Monday, June 29, 2009

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) & The Center for Association Leadership, Washington, D.C., announced recently that Safari Club International Foundation (SCIF) has won an Award of Excellence. SCIF will also be a finalist for the coveted Summit Award to be selected later this year.

Now in its 19th year, the prestigious Associations Advance America Awards program recognizes groups that propel America forward with innovative projects in education, skills training, standard-setting, business and social innovation, knowledge creation, citizenship, and community service. SCIF’s Executive Director John Eichinger and Marketing Director Mark LaBarbera are members of the ASAE, which noted that although the activities of SCIF and other associations have a powerful impact on everyday life, those contributions to society often go unnoticed by the general public.

“SCIF’s Sportsmen Against Hunger program truly embodies the spirit of the Associations Advance America campaign. It is an honor and an inspiration to showcase this activity as an example of the many contributions associations are making to advance American society,” remarked 2008-2009 Associations Advance America Committee Chair Janet C. Gibbs.

Through SCIF’s Sportsmen Against Hunger program, SCI members and chapters in the last five years alone have donated more than 1 million pounds of much-needed high-protein, low cholesterol wild game meat to food shelves, soup kitchens and charities that serve hungry families. Especially in these tough economic times, the donation of over 400,000 pounds of wild game meat in 2008-2009 has made more of a difference than ever. Sportsmen Against Hunger is the original program from which other local and national wild game donation efforts gained their inspiration to launch. To learn more about SCI and the SCI Foundation, visit www.safariclubfoundation.org.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:58 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, June 29, 2009

Don took these great photos with his game cam and I am pretty sure he is starting a small case of buck fever and I know it is only going to get worse over the summer.

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

Monday, June 29, 2009

Douglasville, Georgia - Rusty's Rags, Inc® announces a new gun cleaning cloth for all types of firearms. The "Rusty's Rag" (MSRP $9.25) is basically two cleaning kits in one. The hand-cut sheepskin cloth is impregnated with a special silicone formulated for firearms. It also comes with a flannel cloth used for wiping off the excess oil and polishing to a fine finish. Each product is produced by hand in the USA.

Whether in the field or at home the "Rusty's Rag" gun cleaning cloth is the most effective way to clean virtually any gun, anywhere. Two sizes have been developed for specific guns. The smaller size, approx. 2" x 5", used for pistols, is the most popular with gun ranges, daily shooters, and occasional hunters. The larger size (coming soon in July), approx. 5" x 5", is ideal for rifles, shotguns, and black powder firearms. The smaller size will work for both.

Rusty's Rags were developed by a serious gun collector with over 40 years experience in the preservation of antique weapons. Rusty had great success preventing rust with the common silicone impregnated cotton flannel cloth sold in gun shops, but the cloth just would not get into the many "Nooks & Crannies" on his guns.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:07 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, June 29, 2009

During my first year of bowhunting in 2006 many exciting events took place that I will remember forever. I was only 13.  I definitely learned one lesson and that is to never give up and just be patient.  I hope you enjoy this story!

I was exciting for the upcoming season to take place.  All summer long my brother and I put out trail cameras and got some nice bucks on camera.  My first day out in the stand was after school on a thursday.  My brother came out to the stand with me and brought the video camera.  We were ready to shoot anything being that it ws the first time out for me and we wanted to get one under my belt.  It didn't take long before a doe and her fawn came right under the stand.  I pulled back and waited for the go from my brother.  He said shoot so I did and I smoked the big doe.  When I hit her she wailed "BBBllaaaaaahhhhhh!!"  She ran off and we heard her crash 60 yards off.  We were so pumped, we got down right away and tracked her.  It wasn't hard, we found her and tagged her.  We gutted her out, which was interesting with two young kids who never gutted out a deer.  Thanks to our close attention to our dad, we pulled it off quite nicely.  It was definitely a great first experience.  

Throughout the rest of the season, we had very close encounters with some nice mature bucks.   

We decided to head out on the worst day of the year.  It snowed, but it was warm out so the snow got all slushy and we got wet.  I saw a little buck, but I didn't shoot it.  That was the only thing I saw.  I got back to the house and talked to the rest of the guys who went out that same morning.  They all didn't see anything, except for like one doe.  While we were all eating, my brother asked if anyone wanted to say forget bowhunting and just go rabbit hunting.  Every one said yes, but I really didn't want to.  We got all the .22s out.  We realized that we were one short, so I would have to use a shotgun or my bow.  I just said forget it and went back out bowhunting for deer.   

The boys dropped me off and I trudged out to the woods at about 1 pm.  I went to a spot where no one usually hunts.  This means that I had to sit on the ground.  I found a spot and saw a doe right away, but didn't take her.  I got ants in my pants and moved shortly after.  I found a sweet opening and a nice fallen tree to sit on.  I took out my Primos "original can" and flipped it a couple times.  Nothing happened for 10 minutes, so I decided to move.  Right when I thought that, I heard something.  I looked over and saw a nice buck emerge from the 4-wheeler trail to my left.  It walked directly at me and stayed behind a tree so I could only see it antlers sticking out from each side.  With this great opportunity to pull back, I pulled back. 

He cut out to the right of the tree and followed a deer trail.  He walked 15 yards in front of me perfectly broadside.  I kept thinking "Should I wait a little longer?," but I finally decided to shoot.  I put my pin behind his shoulder and shot.  My arrow seemed to fly in slow motion.  It penetrated his hide and continued until it passed completely through him.  He ran off and started bleeding instantly.  I seemed to flinch back a little.  My arrow entered him about 4-5 inches back from the shoulder line.  It came out about where the guts start.  At approximately 1:30 pm I imediately took out my cell phone and called my brother.  "Josh!  I got the big one!," I cried into the phone.  "Seriously?!!?" he replied, "we will be there in a second.  Well, he wasn't joking, it took him, Tyler, and Cody about 2 minutes to get in the car, drive a block, and run 1/4 mile out to where I was. 

I can just remember the moment where they came into sight.  We looked around and saw heavy blood.  We didn't find my arrow, so we couldn't quite see how I hit him.  We waited 20 minutes and tracked him.  We tracked that soon out of pure excitement and we regret it.  We kicked him up 3 times and tracked him for a mile.  We finally gave it a rest and let the deer rest for an hour and 1/2.  We went back out when my dad arrived and we found it in about 10 minutes.  It was dead in a big pine tree woods.  You could look under them and see the deer.  I got the news and ran to the location.  It was the happiest moment ever.  We tagged him and gut him out.  We brought the truck up the trail and put the buck in.  

I got to brag to everyone at school and a lot of students and teachers were jealous.  This story just shows, that if you never give up and are patient (luck had a lot to do with it too, but what hunt doesn't have luck?), you will make your experiences that much more exciting.  The buck was the same one Tyler and Josh and I saw.  It was a eight point with a little kicker at the base.  It had a 16 inch inside spread and weighed about 210# field dressed.  I hope every one has an experience like that. And remember  NEVER GIVE UP! 

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

Monday, June 29, 2009

I was fortunate to be invited to Tyonek, Alaska, to participate in the OUTDOOR RECREATION HERITAGE FUND for PARALYZED VETERANS OF AMERICA Black Bear Hunt. I cannot thank Doug Warren enough for that opportunity. Upon Arriving at the lodge in Tyonek, Alaska.  I was introduced to some great guys who had sacrificed more than their time in SERVICE to Our Country.

It was heartwarming to meet these people and hear their stories. It was emotional to see these guys, some in wheel chairs, some missing limbs, some with limited use of their extremities having a great time, talking hunting, discussing ballistics, and enjoying the wonderful atmosphere and camaraderie of being with people who have the same passions and desires we all shared.

I wish to expressly thank the outfitter who gave so much of his time and effort to ensure that each and every vet had every opportunity to harvest a bear and enjoy the Alaskan environment as much as possible. www.fullcurlalaska.com .   The accommodations were great, food was wonderful, and the camaraderie between all the people, (Veterans, wives, guides and staff) was heartwarming.   The Wives must be mentioned as they were the troopers in this, they were not only warm and congenial, but were dedicated to their men.

I could not have been around a better group of people.  Having served myself I appreciated each and every one of these guys and what they have sacrificed.  It should be mentioned that each and everyone of these people  have overcome severe handicaps and have dedicated their lives to helping other Warriors who are suffering the same setback, to overcome this major adjustment to their lives, and go forth to become contributing citizens in our country.  Thanks to the Outfitter, staff volunteers and Jim Zumbo,  I think each and everyone of them did.

I wish to especially thank JIM ZUMBO for graciously attending and sharing not only his stories and experience but a general positive outlook on the subject at hand. I saw in Jim that he was more elated at the success of each and every hunter than he would have been if it had been himself who had taken the bear.

If any of you ever get the opportunity to tag along like I did on one of these hunts, JUMP at the chance, not only was it fun it was also rewarding to see the look on these guys faces when they managed to harvest a bear after months and sometimes years in the hospital recovering from the injuries they suffered in their service to our country.

One gentleman named Tyler walked every step we took and climbed every obstacle we encountered with the aid of an artificial leg. He has a great outlook on life and I am proud to have hunted with him.

Another gentleman named Wayne managed to navigate the terrain and suffer the mosquitoes by the seat of his wheel chair to which he is permanently saddled due to the injuries he received.

Last but not least would be Kyle who has extensive nerve and muscle damage to his body primarily on his right side, however the man was up for it and I am sure he will go forth and accomplish great things. I must say I was not only proud but choked up to meet these people and am honored to be in such worthy company.

I just hope that my humble presence was a help to these HONORED GENTLEMEN who have given so much to us as Americans.  Over the week we took many great bears and all of these wonderful wounded warriors took bears thanks to the volunteers and the outfitters hard work preparing for this wonderful hunt.

Please donate to the PVA and say thank you to this wonderful organization with your hard earned dollars.  It is through volunteers like Doug Warren, Christina Holden and Jim Zumbo as well as great outfitters who work hard to make hunts like this happen for our wounded warriors.

OUTDOOR RECREATION HERITAGE FUND for PARALYZED VETERANS OF AMERICA

This story was sent to HuntingLife from Harold Hurst, CEO of

Agonic Enterprises Maker of the Stedi Stock

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:02 PM | 3 COMMENTS | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, June 29, 2009

As the result of an HSUS and Friends of Animals assault on a rule exempting captive U.S. members of three antelope species from Endangered Species Act prohibitions, those three species are now in jeopardy. While HSUS and Friends celebrate a success in court, the ramifications of their empty victory have undermined conservation efforts for these species in the United States. Although scimitar-horned oryx, dama gazelle and addax have either disappeared, or all but disappeared in their home ranges in Northern Africa, captive herds of the species have been thriving on ranches here in the United States, in great part due to the ranchers’ ability to sell, trade, breed and allow hunting of members of these captive populations without ESA restriction. The freedom to manage these animals has encouraged private owners to raise large herds and these animals now number in the thousands in the United States. Though, in 2005, the FWS listed the three species as endangered, at the same time the agency adopted a rule that would exempt captive members of the three species in the United States from ordinary ESA restrictions.

HSUS and Friends of Animals filed suit to challenge that rule. Their goal was to prevent the hunting of individual animals, regardless of the cost to the species as a whole. They did not succeed. The court did not find that hunting of these species was illegal and rejected HSUS and Friends’ assertions that hunting in the U.S. encouraged poaching or brought any other harm to members of the species outside of the U.S. The court also dismissed the animal rights groups’ allegations that they were in any way harmed by the hunting of the species in the United States.

MORE....

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 09:45 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, June 29, 2009

video platformvideo managementvideo solutionsfree video player

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 06:15 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Sunday, June 28, 2009

Safari Club International achieved an early victory in litigation challenging the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s ban on the import of polar bears from Canada.  On June 22, 2009, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia rebuffed the FWS’s attempt to have SCI’s lawsuit dismissed without full briefing on the merits.
 
When the FWS listed the polar bear as threatened in May 2008, it also determined that imports of polar bear legally hunted from approved populations in Canada would no longer be allowed, as they had been for the previous 12 years.  SCI sued to reverse this determination.  The FWS argued that it had not made a final decision, the ban did not harm SCI, and the case should be dismissed.  The Court rejected the government’s arguments in their totality.  The Court found that the import ban determination was a challengeable final action and that SCI had alleged sufficiently that the import ban injured SCI and its members.
 
Since the import ban went into effect, hunting of polar bears by U.S. hunters has plummeted and trophies of bears hunted before the ban went into effect sit in cold storage in Canada.  The conservation benefits provided by U.S. hunters and the funds they inject into the local communities have dried up.  Yet polar bear mortality remains the same under the quota to the native communities, as bears not harvested for sport hunts are harvested for subsistence.
 
The case now proceeds to full briefing on the merits of all of SCI claims.  SCI is also pursuing a separate challenge to the listing of the polar bear itself.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 09:37 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Sunday, June 28, 2009

Having an Iphone with me at all times in the field has some ups and downs... Luckily I know how to hit the ignore button and keep it on vibrate when I am hunting.  The good news though is that there are finally some great applications coming around for hunters and the new Wind Meter APP is just one of those APP's that can make a difference for you as a hunter and at the great price of $0.99 it is priced right and works quite well.

The Wind Meter APP is easy to use and can help you determine wind direction as well as the speed of the wind.  This can really assist in understanding how best to place your stands as well as where to hold when placing that shot on a trophy animal.

1. Super Convenient 

2. Real Time Wind Reporting - no cell service needed, it works even when out of cell range.

3. Ultra Inexpensive for a Wind Meter APP- Most commercial wind meters run $75- 150.00

4. Forces you to be more aware of wind direction because you have to point the microphone into the wind to get an accurate reading.

5. Just plain good old fun...it is great fun to challenge your hunter friends to "guesstimate" the wind speed and find out who's the closest.

Log on to Apple ITUNES Application Store and download your application now.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 09:29 PM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Sunday, June 28, 2009

LONDON, UK-Randy Oitker, a crowd favorite at the Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show in recent years for his trick-shot archery skills, established three new Guinness Book of World Records records during a show called "Guinness Book of World Records Smashed," in London, England.

During the show, Oitker first established a world record by hitting 4 different targets with four different arrows shot at the same time with one bow. Then, he accomplished the same feat with five arrows and five targets. His third record came when he successfully hit six targets with six arrows shot at the same time with one bow.

Twenty-two-year-old Oitker is a two-time North American Bowhunters World Champion, three-time NABH Shooter Of The Year, and has won 17 national titles.

The Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show is the largest consumer event of its kind in North America. Attracting outdoor sports enthusiasts from Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Delaware, New Jersey, New York and Washington DC to view hunting and fishing products, plan outdoor sport and camping vacations, shop for fishing boats, RVs, SUVs, motorcycles and ATVs, and participate in a wide range of sport-related contests and family entertainment offerings.

For more Show information visit www.easternsportshow.com.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 08:45 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Sunday, June 28, 2009

The Quality Deer Management Association (QDMA) will host its 9th Annual National Convention and Whitetail Expo at a new, larger venue—the Kentucky International Convention Center in Louisville—July 23-26. Last year 15,000 people attended the two-day Whitetail Expo preceded by the popular Think Tank and Research Sessions on Thursday and Friday.

The event will be a chance to learn from the nation’s top whitetail experts. In addition to notable biologists and land specialists, celebrity hunters will join the lineup of stellar guests. The four-day Convention is packed with seminars, exhibits, taxidermy displays, celebrities, entertainment, special events for the kids, live auctions, and much more.

Don’t miss the chance to meet and greet industry celebrities and take notes from the best of the best in deer management. And spend your weekend browsing the merchandise available during the Whitetail Expo—thousands of square feet of vendor exhibits!

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 08:28 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Sunday, June 28, 2009

WASHINGTON – Sportsmen today voiced their support of a closely contested U.S. House of Representatives vote aimed at combating global climate change that includes funding for federal and state management practices that would sustain fish and wildlife populations.

The American Clean Energy and Security bill is intended to limit the effects of climate change by imposing a cap on greenhouse gas emissions while investing in energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies. The bill also creates the Natural Resources Climate Change Adaptation Fund, which helps federal and state agencies safeguard fish and wildlife and charges the U.S. Department of Agriculture with implementing agriculture and forestry carbon offset projects, including conservation programs.

Members of the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership Climate Change Working Group, comprised of representatives of leading sportsmen’s and conservation groups, praised the inclusion in the bill of funding for fish and wildlife adaptation strategies, which would  minimize the effects of climate change on important fish and game species. At the same time, the sportsmen emphasized that additional funds must be designated and incentives set to sustain and expand habitat on farms, ranches and forest lands.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 08:16 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Friday, June 26, 2009

You forgot to double check your application and now you have a big game tag for the wrong area. You got the hunt of a lifetime in Montana and now you can't use your Nevada tag. The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) is happy to say "no problem" because now hunters can return most big game tags for any reason.

The best part of the deal for these hunters is that their bonus points, providing them more chances in the random big game tag draw, will be reinstated when their tags are returned by the deadline. It will be as if they had never applied.

The idea to allow return of tags for any reason was initiated by sportsmen themselves, through the Tag Allocation and Application Hunt Committee established by the Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners a few years ago. Through that public input process, NDOW staff, the commission and members of the public identified various changes to big game tag allocation processes.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 02:56 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Event slated for Saturday, August 8th at Cabela's Dundee store encourages entire family to get outdoors

Dundee, Mich. - June 24 -

Michigan Pheasants Forever is inviting your family to a fun-filled day at Cabela's in Dundee, Michigan, on Saturday, August 8th, 2009 for PF's Free Habitat Expo and 2009 State Convention. The Free Habitat Expo will take place from 10AM – 4PM and will include habitat and dog training seminars and great youth activities, to be followed by a banquet and awards ceremony to recognize volunteers from across the state for their contributions to PF.

The Free Habitat Expo portion of the event will allow individuals to learn about wildlife habitat management from leading wildlife professionals. Youth will also be able it get in on the habitat act by trying their hand at planting window box prairies. In fact, the great lineup of youth activities make the event one the entire family can enjoy!

In addition to archery, casting and the always-popular Laser Shot, youth will be able to take part in: Mock Pheasant Hunt -Youth will learn the FUNdamentals of gun handling safety! Tracks - Discover some of Michigan's wonderful wildlife and make a plaster track mold to take home. Film Can Fishing -Youth will build and take home wilderness fishing kits that fit in the palms of their hands. PF Passport to Adventure - Complete this hunt and you'll be entered in a raffle for a great gear giveaway!

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

Thursday, June 25, 2009

WASHINGTON – The Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership today welcomed an announcement by the Utah Bureau of Land Management that valuable public-lands fish and wildlife habitat would receive additional review before being leased for oil and gas development.

The BLM initially offered more than 90,000 acres of public land on 67 parcels in its June 23 lease sale in Utah. The TRCP filed a protest of 31 parcels, comprising 46,000 acres of crucial mule deer, elk and sage grouse habitat where supplementary development conditions could lessen negative effects on wildlife populations. Administrative protests such as these are the public’s only recourse for commenting on the federal leasing process and raising concerns about impacts to resources like fish and wildlife.

“Sportsmen unreservedly support oil and gas production on America’s public lands,” said Joel Webster, TRCP associate director of campaigns, “but responsible administration of these resources demands a consistent approach to leasing and development activities in order to sustain fish and wildlife – and to provide companies wishing to extract energy from our lands and waters an increased level of certainty in their investments and planning.”

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

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

MISSOULA, Mont.—Throughout July, shoppers at Bass Pro Shops retail stores, catalogs and Web sites can learn about the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and make a $2 donation for a chance to win awesome prizes.

Bass Pro Shops will forward 100 percent of proceeds to the Elk Foundation in support of its mission to ensure the future of elk, other wildlife and their habitat. In addition, Bass Pro Shops will match 50 cents for every dollar raised through this promotion.

Four prizes will be awarded, including:

1. Montana 2010 rifle elk and mule deer hunt for two.
2. PBR 2009 World Finals package with event tickets, VIP passes and lodging for four.
3. $1000 Bass Pro shopping spree (gift card).
4. $500 Bass Pro shopping spree (gift card).

A drawing will be held August 15, 2009.

During RMEF Conservation Month, dedicated Elk Foundation volunteers work with Bass Pro Shops store managers to engage and educate customers about elk and conservation.

“This is the third year that Bass Pro Shops has hosted RMEF Conservation Month in July, and it has produced tens of thousands of dollars and immeasurable public awareness of our organization. We value our partnership with Bass Pro Shops and appreciate the opportunity to utilize their retail locations to support a great cause,” said Bob Swanson, who coordinates the promotion for RMEF.

Swanson said the partnership is being promoted via in-store signage, videos, posters, banners, point-of-sale cards, local chapter events and exhibits, advertisements in Elk Foundation publications, member coupons and more.

Bass Pro Shops says 51 retail stores are involved in the promotion.

For details, visit www.bassproshops.com and www.rmef.org .

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:

Snowy peaks, dark timber basins and grassy meadows. RMEF is leading an elk country initiative that has conserved or enhanced habitat on over 5.6 million acres—a land area equivalent to a swath three miles wide and stretching along the entire Continental Divide from Canada to Mexico. RMEF also works to open, secure and improve public access for hunting, fishing and other recreation. Get involved at www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 01:29 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

BOGART, Ga. – The Kids’ Zone at QDMA’s Whitetail Expo will be the place to be for youth and adults alike to hear the stories of experienced hunters with different backgrounds. The Expo is part of QDMA’s 9th Annual National Convention taking place July 25-26 in Louisville, Kentucky.

With participation from one of QDMA’s own, Chairman of the Board Mark Thomas, the Kids’ Zone is receiving a touch of the wild outdoors. He will arrive with countless antlers, hides, and hooves in tow.  The audience will “travel” the globe with Thomas as he describes his innumerable personal adventures, including caribou hunting in Alaska’s mountains, moose hunting in Russia, red stag hunting in New Zealand, and elk hunting on horseback through snow in Montana. Additionally, the audience can visualize the experience with the help of projected images and trophies from his trips.

In addition to sharing about his encounters with animals around the world, Thomas also teaches the basics of camping and knife-making, displaying a number of knives that he has crafted. Throughout his presentation, he stresses the importance of physical fitness, good nutrition, and safety.  After observing Mark Thomas, attendees will be ready to pack their bags and head out on a wild adventure.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 00:54 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

FLUSHING, MI – Gorilla® Inc. introduces its new line of hang-on, steel treestands designed to provide greater comfort and portability for hang-on stand users. With innovative features such as the XPE foam seats, HX platform design, and “D-tube” construction, these stands are built to deliver a great day in the field.

Comfort: Pro Series King Kong and King Kong Lounger

If you are looking for increased comfort in a hang-on treestand, then the award winning Pro Series King Kong with zero-G seat technology or the King Kong Lounger is sure to deliver during those all-day hunts. Both feature flip-up seat designs, extra large platforms, and the advanced XLS Extreme Leveling System for secure and easy installation.

Portability: King Kong and Kong Hang-On

If you are looking for greater portability, then focus in on the King Kong and Kong hang-on treestands. Each of these sleek, single-post designs incorporate a flip-up seat design with Seat Leveling System (SLS) to aid in a quick set-up.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 00:49 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

SCI today filed a motion to intervene in litigation concerning the Endangered Species Act (ESA) delisting of the Western Great Lakes wolves.

SCI’s action comes in response to five animal rights groups that have challenged the delisting. The groups want wolves back on the endangered species list immediately and have filed a motion for a preliminary injunction. If the motion succeeds, wolves will be returned to federal management for the duration of the litigation. SCI is actively preparing a defense to that motion.

SCI is a leader in the hunting community in litigation concerning the ESA. It is the preeminent organization in litigation related to hunting, and has defended wolf delisting and state management in each of the cases brought to challenge the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s efforts to recognize the recovered status of wolves. This recent intervention effort marks the sixth lawsuit in which SCI has participated.

SCI’s goal is to preserve management of this predator species with the individual states in which wolf populations are having an impact on other wildlife species’ numbers and behavior. SCI is also currently participating in two lawsuits to defend the delisting of the grizzly bear population in the Yellowstone area.

SCI President Merle Shepard stated: “The science is clear. The wolves of the Western Great Lakes have merited delisting for years and the states are more than ready to assume management authority of the wolves within their boundaries. In 2007 and 2008, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin demonstrated their ability to manage and conserve their own wolves. SCI will show the court that the states are the best managers for their own recovered wildlife populations.”

In this effort, SCI is again collaborating with the National Rifle Association of America to provide a powerful voice for the hunting community. 

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 00:43 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

(Columbus) – Legislation making it easier for sportsmen to pass their hunting heritage to the next generation cleared another hurdle today as the Wisconsin State Assembly passed it by a voice vote.  Voice votes are usually used on measures deemed uncontroversial. 

Senate Bill 167, sponsored by Sen. Jim Holperin (D-Conover), will allow people 10-year of age and older to hunt with an experienced mentor.  The bill passed the Senate on June 9 by a 27-6 vote.  The measure now awaits the signature of Governor Jim Doyle to become law.

“This is a tremendous step forward for sportsmen in Wisconsin,” stated U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance president and CEO, Bud Pidgeon.  “Wisconsin sportsmen should applaud the efforts of Representative Ann Hraychuck who authored an identical bill in the Assembly and shepherded this one through her chamber.  We also owe thanks to Representative Scott Gunderson, a champion of this legislation for several years, and, of course, Sen. Holperin and Senate Majority Leader Russ Decker who made this issue a priority.”

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 00:39 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

River Falls, Wis. - June 19 -With the help of Pheasants Forever and other partners, the Wisconsin Build a Wildlife Area campaign announces its first land acquisition, a 204-acre parcel of restored wetlands and adjacent upland grasslands in St. Croix County, Wisconsin. The area may be open for public hunting and outdoor recreational activities as early as this autumn.

The Build a Wildlife Area campaign was created in 2003 by Pheasants Forever, Outdoor News, and Game Fair as a wide-reaching effort to engage individual donors, corporations, non-profits and government organizations in the creation of permanent public wildlife areas. Since its creation, Gander Mountain has been the campaign's leading financial donor. Through the campaign, each one dollar donation turns into three dollars through matching grants from local, state, and federal sources. Once lands are acquired, they are turned over to the state for management and opened to the public for recreation, including hunting.

With the help of the Build a Wildlife Area campaign and the Kinnickinnic, Indianhead, and Racine Chapters of Pheasants Forever, the Kinnickinnic River Land Trust, Inc. (KRLT), the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service's North American Wetlands Conservation Council, and Ducks Unlimited, the private parcel was sold to the KRLT at a bargain price by the Vern and Becky Nagel family. The unique property contains more than 16 acres of wetlands and 183 acres of adjacent restored prairie grasslands, and will provide habitat for a wide range of wildlife species and additional acreage for public recreation. KRLT intends to donate the property to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources for inclusion in the Western Prairie Habitat Restoration Area as the Nagel Wildlife Management Area. KRLT will present this property to the Wisconsin Natural Resources Board later this year.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:29 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Waking up to the sound of the alarm clock filling our hunting cabin in Grayson County, Virginia, I was slow to dress for the opening morning of turkey season.  As we got our calls and decoys together, I started to get pumped up to get in the woods.  I just couldn’t wait to here the ear-splitting sound of the gobbler.  I walked out on the porch.  Hearing those three gobblers answer to the sound of my owl flute was my cue that it was time to get in the woods.  Walking through the pasture with my dad right before daybreak, my hair stood on end to the constant gobbling.   

After setting up, I started to slide the striker across my slate call.  I was soon interrupted by a long tree gobble.  We were right on top of them.  Even though it was very tempting to get the birds to answer, we remained patient with our calling and waited until they came off the roost.  Then disappointment set in as we heard the worst sound in turkey hunting.  The gobbles became more and more faint.  Instead of coming down towards us, the birds were walking up the ridge from us.  So we knew we had to find a way to cut them off.  We grabbed our gear and headed up to the next ridge.  

The hike up was uneventful, but what awaited us over the top of the ridge was a huge excitement.  My dad clucked a couple of times, and two gobblers quickly answered.  We were once again right on top of them!  With no time to set up, we made our perch on the trunks of two trees.  I called slowly and the birds were fully committed to my dad’s calling.  To both of our surprise the birds were trying to circle around because laps of fallen locust trees worked as a huge obstacle to the gobblers. 

I just knew we had to do something, so I crawled up to the top of the ridge as my dad stayed back calling.  The birds had already circled around behind us.  “Don’t move”, I whispered to my dad, but it was to late.  Both gobblers had seen my dad move his hand to his call and they began to run.  I stood up and saw that I had a shot on the larger of the two.  Time to capitalize on this opportunity.  I pulled the trigger of my new twelve-gauge and it was no match for the turkey.  He did his little routine of flipping and flopping on the ground and I was in a full sprint to claim my trophy with my dad close behind.

Everyone says turkeys have the best eyesight of any other animal in the woods.  Now I am a believer, as I would have never thought they would see the slight movement of my dad’s hand.  Observing my trophy, I was so proud of my dad’s calling and grateful for the opportunity to harvest such a beautiful bird.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 06:13 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

 
3rd Avenue got crowded.  Needs changed from black tie parties and 3 star dinners to the challenges and solitude of wild places.   I dreamed about wild things but remained in Gotham’s stronghold.  A passing bird or a flower box was a bumper crop of urban nature.
 
Slowly the plan made itself.  Starting with borrowed knowledge and an ancient 30-06.  Then a ‘lightly’ used truck.  150,000 miles turned into 250,000 miles studying the wooded corners and uncovering the secrets of NJ, NY and PA.  I drove and drove and hunted and fished and camped.  www.HuntingLife.com <http://www.HuntingLife.com>  adopted me into their family. The calling grew louder but still echoed from those vertical monsters.  Fighting the daily tide.  More and more out of place.  Out of peace. 
 
The plan developed it’s own momentum and finally one morning I packed that truck.  Full of what I thought I’d need.  Out there.  Put the rest in the street.  Thousands of books. Furniture.  Stereo.   I sold the plasma.  I said hasty goodbyes to my life, job, loved ones, to my city, to the concrete and the noise. 
 
Four days and 2,400 miles later I made my way up the mountain and into my new life.  Log cabin. Air.  Mountains.  Deer.  The dog jumped out of the window.  I parked, got out and breathed.  Free. 
 
Days are shed hunting. Trailing the elk herd. Watching wolves over a kill. Learning tracks.  Watching for the Grizzlies.  Wading the Blackfoot. Tying new patterns. Splitting wood.  Shooting sticks in the river.  Feeding the pig and chickens.  Watering the garden.  Whistling for the dog…long gone on an adventure.
 
The phone doesn’t ring.  It doesn’t work here. No TV. No Google. The wolves and coyotes hunt the river at night and sing.  The world goes on somewhere out there.  The stars bring us the news we need.  The clouds bring rain and the river and garden feed us.
 
The hills lose their snowy blanket and bloom with squaw grass.  Golden and Bald Eagles take to the massive ponderosas and we share curiosity.  Somewhere the tide of people float the concrete in the stale air.  Some letters come from there.  Asking if I’d lost my mind.  And when will I be ‘back’.  I send them pictures and whispers of the decency of this place. Big Sky.   God’s country. They try but can’t understand that I’m finally home. 
 
Pro-staffer Ryan Connolly recent traded in the furious grind of New York City for mountain air and now lives in a hand- hewn log cabin in Western Montana. The cabin is the home of the Bunyan Bug (River Runs Through It) and sits on the Clearwater/Blackfoot winter game range and is steps from a turn in the Blackfoot River that he explains is ‘too beautiful for words’. His closest neighbor is not that close at all

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 01:48 PM | 13 COMMENTS | LINKS TO THIS POST

Sunday, June 21, 2009

I had the privilege of using the Nomad V2 digital compass by Brunton.  Brunton is a very prestigious outdoor company that manufactures many reliable camping, hunting, and survival products.  Using this compass, I now have respect and trust with Brunton and would like to use more of their products.

I went to Canada this past week on a camping/fishing trip in Ontario.  We traveled 30 miles into the middle of nowhere.  I brought my Nomad V2 compass with to get to know how to use it and see how it would help.  It helped us all throughout the trip and exceeded its expectations.

Brunton V2 Compass

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:56 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Fishing with my friend Justin can be very fun.  We always have fun and no matter what we can go out and have a great time.  Justin and I have been fishing everywhere you can think of such as ponds, lakes, and rivers. We haven’t been deep sea fishing yet, but we plan on going one day.  We usually take a canoe behind the dam in Halifax and we have taken his boat out several times in the lake. 

We have the most fun behind the dam which happens to be where we catch the most fish.  We mostly catch blue or spotted catfish.  We have also had very funny memories fishing behind the dam; we once caught this large catfish which weighed probably about 10 to 15 pounds. When we got it up next to the canoe we went to reach and grab it, when we did it rolled and snapped the line causing us to lose our balance and flip the canoe.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 02:47 PM | 5 COMMENTS | LINKS TO THIS POST

Saturday, June 20, 2009

CrossFire Sling is another great product from Altus Brands that offers a tremendous amount of versatility and options in carrying your rifle, shotgun and bow in the outdoors.  We have had our hands on a couple of these slings for the past couple of months and we have enjoyed being able to test these out.  I really like the Front and Ready two shoulder and the Backpack positions.  When you first get this sling, it seems a bit complicated but actually the system is pretty simple.  Every sling comes with a DVD and I suggest you watch the DVD and come up with your favorite positions to carry your weapon into the field.  At the price of $19.95 you really cannot go wrong with these slings and once you spend some time using them you will be placing them on all of your rifles and shotguns.

Order your new CrossFire Sling Here

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

Friday, June 19, 2009

June 19, 2009 (Washington, DC) - The Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus today urged U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano to withdraw the notice of proposed revocation of treatment relating to the admissibility of certain knives with spring assisted opening mechanisms by the Office of Customs and Border Patrol.
The proposed regulation could have severe implications on all knives, not just assisted-opening knives, and would designate these knives as switchblades, although the federal law definition does not declare these types of knives as such.

The Switchblade Knife Act of 1958 as amended by Congress, and as codified in 15 U.S.C. Section 1241, clearly sets forth the definition of a "switchblade" as...any knife having a blade which opens automatically (1) by hand pressure applied to a button or other device in the handle of the knife, or (2) by operation of inertia, gravity, or both

"This classification could render millions of law-abiding knife owners in violation of the law and expose major market retailers, manufacturers, dealers and importers subject to possible federal felony charges, and could drive domestic manufacturers and importers out of business, potentially costing thousands of jobs," said CSC Member Rep. Bob Latta.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 02:20 PM | 2 COMMENTS | LINKS TO THIS POST

Friday, June 19, 2009

MISSOULA, Mont.—Science-based field research, funded in part by the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, is yielding solid data on why gray wolves in Idaho, Montana and Wyoming should be managed by state wildlife agencies.

Wolves have been on and off endangered species lists in recent months. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has repeatedly announced at least partial delisting and state-based management via regulated wolf hunting. But, each time, anti-hunting groups have blocked the effort with lawsuits.

“List, delist, repeat. It’s become an endless cycle driven by those who profit from legal uncertainty over gray wolves,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO. “Tying up this issue in courts defies a proven conservation system that is extremely successful at balancing predatory species within biological and social tolerances.”

The Elk Foundation has long funded scientific research on topics surrounding elk and habitat. Universities and state and federal agencies apply for RMEF research grants and conduct the projects. Researchers present results to peers at professional conferences. New understanding leads to better management strategies for all wildlife in elk country.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 01:22 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Friday, June 19, 2009

WASHINGTON, June 18, 2009 – The U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee voted 12 to 7 today to advance an amended Clean Water Restoration Act to the full Senate. Ducks Unlimited says this is a positive move to protect wetlands for waterfowl and clean water for America.

“This is a huge step toward restoring the Clean Water Act’s safety net for prairie potholes and well over 20 million acres of wetlands throughout the U.S. that provide critical habitat for waterfowl and other fish and wildlife - and waterfowl hunters,” said Don Young, executive vice president of Ducks Unlimited.

Sens. Max Baucus (D-MT), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Barbara Boxer (D-CA) clarified through an amendment to the original Feingold bill that broad, existing Clean Water Act exemptions for agriculture and forestry were to be retained. DU supported the continuation of the agricultural and forestry exemptions, including the additional exemptions for prior converted cropland and manmade waste treatment systems. The National Farmers Union also expressed support for the compromise amendment, lending agriculture’s support for the bill.

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

Friday, June 19, 2009

Saint Paul, Minn. – June 18, 2009 – With 8,181 new acres already enrolled in the program this year, including 2,070 acres in May, federal Conservation Practice 33 (CP-33) has surpassed the 200,000-acre mark nationwide. The practice, which is most commonly referred to as "Bobwhite Buffers" because it is targeted at improving habitat for bobwhite quail, currently, has 207,298 acres enrolled in the program.

"Bobwhite Buffers," announced in 2004, establish the edge habitat along fields, streams and woods that bobwhites love. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has established a goal of 250,000 acres for the program. The CP-33 program is part of the larger federal Continuous Conservation Reserve Program (CCRP).

"The only way to bring back decimated bobwhite quail populations is to provide the necessary habitat for them to thrive, and CP-33 does exactly that better than any other tool available," said Dave Nomsen, Quail Forever's vice president of Government Affairs, " Quail Forever's 100-plus chapters and 7,000 members have been instrumental in promoting CP-33 enrollment and planting CP-33 buffers since the program's inception. Now the goal is to achieve full enrollment, as these success stories and continued demand will help us encourage USDA to allocate additional acres for this important quail program."

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

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Tom Tidwell brings 32 Years of Experience Working to Protect Our Nation's Forests

WASHINGTON, June 17, 2009 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that Tom Tidwell will serve as the new Chief for the U.S. Forest Service.

"Tom Tidwell's 32 years of experience in our forests and impressive track record of collaboration and problem-solving will help us tackle the great challenges ahead," said Vilsack.

Tidwell has spent 32 years with the Forest Service in a variety of positions. He began his Forest Service career on the Boise National Forest, and has since worked in eight different national forests, across three regions. He has worked at all levels of the agency in a variety of positions, including District Ranger, Forest Supervisor, and Legislative Affairs Specialist in the Washington Office.

Tidwell's field experience includes working from the rural areas of Nevada and Idaho all the way to the urban forests in California and the Wasatch-Cache National Forest in Utah, where he served as Forest Supervisor during the 2002 Winter Olympics. He also has extensive fire experience, beginning as a firefighter, and accumulating nineteen years as an agency administrator responsible for fire suppression decisions.

"We thank Gail Kimbell for her leadership and deep commitment to protecting our nation's forests," Vilsack added.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 03:12 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, June 18, 2009

MISSOULA, Mont.—By thinning encroaching conifer and opening aspen and grassland habitat on 91 acres, Sierra Pacific Industries (SPI) has launched a Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation initiative to enhance 33,700 acres in California’s Shasta-Trinity National Forest.

The giant area near Burney, Calif., called McCloud Flats, is Roosevelt elk range. However, habitat quality has declined as overgrown forests choke out forage vegetation.

Together, the Elk Foundation and U.S. Forest Service developed a long-term agreement to restore wildlife values at McCloud Flats. Through its Habitat Stewardship Services Program, RMEF will help facilitate projects to swap habitat work for the value of forest products harvested. SPI earned the bid for the inaugural project.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 03:07 AM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

(Columbus) – The nation’s top sportsmen’s advocacy organization, the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation (USSAF) has joined forces with Great Lakes area state hunting organizations and local outdoorsmen to block animal rights group’s attempts to provide unnecessary protections to thriving wolf populations. 

The USSAF’s Legal Defense Fund is filing a motion to intervene against a lawsuit filed by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and others involving the great lakes population of wolves.  Wolves were removed from the Endangered Species List by former President Bush after the populations far exceeded previously set benchmarks for the species.  The decision triggered a lawsuit to stop the delisting.  The court stopped the delisting while the US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) complied with some minor technical issues. 

After President Obama was elected, the FWS reviewed the wolf decision and also concluded that the species was healthy enough to be delisted.  The Obama administration’s decision has once again triggered a lawsuit by national anti-hunting organizations.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 01:47 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

As the time clock on the 2009 Spring Gobbler Season was ready to strike 12, God blessed me yet again with a hunt to remember. After missing two different Jakes the week before season went out, and stalking several groups of turkeys with no luck my hopes of getting a second bird were slowly fading away. That was until one unlucky bird decided to scratch its back a little to close to the barn.

The last week of the season was one of those weeks were no matter how hard you try the animal always beats you. After missing two different Jakes four times, I was also beginning question my aim. After checking my sights and talking myself through every hunt, I figured out what I was doing wrong. By second-guessing all of my setups, and going against all the knowledge, I have of these majestic birds I had been placing myself in situations that would end up in failure.

Therefore, after kicking myself a few times, and with only two days left I figured I was out of time. That was until Friday afternoon rolled around. As my bus rolled by the barn two turkeys came into view and instantly my mind went into hunter mode. Running off the bus to my grandmother’s house and jerking the keys away from my mom, I immediately rushed home, grabbed my camo and my gear, and grabbing a few extra shells, I rushed right back to my grandmother’s house. After parking the car, grabbing and loading my gun, I headed toward the barn only to be surprised halfway with the sight of the two turkeys already at the barn. So what do I do, I drop all my gear including calls, face mask, and gloves, skillfully climb over the electric fence, and start sprinting to the barn.

I made it to the backside of the barn and then realize I had just left everything but my gun and shells in the yard. Therefore, I had to make due without this time and just pulled my shirt up over my nose to act like some kind of a facemask. Then I leaned out to address the situation of the hunt. The turkeys were only about 40 yards away; the only down fall was they were surrounded by four big Black Angus bulls, so I would haft to wait.

As I waited, the hunts of the past week began to replay in my head like a bad dream that just will not go away. Then sure enough, I begin to second-guess myself again, but I remember the previous kicking of myself for moving so I decided to stay put. I peeked around the barn again, this time they were at 20 yards and coming fast. I could tell one was a hen and the other had a small beard. I prepared myself for a shot as I followed the bearded bird with my fiber optic sights.

Just before the birds came under the five strands of barbwire fence, the bearded bird went into strut and chased the hen under the bottom strand. Then it came out of strut and crossed into my shooting lane. I followed the bearded bird as it crossed behind the hen and waited for it to clear the hen, as I did not want to take an illegal bird. As it cleared and stopped, I slowly squeezed the trigger on my trusty Mossberg 835 and let my Federal Express, three and half-inch, number five shot, with flight-control-wadding do its job. With the shot, being so close my wadding actually hit the turkey in the head as it dropped to the ground.

I could not believe it I had just taken a bird when only a day earlier I had felt as if I had struck out. As I approached the bird, something was different the bird was kind of small and more of a dull brown color. My heart sank I thought I just killed that hen poor ole hen. No, I could not have, I made sure I followed the bird with the beard. I knelt down and rolled the hen over to my surprise a six and half-inch beard appeared. That is when it hit me it was bearded hen; I just killed my very first bearded hen. Then I asked myself “Why was it strutting.” I guess with the sun being directly in my eyes I thought this bearded hen was a Jake. The glare of the sun made the head look red and when it went into strut, it just confirmed my thoughts of it being a Jake.

I picked up my hard-earned bearded hen and headed to my grandmothers house to show it off. I called my Dad only to find out he had put down a big gobbler at another place we turkey hunt. It was so cool we had just had another father-son double just miles apart. When Dad arrived, we exchanged some hugs and congratulations, and took some pictures. The 2009 Spring Gobbler Season for me was another year to add to the memory books.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:55 PM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Congratulations to Christopher Gatch of Keller, Texas.  Christopher is a life member of the Dallas Safari Club and is one excited hunter who now has a really hard decision.  

What caliber should he get in his new Kimber 8400 rifle?

Is he going to hunt for Moose or Grizzly?

Christopher bought a ticket from the Sportsman's Alliance for Alaska for $50.00 and somebody had to win.  He was very excited tonight to get a call from Scott Hed.  Congratulations Christopher!!!!!

Christopher won a 10 day hunt in Alaska for Moose or Grizzly, a Kimber Rifle, a Leupold VX-II Scope and a full set of Sitka Gear!

We have really enjoyed working on this promotion and are we hope to see some great pictures from Christopher upon his return.

www.sportsmansalliance4ak.org/

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:38 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 04:05 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Middleton, Wis. – June 16, 2009 – Pheasants Forever (PF) and Quail Forever (QF) announce Kevin Wallenfang of Middleton, Wisconsin, as the organization's new regional field representative for the state of Wisconsin. Wallenfang's primary duties with PF will include starting and servicing chapters and members in the region to enhance the organization's wildlife habitat mission.

Wallenfang will advise chapters in raising and expending funds on wildlife habitat and conservation education. He will also work with local, state, and federal natural resource agencies on behalf of PF chapters. Wallenfang succeeds Jeff Gaska, who served as PF's regional wildlife biologist in Wisconsin for 10 years before leaving the organization in May to concentrate on farming full-time. Gaska is still actively involved with PF at the chapter level with the Dodge County Chapter of PF.

"It's not easy to fill the shoes of a dedicated conservationist such as Jeff Gaska, but we've done that with Kevin Wallenfang," said Rick Young, PF/QF Vice President of Field Operations, "He brings a great deal of conservation expertise and talent to the table. It's been a big year for Pheasants Forever in Wisconsin already, where we held our National Pheasant Fest in Madison in February and recently acquired the first tract of land through the Wisconsin Build a Wildlife Area campaign. We know Kevin Wallenfang has the ability to keep that momentum going forward."

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 12:51 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Overland Park, KS. — With its large 3.5-inch color LCD screen, the new ONIX 350 GPS receiver provides a big view of the great outdoors. The ability to download high-resolution digital satellite photography and topo maps lets the ONIX 350 bring navigation to life.

Using the same chassis as the award winning ONIX 400, the ONIX 350 offers performance and value with a variety of exclusive features. These include a new Almanac page that lets users view lunar and solar information to help determine the best fishing and hunting days based on sunrise/sunset times and moon phases. The Solunar Edge™ Technology utilizes internal sensors that monitor barometric pressure and temperature to provide significantly more accurate information on animal and fish activity than traditional sun and moon tables.

The internal sensors also provide a 12-24 hour weather forecast feature that gives current temperature and barometric pressure. It can track pressure trends for up to 24 hours and can track pressure history for up to 7 days. A storm warning alert is activated based on a rapid pressure drop of greater than 6 mb.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:52 AM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Washington, DC –Safari Club International ( SCI) today asked a U.S. District Court in Montana for permission to intervene in defense of the Northern Rocky Mountain wolf delisting. SCI’s request comes in response to a lawsuit brought by thirteen animal rights and environmental groups on June 2, 2009 to challenge the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (FWS) decision that removed wolves in Montana and Idaho from the “endangered” species list.   

SCI seeks to participate as a party to defend the federal agency’s decision to recognize the recovered status of the wolves and to turn management of the species over to the states where it belongs. Over the years, SCI has actively participated in multiple cases concerning the status and management of wolves, including litigation in Oregon, Vermont, the District of Columbia and Montana.

SCI President Merle Shepard said “SCI has been the hunting community’s leader in efforts to support the removal of wolves from the endangered species list. Animal rights groups have stymied wolf management and conservation by their repeated challenges to the wolf delisting. SCI is prepared for yet another battle and is looking forward to demonstrating how both scientific management and the law justify the delisting.”

While the “ink dries” on the papers filed for intervention in the Northern Rocky Mountain wolf delisting case, SCI is staying at the forefront of the wolf issue around the country, already preparing to move to intervene in another case - an impending challenge to the Western Great Lakes wolf delisting, likely to be filed this week by a separate set of animal rights plaintiffs.

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

Monday, June 15, 2009

SCI is closely reviewing two separate cases filed in two different courts on June 2, 2009 to challenge the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s rule to delist the wolves of the Northern Rocky Mountains, with the exception of the wolves of Wyoming.  In federal district court in Montana, Defenders of Wildlife and 12 other wolf and environmental groups filed a suit challenging the legality of the delisting of Idaho and Montana’s wolves.  In a separate suit, filed in U.S. District Court in Wyoming, the state of Wyoming challenged their state’s exclusion from the delisting.  Additional litigation to challenge the delisting of the Western Great Lakes wolf population is likely to be filed by yet another group of Plaintiffs next week.  SCI is reviewing each of these cases to determine whether and how it should participate.  In the past, SCI has intervened to defend efforts to delist wolves, which paves the way for better State management of wolves and possible future hunts, in both the Northern Rocky Mountains and Western Great Lakes areas.

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

Monday, June 15, 2009

MISSOULA, Mont.—Three counties in Minnesota are slated for wildlife and habitat conservation projects using $38,272 in new grants from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.The 2009 RMEF grants will affect Betrami, Kittson and Marshall counties.

“Our volunteers across Minnesota helped drive the 2008 fundraisers that made these grants possible. This is where Elk Foundation banquets, auctions and other events transform into on-the-ground conservation work, and it’s part of the payday for supporters who are passionate about giving something back to the outdoors,” said David Allen, Elk Foundation president and CEO.

Elk Foundation grants will help fund the following Minnesota conservation projects, listed by county:

Kittson County—Establish two new forage openings for elk and other wildlife near Skull Lake, Caribou and Beaches Lake wildlife management areas; mechanically thin encroaching aspen to enhance habitat on 85 acres in Caribou Wildlife Management area.

Marshall County—Mechanically thin 250 acres of brush to improve forage for elk, maintain firebreaks to accommodate prescribed burning, and seed/fertilize 67 acres of forage at Grygla, Moose River, Thief Lake and Wapiti wildlife management areas (also affects Beltrami County).

Since 1984, the Elk Foundation and its partners have completed more than 86 conservation projects in Minnesota with a value of more than $40 million.

Partners for 2009 projects in Minnesota include Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, other agencies, landowners and organizations.

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:
Snowy peaks, dark timber basins and grassy meadows. RMEF is leading an elk country initiative that has conserved or enhanced habitat on over 5.6 million acres—a land area equivalent to a swath three miles wide and stretching along the entire Continental Divide from Canada to Mexico. RMEF also works to open, secure and improve public access for hunting, fishing and other recreation. Get involved at www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 03:04 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, June 15, 2009

MISSOULA, Mont.—Heavy construction has begun, even as fundraising continues, for central Pennsylvania’s Elk Country Visitor Center, a partnership project of the commonwealth and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

The center is designed be the largest elk watching and conservation education facility in the eastern U.S. The 8,420 square-foot building and 245 acres on Winslow Hill in Benezette Township, Elk County, will include educational exhibits, trails, story theater, wildlife viewing blinds, meeting rooms and display areas.

Ceremonial groundbreaking was last fall but construction began in earnest in late May.

“Total cost for completing and opening the center is $12.4 million. Under the partnership agreement, the commonwealth is paying for design and construction, while the Elk Foundation is raising money for exhibits and operation. We’re still working with donors who are interested in helping fulfill this commitment,” said Rawley Cogan, who is directing fundraising efforts for the Elk Foundation.

RMEF has raised $10.1 million and is working to secure the final $2.3 million to close out its fundraising campaign. Financial supporters to date include the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Richard King Mellon Foundation, Dominion Foundation, Thoreson Foundation, Safari Club International, Eastern Chapter Foundation for North American Wild Sheep and many individual donors. For more information, visit www.pennsylvaniaRMEF.org or call RMEF at 800-CALL ELK.

The building will include green features such as rainwater collection and reuse, night-sky friendly light fixtures, use of locally available materials and sustainably harvested timber, and use of low emitting paints, adhesives and carpets. The building will be eligible for Gold LEED certification.

Construction completion is projected for spring 2010.

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:

Snowy peaks, dark timber basins and grassy meadows. RMEF is leading an elk country initiative that has conserved or enhanced habitat on over 5.5 million acres—a land area equivalent to a swath three miles wide and stretching along the entire Continental Divide from Canada to Mexico. RMEF also works to open, secure and improve public access for hunting, fishing and other recreation. Get involved at www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 12:13 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, June 11, 2009

During school on the 22nd of May, I was finished with my last SOL and was getting ready to leave for my next class. When I reached my next class, the attendance lady called me to go home. My dad had checked me out and we were headed for Fredericksburg, VA to spend the night with Kevin and his family.  Our trip for Manitoba Bear was finally ready to begin
                
After 3-4 long hours, we finally reached our destination. We joined Kevin in his garage and talked about the flight to Canada. We talked and tested the wireless microphones to make sure they worked for the upcoming bear hunt. We spent almost all night in the garage checking to make sure we had everything. Then we ate dinner and settled down to get some sleep.
                
We woke at 4:30 in the morning to get an early start to the airport. We were scheduled for takeoff at 8:15 and being early was better than being late. It felt like the drive took for hours but really it only took about an 1 and a half to get there.
                
When we reached the airport my nerves sky rocketed!..................

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:00 PM | 9 COMMENTS | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Bristol Bay Hunt Promotion

DRAWING WILL BE HELD AT 3PM EASTERN TIME ON TUESDAY, JUNE 16.  DEADLINE TO MAKE A DONATION AND BE ENTERED IN DRAWING IS 12PM EASTERN TIME ON TUESDAY, JUNE 16.

Make a donation ($50 suggested amount) to the Sportsman’s Alliance for Alaska’s Bristol Bay Campaign to be entered in the drawing for this fantastic prize package:

UPDATE! Winner will receive their choice of either a moose hunt or grizzly bear hunt.

• 10-day guided moose hunt for 1 hunter in Alaska in the 2009 hunting season with Alaska Wilderness Trips, Inc.
• Kimber Model 84M or 8400 Montana rifle in winner’s choice of caliber
• Leupold VX-II 3-9x40mm scope
• 90% Jacket, Ascent Pant, and base layer system from Sitka Gear and Polartec

Get More Information HERE ...

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

Thursday, June 11, 2009

I’ve been a deer hunter, not a deer shooter from a kid to most of my adult life. And I could bore you for hours on the whys and hows I didn’t get the deer I hunted. Oh I got some, the wine sack doe my daughter called it, the spike and even the small 8 pointer up at hunting camp.

But I never really learned to hunt until my first trip to Africa. In Africa you learn to hunt the wind. You can wear all the camo, spray yourself all you want, but in Africa they don’t use that stuff. They work the wind. They kick the ground to see which way the wind is blowing or they use what I wouldn’t go hunting without now - a small bottle of powdered smoke. They know their areas like we know our hunting spots.  If they have to get somewhere they make big circles and walk a mile or more to avoid scenting any spot that may hold some animals, and approach quietly and slowly into the wind. You just won’t believe what you’ll see this way of hunting.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:56 PM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, June 11, 2009

June 10, 2009 (WASHINGTON D.C.) -The Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation and more than 30 other organizations representing millions of American hunter conservationists sent a letter today to Rep. Nick Rahall, Chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee and to Rep. Doc Hastings, Ranking Member of the Committee, urging them to support H.R. 1454, the Multinational Species Conservation Funds Semipostal Stamp Act.

H.R. 1454, introduced by Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus Member Rep. Henry Brown of South Carolina with 105 co-sponsors, creates a supplemental funding source for the five current Multinational Species Conservation Funds, directly benefiting some of the most cost effective conservation programs administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

"Allowing the U.S. Postal Service to design and sell a semi-postal stamp would prove a convenient way for the public to contribute to funding for the projects supported by the Multinational Species Conservation Funds," said Rep. Brown.

The funds realized from the sale of the stamp would not offset appropriations that already exist for the conservation funds. Instead, they would help supplement these important conservation programs at no-cost to U.S. taxpayers.

"This bill has the potential to raise a significant amount of money for international wildlife conservation by creating an additional funding source, thereby preserving and strengthening these valuable USFWS programs," said CSF President Jeff Crane.

In committee markup Wednesday morning, the committee favorably reported H.R. 1454 to the full House of Representatives.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:55 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

The Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation is fortunate to have a diverse group of partners within the hunting and fishing community, as well as among those allied industries who serve sportsmen and women. Many of these partners have supported us from the beginning and have shared CSF's vision of promoting and protecting hunting, fishing and trapping in the political arena.

We are spotlighting those partners who have been instrumental in working alongside CSF in numerous legislative victories during the past two decades. CSF wants to highlight the organizations that have the vision to continue their support in ensuring another 20 years of success for sportsmen on the political playing field. All those who donate generously to support CSF have our sincere thanks.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 08:10 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

MISSOULA, Mont.—Twelve counties in Colorado are slated for wildlife habitat conservation and public education projects using $205,497 in new grants from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

The 2009 RMEF grants will affect Boulder, Clear Creek, El Paso, Grand, Huerfano, La Plata, Mesa, Park, Rio Blanco, Routt, Saguache and San Miguel counties.

“Our volunteers across Colorado helped drive the 2008 fundraisers that made these grants possible. This is where Elk Foundation banquets, auctions and other events transform into on-the-ground conservation work, and it’s part of the payday for supporters who are passionate about giving something back to the outdoors,” said David Allen, Elk Foundation president and CEO.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 08:05 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - The California Outdoor Heritage Alliance (COHA)took another step forward in their efforts to unite the political voice of California's wildlife conservation interests recently when the Mule Deer Foundation (MDF) President and CEO, Miles Moretti, joined the COHA Board of Directors. Mr. Moretti was officially approved as a member of the COHA Board at the annual "Meeting of the COHA Members" held in late April at the Quail Point Hunt Club in Zamora.

"The Mule Deer Foundation is well aware that the greatest immediate threat to the future of our hunting heritage is from political decisions. We are also aware that the state where our community is at most risk is California. With the rest of the nation always looking to follow California's lead, it is critical that MDF take a stand in this trendsetting state," stated Miles. "I have always believed that by working together for a common purpose, we are more effective than when we work alone. COHA provides the opportunity for MDF and othersthat care about our outdoor and hunting heritage to have a strong voice in the world of California politics." In addition to committing the time of their President and CEO to COHA's management team, MDF has also contributed $25,000 to COHA's annual operations.

In taking a seat on the COHA Board of Directors, Mr. Moretti and MDF have joined ranks with top management representatives of three other leading wildlife conservation organizations who also serve on the Board - including the President of Delta Waterfowl, Rob Olson, National Wild Turkey Federation Board Member and Treasurer, Vince Rosdahl, and California Waterfowl Association Board Members Jim Waters, Yancey Forest-Knowles and Mike Eberhard.

"We are proud to have Mr. Moretti join our Board, and honored to have the Mule Deer Foundation as a member of our growing alliance of wildlife organizations, industry and individuals who care deeply about the future of wildlife conservation and our hunting heritage," stated COHA President, Bill Gaines. "MDF clearly recognizes the significant national impact of political decisions made in California, and we are pleased to have MDF working closely with our Alliance to address these challenges."

The California Outdoor Heritage Alliance is a 501(c) 4 non-profit political advocacy organization dedicated solely to the promotion of wildlife and the protection of our hunting heritage. COHA professional staff is active at the California State Legislature, Congress, State Fish and Game Commission, State and Federal resource agencies and all other political arenas where decisions are made which may impact wildlife management, habitat conservation, wildlife program funding, hunting access and opportunity, and your ability to purchase and possess sporting arms and munitions. COHA currently
represents the political interests of nearly every major wildlife conservation organization active in California - including California Waterfowl, National Wild Turkey Federation, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, California Deer Association, California Houndsmen for Conservation, Mule Deer Foundation, California Bowmen Hunters, Foundation for North American Wild Sheep, numerous hunting clubs and other outdoor interests. COHA was created in early 2006 by the California Waterfowl Association.

For more information on COHA's membership and efforts visit www.outdoorheritage.org.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 07:59 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

To most people, summer is a time to scout for the fall season, find great stand spots, and wait for the fall to arrive.  To my brother and me, the summer is much more than that.  We definitely are out in the woods and getting ready for fall for many hours every week, but we love to find the time to get out on the lake and do some bowfishing!

Most people don't even know what bowfishing is.  It is exactly like it sounds; we shoot fish with our bows!  However, game fish cannot be shot, only rough fish.  We set up our older bows with bowfishing kits and equipment, as bowfishing can be very hard on the bows.  There is special equipment needed for bowfishing, such as fiberglass arrows, a reel, a rest that holds heavy arrows, and some line to tie to your arrow.

Here in Wisconsin, as well as all over the country, rough fish are a huge problem in a lot of areas.  They disrupt fish beds and can deplete a lake of game fish extremely fast.  Rough fish include carp, suckers, gar, bowfin (dogfish), buffalo, and many more that most people don't even know exist!  It is important to keep the populations of all of these fish low so they do not ruin the body of water they are in, and bowfishing is a great way to take care of that!  Plus, smoked carp and suckers are very good to eat!

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 07:25 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Team HunitngLife is proud to announce that our blog is going to be featured on BigKill.com.  BigKill is working to create a social networking site for hunters where information exchange is more fluid and accessible than any other hunting website on the internet. BigKill is about sharing experiences with hunters around the world not about exclusivity and invite only. Its been just over a month and the site has many improvements on the road map.  Here at Bigkill.com it's about the members and what they get out of hunting and BigKill.com!

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 03:22 PM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

We are proud to welcome Terri Lee Pocernich to our Pro Staff Team here at HuntingLife.com.  Her writing is excellent and her energy and dedication to the traditions and passions we have for hunting and conservation are infectious.  We are lucky to have her on our team!  Here is her first story for our site! - Kevin

I have at times run across hunting groups or men that feel women shouldn’t hunt. I was fortunate to have a father that included his daughter in the sport of hunting. I am the oldest “son” of three daughters, (lol), and the 3rd granddaughter to a Grandfather with no grandsons. Both my Dad and Grandpa encouraged me to take up hunting. Some girls were not so fortunate. “Hunting is our time to get away from the wives and kids!” was and still is a common feeling at some hunting camps. Many guys don’t know what they are missing.

I started hunting with our gang at age 10. I would follow my Dad through the woods, trying to walk exactly in his footsteps so I didn’t make a sound. By age 12, I was able to start carrying a rifle, having taken my hunter safety course and learning from my dad for the previous two years. There were 4 first time hunters that started hunting that year. I wasn’t treated any differently than the three boys. I did my fair share of drives through briar patches with vines reaching over my head or the poplar slashes so thick you had to sling your gun, put your hat on backwards and crawl to get through them. I have also harvested my fair share of bucks large and small, gutted my own deer, and processed the meat myself. All of these things have made me a better hunter and given me a greater respect for my Dad and Grandpa, and nature herself

As I started dating out of high school, my favorite date was to go grouse hunting. I have some very fond memories of days in the spent in woods, exploring nature with a young man I was to later marry and have children with. Hunting seasons became a little more challenging after children, but with the help of babysitters (thanks mom!) our 9 day rifle season became our vacation! The kids loved to go to camp and check out what the day had produced. As they grew into young adults and started hunting with us and we cherished that time spent together as a family looking forward to it each year. At one point in time, we had four generations hunting together. Grandpa hunted with us until the age of 89. He quit only after having broke his pelvis in a car accident.

As life brings about changes and I found myself single again, I began to dating my current husband, who is an avid hunter. I had recently taken up bow hunting myself, and our best dates were spent in bow stands or having friendly little hunting competitions. We became hunting partners and best friends! Now we are life partners too. We will raise our little girl to appreciate hunting and nature. If she chooses to become a huntress, we will encourage and teach her together.  Some of my most important relationships, have blossomed because of hunting. Spending countless hours telling hunting stories with and about, Grandpa, Dad, my kids and now my husband. I can’t imagine how different my life would be, if my Dad had said to me, “You can’t go, you’re a girl.” Thanks Dad!

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 00:20 AM | 2 COMMENTS | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Four new World’s Records were officially recognized during the Pope and Young Club’s 26^th Biennial Convention and Awards Banquet in Denver, Colorado, this spring. 

Species:            Polar bear

Species:            Roosevelt’s elk

Species:            Tule elk 

Species:            Desert Bighorn sheep

READ MORE TO SEE ALL OF THE DETAILS ON THESE GREAT HUNTERS!!!!

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:53 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Parsons, Kansas - June 09 -

Quail hunters from the Parsons area have formed the tenth Quail Forever (QF) chapter in Kansas. The new chapter, to be called the Southeast Kansas Chapter of QF, will focus their efforts on restoring quail habitat to reverse the area's declining bobwhite populations. The chapter’s leaders have already scheduled a youth clay shoot event for August and their first fundraising banquet for October 10th.

At the chapter's first meeting in April, the group elected Richard Babcock as president. Babcock explains he already has a habitat success story on which the group can build. "A group of us have been working to improve habitat on the 400 acres owned by my son Mike and me. We've seen the quail coveys on that property triple in just a couple years. We know first-hand it's all about habitat, and we know the quail numbers can be turned around. This chapter cares about bringing those same habitat efforts to all of Labette County and wants every area quail hunter to join our cause."

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

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Washington, D.C. - June 08 -

Quail Forever (QF) and Pheasants Forever (PF) recently honored five U.S. Senators and seven U.S. Representatives with Conservation Leadership Awards for their efforts in furthering wildlife conservation initiatives on a national scale within the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, commonly referred to as the Farm Bill.

"It's important for Pheasants Forever members, Quail Forever members, and hunters, anglers and outdoors people nationwide to know their concerns about conservation, land use, land access and wildlife habitat management are not only being heard, but are being met by some conservation-minded legislators," said Dave Nomsen, PF/QF Vice President of Government Affairs. Nomsen presented the Conservation Leadership Awards in Washington, D.C. along with Howard Vincent, PF/QF President and CEO, and Kim Price from the PF/QF National Board of Directors.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:39 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

On May 21st, 2009 my brother, Josh, and a close friend, Logan, went out turkey hunting in St. Croix county Wisconsin. I was joining the two on the hunt as a cameraman. It was the opening morning of the 6th season and it was looking good. While driving out to the woods we had the radio on and we heard a couple inspiring songs to get our hopes up for the hunt. Two songs that were played included "Don't Stop Believing" by Journey and "Bright sunshiny day" by Jimmy Cliff. There were two others, and I am not joking about this, that were high-spirited songs too. I don't know their titles, but I do know that that is really weird to hear those songs before a hunt at 4:15 in the morning.Our hunt started out really good hearing the turkeys 60 yards behind us. They gobbled all morning and got us really excited. They flew down pretty late in the morning, but also away from us. We were determined to get them so we got up and repositioned. We ended up kicking out three hens from the roost, which was awkward because it was like 6:30 and they usually don't stay in the roost until then. We decided to play it safe and move to a really sweet spot to sit and wait for the rest of the morning.

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

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

On April 30, 2009, my friend and I went out on a spring turkey hunt in St. Croix County, WI.  The season actually started on April 29, but I didn’t go out due to school.  We took the 30th off of school and went to the woods. I called a tom in, which my friend ended up bagging (Before School Bird Article).  The next day, Friday, I took off school all day and went out by myself to see if I could get a tom in range with my bow and videotape too.  I had a bunch of hens roosted in the woods 50-70 yards away from the blind, but the toms I heard were a ways off.

I got a calling battle going with the hens and they ended up flying down and going out into the corn field in front of me.  There were about thirty hens and at the end of the flock was a big old tom.  That tom had so many hens with him he didn’t need my “hen”; I knew how he was thinking.  He showed some interest in my calling and he saw my tom decoy set up in the woods, but he had things to do.  He stayed at 70 yards and didn’t feel the need to come any closer and then finally left.  I went home at 10 am and fell asleep.  I woke up and met up with my brother to go back out to the woods.

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

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

2009 Goose Banding Schedule

Each year the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) bands roughly 2,000 resident Canada geese across Virginia. Geese are captured during their annual molt cycle when they are flightless in late June and early July. This annual banding program is important in the monitoring and management of this resource. Each year, VDGIF try's to incorporate volunteers and educational activities into their banding activities. It is also an excellent opportunity for volunteers to participate in wildlife research, work with wildlife, meet VDGIF staff and other volunteers and learn a little about resident Canada goose biology and management on the way. If you would like to participate or know of any one interested in assisting on any of the dates listed below, please contact Tom Bidrowski at   tom.bidrowski@dgif.virginia.gov    or phone: 804-829-6698.

• June 22 & 23    –Northern Neck & Middle Peninsula
• June 29 -       -Chesterfield, Eastern Henrico Counties
• June 30 -       -Caroline, Spotsylvania, Stafford Counties    
• July 6 & 7      - Amherst, Bedford, Botetourt, Franklin, Nelson, Patrick, Roanoke Counties

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:47 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Each spring I find myself searching for new equipment that will aid me in my upcoming fall hunts. This spring I found the “Bow Sling” by Primos. Being an avid bow hunter, I was especially drawn to the sling, as I was tired of carrying bow in hand for countless hours through the field.

Primos made an extremely easy an effective product; you simply slide the molded cups around your cams, then snap 3 buttons to secure the sling over your bows strings and cables. This in return protects the most valuable parts of your bow. The sling allotted me ease in transportation and especially paid off during spot and stock situations; where I found myself much more mobile.

If you’re tired of carrying your bow in hand like myself and looking for a SAFE and SECURE method to transport it; the Primos Bow Sling is a great option! I know as a hunter and guide that I’m very excited to have the Bow Sling in my arsenal of hunting gear this year!

Key Features:

•    Fits bows 30-40 inches

•    3 snaps for security and added protection

•    Molded cups to protect cams

•    Fits all parallel limb bows

www.primos.com

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 01:52 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Passing on the memories and adventures of the outdoors and hunting is a family tradition.  I remember when my dad shared this with me.  I was nine years old and very excited to go out with my dad deer hunting and learn about the outdoors.  It started with my dad getting me out of school at 2:00 pm so we would have time to get ready and not have to rush to get to our spot.  When we arrived and found a place to sit, I started to ask questions and dad told me about hunting and showed me how to use the deer calls.

We sat there for awhile; dad had to keep getting after me because I didn’t get the concept of sitting still and staying quiet.  As my dad tried to keep me still and quiet he looked up into the field and saw a deer standing with its head down eating.  He looked at me and told me there was a deer and showed me where it was. I sat still and quiet and watched the deer, when the deer raised its head we both got excited it was an 8pt buck.  My dad told me to cover my ears and sit still because he was going to shoot it. I sat staring at the deer and my dad waiting to see what was going to happen.  My dad fired his gun and told me to stay there, he ran to where the deer was standing to look for a sign of blood or hair to tell if he made a good shot. 

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 00:54 AM | 2 COMMENTS | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Don sent me these great game cam pictures this week and it reminds me that the Fall Season is less then 120 days away!

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 00:29 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, June 8, 2009

Sometimes things never seem to go right but perseverance usually pays off, and that was the case for our 2009 spring bear hunt.   

Jim Signorino booked a spring bear hunt with us way back in 07 after seeing us featured on the Babe Winkelmann Outdoors show. He and his brother John and nephew John were to hunt last spring but Murphy’s Law had intervened sending us a late snowy spring. I was forced to cancel their hunts as we could not get enough bear baits active before our season would close.

Things were not looking so great this year either as I started baiting with snowmobiles in what looked like the dead of winter. Our season was April 15th to May 15th (next year it will be extended to May 31st). We scheduled our hunters to arrive May 9th and to hunt the last 5 days of the season. The Signorino’s would be joined with brothers Rich and John Hlaudy for this hunt.

So, as Murphy would have it, I struggled against weather the entire first 3 weeks of baiting. First in the snow and then the monsoons hit and it rained and rained, sometimes adding snow at higher elevations. I struggled in the rain, snow, and mud running my baits by horseback in the rugged but beautiful mountains. Once a bear hits bait it requires continuous effort to keep the baits active and keep the bears coming.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:35 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, June 8, 2009

On March 15-18, I spent my days hanging out and chillin with the MacCarty's. Dr. Bill MacCarty and his son, Paul, invited me to go Wild Boar hunting with them at Bostick Plantation in South Carolina.   

Dr. MacCarty told me to come down Saturday night and eat dinner with them, also to spend the night and  to get an early start on the 5 1/2 to 6 hr. drive to S.C. We went to a friends house that night and had a cook out. They had all kinds of food, twice cooked potatoes, scallops, oysters, Quail, a type of spinach salad, and all topped off with an Vanilla ice cream covered in home-made caramel sauce! We all ate and i made sure that i had tried everything on the menu because it all sounded so good!
   

After eating, we all stood around the outdoor chimney and talked about hunting, football, and other topics. We realized it was getting late and that we all needed some sleep for tomorrow, so we said our good-bye's and left. When we got to the house, we talked about how good the food was and also on what we were going to do the next day.  It was about 10:00p.m, so we all said goodnight and retreated to our rooms.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 09:16 PM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, June 8, 2009

CRAIG, CO- Dick Dodds, owner of Elkhorn Outfitters, and Jim Zumbo, television host of Jim Zumbo Outdoors on the Outdoor Channel are reaching out to military families and are challenging youngsters to write a story and win a guided pronghorn antelope, mule deer or bull elk hunt this season. In 1000 words or less, entrants must answer “What hunting means to me and my family.”  Each candidate should also describe his/her hunting experiences (if any) and are invited to include their parents’ military service and what it means to them. Photos are accepted to accompany essay, but not required.

Youth 12 to 17 years old are invited to submit their essay.  Participants must have a parent currently deployed on active duty, wounded in combat or honorably discharged in any branch of the United States armed forces. They must have completed a hunter education course and be available to hunt during the 2009 season.

Many military children have become victims and face their own battle here at home dealing with the absence of a parent, an injured parent or the loss of their loved one. They face grief, loneliness and the burden of carrying on with life's responsibilities.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:38 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Friday, June 5, 2009

2010 will mark a milestone in my exhibition shooting career.  It will mark exactly 25 years on stage.  It doesn't seem like that much time has gone by.   It seems like yesterday the late Rev. Stacy Groscup was tossing a PEPSI can into mid air and challenging me to hit it.  I hit the can and that very day he put me in front of an audience shooting at targets.  I've always been very proud to be considered his protege'.  Rev. Groscup was the 49th inductee into the Archery Hall of Fame and a close family friend.  I grew up admiring him and his ability to shoot a bow.  I even tossed targets for him at some shows as a teenager.

I started out with a wooden Bear recurve doing my early shows and then joined Hoyt/Easton's advisory staff in 1986.  I later moved up to the Gold Staff, and it was about that time I met a bowhunter named Chuck Adams and began a friendship that has endured since those early days.  Over the years I have kept every single bow I've used on stage.  In that amount of time I've went through some bows!  I have all of them and most are displayed in order at my parent's retail archery shop.  There's an old Bear Kodiak, which was the first recurve I used on stage.  Fred Bear sent me an identical one that's a special blonde colored wood that he hand signed.  He was tickled that a kid could shoot aspirins from mid air with one of his bows.  I never did tell Fred I didn't have the nerve to string it.  As a matter of fact it's laying 12" from my hands as I type these words.  I keep it on my desk as a reminder of my old friend.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 08:00 AM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, June 4, 2009

WASHINGTON - A decision today by the Obama administration to issue a "timeout" on development of inventoried roadless areas was lauded by prominent outdoor-oriented groups that support responsible backcountry management and the exceptional sporting and recreational opportunities provided by these public lands. The Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership , Outdoor Alliance , Outdoor Industry Association and Izaak Walton League of America support the move by U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to issue a directive requiring high-level review of proposed backcountry development until permanent rules for these areas' management can be resolved.

"We're pleased that the administration has elected to undertake this action and affirm its support of responsible management of inventoried roadless areas," said Joel Webster, TRCP associate director of campaigns, "and we look forward to working with Secretary Vilsack and the Department of Agriculture in ensuring that America's outdoor traditions, including hunting and angling, are sustained by conserving these important backcountry public lands."

Today's memorandum from the Agriculture Department establishes the secretary's "decision-making authority over the construction and reconstruction of roads and the cutting, sale or removal of timber in inventoried roadless areas on certain lands administered by the Forest Service."

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

Thursday, June 4, 2009

Please check out the Barnes Bullet June 2009 Newsletter.

June 2009 Barnes Bullet Newsletter

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

Thursday, June 4, 2009

TUCSON, ARIZONA - Safari Club International Foundation (SCIF) and Mossy Oak are teaming up to help hunters and conservation, including funding of white-tailed deer research at the University of Georgia. Mossy Oak is also the newest SCI Corporate Sponsor, supporting SCI's mission to protect the freedom to hunt and to promote conservation.

Mossy Oak and the SCI Foundation signed an agreement this week to jointly fund a conservation research project at the world renowned College of Veterinary Medicine's Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study (SCWDS) at the University of Georgia. The project will investigate reasons for expansion of epizootic hemorrhagic disease viruses (EHDV) and bluetongue viruses (BTV), better define the impacts of these viruses on deer populations, and then develop recommendations to control and curtail spread of the diseases if possible.

"We are seeing new BTV and EHDVs affecting deer in the United States and in recent years have experienced some major mortality events in wild deer populations. At present, we do not know why these events are occurring and do not fully understand their potential impacts on deer management," said SCWDS scientist Dr. David Stallknecht, who has been studying hemorrhagic disease of deer since the 1980s.

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

Thursday, June 4, 2009

Kingman, Ariz. - The deadline for the draw to participate in the Arizona Game and Fish Department's popular Bighorn Sheep Workshops is quickly approaching.

The deadline for the draw is June 22.

These workshops offer wildlife enthusiasts an opportunity to learn about the sure-footed desert bighorn sheep and view them in their native habitat. The two-day workshops will be held July 31-Aug. 1 and Aug. 7-8.

The workshops are open to any member of the public 14-years-old and up. Nobody under 14 will be registered. Space, however, is limited to 40 people per session. Preference will be given to those who have not attended the workshop in the last two years.

The first day of each workshop involves mandatory classroom education from 6-8 p.m. at the Kingman Game and Fish office, followed the next day by a field trip on the Colorado River from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The sheep-viewing boat trip will depart from Willow Beach.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 02:56 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, June 4, 2009

PHOENIX - Time is running out for hunters wanting to apply for a fall hunt permit-tag for the 2009-10 hunting season. Applications for deer (including some archery-only), fall turkey, juniors-only javelina, bighorn sheep, buffalo, and pheasant are due to the Arizona Game and Fish Department on or before Tuesday, June 9 by 7 p.m. MST (postmarks do not count).

There is no online application process available - it is a manual paper-permit process only. Applications may be submitted by mail or hand delivered to any department office. For a list of office locations, visit www.azgfd.gov/offices.

Both the 2009-10 Arizona Hunting and Trapping Regulations and the Hunt Permit-tag/License Application form are available at more than 300 license dealers throughout the state and have all the details needed to apply. Electronic copies of the regulations and application are also available at the department's Web site at www.azgfd.gov/draw.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 02:53 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, June 4, 2009

MISSOULA, Mont.-Vineyards ain't elk habitat, but one conservationist can make them both a whole lot better.

Immediate past chairman of the board for the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, California winegrape farmer and vinter Andrew Hoxsey has been named the 2009 Napa Grower of the Year by the Napa Valley Grapegrowers.

The award recognizes leadership in sustainable farming techniques and land stewardship.

Napa County Agricultural Commissioner Dave Whitmer described Hoxsey as "simply a great farmer. He brings an innovative approach to his business and has always placed a high priority on farming with environmental stewardship and with his neighbors in mind."

David Allen, Elk Foundation president and CEO, said, "Andrew took care of business at the Elk Foundation in exactly the same way. As our lead volunteer for the past two years, he presided over conservation efforts that helped enhance or protect over 600,000 acres of habitat for elk and other wildlife."

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 01:54 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, June 4, 2009

Washington, D.C. – Safari Club International Foundation is pleased to announce Terry Erwin is the recipient of SCI’s 2009 Educator of the Year award.
 
Mr. Erwin spent 24 years in the medical profession before joining the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's hunter education staff.  He had previously served as a volunteer when the state mandated the program.
 
A seasoned educator, Erwin has served on numerous committees of the International Hunter Education Association (IHEA), and is the immediate Past President and current chair of the Awards and Nominations Committee of IHEA.  He also helped develop the first hunter Home Study program including a video and workbook sponsored by Outdoor Life, the first on-line hunter education program in Texas and the current IHEA on-line course.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 01:51 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Many of you know that Taylor Rather and I were off to Manitoba to film our pilot episode for HuntingLife Adventures with Sandy River Outfitters.  Taylor and I had the hunt of a lifetime and the stories will be up and posted on the site by the end of the week.

We thought we would share a couple of the pictures from our hunt to tease you all a bit.

Looking at these pictures there should be no question as to whether we will be returning to hunt with Sandy River Outfitters for 2010.  I will be there for two weeks in 2010 to film our readers and our team on some great black bear hunts.  If you are interested in joining our team on this hunt, drop me an email at kevin@huntinglife.com.

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

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

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

During the past year, wildlife agencies with support from the NWTF have relocated 1,958 wild turkeys to suitable habitat in 14 states and one Canadian province. A total of 69 Gould's, 393 Merriam's, 1,355 Rio Grandes and 141 Eastern wild turkeys were released.

"Achieving success through the Making Tracks program has been a huge collaborative effort," said Robert Abernethy, NWTF's assistant vice president of agency and outreach programs. "But the state agencies and our NWTF volunteers are getting results, and we're not stopping here. We will keep working so that more people will have opportunities to see and hear these beautiful birds in the wild."

Making Tracks is a cooperative program between the NWTF and state, federal and provincial wildlife agencies to restore wild turkeys to all suitable habitat across North America. Since the 1950s, more than 195,000 wild turkeys have been moved into appropriate habitat.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:57 PM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Washington, D.C. – Safari Club International is pleased to announce South Carolina State Representative Mike Pitts as the 2009 State Legislator of the Year.
 
Representative Pitts has been a leader in the sportsmen’s community since taking office. As founding Chair of the South Carolina Sportsmen’s Caucus, Representative Pitts works hard to introduce non-hunting/fishing legislators to the outdoors, teach kids to hunt & fish, and to protect and preserve our outdoor heritage and traditions.
 
Representative Pitts was elected by his peers from across the country to serve as the President of the National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses Executive Council. As the Board’s President, he will help craft pro-hunting and fishing model legislation that will be introduced in the 37 states that now have a Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:04 PM | 2 COMMENTS | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

ISLAND PARK - In the late spring of 2009, the Idaho Department of Fish & Game (IDFG) plans to initiate a 2-year project designed to investigate the timing, duration, and direction of seasonal migrations for elk summering in Unit 61.

According to Regional Wildlife Biologist Shane Roberts, "This work will differ from previous research efforts in the Island Park Zone because we will capture and radio-collar newborn elk calves on summer range, monitor their survival, investigate the cause of mortalities, and monitor their seasonal movements throughout the year." By conducting this type of project, the department hopes to determine what portion of the elk population in Unit 61 ultimately winters in Montana and what portion is available for harvest by Idaho sportsmen.

During 2009-2010, the research will focus on elk summering around Henry's Lake in the eastern portion of Unit 61, while elk summering in the western portion of Unit 61 will be the focus during 2010-2011.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:00 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

DENVER, Colorado - Ducks Unlimited ushered in a new era at its Annual Convention in Denver this week as delegates elected longtime volunteer, John R. Pope, of Jacksonville, Florida, as its 40th President. Pope will follow in the footsteps of Bruce Lewis, who is now the Chairman of the Board.

"It is a great honor and it is with a great sense of awe that I stand here this morning as your president," said Pope. "I am deeply humbled and promise to lead Ducks Unlimited in the proud traditions of its history and the many men who held this distinction as well."

As president, Pope said he plans to continue DU's progress with its continental campaign, Wetlands for Tomorrow, while bolstering efforts to "Rescue the Duck Factory," by conserving waterfowl breeding habitat on the prairies. In his acceptance speech, Pope called on DU volunteers to rally around the cause, hearkening back to DU's founding during the Great Depression.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 09:57 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

MISSOULA, Mont.—An award honoring the science-based conservation legacy of Olaus J. Murie, the late biologist remembered as the father of modern elk management, has been presented by the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation to Dr. John G. Cook of La Grande, Ore.

Cook is a research biologist with the National Council for Air and Stream Improvement, an independent nonprofit research institute that focuses on environmental topics of interest to the forest products industry. He is stationed at the U.S. Forest Service’s Pacific Northwest Forestry and Range Sciences Laboratory.

Much of Cook’s career has concentrated on elk.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 08:34 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST