Joe Rowe passed away yesterday and I am still at a loss for words. 

Last year I had the pleasure of going bear hunting with Joe and his son Max and daughter-in-law Stacy.  I had known Stacy and Max over the last several years of being on the outdoor circuit at the local shows.

Getting the opportunity to hunt with them for black bear in Saskatchewan was a wonderful experience. 

Joe was an absolute joy to talk to and I know he will be very missed by his family.

Joe Rowe

October 15th, 1946 - June 20th, 2008

A great man. A wonderful friend. A great father!

read more...see some more pictures and a video of his bear hunt...

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Former National Wild Turkey Federation president and current board member Gene Denton has been selected to the Arkansas Outdoor Hall of Fame. He is to be inducted at a banquet and ceremony Friday, Sept. 5, at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock.

The Arkansas Outdoor Hall of Fame began in 1992 to recognize Arkansans' achievements in outdoor fields, and to conserve wildlife habitat. Past inductions have raised more than a million dollars for wildlife habitat and conservation education.

NWTF Vice President Jim Hinkle said, "Gene has done so much for Arkansas, our country and for conservation. I'll proudly introduce him during the ceremony on Sept. 5, and although he's too modest to admit it, Gene greatly deserves this award for a lifelong commitment to family, country and wildlife."

HELENA, Montana - License plates designed to raise money for the Mule Deer Foundation (MDF) can now be purchased from the Montana Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). When registering or renewing vehicles, Montana drivers can donate an additional $20 to receive the new plates featuring the MDF logo. If MDF supporters wish to surrender their current license plates, a $35 one-time administration fee will also be collected.

MDF's Western Montana Chapter, including Ray Rugg and Jennifer Cote, initiated the project as far back as 2004. Fees of $4,000 had to be raised before submitting logos for design, and other DMV requirements had to be met.

In 2006, the chapter mailed requests for donations to all MDF members in Montana. The campaign raised approximately $380. In 2006, the Helena Lewis and Clark Chapter, chaired by Judy Dellinger, put $1,600 toward the endeavor. The Billings Chapter, chaired by John Wilson, pitched in $500. Earlier this year, MDF Conservation Partner Ron Knapp came in with the remaining amount needed to get the license design underway.

Hunters and anglers working together to preserve fish and game habitats
and hunting and fishing opportunities on our public lands in Alaska.

SPORTSMAN’S ALLIANCE FOR ALASKA UPDATE
June 18, 2008

Trip to Rome a success – Global angling companies don’t like Pebble Mine!

After a whirlwind trip to Rome and back over 6 days, it’s apparent that global companies serving anglers aren’t too keen on the idea of another fishery possibly being diminished. Anglers from all over the planet travel to Bristol Bay and dream of going to Alaska since it holds some of the greatest fishing opportunities that still exist in the world. The Sportsman’s Alliance for Alaska met with dozens of international companies at the European Fishing Tackle Trade Exhibition and the response was an overwhelming desire to help raise awareness and grow the movement to keep Bristol Bay a productive fishery. I’ll be doing a lot of follow up in coming weeks to get these businesses involved.

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

Over the past year, wildlife agencies with support from the NWTF have relocated 3,238 wild turkeys throughout the continent. Since the 1950s, more than 195,000 wild turkeys have been moved into appropriate habitat.

Making Tracks is a cooperative program between the NWTF and state, federal and provincial wildlife agencies to restore wild turkeys to all suitable habitat in North America.

EDGEFIELD, S.C. — The National Wild Turkey Federation's Dr. James Earl Kennamer was recently selected as the recipient of the 2008 Alumni Fellow for the College of Forest Resources at Mississippi State University.

The Alumni Fellow program recognizes and honors alumni who have achieved the highest levels of success in their profession. Kennamer, the NWTF's senior vice president of conservation programs, earned a doctorate in philosophy and a Master of Science from the university.

"Many years ago, the NWTF gave me the opportunity to work on behalf of wildlife, particularly the wild turkey, and I am truly grateful for that chance," Kennamer said. "I have many fond memories of the years I spent at Mississippi State University, and a great amount of respect for the school. Being recognized by my alma mater for my conservation efforts is such an honor."

For more than 28 years, Kennamer has played a key role in forging the partnerships between hunters and wildlife agencies, corporations and conservation groups, which have helped restore turkey populations across North America. His dedicated work with wildlife agencies has made a difference, moving turkey populations from 1.3 million in 1973 to more than 7 million today.

California Question and Answer is a weekly column put together by Carrie Wilson a marine biologist with the California Department of Fish and Game. She cannot personally answer everyone’s questions but will select a few to answer in this column each week. Contact her at CalOutdoors@dfg.ca.gov.

READ MORE.... 

The Wild Sheep Foundation had been authorized to auction a Desert Bighorn Sheep Permit for the 2008 hunting season.  The highest winning auction bidder will have first choice of hunt dates.   This hunt will take place in the Ejido Alfredo V. Bonfil, located inside the Vizcaino Biosphere Reserve.  Outfitting, guiding, and all necessary permits to hunt will be included in the sale price of the permit.  The hunt purchaser may be accompanied by one (1) non-hunting companion at no extra fee.  The hunt will take place in an area from sea level to an altitude over 4,000 feet, utilizing 4 wheel drive vehicles, pack animals and hunting on foot.  Excellent base camp accommodations will be provided.  As an added bonus the Reserve also offers numerous cultural and historical sites and other areas of interest.  An average of five permits are issued per year, with the average score of the trophies ranging from 159 points to 169 points.  36 of the 37 hunters since 1996 have been successful.

Several months ago Wolverine gave me a jacket to test out.  Over a period of two weeks I wore this jacket everywhere and boy was it comfortable.  It also looked great and I really liked the feel of the jacket as well as the quality.

One night in Columbus, OH I took my team out to a night on the town and we walked from one bar to another in the pouring rain and I was absolutely soaked.  I took off the jacket, hung it on the rail and looked around the bar.  Not more then one minute later I looked up where the jacket was hung and it was gone.  Someone else had stolen the jacket and must of walked right out into the rainy night because I searched high and low for that jacket and it was no where to be found.

I hope that they take care of that jacket and really needed it.  I was hoping and hoping that I would get a replacement from the kids but it was not to happen so I am going to have to go get one on my own.

This is a great jacket, for Dads, Grads and the average man.  Wolverine, you did great on this one, in fact you knocked it out of the park. 

PIONEER

The Pioneer’s handsome and traditional styling doesn’t hamper its ability to shut out cold winds. Made from Polartec® Wind Pro® technology, this jacket also features durable water-repellency, giving the wearer the ultimate protection in harsh weather.

On Friday June 20th 2008 at 6:00PM in the Kempton PA, Fairgrounds  the LVHFE will host a First time ever SPORTSMEN SHARING THE HARVEST CONCERT.  It is no big secret that our economy is experiencing some really tough times and gas prices are affecting everyone. So we came up with a Big Idea to help everyone involved. The SSH Concert will be a Charity Concert helping to support the growing needs of the Allentown Rescue Mission and other Humanitarian Charities. We are inviting Sportsman & Outdoorsman and their families to unite and come out and enjoy a great concert for a much needed cause. The best part is that you can enjoy the whole night of entertainment without hurting your wallet. All we ask is for a donation. A couple pounds of your precious frozen ground venison or some canned and dry goods. Cash donations will also be accepted. We have Three Great Bands lined up for your enjoyment. And will be giving away door prizes throughout out the night. Concert will end at 10:00PM 

CONCERT FLYER DOWNLOAD