Friday, February 29, 2008

Congratulations to Brian Lozes of Covington Louisiana, winner of the 2007 Daisy outdoor Products "Take aim at Safety" youth essay contest. Brian won a trip to Elk Camp for him and one of his parents, plus a new Daisy Red Rider BB gun. He will be introduced and was honored at the beginning of the Friday luncheon Auction. His essay, printed below, will also be in the July-August 2008 Bugle.

We are hoping to get a short interview with this remarkable young man about his experiences at RMEF Elk Camp in Reno and to learn about his hunting plans for 2008.

Essay and Pictures attached 

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 09:10 AM | 16 COMMENTS | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, February 28, 2008

Having spent several days of the last week being bombarded by turkey calling and turkey paraphernalia, I find my self in a "turkey state of mind." And since we still have a short time before I can go turkey hunting, I am inspired to share with you the account of a trip I made to Missouri with my daughter Jana during the spring break of her senior year of high school.

It isn’t often that you convince a girly girl high school senior to spend spring break with their mom, much less spend it turkey hunting. But my girl was not your ordinary teenage girl. Having grown up in a family with a mom that makes her living hunting, fishing, shooting, and promoting an outdoor lifestyle, Jana was the dream girl of all the guys that loved and pursued the outdoors. She was beautiful, smart, witty, and a tomboy underneath the glitz and glamour. I have to chuckle every time I think of her telling the boys that if they didn’t walk the straight and narrow that I would shoot them with a grasshopper attached to an arrow and fired from my bow.

Watch out turkeys, here we come.

Two long-beards strolled through the Black Angus grazed pasture with about two hours of light remaining. Only a mile later, we turned to the east on White Oak Road, a gravel road, with a sign and arrow pointing to White Oak Lodge. Bobwhite quail flew into a locust tree and young rabbits darted from the road into the ditches. A dark wooden farm house rested in a well manicured lawn overlooking a deep blue farm pond. It was Friday evening April 29th, when Jana and I arrived in Edina, Missouri. We were the guests of Darrell and Lois Huchteman. Darrell had coached Laden Force, who at the time of our hunt was the pro staff director of Mothwing Camo, during his football days at Knox County High School. 

POSTED BY JOELLA BATES AT 12:45 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, February 28, 2008

MISSOULA, Mont.—A record $1.6 million was raised for conservation via auctions held at the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation’s annual convention, which concluded Feb. 24 in Reno, Nev.
 
Items sold included firearms, art, furniture, jewelry, Harley-Davidson motorcycle, log doghouse, handcrafted guitar, vacations, hunts and a sociable mule named Tulip.
 
Highlights of these annual fundraisers also include many special hunting permits sold in partnership with state and tribal conservation agencies. Monies raised are returned to these agencies for conservation projects, usually in elk country. In some cases, the Elk Foundation keeps a small percentage as a commission to supplement its own elk habitat protection and enhancement efforts.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 12:44 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, February 28, 2008

New York Times Article on the World Elk Calling Competition

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 12:43 AM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, February 28, 2008

MISSOULA, Mont.—Conservationists from Florida, Minnesota, Montana, Texas and Wisconsin have been appointed to the board of directors for the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, an organization devoted to ensuring the future of elk, other wildlife and their habitat.
 
The six new volunteer leaders began their terms during the Elk Foundation’s annual convention, which concluded Feb. 24 in Reno, Nev.
 
“This class of board members brings experience as well as brand new perspectives, and both are vital to effective leadership. We welcome them to our organization and look forward to their energy and ideas for conservation in elk country,” said David Allen, Elk Foundation president.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 12:42 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, February 28, 2008

McCormick, S.C. – February 28, 2008 – Concerned with the area's declining bobwhite quail population, residents in South Carolina's McCormick County have formed the state's second Quail Forever (QF) chapter, the Long Cane Chapter of QF. The chapter joins the Peak/Chapin Chapter of QF in central South Carolina in leading efforts to restore the state's bobwhite quail habitat.

"We just don't have the habitat anymore, and that's what Quail Forever is interested in creating," said Wayne Kirkland of Parksville, the chapter's newly elected president, "To bring back the bobs we need to do it from the ground up."

Pheasants Forever launched Quail Forever in 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 12:38 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, February 28, 2008

Saint Paul, Minn. – February 28, 2008 – Pheasants Forever, Inc. and Quail Forever announce Scott Roemhildt as the organization's new Regional Representative for Southern Minnesota. A communications consultant and adjunct instructor in Mass Communications at Minnesota State University-Mankato (MSU) since 2003, Roemhildt has also worked on Pheasants Forever's seasonal prescribed burn crew since 2006. He succeeds Aaron Kuehl, who after seven years in the position became the organization's Conservation Director in Illinois.

Roemhildt's primary duties with Pheasants Forever (PF) and Quail Forever (QF) will include starting chapters and servicing the 33 existing PF chapters and one QF chapter in Southern Minnesota. He will work with chapters in raising and expending funds on wildlife habitat and conservation education, as well as work with local, state, and federal natural resource agencies on behalf of PF/QF chapters.

"Scott Roemhildt is an outstanding addition to Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever's conservation efforts in Southern Minnesota," said Matt Holland, PF/QF Senior Field Coordinator, "His extensive background in education and communications make him perfectly suited for working with our dedicated volunteers and building wildlife habitat."

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 12:36 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, February 28, 2008

ATLANTA - Kenny Odom, of Waynesboro, Miss., puts wild turkeys and conservation at the top of his list of priorities. He's done it for more than 15 years, which is why representatives from Wild Turkey Bourbon presented this Mississippi conservationist the 2008 Wild Turkey Bourbon Rare Breed Award.

Odom received the award at the 2008 NWTF National Convention and Sport Show in Atlanta, Ga., Feb. 21 to Feb. 24.

