25th Anniversary Convention at the Saint Paul RiverCentre.

The Bird Dog Parade begins at 12:30 PM at Roy Wilkins Auditorium, site of the Bird Dog Stage presented by Purina at National Pheasant Fest. The parade route will then make its way outdoors around the Xcel Energy Center, starting at 5th Street West, then 7th Street West, and finally onto Kellogg Blvd West. The parade will conclude at the Saint Paul RiverCentre entrance prior to the ribbon cutting and opening of National Pheasant Fest at 1 PM.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 09:05 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, January 9, 2008

On my average hunting trip I carry with me between 10 and 15 rounds of ammunition with 3-5 going in the rifle depending upon which rifle I am carrying and the rest usually go in my front pocket.  At the end of the day those bullets are returned back to the factory box which they came out of and often times the bullet tips are damaged are marred by being in my pocket or the pocket of pack.

Along came the opportunity to test out Pocket Pak.  This little storage device is made to hold your rounds of ammunition in  your shirt pocket or pants pocket and will protect the bullets from getting marred, wet or damaged in any way.  They are perfect for hand loaders and hunters.  I slipped in 4 rounds of 300 win mag and they fit perfectly into the case and seal quite nicely.  No more jingle jangle in my pockets.

Read more....

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 07:34 PM | 3 COMMENTS | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, January 9, 2008

I just got off the phone with P.J. Wright from Horns Whitetail Adventures and it sounds like they had a fantastic season in Saskatchewan.  Their camp is along Sled Lake, Saskatchewan and boy these deer are big.  I had the pleasure of hunting bear in this camp and Berta their cook won me over on day one with one of the largest breakfasts I have ever eaten.  Bobby Shipe is the head guide for the camp and he is an absolute joy to hunt with.  Take a look at these 10 great pictures from the season and then check out the listing on our site at Horns Whitetail Adventures. 

You can also check out their site at http://www.hornswhitetailadventures.com.

See More.... 

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 06:11 PM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Washington, D.C. – Safari Club International learned today that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will delay its long awaited decision on whether it will list the polar bear as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. The Service indicated that it expects to finalize its decision within the next month. Despite historically high population numbers worldwide, the Service is considering whether to list the species due to allegations that global climate change will destroy the polar bears sea-ice habitat over the next 45 years.

SCI has been involved in this listing process since 2005 and recently argued that the Service should take up to an additional six months to properly review the scientific evidence, including nine new U.S. Geological Survey studies made public in September 2007. SCI opposes the listing of the polar bear because 1) a listing will have a detrimental impact on importing legally hunted trophies from Canada; 2) the scientific data on impacts to the species over the next 45 years is not certain enough to satisfy the ESA standards for listing; and 3) the ESA is not the proper vehicle for addressing global climate change. 

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 09:59 AM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

By Second Luietenant Ryan Wood

The New Year brought new excitement for the Rangers of 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, as the home stretc of their 15-month deployment came into view and some supportive outdoorsman offered a taste of home to celebrate the close of 2007 during a BBQ and raffle on New Years Eve.    

In addition to being a night of celebration, the Rangers managed to promote outdoor conservation as well. COL Ricky Gibbs, commander, 4th IBCT was in attendance and together with CSM James Champagne, 4th IBCT and MAJ Brent Cummings, XO, 2-16 IN, they were able to distribute dozens of prizesincluding shirts, hats, calendars, magazine subscriptions and the main prize of the evening - four free bird hunting trips. The merchandise and trips were donated by Pheasants Forever and the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership (TRCP) through the Fort Riley Outdoorsman's Group,affectionately known as FROG.   

The Rangers of 2-16 IN were just the second combat brigade deployed in support of President Bush's surge and have been fighting in one of the most dangerous portions of Baghdad for nearly a year. According to Cummings, the party was "a way for Soldiers to let off some steam and remind themselves of the great things that wait for them when they return to Kansas in the spring."

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 09:55 AM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, January 7, 2008

Saint Paul, Minn. - January 7, 2008 - Pheasants Forever (PF) announces the schedule of seminars slated for National Pheasant Fest 2008 presented byCabela's. The