Sunday, June 29, 2008

MISSOULA, Mont.—Athlete, archer, communicator, backcountry fanatic and self-described “average guy living an elk hunter’s dream,” Cameron Hanes has been selected to host Elk Chronicles, the new television show of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

Elk Chronicles premieres July 3 at 8:30 p.m. Eastern on Outdoor Channel. The show will air Thursdays at 8:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. and Tuesdays at 3:30 p.m., all times Eastern.

Hanes, editor of Eastmans’ Bowhunting Journal, co-host of Eastmans’ Bowhunting Journal TV, author of Bowhunting Trophy Blacktail and Backcountry Bowhunting, brings a loyal following of extreme hunters and devoted conservationists.

“For those who haven’t followed his adventures, buckle up and hold on because this guy takes elk hunting to a whole new level. When you find someone who trains for bow season by running 50-mile ultra marathons through the mountains, you know they take their hunting seriously,” said Elk Foundation President and CEO David Allen.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 04:47 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Sunday, June 29, 2008

In the last month I have spent the better part of 3/4 of my month away from home and traveling between home in Virginia to Pennsylvania and Ohio for business with the company that I work for CliCKS Document Management .  This travel is an important part of my role as National Director of Business Development the traveling can get old.  On a recent trip from Pittsburgh to Columbus, OH I had the pleasure of stopping in Wheeling, WV for an extended shopping trip to wait out some thunderstorms at the Cabelas Store in Wheeling.  I took several walks around the store and while in the archery section I came across a book that has consumed me for the past several weeks.  BackCountry Bowhunting, A Guide to the Wild Side by Cameron R. Hanes.

READ More... for the rest of my Review of this wonderful Book. 

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 04:07 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Sunday, June 29, 2008

The National Geographic Society has a great article about the wildfire epidemic in the west from the Rocky Mountains to the Coast of California where wildfires are burning bigger, hotter and closer to home.  The article details why this is happening and provides some great insight into the situations throughout the west.  Having grown up in Forest Service Family, I am absolutely obsessed with wildfires and the situations in our National Forests.  As a true conservationist I want to see healthy forests and amazing wilderness areas.

Give this article a look online and/or purchase this months issue of National Geographic to read this article.

UNDER FIRE, By Neil Shea and Photographed by Mark Thiessen 

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 02:36 PM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Sunday, June 29, 2008

Hunting The First State - A Guide to Delaware Hunting is a great resource for those interested in hunting the state of Delaware.  I think it might be a great resource for those looking to hunt any of the states in that Delmarva Peninsula as well like Eastern Shore Maryland and New Jersey.  Steven puts together a great resource on everything from traditional Whitetail Deer Hunting, Turkey Hunting to Small Game and Migratory Bird hunting.

This book will give you general areas to hunt with specific names of Wildlife Management areas to focus your attention on and a full wealth of knowledge on tips and tactics to use in those specific areas.  His book covers a majority of the species available to hunt and a things you need to know about hunting each species and where to hunt and locate those species.  Of course Steven isn't going to point you to his best farms to hunt but gives you generic information that with your own scouting and the knowledge gained from this book you can take to the field and have reasonable hopes of taking your choice of many different game species.

I especially enjoyed the section on Turkey hunting and I gained some valuable insight into the areas that are available to hunt Turkey on public land in Delaware and I am thinking about applying for a permit for the 2009 season.

I enjoyed the book tremendously and at a price of $19.95 I think you are gaining a real value and a great work that will surely be welcome in your home library.

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

Sunday, June 29, 2008

Harry was looking through his stash of photos from this springs season hunting bear and sent me some of the great pictures that he took.  We have some amazing shots and i thought I would share them all with you.  The video from my hunt is still being worked on and has been handed off to a very capable video editor and should be completed in the next month or so.  We are going to take the final footage from all of our hunts over the last couple of years and get them edited down into a DVD format.  We have two great bear hunts and two great Antelope hunts that I am working on getting put together for a pilot DVD that we are going to be selling at cost plus one dollar to go towards conservation programs.

Without Further Ado... Heres some of the great shots.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 12:32 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Bill MacFarland of MacFarland Adventures is looking for someone to go Moose Hunting with him in British Columbia.  He has a pretty incredible deal to offer on this once in a lifetime hunt.

Discounted Hunt in B.C. this Fall- check it out!

I am looking for one or more hunters to accompany me on a hunt this Fall to
British Columbia for Moose and Black Bear and more! The nice thing about
B.C. is you can schedule a hunt for 1 animal (for example black bear). Buy
additional species tags for animals such as moose, elk, wolf, etc. If you
tag out early on your main species hunt (bear?) or come across another
animal while hunting (and you have tags for that animal) you can take it and
only pay the trophy fee upon harvest. so you could potentially be hunting 3,
4, 5 or 6 animals on one trip!! Moose and elk will be in full rut and you
can hunt with rifle or bow. Your choice!

