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Thursday, March 27, 2008
Save Hatteras!!!
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 05:19 PM | 5 COMMENTS | LINKS TO THIS POST
Thursday, March 27, 2008
An Open Letter to NWTF Members
Dear dedicated members and sponsors of the NWTF,
While the NWTF’s national board of directors reluctantly accepted the resignation of Chief Executive Officer Rob Keck on March 26, he will remain at the helm until June 1 to help guide our organization during this transition period.
The experience and vision of our 18-member volunteer board and Rob’s knowledge of the NWTF, conservation and hunting, will move the organization forward on its path to success.
After 30 years of distinguished service, including 27 years as CEO, Rob decided, for personal and family reasons, to step aside from his duties with the Federation. He resigned his post under his own will, and his presence within the ranks of the NWTF will be sorely missed. Under Rob’s leadership, the NWTF has grown into one of the nation's premier conservation organizations.
Currently, the Board is searching for a qualified candidate to assume the role as NWTF’s new CEO and work closely with the National Board of Directors to implement long-range planning designed to build upon the sturdy foundation of this great organization.
Under Rob’s skillful leadership, the NWTF has grown into one of the nation’s premier conservation organizations with more than 550,000 members. During that time, the NWTF has worked with wildlife agencies in North America to help grow wild turkey populations, increase participation in hunting and introduce countless youth, women and people with disabilities to the outdoors.
While the organization has undergone change, it’s still made up of more than a half million of the most passionate and dedicated volunteers as well as our amazingly supportive and generous partners and sponsors. Because of all these wonderful people, we’re an organization that will emerge from this and move forward into an era of conservation success. We’re excited about what Team NWTF can accomplish next on behalf of our mission to conserve the wild turkey and preserve our hunting heritage. Together, we are strong.
Best Regards,
Peggy Anne Vallery, Rob Keck,
NWTF President NWTF CEO
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 04:28 PM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Elk Foundation Voices Support for Wolf Managment
MISSOULA, Mont.—The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service this week hopes to remove wolves from endangered species lists in Idaho, Montana and Wyoming. But with anti-hunting emotions and lawsuits threatening to forestall sound conservation science, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation is reaffirming its longstanding support of hunter-based wolf management.
Wolf populations are now well above federal recovery goals and increasing.
The time has come to manage wolves like other game animals, says Elk Foundation President David Allen.
“Long before anyone dreamed of an Endangered Species Act, hunters were restoring and managing elk, mule deer, whitetails, wild turkeys, black bears, bighorn sheep, mountain lions, mountain goats and a host of other wildlife. In fact, it was hunter-funded big-game populations that made wolf recovery possible. You’d think the people who argued longest and loudest to bring wolves back would be slapping backs and saying thanks. Instead, they’re filing lawsuits,” said Allen.
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 04:01 PM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Three Great Turkey Hunting Tips from Chris Hadley
Chris Hadley sent in 3 great turkey hunting tips that I am going to drop up on the site in the tips section but I also wanted to highlight them here for everyone to see. As well we are going to be heading into full turkey hunting mode in the next 2 months right up until about May 20th. We will be seeking out some great tips, tricks and we welcome all of your photographs in our photo gallery and in the forums.
Get to posting everyone and we hope these tips come in handy!
READ MORE....
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 12:36 AM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
The National Shooting Sports Foundation's Board of Governors has announced that Steve Sanetti has accepted the position of president and chief executive officer of NSSF, effective May 1.
The National Shooting Sports Foundation's Board of Governors has announced that Steve Sanetti has accepted the position of president and chief executive officer of NSSF, effective May 1.
The Board of Governors began the search for a new president and CEO following its annual meeting in late February.
Sanetti is well known throughout the firearms industry, having spent 28 years with Sturm, Ruger and Company as an executive and general counsel, and been a member of the NSSF Board of Governors and the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute (SAAMI) Board of Directors.
"Steve is one of the most well-respected individuals in our industry," said Robert Scott, chairman of the NSSF Board of Governors. "His experience and good judgment have been valued at Sturm, Ruger for decades and by the industry at large for his role in helping defeat the municipal lawsuits filed against our industry."
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 05:02 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
After 30 Years of Service, NWTF CEO Steps Down
EDGEFIELD, S.C. — After 30 years of distinguished service, including 27 years as the Chief Executive Officer of the National Wild Turkey Federation, Rob Keck has decided, for personal and family reasons, to step aside from his duties with the Federation as of June 1, 2008.
Wednesday morning, the NWTF’s National Board of Directors reluctantly accepted this decision. Under Mr. Keck’s leadership, the NWTF has grown into one of the nation’s premier conservation organizations.
The NWTF is a grassroots, nonprofit organization with more than 550,000 members in 50 states, Canada, Mexico and 14 other foreign countries. It supports scientific wildlife management on public, private and corporate lands as well as wild turkey hunting as a traditional North American sport.
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 04:15 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Safety Series - Product Review Adventure Lights
As a renowned gear head I am on the constant look out for quality products that fit into my pack when I am hunting. Finding quality products that are light, will last and are made well is not always easy. Adventure Lights lives up to that bill and these lights have a place in my pack.
Bill from Adventure Lights sent me out one Lazer Stik and a Guardian Extreme Hunting Beacon and both of these will be in my pack for the next several years. Why because they work!
READ MORE.....
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 02:26 PM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Antelope Hunt
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 01:54 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Winners Announced in NRA Civil Rights Defense Fund Annual Second Amendment Essay Contest
FAIRFAX, VIRGINIA -- The NRA Civil Rights Defense Fund recently announced the winners of its annual Second Amendment essay contest for students in grades K-12, celebrating the Second Amendment as an integral part of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
The theme for the essay was, The Second Amendment to the Constitution: Why it is important to our nation. The contest was open to all students enrolled in an elementary, junior high, or high school during the 2007-2008 academic year who had not previously received a prize. More than 680 essays were submitted this year.
Essays were judged on originality, scholarship and presentation. Prizes were awarded in two categories, senior (grades 10-12) and junior (grades nine and below). The first-place prize in each category was $1,000 in U.S. Savings Bonds, with $600 in savings bonds awarded for second place, $200 in savings bonds for third place, and $100 in savings bonds for honorable mentions.
