Friday, October 31, 2008

MISSOULA, Mont.—Hunting season is well underway. You finally tag an elk or deer but now the local butcher is swamped, forcing you into a crash course in processing your own meat. Fear not, says the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, which offers the following tips and diagram to guide you.

“Many hunters don’t venture into butchering until they’re forced, either by economics or necessity,” said P.J. DelHomme, hunting editor of “Bugle,” the Elk Foundation’s member magazine, “but once they try it, it often becomes an enjoyable extension of the hunt. Converting a game animal into food is another way to connect with land and habitat and wild places.”

READ MORE FOR ALL 10 Tips

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

Friday, October 31, 2008

South Dakota Wild Turkey Strategic Plan Synopsis Click image to download the plan

The plan, known as the North American Wild Turkey Management Plan (NAWTMP), helps ensure that wild turkey populations and habitats are managed in a way that benefits a broad spectrum of wildlife, not just the wild turkey.

In addition to specific habitat goals for South Dakota such as planting more than 30,000 shrubs in riparian (river-based) areas and establishing winter food sources for turkeys and other wildlife, the plan outlines other state goals for research, education, outreach and hunter access. The NWTF's proactive, multi-tiered approach is already producing tangible benefits for outdoor enthusiasts in South Dakota.

Recently, the NWTF's South Dakota Chapter joined the SDGFP and other partners in helping to purchase land for two public hunting areas - the new Lee Hofer Waterfowl Production Area near Humboldt, S.D., and the expanded Ryan Game Production Area near Elk Point, S.D.

"The South Dakota Chapter of the NWTF is pleased to help purchase these lands and make them available to the public for their enjoyment," said Dean Schueler, NWTF South Dakota State Chapter president.

Jared McJunkin, NWTF's South Dakota regional biologist, added that these recent land purchases are two perfect examples of how the NAWTMP meshes with the NWTF's More Places To Hunt initiative.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 01:43 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

"In what can only be termed as a phenomenal effort with superb results for the recovery of wild quail, we are extremely proud to have the West Central Chapter and Quail Unlimited as an organization as a significant part of the quail habitat recovery in Missouri," proclaimed Rocky Evans, President of QU. The Northern Bobwhite Conservation Initiative (NBCI), the strategy plan for quail recovery in the U.S., set restoration goals to bring the bobwhite back to 1980 levels and created a habitat goal of 13,420 acres of quail friendly habitat in Cass County. Since 2002, landowners in Cass County have created 15,324 acres, exceeding the target set for them.

"As we stopped to open a gate in the middle of several demonstration farms in the focus area in mid-June, we heard quail everywhere; two in the edge feathering from last year, two in the chop and drop on the waterway from a month ago, three in the buffer along the crop field, two in a renovated hedgerow along the buffer, two whistling across the road in a newly established buffer and, finally, about four whistling in a couple of downed tree structures which had been placed in the middle of the renovated native grass field. All of this happened in about 10 minutes on a single day which proves habitat management works," excitedly stated Nick Prough, Regional Director of QU and an active participant in the hands-on work performed. QU, through its dedicated chapter members coast to coast, is leading the charge to restore the natural habitat of wild quail by working with private landowners, as well as state and federal agencies across the country with unprecedented partnerships. By putting on local events and fund-raisers, QU chapters raise conservation dollars that are then used for on-the-ground projects in their area.

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

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

WASHINGTON - As part of its celebration of Theodore Roosevelt's 150th birthday, the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership today launched www.TR150.org , a web site intended to give visitors a daily dose of conservation inspiration.

For the next 150 days, the site will include two new daily features. "This Day in Conservation History" will highlight significant events that make up our unique American conservation heritage. "T.R.ivia," the second daily feature, will celebrate the lesser-known aspects of the life of a man who did more to expand our conservation heritage than any other.

"Theodore Roosevelt's contribution to each and every American is a birthright of public lands unmatched anywhere else in this world," said TRCP Communications Manager Britta Blodgett. "This site, www.TR150.org , will shine light on his life and legacy in a way that's never been done before."

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

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

LaFayette, Georgia - Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Commissioner Noel Holcomb and Georgia Land Conservation Program (GLCP) Director Curt Soper joined conservation leaders and Walker County representatives today at a press conference to announce the collaborative acquisition of 1,839 acres of the McLemore Cove tract in Walker County. This property creates a corridor for wildlife and recreation by linking two state-owned tracts, Zahnd Natural Area (NA) and Crockford-Pigeon Mountain Wildlife Management Area (WMA).

"As one of the southeast's most picturesque mountain valleys, the acquisition of McLemore Cove provides a unique opportunity to connect the several state-owned properties," said DNR Commissioner Holcomb. "The opportunity to protect this ecologically rich area is possible because of the generous partners who have joined with us in recognizing this valuable natural resource which will further our efforts to implement the State Wildlife Action Plan."

DNR and the GLCP are partnering with Walker County to purchase a total of 1,839 acres, of which the state is acquiring 1,544 acres and Walker County is acquiring 295 acres. DNR and the county plan to develop a management plan for all the acreage so that the land is managed as one unit for the public.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:59 PM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

REMER, Minnesota - Minnesota's Big Rice Lake was the backdrop recently for an event to honor a big-time conservationist. Ducks Unlimited volunteers and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources gathered to honor the contributions of Georgia DU supporter Tommy L. Williams III with a permanent bronze plaque unveiled next to this magnificent lake. Friends and family of Williams also were on hand to celebrate the event.

"Ducks Unlimited owes a debt of gratitude to the numerous and remarkable contributions Tommy has made to wetlands, waterfowl and future generations of waterfowl hunters," said Don Young, Ducks Unlimited executive vice president. "His enthusiasm for ring-necked ducks in particular made the Living Lakes Initiative and Big Rice Lake a natural location to recognize a lifetime of giving back to the resource."

Williams was the recipient of the 2008 Chip Allen Conservationist of the Year award, which is presented annually to a Georgian with a history of working for wildlife and their habitats. Funds from this year's awards event were dedicated to DU's wild rice lakes work in Minnesota. DU works in partnership with Minnesota Department of Natural Resources on wild rice lakes, which are a favorite habitat for ring-necked ducks and many other species of waterfowl and wildlife.

