Friday, May 23, 2008

Everyone,

I am off to Manitoba to Chase big Black Bears with Sandy River Outfitters.  For the last year this trip has consumed my thoughts since the day I left Saskatchewan and took my first bear with the bow.  Now the last time I hunted black bears, I was in a lodge with full internet access each and every night.  This year I do not know if I will have access to the internet but I can assure you all that we will be journaling every day with 2 cameras , a video camera and this wonderful Apple Macbook that I work with.

We have a short flight(actually a long one) to Winnipeg, an overnight stay at the Hilton Suites Winnipeg to catch up on sleep because I have a 6:30 am flight.

I also have a new tool that we are going to be trying out and we will be testing many times a day on this trip.

Here is a link to my newest item to review... FINDMESPOT 

Sandy River Outfitters

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:12 PM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, May 22, 2008

The Bonasa Chapter of the Ruffed Grouse Society will hold its 9th Annual Sportsmen's Banquet on Friday, June 20, 2008 at the Dubois Country Club, 10 Lakeside Ave, Dubois, Pennsylvania beginning with cocktails at 6 p.m. Dinner will be served at 7:30 p.m.

As is the custom at all RGS banquets, this event will feature a live and silent auction, games, drawings and door prizes; highlighted with the finest selection of quality firearms, artwork and collectable's.

According to Tom Noble, tickets are $20 each for RGS members, a member's spouse, and youngsters under age 16; and $45 for new or renewing members, the latter two including a one year RGS membership. Banquet, Conservation and Sustaining sponsorship packages are also available at $265, $500 and $1,000 respectively.

POSTED BY JONATHAN SKINNER AT 09:11 AM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Attached is the email from Scott Hed of the Sportsman's Alliance for Alaska.  He and his team are working hard to protect Alaska Wilderness and they are spear heading the Stop Pebble Mine initiative.  Please read his newsletter and support his auctions.

Here is a great picture of why we need to protect Alaska!

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:57 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Say "Happy Father's Day" with Pheasants Forever

Remember that first time Dad let you handle his shotgun?
Remember walking an autumn field with your Dad and the family's trusty bird dog?
Remember the smile on his face when you bagged your first rooster?

Show Dad how much he has meant to your love of the outdoors by giving him a special Pheasants Forever membership package for Father's Day this year.

Only 100 of these special Father's Day Packages are available. Don't Delay!

Go See it at Pheasants Forever!!!

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:37 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Sierra Club has long worked to protect the unparalleled natural legacy of Tejon Ranch, a remnant of early California that provides valuable habitat for pronghorn, deer, elk and other wildlife.  In 2006, recognizing that development could tear apart a remarkably intact wild place that the California Department of Fish and Game identified as providing "outstanding contributions to the promotion of California's rich hunting heritage," Sierra Club and its conservation partners began negotiating with the Tejon Ranch Corporation to conserve, in perpetuity, as much of the stunning landscape as possible.  After nearly 2 years of negotiations, which were sometimes difficult but always in good faith, an unprecedented agreement that will conserve close to 90% of the ranch was reached earlier this month.

"There is, in my opinion, no other place like it in California - it is unrivaled in the diversity of native wildlife and plants," said Sierra Club's Bill Corcoran, who helped negotiate the deal. "Tejon is key to us because it's the only place where the Sierra Nevadas, the Coastal Range, the Mojave Desert and Central Valley all meet."

As part of the agreement, close to 240,000 acres will be conserved in perpetuity for the benefit of the people and wildlife of California. Covering 375 square miles the conservation area that includes desert, woodland and grassland habitat will be 8 times the size of the City of San Francisco and nearly the size of all of Los Angeles. Well managed, public access to the conservation lands for a variety of outdoor activities, including hunting, will be provided.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:27 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

MISSOULA, Mont.-An area of elk habitat larger than Seattle has been conserved and permanently opened for public recreation between Yakima and Wenatchee, Wash., and the public is invited to help celebrate at a June 7 ceremony near Ellensburg, Wash.

The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) are hosting the 1:00 p.m. event at Walter Flat, about 20 miles north of Ellensburg.

For more information, call Doug Marsh of the Elk Foundation at (509) 826-5458.

The celebration will highlight the significance of the project, one of the largest land exchanges in Washington history, netting 61,000 acres of new public land on the east slope of the Cascades.

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

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Rock Springs, WY – Shell is contributing $500,000 to the Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust as part of the federal Healthy Lands Initiative. The funds will support the multiple uses of natural resources across approximately 200,000 acres in southwest Wyoming by assisting private landowners to conserve wildlife habitat on their lands.

“Shell is committed to working collaboratively in support of projects in the communities and States where we work,” said Russ Ford, Vice President – Technical for Shell Americas Region.  “The Healthy Lands Initiative allows Shell to gain a deeper knowledge of the Wyoming and Rocky Mountain way of life and is consistent with the principles that guide our business as a responsible energy developer and operator. 

“This program gives Shell the perfect vehicle to work with varied stakeholders and communities in Wyoming.  Shell and its employees are proud to be a part of Wyoming and are excited to help enhance the state’s wildlife and agricultural heritage.”

The U.S. Department of the Interior’s Healthy Lands Initiative is a federal program to manage natural resources with flexible, landscape-level approaches that support multiple uses, including livestock grazing, farming, recreation, oil and gas production, historic values and wildlife habitat within a defined project area.

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

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Washington, D.C. - Safari Club International has named Louisiana Senator Joe McPherson, Jr. their 2008 State Legislator of the Year. He has championed sportsmen's issues in Louisiana's State Senate for more than 23 years.

Senator McPherson was awarded the Governor's Award for Conservation by the Louisiana Wildlife Federation in 2005 and named the Legislative Conservationist of the Year three times. His work on the Natural Resources Committee in Louisiana was instrumental in passing significant legislation for the sportsmen and women of Louisiana. His dedicated work for Louisiana's hunters helped pass a state constitutional right to hunt and fish.

"Senator McPherson has personified the dedication to the hunting heritage of Louisiana and America for his entire career," said SCI President Dennis Anderson. "I am proud that SCI has recognized such a deserving individual for this prestigious award."

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 01:00 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Coraopolis, Pennsylvania -- The Ruffed Grouse Society (RGS) was one of 21 recipients nationwide to receive the Department of the Interior's Cooperative Conservation Award for its part in the Northern Forest Woodcock Initiative.

The Northern Forest Woodcock Initiative (NFWI) was created to increase early successional habitats at a landscape level for the benefit of woodcock and other wildlife species, both hunted and non-hunted.

The approach of the initiative is a linked set of strategies that includes development of best management practices, establishment of habitat demonstration areas, monitoring of woodcock populations and outreach to private landowners.

NFWI is a group of New England and New York partners including 5 state fish and wildlife agencies federal agencies, non-profit conservation groups as well as timber companies, utilities and environmental consultants.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 08:43 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

James Swan, author of "In Defense of Hunting," talks about the game warden crisis in California

James Swan has authored 7 books, including In Defense of Hunting, Sacred Places, and The Sacred Art of Hunting. He has been involved in conservation his whole life, from the first Earth Day to his latest effort, shining a light on the game warden crisis in California.

This is the first of a two-part interview, we'll discuss hunting more generally in the next interview.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 00:58 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Saint Paul, Minn. – May 19, 2008 – Pheasants Forever (PF) announces the stars of Pheasants Forever Television – pheasants, quail, bird dogs, and wildlife habitat conservationists – will return for a fourth season of the popular outdoor show, coming to Outdoor Channel in 2008. The official season schedule of times will be released at a later date.

"At Pheasants Forever, we're passionate about conservation and our outdoor heritage, so we're extremely excited to be part of the Outdoor Channel community that shares those values," said Howard Vincent, President and CEO of Pheasants Forever, Inc. and Quail Forever, "Viewers across the country can expect another hit season full of flushing birds, helpful dog training, shooting and habitat tips, and plenty of those interesting characters that make being outdoors an adventure."

Five-time Emmy winner, Ron Schara, of Ron Schara Enterprises, will return as Pheasants Forever Television's host and executive producer. A PF life member and life-long pheasant hunter, Schara has spent over three decades as a champion of the outdoors through his various television and radio shows and work as an outdoor writer. With a story teller's angle and soft-spoken delivery, Schara is probably best known for his classic closing line, "Introduce a kid to the great outdoors."  Joining Schara in hosting the show is his trusty black Lab, Raven.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 00:30 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Saturday, May 17, 2008

Anna Lee Harris, a native of Eufaula, Ala., received the National Wild Turkey Federation's 2008 National Scholarship and $13,700 for college during an awards banquet at her high school May 15.

EUFAULA, Ala. — Hunting and conservation became one of Anna Lee Harris' passions at an early age. This passion has led Harris, a Eufaula, Ala., native, to outdoor adventures and time spent with her family, and now has helped her earn top honors and $13,700 for college.

Harris received the National Wild Turkey Federation's 2008 National Scholarship during an awards banquet at her high school May 15. Harris competed with 42 other state winners to earn the $10,000 scholarship. Before that, she received a $1,200 Alabama Barbour County local scholarship and a $2,500 NWTF Alabama state scholarship.

Ranked first in the 2008 Eufaula High School graduating class, Harris is a leader among her peers, having served as president of the Student Government Association, and holding positions in many school and community organizations including Key Club and Future Farmers of America.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 06:05 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Saturday, May 17, 2008

Lincoln, Neb. – May 16, 2008 – On Monday, May 19th, the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) will open enrollment for Nebraska’s new State Acres For wildlife Enhancement (SAFE) program. Part of the continuous enrollment portion of the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), Nebraska's two approved SAFE projects allocate nearly 23,000 acres targeted to enhance and expand habitat for pheasant, quail and greater prairie chickens.

Announced this January at Pheasants Forever’s National Pheasant Fest, SAFE represents an important change to CRP that encourages state-specific wildlife focused projects. Nebraska's SAFE projects – the Nebraska Upland Birds SAFE and the Nebraska Tallgrass SAFE - offer producers more competitive rental rates than general CRP and additional incentive payments.

Pheasants Forever (PF) has six Farm Bill Wildlife Biologists ready to assist landowners with the new SAFE projects and other conservation programs. Through a unique partnership with the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission and Natural Resources Conservation Service, Farm Bill Wildlife Biologists are located in local USDA service centers in Nebraska. "These Farm Bill Wildlife Biologists are great resources that can help landowners meet their personal habitat goals," said Pete Berthelsen, Senior Field Coordinator for Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever. "They are available to offer landowner 'one-stop-shopping' for all their conservation program needs."

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 06:03 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Saturday, May 17, 2008

RAPID CITY - A group of conservation organizations have joined together to provide funding to continue the mountain lion studies that the Ogalala Parks & Recreation Authority has been conducting on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation for the last three years. The South Dakota Chapter of the Sierra Club, the Sierra Club's National Wildlife & Endangered Species Committee, the Rapid City Chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America, the Black Hills Mountain Lion Foundation, Prairie Hills Audubon Society, and Tom Huhnerkoch, DVM, have joined together to provide $5,900 in funding for the OSPRA study during the 2008 season. The Oglala Sioux Tribe has designated the study of the mountain lions on the Reservation as an environmental priority. Trudy Ecoffey, OSPRA?s senior wildlife biologist, said, "The Tribe recognizes that the mountain lion is an indigenous species to this area and lions should continue to play an integral role in the ecosystem." Ecoffey gratefully acknowledged the contribution, explaining that this funding will help in keeping the study crews in the field. "Our study is largely focused in northwestern corner of the Reservation, in the area located between and in the drainages of the White and Cheyenne Rivers. It's a huge area and increasing fuel costs make it harder for our study crews to cover all of the territory we need to work in."

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

Saturday, May 17, 2008

As part of a regular, internal grant-making program to Sierra Club Chapters and Groups, Sierra Club's Environmental Partnerships Committee has awarded funding to a number of local projects that support hunting, fishing and conservation. This spring Sierra Club's Environmental Partnerships Committee, in cooperation with Sierra Club Chapters and Groups, is committing over $31,000 to projects that support and enhance America's outdoor heritage.

In West Virginia Sierra Club will be contributing $4,200 towards a partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to build a disabled access fishing pier on the Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge. Once completed, the pier will increase the ability of disabled Americans to enjoy fishing on their public lands along the Blackwater River. Additional partners in this effort include Friends of the 500th. This project is supported in full by a grant from Sierra Club?s Environmental Partnerships Committee.

In Montana and Idaho Sierra Club will be contributing $9,699 towards the purchase of inert cans of bear pepper spray for use by the Hunter Safety Education Program of Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks and Idaho Game &
Fish. Instructing new hunters in the proper use of bear pepper spray will enable them to hunt more confidently in grizzly bear country by knowing the best way to avoid the rare but occasional grizzly bear attack. This project is supported by a $5000 grant from Sierra Club's Environmental Partnerships Committee with the remainder of support coming from Sierra Club's Montana Chapter.

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

Friday, May 16, 2008

Protecting polar bears could hurt Inuit guides
U.S. hunters expected to stop travelling north
By BOB WEBER The Canadian Press
Fri. May 16 - 4:32 AM

A polar bear mother and her two cubs walk along the shore of Hudson Bay near Churchill, Man. On Wednesday, the U.S. government declared polar bears a threatened species because of global warming, spelling trouble for Inuit who depend on polar bear hunting. (JONATHAN HAYWARD / CP)

Inuit who lead American clients on polar bear hunts say they’ve already lost money as a result of Wednesday’s decision in the United States to add the Arctic predators to a list of threatened species.

And although the Inuit hunters say they’ll try to bring in customers from other countries, American outfitters who organize such trips don’t hold out much hope.

"There’s more Americans who want to shoot polar bears than any other nationality," Gregg Severinson, director of Cabela’s Outdoor Adventures, a major U.S. outfitter and gear supplier, said Thursday.

Still, Nathaniel Kalluk, who has been a polar bear guide based in Resolute, Nunavut, for 10 years, is hoping to replace his American clients with hunters from other countries.

"We’ll probably go overseas or something like that," he said.

"We’ve got one client from Austria already coming up in a couple days. Him and his wife are coming up to see what it’s like and we’ll take it from there."

On Wednesday, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced it is declaring the polar bear a threatened species. The decision is based on the reasoning that the bears’ primary habitat — arctic sea ice — is shrinking as a result of climate change.

The listing means American hunters will no longer be able to bring bear hides into the United States.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 12:05 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Friday, May 16, 2008

ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN – Ducks Unlimited and its partners recently received a $1,000,000 North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) grant to protect, restore and enhance 3,848 acres of wetland and associated habitats in Barron, Burnett, Chippewa, Dunn, Eau Claire, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, and St. Croix counties located in northwestWisconsin. The grant will build on four previous phases of successful wetland conservation efforts under the Wisconsin Northwest Pothole Habitat Initiative (WNPHI). The WNPHI is a multi-year landscape scale effort to help meet the habitat objectives for the Northwest Focus Area outlined by the Upper Mississippi River & Great Lakes Region Joint Venture. Funding for the current phase will continue efforts to conserve wetlands and associated upland communities on public and private lands throughout the nine-county project area.

A strong coalition of conservation partners have come together to pool resources in order to accomplish the conservation objectives set forth in this grant. Ducks Unlimited and its partners, Mark Johnson, Pheasants Forever, Polk County Land and Water Resources, Standing Cedars Community Land Conservancy, Star Prairie Fish & Game Association, U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service, West Wisconsin Land Trust, and Wisconsin DNR offered $6.3 million to match the grant request.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:18 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Friday, May 16, 2008

Washington, DC - Thanks to sportsmen-legislators, hunters in rural America can look forward to their local farmers continuing to set aside acres of habitat for wildlife. Increased funding measures for America's vital conservation programs for the next five years are contained in the oft-extended Farm Bill Reauthorization overwhelmingly passed by the House and Senate, now awaiting the President's signature. The release of a Conference Report last week signaled that an agreement was reached by conferees who worked out the differences between the House and Senate versions. The House and Senate both voted overwhelmingly to approve the measure and will send the bill to the President to sign into law. The question is, will he?

Of the Farm Bill Conference Committee, twenty of the twenty-six conferees that hammered out the final compromise are members of the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus (CSC). CSC members who held their ground for the conservation title in the Farm Bill included the House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson (D-MN) and Ranking Member Bob Goodlatte (R-VA); the Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Ranking Member Saxby Chambliss (R-GA).

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:12 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Friday, May 16, 2008

Washington, DC - To the casual observer, they were a group of fun-loving regular guys out for a day on the range. In reality, these were prominent members of the U.S. Congress wearing shooting vests and carrying shotguns - and, yes, they knew how to use them. As members of the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus, they were competing for bragging rights in the annual Congressional Shoot-Out on Tuesday, May 13th.

Eyes on the Prize (and not just the trophy)...The Shoot-Out, organized by the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation, is much-anticipated each spring as it matches the Democrats against the Republicans on the trap, skeet and sporting clays range to determine who are straightest shooters on Capitol Hill. Congressmen are teamed with representatives of conservation organizations and the shooting sports industry to dust as many targets as they can. It's a great day of camaraderie among colleagues and taking a few verbal jabs at each other is all in the spirit of fun. However, the biggest prize isn't having their names engraved on the trophy. During their 'day jobs' these policymakers make sure that pro-sportsmen's legislation is guided through the minefield of the political landscape to bring home the victories for hunters and anglers.

"To see both Republicans and Democrats enjoying a day of recreational shooting together, with a little friendly competition, should give sportsmen a sense of relief that there are Congressmen in Washington who have their best interests in mind," said Jeff Crane, President of the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation. "When it comes to hunting and fishing issues, members of the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus check their political differences at the gate and work together for the sportsmen of America."

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:09 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Friday, May 16, 2008

Washington, DC: The leaders of the nation's top hunting and wildlife conservation organizations celebrated the visionary leadership of President Theodore Roosevelt at the Department of the Interior Thursday while laying the groundwork for a plan to carry conservation efforts forward in the 21st Century. Together with the Chairman of the White House Council on Environmental Quality and the Secretaries of the Department of the Interior and Department of Agriculture, the groups reflected on Roosevelt's 1908 Conference of Governors that marked a turning point in natural resource conservation in this nation. More importantly, the centennial celebration set the stage for a fall conference on wildlife policy that will establish a plan to enhance wildlife conservation and perpetuate the tradition of hunting in this nation.

"Today's centennial celebration honors the vision of our forefathers in protecting this country's precious natural resources, and highlights the work that we need to continue in order to ensure we have healthy wildlife populations and continued opportunities for hunting," stated Sporting Conservation Council Chairman and Boone and Crockett Club Chairman, Bob Model. "Hunters have long led the charge on protecting wildlife and their habitat, and it is with this perspective that we are once again laying the foundation for the future of wildlife conservation and our hunting traditions." The Sporting Conservation Council is a federal advisory committee created to advise the Department of the Interior and Department of Agriculture on conservation issues of interest to the hunting community.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:04 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, May 15, 2008

Washington, D.C. - Safari Club International President Dennis Anderson today condemned the decision of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to list all populations of the polar bear as “threatened” under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).   “Because of the uncertainty surrounding the extent of climate change and its impact on the polar bear, the listing was not warranted under ESA standards,” said Anderson.

Currently, polar bear population numbers are at or near all-time highs. Most populations in Canada are either stable or increasing. The FWS is relying on speculative computer modeling and limited professional judgment to conclude nonetheless that the polar bear will be threatened with extinction 45 years in the future.    

The listing means that imports into the United States of polar bear trophies legally hunted in Canada will no longer be allowed as of the effective date of the listing, which will be the date that the rule is published in the Federal Register. Before the listing, the law permitted imports from six populations of polar bears in Canada. The FWS previously had determined that the sport hunting programs for each of these six populations is “based on scientifically sound quotas ensuring the maintenance of the affected population stock at a sustainable level.”  The new listing rule recognizes the conservation benefits of sport hunting and importation, but claims the Marine Mammal Protection Act bars imports once a species is listed under the ESA.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:33 AM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, May 15, 2008

SHIRTS

The safari shirt is tailored to fit with hidden front button closure, double safari style pockets and darted back, available in short or long sleeve.

PANTS

A variety of pant designs complete each outfit. Zip-off styles include a zipper and Velcro bellows on the back of the lower leg which expands allowing you to remove boots in the field.

SKORTS & SHORTS

The Wrap Skort looks like a stylish wrap skirt from the front but with durable and comfortable shorts underneath..

JACKETS

Safari Fleece Zip-Jackets are made with wind resistant fleece and lined with soft twill for added comfort on cold mornings. 

For more styles and product information log on to www.shesafari.com.

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

Thursday, May 15, 2008

Washington, D.C. - Michelle Doerr, ATA's director of archery and bowhunting programs, recently graduated from the National Conservation Leadership Institute, an intense seven-month experience to address one of the nation's most significant conservation challenges-preparing and retaining leaders. Doerr is one of 36 chosen for the second class that culminated in April 2008.

In the next 10 years, nearly one-third of today's natural resource leaders will retire. According to research conducted in 2004, about 77 percent of state fish and wildlife agency senior leadership will retire by 2015, and more than half of federal conservation leaders would have retired by the end of 2007.

"It is a huge honor to be part of this outstanding leadership program, especially to be chosen among the nation's top conservation professionals," said Doerr. "With the help of the Institute, it is possible that the conservation legacy created by many of today's leaders will continue."

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:21 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, May 15, 2008

IOWA - The National Wild Turkey Federation's Iowa State Chapter continues to make public hunting access a priority, having already contributed $72,000 toward the purchase of 812 acres of land in the Hawkeye State in 2008.

The land purchases are part of a new NWTF initiative called More Places to Hunt, a program designed to help provide more hunting land on both public and private property. Nationwide, the NWTF already has spent nearly $9 million and obtained more than 400,000 acres for hunting since 1987.

Most recently in Iowa, NWTF volunteers helped purchase land that will be used for public hunting as part of four existing conservation areas in Allamakee, Buchanan, Woodbury and Webster counties.

"Public access to hunting is a major concern for many hunters, especially in Iowa where only about two percent of land is publicly owned," said Dave Whittlesey, NWTF regional biologist for Iowa. "Investing in hunting areas that are open to the public will benefit all wildlife and everyone who enjoys the public lands."

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:15 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, May 15, 2008

MISSOULA, Mont.—The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation has allocated $57,191 for a research project to identify elk habitat preferences, movement patterns and demographics in the Glass Mountains of west Texas.

“This project headlines a total of $154,569 worth of conservation and education grants for Texas in 2008. Each year, these grants are based on revenues from Elk Foundation fundraising banquets in Texas, as well as worthy project proposals,” said David Allen, Elk Foundation president and CEO.

Also receiving Elk Foundation grants are various conservation education projects across Texas, a special Texas Youth Hunter Program at the Torstenson Wildlife Center in New Mexico, and a strategic land protection fund.

Partners in the elk research project include Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Texas, and local landowners.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:12 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Hi-Res

Polar bear female with young along the Beaufort Sea Coastline of Alaska. Photo Credit: Susanne Miller/USFWS

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne today announced that he is accepting the recommendation of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Dale Hall to list the polar bear as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).  The listing is based on the best available science, which shows that loss of sea ice threatens and will likely continue to threaten polar bear habitat.  This loss of habitat puts polar bears at risk of becoming endangered in the foreseeable future, the standard established by the ESA for designating a threatened species.

In making the announcement, Kempthorne said, “I am also announcing that this listing decision will be accompanied by administrative guidance and a rule that defines the scope of impact my decision will have, in order to protect the polar bear while limiting the unintended harm to the society and economy of the United States.” 

Kempthorne further stated, “While the legal standards under the ESA compel me to list the polar bear as threatened, I want to make clear that this listing will not stop global climate change or prevent any sea ice from melting.  Any real solution requires action by all major economies for it to be effective.  That is why I am taking administrative and regulatory action to make certain the ESA isn’t abused to make global warming policies.”

Link to the BBC STORY 

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 04:34 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Columbus, Ohio - The nation's leading advocate of sportsmen's rights is announcing the creation of a fund with the sole purpose of combating the world's number-one anti-hunting organization.

Money collected by the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance (USSA) through the new Sportsmen Against HSUS fund will be used in the continuing battle against the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and its animal rights campaign.

The Sportsmen Against HSUS fund is designed to:

• mount a national campaign which will focus on educating the media, elected officials, the public, sportsmen and the many others targeted by the animal rights group, and

• fund the campaigns that combat the public policy threats initiated and supported by the HSUS. The HSUS lobbying machine claims to have played a role in getting 86 different state laws passed in 2007 alone. The group also filed more than a dozen new lawsuits in 2007.

Wayne Pacelle, who claims to be a vegan, and is an anti-hunting advocate and president and CEO of HSUS, recently said, "Let's raise at least $10,000 right now, with $5,000 to go to pets who are the victims of foreclosures and an additional $5,000 to fight the horrible wildlife abuses that the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance loves."

The HSUS is America's leading opponent of hunting, fishing, trapping and scientific wildlife management. It led the charge in a 2006 ballot campaign to ban dove hunting in Michigan, contributing $1.6 million to the effort. Among other voter issues, it also took the lead in the 1994 ballot campaign to ban cougar and bear hunting with hounds and bait in Oregon. It opposes hunting on National Wildlife Refuges and other public lands. It has filed lawsuits to impede the management of gray wolves and grizzly bears.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 07:40 AM | 3 COMMENTS | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Written By Scott Hampel

KEMMERER, Wyo. – On April 26, 2008, the Kemmerer Chapter of the Mule Deer Foundation hosted its inaugural event at the Fraternal Order of Eagles building in Kemmerer, Wyo. There were 160 people in attendance to witness this impressive event that included a steak dinner along with a variety of games, raffles, and silent and live auctions.

When the night was completed, the chapter had obtained 87 memberships and raised over $41,000 in net proceeds with an efficiency rating exceeding 70 percent. In the world of conservation, these are phenomenal statistics for a first-time event.

The success of this chapter can be attributed to the enthusiastic and committed group of volunteers who are dedicated to seeing conservation projects be completed for mule deer. As a result of these volunteers’ efforts, a minimum of $16,000 will be allocated to mule deer projects locally. In fact, the committee was able to secure large donations from a number of companies and individuals, including Encana Oil and Gas, Williams, Lightning Construction, Kern River, Chevron Mining, Cumberland Gap Hearthstone, Sims Industrial Services/McKenzie Enterprises, the Town of Diamonville and others. These funds have been placed in the Wyoming Project Fund as MDF Conservation Partners. The Conservation Partnership funds are being combined with other funds, raised in Rock Springs and Lander earlier this year, to help fund the Wyoming Range Mule Deer Habitat Assessment. This is a high priority project identified by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department for the long-term planning and management of habitat restoration/improvements impacting mule deer herds in the Wyoming Range.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 07:02 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Grand Junction, Colorado – May 13, 2008 – Conservationists and hunters in Colorado's Mesa County have formed the state's newest Pheasants Forever (PF) chapter, the Western Slope Chapter of PF. The group plans to focus its efforts on wildlife habitat improvement and youth hunter recruitment.

The Western Slope of Colorado – the region in the state west of the Continental Divide – is home to pheasants and the new chapter hopes to improve pheasant habitat and consequently, pheasant numbers. "We will work with area farmers and landowners and the Colorado Division of Fish and Wildlife to help enhance and restore upland habitat any way we can," said Cody Powell, the chapter's newly-elected president and a Grand Junction resident.

Youth involvement will also be a chapter focal point. "Today's youth are the next generation of land stewards," Powell said, "Youth mentor hunting and other such events are great ways in which our chapter can connect area youth with the outdoors." The chapter will help build Pheasants Forever's No Child Left Indoors™ initiative, a new initiative that's part of a national movement aimed at getting youth unplugged from electronics and turned on to the outdoors, nature and wildlife. The Western Slope chapter will join PF chapters and volunteers across the country in carrying out the No Child Left Indoors™ initiative through youth habitat projects, youth and family community events and youth outdoor education programs.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 07:01 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

EDGEFIELD, S.C. — Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation and its dedicated volunteers have worked with wildlife agencies to help successfully restore wild turkey populations in nearly all suitable habitat in North America. As the need to trap and transfer wild turkeys becomes less necessary, it is critically important to look toward the future of North America's greatest game birds and work to make sure that future is bright.

"The comeback of the wild turkey is arguably one of the greatest conservation success stories in our nation's history," said Dr. James Earl Kennamer, NWTF's senior vice president for conservation programs. "A lot of folks have asked what's next for the wild turkey? The NWTF and its partners are ready for the next phase with the North American Wild Turkey Management Plan."

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 07:00 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

SCI and NRA will defend Rocky Mountain Wolf delisting A Montana federal district court has granted SCI's request to intervene in litigation and defend the delisting of gray wolves of the Northern Rocky Mountains. The effort of anti-hunting plaintiffs to list the wolf again would strip management of the species from the States, and return it to the federal government. It would also prevent state-managed sustainable hunts of the wolves.

The Plaintiffs have asked the Court to return the species to the endangered species list. Together with the federal government, the States of Idaho, Montana and Wyoming, and other conservation groups, SCI will present arguments demonstrating why the delisting should remain in effect. A hearing on the Plaintiffs' request for emergency relief is scheduled for May 29th in Missoula, Montana.

SCI is joined in the intervention by the National Rifle Association of America.

SCI President Dennis Anderson said, “SCI is pleased that the court has allowed us to participate in the battle to keep recovered wolf populations of the Northern Rocky Mountains off the endangered species list. SCI has developed a track record and expertise second to none in litigation related to sustainable use management and conservation. We will use our special experience in this area of the law to make sure that the decision to delist this viable, healthy predator species is defended as strongly as possible.”

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

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Sebring, Fla. – May 12, 2008 – Bobwhite quail conservationists have formed Florida's second Quail Forever chapter (QF), the Kissimmee River Valley Chapter of QF. The chapter has focused its attention on quail habitat efforts in Polk, Highlands, Osceola, Hardee and Okeechobee Counties in south-central Florida.

Leading the new Kissimmee River Valley chapter is James Martin of Kenansville, a graduate student and PhD candidate at the University of Georgia who is part of the game bird research team for the Tall Timbers Research Station. Tall Timbers conducts a wide variety of research projects to develop the best management practices for bobwhites, and manages over 3,500 acres of upland habitat for bobwhites in the southeast United States.

"What a lot of people don’t realize is how remote and rural south-central Florida can be – almost like South Dakota," Martin said, "This new chapter gives the area a centrally located group that has the capability to find solutions for the challenges this great game bird faces." Martin said the chapter's main goals include maintaining hunter access, promoting the use of prescribed fire on public and private lands and stimulating youth interest in quail hunting and outdoor sports.

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

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Jamestown, N.D. – May 12, 2008 – Pheasants Forever (PF) announces Steve Stensgard is the organization's first-ever Farm Bill Biologist in the state of North Dakota. Stensgard joins PF after serving as a wildlife biologist technician with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. The position was created through a partnership with the North Dakota Game and Fish Department and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Stensgard will work out of the Jamestown NRCS office.

The Farm Bill Biologist program is designed to educate farmers and landowners about the benefits of conservation programs, as well as assist those farmers and landowners after programs have been implemented. Pheasants Forever first began employing Farm Bill Biologists in 2005, and now has 33 Farm Bill Biologists working in seven states – Ohio, South Dakota, Nebraska, Minnesota, Missouri, Wisconsin and now North Dakota. Last year, Farm Bill Biologists contacted and consulted 5,400 landowners, resulting in the improvement of 310,000 acres of land for wildlife.

"This gives North Dakotans another resource for conservation information," said Jim Inglis, PF's Farm Bill Biologist Coordinator, "Like all our Farm Bill Biologists, Stensgard possesses knowledge of federal, state, and local programs that will assist landowners in finding the right program and funding to meet their personal habitat and land use goals."

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:49 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, May 12, 2008

Longview, Wash. – May 12, 2008 – Pheasants Forever, Inc. and Quail Forever announce that Kraig Paulson of Crane, Montana, has been named the organization's new regional wildlife biologist in Washington State and Oregon. Paulson assumes the position after spending two years as a Pheasants Forever habitat specialist in Montana. Paulson's primary duties with Pheasants Forever (PF) and Quail Forever (QF) include starting and servicing chapters, raising and expending mission funds and building partnerships that expand habitat conservation efforts on behalf of all PF/QF chapters.

"I'm very excited to help grow Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever's conservation mission in the Northwest," Paulson said, "The region is home to serious hunters and conservationists, and we have the unique opportunity to improve habitat for pheasants, California quail and mountain quail across two states."

"Kraig brings a great deal of wildlife habitat experience to this new position, which is welcome news to the upland birds and other wildlife that call Washington and Oregon home," said Matt Holland, PF/QF Senior Field Coordinator, "We expect Kraig to be a driving force in working with partners and volunteers to impact our habitat mission."

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 12:04 AM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, May 12, 2008

We just wanted to let you know we have updated the RSS feed and it is now running real-time. This should eliminate the issues we experienced before with the feed. We have also created a FeedBurner account for our RSS feed.  

Our new RSS feed URL is:http://feeds.feedburner.com/huntinglife/gJQi 

Of Course you can all still click on our RSS button on the website and it will create a feed for you as well.

Thank you,  

Kevin

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:51 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, May 12, 2008

Washington, D.C. – May 9, 2008 – After nearly four months of extensions, House and Senate Farm Bill conferees have reached an agreement on the main elements of the 2008 Farm Bill. Pheasants Forever (PF) and Quail Forever (QF) urge both the House and the Senate to pass the legislation, and for President George W. Bush to sign the bill into law as quickly as possible. If passed, the bill would provide an additional $4 billion in new funding for conservation programs; welcome news for wildlife conservation and hunters.

"The Farm Bill is the single biggest opportunity for conservation. Any further delay to a new bill would have jeopardized three decades worth of progress toward cleaning our water, protecting our soils and creating habitat for wildlife," said Dave Nomsen, PF/QF's Vice President of Government Affairs who has played a critical role in shaping the Farm Bill's conservation title.

"Dave Nomsen has been fighting this Farm Bill battle for wildlife conservation, our members, and all hunters across America non-stop for over a year," reported Howard Vincent, PF/QF's President & Chief Executive Officer.  "Dave's voice has carried the PF and QF conservation values to the halls of Congress, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the White House. Surrounded by challenging circumstances, we have a conservation title in this Farm Bill that can help America's wildlife move forward again." 

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:42 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Friday, May 9, 2008

Women from across North America will learn, laugh and lighten up at the 10th Anniversary Celebration of the Women in the Outdoors program.

EDGEFIELD, S.C.— The National Wild Turkey Federation invites women from all walks of life to learn, laugh and lighten up as the NWTF's Women in the Outdoors program celebrates its 10th anniversary at the Wild Turkey Center in Edgefield, S.C., Sept. 25 to Sept. 28, 2008.

Since 1998, the NWTF's Women in the Outdoors program has worked to share the outdoor tradition by providing expert instruction and hands-on education through events designed for women. During its inaugural year, Women in the Outdoors hosted 18 events and today the program organizes more than 400 events across the nation.

Participants at the 10th anniversary celebration will have the opportunity to learn about the Women in the Outdoors program, experience fishing, canoeing, camping, Dutch oven cooking, outdoor photography and archery, visit the NWTF's national headquarters and the state-of-the-art Winchester museum and much more.

"This event will be one of the most exciting outdoor get-togethers women have ever experienced," said Patty Foster, the NWTF's national coordinator for Women in the Outdoors, southern region. "We're offering two days of hands-on activities through more than 30 classes, pro staff instructors, guest speakers, music, vendors, a special auction and so much more!"

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 02:52 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Friday, May 9, 2008

EDGEFIELD, S.C. — Time is running out to submit applications for the 2008 National Wild Turkey Federation's Educator of the Year program. The deadline to turn applications in to the Federation is June 1.

The award program, started in 2002, recognizes outstanding teachers who demonstrate innovative teaching techniques using educational conservation materials provided through the NWTF and their Wild About Turkey Education Box.

The education box provides teachers with materials that tell the story of the wild turkey's restoration in an exciting and colorful way. The box is a scaled replica of the turkey transport box used by wildlife agencies, and contains teaching tools including a complete set of multi-curriculum lesson plans, a full-color bulletin board kit, an entertaining video and multimedia CD/ROM, a poster, reference materials and keepsakes for the students.

This year's winner will receive a $500 grant to fund a conservation education project in his or her classroom the following year.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 02:49 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Friday, May 9, 2008

Restricted Land Access Reduces Hunting Opportunities

Anglers Cite Access and Water Quality as Greatest Problems Facing Fishing

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 02:47 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Friday, May 9, 2008

MISSOULA, Mont.—The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, an international conservation organization focused on elk habitat and restoration, has announced its first-round grants for 2008 projects in Wisconsin.

Six grants, totaling $44,160, have been awarded. Grants affect Ashland, Bayfield, Jackson, Price and Sawyer counties.

Another $50,933 is available for allocation in second-round conservation grants, plus $31,698 for education projects, to be announced later this year. 

“This is all about ensuring the future of elk, other wildlife and their habitat in Wisconsin,” said David Allen, Elk Foundation president and CEO. “Grants are based on revenues from Elk Foundation fundraising banquets in Wisconsin, as well as worthy project proposals.” 

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 02:39 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, May 8, 2008

The fundraising auction for Bristol Bay is off and running. Thank you to the blogs, Web sites and magazines who have helped spread the word. The greater the number of people visiting the auction, the better the odds are that we can raise some serious money to help fight for Bristol Bay.

This auction is possible due to the very generous contributions of so many companies, lodges and artists. Please support them and support the campaign for Bristol Bay’s future by bidding on an item or two. There’s a great selection, and you should be able to find something you need or want. All starting bids are set below 70% of retail value, so you might even get a good buy.

The inventory for the auction is basically set up on a rolling basis, with new items being added every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. All listings run for 10 days, so there are always items nearing the end of their run.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 08:41 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Tonight a young man just dropped me an email because he is looking for some help.  Bucky is 17 years old and he is planning on his second elk hunt and he has tags.  Bucky drew general Non-Res Youth Any elk/any weapon/Statewide tag for Sept 13-25.  He wants to use this tag but does not know Utah very well and needs some advise on where to concentrate his efforts for an Archery hunt.  Bucky is looking for some assistance as he would like to do this hunt as a public lands hunt and unguided. Being 17 years old has its limitations and he is going to be working 3 jobs this summer to finance his trip out west. 

Bucky cannot afford an outfitter and cannot make numerous trips out to Utah to scout for bulls.

He would like to know a bit more about some areas to concentrate his search for the Majestic Elk and he has limited time to hit the ground running.  It looks like Bucky will be taking out his bow for the adventure and I know he is already practicing hard for the trip.

So I know there are tons of you who read the site and know some of the areas this young man could have a reasonable chance of success.  Somewhere he is going to see some animals and be able to get into them on public land in one of the general draw units.  I don't need to know where you send Bucky, just give him the best advise you can come up with.

If any of you have products, maps,  knowledge or advise for this young man, contact me and I will put you in touch with him.  This is our chance to give back to a young man who really has a passion for hunting and for conservation.

If you contact me through the site, i will put you in direct contact with Bucky.  Email me at kevin@huntinglife.com

Lets all come together and help this young man accomplish his dream of his first elk!!!

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:55 PM | 3 COMMENTS | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. — The National Wild Turkey Federation's Wheelin' Sportsmen program will host wounded warriors from Walter Reed Army Medical Center during a weekend of turkey hunting and fellowship at the Letterkenny Army Depot May 9 to May 10.

The Army Wounded Warriors/Letterkenny Army Depot Commander's Hunt, hosted by the NWTF's Michaux-Yellow Breeches and Shippensburg Strutters chapters, will send wounded Army veterans and their guides afield in pursuit of America's grandest gamebird.

Maj. Gen. Gale S. Pollock, an avid turkey hunter and NWTF member who helped recognize America's veterans and military heroes at the NWTF's National Convention and Sport Show in February, will participate in the hunt.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 03:10 PM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA - The Pennsylvania Game Commission has started accepting applications from those interested in entering the public drawing for one of 45 elk hunting licenses (17 antlered and 28 antlerless) to be made available for the Nov. 3-8 elk season. The public drawing is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 20, and will be conducted as part of the 2008 Elk Expo.

To better serve its customers, the Game Commission has enabled hunters to complete and submit applications online through the agency's website (www.pgc.state.pa.us). Just click on "2008 Elk Application" in the center of the homepage and then "Apply Online."

"Completing applications online guarantees hunters that their application was received and that they will be included in the public drawing, and reduces concerns about lost mail or late arrivals," said Carl G. Roe, Game Commission executive director. "And, in addition to cutting the agency's administrative costs, those filing online reduce the chance of having their application declared ineligible, because the filing system notifies individuals who attempt to submit an incomplete application."

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

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

GEORGIA — Through the Corridor of Flight project, wildlife habitat on 3,000 acres of National Forest and National Fish and Wildlife Refuge lands will be improved for red-cockaded woodpeckers (RCW) and other wildlife in middle Georgia.

The project, headed by the National Wild Turkey Federation and its project partners, will create a more open and continuous landscape between the adjoining lands of the Oconee National Forest and Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge, which is known as the Piedmont Recovery Unit (PRU). This pathway will enable the endangered RCWs to build their nests and fly freely throughout the area.

"The number of red-cockaded woodpeckers has decreased as their habitat has decreased," said Greg Boozer, NWTF wildlife biologist. "The only way to increase the population is to improve habitat for these birds. The Corridor of Flight project will create more open corridors through needed areas of the Piedmont Recovery Unit, which will encourage red-cockaded woodpeckers to move or expand their range into unoccupied areas."

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 09:46 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

The May 2008 Barnes Bullet-N is one of the newsletters that I read each and every month without fail.  I think it is so good that I include it here for all of you because I like the product and I really like the company and I know that you all have an opportunity to learn something each and every month.  I love it when I can read something consistently and each and every month learn something new that I know will help me in the field.

READ MORE...

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 09:15 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

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

Monday, May 5, 2008

Wolverine sent out a fantastic set of Safety Gloves and this weekend, I had the opportunity to test them out.  These gloves fit well, look good and are as bright as can be.  Wolverine and HuntingLife.com go back a long way and to be honest, anytime they suggest we try out one of their products, we jump at the chance.

These gloves kept my hands very well protected this weekend as I worked in the yard, burned up a brush pile and split a quarter cord of wood for some campfire fun with the kids this summer.  These gloves are warm, well made, breath and did I say Bright.  I think the brightness is probably more for factory work and safety officers then your traditional outdoors work.  I will be keeping these gloves right in my truck console though for everyday use and quick availability.  I might even wear them while going into the turkey woods as a precautionary step.

I only wish Wolverine would begin to make camouflage accessories, because these gloves in full camouflage would be a favorite item in my pack.  I am keeping my fingers crossed for Wolverine to get into this market as quickly as possible.  Great Boots, Great Quality Gloves and more...

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

Monday, May 5, 2008

Washington, D.C. – Safari Club International (SCI) asked a federal court in Montana on May 2, 2008 for permission to participate in a legal battle over the delisting of wolves in Montana, Idaho and Wyoming. SCI seeks to defend the decision of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to delist the wolves of the Northern Rocky Mountain states, and to return management of the predator species back to the state authorities. Wolves achieved recovered status in 2000, and their population numbers in the three states now far exceed the recovery criteria established by the FWS.

SCI seeks to participate in the case to represent the many hunters who are competing with wolves for game, who have been forced to change hunting areas and practices due to the presence of wolves, and who have lost hunting dogs, horses and mules to wolf attacks.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 09:44 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, May 5, 2008

MISSOULA, Mont.—A new twist on a classroom classic, the old essay contest goes high tech in a new competition sponsored by Daisy and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. Students age 10 to 18 can create short video essays and post them online for the world—and contest judges—to see.
 
Visit www.daisy.com for a portal to complete entry rules, prize descriptions and video uploading info. The contest opens May 5, 2008, and ends Jan. 1, 2009.
 
Videos may be 60 to 90 seconds long. Student videos should communicate how safe, ethical hunting and shooting, spending time in the outdoors, or conserving and appreciating wildlife and nature has positively impacted their lives.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 05:28 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, May 5, 2008

Saint Paul, Minn. – May 5, 2008 – Despite the expiration of 79,677 Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres in Minnesota since October 1 of last year, interest in CRP remains as evidenced by the 6,365 acres already offered for enrollment in the new State Acres For wildlife Enhancement (SAFE) conservation practice, the Minnesota Back Forty Pheasant Habitat program. As part of the continuous enrollment portion of CRP, Minnesota has been allocated 23,100 acres for enrollment in the Back Forty Pheasant Habitat program, which establishes small blocks of grassland (10-40 acres) and enhances existing habitats.

"Pheasants are part of the fabric of Minnesota farm country," said Perry Aasness, State Executive Director of USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA), "We are pleased to offer a flexible program that helps our producers help the pheasants and other farmland wildlife. Our early success speaks to our producer's interest in wildlife and conservation and a program that is put together well."

Announced this January, SAFE represents an important change to CRP that encourages state-specific wildlife focused projects. Minnesota's Back Forty Pheasant SAFE program is targeted toward helping restore and enhance habitat for ring-necked pheasant populations, as well as benefit waterfowl, greater prairie chickens and other grassland nesting birds.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 05:20 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Sunday, May 4, 2008

Employment with Team HuntingLife

Team Hunting Life is the creation of a lifelong dream to create an information portal for hunters worldwide to learn about hunting, search outfitters, learn about conservation events and outdoor shows worldwide.  We wanted to create one source where hunters could go daily to read the latest news about hunting and wildlife conservation.  We are looking to create one of the greatest sites in the world for hunters and hunter conservationists.

READ MORE.... 

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 05:00 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Friday, May 2, 2008

Foodsaver sent me the new Gamesaver Deluxe to test out last week and this weekend we spent most of Saturday bagging up just about anything we could get our hands on including some clothes.  This product was a ton of fun to work with and i can already see the cost savings piling up.

The product works extremely well and was very easy to use.  I was up and running in about 10 minutes after a quick look at the instructions and then we were off to Vacum seal a bunch of antelope meat and tons of items throughout the refrigerator. We packaged up everything from cheese to leftovers and this unit works well.  

We have owned a Foodsaver Vacuum system for many year but this new model is much easier to use.  Just drop the bag in, seal the lid and press the button.  On Sunday, I Marinated some steaks by dropping in some liquid smoke, BBQ Sauce and other sauces along with a bit of garlic and spice and sealed it up in the bag.  I pulled the bag o