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.”

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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.

"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.

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."

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.

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.

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."

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.

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."

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.