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 09:32 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
DU And Partners Receive $999,067 For North Carolina Coastal Wetlands Conservation
GREENVILLE, North Carolina Ducks Unlimited and partners received a $999,067 North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) grant for protection and enhancement of 3,812 acres of coastal wetlands in east-central North Carolina. Partners contributed over $2.2 million in matching funds toward the federal grant. 'This project focuses on enhancing emergent estuarine habitat, a decreasing wetland type,' said Craig LeSchack, Ducks Unlimited director of conservation programs for North Carolina. 'These wetlands provide feeding habitat for many wetland-dependent species including migrating and wintering waterfowl in the Atlantic Flyway, neotropical migrants and other migratory and non-migratory waterbirds.
The project sites are located within the Goose Creek Game Lands, which provide some of the most important managed habitat under state ownership for northern pintails and American black ducks. In addition, the area is at the southern end of the breeding range for black ducks, which nest on the Game Lands.
'We plan to protect and enhance 3,812 acres of wetlands and their associated buffers,' LeSchack said. 'As part of this project, 2,764 acres will be purchased and added to the Goose Creek Game Lands and 1,048 acres of existing wetlands and associated habitats will be enhanced.
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 09:17 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Kansas Forms Legislative Sportsmens Caucus Becomes 35th State Caucus to Join NASC
Topeka, KS – Sportsmen will now have an influential ally in the State Legislature as Kansas forms its Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus with a Kick-Off event at the Topeka Country Club this evening. The Caucus will also become the 35th state affiliated with the National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses (NASC). A Sportsmen’s Caucus is formed by passionate, like-minded legislators that understand America’s hunting, fishing, and trapping heritage and its importance to wildlife management and its economic importance to the state. Caucus members set partisan politics aside and maintain a unified front by remaining informed and organized on the sportsmen’s legislative issues they see every day.
Tonight’s event will bring together current members of the caucus, other interested legislators and members of numerous state conservation groups like the National Wild Turkey Federation, Quail Unlimited and Pheasants Forever. Outdoor writers, outfitters and trappers have expressed an interest in the caucus and will attend the reception to visit with legislators about the new caucus and the sportsmen’s legislative issues in Kansas. Bethany Erb, State Caucus Manager from NASC will also be there to celebrate the caucus’s first formal gathering.
The Legislative co-chairmen of the new bipartisan caucus are House Majority Leader Ray Merrick and Representative Gary Hayzlett. Tonight, the co-chairmen will announce the formation of the caucus, its objectives for 2008 and its affiliation with NASC. Both of the Representatives and other Kansas policy-makers attended several NASC events in 2007 including the Annual Summit in Missouri last November where they met with NASC officials and were able to interact with caucus state legislators from around the country.
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 03:10 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
States that have reduced barriers to hunting
 States that have reduced barriers to hunting |
EDGEFIELD, S.C.— Across the country, more than 87,000 new hunters have taken to the field thanks to laws that remove barriers to youth hunting.
The new laws and regulations are the direct result of the Families Afield initiative, which was launched to help turn the tide against waning youth hunter recruitment and decreasing license sales- a key source of revenue for state wildlife agencies. The program was spearheaded by the NWTF and its partners, the National Shooting Sports Foundation and the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance.
Together, with the support of the National Rifle Association and local sportsmen's organizations, Families Afield is getting results. As barriers to hunting are struck down in state capitals nationwide, a new generation is discovering America's time-honored hunting tradition. To date, 25 states have passed laws as a result of Families Afield.
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 01:02 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Quail Forever Reaches Rocky Mountain High with first Colorado Chapter
Evergreen, Colo. - March 24, 2008 - Colorado quail enthusiasts have formed the state's first chapter of Quail Forever (QF), known as the Colorado Covey Chapter of QF. The Arapahoe County-based chapter is uniquely positioned to benefit habitat for three species of quail - bobwhite, scaled and Gambel's quail.
"For many, Colorado doesn't come to mind when one thinks of quail and quail hunting," said Larry Gysin of Evergreen, the chapter's newly-elected president, "But there are plenty of die-hard quail hunters and conservationists in this state and with Quail Forever's local model, we now have an opportunity to do some great things for this great game bird."
Pheasants Forever launched Quail Forever in August of 2005 to address the continuing loss of habitat suitable for quail and the subsequent quail population decline. QF chapters promote local, state, and federal conservation programs that help landowners protect environmentally sensitive acres for quail and other wildlife. They also employ the organization's unique model of empowering local chapters with 100 percent control of the chapters' locally-raised funds to complete habitat and youth education projects in the chapters' own communities.
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:47 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Nebraska's Gottschalk Elected to Pheasants Forever's National Board of Directors
Omaha, Neb. - March 24, 2008 - Pheasants Forever (PF) and Quail Forever (QF) announce that John Gottschalk has been elected to the organization's National Board of Directors. A lifelong outdoorsman and conservationist, Gottschalk is Chairman of the Omaha World-Herald Company. The 17-member board meets quarterly and oversees the operations of Pheasants Forever, Inc. and Quail Forever.
Gottschalk joined the Omaha World-Herald as a general management executive in 1975, after having launched his publishing career in 1965 at the Sidney (Nebraska) Telegraph. He rose to become only the fifth CEO and publisher in the newspaper's 122-year history and served eighteen years in that capacity through 2007. Outdoor recreation and conservation have received considerable attention throughout his journalism career, with both editorial and financial support a consistent priority.
The Omaha World-Herald provides extensive soil and water conservation coverage and has annually awarded and publicized top conservation projects across the Midlands since the 1930's. Gottschalk also created the company's Branching Out program following an early heavy winter snowstorm in 1997 that destroyed thousands of trees in Omaha. The Branching Out program acquired and planted 500,000 trees in the metropolitan area, nearly doubling the canopy of city.
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:44 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Gobbles echo throughout spring in southern Arizona's Sky Islands region
PHOENIX - The Arizona Game and Fish Department and the National Wild Turkey Federation, along with sportsmen and private citizens, successfully captured and relocated 50 Gould's wild turkeys from the Huachuca mountains in early March. The captured birds were relocated to the Santa Rita and Catalina Mountains to help supplement existing populations and continue to expand the range of this unique but once eradicated wild turkey subspecies. The Gould's turkey is common in Mexico, but only Arizona and New Mexico support populations in the United States.
