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Monday, September 29, 2008
Resident Goose Hunt - Kerr Lake Virginia September 20th, 2008
Chris Woods and I finally got together for our first actual hunt together since we welcomed Chris to our Pro Staff Team on September 19th. We of course did not actually meet up until about 10pm by the time I got all of my work done, my gear picked out, packed up and into the truck and then on the road down to Richmond, VA. As soon as we got reloaded into Chris's truck and on the road down to his hunting camp, I was finally able to relax. The week had been slammed and I had spent the entire week dreaming about this hunt and it was finally here.
We got down to the hunting camp and crawled into bed as the alarm went off in what felt like minutes. To be honest we got around three and a half hours of sleep before Chris fried up some bacon and toast and treated me to a camp breakfast and we jumped into the truck and headed out to Kerr Lake. We got to the boat landing and it was dark and the lake had a really nice foot of fog on the crest of the lake and we had a short 2 mile trip up the lake to what looked to be a fantastic little spot.
READ MORE>>>>>>
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:59 PM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Monday, September 29, 2008
Product Gear Review - Little Sure Shot
Sometimes the simplest item can make the difference in the success or failure of your hunt. The Little Sure Shot is just such a simple item and it is absolutely genius. This product is based on the simple wisdom that a hunter is going to be more accurate if he has a really steady rest. Whether your in the stand or on the ground having a rest for your gun is essential to making a clean accurate shot. The statistics show that a hunter with an accurate rest increases his ability to make an accurate shot by over 50%.
The Little Sure Shot was developed in 2005 and has earned a reputation as the world's smallest, most versatile gun rest. At only six inches long and weighing in at four ounces the Little Sure Shot quickly attaches to any walking staf or a sitck found in the woods with the twist of a knob in order to create a sturdy Monopod. Whether you are turkey hunting, shotgunning, muzzleloading and or rifle hunting this tool is effective and easy to use.
The Little Sure Shot offers a foam-rubber padded resting area to stabilize the users forearm or allows the rifle to rest directly on the foam-rubber without damaging the rifle. The Little Sure Shot is available throughout the United States but the best place to pick one of these great little tools is at: www.thunderboltcustoms.com.
What is not to like about a product that costs $19.95 and fits in your pocket and will aid you in increasing your accuracy by 50%?
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:34 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Monday, September 29, 2008
Pheasants Forever's 2008 Pheasant Hunting Guide
We mean it as no slight to the other seasons, but there is just something about autumn. The changing of the seasons brings with it a beauty that keeps minds poetic and a crispness that keeps bodies comfortable. It can be argued that hunters spend two-thirds of the year preparing for this final third, the advent of "hunting season," the opportunity to harvest fruits from the land. And because you've waited all year for this, Pheasants Forever has 10 final tips to ensure this upland hunting season is your best yet!
1. Get Buddy, Bella and Your Butt Moving. You shouldn't take an out-of-shape dog into the field, and you shouldn't take an out-of-shape "you" there either. Fit dogs equate to fuller game bags, not to mention healthier hunting companions. Find pre-season conditioning tips at Pheasants Forever's Bird Dog Bonanza presented by Native performance dog food. Don't take your own physical condition for granted, either. Even with most hunting seasons just weeks away, there's still time to get a pre-hunt medical check-up and to start a daily walking or exercise regimen. If you've never learned CPR or taken a first aid course, now is a good time, and even if you have, a refresher in those areas is always beneficial.
2. Pre-Hunt GamePlan. It can be said for many things in life that if you fail to plan, you plan to fail, and pheasant hunting is no exception. So let's hurry you up to speed. First, get some expectations for this season by checking out Pheasants Forever's 2008 Pheasant Hunting Forecast. No matter what state you're hunting in, be sure you're familiar with that state's hunting regulations at Pheasants Forever's State Agency page. Finally, take an equipment inventory. Whether you're missing anything, or just plain want something new, your upland gear connection is Pheasants Forever's MarketPlace.
Read More....
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:50 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Monday, September 29, 2008
KFAN Helping Build a Wildlife Area Campaign with 6th Annual Phone-a-Thon
Saint Paul, Minn. – September 29, 2008 – KFAN radio (AM 1130) will host the sixth annual Build a Wildlife Area Phone-a-Thon on Thursday, October 2nd from 7 to 9 PM. The FAN Outdoors Phone-a-Thon has generated over $20,000 in the first five years of the partnership. Since 2003, Build a Wildlife Area campaigns have led to the dedication of seven new wildlife management areas (WMAs) in Minnesota.
The Build a Wildlife Area campaign is unique in that all donations are tripled through matching grants from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Once matched, those dollars will be used by Pheasants Forever to acquire land critical as wildlife habitat. The land will then be turned over to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources or U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service for management, and opened to the public.
Since its inception in 2003, the Minnesota Build a Wildlife Area partnership has generated over $847,000 and acquired seven new Wildlife Management Areas in Minnesota totaling over 2,500 acres, all of which have been transferred to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and are open to the public. The Anoka County PF Chapter, PF National, Game Fair, and Outdoor News partnered to develop the concept. Gander Mountain, Ron Schara, and Minnesota Bound have been the largest financial contributors during the six years of the campaign.
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:37 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Monday, September 29, 2008
Nebraska's Smathers Covering Home Turf for Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever
Lincoln, Neb. – September 29, 2008 – Pheasants Forever (PF) and Quail Forever (QF) announce Scott Smathers of Lincoln, Nebraska, as the organization's new Regional Representative for Eastern Nebraska. Smathers signs on with PF/QF after spending more than 20 years working in the consulting and sales industry, most recently as founder and owner of an executive recruiting and consulting firm.
Smather's primary duties with PF/QF will include starting new chapters while also servicing existing PF and QF chapters in the eastern Nebraska area. He will work with chapters in raising and expending funds on wildlife habitat and conservation education, as well as work with local, state, and federal natural resource agencies on behalf of PF/QF chapters.
"I've had a lifelong passion for the great outdoors and I've always had such great respect for all of the wonderful work that Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever do to ensure that wildlife habitat is here to stay," explained Smathers, "I want to ensure there are always places for our future generations to get outside and truly experience what the outdoors has to offer – that's why I'm really excited to implement our youth mentoring programs."
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:31 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Pebble Mine Update
The battle for Bristol Bay and the protection of that amazing ecosystem continues on and we are going to continue to do everything we can to get the message out to as many folks as we can.
Our partnership with The Sportsman's Alliance for Alaska continues with our Moose Promotion and I would like to encourage each and everyone of you to log on and make a donation of $50.00 so that you can have an opportunity to win one of the best packages I have seen put together. The package includes a Kimber Rifle, A Leupold scope, A set of Sitka Gear and 7 day moose hunt in Alaska. All of this for a donation of $50.00 to protect one of the greatest ecosystems in America.
Sportsman's Alliance of Alaska Moose Promotion
As well we have some news from the Renewable Resources Coalition to share as well. READ MORE...
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:11 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Elk Foundation, Other Groups Boost Conservation Funding
MISSOULA, Mont.--As America prepares to celebrate National Hunting and Fishing Day (Sept. 27) and decades of conservation successes funded via sporting licenses and excise taxes, new data show that groups like the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation are increasingly important financiers of fish, wildlife and habitat programs.
Hunters are now spending over $300 million per year on membership dues to outdoor organizations. That total has risen 25 percent over five years.
"Congress created National Hunting and Fishing Day in 1971 to thank hunters for supporting conservation through hunting licenses and excise taxes on firearms, ammunition, bows and arrows. Today there's another chapter to the story. Hunters now also support conservation in a major way through their dues and contributions to conservation organizations," said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO.
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:49 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Waynesboro, Virginia Hunters Helping Kids Banquet
Friday afternoon after Tristan got out of school, he and I jumped into the truck and took off through the Virginia countryside out through Fredericksburg, down 20 through Orange, into Charlottsville and over 64 into Waynesboro. We arrived a bit early and took a walk around the hotel and then walked into register for the Hunters Helping Kids Banquet. Once we got all signed into the banquet we searched around for some seats. This was a bit of a recurring problem throughout the night because they had planned for a group of about 200 people coming to the event and the banquet actually topped out at about 325 people for the evening.
Our great friends Max & Stacey Rowe and Buck from Just Kill'n Time Television were there and our table was filled with some really great folks. Hunters Helping Kids is 501(c)3 was founded to inspire and educate our youth in wildlife conservation and management. it is thier belief that by involving our youth in outdoor shooting sports, the desire to preserve the conservation and hunting heritage will endure through future generations.
Dennis Campbell and the volunteers at the Waynesboro Chapter through a heck of a great banquet. The tremendous local support of the local community came out in droves to support this great event. The team of volunteers and Nixons BBQ handled the event with style and grace. They raised a great amount of money and all of the kids at the banquet had a really great time as well as all of the adults.
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 09:17 PM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Sunday, September 28, 2008
The Ground Breaks for the Pennsylvania Wilds Elk Country Visitor Center
Dennis Brauchle, his brother Joe and I had the opportunity to attend the Ground Breaking Ceremony for the Pennsylvania Wilds Elk Country Visitors Center. The day was an amazing experience for all three of us. From the drive through some of the Pennsylvania Wilds to the wonderful ceremony and the chance to see wild elk . We saw a nice spike bull and then about an hour later after a wonderful dinner and camaraderie with some of the nicest people in the world we watched a herd bull move his cows and calves along the timberline. I know that tickers were beating fast on all of us that got to watch that majestic bull bugle and herd his cows closer and then into the timber when he saw the crowd of a couple of hundred people.
Pennsylvania Elk have been flourishing for many years and the town of Benezette, PA has been a destination stop for folks throughout the North East. It is the number one destination for folks wanting to see elk in the wild and up until and through next year there will only be some sign boards and pull outs off of Winslow Hill Road where almost every evening visitors can have the opportunity to visit and watch elk in the wild. Over 75,000 tourist days a year are logged in the Pennsylvania Wilds with folks looking to view the wild elk. They are not always easy to find but they are there and this wonderful day was no exception.
The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation working in conjunction with many other organizations like the State of Pennsylvania, Local County and City governments, Safari Club International, Dominion Power, Richard King Mellon, The Thoreson Foundation and countless individuals who have donated time, effort and funding to make this dream come true.
The Pennsylvania Wilds Elk Country Visitor Center is going to be a one of a kind classroom and exhibition center nestled in the woods on the current Elk Mountain Homestead Property off of Winslow Hill Road. The property abounds with elk and the center will have unique windows and viewing areas where the elk will be able to be watched from inside without disturbing them in the wild.
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 04:23 PM | 2 COMMENTS | LINKS TO THIS POST
Sunday, September 28, 2008
USSA Applauds New Legislation Regarding Polar Bear Trophies
Last week, in a step applauded by USSA, U.S. Representative Don Young (R- AK) introduced new legislation allowing for the importation of already existing polar bear trophies. Currently, all importation of trophies is prohibited due to the recent decision by the Department of the Interior to list them as “threatened” under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
The bill, HR 6936, will eliminate the questions regarding what happens with already existing trophies and permits that began when the U.S. Department of Interior listed polar bears as threatened this past May. Under this designation all trophies were banned from being imported.
USSA continues to argue against this designation and has consistently pointed out that it was a political decision in response to a lawsuit by certain environmental activists that are claiming that polar bear numbers will decline in fifty years because of global warming and shrinking arctic ice. USSA has pointed out that listing them as “threatened” under the ESA does nothing to deal with the alleged cause of the supposed decline and that the action will have bad consequences for the population due to drying up the conservation dollars generated by hunter fees.POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 00:34 AM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Saturday, September 27, 2008
We don't wear Sandals!
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 02:14 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
NWTF Chapters Throughout U.S. Celebrate National Hunting and Fishing Day
EDGEFIELD, S.C. — The National Wild Turkey Federation's chapters nationwide are gearing up for their annual Women in the Outdoors, Wheelin' Sportsmen NWTF and JAKES outreach events, many of which are being held in conjunction with National Hunting and Fishing Day, Saturday, Sept. 27.
The NWTF's Women in the Outdoors program is celebrating its 10th anniversary of sharing the outdoor tradition through expert instruction and hands-on education by hosting more than 300 ladies at the NWTF's national headquarters Sept. 25 through Sept. 28.
The three-day event at the Wild Turkey Center in Edgefield, S.C, provides women the opportunity to experience exciting outdoor activities such as fly fishing, kayaking, archery and much more in a welcoming and relaxed environment. During its inaugural year, Women in the Outdoors hosted 18 events and today the program organizes more than 400 events across the nation each year.
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 04:16 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Versus Country Hunt in it
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 00:11 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Research Underway On Florida Mottled Ducks
West Palm Beach, Florida - Researchers with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) captured and radio-marked forty-seven Florida mottled duck females earlier this month. This marks the beginning of a three-year project funded in part by Ducks Unlimited, Inc.
"Ducks Unlimited is proud to support this research project," Craig LeSchack, Director of Conservation Programs for DU, said. "This research will identify certain habitat needs of mottled ducks and, therefore, allow us to better shape our conservation programs for this important species."
The Florida mottled duck is a unique subspecies of the mottled duck found only in peninsular Florida. The Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) south of Lake Okeechobee supports a large number of mottled ducks and is considered an important habitat area for this species. Researchers with the Waterfowl Management Program of the FWC are collecting information on the habitat use, movements and survival of female mottled ducks within the EAA as part of the ongoing comprehensive Conservation Plan for the Florida mottled duck.
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 00:06 AM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Coleman Company announces support for Wounded Warrior Project Parks based program
WICHITA, Kansas - The Wounded Warrior Project and National Park Service announce they will work together to help severely injured military members, through a new partnership receiving support from The Coleman Company, Inc.
In a ceremony at the Lincoln Memorial, National Park Service Director Mary A. Bomar and Wounded Warrior Project Executive Director and Founder John Melia signed an agreement to develop opportunities in national parks for the military members to mend physically, mentally and spiritually.
"The words of Abraham Lincoln's second inaugural address carved on the wall inside of the memorial remind all of us 'to care for him who shall have borne the battle,'" Bomar said. "National parks are places of refuge and inspiration. I am thrilled that this partnership will allow more veterans to be rejuvenated by the serenity, beauty and recreational opportunities found in parks."
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 00:03 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Pennsylvania Game Commission Awards Elk Licenses To 45 Hunters
KERSEY, Elk County - On Saturday, September 20, visitors to the Pennsylvania Outdoor Elk Expo witnessed the Pennsylvania Game Commission's public drawing to award elk licenses to 45 hunters for the upcoming season, which will be held November 3-8. There were 17,432 individuals eligible for the drawing. All 45 hunters selected to receive a license will be mailed a confirmation letter within a week.
"While there is great interest in the names of the hunters who will receive these 45 elk hunting licenses, by law, the Game Commission is not permitted to release information about our license buyers to the public," said Carl G. Roe, Game Commission executive director. "Beyond announcing the names and hometowns of those selected at the public drawing, we are not permitted to provide a complete list for public dissemination."
For the November hunt, 16 antlered elk licenses were awarded to Pennsylvanians, and one was awarded to a hunter from Florida. Pennsylvania hunters selected represent the following counties: Allegheny (2); Armstrong; Beaver; Berks; Blair; Bucks; Butler; Centre (2); Dauphin; Erie; Elk; Lackawanna; Northampton; and Potter.
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:59 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Top 5 Ways to Observe National Hunting and Fishing Day
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- One of the great annual traditions in the outdoors, National Hunting and Fishing Day, is set for this Saturday, Sept. 27.
For the past 37 years, the day has served as a public reminder that hunters and anglers are America's premier conservation supporters. Through licenses and excise taxes, they now generate $100,000 every 30 minutes for fish, wildlife and habitat programs -- benefiting all citizens who appreciate wild things and wild places.
Top 5 ways to observe National Hunting and Fishing Day 2008:
1. Introduce a newcomer to the outdoors.
2. Visit your sporting goods retailer, treat yourself to a new piece of hunting, fishing or shooting gear, then get outside and enjoy it.
3. Organize, volunteer or attend a National Hunting and Fishing Day celebration in your area. Many event listings are posted at www.nhfday.org .
4. Remember those whose service to our country will prevent them from joining us afield this fall. Appreciate the freedoms that make hunting, fishing, shooting and conservation possible.
5. Log on towww.nhfday.org to learn more about the historic conservation leadership of hunters and anglers. Share the story with non-hunters! While online, enter to win a new ATV or bid on National Hunting and Fishing Day commemorative items.
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:48 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
NWTF Teams Up With Arkansas Disabled American Veterans
 The Arkansas DAV and the NWTF have strengthened their partnership to help disabled veterans enjoy the outdoors. |
NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The National Wild Turkey Federation's Wheelin' Sportsmen program and the Arkansas State Chapter of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to further help disabled veterans.
Through the partnership, the Arkansas DAV and Wheelin' Sportsmen NWTF have agreed to help enrich the lives of America's disabled men and women by informing veterans about local outreach events and providing free copies of the NWTF's Wheelin' Sportsmen magazine to local DAV chapters and Veterans Affairs hospitals.
Founded in 1920, DAV is an organization focused on building better lives for disabled veterans and their families. Its Arkansas State Chapter consists of 32 local chapters with more than 18,000 members total. Wheelin' Sportsmen NWTF is an outreach program that provides outdoor recreation opportunities to those with disabilities.
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:36 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Warm weather tips for avoiding game spoilage by Ryan Connolly
You will all be hearing a bunch more about Ryan as he is one of our newest PRO STAFF members to join our team. We are working on biography of Ryan and some pictures to come soon, hopefully in the next week with a bow kill of a nice doe from his week of hunting. He is in the woods already and coming up with some great stories that will be shared here on a regular basis. For now here is some great tips from Ryan.....
Warm weather tips for avoiding game spoilage
When daytime temperatures are soaring and the nights remain above 40 degrees remember these tips to avoid spoilage:
1) Dirt, heat and moisture are your greatest enemies. Keep meat cool, dry and clean at all times.
2) Prepare a solution of 1 tablespoon of white vinegar to 1 gallon of water and apply to carcass to lower the overall pH balance of the meat discouraging harmful micro-organisms from thriving.
3) Apply black pepper to meat to stave off black flies and yellow jackets.
4) Hang game in the shade to encourage air circulation and cooling and will keep out unwanted dirt and debris.
5) Remove the skin from carcass as soon as possible as it acts as an insulator encouraging spoilage.
6) Avoid transporting meat in plastic. Use cloth game bags whenever possible which allows meat to breath and cool.
It is essential that early season hunters have a plan of action for after the shot. From a well-thought out field kit, to considering distance from downed game to the vehicle, to the hours, phone numbers and locations of deer check stations and meat processors (if applicable). It is a good idea that the early season hunter act as his own game processor. Not only will it come in handy for late day kills in warm weather it is also a rewarding way to explore the entire realm of the hunting experience.
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:33 PM | 6 COMMENTS | LINKS TO THIS POST
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Nomad - Product Review
The great team at Nomad sent us one of their little Portable Power Cleaners and this little tool is something that I can see some real uses for in the outdoor world. Chris and I took the Nomad out to his hunting camp and we used it to make quick work of cleaning up the ATV and the Boat on Saturday. The 18 volt battery holds enough charge to go through two full tanks of water and cleaning about 10 minutes of cleaning each.
We really liked this product. It is pretty self contained with a Neoprene case to hold the hose and sprayer and it has more then enough power to blow off the dirt clods and push debris and mud off of the deck of the boat. You can also use it to in your camp to clean dishes.
The Nomad 18 volt Cordless Portable Power Cleaner is a handy little tool that should be in the pick up bed of your truck on regular basis. In camp it is easy to refill by dunking the water tank into the stream or lake and then dropping it onto the power box and it is ready to go. As well this unit can plug into your car power adapter(cigarette Lighter) and it is ready to go as well providing a portable power cleaner on the go.
Need to hose out that deer after the gutting is done just turn the handle to mist and wash it down to keep your meat clean and ready for hanging. The unit is tough and easy to carry with its own strap. Our only suggestion is that they create a shower head nozzle for the sprayer so you can use it to take a shower in camp and while this could be done with the current set up, it would be easier with a seperate attachment. These are available today through Cabelas and Bob Wards.
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:24 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Missing Child Notice
Readers,
We are not usually going to be posting items like this but a very close friend of mine has asked us to spread this around. This is not a hoax, these children are in danger and any way that we can get the information out there is only going to help! HuntingLife was created to make a difference in this word and I can only hope this helps.
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 09:09 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Thursday, September 18, 2008
A Colorado Hunt to Remember
The following story was sent to me by Chad of Field Dressed Clothing. The reality of hunting Elk is that sometimes you need just one more person out with you in order to be successful. This young hunter is out there pretty much on his own and he has his hands full with a canyon filled with big, hot bulls and cows and a couple of moose to boot. It is a great story and as someone who has been there, I cannot help but share it with all of you.
This is one great story and you should all READ MORE... to see the text of his story. It is one of those moments that this hunter will remember for the rest of his life.
,
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:49 PM | 3 COMMENTS | LINKS TO THIS POST
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Field Dressed Clothing
As a life long hunter and outdoors enthusiast, I wear my opinions and my passion on my sleeves at all times. That being said there are times when camo shirts and ball caps are not really appropriate outerwear. Taking the family out to dinner, attending casual events for business and doing basic shopping and such.
Field Dress casual wear T-shirts are the kind of shirts that you can wear out to to the family picnic, the local restaurant and such and be able to show off your pride as a sportsman without embarrassing the entire family or your friends. These shirts are high quality t-shirts and the designs are first class and very well done.
Field Dress is running a promotion at the moment and you can order shirts from them for $4.00 per shirt. There is not a place in America where you can get a shirt for $4.00 with even close to the quality of these t-shirts and if I were any of you, do what I am doing and order 10 of these shirts and then I am tossing some of my old shirts into the painting box for rags. Your friends and family will be glad you did.
WWW.FIELDDRESSED.COM
Colin was our super model for the day and took these shirts home to England.
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:29 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Hunter Green The people Behind the Conservation Success Story
By Steve Sanetti
Permission to reprint provided by the National Shooting Sports Foundation
Today's green movement uses certain buzzwords -- organic, locavore, renewable -- to the wry amusement of 15 million to 20 million of us who've actually lived the eco-friendly lifestyle that these words describe.
We are hunters.
As a subset of America, we're admittedly somewhat smaller than we used to be. Our numbers have been steadily pressed beneath a culture growing ever faster, more complex and distant from its rural ancestry. Now, like growing vegetables, gathering fresh eggs and raising farm animals for the table, the proclivity and skill to harvest Earth's bounty of wild game -- and to pass on this tradition to those longing for simpler ways of life -- reside in only a relative few of us.
The meats that hunters and their families consume are grown unfettered by hormones, processed feeds or fences. Low in fat and cholesterol, high in protein, wild game is organic defined. The American Heart Association and American Cancer Society recommend venison, rabbit, pheasant and duck over many commercially produced, packaged and distributed alternatives.
READ MORE....
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 08:47 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Helping Lawmakers Understand Habitat, Management Issues
MISSOULA, Mont.—Lawmakers working with a better understanding of elk habitat conservation and management. That’s the ultimate goal behind the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation’s 2008 platinum-level support of the bipartisan Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation and National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses.
Jeff Crane, president of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, said, “There is a direct link between legislative actions and successful on-the-ground conservation and access for hunters to public lands. The Elk Foundation understands this link and is a longstanding supporter of our organizations. We are grateful for the Elk Foundation’s active support and leadership in the conservation community.”
Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation provides hunters with a voice in Congress, the Administration and federal land management agencies. The Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus is one of the largest and most active caucuses in Congress, comprised of Republican and Democratic members from nearly every state.
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 08:41 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Fun in Store for NWTF Women's Event Attendees
 Kayaking is one of many outdoor activities offered during the event |
EDGEFIELD, S.C. — Only four days remain for women to register for a fun weekend of everything from beekeeping to personal defense during the National Wild Turkey Federation's Women in the Outdoors national event.
The event, which will be held Sept. 25 to Sept. 28, 2008 at the Wild Turkey Center in Edgefield, S.C, provides women the opportunity to experience exciting outdoor activities such as fly fishing, kayaking, archery and much more in a welcoming and relaxed environment.
Registration costs $300 and includes meals, lodging and transportation throughout the event. Registration for local participants not needing lodging costs just $60 for one day, or $85 for events of Friday and Saturday. More than 300 women from across the country have already signed up to attend the event, but a few remaining slots are still available. The deadline to sign up for the fun is Sept. 19.
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.
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 05:00 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Monday, September 15, 2008
BAMBARA TWO BOWL CHILI
I came in from a rainy all day sit during a peak-of-the-rut bow hunt, tired, cold, wet, and shivering. The lack of buck activity just added to my frigid, damp mood. Shedding my sopping outer wear and boots, I immediately popped a mug of “two” bowl venison chili in the microwave, and a few spoonfuls later, a satisfying warmth spread throughout my body. A smile formed on my face as I realized just how tasty my next buck is going to be! The day suddenly seemed shorter and warmer. “Five alarm” or mild, nothing satisfies a frozen hunter like a bowl of piping hot chili. Chili can be made from any game; bear is as tasty as antelope. This recipe is easy to make, freezes great, and gets better with each reheating.
Preparing this one pot wonder is easy and fun, just follow these simple steps and a hearty meal will be waiting for you after a cold day afield. A good chili shouldn’t be loaded up with too many ingredients, keep it simple. Chili needs to cook a LONG time! The best gauge will be your celery, when it dissolves, the chili is ready. Cut and chop all your ingredients before starting to cook. You can use your game meat either ground or cubed. I prefer the taste of cubed but my family favors the ground meat version, both are good but each has a distinctive palate. Chili is a great way to finish off the rest of last years frozen harvest as it starts to reach the point of “old age”.
READ MORE....
POSTED BY PAUL BAMBARA AT 11:50 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Monday, September 15, 2008
Versus Country Interviews
Today I had the chance to participate in a call-in show hosted by the Versus channel. David Morris of “ The bucks of Tecomate” and Tred Barta of “ The best and worse of Tred Barta” answered a multitude of questions covering all aspects of their lives and outdoor philosophies. My first impression is both men are down to earth hunters with a deep love of the animals they pursue and habitat they hunt in. My questions were directed toward which conservation organizations they support and ways to increase hunter participation in the future.
Both men share similar views:
(1) We need to support every conservation group we can. In no group will you be able to agree on every viewpoint they support, but all are achieving great things to help ensure the future of hunting rights and opportunities.
(2) We need to get our families involved in our sport. We can no longer afford to try to keep hunting an exclusive “Boys Club”. Children and women are the future of our sport, and we need to do the utmost to involve our families in this sport we all love so much.
It was a fun and informative afternoon that will be available on podcast on our website hopefully as soon as next week.
In the mean time, log in and check out the fantastic fall line up of VERSUS COUNTRY.
POSTED BY PAUL BAMBARA AT 11:43 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Monday, September 15, 2008
Kentucky Elk Rack
This great picture was sent to me and the story goes that the elk rack was found in the Kentucky woods. Yes, Kentucky has a pile of elk and they are doing well. This one apparently lost its life a bit early but it is a very impressive rack.
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:31 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Monday, September 15, 2008
Florida ranch recognized for conservation efforts at national conference
Finding a balance between farming, ranching and conservation is not an impossible task. Just ask the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) about the Longino Ranch in Arcadia, and a success story for conservation emerges.
As a result of effectively managing private lands with wise conservation practices, the Longino Ranch received the Private Lands Fish and Wildlife Stewardship award from the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies at its annual conference on Sept. 10 in Saratoga Springs, N.Y.
Nominees for this award come from fish and wildlife agencies around the country. The FWC nominated Longino Ranch for its outstanding commitment and stewardship in preserving the environmentally sensitive land while still managing a successful cattle, citrus and timber operation.
"The Longino family has led the way for more than 50 years in balancing the needs of the land with the needs of a business," said Tim Breault, the FWC's director of the Division Habitat and Species Conservation. "The FWC encourages other farmers and landowners to look to this ranch as a role model for how to balance through diversification and a willingness to do what is right for wildlife and the environment."
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:08 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Monday, September 15, 2008
Fort Worth to Host Expo for Elk Hunters, Conservationists
MISSOULA, Mont.--By economic measures, Texas is the hunting capital of America. Bragging rights will swell even more in March when the Dallas/Fort Worth area becomes world headquarters for elk hunters and conservationists from around the globe.
The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation will hold its 25th Annual Elk Camp & Hunting, Fishing and Outdoor Expo, March 5-8, 2009, at the Fort Worth Convention Center.
The public is welcome to attend the Elk Foundation's first-ever convention in Texas.
"We chose the Lone Star State for our big silver-anniversary event because Texans know hunting. They appreciate wild country and stewarding the land. And they love having a good time for a great cause," said David Allen, president and CEO of the Montana-based Elk Foundation.
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:04 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Monday, September 15, 2008
Access for Hunters with Disabilities Improves in Pennsylvania
CRAWFORD COUNTY, Pa. — Sportsmen and women with disabilities now have improved access to more than 650 acres of public hunting land near Woodcock Dam in Crawford County, Pa., thanks to construction of a handicapped-accessible parking lot and a 520-foot access road leading to the property.
The property is owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and is managed by the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC). It was upgraded by the PGC, the Corps of Engineers, the National Wild Turkey Federation's Wheelin' Sportsmen program and local volunteers. The enhanced parking and access area will give all hunters opportunity to enjoy prime hunting and wildlife watching in Crawford County.
Wheelin' Sportsmen NWTF is an outreach program that provides outdoor recreational opportunities to those with disabilities. Through its Matching Grants Program, projects benefiting individuals with disabilities may be eligible for funding.
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:56 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Monday, September 15, 2008
NWTF Names Fountain Vice President of Operational Support
EDGEFIELD, S.C.— The National Wild Turkey Federation recently named Bob Fountain its Vice President of Operational Support. Fountain's work with the NWTF began in July 1996 as a Regional Director in Alabama. In 2007, Fountain was assigned Regional Director in Georgia. Fountain says he is enthusiastic to join the NWTF's national headquarters staff in Edgefield, S.C.
As Vice President of Operational Support, Fountain oversees NWTF banquets, product development, art development and the NWTF's national convention. He is also in charge of sales and membership services. Ricky Peek has been promoted to fill Fountain's position as Senior Regional Director for Georgia.
Fountain noted that while growing up in Valdosta, Ga., there were no huntable populations of wild turkeys. But today, thanks to the work of state and federal wildlife agencies and the NWTF, the wild turkey population in North America stands at more than seven million. The amazing comeback of the wild turkey gave Fountain the opportunity to participate in a memorable hunt with his father.
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:54 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Thursday, September 11, 2008
No Child Left Inside Letter
We are proud to have signed and support the following letter to Congress.
Dear Representative:
On behalf of sportsmen’s organizations, we urge you to vote YES on H.R. 3036, the No Child Left Inside Act, which will provide significant new support and funding for environmental education in the nation’s public K-12 schools. As life-long hunters, anglers and conservation advocates, we are greatly concerned about the growing disconnect between children and nature. Today’s children spend half as much time outside as kids did just 20 years ago and, on average, spend six and a half hours every day plugged into electronic media. Fewer children know the joys of hunting, fishing, and even simply playing outside. As a result, hunting and fishing licenses across the country have plummeted, creating a crisis for state natural resources budgets. We need to engage this generation with nature and educate them about the natural world.
READ MORE....
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:36 PM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Nomsen Receives Special Recognition Award from Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies
Saint Paul, Minn. – September 11, 2008 – Dave Nomsen, Pheasants Forever (PF) and Quail Forever (QF) Vice President of Government Affairs, has received The Special Recognition Award from the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. He received the honor last night at the Association's Annual Meeting in Saratoga Springs, New York.
The Special Recognition Award is given to individuals who have a distinguished record of accomplishment. "Everyone knows of Dave's commitment and devotion to fish and wildlife conservation through his work with Pheasant’s Forever and Quail Forever as well as his leadership in the conservation community. But he also helped our broader community define, focus and mature our Farm Bill proposals and played an instrumental role in the maturation and enactment of the Farm Bill this year. We thank him for his tireless dedication to reauthorization of the Farm Bill and to the conservation of fish, wildlife and their habitats." Matt Hogan, Executive Director, Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies.
"This is quite an honor," Nomsen said, "I work with a special group of people that have a shared passion. When I look at this award, I'll think of people like my Father, who spent his entire career working for the Iowa Conservation Commission, and my mentor Bill Baxter, Sr., a longtime wildlife biologist with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, people who devoted their lives to conservation. And because of them, I devoted mine to the cause as well."
POSTED BY CHRISTOPHER WOODS AT 11:08 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Deer Cam Pictures from the Farm
Some great pictures taken from the farm that I own and hunt.
POSTED BY CHRISTOPHER WOODS AT 11:03 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Thursday, September 11, 2008
New Pheasants Forever Chapter Forms out of Valley City
Valley City, ND – September 11, 2008 – Residents of North Dakota's Barnes County have established the 26th Pheasants Forever's (PF) chapter in the state, the Sheyenne Valley Chapter of PF. The Valley City-based group will work to enhance and protect wildlife habitat in their area while also introducing youth to the outdoors.
"There is a very healthy pheasant population in this region and we want to sustain these numbers," explained Jesse Beckers, PF Regional Representative for the state. The strong numbers can largely be attributed to the nearly 3 million North Dakota acres currently enrolled in the federal Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). However, over 1.8 million of these acres are set to expire in the next five years. "The potential effects of this will be devastating on pheasants and other wildlife if groups such as the Sheyenne Valley chapter don't continue to combat the disappearance of habitat through projects and advocacy," Beckers added.
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:55 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Thursday, September 11, 2008
SCI Files Lawsuit to Reverse ESA Listing of Polar Bears
Washington, D.C. – Safari Club International (SCI) filed a lawsuit on September 8th challenging the listing of the polar bear as “threatened” under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) which led the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to ban imports of polar bear trophies from Canada. SCI’s lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, asks the Court to reverse the listing of the polar bear, in order to effectively eliminate the import ban. In a separate lawsuit filed in May 2008, SCI asked the same court to reverse the ban on imports. The State of Alaska has also joined SCI in this important fight, filing a lawsuit challenging the listing of the polar bear in the same court.
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:51 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Would Roosevelt be Proud of the White House Conference?
MISSOULA, Montana--What would America's greatest conservation hero, Theodore Roosevelt, think of the upcoming White House Conference on North American Wildlife Policy?
Would Roosevelt be proud of conservation today?
"I'm certain that he'd be beaming," says Lowell E. Baier, president of Boone and Crockett Club, the organization that Roosevelt founded in 1887 to guide wildlife restoration and management.
Boone and Crockett Club may be the only entity--other than Roosevelt himself--with a powerful legacy in the Oct. 1-3 conference in Reno, Nev. The event marks only the second time in American history that the White House has formally convened a major conference on conservation. The first was 100 years ago during Roosevelt's second term. Boone and Crockett Club members were instrumental in White House conferences both then and now.
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 07:51 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
NWTF and Program Partners Launch Management Plan Web Site
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Click the above logo to go to the North American Wild Turkey Management Plan Web site |
EDGEFIELD, S.C. — The National Wild Turkey Federation and its conservation partners have been busy making plans to secure the future of the wild turkey. Project partners launched the North American Wild Turkey Management Plan Web site Wednesday.
The new NAWTMP Web site was announced at the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies' conference in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., and will serve as a hub of information for wild turkey management plans by state and region and includes important management documents and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) data.
"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. "The NWTF and its partners are ready for the next phase with the North American Wild Turkey Management Plan, and this site will serve as the portal for folks who want to know what's going on throughout the continent with wild turkey management."
Since 1973, the NWTF and its dedicated volunteers have worked with wildlife agencies to help successfully restore wild turkey populations to nearly all suitable habitat in North America through trap and transfer efforts. As that need 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.
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:40 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Elk Country Loses a Friend: Conservationist Larry Baesler
MISSOULA, Mont.--A passionate conservationist with a glowing legacy of protecting and stewarding wildlife habitat, Larry Baesler of Rapid City, S.D., passed away Sunday following a battle with cancer.
Baesler leaves behind two families--his wife and three children, plus a host of admiring colleagues at the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.
As a lands program manager for the Elk Foundation, Baesler's work in the Black Hills helped protect thousands of acres from the crush of development that is forever changing the South Dakota landscape. Baesler also was instrumental in the recent, successful initiative to preserve lands of national historic significance in North Dakota: Theodore Roosevelt's Elkhorn Ranch, a place called America's "Cradle of Conservation."
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:35 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Book Review - The Inner Force Return to the Dark Continent
The Inner Force Return to the Dark Continent by Frank Schmitz is a wonderful story about Frank’s return to Africa. On this trip, Frank is pursuing Leopard and Cape Buffalo. Reading this book you really get to know the author extremely well and you get a great feeling for who Frank is as a person and as hunter.
Frank is a lifelong entrepreneur and a ”Jack of all trades”. As a builder and tradesman, a talented artist with vision for creation and design. His real love is for the great outdoors where he has mastered his woodsman ship ability and led him to pursue his dream and own a strong viable outfitting business in Idaho.
As the owner and outfitter at Lockey U Outfitters, Frank has built a strong reputation among his clients for his knowledge of the outdoors and his commitment to pursuing game in a fair chase setting.Frank is a character and his book leads you on the twists and turns of his hunt over 14 days on the African continent. The book rolls back and forth between the present hunt and stories of past hunts and gives the reader a sense and understanding of ‘Man as Hunter’.
This is a great read and while Frank Schmitz is no Ernest Hemingway the story flows well and keeps you interested from cover to cover. I recommend that if you are interested in hunting Africa or you are just looking for a great read while hanging out in the stand waiting for that big buck to come within range.
Go out and pick up this book and check out Lockey U Outfitters right here on HuntingLife.com.
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:34 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Strip Buck?
Can anyone tell me what a Strip Buck is? Either way this is one amazing trophy!!!!!
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 09:52 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Versus Country Working for us ALL
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:19 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
SCI Victory For Desert Bighorn Sheep in Arizona
Tucson -- An Arizona Federal District Court ruled for Safari Club International (SCI) and Safari Club International Foundation (SCIF) on September 8, in favor of sheep conservation on the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge in the state of Arizona.
Judge Mary Murguia granted SCI and SCIF’s motion for summary judgment and denied the motion of Wilderness Watch and several other groups that sought to remove two water developments. The water sources, restored by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, will help to conserve the refuge’s dwindling desert bighorn sheep population. The court also entered judgment for the FWS and the State of Arizona.
The wilderness and environmental groups asserted that, in renovating the artificial water developments, the FWS had violated National Environmental Policy Act and Wilderness Act requirements. However, since the year 2000, Kofa’s sheep herd had diminished in number from over 800 to less than 400. State and federal biologists had concluded that the area’s prolonged drought was a significant factor in the loss of the sheep population and determined that permanent sources of water, like these artificial water developments, would help counteract the impact of the dry conditions and help increase population.
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 00:30 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
ThermaCELL Mosquito Repellent System - The Choice Of Serious Hunters
Time in the field no longer has to include swatting bugs or messing with smelly sprays, greasy lotions or cumbersome netting. ThermaCELL®, the unique butane-operated mosquito repellent system, is the perfect hunting companion-small, portable and highly-effective, and it fits nicely into a pack or vest pocket.
ThermaCELL creates an odorless 15 x 15-foot comfort zone, which offers up to 98% effective protection against mosquitoes and other biting insects. With the click of a button, ThermaCELL is on and repelling insects by creating a comfort zone in under 10 minutes.
The unit operates on a single butane cartridge, which heats a mat releasing allethrin, an insect repellent that is a synthetic copy of a natural insecticide found in chrysanthemum flowers. Each mat contains enough repellent for four hours of protection and each butane cartridge will operate the unit for 12 hours.
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:58 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Pheasants Forever's 2008 Pheasant Hunting Forecast
Overview: Save for Iowa, where devastating weather negatively impacted the pheasant population, the remainder of the core pheasant powerhouses – the Dakotas, Kansas, Minnesota and Nebraska – will provide great opportunities for you to slide roosters into your vest this fall. The good news is easy to digest: South Dakota has its highest pheasant numbers in 45 years with over 2 million roosters harvested there last year; Kansas had its highest harvest since 1987 and numbers this year are expected to be higher; Minnesota had its highest harvest since 1964 in 2007 and looks to again have a strong pheasant population.
The bad news doesn't go down so easy. Unfortunately, because of massive habitat losses, mostly from recently expired Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) contracts, the sun may be setting on "the modern good ol' days" of pheasant hunting. Over 800,000 CRP acres are already gone from the Dakotas, and millions more acres are set to expire across the pheasant range in the coming years. Given today's current agricultural climate, many expiring acres are expected to be lost to row crop conversion. Fortunately, CRP was reauthorized by the 2008 federal Farm Bill, and Pheasants Forever will continue working to establish a dynamic and economically competitive CRP going forward. The new continuous, state-specific CRP program - State Acres For wildlife Enhancement (SAFE) - and the early success of that program in states like South Dakota and Minnesota, indicates landowner support for CRP remains strong. Yes, 2008 may be the end of the recent run of spectacular pheasant numbers, but at Pheasants Forever, we're already working to create the next run of "good ol' days." They'll come around again, but only with your help. Not a Pheasants Forever member? Click here.
• Always consult state hunting regulations for rules and season dates before taking to the field. Find your state agency by logging onto www.PheasantsForever.org/page/StateAgencies.
READ MORE for State by State Forecasts....
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:08 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Quail Forever's 2008 Quail Hunting Forecast
Overview: Bobwhite quail numbers across the board are mixed depending on location and weather conditions, but generally speaking appear to be stable or slightly better than last year, when drought coupled with the declining availability of habitat gave the birds a double whammy. However, looking at the larger picture, bobs still remain a bird in severe decline due first and foremost to massive losses of suitable habitat. Quail hunters and enthusiasts have been begging for some good news lately, and there is finally some from quail country to report. First, habitat initiatives are working - states all across the map reported federal conservation practices like the Conservation Reserve Program's (CRP) Conservation Practice 33 (CP-33, or "bobwhite buffers") and state-designed programs for bobwhites are yielding results. Second, the new CRP practice State Acres For wildlife Enhancement (SAFE) program –practices targeted at various species within specific states – allocates over 130,000 acres in 21 initial projects over 20 states that hold the potential to establish quality habitat targeted specifically for bobs. Finally, the 2008 federal Farm Bill includes provisions that will provide incentives for thinning and burning of CRP tree plantings, perhaps the biggest news for quail and quail hunters in a generation and the biggest quail-related news to come out of Washington, D.C., during Quail Forever's three-year existence. And how about Quail Forever! There are now over 105 QF chapters in 25 states, and habitat projects are starting to hit the ground. Looking at available habitat tools including CP-33, SAFE, thinning and burning incentives and the continued growth of QF, we're merely starting to scratch the surface of what it will take to restore this great game bird to prominence.
Always consult state hunting regulations for rules and season dates before taking to the field! Find your state agency by logging onto www.QuailForever.org/page/StateAgencies
READ MORE for State by State Forecasts....
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:32 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
California Conservation Projects Draw Elk Foundation Grants
MISSOULA, Mont.--Emphasizing habitat protection and enhancement, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation has announced its 2008 grants for conservation projects in California.Twelve grants totaling $249,959 are being awarded. Grants will affect Colusa, Humboldt, Modoc, San Benito, San Luis Obispo, Shasta, Siskiyou and Trinity counties.
"This is all about ensuring the future of elk, other wildlife and their habitat in California," said David Allen, Elk Foundation president and CEO. "Grants are based on revenues from Elk Foundation fundraising banquets and other events in California, as well as worthy project proposals."
The new Elk Foundation grants will help fund the following California conservation projects, listed by county:
READ MORE.....
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 09:56 PM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Monday, September 8, 2008
Elk Foundation Eyes Future, Appoints Major Gifts Officers
MISSOULA, Mont.--Conserving elk country is an increasingly urgent and costly mission, but the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation is positioning for the future with two new major gifts officers: Dave Kelner of Laveen, Ariz., and Dale Miller of Napolean, Mo.
Each has been promoted from other positions within the organization.
Working in their respective regions, both are now responsible for developing donors as well as gift strategies that maximize benefits for both donor and Elk Foundation.
"The future of elk country is filled with challenges, which creates opportunities for people to make a difference," said David Allen, president and CEO of the Elk Foundation. "We will continue to rely on strong support from our members and event attendees. But conservation will also depend on major gifts from corporations, families and individuals whose passion can become a legacy for wildlife and wild places."
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 09:19 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Friday, September 5, 2008
Second chance hunt proposed to reduce damages caused by elk
Frankfort, Kentucky - The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources has proposed an additional elk hunt to help landowners alleviate damage caused by elk. The proposal would allow thousands of hunters not chosen for the regular season hunts a second chance at a cow elk hunt. The proposed hunt still requires final approval by legislators.
"Although we don't get nearly as many calls about nuisance elk as we do about deer and other species, elk can do significant damage to pastures during the winter, and to crops during the summer," said Kentucky Big Game Program Coordinator Tina Brunjes. "We proposed this hunt specifically to help landowners, and it provides additional hunting opportunities."
The proposal includes a 14-day season for antlerless elk beginning Jan. 14. While modern firearms would be allowed for the hunt, it would be limited to private lands within two of the newly created Elk Management Units.
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 07:51 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Team HuntingLife and Find Me SPOT partner for Hunters
Less then a month ago we posted our review of the SPOT Satellite Messenger and our absolute endorsement of this fantastic tool for safety. We cannot speak about this product highly enough. Today, we are incredibly proud to announce our partnership with Find Me SPOT! We entered into this partnership because we absolutely believe and endorse this product.
The SPOT Messenger will be on the belts and in the packs of every Pro Staff Member of our team and we hope to see one of these units on each one of your belts. That is why we have partnered with Find Me SPOT to bring you this unit at a reduced cost through MidwayUSA and be able to provide you a full 12 months of tracking at no charge so that you can see where you have been, where you have hunted and share these adventures with your family and friends.
Team HuntingLife is all about sharing the outdoors with your friends and family, sharing the stories of the hunt!
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:34 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Honoring Those Who Honor Us
So many times we go along with our lives, giving only a thought to those who serve in the military. It's sad to think that these men and women who give so much to our country, many with spouses left at home, many with children, sacrifice every day to make ends meet, raise the children and try to live some semblance of a normal life -- all the while worrying about bills, loved ones and life in general.
With this deeply ingrained in their minds, Jim and Patti Solomon, hosts of "Xplor the Outdoors with Jim and Patti" which airs LIVE every Sunday morning from 7-9 on AM 1060 The Fan and around the globe on www.xplortheoutdoors.com, decided it was time to acknowledge our heroes and heroines. Three months ago they began the "Honoring Those Who Honor Us", category on their website, www.xplortheoutdoors.com.
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:34 AM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Gas Prices Have Hunters Exploring Local Opportunities
NEWTOWN, Conn. -- For many hunters, that 300-mile drive to deer camp may be put on hold this year. Unwilling -- or unable -- to spend more on gasoline than licenses and lodging, many hunters are checking out their options closer to home.Recent surveys have shown that this is a national trend among American hunters. According to research conducted by Southwick Associates' HunterSurvey.com, "40 percent of hunters indicated that rising gas prices will cause them to reduce their outdoor activities or reduce their travel distance."
Realizing that gaining access to both public and private land can be one of a hunter's most daunting challenges, some state fish and game departments have developed innovative programs to address the problem.
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:18 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Clubs Sign Up To Host Junior Pheasant Hunts
HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA - Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe today offered his praise to the 23 sportsmen's clubs throughout Pennsylvania who signed up to host junior pheasant hunts. The clubs will share in 1,500 pheasants the agency is providing for junior pheasant hunts.
"While the agency's financial situation remains a concern, providing pheasants to clubs sponsoring junior pheasant hunts is a wise investment," Roe said. "The only two stipulations for clubs to be eligible to receive Game Commission birds are that these hunts must have registration open to the public and must be held on public lands or private lands enrolled in one of the Game Commission's Cooperative Public Access Programs.
"The state's long-standing two-pheasant daily bag limit will apply to junior hunters participating in the season. In addition, depending on the area they are hunting, juniors will be required to comply with restrictions on hunting male or female pheasants."
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 07:56 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Youth Hunting Seasons Just Around The Corner
As hunters take time to prepare for upcoming seasons, Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe is encouraging adults to promote the state's hunting and trapping heritage by introducing youngsters to the great outdoors during the variety of mentored youth and junior hunting seasons.
A list of mentored youth and junior seasons and requirements for the various opportunities are outlined on page 15 of the 2008-09 Pennsylvania Digest of Hunting and Trapping Regulations, which is provided to each license buyer. A complete copy of the Digest also is posted on the agency's website (www.pgc.state.pa.us) in the center of the homepage.
"Part of the Game Commission's overall vision is to promote our state's rich hunting and trapping heritage," Roe said. "The future of hunting and trapping is directly related to the continuing participation of young Pennsylvanians in our hunting and furtaking seasons. The challenge is to successfully compete with all the oth