Go check him out at

http://www.huntinglife.com/outfitters/detail/macfarland-adventures 

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 09:39 AM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

If you're serious about taking home the kind of trophy most bowhunters only dream about, practice makes perfect. (Even a large target can be hard to hit if you're a little rusty.) That's why Rinehart Targets®, leading manufacturer of innovative and lifelike 3D archery targets, has developed the new Rinehart Giant Mule Deer Target™ - designed to help bowhunters sharpen their skills before stalking their prize on the next great hunt.

The new Rinehart Giant Mule Deer measures 28" tall and is 40" from its nose to its black-tipped tail. Large branching antlers rise from the top of its head - just like the noble animal hunters will encounter in the wild. In fact, the body shape and brownish-gray color of this new target look so much like a real mule deer, it can also be used as a decoy when bowhunters are in the field watching a bachelor group graze on blooming canola or oats. And, this exceptional target makes practice a lot more fun and worthwhile because the lifelike features provide the ideal conditions for improving accuracy and gaining the confidence needed to hit the mark when a real mule deer when that real trophy comes within range.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 09:51 AM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Alabama - June 24, 2008 - Alabama quail enthusiasts have stepped up their quail conservation efforts through the introduction of two new Quail Forever (QF) chapters. The Alabama Covey Rise Chapter of QF and the Black Warrior Chapter of QF - located in central and west Alabama, respectively - are aiming to restore quail habitat while introducing youth conservation education programs within Tallapoosa, Coosa, Tuscaloosa, Bibb, Hale, Greene, Pickens and Fayette counties.

"With both of these chapters focusing their efforts within the central and western regions of Alabama, there is an opportunity to create a lot of progress in the advancement of better land management practices, and this will ultimately help the quail and other wildlife in the area," explained Andy Edwards, Regional Wildlife Biologist for QF. "When you combine the newly passed Farm Bill legislation with the efforts of these two chapters, the benefits for quail will be tremendous."

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

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Springfield, Ill. - June 24, 2008 - Eligible Illinois landowners now have the opportunity to conserve valuable wildlife habitat by enrolling their property into the Illinois State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement (SAFE) program. As part of the continuous enrollment portion of the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), the SAFE program seeks to enroll 24,600 acres of wildlife habitat in Illinois.

The Illinois SAFE was developed by Pheasants Forever (PF), the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (DNR), The Nature Conservancy and the Illinois Audubon Society and aims to strengthen conservation efforts by offering incentives for landowners to enroll privately owned grasslands and other wildlife habitats into the program. In addition to annual rental payments, SAFE allows for continuous enrollment, a signing incentive bonus payment, and additional cost-sharing for establishing new habitats.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 09:43 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

FLORA, MS - With the Primos Floating Blind Bag, you never have to worry about dropping your gear in the water.

The bag is made with 600 denier polyester with weather-resistant coating, and has eight pockets to organize your waterfowl gear. It will hold and float up to 12 boxes of shotgun shells.

The rubber bottom allows you to set the bag down in the mud or wet grass and still keep the contents dry, and the shoulder strap provides easy carry to and from the blind.

The new Primos Floating Blind Bag is available in Mossy Oak® Duck Blind^TM Camo. Duck Blind features elements from every sector of the nation's waterfowl highways and was skillfully designed to maintain its effectiveness throughout the waterfowl season in a wide variety of actual waterfowl hunting environments.

It is the perfect accessory for serious waterfowlers. The suggested retail price is $49.99.

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

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Sam Crouch, Sr. and Sam Crouch, Jr.

EDGEFIELD, S.C. — National Wild Turkey Federation pioneer Sam Crouch, Sr. of Edgefield, S.C., passed away last Friday. Crouch was an NWTF Life Member and had a long and distinguished history with the Federation. He was 85.

He played a major role in the decision to relocate the NWTF, founded in March of 1973 from Fredericksburg, Va. to Edgefield in June of 1973. He was instrumental in organizing the Edgefield Chapter, which was the first NWTF chapter in S.C., and in 1974, became the first President of the South Carolina State Chapter.

His fingerprint on the organization was mimicked across the country. Today, more than 2,350 chapters, just like the one he started in Edgefield, have cropped up throughout the U.S., Canada and Mexico. These chapters, together, the NWTF's conservation partners, have spent more than $258 million on the NWTF's mission of conserving the wild turkey and preserving the hunting tradition.

"Sam has one of the longest, richest and most colorful histories in the NWTF family," said Dr. James Earl Kennamer, NWTF's senior vice president for conservation programs. "He was a friend to the organization, he was a great personal friend and he will be dearly missed."

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 09:12 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Saturday, June 21, 2008

Joe Rowe passed away yesterday and I am still at a loss for words. 

Last year I had the pleasure of going bear hunting with Joe and his son Max and daughter-in-law Stacy.  I had known Stacy and Max over the last several years of being on the outdoor circuit at the local shows.

Getting the opportunity to hunt with them for black bear in Saskatchewan was a wonderful experience. 

Joe was an absolute joy to talk to and I know he will be very missed by his family.

Joe Rowe

October 15th, 1946 - June 20th, 2008

A great man. A wonderful friend. A great father!

read more...see some more pictures and a video of his bear hunt...

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 03:25 PM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Friday, June 20, 2008

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Former National Wild Turkey Federation president and current board member Gene Denton has been selected to the Arkansas Outdoor Hall of Fame. He is to be inducted at a banquet and ceremony Friday, Sept. 5, at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock.

The Arkansas Outdoor Hall of Fame began in 1992 to recognize Arkansans' achievements in outdoor fields, and to conserve wildlife habitat. Past inductions have raised more than a million dollars for wildlife habitat and conservation education.

NWTF Vice President Jim Hinkle said, "Gene has done so much for Arkansas, our country and for conservation. I'll proudly introduce him during the ceremony on Sept. 5, and although he's too modest to admit it, Gene greatly deserves this award for a lifelong commitment to family, country and wildlife."

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 03:16 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Friday, June 20, 2008

HELENA, Montana - License plates designed to raise money for the Mule Deer Foundation (MDF) can now be purchased from the Montana Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). When registering or renewing vehicles, Montana drivers can donate an additional $20 to receive the new plates featuring the MDF logo. If MDF supporters wish to surrender their current license plates, a $35 one-time administration fee will also be collected.

MDF's Western Montana Chapter, including Ray Rugg and Jennifer Cote, initiated the project as far back as 2004. Fees of $4,000 had to be raised before submitting logos for design, and other DMV requirements had to be met.

In 2006, the chapter mailed requests for donations to all MDF members in Montana. The campaign raised approximately $380. In 2006, the Helena Lewis and Clark Chapter, chaired by Judy Dellinger, put $1,600 toward the endeavor. The Billings Chapter, chaired by John Wilson, pitched in $500. Earlier this year, MDF Conservation Partner Ron Knapp came in with the remaining amount needed to get the license design underway.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:05 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, June 19, 2008

Hunters and anglers working together to preserve fish and game habitats
and hunting and fishing opportunities on our public lands in Alaska.

SPORTSMAN’S ALLIANCE FOR ALASKA UPDATE
June 18, 2008

Trip to Rome a success – Global angling companies don’t like Pebble Mine!

After a whirlwind trip to Rome and back over 6 days, it’s apparent that global companies serving anglers aren’t too keen on the idea of another fishery possibly being diminished. Anglers from all over the planet travel to Bristol Bay and dream of going to Alaska since it holds some of the greatest fishing opportunities that still exist in the world. The Sportsman’s Alliance for Alaska met with dozens of international companies at the European Fishing Tackle Trade Exhibition and the response was an overwhelming desire to help raise awareness and grow the movement to keep Bristol Bay a productive fishery. I’ll be doing a lot of follow up in coming weeks to get these businesses involved.

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

Thursday, June 19, 2008

EDGEFIELD, S.C. — The once rare gobble of the wild turkey is becoming more commonplace in areas across North America, thanks to the work of the National Wild Turkey Federation's Making Tracks program.

Over the past year, wildlife agencies with support from the NWTF have relocated 3,238 wild turkeys throughout the continent. Since the 1950s, more than 195,000 wild turkeys have been moved into appropriate habitat.

Making Tracks is a cooperative program between the NWTF and state, federal and provincial wildlife agencies to restore wild turkeys to all suitable habitat in North America.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 09:40 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, June 19, 2008

EDGEFIELD, S.C. — The National Wild Turkey Federation's Dr. James Earl Kennamer was recently selected as the recipient of the 2008 Alumni Fellow for the College of Forest Resources at Mississippi State University.

The Alumni Fellow program recognizes and honors alumni who have achieved the highest levels of success in their profession. Kennamer, the NWTF's senior vice president of conservation programs, earned a doctorate in philosophy and a Master of Science from the university.

"Many years ago, the NWTF gave me the opportunity to work on behalf of wildlife, particularly the wild turkey, and I am truly grateful for that chance," Kennamer said. "I have many fond memories of the years I spent at Mississippi State University, and a great amount of respect for the school. Being recognized by my alma mater for my conservation efforts is such an honor."

For more than 28 years, Kennamer has played a key role in forging the partnerships between hunters and wildlife agencies, corporations and conservation groups, which have helped restore turkey populations across North America. His dedicated work with wildlife agencies has made a difference, moving turkey populations from 1.3 million in 1973 to more than 7 million today.

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

Thursday, June 19, 2008

California Question and Answer is a weekly column put together by Carrie Wilson a marine biologist with the California Department of Fish and Game. She cannot personally answer everyone’s questions but will select a few to answer in this column each week. Contact her at CalOutdoors@dfg.ca.gov.

READ MORE.... 

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 08:58 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Sunday, June 15, 2008

The Wild Sheep Foundation had been authorized to auction a Desert Bighorn Sheep Permit for the 2008 hunting season.  The highest winning auction bidder will have first choice of hunt dates.   This hunt will take place in the Ejido Alfredo V. Bonfil, located inside the Vizcaino Biosphere Reserve.  Outfitting, guiding, and all necessary permits to hunt will be included in the sale price of the permit.  The hunt purchaser may be accompanied by one (1) non-hunting companion at no extra fee.  The hunt will take place in an area from sea level to an altitude over 4,000 feet, utilizing 4 wheel drive vehicles, pack animals and hunting on foot.  Excellent base camp accommodations will be provided.  As an added bonus the Reserve also offers numerous cultural and historical sites and other areas of interest.  An average of five permits are issued per year, with the average score of the trophies ranging from 159 points to 169 points.  36 of the 37 hunters since 1996 have been successful.

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

Sunday, June 15, 2008

Several months ago Wolverine gave me a jacket to test out.  Over a period of two weeks I wore this jacket everywhere and boy was it comfortable.  It also looked great and I really liked the feel of the jacket as well as the quality.

One night in Columbus, OH I took my team out to a night on the town and we walked from one bar to another in the pouring rain and I was absolutely soaked.  I took off the jacket, hung it on the rail and looked around the bar.  Not more then one minute later I looked up where the jacket was hung and it was gone.  Someone else had stolen the jacket and must of walked right out into the rainy night because I searched high and low for that jacket and it was no where to be found.

I hope that they take care of that jacket and really needed it.  I was hoping and hoping that I would get a replacement from the kids but it was not to happen so I am going to have to go get one on my own.

This is a great jacket, for Dads, Grads and the average man.  Wolverine, you did great on this one, in fact you knocked it out of the park. 

PIONEER

The Pioneer’s handsome and traditional styling doesn’t hamper its ability to shut out cold winds. Made from Polartec® Wind Pro® technology, this jacket also features durable water-repellency, giving the wearer the ultimate protection in harsh weather.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:19 AM | 2 COMMENTS | LINKS TO THIS POST

Sunday, June 15, 2008

On Friday June 20th 2008 at 6:00PM in the Kempton PA, Fairgrounds  the LVHFE will host a First time ever SPORTSMEN SHARING THE HARVEST CONCERT.  It is no big secret that our economy is experiencing some really tough times and gas prices are affecting everyone. So we came up with a Big Idea to help everyone involved. The SSH Concert will be a Charity Concert helping to support the growing needs of the Allentown Rescue Mission and other Humanitarian Charities. We are inviting Sportsman & Outdoorsman and their families to unite and come out and enjoy a great concert for a much needed cause. The best part is that you can enjoy the whole night of entertainment without hurting your wallet. All we ask is for a donation. A couple pounds of your precious frozen ground venison or some canned and dry goods. Cash donations will also be accepted. We have Three Great Bands lined up for your enjoyment. And will be giving away door prizes throughout out the night. Concert will end at 10:00PM 

CONCERT FLYER DOWNLOAD  

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 09:54 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Saturday, June 14, 2008

FROM ALL OF US AT HuntingLife.com 

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

Saturday, June 14, 2008

California Outdoors Q&A

June 12, 2008

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 08:57 PM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Saturday, June 14, 2008

Conservation and Political News from SCI.   READ MORE....

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 08:47 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Saturday, June 14, 2008

  California Mammal Hunting Regulations Include List of Certified Non-lead Ammo for Use in Condor Range
The California 2008-09 Mammal Hunting Regulations Booklet, including information about hunting in Condor range and a list of certified non-lead ammunition for hunting big game and non-game birds and mammals in Condor range, is now available online, http://www.dfg.ca.gov/regulations/08-09-mammal-regs.pdf , and should soon be available through normal outlets.  The certified non-lead ammunition list is effective as of July 1, 2008.  Check with the California Department of Fish and Game for updates to this list.

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

Friday, June 13, 2008

A full story in Pictures!!!! 

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 01:00 AM | 3 COMMENTS | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Bucky Beeman is going on his second Elkventure this year in Utah and we are assisting him with some pertinent information about where to go hunting as well as some gear and such.  I had him write out his adventure and send us some pictures... 

Here is the beginning of the story.....

There is one way not to start your first day of sophomore year in high school, that is going up to all your teachers and telling them you will be gone a week and a half starting tomorrow. I had just got off summer vacation and I was pumped, I was going to be hunting in Idaho for Elk. I was used to chasing whitetails in my home town of Rochester, Minnesota but had never been to the mountains to hunt anything. My dad’s friends Lance, Bryan, and Chad invited me on a trip that my dad had taken 4 years prior. His friends knew I was a young man who was as die hard about hunting as anyone. So I told all my teachers my first day of school that I would be gone for the first week and a half of school. Let me tell you I got some frustrated looks from several teachers and a few remarks wishing I would have contacted them earlier in the summer about my adventure. But let’s be honest in this week and a half running around in the mountains I would learn more then a whole month of school.

Read More.... 

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:42 PM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 02:22 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

06/11/2008

EDGEFIELD, S.C. — The National Wild Turkey Federation recently signed an agreement with Daisy Outdoor Products that will help commemorate the 10-year anniversary of the NWTF's Women in the Outdoors outreach program.

Since 1998, the Women in the Outdoors program has provided hands-on outdoor education for women through outdoor learning events. Daisy Outdoor Products, the world's oldest and largest manufacturer of airguns, ammo and accessories, will make an airgun with a solid wood pink-painted stock in honor of the outreach program. Soon, the airgun will be available for purchase at Academy Sports & Outdoors stores.

"Daisy is one of the many companies continuing to support the NWTF, and partnering with Daisy to mark this milestone in the history of the Women in the Outdoors program was a natural fit," said Danny Young, advertising and licensing director for the NWTF. "Daisy also is committed to providing hunter safety instruction to youth hunters, and has been a longstanding sponsor of the NWTF's JAKES outreach program. Working with Daisy to recognize another of the Federation's outreach programs just makes sense."

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 09:55 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Wichita, Kansas-- Pass It On - Outdoor Mentors, Inc. was awarded $3,000 in a grant from the Topeka-based Justin Corbet Memorial Shooting Sports Foundation, Inc. These funds will be used to recruit more mentors who will spend time outdoors with a child. The Pass It On program is designed to help at-risk children have the opportunity to experience the outdoors.Justin Corbet was a young man whose life was tragically cut short, who truly loved the great outdoors and shooting sports.

The Justin Corbet Memorial Shooting Sports Foundation, a 501(c)3 corporation, is dedicated to his memory and is committed to providing leadership, support and financial assistance to qualified programs and individuals dedicated to providing family oriented hunting, shooting and educational activities to youth, women and persons with disabilities.
The Justin Corbet Memorial Shooting Sports Foundation was established in late 2005 by family friends and associates who share Justin's love of the out-of-doors and a willingness to help others with the experience.

The Pass It On - Outdoor Mentors program fits well with the mission of the Justin Corbet Memorial Shooting Sports Foundation, giving children who would more than likely never have the opportunity to experience the outdoors that Justin loved without the help of a caring adult mentor to show them the way.

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

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Lignite, N.D. – June 9, 2008 – Conservationists and upland hunters in North Dakota's Burke and Divide Counties have formed the state's newest Pheasants Forever (PF) chapter, the Northwest Ringnecks Chapter of PF. The state's 25th PF chapter - already over 40 members strong - is dedicated to habitat improvement that benefits pheasants, upland birds and other wildlife.

The Northwest Ringnecks chapter's chief habitat goal will be establishing winter cover and enhancing that winter cover with food plots, according to Laurie Chrest, the chapter's newly-elected president and a resident of Lignite. Located in the northwest corner of the state, Burke and Divide Counties are in an area where the availability of winter cover – such as woody areas or cattails – is a significant limiting factor for pheasant populations. "Working with landowners to establish cover and food plots is something we can do to help the birds combat the severe winters they may face in this region," Chrest said.

"Interest in the Northwest Ringnecks has taken off," said Jesse Beckers, PF Regional Representative for North Dakota, "With a dedicated membership, this chapter is poised to accomplish great things for wildlife with Pheasants Forever's local model." PF empowers county chapters with the responsibility to determine how 100% of their locally raised conservation funds will be spent - the only national conservation organization that operates through this truly grassroots structure. As a result, chapter volunteers are able to see the fruits of their efforts locally, while belonging to a larger national organization with a voice on federal and state conservation policy.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 09:49 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Midlands chapter leaders seek youth involvement in habitat restoration

Lexington, SC – June 9, 2008 – Wildlife advocates, habitat conservationists and quail hunters united to create the Midlands Chapter of Quail Forever (QF). This new chapter will focus its efforts within Richland and Lexington Counties.  Landowners in Orangeburg County are also already interested in joining as well. Due to the lack of land management for area habitat, increased crop production, and suburban growth, the Midlands group of founding members decided to take action before the quail situation worsened.

"The quail populations in the area are struggling for a number of reasons," explained Andy Edwards, Regional Wildlife Biologist for QF.  "We must combat the quail losses with not only habitat restoration and conservation, but using education as a tool as well."

The new Midlands chapter president, Sam Gunter, has also noticed the downward trend of local quail populations. "I grew up hunting quail but now the wild birds just don't seem to be here anymore," explained Gunter, "A group of us realized that we have to do something for our local quail, and soon. That's why we decided to form the Quail Forever chapter to put some habitat back in the ground here locally."

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 09:47 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania - To demonstrate how current mining practices can be used to fix problems caused by past mining practices for the betterment of wildlife, officials from the Pennsylvania Game Commission and E.P. Bender Coal Company Inc., of Carrolltown, showcased completed wildlife habitat enhancement and abandoned mine reclamation projects on State Game Land (SGL) 108 in Dean Township, Cambria County.

The project began with the Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners approving, on June 22, 2004, a surface mining coal lease for a 60-acre parcel of SGL 120, which is comprised of 7,541 acres in Cambria and Clearfield counties. As part of the lease, which was executed on May 16, 2005, E.P. Bender could remove 390,000 tons of coal.

On SGL 108 in Dean Township, Cambria County, E.P. Bender Coal Co. worked with the Game Commission to enhance wildlife habitat and improve water quality in the Clearfield Creek watershed. The plan involved the reclamation of abandoned coal refuse piles and stabilization of severely eroded channels that were dumping deep mine discharges into an unnamed tributary of Clearfield Creek. Clearfield Creek and the unnamed tributary are both listed as impaired streams in the Department of Environmental Protection's 2008 Integrated Water Quality Monitoring and Assessment Report. In both cases, the impairment is based on water quality degradation resulting from abandoned mine drainage.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 08:42 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Sunday, June 8, 2008

Dennis Rose to the challenge this season and bags himself a Pennsylvania Long Beard.  Two weeks ago on my way to Manitoba I got the excited call and Dennis had a bird down and was preparing it for pictures.

Dennis has a long standing hunt club he has been a member of for years and years in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania.  The turkeys, deer and bear are present but very elusive and the hunting is tough and hard.  The joy of this hunting camp though is the camaraderie of great friends, good lodgings and lots of great hunting stories shared around the campfire.

Congratulations Dennis on a great bird.

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

Friday, June 6, 2008

NANTICOKE RIVER - Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary John R. Griffin and Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control Secretary John A. Hughes met on the Delmarva Peninsula today to sign an agreement supporting a bi-state effort to ensure long-term stewardship of the Nanticoke River.

"Working together with the state of Delaware, we are forging an exciting new partnership to protect the unique, rare ecological resources and agricultural economy of the Nanticoke River watershed," said Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley. "I'd like to recognize Governor Minner for her terrific leadership on this effort. It is only by working together - from state to state, local elected officials to non-profit conservation organizations, federal agencies to local educators, and landowners to local businesses - that we will make progress to ensure a healthy, sustainable future for current and future generations."

Delaware Governor Ruth Ann Minner joined the Secretaries at Phillips Landing to support the initiative.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 03:24 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Friday, June 6, 2008

Matthew Hamer of Woodbine, N.J., is this year's recipient of the $5,000 National Future Farmers of America Collegiate Scholarship, funded by the National Wild Turkey Federation.

WOODBINE, N.J. — Growing up in rural New Jersey afforded Matthew Hamer plenty of opportunities to spend time in the outdoors, and instilled in him a true appreciation for nature.

So it's quite fitting that Hamer is this year's recipient of the $5,000 National Future Farmers of America Collegiate Scholarship, funded by the National Wild Turkey Federation.

As a student at Cape May County Technical High School, Hamer earned a 4.0 grade point average while serving as captain of his school's cross-country team, participating in the National Honor Society and working with the FFA.

"Participating in Future Farmers has been one of the most memorable parts of my high school career," Hamer said. "Through my work with the organization, I have learned about career opportunities available in the natural resources field and have made friends that I would not have known otherwise."

Hamer is an avid hunter who hopes to work for a state or federal natural resource agency one day. He plans to attend Paul Smith's College in New York, where he will major in wildlife management and plans to become a wildlife biologist. Hamer wants to help improve the environment and increase awareness about the outdoors and conservation.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 03:06 PM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Friday, June 6, 2008

HuntingLife is proud to be a weekly host for the California Q & A Column.  This column will be provided by Carrie Wilson who is a marine biologist with the California Department of Fish and Game. Her DFG-related question and answer column appears weekly at www.dfg.ca.gov/QandA/. While she cannot personally answer everyone’s questions, she will select a few to answer each week. Please contact her at CalOutdoors@dfg.ca.gov.

I found this to be an informative feature that I think you will all enjoy.

READ MORE.....

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 02:58 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Friday, June 6, 2008

Washington, D.C. -- On Tuesday, the District of Columbia Court of Appeals handed Safari Club International an important victory in an Endangered Species Act (ESA) case involving "enhancement" permits. These permits, issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), authorize a state or other entity to "take" a small number of an endangered species if doing so enhances the overall survival of the species. Such permits are often necessary to allow states to properly manage wildlife and their habitats.

The appellate panel granted SCI's request to vacate a 2006 D.C. district court opinion issued in a case brought by the Humane Society of the United States and other animal rights groups. Safari Club International and Safari Club International Foundation joined the case as intervenors to defend the legality of an ESA permit issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to the state of Wisconsin.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 08:34 AM | 2 COMMENTS | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, June 5, 2008

MISSOULA, Mont.-The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation has received a $1 million grant from the Richard King Mellon Foundation for educational exhibits, displays and a story theater at a new visitor center to be constructed near Winslow Hill, Pa.

Groundbreaking is scheduled later this year for the Elk Country Visitor Center located in the Pennsylvania Wilds. A grand opening is expected by late 2009.

The new conservation education and tourism attraction, a $12 million project, is being developed around local input and a wide variety of public and private partners. Planned designs, exhibits and programs are the result of partnerships between the Elk Foundation, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and Benezette Township residents, local officials and business owners, educators and students.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:22 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, June 5, 2008

USDA's Haying & Grazing Announcement has Positive and Negative implications

Washington, D.C. - Pheasants Forever (PF) and Quail Forever (QF) have a mix of reactions as a result of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's announcement to open more than 24 million acres of Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) lands to haying and grazing later this summer. While the move holds some habitat benefits, it does create problems for hunters this fall and sends the wrong message about the value of CRP to America. Also looming is the recurring discussion about "early-outs" from CRP contracts.

On the positive, haying and grazing can be an excellent tool for landowners to perform the contractually required mid-contract management activities on their CRP acres. Disturbance of "old" grass stands does improve the cover's vigor as wildlife habitat, as well as the stand's ability to produce insects for young ground-nesting birds. In fact, nearly one-third of these acres are eligible for haying and grazing every year without this USDA announcement. The USDA appropriately opened these acres after the primary nesting season for ground-nesting birds has ended. Appropriately, this announcement also did not make some of the most environmentally sensitive CRP acres eligible for this activity. CRP practices that include CREP, CCRP, riparian buffers, bobwhite buffers, and the new state-specific CP 38 wildlife practices are not eligible for haying and grazing.

The move addresses escalating feed and forage costs for ranchers. Rewarding the farmers and ranchers that participate in CRP is a positive move for promoting the long-term enrollment of CRP acres as part of any successful working farm operation. Similarly, USDA also recently began the soil rental rate up-date process; a move PF & QF supports as an excellent step to maintaining CRP as an economically competitive program.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:56 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, June 5, 2008

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:40 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, June 5, 2008

Download the latest edition of African Indaba.  Gerhard Damm puts together one of the foremost authoritative newsletters in the world Dedicated to the People and the Wildlife of Africa.

You may subscribe directly to this Newsletter at:  http://www.africanindaba.co.za

You may also download the PDF newsletter here. 

African Indaba Volume 6 Number 3

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:28 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, June 5, 2008

GEORGIA — Cogongrass - a little-known, aggressive weed - is causing big problems for wildlife, having attacked millions of acres of wildlife habitat across the Southeast. But the National Wild Turkey Federation and its project partners are fighting back.

To combat cogongrass, which appears on the US Department of Agriculture's Federal Noxious Weeds list, the NWTF and 22 partners recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding that formed the Georgia Cogongrass Task Force. The task force will complete projects to clear cogongrass from areas in Georgia that already have been overtaken, and will educate landowners about the importance of learning to identify and control cogongrass.

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

Thursday, June 5, 2008

Springfield, Illinois- The first annual Quail Forever (QF) No Child Left Indoors™ National Award was recently presented to the Illinois Pioneer Chapter of QF at the 2008 Illinois Quail Forever & Pheasants Forever State Convention in Springfield. The distinction honors the QF chapter that has excelled at engaging the next generation of conservationists and land stewards during the last year.

The Illinois Pioneer Chapter, which is based in Macoupin County, began organizing educational youth shoots and safety meetings that eventually led to the formation of the Quail Forever/Boy Scouts Encampment. Allowing 587 Scouts to earn a special QF badge, the encampment - the largest youth event ever held by an Illinois QF chapter - gave an opportunity for youth to learn about hunter's safety, conservation and also how to safely shoot shotguns, long rifles and archery. "Most quail hunters are older now-a-days and there is a need as well as an advantage to starting young," said Ron Hamp, Illinois Pioneer chapter president. Hamp hopes his chapter's success will act as a catalyst in promoting future youth-focused activity in QF chapters across the nation.

Created to increase youth participation and interest in the outdoors, the No Child Left Indoors™ initiative looks to extricate today's youth from an overwhelming presence of electronics while engaging them in outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing and camping. "It's imperative that we reconnect youth to the outdoors," said Cheryl Riley, 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."

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 02:26 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, June 5, 2008

Whitetails Unlimited has donated $2,500 to help fund a marketing and public relations campaign to increase awareness of the upcoming White House Conference on North American Wildlife Policy. The conference will be held in September in Washington, D.C.

The conference was established by an Executive Order from President Bush, and called for federal agencies to facilitate the expansion and enhancement of hunting opportunities and the management of game species and their habitat. This conference will be held on the centennial of the first Conservation Conference, called by President Teddy Roosevelt in 1908.

The awareness campaign is being coordinated by American Wildlife Conservation Partners, of which WTU is a member, and is intended to increase awareness of the conference and its recommendations in both traditional outdoor publications, as well as the general media. "This is an extremely important conference, but it's not enough for all of the conservation groups to get together," said WTU Executive Director Pete Gerl. "We have to make sure the ideas, facts, and the truth of wildlife management and regulated hunting are provided to the American public. Whitetails Unlimited is pleased to help in this educational effort," by donating money to the awareness campaign.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 02:24 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, June 5, 2008

Bloomington, Minnesota - After months of intensive calls, letters, emails and comments from hunters, anglers, and sportsmen across Minnesota, the legislature has officially passed a Citizens-led and legislator council called the Lessard Outdoor Heritage Council.

The Lessard Outdoor Heritage Council is a key statutory provision that would oversee funds from the proposed Constitutional Amendment on the ballot this November that would dedicate in part an estimated $91.1 million annually to game, fish and wildlife projects if approved by voters.

"This is one of the biggest victories for hunters and anglers in Minnesota's history and would not have happened without the grassroots action of thousands of hunters, anglers and sportsmen from across the state," said Garry Leaf executive director of Sportsmen for Change.

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

Thursday, June 5, 2008

Sportsmen's group wants leasing postponed until federal management plans are complete

WASHINGTON - Concerns about oil and gas development in valuable wildlife habitat compelled the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership to protest an upcoming Bureau of Land Management mineral lease sale in Utah, the sportsmen's group announced today. Encompassing approximately 7,000 acres of federal public lands near Vernal, Huntington and Wellington, the TRCP protest asserts that energy development could significantly affect crucial mule deer and elk winter range and vital sage grouse habitat. Similar concerns caused the TRCP to protest a lease sale in Wyoming only days earlier; the group's action in Utah marks its eighth protest in 2008.

The June 5 lease sale is scheduled during a period of flux in federal public-land management in Utah. Six national forests and six BLM field offices in the state are updating their land-use plans, which will dictate how the agencies address oil and gas development and determine the future of energy extraction on more than 17 million acres. The outcome of these planning processes will shape administration of public lands in Utah for decades to come.

"Sportsmen and the TRCP support responsible development of energy resources on public lands," said Joel Webster, a TRCP field representative. "Responsible development, however, means that the BLM should plan in advance to ensure that Utah's hunting and fishing traditions are balanced during energy extraction. The BLM must refrain from green-lighting oil and gas leasing on vital wildlife habitat until the land-use plans currently being revised are complete.

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

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

READ MORE for the June 2008 Barnes Bullet-N

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 04:24 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Napa, California - A hunting pant should enhance your experience, not take away from it. The new Ascent Pant from Sitka replaces the Mountain Pant for 2008. The Ascent Pant moves with you, resists wind, weather and abrasion while remaining quiet enough to stalk in close to game. It is engineered for long technical climbs, scary steep descents and years of abuse. The quiet, soft, abrasion resistant, weather-shedding, stretchy fabric allows the Ascent Pant to excel in all hunting situations. From whitetails to stone sheep, this is your go-to pant. No longer do you need to sacrifice comfort and breathability to find a bombproof hunting pant that can stand up to wear and tear.

The new Ascent Pant will be available from dealers by mid-June in Mothwing Mountain Mimicry and assorted solids. It is also currently available in Realtree AP and Mossy Oak Treestand camouflage patterns exclusively through Cabela's.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 04:08 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

(Columbus, OH) - The U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance (USSA) has demanded that a USDA website correctly identify the world's largest anti-hunting organization as an animal rights lobbying organization.

The USSA sent a letter to the USDA explaining that the Humane Society of the United States' "primary purpose is to advocate for sensible public policies" and not provide direct services to shelter, rescue or provide any direct services for animals in need. The USDA website inaccurately portrays it as a "shelter, rescue and welfare organization".

HSUS supports an active lobbying campaign and actively lobbies against hunting. According to the Senate Office of Public Records, HSUS has spent up to $80,000 in a 6-month period on lobbying activities.

Despite its name, it is not in business to operate animal shelters or rescue facilities.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 03:54 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Washington, D.C. -- On May 23, 2008, Safari Club International (SCI) filed a federal lawsuit challenging the ban on the import of polar bear trophies from Canada. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) claims the import ban was required when the Service listed the polar bear as “threatened” under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). SCI’s lawsuit asks the Court to confirm the right under current law of U.S. hunters to import polar bear trophies into the United States under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA).

Sustainable sport-hunting of polar bears and subsequent importation by U.S. citizens advances polar bear conservation and supports remote native communities in the Canadian arctic.

Dennis Anderson, President of SCI, said, “Fourteen years ago Congress determined that permitting the importation of sport-hunted polar bear trophies from Canada promoted conservation. Congress built safeguards into the Marine Mammal Protection Act to protect the species. For an import to be permitted, the animal must have been hunted from an approved population, meaning that the FWS has found that the hunting is sustainable.   This finding ensures sound management of polar bear populations. The FWS’s recent listing of the species as threatened  -- based on reports that attempt to predict speculative impacts 45 years from now  -- should not be used to undermine Congress’ plan to support polar bear conservation.”

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 03:46 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

EDGEFIELD, S.C. — Agribusiness leader, George C. Thornton, was named chief executive officer for the National Wild Turkey Federation June 2, 2008 and will begin his duties immediately.

Thornton is well known throughout the agribusiness community most recently as president and chief executive officer of Agriliance, LLC, a leading agricultural input distributor in North America providing retailers and producers with crop nutrients, crop protection products, seed and equipment. Thornton, who retired from Agriliance in August 2007, also served in various sales, financial and management positions with American Cyanamid, ICI Americas, ICI Australia PLC, Griffin/Dupont, LLC and AgWeb.com. He is a past director of the Minnesota Zoo, and has served on many civic, industry and company boards including chair of the Chemical Producers and Distributors Association, Crop Life America, The Fertilizer Institute, local Boy Scout councils and church groups. In 2006, George was named Agribusiness leader of the year by the National Agricultural Marketing Association.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 02:17 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, June 2, 2008

We have a ton of stories and a ton of video and pictures to share about our week in Manitoba, CANADA.  We look forward to getting back to work tomorrow full time and sharing our stories with you all.  Thank you for your patience last week while we were off chasing our dreams of black bears. 

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 02:57 PM | 2 COMMENTS | LINKS TO THIS POST