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

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Hafer teaches students of all ages about the importance of wildlife conservation, including these third graders from Wilson Elementary School in Zanesville, Ohio.

EDGEFIELD, S.C.— Nicole Hafer from Zanesville, Ohio, has been named the National Wild Turkey Federation's 2008 Conservation Educator of the Year. Hafer is the Muskingum Soil and Water Conservation District's Education Specialist.

Hafer teaches outdoor education to local youth from grades K-12 as well as teaching a nature interpretation course at Zane State College, a requirement for its Park, Recreation and Wildlife Association degree program. Hafer's entire career has been dedicated to helping her students gain a better understanding and appreciation of the natural world around them.

Hafer makes learning fun for her students by making wild turkey calls, planting trees and butterfly gardens and constructing bluebird trails. She also likes to incorporate games into her lesson plans to keep her students' interest.

"It's really thrilling to see my students get excited about nature," Hafer said. "I teach a diverse range of students, but it is especially rewarding for me to see children from urban areas become amazed at seeing something in nature for the first time that many of us might take for granted. Giving our youth the opportunity to experience the outdoors is something that NWTF staff, volunteers and I are all passionate about— that's why I'm so proud to receive this award."

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:51 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Diverse Conservation Partners Create New State Wildlife Management Area

Minneapolis, Minn. - October 27, 2008 - The Nature Conservancy and Pheasants Forever announced today a collaborative effort to conserve a 309-acre grassland in Central Minnesota for the benefit of wildlife and Minnesotans. The Conservancy has reached an agreement with the landowner to purchase the property, which will be transferred to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to establish a new state wildlife management area.

In addition to Pheasants Forever, the Conservancy is working with the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association (MDHA) and the Paynesville Sportsman's Club to conserve the Kandiyohi County site. These groups have contributed almost $60,000 to help purchase the land, which features wetlands, high-quality grasslands and woods. The property is adjacent to the Conservancy's Regal Meadow Preserve and near the DNR's Stearns Prairie Heritage Wildlife Management Area.

"This is a pretty nice prairie that we'll be able to fully restore to native vegetation," said John Maile, who oversees the Conservancy's work in the surrounding area from its office in Paynesville.

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

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Ortonville, Minn. - October 23, 2008 - Pheasants Forever (PF) announces Travis Issendorf is the organization's new Farm Bill Biologist in Big Stone County, Minnesota. Issendorf comes to PF after two years as a wildlife technician for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. The position was created through partnership funding from the Farm Bill Assistance Partnership, the Big Stone Soil and Water Conservation District and the Big Stone County Chapter of PF. Issendorf will work out of the Big Stone County USDA Service Center in Ortonville, Minnesota.

The Farm Bill Biologist program is designed to educate farmers and landowners about the benefits of conservation programs, as well as assist those farmers and landowners after programs have been implemented. Pheasants Forever first began employing Farm Bill Biologists in 2005, and now has 36 Farm Bill Biologists working in seven states - Ohio, South Dakota, Nebraska, Minnesota, Missouri, Wisconsin and North Dakota. Last year, Farm Bill Biologists contacted and consulted 5,400 landowners, resulting in the improvement of 310,000 acres of land for wildlife.

"This position's primary purpose is to work with landowners to assist them in understanding conservation options, and accelerate enrollment into the Conservation Reserve Program and other Farm Bill conservation provisions that work with farm operations," said Jim Inglis, PF Farm Bill Biologist Coordinator, "Issendorf possesses knowledge of federal, state, and local programs that will assist landowners in finding the right program and funding to meet their personal habitat and land use goals."

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

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Columbus, Ohio - October 23, 2008 - Pheasants Forever (PF) and Quail Forever (QF) strongly endorse voting yes to renew the Clean Ohio Fund this November 4th. The Clean Ohio Fund restores, protects, and connects Ohio's important natural and urban places by preserving green space and farmland, improving outdoor recreation, and by cleaning up brownfields to encourage redevelopment and revitalize communities.

The citizens of Ohio voted to approve the Clean Ohio Fund with a $400 million bond program in 2000. The Fund consists of four competitive statewide programs: The Clean Ohio Revitalization Fund, the Clean Ohio Agricultural Easement Purchase Program, the Clean Ohio Green Space Conservation Program, and the Clean Ohio Trails Fund.

In April 2008, Governor Strickland, Lt. Governor Fisher, Ohio Senate President Harris, and Ohio House Speaker Husted announced a $1.57 billion jobs stimulus package that aims to create new jobs while laying the foundation for future economic prosperity. Recognizing the importance of Clean Ohio as critical to that effort, the legislature placed a $400 million renewal of the Clean Ohio Fund as Issue 2 on the November 2008 ballot.

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

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

PENNSYLVANIA — Thirty-three years ago, a few dedicated turkey hunters gathered at State College, Pa., and formed the Keystone State's first chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation to promote wild turkey hunting and management.

Now the state chapter is being honored by Field and Stream magazine with a prestigious "Heroes of Conservation Award" in the November 2008 issue.

There was a time that there weren't turkeys in Pennsylvania," Jon Pries, NWTF's Pennsylvania State Chapter president told Field and Stream. "We don't have that problem anymore." 

At the time the chapter was formed, wild turkey restoration efforts in Pennsylvania consisted primarily of releasing farm-raised birds into the wild. 

"However, these birds lacked the survival instincts of wild birds and very few survived," said Pries. "Then we got smart and started working with the trap-and-transfer method to restore the birds. The state's population has come a long way since the chapter was formed in 1975." 

READ MORE

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 03:52 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

EDGEFIELD, S.C. — The National Wild Turkey Federation has named Donna Leggett its vice president of development.

A native of St. Simons Island, Ga., Leggett joined the NWTF staff in 1998 after a career in fundraising in Washington, D.C. In her time with the Federation, she has worked to secure funding for many NWTF programs and projects from a diverse array of generous sources, including foundations, federal and state agencies, and individuals.

As vice president of development, one of Leggett's new projects is to help create the NWTF Foundation, which will help provide permanent funding for many NWTF programs and projects.

"I really enjoy helping people have a voice in the future of conservation," said Leggett. "It's rewarding for me to find that perfect match between a donor's interests and the goals of wildlife conservation to create a win-win situation."

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 12:25 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

OKLAHOMA - The National Wild Turkey Federation's Oklahoma chapters have budgeted $138,950 from the state Hunting Heritage Super Fund to invest in outreach, education, conservation, increased public land access and more within Oklahoma in 2009.

The NWTF Super Fund is administered jointly by the NWTF, its state and provincial chapters and wildlife agencies, and supports conservation and education programs. Since 1985, National Wild Turkey Federation chapters in Oklahoma have raised and spent more than $835,000 on wildlife habitat enhancements, land purchases, education, outreach and more within the state. NWTF chapters and cooperating partners across North America have raised and spent more than $279 million upholding hunting traditions and conserving more than 13.9 million acres of wildlife habitat since 1985.

"The Oklahoma State Chapter is dedicated to improving land access and wildlife habitat, and is backing up their commitment with the funds to make needed changes," said James Earl Kennamer, Ph.D., NWTF's senior vice president of conservation programs. "By directing Super Fund dollars to land access and wildlife habitat improvements, and strengthening outreach and education programs, the Oklahoma State Chapter is helping enhance habitat for all kinds of wildlife while contributing to a better outdoor experience."

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 12:00 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

WASHINGTON - Citing threats to mule deer, pronghorn and sage grouse habitat, as well as the federal government's failure to consider recent scientific studies in their management, the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership announced its formal protest of the Bureau of Land Management's November 4 energy lease sale in Montana. The TRCP protest encompasses four parcels totaling approximately 5,200 acres in Beaverhead County, in a region widely regarded as a preeminent hunting and fishing destination where poorly managed energy development could have grievous repercussions.

Areas of habitat near or adjacent to critical big-game migration corridors in the Beaverhead National Forest are included in the sportsmen's protest. According to research by state fish and wildlife agencies, the U.S. Forest Service and academic institutions, energy projects and attendant development in the vicinity of migration corridors can lead to population declines in species such as mule deer.

To date, the BLM has neglected to apply stipulations to the protested parcels addressing migration needs. Once public lands are leased to the energy industry, a contractual obligation exists for the areas' development. Specifications for development must be defined before leases are issued if the public is to ensure that fish and wildlife resources are responsibly managed.

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

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

MISSOULA, Mont.-America's oldest and most prestigious North American conservation organization, the Boone and Crockett Club, which was founded in 1887 by Theodore Roosevelt, will be recognized during the January 8th Saturday Night Gala of the Dallas Safari Club 2009 convention as the recipient of the Peter Hathaway Capstick Hunting Heritage Award (PHCHHA).

Named after the well-known American author, whose defense of the international big-game hunting community and the role of hunting in the conservation of wildlife and its habitat made him a household name.

The Award's criteria include active involvement in education, hunting, conservation organizations, humanitarian causes, research, permanent endowments, and charitable giving. The intent of the PHCHHA is summed up in the PHCHHA Committees' words:

"The objective of this award is to bring honor and recognition to an individual, organization or group whose achievements reveal a sustained and significant contribution to the conservation of wildlife and its habitat. Additionally, the winner will have shown long-term commitment to our hunting heritage by pursuing that goal for the benefit of future generations."

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:31 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Sunday, October 26, 2008

    Just the other day I stepped outside and realized it has started to get colder and the leaves are starting to change.  I know that deer season is coming.  I have started practicing with my muzzlerloader and sighting in my Tikka .308 getting a bulls eye everytime!!!

    I went with my Dad down to my Grandma’s and we hung the trail camera.  We  checked it later that week and knew by the pictures that we had some nice trophy bucks on the property.  We also got a very funny picture of a doe eating an apple. I have  numerous pictures of a doe and her two fawns.

    My Dad and I have gone scouting on the property and have found several scrapes.  While scouting on the 4-wheeler, we saw a lot of tracks and worn down paths.  We knew that this was going to be a good place to hunt.  We got on the 4 wheeler and headed back up to grandma’s house and on the way there, we saw a spike.  We stopped and watched him run away.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 09:37 PM | 6 COMMENTS | LINKS TO THIS POST

Sunday, October 26, 2008

For more than 30 years the Wild Sheep Foundation has been engaged in federal land policy issues that promote restoration of wild sheep and to their native habitats. 

The most important piece of policy that could ensure the future existence of wild sheep on federally managed lands is being considered in Idaho. The U.S. Forest Service, through the Payette National Forest Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (DSEIS), is considering reducing domestic sheep grazing in wild sheep habitats – to further enhance the recovery of wild sheep.
 
However, new policy will not be decided until the public comment period has ended, which is set for December 26, 2008.
 
It is extremely important that you let the Payette National Forest know about your support for bighorn sheep. Your comments are needed – this is your chance to help “Put & Keep Wild Sheep on the Mountain!”
 
In 2004 several groups, including the Nez Perce Tribe, appealed the Payette Forest Plan because they felt the Payette National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan did not provide enough protection for bighorn sheep.  The Chief of the Forest Service, in his decision on the appeal agreed and said that the viability of the bighorn sheep across the entire forest were threatened by continued domestic sheep grazing in occupied bighorn sheep habitat.  Because of this appeal the Forest Service has developed a draft SEIS, their plan on how to add more protection for bighorn sheep.  WSF has worked closely with the Nez Perce Tribe, The Wilderness Society, Idaho Conservation League and the Hells Canyon Preservation Council to develop and promote concepts to include in the Forest Service management to protect bighorn sheep.

READ MORE>>>>

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

Friday, October 24, 2008

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 05:07 PM | 5 COMMENTS | LINKS TO THIS POST

Friday, October 24, 2008

Remember when you are activating your SPOT Messenger to use the HUNTINGLIFE23 promotional code to get a free year of tracking!

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

Friday, October 24, 2008

PENNSYLVANIA - Thirty-three years ago, a few dedicated turkey hunters gathered at State College, Pennsylvania, and formed the Keystone State's first chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation to promote wild turkey hunting and management.

Now the state chapter is being honored by Field and Stream magazine with a prestigious "Heroes of Conservation Award" in the November 2008 issue.

Since 1985 more than $4.6 million has been raised and spent by NWTF's Pennsylvania chapters on projects within the state, including more than $2.3 million improving wildlife habitat and more than $306,000 helping purchase 25,094 acres of land and conservation easements to preserve wildlife habitat and provide additional hunting areas.

"There was a time that there weren't turkeys in Pennsylvania," Jon Pries, NWTF's Pennsylvania State Chapter president told Field and Stream. "We don't have that problem anymore."

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 00:55 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Friday, October 24, 2008

Kyle Simmons 240 class Monster Iowa Whitetail, This buck was killed in Jackson County, Iowa and is a 240" 28 point whitetail.  I do not have the details as this picture came in off the old viral email world and it looks to be an absolute bruiser!!!  Great Job Kyle, that is truly the buck of a lifetime!

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 00:51 AM | 10 COMMENTS | LINKS TO THIS POST

Friday, October 24, 2008

MISSOULA, Mont.-Emphasizing habitat protection and enhancement, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation has announced its 2008 grants for conservation projects in South Dakota.

Nine grants totaling $43,865 are being awarded.

Grants will affect Beadle, Custer, Fall River, Lawrence, Meade and Pennington counties. Two additional projects have statewide interest.

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

The new Elk Foundation grants will help fund the following South Dakota conservation projects, listed by county:

READ MORE>>>>>

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 00:37 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Friday, October 24, 2008

MISSOULA, Montana-The Boone and Crockett Club is celebrating the October 25 dedication of the new Theodore Roosevelt National Wildlife Refuge near Rolling Fork, Mississippi. The 6,600-acre refuge named for the Club's iconic founder is the birthplace of fair-chase hunting ethics-and the Teddy bear.

Boone and Crockett Club regular member and Wildlife Mississippi executive director James L. Cummins of Stoneville, Mississippi, was instrumental in working with Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Congressman Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.) in crafting legislation to create the refuge.

Lowell E. Baier, president of the Club, said, "The brightest legacy of the Boone and Crockett Club is the ongoing conservation leadership of its members. We're proud of James and his crucial work to protect a piece of hallowed ground in America's sporting history."

In 1902, Roosevelt traveled to Mississippi to settle a border dispute between Mississippi and Louisiana. While there, he hunted bears in the Mississippi Delta in the same location that would later become Theodore Roosevelt National Wildlife Refuge.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 00:34 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

My name is Taylor Lauren Rather. I am 14 years old.  I’m an honor roll student at Halifax County Senior High school in Halifax, VA.  I like to spend  time with my friends and family. My brothers name is Joshua, he is 18 years old and I like to hunt and fish with him.  We like to go ride 4-wheelers in the mud  with our friends, fish, hunt, camp and I like to spend  time with my pets  which include 2 dogs, 6 bunnies, 10 cats and 1 fish.  I love animals and the outdoors. I also have a passion for drawing, photography and videotaping my adventures.

At the age of 11, I shot my first turkey.  It weighted 21 ½ lbs.  with spurs measuring 1 and 2/16 inches each.  The beard  was 10 inches long.  I used a Remington 870, 20-gauge shotgun.  This was also my very first turkey hunt.  My brother and I shot our first turkeys on the same day.  It  was a very special day to me.  Ha, Ha, he shot a Jake.

That same year in November 2005 during muzzlerloader season I shot my first deer, an eight point buck.  I used a Thompson Center-Thunder Hawk .50 cal. with 80 grains of powder and a .295 power belt bullet.  It was a 75 yard shot and he dropped in his tracks.  My brother had bow hunted this same deer during bow season.  Josh was happy that I got my first deer, but was disappointed that he didn’t get him first. 

It has always been my dream to get the “turkey grand-slam” and to hunt other birds such as ducks, geese and dove. It is my goal to also hunt elk, mule deer, black bear, prong horn and moose. 

I think all animals are beautiful and I enjoy watching them.  I would like to fly in a helicopter one day and take pictures from the air of wild life.

After high school, I would like to go to Virginia Tech to study to become a veterinarian or a similar field as a Wildlife Biologist. 

I encourage my friends and others to spend time in the outdoors.

Taylor Lauren Rather

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 08:55 AM | 7 COMMENTS | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Sandy River Outfitters, run by Harry Walker has two available tags left for Whitetail.  Harry tells me that this summer it rained almost every single day  and that is excellent for antler growth.  It is also going to make a big difference in how we hunt these bucks this year.  The higher waters and the standing water is absolutely going push the bucks onto the ridge caps and it is going to funnel them into a bit more specific travel routes.  At least until it freezes and snows then, my guess is all bets are off.

Sandy River Outfitters offers a very comfortable camp, warm heat and some of the best hearty food one could ask for.  The stands are covered, can be heated upon request and the bucks are magnificent.  His guides have been working with him for the last 14 years and in the outfitting business that is unheard of.  He takes care of his staff, he takes care of his clients and his return rate is over 80%.  Almost every single year, Harry is fully booked out for whitetail.  This year, two of his long standing clients had to cancel out in the last month.  If your interested in a great hunt, opening week is available for both slots.

I will personally be hunting this week and I fully ENDORSE Harry Walker and Sandy River Outfitters.

Harry Walker
Sandy River Outfitters
11 Sauve Crescent
Winnipeg, MB R2N 3K7
Canada

Toll free: 1-888-522-5019 or (204) 257-5223
Email: hwalker@sandyriveroutfitters.ca

Give Harry a call and ACT FAST.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 09:31 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Nebraska's Cornhusker Chapter of Pheasants Forever has been honored by Field & Stream magazine in its November issue. The chapter was one of three conservation organization chapters highlighted in the Heroes of Conservation feature. Last year, Field & Stream honored the Twin Rivers Chapter of Pheasants Forever in Jones County, Iowa, as the 2007 Conservation Chapter of the Year at the Heroes of Conservation Awards Gala.

Five Years after Pheasants Forever was formed, a group of hunters established a chapter in the Nebraska state capital in 1987. In 2007, the Cornhusker Chapter enhanced nearly 20,000 acres of land. "What's unique about us is that since we're in Lincoln, we have a lot more people than habitat," says Joe Loxtercamp, chapter president. It was also one of the first PF chapters to hold a mentored-youth hunt, and it has introduced more than 275 children to pheasant hunting in the past 13 years.

For additional information about Pheasants Forever, please visit www.PheasantsForever.org

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 09:00 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

MISSOULA, Mont. – NASCAR star and Kevin Harvick Inc. co-owner Kevin Harvick is supporting the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation with a specially designed No. 33 Nationwide Series car to be raced Saturday, Oct. 25, at Memphis (Tenn.) Motorsports Park in the Kroger 250.

The Chevrolet Monte Carlo will feature bumper-to-bumper Realtree camo design with the RMEF logo and web address (www.elkfoundation.org) prominent on all sides, hood and decklid.

Inspired by his first two elk hunts in 2007 and 2008, Harvick is a new life member of the Elk Foundation and a supporter of RMEF work in habitat stewardship and protection.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 03:38 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 01:54 PM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Starkville, Mississippi - Ducks Unlimited recently celebrated its more than 130 Legacy Greenwing members in Legacy Greenwing members and their families around the new cairns at Trim Cane WMA.

Mississippi by dedicating an Oktibbeha County wildlife area project in their honor. Nearly 100 DU Greenwing youth, parents and grandparents joined members of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (MDWFP) and DU volunteers and staff to place three plaques at the Trim Cane Wildlife Area.

"Greenwings are the future of DU and wetland conservation," said Bruce Lewis, president of Ducks Unlimited and Mississippi native. "The Legacy Greenwing youth members we recognized on this project today are the wetland conservation leaders of tomorrow."

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 08:17 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Saint Paul, Minnesota - Pheasants Forever was pleased by three recent major announcements related to the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) announced by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). First, the USDA launched new incentive payments for landowners who open up their CRP to public access. Second, the USDA announced it has updated CRP soil rental rates. Both announcements came in a week when the USDA also released a study highlighting the immense benefits of CRP.

USDA Launches Public Access Incentive for CRP
At the White House Conference on Wildlife Policy in Reno, Nevada, Vice President Dick Cheney announced a new incentive payment through the CRP to landowners who allow public hunting access on their property. Landowners who are enrolled in CRP will now be eligible for a $3 per acre incentive if they sign on to their state's hunting access program; the incentive is expected to open an additional 7 million acres of quality wildlife habitat for hunting. USDA's Farm Service Agency (FSA) will announce signup for the public assess incentive in the near future.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 08:13 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, October 20, 2008

If you interested in seeing some great pictures of Cataloochie Valley and the North Carolina Elk head on over to Moose Droppings and check out the amazing fall pictures from Moose himself.  The blog is one of the best out there and his pictures are amazing.

http://skinnymoose.com/moosedroppings/2008/10/19/fall-in-cataloochee/

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:33 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, October 20, 2008

Hunters looking to do some turkey hunting on most of Florida's wildlife management areas during the 2009 spring turkey season need to apply for quota hunt permits beginning 10 a.m. (EDT), Tuesday, Oct. 28.

Quota hunt permit worksheets are available now from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) online at MyFWC.com/hunting under "Quota Hunts" and at all FWC regional offices.

Applicants must apply through the FWC's Total Licensing System. Hunters may apply online at www.wildlifelicense.com or present their completed worksheets to any tax collector or license agent, and they can submit it for you.

All applicants, regardless of when they apply, have the same chance of being selected, as long as they submit their applications within the application period. Applicants must apply by 11:59 p.m. (EST), Thursday, Nov. 6, to be included in one of two random drawings.

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

Monday, October 20, 2008

The West Virginia State Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation has donated $20,000 towards the purchase of a 4,586 acre tract of land extending Beury Mountain Wildlife Management Area in Fayette County, according to Curtis I. Taylor, Chief of the Wildlife Resources Section of the Division of Natural Resources.

Beury Mountain WMA is now 7,647 acres of prime hunting for wild turkey, white tailed-deer, squirrel and other small game species. Partial funding for this acquisition came through the West Virginia National Wild Turkey Federation's Hunting Heritage State Super Fund Project.

Projects are now underway by the Wildlife Resources Section to improve hunter success for harvesting white tailed-deer and developing habitat for upland game birds. "This area has an excellent potential to provide West Virginia and out-of-state hunters tremendous hunting opportunity for wild turkey, deer, bear, squirrel, ruffed grouse, woodcock and other species," Taylor said. The State Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation has been a longstanding partner with DNR, hunters and outdoor enthusiasts by helping to preserve wild turkey habitat.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:51 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, October 20, 2008

The Division of Natural Resources (DNR) extends an invitation to all West Virginia hunters, churches, and the general public to help supportDNR's charitable Hunters Helping the Hungry (HHH) Program, according to DNR's HHH Program Coordinator Jerry Westfall. The HHH Program allows hunters to donate legally-harvested deer to certified processors so the meat can be donated to soup kitchens, food pantries, shelters, senior centers, missions, churches, and community centers around the state. The HHH program has been highly successful since it began in 1992, providing more than 850,000 meals to the neediest of West Virginians. However, because of processing and distribution costs, the program also requires cash donations to benefit these needy individuals.

Since 1999, the West Virginia Council of Churches has sponsored the Share the Harvest Sunday to raise funds for the HHH Program. This year, on Sunday, November 2, approximately 3,000 churches will be asking members of their congregation to contribute $1, $5, or whatever they can afford to the HHH Program. "Many churches around the state should receive a personalized letter asking them for voluntary donations from their congregation during this Sunday," noted Westfall. "However because the church database may not include every church in the state, we ask any church not receiving this solicitation letter to consider taking up an offering for the HHH Program. This donation can be mailed directly to the HHH Program. Churches can take up an offering any time, not just Share the Harvest Sunday, and submit this at a later date.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:44 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Our New York bow season opened this weekend. I worked Saturday morning then headed to one of my favorite stands for the afternoon hunt. As I drove to my parking spot, I noticed a nice long bearded male turkey feeding along a thick pine grove I cross to get to my deer stand.

I thought I would try to stalk the bird, even though I knew the odds were stacked against my success. Turkey season had been open two weeks but I had not hunted yet. As I crept toward the gobbler, I ran into to three more long beards feeding in some high grass. I saw them before they saw me and was at full draw when their heads periscoped up, finally alert to the camo clad danger 25 yards away. Too late, my broadhead center punched the closest bird and he immediately flopped over. I was elated and about to run to claim my unexpected prize when his partner attacked his downed buddy. He was pecking and spurring my bird for all he was worth, and totally ignoring me. New York allows two fall birds and both can be shot on the same day. I quickly knocked another arrow and nailed the second bird right at the base of his wing. He went down like he was hit with a hammer.

Needless to say I was late getting to my deer stand and only saw a spike that evening. Sunday morning found me sitting a different area on a beautiful mountain side. I saw a buck off in the distance and grunted a few times. Soon three bucks were under my stand. A young eight pointer gave me a 15 yard broadside shot and my empty freezer was starting to fill up. Right after my shot, a fourth buck showed up. He was unique in that he had a heavy mass four point on one side, and a gnarled, very thick spike twisting out of the other side and running straight down the side of his face, he never gave me a shot, but I hope to have his picture posted here before the end of bow season.  Not a bad start to the 2008 season. I really don’t hunt hard until November and the rut kicks in. I don’t want to burn out my stands, but I  always try to get out for the opener

I’m sure glad I did. All this fun is within 25 miles of mid-town Manhattan, go figure.

POSTED BY PAUL BAMBARA AT 10:40 PM | 2 COMMENTS | LINKS TO THIS POST

Friday, October 17, 2008

Improperly field-dressing a deer carcass and warm weather can impact the quality of venison quickly warns Dr. Walter Cottrell, Pennsylvania Game Commission wildlife veterinarian.

"After properly tagging their deer, hunters should wear latex gloves to remove the entrails," Dr. Cottrell said. "Great care should be taken to remove entrails without rupturing them, and hunters should drain excess blood remaining in the cavity. Do not wash out the deer in a creek. Wipe down the cavity with a dry cloth."

Once entrails are removed, the deer should be taken from the field and cooled down as soon as possible. In warm weather, the cool-down process begins when you field-dress the deer. To improve the cool-down process, consider skinning the deer and hang the carcass in the shade, refrigerating it or placing a bag of ice in the body cavity. Never place a deer carcass - with or without the hide on it - in direct sunlight.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 12:49 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Friday, October 17, 2008

Richmond, Virginia - Recent economic downturns have many people thinking about how to simplify their lives, how to stretch their dollars, put food on the table, let go of stress, and still somehow give to others. Reports on obesity, concerns about what food quality and the footprint we are leaving on the planet, has people wondering what to do. An activity that addresses all that and more is hunting.

In the Commonwealth of Virginia, hundreds of thousands of sportsmen and women are gearing up for the hunting season. Many are already afield archery hunting. The general firearms season for deer opens on November 15. What benefits do all those hunters enjoy and what benefits do we all get from their activity? What benefits can you expect when you take up the tradition of hunting?

TOP 5 BENEFITS OF HUNTING

READ MORE.....

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 12:47 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Friday, October 17, 2008

EDGEFIELD, S.C.— The National Wild Turkey Federation's Senior Vice President of Conservation Programs James Earl Kennamer, Ph.D., gave the keynote address during the inaugural Mexican Wild Turkey Symposium in Durango, Mexico, on Friday, Oct. 10.

Kennamer's words to the Mexican Wild Turkey Symposium attendees were that of encouragement in their fight to restore wild turkeys and wild turkey habitat and to let them know that NWTF and its partners successfully restored wild turkeys, but dealt with some challenges along the way.

"In the early days of wild turkey restoration, we all found some bumps in the road that the wildlife community had to work out," said Kennamer. "But there is no reason that the Mexican wildlife community should have to go through the same struggles in order to be successful. I look forward to working with all of them to ensure a successful future for the wild turkey in Mexico."

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 12:39 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Friday, October 17, 2008

MISSOULA, Mont.—Residential development and land prices are inching upward in scenic Wallowa Valley between Joseph and Enterprise, Oregon. But a conservation easement donated to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation is ensuring that 678 acres will remain open, native habitat for elk and other wildlife.

Richard and Debbie Surface of Gresham, Ore., gave the easement to permanently protect their land at the base of the Eagle Cap Wilderness in Wallowa County, 3.5 miles from the northern border of the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest.

“The easement will stay with the property in perpetuity, conserving its wildlife values even after Richard and Debbie are gone. It’s a special kind of person who cherishes land for something other than its investment potential, and we’re grateful for the pure conservation spirit of the Surface family,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO.

The habitat helps support a regional herd of approximately 1,200 elk, which migrate between the nearby Imnaha management unit and the Snake River unit to the east.

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

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

If you were out hunting and you saw these beautifu Albino Elk, Would you shoot one of them?

We are really curious and would really like to create some dialogue on this issue.  These pictures are making the rounds around the internet virally.  I have often heard both sides and would like to take an honest poll... Would you shoot one of these on your hunt?

Please comment below!!!

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:26 PM | 12 COMMENTS | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

SUBMITTED BY JOSH MORRISSEY

A couple of friends and I had the privilege of getting out on a goose hunt for the first time this season.  I have hunted with these guys for years and it’s always nice to be able to get at least one hunt in with each other now that our schedules don’t all mix that well.  We were all excited, and it wasn’t hard to tell!   We were up out of bed and gone by 5:30 A.M. and we couldn’t even start shooting until 7:00 A.M.! 

We set up about 70 shells and 20 full body goose decoys on the edge of the farm pond and 9 floaters about 20 yards out in the pond in front of where we were planning to sit, along with about 100 duck floaters in separate groups.  After we got all the decoys out, which ended up being around 6:45, we started making our makeshift blinds out of the fallen trees and weeds from around the pond.  Once we had gotten everything finished, we all got snuggled in and started waiting.  It looked like it was going to be perfect and we were ready for a fun morning of hunting!

READ MORE>>>>

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:17 PM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

MISSOULA, Mont.--Emphasizing habitat protection and enhancement, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation has announced its 2008 grants for conservation projects in Nevada.

Nine grants totaling $86,085 are being awarded.

Grants will affect Elko, Lincoln, Nye, Washoe and White Pine counties. An additional project has statewide interest.

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

The new Elk Foundation grants will help fund the following Nevada conservation projects, listed by county:

READ MORE...

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 09:52 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania -The Benoits, the first family of deer tracking and hunting, will share the secrets of their success with attendees during seminars at the 2009 Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show®, February 7-15, 2009.

Over the past 40 years, the Benoit family's ability to track trophy whitetails on public land has earned them a reputation as the country's premiere deer hunting family. Articles about them have appeared in Sports Afield, Outdoor Life, Field & Stream, North American Whitetail, Deer & Deer Hunting, and Outdoors Magazine.

Lanny Benoit is viewed by many of his peers as the best deer hunter alive in America today.

"The Benoits are great deer hunters. No matter how good a hunter you are, you'll learn something new about tracking and hunting deer from the Benoits," says Chris O'Hara, Manager, Strategic Accounts Eastern Sports & Outdoors Show.

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 09:45 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Saint Paul, Minn. – October 14, 2008 – Pheasants Forever was pleased by three recent major announcements related to the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) announced by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). First, the USDA launched new incentive payments for landowners who open up their CRP to public access. Second, the USDA announced it has updated CRP soil rental rates. Both announcements came in a week when the USDA also released a study highlighting the immense benefits of CRP.

USDA Launches Public Access Incentive for CRP

At the White House Conference on Wildlife Policy in Reno, Nevada, Vice President Dick Cheney announced a new incentive payment through the CRP to landowners who allow public hunting access on their property. Landowners who are enrolled in CRP will now be eligible for a $3 per acre incentive if they sign on to their state's hunting access program; the incentive is expected to open an additional 7 million acres of quality wildlife habitat for hunting. USDA's Farm Service Agency (FSA) will announce signup for the public assess incentive in the near future.

"Without access to places to hunt, there will be an erosion of people who go hunting - this is one of the most fundamental issues we face today," commented David Nomsen, Vice President for Government Affairs with Pheasants Forever/Quail Forever. "Enhancing a program like CRP that has been so successful at protecting critical wildlife habitat by encouraging landowners to open that land for hunting is a major victory for sportsmen and women."

The goal of this incentive is to double public access by providing up to 7 million acres of CRP land for public access in the next 5 years in participating states. The CRP public access incentive permits partnerships with existing state public access programs to identify and mark tracts of land as publicly accessible and publish maps for hunters and recreation enthusiasts. The incentive is consistent with current state public access incentives and will enhance the ability of state game departments to use hunting seasons as a wildlife management tool. The CRP public access incentive will be limited to CRP participants in the 21 states that already have public access programs. These 21 states are: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Washington and Wyoming. For more information on the public access incentive for CRP, click here.

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

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Frankfort, Kentucky - Kentucky's 2008 bull elk firearms quota hunt ended Oct. 11, with hunters taking 115 bulls in the southeastern part of the state.

"Hunters had an 88 percent success rate, and most of those bulls were taken within the first four days of the season. This level of success is outstanding," said Tina Brunjes, big game program coordinator for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. "It would not be possible without the hard work of our biologists and officers in the elk zone. Most of our hunters at some point speak to a Fish and Wildlife employee, who gives them information on where to hunt, both public and private land."

Kentucky Fish and Wildlife issued 131 bull elk tags this year, including regular lottery drawings, landowner permits, special Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Commission conservation permits and one youth tag. Kentucky's elk herd now numbers about 8,500 animals. 

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 00:24 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, October 13, 2008

Little Rock, Iowa – October 13, 2008 – Pheasants Forever (PF) and Quail Forever (QF) announce the organization has received the first Iowa land donation to its Grassroots Conservation Campaign. Virgil and Janice Venenga have donated a property near Little Rock, Iowa, to PF/QF, and the land will serve as a great access for the public to enjoy the outdoors.

The Grassroots Conservation Campaign is PF/QF's first-ever philanthropy campaign. Under the banner of the Grassroots Conservation Campaign, the organization has set a goal of raising $25 million in major gifts, land contributions, planned gifts, estates, bequests and other donations. The objective of the campaign is to accelerate the organization’s ability to conserve and enhance North America's wildlife resources and America's hunting tradition. Nationwide, the campaign has already eclipsed the $13 million mark.

Virgil Venenga is a member of the Three Rivers Chapter of PF, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. One of the chapter's first projects was on the property the family donated, and the land will act as a corridor to a green span of public property to the south. Both properties will act as not only wildlife habitat, but help improve water quality along the downhill stream.

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

Monday, October 13, 2008

POSTED BY CHRISTOPHER WOODS AT 08:45 PM | 2 COMMENTS | LINKS TO THIS POST

Friday, October 10, 2008

EDGEFIELD, S.C. — In 1908, President Theodore Roosevelt convened the Governors' Conference on Conservation, which was the beginning of the conservation movement in the United States as we know it today. Last week, the National Wild Turkey Federation was represented at the White House Conference on North American Wildlife Policy by three national board of directors members, four state chapter presidents and senior staff.

"This conference marked the first time in 100 years that a sitting president convened a meeting to address the challenges facing conservation and our hunting heritage, and it was only the third time that a nationwide wildlife policy was considered," said James Earl Kennamer, Ph.D., NWTF's senior vice president of conservation programs. "We discussed a lot of issues that will be necessary to ensure sustainable wildlife populations and promote our nation's hunting heritage."

Representing NWTF during the conference were Peggy Anne Vallery, NWTF president; Vince Rosdahl, NWTF Treasurer; Dave Mahlke, National Board of Directors member; Jon Leonard, Utah State Chapter president; Jon Pries, Pennsylvania State Chapter president; Bob Linder, Texas State Chapter president; Mike Evans, Oklahoma State Chapter president; and James Earl Kennamer, Ph.D., NWTF's senior vice president of conservation programs.

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

Friday, October 10, 2008

As the waterfowl hunting season approaches, there's one question on the mind of every duck hunter:

Where are the ducks?

Ducks Unlimited is once again helping answer that question. Recently, DU launched the latest version of the most comprehensive migration map on the Web today.

It's online now at www.ducks.org/MigrationMap.

"The new waterfowl migration map is the perfect combination of cutting-edge technology and word-of-mouth communication among duck hunters," said Anthony Jones, DU's Director of Internet Services.

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

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Submitted By Caroline "Tinker" Frazier, Photos by Tinker and Robert "Bobby" Hughes

Johnny Morris scored another home run for conservation when he opened the new Bass Pro Shops just outside of Virginia’s capital in Hanover on Wednesday, October 1.  The Evening for Conservation recognized Mr. Morris’ long-standing commitment to giving back as 50¢ of every dollar of purchases that evening was donated to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s “More Fish” campaign to save fish and their habitats for our kids and grandkids.  Conservation scored even more when those donations were matched by Toyota Motor Sales, Johnny Morris Conservation Creel of the NFWF as well as Parkes Construction. 

The evening’s events also included the formal ribbon cutting ceremony where the President of Bass Pro recognized attendees, store staff, and county officials instrumental in the success of the store.  A blue grass band welcomed visitors as they entered, and a troop of Sea Scouts served brats and refreshments to hungry shoppers. 

Nascar, hunting and fishing enthusiasts patiently waited in line for hours for autographs from their favorite celebrities that included Tony Stewart, Martin Truex Jr., Denny Hamlin, Ryan Klesko, Jimmy Houstin, Rick Clunn, Woo Daves and Chris Daves among others. 

The store showcases the elements of Virginia’s natural beauty, with murals depicting scenes from the shores of the Chesapeake to the peaks of the Blue Ridge.  Specimens of Virginia’s wildlife were featured throughout with trophies of elk, turkey, whitetail, bobcats, fish and black bear.  A staircase under the natural bridge takes you up to the second story of the Shop where you can find all the best hunting, footwear camping and accessories available.  Inside this massive structure was a General Store and Fudge Shop, a Nascar Store as well as Bass Pro’s famed Islamorda Restaurant where hungry shoppers can savor the flavors of the Florida Keys.  A replica of a mountain cabin and The Mabry Mill are featured in the store. 

Conservation groups represented on Wednesday evening included SCI, Quail Unlimited, Quality Deer Management, the Virginia Waterfowlers Association, and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.  The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries hosted an informational booth as well. 

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 00:04 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

SUBMITTED By: Taylor Rather

On November 5th, 2005, I was 11 years old and I was going deer hunting.  It was the first day of muzzleloader season and every hunter was in the woods by 5:00 am waiting for the buck to arrive.

It all started when we got up at 4:30 in the morning and ate breakfast.  We quietly got dressed and sneaked out of the house without waking Mom and got in the truck and headed to grandma’s house.  When we got to grandma’s we shone our truck lights in the garden and saw a doe and she ran off.  We knew the deers were up and moving.  We walked back in the woods and found a place for my brother to sit.  We left him there and walked up the hill, we finally reached our spot.  A little meadow just over the hill and a stream below us made it a prefect spot.  We waited and waited, but no sign of deer.  It finally got light enough to where we could see.  We waited some more and I had gotten tired and rested my head on my dad’s shoulder and shut my eyes.  As soon as I got half asleep a fat yellow bird lands on a limb above me and starts chirping so I couldn’t go to sleep.  I got the bird to be quiet and by then I was wide awake.  I sat and watched the squirrels gather nuts wishing I could pop one with my 22 riffle.  As soon as my dad started hitting the bleat can a cow answered back.  It was very funny!! There were birds, squirrels and bugs, lots of bugs, everywhere.  My dad dozed off while I watched out.  

It was about 6:30 now, my eyes started to get big when I heard something moving in the leaves.  It ended up being a squirrel. It was now about 7:00 when I heard something walking thru the leaves, I got my gun ready  and looked up the ridge and there stood a BIG buck and my dad told me to get ready to shoot.  I watched in shock as the big buck came down the ridge.  I put my scope on him and got ready.  I took the shot and a cloud of white smoke was everywhere.  As first I couldn’t see, then it cleared in a matter of seconds.  And there before me about 75 yards away was my first deer.  My dad got up as fast as he could leaving me behind.  I gathered my stuff and I got over an kneeled down and stared in amazement at my first deer.  Then I looked at his rack and counted 8 points.  I heard my brother say on the walkie talkie “was that you”.  My dad quickly responded back “yes” and told Josh that Taylor had gotten her first deer.  My brother packed his stuff up and raced over to where we were at.  He was shocked!! I had shoot the deer he was trying to get during bow season.  Later that day we took the deer to the slaughter house.  We got home so we could tell mom the whole story.  

Well, a few months went by and it was about February, I got a late birthday present.  It was my deer that my dad had sent to the taxidermist to have the head mounted.  He was beautiful!!!!!  

Taylor,

Great BUCK!!!  GREAT STORY!!!!

We are hoping we can convice Taylor to join our PROSTAFF and contribute on a regular basis!!!!

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:02 PM | 4 COMMENTS | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

MISSOULA, Mont.—Over 150 acres of habitat for elk and other wildlife are now permanently protected as part of the Helena National Forest in southwest Montana, thanks to the recent completion of a four-year land acquisition project.

Partners include the Winston Livestock Co., Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Montana Fish and Wildlife Conservation Trust and U.S. Forest Service.

“This project has ensured the future of critical habitat once locked up in private in-holdings within the Elkhorn Wildlife Management Unit,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO. “Along with the wildlife benefits of consolidated ownership, public access to these lands is now guaranteed.”

Each phase of the project involved simultaneous transactions between Winston Livestock Co. and RMEF, with RMEF re-conveying lands to the United States. The final phase, completed in September, involved just over 100 acres in the Kelly Springs area. Previously, the project impacted 29 acres in the Weasel Creek area in 2007 and 21 acres in the South Fork Beaver Creek area in 2006.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:50 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Sanger, CA, October 1, 2008 – Campbell Industrial Supply announced the release of their