"I'm very humble and appreciative," Odom said after accepting the award. "From the bottom to the top, the NWTF is made up of great people who are doing great things for the wild turkey. I'm just proud to be a part of it."

Odom has been a member of the NWTF for 15 years, and was one of the founders of his local chapter. He has served as local chapter president, state chapter president and state chapter secretary. He is a relentless volunteer for the NWTF, and with a positive outlook, ensures he is behind the NWTF in every way. Along with his volunteer work with the NWTF, he's a Deacon at his local church, serves on the Board of Trustees at his local hospital and provides radio color commentary for his local high school football team.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 12:33 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, February 28, 2008

LINCOLN, Neb. - Brett Bayer, Nebraska's National Wild Turkey Federation state chapter president and Dennis Conger, NWTF regional director, attended a ceremonial signing of a new law by Gov. Dave Heineman that will enhance opportunities for Nebraska's youth hunters.

The NWTF, the National Rifle Association (NRA), the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance (USSA) and the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) worked diligently to create support for, and the passage of Legislative Bill 690.

The law creates an apprentice hunter education exemption certificate that allows experienced hunters to take a newcomer hunting before completing a hunter education course. The new law also lowers the deer-hunting age for mentored youth from 12 to 10, allowing parents to introduce their sons and daughters to America's hunting tradition at a younger age.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 12:29 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, February 28, 2008

Pine, Colorado – The Co-Chair of CDTA’s Honorary Board of Directors was recently recognized at the Annual Conservation Community Award Banquet celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the National Trails System and the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act.

The Natural Resources Council of America (NRCA) bestowed its annual Public Service Award to Stephen Fausel, founder of the Fausel Foundation and co-founder of the Continental Divide Trail Alliance, for his dedication to building partnerships among government, non-profit, business and
public partners on conservation of America’s public lands.

“Steve represents the ideal model of citizen-activist who invests his time, and his personal resources, to the cause of conservation without hesitation,” said Jeffrey T. Olson, president of NRCA. “His leadership of many conservation causes has produced a remarkable record of success,” added Olson.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 09:10 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, February 28, 2008

ATLANTA— Billy Yargus of Ewing, Mo. won First place in the 2008 Wild Turkey Bourbon/National Wild Turkey Federation Grand National Calling Championships in Atlanta, Ga., Feb. 22 to Feb. 24.

Yargus has been competing in the Seniors Division for 10 years, and while he has done well, he hasn't won the Wild Turkey Bourbon/NWTF Grand National Seniors Division.

"I can't describe the feelings, but it feels great," Yargus said. "I'm lost for words. There's no other feeling like this in the world. It's fantastic."

In addition to a championship trophy, Yargus won a championship ring and $5,000.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 06:09 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, February 28, 2008

ATLANTA — Each year, the National Wild Turkey Federation honors a corporate partner that has been outstanding in its efforts to promote wild turkey conservation and hunting.

This year, the NWTF awarded Cabela's the Corporate Achievement Award during the Federation's annual Convention and Sport Show at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Ga., Feb. 21 to Feb. 24.

Committed to inspiring people to enjoy and conserve the great outdoors, Cabela's is a long-time supporter of the NWTF and its outreach programs.

"Dick and Jim Cabela and the entire team at Cabela's have set the standard for manufacturers understanding the importance of supporting conservation," said NWTF CEO Rob Keck. "Ultimately, this giant in outdoors catalog and retail sales is dedicated to America's hunting heritage and conservation legacy, and they give a lot back to keep that heritage alive."

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 06:02 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, February 28, 2008

Atlanta — The National Wild Turkey Federation honored 1st Sgt. Richard Todd Campbell with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources as the 2008 NWTF Wildlife Law Enforcement Officer of the Year.

Campbell was recognized during the Saturday Awards Banquet at the NWTF's annual Convention and Sport Show held Feb. 21 to Feb. 24 in Atlanta, for his efforts in conserving America's wildlife.

"Without the tremendous level of support for wild turkey conservation from wildlife officers such as Sgt. Campbell, restoration efforts and wildlife management strategies would never have succeeded," said Rob Keck, NWTF CEO. "We want to ensure that they receive the thanks and recognition they so richly deserve."

Campbell received the South Carolina State Wildlife Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award, making him eligible for the NWTF's National Wildlife Law Enforcement Officer of the Year.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 06:01 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, February 28, 2008

ATLANTA — Two icons of wild turkey conservation were presented with an award named for a pioneer in wild turkey restoration during the National Wild Turkey Federation's annual Convention and Sport Show in Atlanta.

Fred Evans and Michael Seamster received the inaugural Wayne Bailey Lifetime Achievement Awards for their dedication to wild turkey conservation and management.

"It is very appropriate that Fred and Mike receive the very first Wayne Bailey Lifetime Achievement awards," said Dr. James Earl Kennamer, NWTF senior vice president for conservation programs. "Both were influenced by Bailey and continued his work for wild turkeys."

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 06:00 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, February 28, 2008

MOHAVE COUNTY, Ariz. — Fifty-five Rio Grande wild turkeys were recently released in a remote section of northwestern Arizona. The National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) and its partners are hoping the event will usher in a new era for wild turkey hunters in the Grand Canyon State.

The release, which occurred January 16 in an isolated section of the Black Rock Mountains approximately 15 miles south of the Utah border, is significant because it adds a new subspecies of wild turkey to Arizona. In addition to Rio Grandes, the state is home to Merriam's and Gould's subspecies, which are thriving.

According to Scott Lerich, NWTF regional biologist, the turkeys were trapped near Beaver, Utah, an area with very similar wild turkey habitat to that of the Black Rock Mountains.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 06:00 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

ATLANTA — Sam Crouch, Sr. of Edgefield, S.C., was honored with the C.B. McCleod Award during the National Wild Turkey Federation's National Convention and Sport Show in Atlanta, Ga., Feb. 22 to Feb. 24.

Crouch, a NWTF Life Member, has a long history with the Federation.

"Sam is a lifelong conservationist who fostered the volunteer spirit locally," said Rob Keck, NWTF CEO. "He set the tone for chapters across the country."

In 1974, Crouch became the first President of the S.C. State Chapter. He was instrumental in organizing the Edgefield Chapter, which was the first NWTF chapter in S.C. He also played a major role in the decision to relocate the NWTF from Fredericksburg, Va. to Edgefield.

"The Edgefield community and all of our NWTF volunteers and staff owe Sam a debt of gratitude for his leadership in our formative years," commented Dr. James Earl Kennamer, NWTF's senior vice president for conservation programs.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 08:30 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Annapolis, Maryland – House Bill 655, commonly known as the Minimum Age Hunting License bill was withdrawn today through the efforts of the leadership of the Maryland Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus and the Maryland Legislative Sportsmen’s Foundation. For now, the time-honored practice of passing down the tradition of hunting from one generation to another is less threatened and Maryland continues to have no minimum age for a young person to obtain a hunting license after successfully completing a Hunter Education Course.

HB655: The ‘Hunting License – Minimum Age’ Bill would have prohibited the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) from issuing a license to any youngster under the minimum age of thirteen. The danger in legislation like this is that by the time a youngster becomes old enough to legally obtain a hunting license; other interests may occupy his or her time - which is just what the anti-hunting crowd was hoping for.

“Maryland is an urban–minded state. This was a legislative fight we have been anticipating for several years, but one we were committed to winning once the day arrived. The 2008 session was indeed that day. The bill’s demise speaks volumes to the influence and respect for the Caucus and the Foundation in the Halls of Annapolis. Tomorrow is a different day and we will remain ever-vigilant – on behalf of Maryland’s sportsmen’s community – in protecting our traditional rights as sportsmen… hunting young is one of those rights” stated Bill Miles, Vice-Chairman of the Maryland Legislative Sportsmen’s Foundation.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 04:14 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

ATLANTA— More than 25,000 hunting enthusiasts headed to Atlanta Feb. 21 to Feb. 24 for the National Wild Turkey Federation's annual Convention and Sport Show, an event that celebrates the popular pastime of nearly 3 million North American outdoorsmen and women.

Inside the Georgia World Congress Center, the site of the four-day event, hunters heard the yelps, putts, clucks, purrs and gobbles of professional and amateur wild turkey callers as well as entertainment from some of the top names in country music during the convention.

The Wild Turkey Bourbon/NWTF Grand National Calling Championships, as well as taxidermy, art and callmaking competitions were featured events.

Attendees also gathered for meal functions complete with keynote speakers, live entertainment, raffles and auctions offering everything from custom-made wild turkey calls to a Chevrolet Tahoe and hunts in Africa, Alaska, New Zealand and many other places.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 03:28 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 02:14 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

MISSOULA, Mont.—New world champion elk callers from California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada and Washington were crowned during the weekend in Reno.
 
Competition was held in six divisions as part of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation’s 24th Annual Elk Camp & Hunting, Fishing and Outdoor Expo. The event was held for the third straight year at the Reno/Sparks Convention Center. Next year the championships will move to Fort Worth, Texas.
 
The RMEF Dickies/CamoWest World Elk Calling Championships began with preliminary rounds on Friday. Top callers advanced to final rounds on Saturday.
 
More than 50 callers from 10 states competed.

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

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

ATLANTA — Larry Perrin of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) was honored with the prestigious Henry S. Mosby Award at the National Wild Turkey Federation's (NWTF) annual Convention and Sport Show in Atlanta, Ga., held Feb. 21 to Feb. 24.

Perrin, a resident of Crawfordsville, has spent more than 30 years working tirelessly on the research and management of the wild turkey for the FWC. His efforts have been instrumental in the continued restoration of the Osceola subspecies wild turkey in the Everglades National Park, and the restoration of the eastern subspecies of the wild turkey in Holmes County.

"Larry has shown unequaled dedication to conservation and wild turkeys throughout his career," said Dr. James Earl Kennamer, NWTF senior vice president for conservation programs. "He is a major reason why residents in Holmes County, visitors in the Everglades National Park and turkey enthusiasts in the State of Florida are able to enjoy the sights and sounds of wild turkeys today."

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 01:38 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

ATLANTA — Timothy Brooks, a private lands conservation biologist with the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), was honored with the prestigious Joe Kurz Award at the National Wild Turkey Federation's (NWTF) annual Convention and Sport Show in Atlanta, Ga., held Feb. 21 to Feb. 24.

The Joe Kurz award recognizes wildlife managers who have worked untiringly for the wild turkey and its habitat. Wildlife managers, such as Brooks, are the unsung heroes who do the on-the-ground work for wild turkeys and other wildlife.

"Timothy Brooks is a prime example of going beyond the call of duty," said Dr. James Earl Kennamer, NWTF senior vice president for conservation programs. "Brooks is not only a talented wildlife biologist, but also a stellar NWTF volunteer, a respected community leader and a dedicated family man. Missouri turkey hunters are lucky to have Brooks working on their behalf."

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 01:34 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

ATLANTA — It's a tale of two women, hundreds of miles apart, yet they share a common goal: to introduce more women to traditional outdoors activities. Both Pennsylvania's Katrina Skrapits and Ohio's Cheryl LaRosa love the outdoors, mainly hunting, and they share their passions with hundreds of women each year.

Their efforts are united under one group, Women in the Outdoors, an education/outreach program of the National Wild Turkey Federation.

For their individual talents and inexhaustible volunteerism, both Skrapits and LaRosa earned the 2008 Annie Oakley Award. Just as the world-famous sureshot spent the better part of her life as an ambassador for shooting sports, these women have given generously of their time to spread the story of wildlife conservation and making outdoor recreation available to women.

Skrapits and LaRosa were honored during a ceremony at the annual NWTF Convention and Sport Show held Feb. 21 to Feb. 23 in Atlanta, Ga.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 01:31 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

ATLANTA — Robin Clark of Charlottesville, Va. and Mark and Connie Cook of Greenwood, S.C. have something in common. They are outstanding Wheelin' Sportsmen NWTF volunteers who are dedicated to helping others. To honor their efforts, Clark and the Cooks were named the 2007 Wheelin' Sportsmen NWTF Volunteers of the Year at the National Wild Turkey Federation's Convention and Sport Show held Feb. 21 to Feb. 24 in Atlanta, Ga.

An accident more than 30 years ago left Clark disabled physically but empowered to help and encourage others. His passion for providing opportunities for others is evident in the volunteer work he contributes to the Wheelin' Sportsmen program.

Clark helps coordinate over 20 events a year in Virginia that offer people with disabilities a chance to hunt, fish and experience the outdoors. He serves as the state's volunteer Wheelin' Sportsmen coordinator and as a member of the state chapter board. Billy Hall, a NWTF regional director in Virginia, said, "Since day one as a volunteer, Robin has been passionate about his role with the NWTF and the Wheelin' Sportsmen program."

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 01:15 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Hammond, Ind. – February 26, 2008 – Conservationists in Indiana's Lake and Porter Counties have formed the state's newest Pheasants Forever (PF) chapter, the Kankakee River Chapter of PF. The new chapter will work to improve wildlife habitat conditions and engage youth in the outdoors.

Lake and Porter Counties are located in northwest Indiana, where development is eating up wildlife habitat at an accelerated pace. "We see the pheasant population declining every year," said Ben Martin of Cedar Lake, the chapter's newly-elected president, "We've got to take a stand. If we do nothing, it's only going to get worse."

One existing opportunity to improve habitat is the federal Conservation Reserve Program's Conservation Practice 33, or CP-33. Also called upland bird habitat buffers, CP-33 is a conservation practice targeted at improving upland bird habitat through the creation of habitat buffers along row crops. Indiana has been allotted 20,000 acres, and currently, nearly 9,700 acres have been enrolled. The Kankakee River chapter will work with landowners in the education and implementation of such buffers.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 01:13 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

The National Capital Chapter

of Safari Club InternationalAnnual Banquet & Auction

For the Benefit of

Wildlife Conservation and Wildlife Education

March 8, 2008
At
The River Creek Clubhouse
43730 Olympic Boulevard
(River Creek Subdivision overlooking the Potomac River)
in Leesburg, Virginia 20176
(PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF LOCATION)

5:30 P.M –Reception w/Cash Bar and silent auction begins

7:00 P.M. Dinner & guest speaker – Mark Keefe, Editor-in-chief of American Rifleman, americanrifleman.org and “American Rifleman Television”

8:00 P.M. Live Auction

The live auction will include guns, hunting trips in the U.S., an African Safari as well as trips from around the world, Alaskan Fishing trip, and jewelry. Details about these auction items and other items will be available by February 2, 2008 at our web site www.scicapitalchapter.org
 
INVITATION DOWNLOAD

TICKET ORDER FORM DOWNLOAD 

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 01:11 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Results from the World Elk Calling Competition and more coming tomorrow.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:46 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Reno, Nevada Saturday morning we were all up early and the sound of competition was in the air.  There were bugles, chirps and mews all through the practice room in the back hall as the seats began to fill up with spectators.  For the next three hours we broke through caller after caller one at a time and it was an absolute joy to behold.  From the youngest competitor at five years old to the oldest competitor at 84 years old.  These girls, boys, women, men and professionals knew their way around the vocalizations of the Rocky Mountain Elk.

I am going to let the pictures tell the story and will follow up with the results at the end of the post.  All I can really say is that you all need to be in Fort Worth, TX next March 5th -8th, 2009.  In the next month I will have a post about how you can learn how to compete in these competitions. 

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

Saturday, February 23, 2008

Opening Night at the RMEF National Elk Camp was kicked off on Thursday.  David Allen the new CEO of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation officially addressed the members tonight and was very personable and looks to be a great leader.  The evenings festivities kicked off with a wonderful meal and some awards that we will be reporting on over the next couple of weeks. 

The highlight of the evening was the introduction of a Mathew Martin a Marine Sniper who will soon be deployed to Afghanistan. Mathew has a Purple Heart and is headed back for his second tour of combat duty.  The RMEF awarded him a life membership and a new rifle as a thank you for his service to our country.  A special thank you goes out to Jim Zumbo and Christine for all of the work they are doing to recognize the strong contributions our soldiers are making in defense of our country.

The evening then progressed across the street to take in a concert with Cowboy Troy and Big and Rich.  Both bands played a couple of awesome sets and the members of the RMEF were treated to one heck of a Country/Rock & Roll Concert.  Big and Rich put on one heck of a show and reminded the ladies to SAVE A HORSE/RIDE A COWBOY.  Cowboys and Country girls whooped it up all night and woke up early to take in the days events on Friday.

For some great pictures READ MORE...

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 03:11 AM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Saturday, February 23, 2008

Thursday Afternoon I had the pleasure of attending the Conservation Partners Reception at Elk Camp.  There were a ton of stories that I wish I had all the details on to provide all of you.  I have been assured that press releases, details and lists of all of the award winners for this great event will be forthcoming to all of you in the next several weeks.

Some really great people have been doing some amazing things in regards to conservation and the acquisition of some great habitat that will now be open to hunting and the public in perpetuity(forever).

Please enjoy the pictures and I promise you all that I will work hard to get you all of the great stories of habitat conservation that has been going on in Elk Country.

READ MORE.... 

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 03:00 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Saturday, February 23, 2008

This morning in Reno, Nevada at the RMEF National Elk Camp the preliminaries were held and tomorrow the World Elk Calling Finals will be held.  

I thoroughly enjoyed todays events.  First up was the Pee-Wee Division and there were 14 total callers who had the opportunity to call here today.  The Pee Wee Division had 30 seconds of Cow/Calf sounds and 30 seconds of Bull Elk Sounds.  These calls were made with various Mouth Calls, Grunt Tubes and Squeeze Calls.  These young callers are the future of our hunting generation.  My hats off to the parents of each of these young callers!

The other divisions that were competing for slots in the finals tomorrow were the Womens Division, Mens Division and Professional Division.  The Youth Division was not held today because all of the registered callers will make it into the finals tomorrow as there was less then 6 callers.

Getting to see this great event was amazing and I learned a ton about calling while listening to all of the divisions call.   Tomorrow will be the finals and there will be four divisions plus the group calling division in which the crowd will be the judge.  If you get the chance get yourself to Fort Worth for the 2009 World Elk Calling Competition and if you are interested in joining the competition contact the RMEF to learn more about calling and the format for how these contests are run.

I will be covering the finals tomorrow with tons more pictures and we look forward to the bringing you the coverage.

Read more to see the pictures and see who was in the competition. 

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 01:29 AM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Saturday, February 23, 2008

Despite the lack of sleep and the long trip from Waverly, Tennessee, I arrived at the NWTF convention in Atlanta, Georgia ready to take in all of the sites and sounds that I could possibly handle. It was only minutes after I enter the main floor that I started running into old friends.
 
Being always on the road and on the run, I sought the comfort of a soft chair in the auditorium where the Friction Calling Championships were taking place. This was the first time I had actually arrived early enough to watch this contest. Oh, to have just one of the contestants behind me in the turkey woods sweet-talking the boss gobbler into bow range! Of the 27 contestants, I definitely had my favorites. At the top of my list was Jeff Murphy, a Georgia boy decked out in his Tomaflage Camo fancy accented shirt. Murphy and I have shared a cadre of friends for several years and after listening to him call, I must insist on a hunting opportunity soon.
 

POSTED BY JOELLA BATES AT 00:41 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Friday, February 22, 2008

ATLANTA- Only one point separated the first and second place finishers in the Wild Turkey Bourbon/National Wild Turkey Federation Grand National Friction Calling Contest, but in the end, Brookville, Pa. native Matt Van Cise’s finesse of friction calls earned him a place in the winner's circle Thursday.
 
Van Cise is a two-time Grand National Champion in the Senior Open Division, but a relative newcomer to competitive friction calling.
 
“I placed second in a local competition in Altoona, Pa., last weekend,” said Van Cise. “This was only my fifth or sixth friction calling competition and I almost called the NWTF to drop out of the friction division because I haven’t been practicing much.”

Terence Williamson, of Buhl, Ala., placed second in the competition, which took place Thursday during the NWTF’s Convention and Sport Show, held Feb. 21 to Feb. 24 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. Callers were judged on their ability to mimic at least four different calls with a box, a paddle, a pot and peg or a scratch box.
 

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

Friday, February 22, 2008

Mary Paulson (Mom to me) attended the ladies auction for us again this year and took a ton of great photos to share with all of you.  The ladies had about 15-20 men pouring tons of wine for them and the auction prices soared through the roof.  It really likes they had a ton of participation in the ladies event with the Disco 70's Theme.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 05:52 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Friday, February 22, 2008

MISSOULA, Mont.—The U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Western Pacific Timber LLC and Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation have agreed, in principle, to work together on activities related to a potential land exchange in the Upper Lochsa River watershed along the Idaho-Montana border.

A memorandum of understanding documenting the agreement was signed Thursday at the Elk Foundation’s 24th annual convention in Reno.

Western Pacific Timber owns approximately 40,000 acres of land in the upper Lochsa drainage. The land was formerly owned by Plum Creek Timber Company. Often referred to as “checkerboard,” these private lands are interspersed with public lands managed by the Clearwater National Forest.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 02:55 AM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Friday, February 22, 2008

Safari Club International congratulates the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) on its announcement of the delisting of the northern Rocky Mountain population of wolves. The delisting marks the recovery of the wolf population living primarily in Idaho, Montana and Wyoming. The rule to delist will be published in the Federal Register on February 27th and will take effect 30 days later.

Wolves in the northern Rocky Mountains have long exceeded the FWS's recovery criteria and now number in excess of 1500. Upon delisting, states will assume management responsibility for this predator species.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 01:58 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, February 21, 2008

This afternoon has been a whirwind of activity.  The hunters auction rolled through today and it was the beginning of the kick off for the week to raise money for conservation and habitat protection.  The ladies are hanging out in the ladies auction being poured champagne and having a great time.  The them for this years event is a disco them for the ladies and they were all dressed to the nines in silk stockings and frumpy hats and all.

The following pictures should give you some idea of the things I am seeing today and what I have been doing.  The pictures from the ladies auction are going to be posted late tonight and we will also have pictures and the story from the conservation partners meeting at 3:30 today.  Tonight will be the opening ceremonies and the BIG & RICH concert. WE are excited and it is going to be a long long night.

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

Thursday, February 21, 2008

Opening morning is busy and the rush of the crowd came rolling in to the exhibit call.  I hit the first seminar of the morning with Wayne Carlton, Wayne Van Zwoll, J.B. Klyab & Dieter Kaboth.  Shooting the Bull was the topic and to be honest I was wowed with the knowledge on this panel... On one stage there is over 150 years of elk hunting experience and you cannot ignore the knowledge this team provides.

Jim Zumbo was on stage this morning as well talking about his wackiest elk adventures and his seminars are always a joy to watch.  We will be striving to bring you the news as it happens all week and the schedule is tight with varying degrees of access to the net to dump up pictures to the site.  We will Git-R-Done for you as usual.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 01:53 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

We were a bit excited to get to RENO for the RMEF 2008 Elk Camp!  California Highway Patrol thought we should slow down a bit in our travels.  I have a really nice citation that I earned.  It will be paid promptly as I was guilty as charged.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 04:00 PM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Kuehl leading PF/QF conservation efforts in the Prairie State

Oakford, Ill. – February 20, 2008 – Pheasants Forever, Inc. and Quail Forever announce Aaron Kuehl as the organization's new Conservation Director in Illinois. Kuehl has served as Pheasants Forever's Regional Wildlife Biologist in southern Minnesota since 2001.

As Conservation Director in Illinois, Kuehl will oversee Pheasants Forever (PF) and Quail Forever's (QF) conservation efforts in the state. He will write and administer Illinois Department of Natural Resources Habitat Stamp and Pheasant Fund grants, and assist PF and QF with local, state and federal agencies in statewide conservation initiatives such as the Habitat Wheel Initiative. Kuehl will also be actively involved in creating new and innovative conservation partnerships.

"Aaron Kuehl is a rock solid addition to the Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever team in Illinois, and the state's pheasants, quail and other wildlife will be better off because of him," said Jim Wooley, QF Director of Field Operations, "Over the past seven years, Aaron has exhibited the energy and ability to do great things for wildlife in Minnesota with innovative programs and partnerships. Illinois wildlife habitat conservationists can expect Aaron to be a valuable resource and champion of the conservation cause."

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 02:21 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Shooting archery and hunting are more than obsessions for me; they are an integral part of my life. My life has been spent focusing on outdoor activities and conservation. During my 46 years of life, much of my time has been spent being both formally and informally gaining an education related to hunting and fishing. Most of the last 19 years have been heavily influenced by my participation in archery and bowhunting activities. I have taken my passion for this outdoors-lifestyle and the education that I have acquired and consequently devoted my life and career to promoting and perpetuating the outdoor and hunting heritages.

Let me introduce myself. My passion for the outdoor-lifestyle started way back in my childhood.

“I’ve been blessed. In the early 1980’s, I met a speaker at 4-H Wildlife Conference in Milan, Tennessee. He was an anti-hunter. The longer he talked the more upset I got. When he opened the floor for questions, I stood to talk. I was shaking like I had buck fever; and as I began to speak, my voice quivered and tears rolled uncontrollably down my cheeks. Anti-hunters work on emotions and mine were certainly flowing. The audience revolted against the speaker. Some of the kids even threw things at him. That day, I realized how important the privilege to hunt was to me and vowed to take a stance for hunting.”

READ MORE 

POSTED BY JOELLA BATES AT 01:50 PM | 2 COMMENTS | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Fredericksburg, Virginia's Kevin Paulson, founder of www.Huntinglife.com is one of three individuals named by Field and Stream Magazine and Toyota as the January Heroes of Conservation. Field and Stream and Toyota have joined forces to recognize individuals that have made significant contributions in the field of conservation. Kevin's selection occurred because of his donations to conservation and his work to bring conservation issues to the forefront on-line through www.HuntingLife.com. Kevin will receive a check for $1000 that he has chosen to donate to the Mule Deer Foundation.

Paulson's selection to have the money support the Mule Deer Foundation was an easy one. "In my opinion, mule deer are the species in the greatest need of help based on their declining numbers, resulting from habitat loss from fires and drought, and encroachment of humans into historic areas of prime habitat," declares Paulson. "We need to purchase and protect critical habitat in the west. We need to support projects that regenerate sagebrush plant communities throughout the west. As the most desirable sagebrush plants are replaced by other plant communities, the mule deer find tough competition for food from whitetail deer. This competitive situation favors the more aggressive whitetail. Protection and regeneration of these critical habitats should allow a recovery by the mule deer. Our support of the Mule Deer Foundations efforts will help in this healing process."

POSTED BY JOELLA BATES AT 01:44 PM | 2 COMMENTS | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

From January 17th to the beginning of February this country gal has been traveling the back roads and the big city lights to bring you the stories of the hunting industry.

Read more about all of her trips across the country.

POSTED BY JOELLA BATES AT 08:00 AM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Grassroots Conservation Campaign dedicated to land, legacy and leadership

Saint Paul, Minn. – February 19, 2008 – Pheasants Forever, Inc. and Quail Forever announce the organization's first-ever philanthropy campaign, the Grassroots Conservation Campaign. Under the banner of the Grassroots Conservation Campaign, the organization has set a goal of raising $25 million in planned gifts, estates, bequests and other donations. The objective of the campaign is to accelerate the organization’s ability to conserve and enhance North America's wildlife resources and America's hunting tradition.

As Pheasants Forever celebrates 25 years of national conservation leadership, the Grassroots Conservation Campaign builds on the organization's mission of wildlife conservation. The Campaign will help further that mission through the key initiatives of securing our lands, providing a legacy for our youth and training the conservation leaders of tomorrow.

With a Campaign goal of $25 million, Pheasants Forever (PF) and Quail Forever (QF) are targeting $8.5 million for habitat projects and $8.5 million for strategic land acquisitions. Additionally, PF and QF intend to generate over $3.6 million directed to the organization’s No Child Left Indoors™ initiative, over $2.6 million to support youth programs and $750,000 to advance the professional development of staff. To date, $11 million has already been pledged toward the Grassroots Conservation Campaign.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 01:10 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

 
The Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Commission allotted 400 elk hunting permits at its December meeting for the 2008 elk season, and it’s time to get your applications in. The deadline to apply is April 30, three months sooner than in previous years.

Four hundred elk hunting opportunities in Kentucky? It’s been only a decade since seven wild elk from Kansas leapt from a truck onto a reclaimed Perry County strip mining operation and signaled the start of one of the nation’s largest wildlife restoration efforts. Larger truck loads followed a month later, giving Kentucky its first free-ranging elk herd since before the Civil War.

In the next few years, the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, with partners the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, National Wild Turkey Federation, and a number of volunteers, trapped about 1,500 wild elk from western herds and trucked them to several release sites in southeast Kentucky.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 02:12 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

MISSOULA, MONTANA—Boone and Crockett Club President Lowell E. Baier, the 2008 Budweiser Conservationist of the Year, will apply his $50,000 prize toward habitat restoration and interpretive projects at Theodore Roosevelt’s historic 23,550-acre Elkhorn Ranch in North Dakota.

Baier, of Potomac, Md., spearheaded a collaborative effort to acquire, preserve and protect the ranch, a project that came to fruition in 2007. The ranch is now held by the U.S. Forest Service.

The $50,000 from Budweiser and National Fish and Wildlife Foundation can be matched, which could increase the award to as much as $200,000.

Baier was selected for the award over three other nominees in an open-ballot vote on Budweiser’s web site. He was honored recently in a ceremony in Las Vegas.

With 37 years of volunteer service to conservation, Baier has amassed a long and impressive list of accomplishments. He was the lead in drafting President Bush’s wildlife conservation agenda, and a delegate to the White House Conference on Cooperative Conservation as well as the U.S. Forest Service Centennial Steering Committee. 

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 02:08 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Saint Paul, Minn. – February 19, 2008 – Pheasants Forever (PF) and Quail Forever (QF) have launched, as an expansion of the organization's education mission, the No Child Left Indoors™ initiative. This new initiative is part of a national movement aimed at getting youth unplugged from electronics and turned on to the outdoors, nature and wildlife.

Nationwide, a smaller percentage of people - particularly youth - are spending time participating in outdoor recreation activities such as hunting, fishing and camping. Instead, time is being spent in front of computers, televisions and other electronics. "It's imperative that we reconnect youth to the outdoors," said Cheryl Riley, PF/QF's Vice President of Education and Outreach, "If we don't engage youth in the outdoors, then they don't understand nature and won't care about it. And if they don't care about wildlife and wild places, they won't care about conserving them.

"The No Child Left Indoors™ initiative builds on PF/QF's popular Leopold Education Project and chapter youth events with a menu of expanded youth and family programs that are designed with PF and QF chapters in mind. The No Child Left Indoors™ initiative will be carried out through youth habitat projects, youth and family community events and youth outdoor education programs hosted by chapters and volunteers across the country.  

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 05:59 AM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, February 18, 2008

Grand Island, Neb. – February 18, 2008 – Pheasants Forever (PF) and Quail Forever (QF) has recognized Jim Lott, Resource Conservationist with the Natural Resources Conservation Service in St. Paul, Nebraska, with its 2008 Nebraska Wildlife Professional of the Year award. Lott was recognized at the Nebraska PF/QF state habitat meeting with the 12th annual award, given to a wildlife professional that goes beyond the scope of their normal work duties to help PF/QF achieve its mission.

As a Resource Conservationist with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Lott strives on a day-to-day basis to incorporate wildlife and wildlife habitat into his conservation planning with landowners. Lott is the lead person on Wetland Reserve Program projects in one of the largest natural resource districts in the state. When a new conservation program is announced, Lott is always one of the first resource professionals to seek additional information and ask how the program can benefit the producers he works with. Because of that passion and dedication, both wildlife and producers have benefited.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 04:58 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, February 18, 2008

Grand Island, Neb. – February 18, 2008 – Pheasants Forever (PF) and Quail Forever (QF) has awarded Stan Pilcher, habitat chairperson with the Medicine Creeks Chapter of PF, the 2008 Nebraska Master Conservationist of the Year award. Pilcher was recognized at the Nebraska PF/QF state habitat meeting, the sixth recipient of award given annually to a landowner in the state that has worked diligently in support of PF, wildlife habitat and landowner education.

Pilcher has been involved with PF as a habitat chairperson in Colorado and Nebraska for over 20 years. An entomologist with the Colorado Extension Service for 35 years, Pilcher retired in 2001 and bought a 2,200 acre ranch in Frontier County in southwestern Nebraska. Pilcher uses prescribed grazing on his land, increasing the biodiversity of the plant community and improving habitat for mixed-grass prairie dependent wildlife; plants food plots to support local populations of elk, deer, turkeys and other wildlife species; and was one of the first landowners in the Loess Canyons region to use prescribed burning on his ranch.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:39 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Sunday, February 17, 2008

This weekend was the kick off to our promotions campaign for recruiting our outfitter partners to HuntingLife.com.  It has been an amazing year of building the site and growing our readership and now we are in growth mode.   Over the last 2 months both Joella and I have been to a ton of shows across the country and we are now in full blown sales mode.  This next week Joella will be at the NWTF National Convention in Atlanta.  I will be at the RMEF National Elk Camp in Reno and we will be covering as much as we can of the events and bring the experiences back to all of you.

This weekend we were in Fishersville, Virginia on Saturday morning for the 21st year of their sport show and Tiffany and Lee Lakosky were bringing in the crowds in herds.  It was a fantastic show just outside of Staunton and the rooms were filled with vendors from all across the country.  Brodie the Bear was also in attendance and that old boy is getting to be a bit too big for his cage.  The crowd watched in amazement as that ham jumped up for treats and was showing off for the crowds.

We then took a short trip North to the Greater Virginia Sports Show in Harrisonburg, VA to see Ralph and Vicki Cianciarulo were meeting with the fans and sharing a laugh with everyone.  PJ Wright and Stacey and Max Rowe put on a great show with a team of support from the local community.  We had a blast getting to see Brenda Valentine and Frank Addington, Jr impress us all with his wonderful shooting.

The thrill of the day though had to be the chance to judge the Elk Calling Competition and share in the 2nd Annual Elk Calling Competition with the Shenandoah Valley Chapter of the RMEF.  Jim Massie and all the volunteers down there sure did make Joella and I feel welcome and we really enjoyed the opportunity to be a part of the event.

This is going to be a week of travel and fun coming up and we look forward to seeing as many people as we can in the next week.  Please contact us at kevin@huntinglife.com or Joella@huntinglife.com if you are going to be at these shows because we would love to meet and see you all.

Read more to see some great pictures from our weekend of travel.

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

Friday, February 15, 2008

EDGEFIELD, S.C. - The National Wild Turkey Federation is celebrating a benchmark in the conservation community this year with its 35th Anniversary.

"Our volunteers are dedicated to all aspects of conservation and work every day to preserve our hunting tradition," said NWTF CEO Rob Keck. "The NWTF's members certainly have something to be proud of for all their years of dedication and hard work."

In 1973, the national nonprofit conservation organization was formed to help restore wild turkey populations nationwide.

"Back then, only about 1.3 million wild turkeys existed in North America and wildlife agencies were working diligently to improve those numbers," said James Earl Kennamer Ph.D., NWTF's senior vice president for conservation programs. "But they lacked money and a network that would allow them to move birds from one state to the next."

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 06:23 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Friday, February 15, 2008

Washington, DC - Every day, the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, as the sportsmen’s link to Congress speaks with policy-makers, conservation leaders and members of the outdoors community to advance hunting, fishing and conservation issues through the maze of the political system. CSF interacts daily with the bi-partisan Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus members on ‘both sides of the aisle’ in both the House and the Senate.

Here’s an inside look at some of the mid-February scheduled meetings and events of importance to fishermen, hunters and to wildlife conservation issues.

READ MORE>>>>>>> 

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 06:16 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, February 14, 2008

MISSOULA, Mont.-Responding to an emergency declaration by the Colorado Division of Wildlife, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation is sending funds to help feed thousands of elk, deer and antelope starving in deep-snow conditions.

But the Elk Foundation's financial support comes with a warning about severe winterkill as a symptom of an even more debilitating disease-habitat loss.

"Artificially feeding elk is a poor substitute for protecting their native habitat," said Jack Blackwell, vice president of lands and conservation for the Elk Foundation. "In general, some winter mortality is normal. It's nature's way of balancing herds with their habitat. But when too much winter range is lost to urban development or invasive weeds, a harsh winter can be a catastrophic reminder of our obligation to conserve land."

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

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Sunday was a great day here in Virginia.  It was a blustery day in the 100 acres woods of the Institute Farm run by the National Beagle Club.  Today was the first time I had ever been out with a hunt club to watch the hounds run.  I had always wanted to go fox hunting but since I never owned a horse it was kind of out of the question.  Today I got the next best thing and that was chasing rabbits with a working pack of Basset hounds.

The Institute is out in Aldie, Virginia and is surrounded by the history of Virginia horse country.  The Institute Farm was built around 1854 for the Loudoun County Agricultural Institute and Chemical Academy.  It is on the Virginia Historic Register as a property worthy of preservation.

Bart Semcer has been politely asking me if I wanted to attend one of the club functions since his interview with us several months ago.  Timing has always been bad and this weekend was the perfect weekend to make good on my promise to attend on of the hunts.  Boy am I glad I did, what a delightful day on a piece of land that you can just feel the history of the land and the traditions of chase.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:30 AM | 2 COMMENTS | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Moose over at the Moose Droppings Blog on Skinny Moose hit the nail squarely on the head today about our situation for waterfowl and you should all take a quick jump over to his site and check out his post.

Moose Droppings >>>  Robbing Peter to pay Paul when it comes to waterfowl. 

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 08:51 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

LITTLE ROCK, AR, January 30, 2008 - Sgt. Randall Vallee, a Bronze Star winner and disabled veteran from the Gulf War was not looking for charity when he posted a message on the Ducks Unlimited Waterdog message board searching for information about where and how to buy a new puppy to hunt with his family. As you can imagine, he got the shock of his life over the next few days as the Waterdog message board members showed him what veterans mean to them.
One of the first people to respond to his question was another partially disabled vet, CW2 Tim Wright of Dixie Brit Gun Dogs, who not only thanked him for his service to our country, but also offered him a free chocolate Labrador Retriever female puppy from his last litter. However, there was one problem; the puppy had to get from Wright in Hartselle, Ala., to the Vallee's home in Las Cruces, N.M. 

That was when Waterdog members decided to pitch in with everything from gas money to help with transportation, and offers to drive the pup to retriever training materials. Stanwood Motorsports organized donations from other Waterdog partners including: one year's worth of free dog food from Eukanuba, Mossy Oak® Duck Blind® hunting gear, Avery Outdoors, Inc. donated a Pro-trainer's bag, and Dogtra contributed a training collar.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:30 PM | 32 COMMENTS | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Bismarck, N.D. – February 12, 2008 – Pheasants Forever (PF) announces Jesse Beckers as the organization's new North Dakota-specific regional wildlife biologist. A recent North Dakota State University (NDSU) graduate, Beckers assumes responsibility for the state from Dan Hare. Formerly the PF regional wildlife biologist in North Dakota and Montana, Hare is now the PF regional wildlife biologist specific to Montana.

Graduating from NDSU in December 2007 with a Master's Degree in Natural Resources Management, Beckers' primary duties with PF will include starting and servicing chapters in North Dakota. He will work with chapters in raising and expending funds on wildlife habitat and conservation education, as well as work with local, state, and federal natural resource agencies on behalf of PF chapters. "My life goal has always been to leave the land in a better condition than it was before I got there," Beckers said, "This position as a regional wildlife biologist for Pheasants Forever will allow me to fulfill that goal."

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:24 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, February 11, 2008

Harrisonburg, VA (February 11, 2008) - The Greater Virginia Sports and Big Game Show is returning to the Rockingham County Fairgrounds in Harrisonburg February 15-17, 2008.

A major focus of this year's show is supporting non-profit organizations, including Hunters for the Hungry, Buckmasters, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, National Wild Turkey Federation, Quality Deer Management Association, Children's Miracle Network, Teen Challenge, and the American Red Cross. The American Red Cross Bloodmobile will also be on site for blood donations on