A total of 10 gobblers and 15 hens went to each mountain range. Birds taken to the Santa Ritas were released near Josephine Canyon. Birds taken to the Catalina Mountains were released near the Rose Canyon Lake area. This is the second year that Gould's turkeys from the Huachuca Mountains have been released into these mountain ranges, although Gould's turkeys from Mexico have also been released here. Relocation has been the cornerstone of this restoration success story.
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:41 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Friday, March 21, 2008
Who would trade Wilderness for Gold?
That is the question before the state of Alaska in regards to the Pebble Mine Project. I have written about this issue once before and I am appalled that the threat still exists. The issue is the area of the Pebble Mine in Alaska and whether the citizens of Alaska are going to allow an amazingly beautiful lake, watershed and wilderness be turned into a hard rock mine for Gold.
Do we really need more gold in this world?
Please read the following article about the situation.
Wild Heritage by Todd Tanner (Published in Sporting Classics)
As well please go check out Sportsman's Alliance for Alaska
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 04:36 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Friday, March 21, 2008
Biologists Say Recent Flooding Won't Harm Wild Turkeys
EDGEFIELD, S.C. - Recent floods in several central U.S. states have some hunters concerned about the impacts to wild turkey populations. However, wildlife biologists with the National Wild Turkey Federation say there isn't need for concern.
During the spring, wild turkey hens lay their eggs in nests on the ground and, when the entire clutch of eight to 12 eggs has been laid after a period of several days, sit atop the nest to incubate them.
"Hens haven't started nesting in affected states such as Missouri, Arkansas, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana and Ohio yet," said Robert Abernethy, NWTF's director of agency programs. "Until the floodwaters recede, the birds will simply move to higher ground or get into trees and move limb-to-limb to get out of the flooded areas."
According to Abernethy, an overabundance of rain during the breeding and nesting season could cause problems by displacing wild turkeys from wet bottomlands. This is more a matter of inconvenience to hunters than to the wild turkey population in the area.
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:11 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Pheasants Forever's National Pheasant Fest Coming to Madison, Wisconsin
Madison, Wis. – March 20, 2008 – At a press conference this morning,
Pheasants Forever (PF) President and CEO Howard Vincent announced that
Madison, Wisconsin is the destination for PF's National Pheasant Fest 2009.
Slated for February 6, 7 & 8, 2009, at Exhibition Hall at the Alliant
Energy Center, it will mark the first time Wisconsin hosts the national
conservation organization's main event.
National Pheasant Fest 2009 will be Pheasants Forever's fifth such event.
Nearly 30,000 people attended the fourth-ever Fest this past January in
Saint Paul, Minnesota, and the event has grown into the nation's largest
event for upland hunters, farmers, sport dog owners and wildlife habitat
conservationists. National Pheasant Fest is a unique family event that
offers a wide variety of exhibits, seminars, dog training events and youth
attractions. "National Pheasant Fest is a must-see event for outdoor
sportsmen and women, and Wisconsin can boast having hundreds of thousands
of them," Vincent said, "It's the perfect match."
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 05:40 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Thursday, March 20, 2008
African Indaba Volume 6 Issue 2
Gerhard Damm has been publishing the African Indaba Newsletter for several years now and it is one of the best sources of great conservation and hunting information about Africa! Please Download it here and share it with everyone you know who is interested in Africa!
African Indaba Newsletter March 2008 in .pdf format
African Indaba Website
This issue is incredibly special to me because it holds an article by Shane Mahoney which is a must read for anyone interested in learning more about the North American Conservation Model. Shane is one of my Heroes of Conservation!
The rest of the articles are great too!!!
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 03:11 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Hunters Specialties Acquires Calef Calls
Hunter Specialties®, the world's largest manufacturer of hunting accessories, is pleased to announce it has acquired Calef Calls.
Calef Calls offers a line of high quality hand-tuned duck and goose calls designed by three-time world duck calling champion, Barnie Calef.
Calef, who had worked as a member of the Hunter's Specialties Pro Staff prior to 2005, will re-join the company to head up their waterfowl product development and field work.
"I'm excited to be back with Hunter's Specialties," said Calef. "I'm looking forward to helping the Hunter's Specialties team grow their line of dependable products to meet the demands of serious waterfowlers."
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 02:45 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
RMEF Bull Run Chapter 17th Annual Big Game Banquet
Saturday Night was the 17th Annual Big Game Banquet put on by the Bull Run Chapter of the RMEF in Northern Virginia. This banquet is one of the very first events that I attended for conservation over 9 years ago. This years banquet was a wonderful night for conservation.
I really enjoy the opportunity to catch up with old friends and this banquet is one of my favorite. I am going to let the pictures tell the story of the night. We had a ton of fun and we raised a good amount of money for the protection of Elk and other wildlife.
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 05:00 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Deadline To Apply For Second Spring Gobbler Tag April 1
HARRISBURG - Pennsylvania hunters interested in applying for a second spring gobbler tag have until April 1, according to Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe. Applications are available on page 38 of the 2007-08 Pennsylvania Digest of Hunting and Trapping Regulations, which is provided to each license buyer, or by going to the agency's website (www.pgc.state.pa.us), and clicking on "Spring Turkey Tag Application" in center of the homepage.
Fees for the special license are $21 for residents and $41 for nonresidents. Mailed applications for special wild turkey licenses must be sent to: Pennsylvania Game Commission, Special Spring Gobbler License, P.O. Box 61317, Harrisburg, PA 17106-1317.
Applications also are being accepted over-the-counter at any of the six Game Commission region offices and the Harrisburg headquarters. Applications will be processed and mailed from the Harrisburg headquarters.
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 08:50 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
MidwayUSA supports HuntingLife and in Turn the Bull Run Chapter of the RMEF
A tremendous thank you to MidwayUSA who supported the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation's Bull Run Chapter by donating to our chapter a Caldwell Lead Sled for our silent auction.
I loved this donation so much I bought the LEAD SLED for $135.00 at the Bull Run Banquet.
Thank you MIDWAYUSA!!!
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:28 PM | 2 COMMENTS | LINKS TO THIS POST
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Dennis and Linda Take on The Lehigh Valley SCI Banquet
My wife and I attended the LVSCI Chapter's Annual Fundraiser Banquet on March 14 & 15th which was held at the Holiday Inn Hotel and Conference Center in Fogelsville, Pa. This was our first experience with an SCI event. Congratulations went out as it was announced that the Lehigh Valley Chapter Safari Club International attained ranking as the Largest Chapter in the World!!!!
Friday & Saturday there were silent auctions as well as live auctions both having great items to bid on. The outfitters were in another location with some of their trophies displayed and were available to talk about their experiences. A local artist (Dan Christ) from Kempton, Pa., had beautiful displays of wildilfe paintings. We could not resist the urge to buy a couple for our family room.
On Friday evening the guest speaker was Rawley Cogan who is the Lands Program Manager for the RMEF. He talked about the Pennsylvania Elk Range and the new viewing center which they should be breaking ground for soon in Benezette for anticipated completion fall of 2009. He also introduced us to the Clydesdale's which will be living at the Pennsylvania Visitor Center.
Award presentations were made to outfitters as well as individual achievements for members and youths throughout the year. We enjoyed our weekend and had the opportunity to meet new people and make new friends. We look foward to next years event.
Dennis Brauchle
Pro Staff Member
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:05 PM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Prescribed Burns Help Turkey Habitat
EDGEFIELD, S.C. —Wildlife managers know the use of prescribed fire as a land management tool is an excellent way to improve wildlife habitat.
However, each spring wildlife biologists hear the fears of concerned hunters who don't understand that prescribed burns in March and April -- months generally known as wild turkey nesting months -- are far more beneficial than harmful to wild turkey populations.
"A common misconception is that prescribed burns during March and April are detrimental to wild turkey populations because they burn lots of wild turkey nests," said Dr. James Earl Kennamer, the National Wild Turkey Federation's senior vice president for conservation programs.
However, the NWTF's wildlife biologists have research showing the years of improved nesting and brood habitat created by a growing season prescribed fire is far more important to the turkey population than the loss of a few nests.
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 09:25 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Friday, March 14, 2008
2008 Drawing for Guided Sheep Hunts with CAFNAWS
Here is your chance to win a fully guided sheep hunt while doing something great for conservation. Please log on to the California Chapter Foundation for North American Wild Sheep Website at www.cafnaws.org . The sheep hunts look fantastic and you could win a Fannin or Dall Sheep Hunt in the Yukon or a Stone Sheep hunt in British Columbia. The price for these raffle tickets is more then reasonable for such a great opportunity and the money goes to sheep on the mountain.
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:21 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Friday, March 14, 2008
QDMA Offers Student Scholarships to Attend Deer Steward Level I Courses in 2008
Bogart, Georgia – The Quality Deer Management Association (QDMA) will award a scholarship to each of its three Deer Steward Level I certification courses offered this year so that students interested in a career in wildlife conservation can attend the two-day course free of charge. High school seniors or juniors or college students who are interested in applying should have a strong interest in wildlife conservation and the Quality Deer Management (QDM) philosophy.
To receive an application, interested students should contact Kip Adams, QDMA Director of Education & Outreach, at kadams@qdma.com or (814) 326-4023.
QDMA’s Individual Certification Program includes three levels of potential achievement: Deer Steward I, II, and III. The Deer Steward I level provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the four cornerstones of Quality Deer Management: herd management, habitat management, hunter management, and herd monitoring. The Deer Steward II level focuses on the application of these principles through hands-on field experiences. The Deer Steward III level, the most prestigious, must be earned through an individual’s long-term service to the QDMA and/or the white-tailed deer.
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:07 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Friday, March 14, 2008
Mississippi High School Student Donates $1100 to Ducks Unlimited
RIDGELAND, MISSISSIPPI – A local high school senior raised $1100 dollars for Ducks Unlimited in a recent golf tournament. Matt Massingill, an avid duck hunter and golfer, developed the fundraiser as part of his senior project.
“It’s wonderful to have someone so young realize the importance of wetlands,” said Chad Manlove, director of development for Ducks Unlimited. “As a nonprofit organization we depend on contributions from people like Matt to put conservation on the ground.”
Northwest Rankin High School seniors are required to do a senior project that will benefit the community. Massingill chose to research wetland conservation and donate the proceeds from his fundraiser to Ducks Unlimited, the leader in wetlands conservation.
During his project research, Massingill discovered that golf courses are required to have wetland areas. That gave him the idea to organize a golf tournament as his fundraiser.
Massingill designed his project to combine his two greatest passions, duck hunting and golf. “I’ve always been an avid duck hunter, and I want to make certain future generations have the same opportunity for enjoyment that I’ve had,” Massingill said.
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:04 PM | 2 COMMENTS | LINKS TO THIS POST
Friday, March 14, 2008
Pro-Sportsmen Bills Clear Virginia General Assembly
Richmond, Virginia - Virginia’s hunters and fishermen will benefit from legislation passed in the 2008 General Assembly. The Virginia Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus was actively engaged in the advancement of the pro-sportsmen legislation.
The ‘try before you buy’ apprentice hunting license bill will help increase participation in hunting. Disabled veterans can now fish for trout without obtaining a license. A bill establishing funding for agricultural best management practices will benefit the land and the Chesapeake Bay and the public’s opportunity for providing input in the formulation process for wildlife regulations has been reaffirmed.
"This session, the interaction between the Sportsmen's Caucus, Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, Conservation groups, and the outdoors industry has had positive results for Virginia's sportsmen's community. We are all dedicated to cooperation between the stakeholders to advance sportsmen's issues and hold at bay the assaults from those who do not appreciate the importance of hunting and fishing," said Caucus Co-Chair Delegate Scott Lingamfelter. "Our regular Thursday meetings during the session provided a platform for all of us to share ideas and information on the issues. We have cemented some solid alliances and are working for the good of Virginia's hunters and fishermen and our abundant fish and wildlife resources."
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:01 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Friday, March 14, 2008
One Hundred Kentucky Schools Participating in State
Frankfort, Kentucky – Both boys and girls will compete for top honors during a different kind of school tournament March 18 in Louisville.
Kentucky’s National Archery in the Schools tournament will feature more than 1,800 high school, middle school and elementary school students from 100 schools throughout the state. The daylong tournament begins at 9:15 a.m. at the Louisville International Convention Center on Fourth Street.
“The kids are really excited,” said Jennie Richardson, archery program coordinator for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. “The winning teams get to take back tournament championship banners – and all the kids want a banner for their school.”
All students complete with Mathews Genesis bows, a uniquely designed bow that can be used by the biggest and strongest or the smallest and weakest archer. Several handicapped students, including two vision-impaired students using a special aiming aid, will complete alongside their able-bodied peers.
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 09:58 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Friday, March 14, 2008
NWTF Recognizes Conservation Partners During Convention
EDGEFIELD, S.C. —The National Wild Turkey Federation recently recognized two corporate partners for their continued support of the Energy for Wildlife program during the NWTF's annual National Convention and Sport Show in Atlanta, Ga.
CNX Gas Corporation was recognized as a Diamond Life member of the NWTF and also a member of the Energy for Wildlife program.
 Scott Vance, NWTF and Chip Morsch, Trees Inc. |
CNX Gas Corporation, based in Pittsburgh, Pa., is an independent natural gas exploration, development, production and gathering company operating in the Appalachian Basin of the United States and is a leading producer of coalbed methane.
Trees, Inc., was presented plaque in recognition of their contributions, which have reached the NWTF's Silver Life Sponsor level, as well as their involvement in the Federation's Energy for Wildlife program.
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 03:29 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Thursday, March 13, 2008
March Madness comes to HuntingLife Time for some fun
It is March Madness time and time for a little fun in preparation for turkey season.
Since it is March Madness, I have a few turkey calls that I am willing to put up for a fun contest.
We are going to have our own brackets for the NCAA March Madness Tournament. The brackets will be held on CBSSportsline at
http://huntinglife.mayhem.sportsline.com/ |
We will allow anyone 10 years old or older fill out a bracket. Everyone will be able to log in see their ranking and the winner will win bragging rights for one year and two great turkey calls of my choosing. One Pot Call and One box Call. We will highlight these calls in future posts.
Brackets will come out on Sunday and all you need to do to participate is send me an email so I can add you to our contest.
kevin@huntinglife.com
BTW... WE KNOW JOELLA IS GOING TO PiCK Tennessee to go all the way!!!!!
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 09:28 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Grants Announced for Idaho Conservation Projects
MISSOULA, Mont.—The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, an international conservation organization with a focus on habitat protection and enhancement, has announced its 2008 project grants for Idaho.
Grants will affect Blaine, Boise, Bonneville, Camas, Clearwater, Caribou, Custer, Idaho, Lemhi, Teton and Valley counties. An additional project has statewide interest.
“This is all about ensuring the future of elk, other wildlife and their habitat in Idaho,” said David Allen, Elk Foundation president and CEO. “Grants are based on revenues from Elk Foundation fundraising banquets in Idaho, as well as worthy project proposals.”
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 06:10 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Gobblers Appearing on Letterman
Don’t Miss the 2008 Wild Turkey Bourbon/NWTF Gobbling Champions on The Late Show with David Letterman, Thursday, March 13 at 11:30 p.m. EST on CBS
Appearing on The Late Show with David Letterman will be:
2008 Wild Turkey Bourbon/NWTF Gobbling Champion Stephan Richardson of Springdale, Ark.
2008 Second Place Finisher Doug Benefield of Newnan, Ga.
2008 Third Place Finisher Scott Wilhelm of Chippewa Falls, Wis.
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:43 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Wyoming: Predators, Prey & People
Stamford, Connecticut —VERSUS Country, in conjunction with Orion Multimedia, today announced the premiere of the one-hour special Wyoming: Predators, Prey & People on March 13 at 7 p.m. ET. The documentary highlights the controversy surrounding wolf and grizzly management and the successful reintroduction of these two apex predators as they are removed from the endangered species list. This high-definition special is hosted by veteran actor Gerald McRaney and is a production of the Wyoming Game & Fish Department.
Once on the verge of extinction, both grizzly and wolf populations have made historic comebacks throughout the Northern Rocky Mountain range. With the recent delisting of both the gray wolf and grizzly from the Endangered Species Act, the release of the special comes at a time when the national debate is at its peak.
YOU CAN BET YOUR BOTTOM DOLLAR THAT THIS WILL BE ON OUR RECORDERS TONIGHT
Thank you to Versus & Orion & Thank you to WYOMING for highlighting a major issue in our western states!!!
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:01 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Iowa Build a Wildlife Area Campaign adds Two New Public Hunting Areas
With the help of Pheasants Forever (PF) and other partners, the Iowa Build a Wildlife campaign recently acquired two new Wildlife Areas totaling 312 acres – the 152-acre Cortright Wildlife Area in Buchanan County and the 160-acre Ocheyedan River Wildlife Area in Clay County. Both areas will be open for public hunting and outdoor recreational activities.
The two new Wildlife Areas are the second and third acquisitions made through the Iowa Build a Wildlife Area campaign since it launched in 2006, joining the 90-acre Mehus addition to the Christiansen-Taylor Wildlife Area in Worth County.
PF created the Build a Wildlife Area campaign to give individual donors and corporate organizations, agencies or foundations the opportunity to ensure Iowa's conservation legacy. Through the Build a Wildlife Area campaign, each one dollar donation turns into three dollars through matching grants from the Iowa DNR and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. This partnership automatically triples the value of each donation made. The funds raised are then used to purchase land for new public wildlife management areas. These new areas are then transferred over to the Iowa DNR or local County Conservation Boards for management and opened for public hunting and outdoor recreational activities.
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:00 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Mule Deer Foundation Donates to Deer Feeding Efforts
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The Mule Deer Foundation (MDF) recently donated $8,500 to the Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) to assist with the feeding program in the Gunnison Basin and other parts of Colorado. MDF President/CEO Miles Moretti and Chairman of the Board Stan Lueck presented a check for $6,800 from National Headquarters at the Mile High Chapter Banquet on March 8 in Denver at their annual fundraising banquet. The Mile High Chapter and Northern Front Range Chapter also raised $1,700 towards the feeding program. Colorado DOW Director Tom Remington attended the event and accepted the check on behalf of the agency.
Miles Moretti addressed those in attendance and spoke about how feeding deer under these types of conditions is only short term in nature but must be done. He said that MDF is committed to the long-term habitat needs of mule deer not only in Colorado but throughout mule deer range. Habitat improvement is a high priority for MDF.
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 00:48 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Grants Announced for Minnesota Conservation Projects
MISSOULA, Mont.—The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, an international conservation organization with a focus on habitat protection and enhancement, has announced its 2008 project grants for Minnesota.
Grants will affect Beltrami, Kittson and Marshall counties.
“This is all about ensuring the future of elk, other wildlife and their habitat in Minnesota,” said David Allen, Elk Foundation president and CEO. “Grants are based on revenues from Elk Foundation fundraising banquets in Minnesota, as well as worthy project proposals.”
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 00:27 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Disappearing with Rhino Labratories
I ran into some old friends, Mark Hardin and Wayne Fisher of Rhino Laboratories at the NWTF Convention in Atlanta, GA recently. They were very excited about the new “Scent Strike” product that their company recently acquired. I am posting what they told me about Scent Strike and we will soon be testing the product for ourselves. Ya’ll watch for the field test on “Scent Strike.”They ask a very good question.
Joella
POSTED BY JOELLA BATES AT 11:00 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Nebraska Pheasants Forever Rolls Out Mobile Prescribed Burn Units
Elba, Neb. – March 11, 2008 – Are you wanting to improve grassland or other wildlife habitat with a prescribed burn, but are in need of access to prescribed burn equipment? Nebraska Pheasants Forever (PF) has the answer, with two new Mobile Prescribed Burn Units (MPBUs) available for use – free of charge.
Prescribed burning has been heralded as one of the most beneficial and cost effective management tools available to natural resource managers. And it's never been easier, thanks to the new MPBUs – the result of a great partnership with PF's quail division - Quail Forever (QF), the Nebraska Environmental Trust, Nebraska Game & Parks Commission and the Nebraska Partnership for All-Bird Conservation.
Each unit contains all the equipment necessary to conduct a safe and effective prescribed burn. All the equipment is housed in an enclosed trailer that can be hooked to a vehicle and driven to a burn location anywhere in the state. The units are available for landowners to use at no charge, but persons checking them out are responsible for bringing the equipment back in good shape. The units can be checked out through PF's state office located in central Nebraska.
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 02:53 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Quail Forever Welcomes Scag Power Equipment as Newest National Sponsor
Saint Paul, Minn. – March 12, 2008 – Now entering their second year of successfully partnering with Pheasants Forever (PF), Scag Power Equipment, a Mayville, Wisconsin-based company, has also joined the organization's quail conservation efforts. Quail Forever (QF) announces Scag Power Equipment as its newest national sponsor.
"We're extremely impressed with the work Pheasants Forever has done, and know that's the direction in which Quail Forever is headed," said Chris Frame, director of marketing and technical services for Scag Power Equipment. "Scag is proud to become a national sponsor of Quail Forever and to support a great game bird that desperately needs our help."
Pheasants Forever launched Quail Forever in August of 2005 to address the continuing loss of habitat suitable for quail and the subsequent quail population decline. QF chapters promote local, state, and federal conservation programs that help landowners protect environmentally sensitive acres for quail and other wildlife. They also employ the organization's unique model of empowering local chapters with 100 percent control of the chapters' locally-raised funds to complete habitat and youth education projects in the chapters' own communities. In the two years since QF's inception, over 95 QF chapters have formed in 26 different states.
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 01:44 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Virginia Apprentice Hunting License Lets People Test Drive Hunting
Richmond, Virginia – Virginians interested in learning how to hunt, and Virginia hunters eager to share their sport with friends and family, now have a program that will make it easier for people new to hunting to give the sport a “test drive.” The General Assembly has passed and Governor Tim Kaine has signed into law the companion bills that establish an apprentice hunting license. This new license will benefit people, regardless of age, who have not hunted before, but are interested in learning about hunting.
The license would be issued in lieu of the current state resident or nonresident basic hunting license. Individuals who have previously held a hunting license will not be eligible to purchase the apprentice license. The fee for the license will be $10 for residents and $20 for nonresidents; the one-time, nonrenewable license will be valid for two years from the date of purchase, thus affording the apprentice hunter two full years of opportunity to go afield with a mentor hunter to learn about the sport before having to complete the requirement for hunter education.
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 01:39 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Mountain lion in Saturday attack tests positive for rabies
PHOENIX, ARIZ. – A mountain lion that attacked a 10-year-old boy in the Tonto National Forest northeast of Phoenix on Saturday has tested positive for rabies, but state wildlife and health officials say such incidents are uncommon.
“Mountain lion attacks on humans in Arizona are extremely rare, as are documented incidents of rabies in mountain lions,” says Randy Babb, information and education program manager for the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Mesa region.
In Saturday’s incident, a family was taking a break from riding their off-highway vehicles near Bloody Basin Road and the Verde River when the mountain lion reportedly walked into their camp and attacked the boy, scratching him on the back. A family member shot the lion, which was turned over to the Arizona Game and Fish Department on Sunday for transport to the Arizona State Health Laboratory. The lab confirmed on Sunday evening that the lion was rabid.
The boy and other family members who were exposed to the infected lion will start a series of rabies shots as a health precaution.
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 01:37 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Game Commission Delivers Annual Report To Senate Game And Fisheries Committee
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania - Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe presented the agency's annual report to the Legislature before the Senate Game and Fisheries Committee at a hearing yesterday in the State Capitol. A copy of the agency's annual report is available on its website (www.pgc.state.pa.us) in the "Reports/Minutes" section under the "Legislative Annual Report," and select "2007."
Following is a copy of Roe's remarks to the Senate committee.
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 01:35 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Bighorn Sheep Tag open for Sealed Bid
1* Bighorn Sheep (Read Below) *(1) TAG FOR BID* ONE TAG FOR SALE - SEALED BID UNTIL MARCH 14TH FOR THE 2008-2009 HUNTING SEASON
Send a sealed bid to the Blackfeet Fish and Wildlife Department at PO Box 850 Browning, MT 59417 or FedEx/UPS deliveries to 101 Popimi Street in Browning, MT. The starting bid will begin at $20,000.00 and the award will be announced on our website http://www.blackfeetfishandwildlife.com/biggame.html at 4 pm (mst) on March 14, 2008. contact Gayle Skunk Cap 406-338-7207
5 over the counter tags were sold at $5,000 and a $15,000 added trophy fee.
1 tag was sold at RMEF for $31,000.
Season will be mid November to December 14,2008, and December 27, 2008 to February 21,2009.
Outfitter fees are $7500 for 10 day horseback hunt, or $10,000 for snowmobile and or snow cat hunt.
Mountain Lion hunt included with outfitter fees. Lion License is extra.
www.blackfeettrout.com joekipp@3rivers.net 406-338-2785
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 01:28 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Zanesville, Ohio Resident wins JAKES Hunt of a Lifetime
ATLANTA — It was a Christmas present he'll never forget. The gift Jacob Batteiger unwrapped first that morning informed him that he had won the National Wild Turkey Federation's JAKES Hunt of a Lifetime.
"My Dad brought out a package, and it was the first present I opened," said Jacob, 12, of Zanesville, Ohio. "At first, I didn't really know what it was, until I read it a little more. And then I read that I had won out of all JAKES members to fly to Texas to hunt turkeys with my dad. I was excited."
Jacob was recognized during the NWTF's annual National Convention and Sport Show, in Atlanta, Ga., February 22 to February 24. The all-expense-paid April hunting trip to hunt Rio Grande turkeys on the legendary King Ranch in south Texas includes license fees, equipment and travel expenses.
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:18 PM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Ruffed Grouse Society CEO Inducted Into NYS Outdoorsmen Hall of Fame
Coraopolis, PA – The Ruffed Grouse Society is proud to announce that its Executive Director and CEO Michael D. Zagata, was recently inducted into the New York State Outdoorsman’s Hall of Fame (NYSOHOF).
One of 11 new inductees, Zagata, a native of Otsego County, NY has served as Commissioner of New York’s Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), and, as was duly noted by the selection committee, he was, (as Commissioner) “…a strong supporter of programs to increase participation in outdoor sports by youth and women.”
In making the announcement, NYSHOF president Leo Maloney said, “Mike Zagata was selected as an outdoor professional who as DEC Commissioner made significant contributions to our outdoor heritage beyond what the job required. During his tenure he supported many programs to increase participation by women and youngsters including Free Fishing Days and Becoming an Outdoors Woman.”
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:14 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Friday, March 7, 2008
SCI Applauds District Court Ruling to Uphold USFWS Decision Not to List Florida Black Bear
Washington, D.C. — Safari Club International (SCI) applauds a court ruling that upholds the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s decision not to list the Florida black bear as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Such a listing would have ended the annual hunt of the species in southern Georgia and precluded possible future hunts in Florida. SCI participated in the case as an intervenor. SCI filed several briefs defending the FWS’s decision. Among other things, SCI explained that the Florida black bear was not endangered in 1998 and it is not endangered today. Judge Henry H. Kennedy Jr. of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia issued the decision on March 5, 2008.
Several animal rights and anti-hunting groups originally sued in 1999 to challenge the FWS’s 1998 decision not to list. In 2001, the Court upheld most of that decision, but sent the matter back to the FWS to explain one issue concerning the regulatory mechanisms then in place to protect the species. In 2004, in a well-reasoned decision, the FWS explained that the regulatory mechanisms in place in 1998 protected the Florida black bear from any threats. These groups waited two years before suing again in 2006. In rejecting this challenge to the 2004 decision, the Court agreed with arguments SCI and the Federal government made that the FWS properly analyzed the regulatory mechanisms and threats to the species. The Court rejected all the arguments made by the anti-hunting groups.
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 08:15 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Call Makers Strut Their Stuff at the NWTF's Convention
ATLANTA — Grand National Callmaking judges graded hundreds of game calls on appearance and sound quality before crowning the 2008 champions during the National Wild Turkey Federation's annual Convention and Sport Show, Feb. 22nd to Feb. 24th .
The convention attracted more than 25,000 sportsmen and women who appreciate and use game calls and understand how a call is supposed to look and sound.
"Call makers enter our contest because it's North America's premier call making competition and if they can win this event, they know they're the best there is," said Rob Keck, NWTF CEO.
A panel of experts in the fields of call making, calling and hunting judged the competition.
Judges evaluated calls within four divisions: the Grand National NWTF Hunting Turkey Call Contest; the Grand National Decorative Turkey Call Contest; the Grand National Decorative Duck and Goose Call Contest; and the Grand National Hunting Duck and Goose Call Contest.
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 03:13 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Barnes March 2008 Club X Newsletter from Barnes Bullets
March 2008 Barnes Bullet Newsletter for all of you. Please go sign up for their newsletter as it is a wealth of information. For the last 4 years I have shot nothing but Barnes Bullets while hunting loaded in Federal Premium Cartridges and I have been extremely pleased with the results on every single animal in every caliber I have used.
Read more for the entire newsletter.
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 08:53 PM | 18 COMMENTS | LINKS TO THIS POST
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Long Range Shooting With NASCAR Driver Jamie Hayes
Jamie Hayes goes hunting for more than a NASCAR Camping World East Series win. He is planning to hunt big Kansas bucks this fall with his father James Hayes. Hunting is a long-time family tradition in the Hayes family. Growing up on 133 acres, Jamie’s father planned on having a life-long hunting companion when he bought his son a lifetime hunting license. Jamie and his dad have chased rabbits, squirrels, ducks, doves, and deer since childhood. When asked what his favorite type of hunting is, Jamie quite adamantly responded, “Without a doubt, I had rather hunt whitetail deer than any other animal.”
With the hectic schedule that this second year Ken Schrader Racing team member must meet, Jamie’s days devoted to hunting are fewer than he would like. Despite the race schedule, he plans an annual hunting trip with his outdoor mentor, his father. This year’s trip will be with archery professional Johnny Heath to the hunting land of whitetail legends, Kansas. Johnny informed Jamie that there are lots of open lands with few trees appropriate for treestands, so possessing long range shooting skills would definitely be an asset.
During the first weekend of March the town of Raleigh, North Carolina serves as the host city for Dixie Deer Classic for the 28th consecutive year. This year, Chad Thousand capitalized on the fact that his cousin, Bobby Hart was in town. Bobby is a 1,000 yard world champion and former World Record holder at that distance. This fourth generation custom rifle builder and co-owner of R.W. Hart Inc., is passionate about teaching long range rifle shooting skills. Chad Thousand of the Fail-Safe Group arranged for Bob Hart to teach a long range shooting clinic at the farm of NASCAR legend and team owner Richard Childress. Richard, a very accomplished hunter and a huge fan of Bobby’s guns has used Hart Rifles for years. Richard opened up his museum, race shop, and personal shooting range to The Fail-Safe Group’s guests.
POSTED BY JOELLA BATES AT 10:58 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Interview with John Banovich, Master Wildlife Artist
What an amazing month it has been. Just a whirlwind of talking to people that I met at the January 2007 SCI Hunter's Convention. I am still overwhelmed by the amount of charismatic people I have been able to talk with and meet through my attendance at this show.
Friday at the show was one of those memorable days. Mom was at the Sables dinner and while I had a ticket, I was not about to be the only man in attendance. I handed someone my ticket, reveled in the karma of the situation, took out my Nikon and went exploring. I spent four hours wandering the event halls and taking in the art, the guns and the people.As I cruised the exposition floor, I came upon a painting of an elk in the fog coming through the mist and I remembered my first encounter with an elk in the coastal range of Oregon. The print was titled "Echoes of Yellowstone" and it reverberated through me bringing a memory back from my past.
Read more for the rest of the interview with John Banovich.
John Banovich Wildscapes Foundation
John Banovich
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 02:00 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Tagging the West, One Species at a Time with Lennis Janzen of Crooked Horn Outfitters
Attending the RMEF National Elk Camp each year, I get to run into people and friends each and every year who all share the same passions of conservation and the pursuit of great animals. One of the people that I run into each and every year is Lennis Janzen. Lennis is the owner/Product Designer at Crooked Horn Outfitters and is one of the nicest guys you can meet. I am darned close to 6 feet and I don't know whether it is the reputation that Lennis has or how tall he is but he seems larger then life when you meet him.
Well this year at Elk Camp I got a quick moment on Sunday to talk to Lennis about what he was working on and he handed me a DVD to review for the site. He tole me he was really proud of it and hoped I wold take a look
Well tonight is tax night and I have been pouring through the records trying to get everything together so I can hand it off to my favorite tax guy and I made the mistake of slipping in Tagging the West One Species At a Time. I have been distracted all night and the tax man is going to have to wait a few days to get my paperwork.
Check out the rest of the review!!!
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:31 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Elk Foundation Award Honors Science-based Leadership in Conservation
MISSOULA, Montana —An award honoring the 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 Bob Nelson of Raymond, Washington.
Nelson, now retired from the U.S. Forest Service, began his career as a forest biologist in 1960 and finished in 1997 after 12 years as director of wildlife and fisheries in Washington D.C.
Under his leadership, funding for the agency’s conservation programs increased from $28.5 million to almost $100 million, the number of professional biologists increased from 640 to 1,250, and focus expanded from habitat protection to restoration and enhanced opportunities for the public to use and enjoy wildlife resources. Nelson’s strategic approach to planning and issue management engaged conservation groups like the Elk Foundation in shaping the direction of Forest Service programs.
Among Nelson’s notable achievements was a cost-share program with non-government organizations. Between 1986 and 1994, $13 million in federal dollars was matched by $19.4 million in contributions from almost 3,000 partners, advancing wildlife management into the mainstream of the Forest Service.
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:00 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Kent Feeds Native Dog Food becomes the Official Dog Food of Pheasants Forever
Saint Paul, Minn. – March 3, 2008 – Pheasants Forever, Inc. and Quail Forever announce Kent Feeds, makers of Native™ Performance Dog Food, as the organization's newest national sponsor. Native™, a line of premium foods for working and performance dogs, becomes the official dog food of Pheasants Forever (PF) and Quail Forever (QF).
"We have long admired Pheasants Forever’s commitment to habitat conservation and enhancement," said Rich Dwyer, President of the Muscatine, Iowa-based Kent Feeds, "As avid bird hunters and supporters of an outdoor lifestyle, we believe in the mission of Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever, and feel they are a perfect fit for our company and our products."
"Native™ recognizes the strong connection our members have with their hunting buddies, and our members will soon recognize Native™ as the leader in performance dog food," said Howard Vincent, PF/QF President and CEO, "We thank Native™ for their serious commitment to conservation and to sporting dog enthusiasts across the country."
POSTED BY JOELLA BATES AT 12:03 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Pheasants Forever Packing Punch in Packer Country
Merrill, Wis. – March 4, 2008 – Residents in north-central Wisconsin's Lincoln County have formed the state's newest Pheasants Forever (PF) chapter, aptly named the Lincoln County Chapter of PF. The chapter is dedicated to improving local wildlife habitat and increasing youth involvement in the outdoors.
Conservation has long been strong in Lincoln County, but residents felt more could be accomplished through Pheasants Forever's local model. "The beauty of Pheasants Forever is that 100 percent of all the monies raised by the chapter stays in the county and will be used to fund local habitat projects that help local wildlife," said Jim Schneider, the chapter's newly-elected president, "Through this organization, we will be able to build habitat for any and all wildlife, including pheasants, turkeys, grouse and deer."
PF empowers county chapters with the responsibility to determine how 100% of their locally raised conservation funds will be spent - the only national conservation organization that operates through this truly grassroots structure. As a result, chapter volunteers are able to see the fruits of their efforts locally, while belonging to a larger national organization with a voice on federal and state conservation policy.
POSTED BY JOELLA BATES AT 11:56 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Forest Service and Elk Foundation Celebrate Elkhorn Ranch Project
MISSOULA, Mont.-To the average American eye, it's a forgotten scrap of windswept prairie with horizons broken only by weathered fencerows. But to the American spirit of conservation, it's sacred ground.
Today this North Dakota landscape-Theodore Roosevelt's historic Elkhorn Ranch-is permanently protected, now held by the U.S. Forest Service, following a long, collaborative effort by reverent conservationists.
To celebrate the project, the Forest Service and Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation recently presented an Elk Country Award to dedicated federal employees who were instrumental in the success. The award, a bronze elk sculpture, was given during the Elk Foundation's annual convention, which concluded Feb. 24 in Reno, Nev.
Ron Erickson of Forest Service Region 1 and Dave Pieper, Dakota Prairie Grasslands supervisor, accepted the award on behalf of their staffs.
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 00:55 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST
Monday, March 3, 2008
NRA Extends Application Deadline For Youth Education Summit to March 14
FAIRFAX, VIRGINIA - Due to the large volume of late-arriving applications, the National Rifle Association has extended the application deadline for its 2008 Youth Education Summit (YES) to March 14. Scheduled for July 7-13 in Washington, D.C., the YES program provides a hands-on learning experience about the U.S. Government for 40 of the nation’s brightest high school sophomores and juniors.
Entry into the expense-paid program requires the submission of a completed application form, high school transcript, three-page essay on the Second Amendment, one-page personal statement, and three letters of recommendation. Interested students should have their application post-marked no later than March 14.
POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 01:33 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST