Blog

Friday, July 31, 2009

Saint Paul, Minnesota - Pizza Ranch is stepping up its support of Pheasants Forever's (PF) youth programs. In addition to sponsoring PF's successful "First Bird" program for the 2009-2010 hunting season, Pizza Ranch will assist local Pheasants Forever chapters across the Midwest in promoting chapter youth events, including youth mentor hunts.

PF's "First Bird" program sponsored by Pizza Ranch was developed in 2008 to recognize the accomplishments of youth hunters who successfully bagged their first upland bird. Pizza Ranch is looking to add to the initial success of the "First Bird" program by stepping forward to support youth mentor hunts in local communities. PF chapters based in the same town or area as a Pizza Ranch have the opportunity to partner with their neighboring franchise to create a local youth mentor hunt. All participating chapters will receive 24 blaze orange hunting caps and a banner to publicize the event. Chapters can become involved by simply contacting their nearby Pizza Ranch.

"We are excited to partner with Pheasants Forever on another great project for our area youth. Pheasants Forever youth mentor hunts are a great way to get local youth involved in our communities and the outdoors," stated Gwen Lahrs, Senior Advertising and Marketing Manager for Pizza Ranch.

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

Thursday, July 30, 2009

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:03 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, July 30, 2009

BOGART, GEORGIA - The Quality Deer Management Association's Ninth Annual National Convention and Whitetail Expo concluded Sunday with a host of camo-clad convention-goers flooding the expo hall. Louisville proved to be the perfect location for this year's event, which was well attended and highly praised by convention-goers.

In the words of Dan Perez of Whitetail Properties, "We just returned from the QDMA National Convention, and all I can say is bravo! As you know, we are in the land sales business; however, judging from the interest and sheer number of people at our booth, you would think we were offering free hunts. We stayed busy the whole time. In fact, the flow of traffic throughout the exhibit hall was outstanding! The QDMA staff handled every event and every aspect of the convention as smoothly and as professionally as I have ever witnessed. We are already looking forward to next year's QDMA Convention."

Each year QDMA brings together the most well-respected biologists and white-tailed deer specialists, industry celebrities, country music entertainers, and in-demand exhibitors who make the National Convention a must-see event for the dedicated attendees. The 9th Annual National Convention was a great success for the QDMA as well as a step forward in the growth of the organization and the realization of the mission of better deer and better deer hunting.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:19 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, July 30, 2009

WASHINGTON - Waterfowl habitat conservation is moving closer to keeping pace with the skyrocketing land values of the past several years today, as the House Natural Resources Committee passed the Migratory Bird Habitat Investment and Enhancement Act, sending the bill to the House floor.

"This is an important step for conservation," said Scott Sutherland, Director of Governmental Affairs for Ducks Unlimited. "The diminished buying power of the duck stamp is hamstringing the efforts of millions of conservationists that are investing in the program to protect waterfowl habitat."

Since being set at its current price of $15 in 1991, the purchasing power of the stamp has severely hampered the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service's ability to purchase land with the funds raised by stamp.

Under the new bill, the price of the stamp would be raised to $25 after July 2010. More than 1.5 million people purchase duck stamps each year, and over 95% of them are waterfowlers. Stamp collectors, as well as other bird and wildlife enthusiasts also purchase the stamps, either for their own collections or for the free access to National Wildlife Refuges that the stamp allows.

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

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Anchorage, Alaska-A Bristol Bay Alaska Native organization and several individuals, including former Alaska First Lady Bella Hammond and Alaska Constitutional Convention delegate Victor Fischer, filed a civil suit in Anchorage Superior Court today asserting that the Alaska Department of Natural Resources (DNR) repeatedly violated the Alaska Constitution in granting permits for Pebble mine exploration. The lawsuit asserts that the agency failed to consider the public's interest in sustaining the region's rich salmon, wildlife, and subsistence resources, which are negatively affected by exploration activities. Plaintiffs are asking the court to halt exploration until the case is resolved."DNR has neglected its legal and moral obligation to protect Bristol Bay's subsistence resources," said Bobby Andrew, spokesman for Nunamta Aulukestai, a lead plaintiff."Current exploration is having a serious impact on water and wildlife, yet the agencycontinues to rubber stamp permits and ignore the public interest."

The lawsuit filed today asserts that DNR has violated multiple sections of Article VIII of the Alaska Constitution in repeatedly issuing exploration permits without public noticeand without analyzing whether exploration or the mine itself are in the public interest.Plaintiffs have asked the court for a preliminary injunction prohibiting the State fromgranting or extending permits for exploration and water use on mining claims held by the Pebble Limited Partnership, effectively stopping further exploration until the court makesa final decision - or until the State Legislature enacts a new regulatory framework for onshore mining exploration. The injunction would not apply to mining activities elsewhere in the state. Plaintiffs have also asked the court to void all exploration permits already issued by DNR to the Pebble Limited Partnership, Pebble East Corp., and Pebble West Corp.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:34 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Anchorage, Alaska—A Bristol Bay Alaska Native organization and several individuals, including former Alaska First Lady Bella Hammond and Alaska Constitutional Convention delegate Victor Fischer, filed a civil suit in Anchorage Superior Court today asserting that the Alaska Department of Natural Resources (DNR) repeatedly violated the Alaska Constitution in granting permits for Pebble mine exploration. The lawsuit asserts that the agency failed to consider the public’s interest in sustaining the region’s rich salmon, wildlife, and subsistence resources, which are negatively affected by exploration activities. Plaintiffs are asking the court to halt exploration until the case is resolved.

“DNR has neglected its legal and moral obligation to protect Bristol Bay’s subsistence resources,” said Bobby Andrew, spokesman for Nunamta Aulukestai, a lead plaintiff. “Current exploration is having a serious impact on water and wildlife, yet the agency continues to rubber stamp permits and ignore the public interest.”

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

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

WASHINGTON - A diverse group of America's labor unions today sent a letter to leaders of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee requesting that dedicated funding to safeguard fish, wildlife and ecosystems important to sportsmen be included in climate change legislation being deliberated by Congress.

The 20 unions, all partners of the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, stress that a share of annual funding, no less than that contained in the version of the bill recently passed by the House of Representatives and not subject to annual appropriations, should be directed toward protecting and restoring the natural environment.

"New dedicated resources are needed to protect and restore the natural environment, including fish, wildlife and their habitat, on which human health and economic vitality depends," the unions write. "A portion of these funds should be provided to ensuring that climate change strategies are integrated into state wildlife action plans, state coastal zone management plans, and other state wildlife species or habitat plans."

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

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

MISSOULA, Mont.—Wild elk haven’t roamed the Maryland countryside in over a century, but the species remains an inspiration to the state’s Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation members. These devoted conservationists raise money to ensure the future of elk in other states—and fund public education efforts at home.

Nine Maryland counties including Anne Arundel, Baltimore City, Caroline, Cecil, Charles, Garrett, Hartford, Montgomery and Queen Anne’s are slated for conservation education events using $10,158 in new grants from the Elk Foundation.

Four additional projects have statewide interest.

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

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 07:00 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

I was wearing camo, when camo wasn’t cool.

I remember wearing Woodland Camo

  Long before the birth of Mossy Oak

Real Tree was just something we

  saw in the woods

And Advantage was what we’d take

  if we could.

There was no Wetlands camo

  Not even Nat Gear

But simply hunting camo

  Like the Army would wear.

And I was wearing camo, when camo wasn’t cool.

I remember walking in for groceries

  Camo pants and all

I’d get lots of stares

  And I’m sure not all in awe

But I always held my head high

  Proud what I stood for

Because camo was more for me

  Than just something that I wore.

I was carrying on a tradition

  which I had grown to love

I want to be able to take care of my family

  If the world comes to push and shove.

I’m thankful for our freedom

  And our right to bear arms

And I’ll stand toe to toe

  With those who wish us harm.

So when I wear camo clothing

  It’s not just when I hunt

I wear camo clothing

  To make a statement.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:27 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

NEWTOWN, Conn.—To encourage the development of new marketing strategies that will motivate people to go target shooting and hunting, the National Shooting Sports Foundation has awarded grants totaling $245,531 to 12 shooting facilities around the country. This is the second year that NSSF has distributed funding to qualifying target ranges through its Range Partnership Grant Program.

“Research tells us that millions of Americans would like to try target shooting and hunting, and the place to get started is at one of the thousands of shooting ranges across the country,” said Steve Sanetti, president of NSSF, trade association for the firearms industry. “These grants will help shooting range managers implement creative marketing strategies that will introduce newcomers and reactivate former shooters so they can enjoy lifetime activities that are fun and can be shared with family and friends. Time and again we see that when newcomers go target shooting, they like it—a lot. We just need to help get them started.”

Said Melissa Schilling, NSSF's manager of recruitment and retention, “These grants will help to test measurable projects that, if successful, will be shared with shooting facilities around the country.”

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:03 PM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

For the sixth straight year the California Deer Association (CDA) is sponsoring its Sharing the Tradition Junior Deer Hunt. Twenty-five junior deer hunters will have a chance to go on a free, fully-guided antlerless deer hunt on the famous Tejon Ranch. CDA is sponsoring these hunts in cooperation with Tejon Ranch, which at 270,000 acres is the largest privately owned ranch in California. Juniors and their accompanying adult will stay in one of Tejon Ranch’s lodges.   

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Junior hunters will be selected in a free, random drawing open to any junior hunter with a 2009 California junior hunting license and an unfilled deer tag. In addition, the following sponsors will supply the 25 lucky juniors with ammunition from Federal Premium Ammunition and Barnes Bullets, binoculars from Alpen Optics, and hunting gear from Hunter’s Specialties and Birchwood Casey.

A total of 90 juniors have already participated in the prior year hunts. Over 90% of them had never taken a deer before. Their success rate for these hunts has been an unbelievable 98.8%.
 
Entry applications must be received by October 14, 2009. Hunts will take place in the second half of December.
 
The 2009 Sharing the Tradition hunt applications and rules can be found at the following two websites:
California Deer Association:   http://www.caldeer.com/tejon-hunts.htm
California Fish & Game:   http://www.dfg.ca.gov/wildlife/hunting/docs/SharingtheTradition.pdf
 
Also, attached in PDF form, are the application, rules and additional information concerning the hunts.
 
About CDA: The California Deer Association was founded in 1996, with its principal goal to improve California deer herds and other wildlife through direct financial support for habitat improvement and research projects. Since its inception, CDA has raised more than $3,000,000 to fund over 300 projects in California. CDA currently has 23 chapters with over 6,000 members. For more information on the California Deer Association, telephone toll free (888) 499-DEER or check our website at www.CalDeer.org <http://www.CalDeer.org> .

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 09:56 PM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Washington, D.C. - Hunters across the country were honored by yesterday's passage of congressional resolution H. Res 270 to recognize the establishment of Hunters for the Hungry programs across the United States and the contributions of those efforts to decrease hunger and help feed those in need.

Thanks to caring sportsmen and sportswomen, millions of meals are served annually each year to those in need across the country. Safari Club International Foundation's (SCIF) program, Sportsmen Against Hunger (SAH) had record breaking meat donations last year with 412,254 lbs of meat, representing 1,649,016 protein-rich meals. In these difficult economic times, hunters are more aware than ever of the difference they can make in their communities through programs like SAH.

Through Safari Club International Foundation's many humanitarian programs like SAH, SCI chapters and individual members demonstrate the highest levels of philanthropy by directly reaching out to people in need throughout the world. Whether it involves feeding millions of hungry each year, offering free healthcare and supplies to impoverished communities, introducing children to the wonders of wildlife or helping the disabled fulfill lifelong hunting wishes, SCIF is committed to the charitable tenets of giving.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 09:46 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

MISSOULA, Mont.—A new credit card program allows conservationists to support wildlife habitat with each purchase. The special Visa card offers a competitive rate and no annual fee, with 1 percent of all charged purchases donated by Capital One(R) to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

In addition, the Elk Foundation will receive $25 when cardholders make their first purchase, regardless of the amount charged.

The card comes in three designs featuring images of elk, habitat and/or the RMEF logo.

For more information, visit www.rmef.org/visa .

“This is a way to support wildlife and habitat conservation with no additional money out of pocket. Whether you use the card for fuel, meals, big-ticket items or daily essentials, 1 percent will come back to the Elk Foundation,” said Rod Triepke, chief operations officer for RMEF.

Triepke said the new credit card program could mean significant dollars for the Elk Foundation mission to ensure the future of elk, other wildlife and their habitat. To date, the organization has protected or enhanced more than 5.6 million acres.

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:

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

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 09:41 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

MISSOULA, Mont.-Wilderness elk hunting is an athletic endeavor but you don't need to kill yourself getting in shape. Cameron Hanes, fitness and bowhunting authority as well as TV show host and columnist for the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, says moderation in exercise is a key for most hunters.

"You don't have to be a world-class athlete to build up amazing endurance, but you do have to get started with some sort of workout regimen. Every day you spend in inactivity, you get weaker. Every day that elk move through high country, they get stronger. And the longer you wait to exercise, the wider the gap grows," said Hanes.

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

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

BISMARCK, N.D., -Ducks Unlimited commends House and Senate Agriculture Committee Chairmen Collin Peterson and Tom Harkin for their leadership to remove incentives from farm policy that encourage destruction of native grasslands. DU says this is a positive step to ensure grass remains on the landscape not only for waterfowl but also for ranching and combating global climate change.

“Changes to the federal crop insurance programs that incentivize grassland conversion are overdue,” said Scott McLeod, DU government affairs representative on agriculture policy. “A prudent crop insurance program will not only help decrease the loss of native grassland, but also save tax payer money by not insuring lands where unwise cropping decisions are made.”   

In a letter from Rep. Peterson and Sen. Harkin to Secretary of Agriculture Thomas Vilsack they noted that “native grassland loss is exacerbated by the crop insurance system.” They also urged that “federal crop insurance must not shield the producer from losses if the land is simply unsuited to crop production.”

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 09:28 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Hunter's Specialties is proud to introduce the Bad Medicine short reed Canada goose calls.  Many months of design work and field testing by our Pro Staff members were spent in the development of this high performance goose call.  The Bad Medicine is hand tuned to produce pure goose sounds with minimal effort and is capable of duplicating every vocalization of the Canada goose.  This balance of easy operation and advanced performance makes the Bad Medicine a solid choice for the beginning goose caller and an exciting new weapon for the veteran of the goose pit or the contest stage.  
 
There are three models available to fit any hunter's budget.
 
The Custom model is turned from black/ivory and reinforced with a polished stainless steel band, making it look as good as it sounds.  The laser engraved logo on the barrel is an eye-catching addition that further enhances the appearance of the call.  
 
The Flamed Hedge version features a polycarbonate insert with a Bois d'arc wood barrel. The call is also handmade and hand-tuned.  
 
The Hitman call features all polycarbonate construction for a great value.  
 
A solid metal band accents both the Flamed Hedge and Hitman versions of these contest quality calls.  
 
"From soft moans and ground talk, to crisp clucks and ultra fast double clucks, to pleading spit notes, the Bad Medicine truly is one goose call that can do it all," said Hunter's Specialties Pro Staff member Nick Brichacek. "It should be part of every serious goose hunter's arsenal."
 
Suggested retail is $139.99 for the Custom Bad Medicine, $79.95 for the Flamed Hedge, and $31.99 for the Hitman.

For more information, log onto the Hunter's Specialties website at www.hunterspec.com , or write  to 6000 Huntington Court NE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402,  or  call  a  Consumer Service Specialist at 319-395-0321. 

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

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

FORSYTH, Ga. Hundreds of shooters from across the country are preparing for a weekend of intense sporting clays action, fellowship and great prizes at the National Wild Turkey Federation's 16th annual Turkey Shoot, to be held Aug. 14 to Aug. 16, 2009 at The Meadows National Gun Club in Forsyth, Ga.

Sporting clays is a form of clay pigeon shooting in which clay targets are thrown to simulate hunting scenarios. Some enthusiasts have referred to the challenging sport as "golf with a shotgun." Turkey Shoot participants will compete for $100,000 in cash and prizes. Shooting events include the 200-Target Sporting Clays Championship with prizes for Concurrent divisions such as Ladies, Juniors, Subjuniors and Veterans, the 100-target Browning preliminary event, and the 50-bird Briley Squaded Sub-gauge competition, which is nearly sold out.

Rhett Simmons, NWTF director of special events, noted that the Turkey Shoot offers a competitive but friendly environment for shooters of all skill levels. Proceeds from the NWTF Turkey Shoot will benefit Wheelin' Sportsmen NWTF, an outreach program that provides opportunities for men and women with disabilities to enjoy outdoor recreation activities.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 06:12 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Serious women hunters live for the hunt - and can be found in the coldest weather conditions even their prey find hard to bear. That's why Próis® Hunting Apparel is proud to announce its latest innovation in helping female hunters pursue their hunts harder, no matter the season or harsh weather they encounter, with the new Próis Sherpa Vest™.

Like all pieces in the Próis line, the Próis Sherpa Vest is built with the serious female hunter in mind, providing a perfect fit for the female form, while utilizing the latest technology for ultimate performance when in the field. This versatile vest can be worn over a Próis Ultra Long or Short Sleeve shirt should the sun peek out during the day, or layered underneath any Próis jacket should you be stuck in a tree-stand for long chilly hours.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 06:05 PM | 2 COMMENTS | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Hunting is one sport where you really never lose. Depending on what you want to achieve, it can be the most challenging endeavor you could ever try, the most rewarding, the most fun, and at times, the most frustrating.

There’s an unspoken brotherhood and/or sisterhood among hunters. Friendships made during a week or two of hunting camp can give you a lifetime of great memories.Anybody can hunt; people from all walks of life.  Men, women, children; farmers, executives, teachers, factory workers, doctors.

A few words of warning though, you will need to be prepared for thoughts of past hunting experiences, upcoming hunting seasons, and planning hunting trips to seep into your mind while you’re right in the middle of a hard day’s work.

Hunting is one of the most versatile sports. You can hunt as a family outing. If you’re needing your space, you can hunt alone. You can hunt with friends, and you can hunt with your pet companions. You can hunt big game, small game, birds, fish and moments.

I consider hunting as training for the future. Survival. After all, isn’t that a common goal for all? The saying is “Only the strong survive.” Hunting can give you strength. It builds your endurance, senses, character and compassion.

I love hunting. It consumes me. I want to pass that passion on to my children and grandchildren. You really owe it to yourself, if you believe in it, to pass it on to someone.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 05:59 PM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

My sister and I were asked to come participate in a shooting clays competition, for Hunters for the hungry.  We both were very excited we use to shoot clays in the 4H club and with friends.  It had been a while since we both had shot and we were both nervous, but we knew it was for a good cause and didn’t worry that much when we arrived.  When we parked the truck and walk over to the sign in table we noticed that a lot of the people there, we knew and were friends with, they had the meeting with all the shooters to go over the course and talk about the safety rules.  Finally it came time to start. They split us into groups and I got put with the little kids but I didn’t mind. I volunteered to shoot first because a lot of the kids in the group had never shoot before. I knew the instructor that was in our group and he asked me to help the kids shoot and get lined up, and how to watch and lead the clays.  This was also my first time shooting a course like this, I was use to shooting from a high and low house, but I was up for the challenge.

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

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

My friend Justin called me one morning and asked what I was doing that night around 8:30.  I told him I had to work and would get off at 9:00, he said “that’s cool, do you want to go fishing?”  I told him “sure, I didn’t have anything else to do when I got off.”  So I went to work and while I was there, one of my friends that works with me asked how much does a fishing license cost, I didn’t know off the top of my head, so I got my fishing license out and looked to see if it had the cost written on it, as I was looking for it, I discovered that my license had expired two days ago.  As I sat there trying to think of what to do and where I could go to get another license, Justin pulled up in the parking lot and called me saying he was ready and waiting. I found the price and told my friend, he thanked me and I went on working. When I finished and got off, I called my dad, knowing that he would know what to do. He told me to try and go to Wal-Mart and see if the sporting section is still open and get my licenses there. I told Justin to go ahead and put the boat in the water and I’ll be there in ten minutes.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 02:38 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

PRO EARS revolutionized the electronic hearing protection/amplification market with its ‘GOLD’ Series but they have also pulled off another marketing coup with the introduction of its Amazing CROSSFIRE SLING.

"The CROSSFIRE is the most comprehensive design for a long gun and archery Sling ever offered." announced company spokesman Charles Ricci. "This revolutionary design gives the user greater versatility and ease of use for rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader, crossbow and bow than with any sling currently on the market."

The CROSSFIRE is available in two models, one for all archery bows and one, complete with Swivels that will fit all long guns and crossbows. Both are made of rugged 1 1/4”, durable nylon webbing and sturdy, glass-filled nylon Quick Release Buckles for years of dependable use. The CROSSFIRE is easily mounted out of the package, providing over 20 positions for long guns and 10 positions of carry for bow. The remarkable CROSSFIRE is designed to provide a comfortable position for every preference or situation possible. It also enables the user to quickly move from carry or standing positions to shooting positions and back in seconds.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 02:10 PM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

I had hunted and harvested many animals such as squirrel, bear, turkey, and deer. But I had never hunted Quail before.

One day after some unsuccessful turkey hunting, Dr.MacCarty asked if I would like to join Him and Paul on some Quail hunting. I delightfully said yes and we decided when to meet.

A couple of days later, we were getting ready to Quail hunt. I met Dr. MacCarty and Paul at their house and then we loaded up the truck. Then we headed to Laurel Grove Shooting Preserve for an Upland Quail hunt in Sutherlin, Va.

As soon as we arrived I knew we were going to have a great hunt! We met the owner of the preserve, Harriett Clark, and the guides and also their pointer dogs.

We drove over to a field across the road and gathered our equipment. I watched as Dr.MacCarty and Paul got ready and assembled the guns. I was using an old Winchester 1400 semi automatic that used to belong to my Grandpa Rather.

We walked over to the guides as they let the dogs out of the box and then we followed them to start the hunt.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 12:55 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

NEWTOWN, Conn. -- Mark E. Thomas has been appointed managing director, marketing communications, for the National Shooting Sports Foundation. Thomas comes to NSSF after serving seven years as director of marketing for Invisible Fence Brand in Knoxville, Tenn. He has more than two decades of sporting goods experience in a variety of marketing roles with Remington, Stren, Brunswick Corp., Outboard Marine Corp. and Volvo Penta. A 51-year-old Missouri native, Thomas will be responsible for all NSSF marketing and communication efforts. He will direct the in-house marketing and communications staff while reporting to Chris Dolnack, NSSF senior vice president.

"Mark brings a wealth of marketing and communication skills, and is adept at strategic planning and tactical execution," said Dolnack. "He has an expert knowledge of traditional and new media communications, disciplines that will serve NSSF and its members well as we move forward in expanding our initiatives to promote, protect and preserve hunting and the shooting sports."

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

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

MISSOULA, Mont.—Thirteen counties in Pennsylvania are slated for conservation education and wildlife habitat projects using $146,996 in new grants from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

The 2009 RMEF grants will affect Armstrong, Blair, Clarion, Elk, Erie, Fayette, Jefferson, Lehigh, Lycoming, Mercer, Potter, Sullivan and Washington counties.

Three additional projects have statewide interest.

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

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 01:02 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Saturday, July 25, 2009

July 20, 2009 (Biloxi, MS) - The Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation announced Friday the formation of a bipartisan caucus of governors that will work to protect the interest of America's hunters and anglers, and advance sound wildlife management policy.

The Governors Sportsmen's Caucus was launched at the National Governor's Association Annual Meeting in Biloxi, Mississippi, and will facilitate communication and information exchange between participating offices in support of policies and regulations that promote and protect hunting and fishing.

At the official launch, members selected Gov. Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Gov. Mike Rounds (R-SD) as the inaugural Co-Chairmen and also selected Gov. Haley Barbour (R-MS) and Gov. Dave Freudenthal (D-WY) as the inaugural Vice-Chairmen.

"The quality of life in this country continues to rely on the outdoors opportunities we provide, and we don't want these rights and freedoms taken away from the next generation," said Gov. Rounds.

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

Saturday, July 25, 2009

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:00 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Probably one of the most productive innovations in the last 8 to 10 years in the archery industry has been in the area of vibration and sound reduction. The one product area these innovations have neglected however is also one of the most important, the peep sight. That has all changed now with the introduction of the first vibration/sound dampening Peep Sight, the Whisper Peep by LOC-A-PEEP.

John Giambrone of LOC-A-PEEP made the introduction: “This amazing Peep Sight combines advanced design features with a new Elastomeric material with amazing vibration dampening nodules. The Whisper Peep reduces the string oscillation, vibration and the string noise present when a bow is shot. This product will make every shot quieter with less vibration.  Another great feature every archer will appreciate is, due to the design and materials, once the Whisper Peep is installed in the bow string it will not move, eliminating the need for serving the Peep in to the string. The Whisper Peep is a dynamic new design with advanced materials with the result being greater accuracy and pleasure from every shot.”

The Whisper Peep also features a red elliptical glass filled nylon aperture core that ensures a large, round opening for increased light gathering and faster, easier target acquisition. The Whisper Peep’s patent pending string channels allow the easiest, no serving installation and will fit any bow. It is available in three sizes; ¼”, 7/32” and 3/16”.  The Whisper Peep is available in Self-Aligning model with post for rubber Speed Tube™ and standard Whisper Lite model.

Whisper Peep™ - The Quickest, Quietest, No Serving Peep Sight™

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 07:31 PM | 3 COMMENTS | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

WICHITA, Kan. (July 20, 2009)-What happens when corporate executives trade their wingtips for trail-running shoes and take on a 100-mile ultramarathon for charity? Find out on Facebook and Twitter. Fans and followers of The Coleman Company can keep up with Scott Henrikson, Senior Vice President Americas Sales, and Martin E. Franklin, Chairman and CEO of parent company Jarden Corp., in their monster run to raise money and awareness for Camp Mak-A-Dream, a special camp for children, young adults and families affected by cancer.

Henrikson and Franklin will represent Coleman and Camp Mak-A-Dream in the Leadville (Colo.) 100 Trail Ultramarathon, August 22-23.

The event features a 100-mile course ranging from 9,200 to 12,620 feet in elevation. The run must be completed within 30 hours. Typically, less than half the entrants do so.

Coleman recently launched a charitable campaign to benefit Camp Mak-A-Dream, operated by the nonprofit Children's Oncology Camp Foundation. The camp, near Missoula, Mont., is a medically supervised, cost-free experience where hiking, horseback riding, fishing, archery, swimming, making s'mores around the campfire, gazing up at the stars-all the things that healthy kids do at normal camps-offers life-changing escapes from cancer.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 07:20 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

I’d only known Cowboy Bill for an hour when the contest came to pass.  Of course I’d heard of him.  It seemed everyone in Montana knew Bill.  Or knew of him. Cowboy Bill.  Crazy Bill.  Little Bill.  Old Bill. Silent Bill.  Bill the Jockey.  Cookie Bill.  Wild Bill.
 
He walked into the bar and came right for me. His face was Montana.  So were the spurs and hat.  He could have been a hundred.  Or thirty.  It was hard to tell just looking at a man in these parts.  This is serious country and it did a hell of thing to a man’s face.  His hands were huge and hard. He was 5’3” if he was an inch.   You knew by the way he walked, legs bowed east and west that he was a horseman.   He grinned like he’d been in the bar before or another bar, before.
 
‘I hear you’re looking for a .22.’
 
Bill lacks nothing in brevity.
 
I nodded and said yes I was.
 
I’d wanted to learn to shoot better while I was out here. And with open sights.  Rumor had it that Bill had a .22.  A brand new Ruger.  A black, synthetic number that could stand up to the place and whatever else you might give it.  Since I’d scope-eyed myself for the second time with my deer rifle I’d gotten flinchy.  Just a little. I figured a 10/22 rifle would be the perfect thing to get back into form.  The lack of scope would give my skull a chance to fuse back together.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:57 AM | 15 COMMENTS | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

BowTech expanded the scope of products being auctioned online by the Youth Shooting Sports Alliance (YSSA) with a generous donation of 24 BowTech, Diamond and Ross bows to YSSA’s new “Donated Firearms Program.”  These finely crafted bows reflect a truly legendary passion for bow hunting and archery and are comprised of a diversity of models including Liberty, Commander, Justice, Cardiac, Marquis, and Triumph among others.  Rascal and Cutter models will also be included in the auctions to encourage kids to enjoy archery alongside their mentors and instill a lifelong passion for the sport.

The Donated Firearms program, featured on YSSA’s website www.youthshootingsa.com, encourages the donation of firearms and other shooting sports items which, in turn, are sold on GunBroker.com – the web’s largest hunting and sport shooting auction.  These bowhunter “dream” bows will be listed without a reserve bid and will be awarded to the highest bidder.  The Youth Shooting Sports Alliance, a 501(c)(3) private foundation, will provide donors with a tax deductible receipt upon the sale of each firearm.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 09:16 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

I recently made the mistake of asking a lady friend why she owned so many handbags.  Without saying a word she went to my closet and shortly had before us no fewer than nine bags and packs of various shapes and sizes.  The theme of this sudden trunk show was camouflage and a common owner that was clearly not she.  Point taken.
 
One bag stands alone in this much maligned collection.  For its functionality, durability and comfort the SITKA Day Pack is the standard bearer for hunting day packs.  
 
The pack consists of a well-stitched polyester shell making for reliable weatherproofing. Thanks to an industrial polymer bottom the bag can easily be set down or sat on without concern for soaking your things or behind. I had this bag out in the four seasons of the northeastern deer and turkey seasons (rain, snow, sleet, misery) and could count on my dry goods staying dry.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 09:10 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Friday, July 17, 2009

This past weekend my father had his Sunday school class over for a cookout and some clay/trap shooting. After battling rain and storms all day, finally it cleared off about the time everyone started showing up. So as we ate and enjoyed the fellowship with each other everyone started asking when are we going to shoot. After some full stomachs, we all headed out to shoot.

After setting up the tables and getting the clay thrower pointed in the right direction, we asked how many people had ever shot a gun before. A few scattered hands popped up, but most of them hand never held or shot a gun before. In order to keep everyone safe I quickly picked up a gun and started to explain the parts and features of each gun; as well, as how to properly hold it and most important where to keep the gun pointed at all times. I hoped my small crash course in gun safety had made an impact as the first shooter stepped up to shoot.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 04:30 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Friday, July 17, 2009

On opening day of the 2008-2009 bow season I did something that would haunt me for the next week. After missing a doe at 20 yards, I was a little unsure of my shot when two giant bucks stepped out at 35 yards. After making up my mind just to sit and watch since it was just opening day, little did I know I was being attacked.
    
On that hot afternoon as I watched those bucks feed away, a few mosquitoes buzzed about my head but I paid them no attention. That was a big mistake because where there is one there is more. I had a few bites showing up on my hand but to me it was small price to pay for a chance at one of these nice bucks.

I never got a shot at those bucks but come the next morning I did get a big surprise. I had hundreds of mosquito bites from my shoulders to my head (remember I said it was hot well I also just had on thin camo t-shirt) and boy did I start to itch.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 03:58 PM | 2 COMMENTS | LINKS TO THIS POST

Friday, July 17, 2009

GunBroker.com®, the world's largest online auction for firearms and hunting/shooting accessories, has launched a mobile site designed for easy viewing and use on the small screens of cell phones and PDAs.

The mobile site, accessible at http://m.gunbroker.com, looks sharp on a cell phone but also works in a regular Web browser.

"We live in a mobile society where cell phones and PDAs have become predominant, so it made sense to offer a site especially for the convenience of the many people who are interfacing with GunBroker.com on small screens while they're going about their lives," said Steve Urvan, GunBroker.com CEO.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:13 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Friday, July 17, 2009

HARRISBURG - Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe today welcomed the Board of Game Commissioners newest member, Ralph A. Martone, of New Castle, Lawrence County, which brings the Board to its full complement of eight members.

Martone was nominated by Gov. Edward G. Rendell on June 3, and confirmed by the state Senate on July 15. Martone fills the unexpired term of H. Daniel Hill III, who resigned earlier this year when he was appointed Senior Policy Advisor and Counselor to U.S. Congresswoman Kathy Dahlkemper. Martone's term expires Oct. 14, 2014.

"As a member of the Board of Game Commissioners, I look forward to helping guide the agency in managing the state's wildlife resources and meeting the needs of its citizens, including hunters and non-hunters," Martone said. "In a new era of wildlife management, the Game Commission must strive to balance the diverse needs of society with scientific management concepts. In addition, the leadership of the agency is charged with maintaining a sound fiscal plan while dealing with such diverse issues as hunter recruitment and deer management."

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:10 AM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Friday, July 17, 2009

BOGART, Ga. - QDMA is proud to announce the addition of Big & J Industries, LLC to their Partnership team. Although the corporate partnership between Big & J and the QDMA is a recent occurrence, one of the company's founders was already teamed up with Quality Deer Management Association as the Vice President of the QDMA Heartland Branch in Omaha, Nebraska, where the company is located.

"We are honored to have Big & J Industries, LLC support QDMA's mission to promote ethical hunting, sound deer management and preservation of the deer-hunting heritage. By utilizing their BB" product along with well established food plots, the habitat manager is able to practice QDM to the fullest extent. More and more habitat managers are looking for quality products with proven results, and the folks at Big & J are helping them out," said Randy Bowden, QDMA's Director of Marketing and Corporate Relations.

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

Friday, July 17, 2009

Fletching Arrows at home has often been a sticky mess and one that sometimes fails at least it has for me several times because either the glue was not very good, or my shafts were not very clean.  Along comes GOAT TUFF with the GOAT TUFF Adhesive and today the Arrow Shaft Cleaner Kit.

“One of the main reasons fletching doesn’t maintain a solid hold on the arrow shaft is due to the shaft not being properly cleaned. This is why we have introduced our new GOAT TUFF Arrow Shaft Cleaning Kit." Jerry Smith, President of GOAT TUFF products announced today.

Smith continued, “Every arrow shaft must be cleaned well to ensure the fletching sticks regardless of the conditions and the last place you want to have failure is in the field. The Arrow Shaft Cleaner Kit is a convenient package that provides the quality products necessary to make sure your fletching stays where you put it - on the arrow shaft.”

Each kit contains a 2 oz bottle of concentrated cleaner for cleaning and degreasing arrow shafts, a 16 oz plastic bottle for mixing the concentrate with 14 oz of water and two microfiber cleaning towels for completely removing particles from shaft. The cleaner is pH balanced for maximum performance with GOAT TUFF Glue, is economic to use, safe and easy on the hands, environmentally friendly and biodegradable. GOAT TUFF, making sure your fletching stays put.

GOAT TUFF Products offers a full line of cleaning and gluing products for the professional and home arrow maker.

If your looking for a great set of adhesives and cleaning products please look for GOAT TUFF at your local or National Sporting Good Store.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:00 AM | 2 COMMENTS | LINKS TO THIS POST

Friday, July 17, 2009

MISSOULA, Mont.—By facilitating agreements between corporate landowners and the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation has helped open or secure over 250,000 acres for public hunting access.

The milestone was recognized at a recent meeting of agency commissioners.

Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources Commissioner Dr. Jon Gassett said, “The Elk Foundation has been vital in this process—without them we wouldn’t be nearly as successful in obtaining these landowner agreements. The Elk Foundation gets things done with coal and timber companies that we, as an agency, have a hard time accomplishing. They have built a great relationship with landowners in Kentucky.”

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

Friday, July 17, 2009

Pro Ears, a leading manufacturer of US-made electronic hearing protection/amplification products, and Eye Safety Systems, Inc. (ESS), a leading manufacturer in ballistic eye protection for military and public safety professionals, announced today a cooperative promotional program that offers each company's products at extraordinary prices when customers shop at both companies' respective web stores.

"The Eyes and Ears Co-op Promotional Program is designed to make premium eye and hearing protection products more affordable in today's challenging economic environment," said Brian Ross, ESS Sr. VP Sales & Marketing. "The goal for both companies is to help customers afford a package of best in class eye and hearing protection for public safety, military and shooting sports activities when they shop for their safety equipment."  Pro Ears owner Charles Ricci said, "This is our way of ensuring tight budgets won't stand in the way of personal safety."

Taking advantage of the promotion is simple: When customers purchase hearing protection at www.pro-ears.com , or eye protection at www.esseyepro.com , they will be rewarded with one-time-use 25% off discount codes that can be redeemed at the other company's web store.  Email order confirmations for the initial purchases will include the discount codes and instructions about how they can be redeemed.  These co-op promotional discounts are available beginning June 1, 2009, and will be valid until December 31, 2009.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 09:00 AM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Friday, July 17, 2009

WASHINGTON – At a hearing of its Energy and Natural Resources Committee, the U.S. Senate today took one more step toward instituting reform of the 1872 General Mining Law, a move that sportsmen heralded as critical toward conserving America’s public lands and the habitat and outdoor opportunities these lands provide.

Sportsmen United for Sensible Mining, a coalition of organizations and grassroots partners led by the National Wildlife Federation, the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership and Trout Unlimited, has advocated reform of the 1872 Mining Law as a means to better manage public-lands fish and wildlife resources and promote reclamation of thousands of abandoned mines located throughout the American West. In April, Senate Energy and Natural Resources Chair Jeff Bingaman introduced the Hardrock Mining and Reclamation Act of 2009 (S. 796), which took unprecedented action toward revision of the 137-year-old law.

“Sportsmen, and every citizen who cares about and enjoys our nation’s public lands, have reason to applaud Senator Jeff Bingaman for introducing this historic reform measure and praise the Senate for considering the legislation,” said Chris Wood, chief operating officer of TU, “which takes strides toward instituting long-overdue revision of America’s most archaic natural resources law.”

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 08:00 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Friday, July 17, 2009

RIDGELAND, MS - On August 1, 2009, Ducks Unlimited (DU) will honor eight Mississippians for their individual conservation commitments. Among those are Mossy Oak's Founder Toxey Haas and Mossy Oak President Bill Sugg.
 
Haas is best known as the founder of Mossy Oak Brand Camo, which was established in 1986. Since then, Mossy Oak has grown to embody the outdoor lifestyle. Offshoots of the Brand include Mossy Oak Properties, Mossy Oak BioLogic, Mossy Oak Productions and Nativ Nurseries. Mossy Oak aims to get people outdoors whether hunting, planting or preserving.
 
As President of Haas Outdoors, Bill Sugg channels his passion for the outdoors into overseeing the day-to-day processes and business decisions at Mossy Oak. Under Sugg's leadership, Mossy Oak has donated time and resources to organizations that work to support conservation and promote hunting and fishing.
 

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 01:32 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Friday, July 17, 2009

Other than declaring war, neither house of Congress has a more solemn responsibility than the Senate's role in confirming justices to the U.S. Supreme Court. As the Senate considers the nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor, Americans have been watching to see whether this nominee - if confirmed - would respect the Second Amendment or side with those who have declared war on the rights of America's 80 million gun owners.

From the outset, the National Rifle Association has respected the confirmation process and hoped for mainstream answers to bedrock questions.  Unfortunately, Judge Sotomayor's judicial record and testimony clearly demonstrate a hostile view of the Second Amendment and the fundamental right of self-defense guaranteed under the U.S. Constitution.

It is only by ignoring history that any judge can say that the Second Amendment is not a fundamental right and does not apply to the states. The one part of the Bill of Rights that Congress clearly intended to apply to all Americans in passing the Fourteenth Amendment was the Second Amendment.  History and congressional debate are clear on this point.

Yet Judge Sotomayor seems to believe that the Second Amendment is limited only to the residents of federal enclaves such as Washington, D.C. and does not protect all Americans living in every corner of this nation.  In her Maloney opinion and during the confirmation hearings, she deliberately misread Supreme Court precedent to support her incorrect view.

In last year's historic Heller decision, the Supreme Court ruled that the Second Amendment guarantees the individual's right to own firearms and recognizes the inherent right of self-defense.  In addition, the Court required lower courts to apply the Twentieth Century cases it has used to incorporate a majority of the Bill of Rights to the States.  Yet in her Maloney opinion, Judge Sotomayor dismissed that requirement, mistakenly relying instead on Nineteenth Century jurisprudence to hold that the Second Amendment does not apply to the States.

This nation was founded on a set of fundamental freedoms. Our Constitution does not give us those freedoms - it guarantees and protects them. The right to defend ourselves and our loved ones is one of those. The individual right to keep and bear arms is another. These truths are what define us as Americans. Yet, Judge Sotomayor takes an opposite view, contrary to the views of our Founding Fathers, the Supreme Court, and the vast majority of the American people.

We believe any individual who does not agree that the Second Amendment guarantees a fundamental right and who does not respect our God-given right of self-defense should not serve on any court, much less the highest court in the land. Therefore, the National Rifle Association of America opposes the confirmation of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the position of Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court.

 - NRA -

Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America's oldest civil rights and sportsmen's group. Four million members strong, NRA continues its mission to uphold Second Amendment rights and to advocate enforcement of existing laws against violent offenders to reduce crime. The Association remains the nation's leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the military.

http://www.nraila.org/

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 01:07 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Dubuque, Iowa – July 15, 2009 – Pheasants Forever (PF) and Diamond Jo Casinos announce the first distribution of grants from the Diamond Conservation Fund - totaling $7,750 - that will benefit five local wildlife habitat restoration and youth conservation education projects. Created by PF, funds for the unique Diamond Conservation Fund are provided by a designated group of slot machines located at the Diamond Jo Casino properties in Dubuque and Northwood, Iowa. Whenever a player hits the jackpot on one of the machines in the designated slot bank, Diamond Jo matches the jackpot with an equal donation to the Diamond Conservation Fund.

Distributions from the Diamond Conservation Fund are advised upon by a locally selected committee. "Both Pheasants Forever and Diamond Jo Casinos felt that for such a partnership to be successful, it had to have local input and local impact," said Matt O'Connor, PF Director of Conservation Programs for Iowa, "In this initial round of funding, some really noteworthy projects were selected, and we look forward to funding more in the future as this fun concept grows."

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 04:40 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Springfield, Ill. - July 14, 2009 - Illinois Pheasants Forever (PF) and Quail Forever (QF) are looking for interested youth to participate in the first-ever Illinois PF/QF Youth Leadership Council. Twelve youth (ages 10-17) with an interest in hunting, fishing and the outdoors will be selected to serve as youth ambassadors on a variety of conservation issues.

The 12-member Illinois PF/QF Youth Leadership Council will be modeled after the PF/QF National Youth Leadership Council, a 20-member group of youth from around the country who are spokespersons for their age group on hunting and conservation issues and advise PF/QF on youth programs. Youth selected to the Illinois PF/QF Youth Leadership Council will receive leadership and communications training to help them serve as liaisons with not only other youth groups (4-H, National FFA Organization), but with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and elected officials.

"Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever have made a commitment to the next generation of conservationists through its No Child Left Indoors® initiative, and the creation of an all-Illinois youth leadership council will reinforce that commitment in this state," said Aaron Kuehl, Illinois PF/QF Director of Conservation Programs, "The creation of this council also dovetails perfectly with the Department of Natural Resources' identified focus of youth hunter/angler recruitment."

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 04:37 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Team Huntress announces it second Outdoor Adventure Clinic to be held at Buffalo County Outfitters in Mondovi, Wis., Aug. 20 to Aug. 23, 2009.

The clinic follows the successful inaugural Outdoor Adventure Clinic for women June 12-14 at the Pheasant Phun/OJ Bar Ranch in Hitchcock, S.D.

The events are based on the idea that just because a woman wants to learn outdoors skills doesn't mean she wants to stop being a woman. That's why Team Huntress created the Outdoor Adventure Clinic, a three-day event that caters to women who want to learn or expand their outdoor skills while enjoying beautiful accommodations, spa treatments and the camaraderie of like-minded women.

The Outdoor Adventure Clinic offers training in archery, firearms, wildlife photography, gear and survival skills from the expert Team Huntress staff of prominent women hunters while a team of clinicians offer the kind of pampering women love: massages, facials, foot rubs, nature walks and wine tasting.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 04:22 PM | 2 COMMENTS | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, July 16, 2009

How Green is Hunting?  Fox News did a story on How hunting is Green and featured the good folks over at SCI.  I read through the article and it really shows how far out of touch groups like PETA are with the world population.  I felt that Fox did a great job on the article but should of put in some real facts and figures into the article like how much money hunters donate yearly through Excise Taxes and donations to organizations to protect wildlife..

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,531205,00.html

Quota Set for Wolf Hunting

“Barring legal intervention, Montana will have its first official gray wolf hunting season this fall, after the Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commission unanimously agreed Wednesday to a 75-wolf quota.  State officials said the historic decision represents a victory for wildlife conservation in Montana and for the often maligned federal Endangered Species Act.  ‘Today, we can celebrate the fact that Montana manages elk, deer, bears, mountain lions, ducks, bighorn sheep, and wolves in balance with their habitats, other species, and in balance with the people who live here,’ said FWP Director Joe Maurier. ‘Montanans have worked hard to recover the Rocky Mountain wolf and to integrate wolves into Montana’s wildlife management programs. That’s always been the promise of the Endangered Species Act, and we’re pleased so see it fulfilled here in Montana.’” (Source: www.helenair.com)

 FWP To Reconsider Sheep’s Place On Public Land
“Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks plans to take another look at whether it should allow sheep ranchers to trail their livestock across a 28,000-acre swath of land in Southwestern Montana. Earlier this month, three conservation groups challenged the agency for allowing domestic sheep to cross the Robb-Ledford Wildlife Management Area, a practice the groups say makes the habitat inhospitable to bighorn sheep due to diseases the domestic sheep can give to bighorns.” (Source: Bozeman Daily Chronical) MORE…

Thanks to SCI "In the Crosshairs" for providing this news to us for publication, if you are interested in joining SCI then please check them out at http://www.scifirstforhunters.org/members/.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 01:50 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Don has this buck coming in daily into his yard in Pennsylvania.  He is starting to really really look good.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 01:31 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, July 16, 2009

WASHINGTON - The Theodore Roosevelt Conservation partnership today praised an announcement by Gov. Bill Ritter to postpone finalization of the state's roadless rule until additional revision and public comment could be obtained. Yet the sportsmen were quick to temper their approval with renewed calls for fundamental changes to the draft management plan.

The TRCP, a national hunting and fishing group, has led efforts by a diverse assemblage of conservation, sportsmen and recreational groups in requesting the extended timetable to resolve inconsistencies and loopholes in the draft Colorado roadless rule, which will determine the management of 4.4 million acres of national forest backcountry in the state.

"We appreciate Governor Ritter's responsiveness to the views of sportsmen and the need to solve some significant problems with the draft Colorado roadless rule," said Forrest Orswell, a TRCP field representative who lives in Fort Collins. "Now, the state must take advantage of this window of opportunity to eliminate loopholes allowing water projects and power-line corridors in valuable backcountry lands, as well as coal mining in the Currant Creek area." 

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

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Distributed with Permission from Gerhard Damm, African Indaba is dedicated to the People and Wildlife of Africa and every issue is filled with fascinating subjects and stories from the land of Africa.  With a strong focus on conservation, this is a must read if you are interested in understanding the hunting culture, business and conservation policies in Africa, and the passion we all share for wildlife.

Download your Copy of African Indaba here

Log on and sign up for the African Indaba to come into your email box anywhere from 3 to 7 times per year.  The schedule varies dramatically because there is work to do to protect our wild species and this newsletter gets written after the work is done for the day..

This is a must read... SIGN UP HERE!!

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 12:53 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Now for the numbers. In six days of field operations 1,708 geese were captured at 25 different sites in 12 counties (totals listed below). Of those captured 81 were previously banded including one goose that was banded as a gosling 14 years prior.

Tom Birdkowski Led the Charge with the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries and Todd Cocker Led the Charge from the Virginia Area Waterfowler's Association alongside volunteers from Ducks Unlimited and Delta Waterfowl as well as many other stakeholders.

Great Job Virginia!!!!

Date                County                New Bands       Recaptures      Total  
6/22/2009       Gloucester                    67               3                     70    

6/22/2009       Middlesex                     46                0                     46     

6/22/2009       Lancaster                     40                0                      40   

6/22/2009       Richmond                     55                6                      61     

6/23/2009       Essex                          115               14                     129  

6/23/2009       King William                  44               0                     44     

6/29/2009       Chesterfield                  527             48                    575    

6/30/2009       Spotsylvania                 191              4                     195    

6/30/2009       Stafford                         41               4                     45     

7/6/2009         Amherst                       117               0                     117    

7/6/2009         Bedford                        263               1                     264  

7/7/2009        Pittsylvania                    121             1                     122           

Total                                                  1627                81                    1708  

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 12:35 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Team HuntingLife is proud to announce that in the Battle of the Bow, Terri Lee and Kale are absolutely burning up the competition.  We are extremely excited by the numbers in our competition and we are working hard to bring you some fantastic video and we are planning some amazing hunts for this fall with the cameras in tow.

#01= 1,008 Hunting Life.Com TEAM......last week #01
#02= 548 Plummer / Hotter TEAM.........last week #02
#03= 453 Select One Mortgage TEAM...last week #03
#04= 397 Anderson Ford TEAM.............last week #04
#05= 334 Bow Brothers TEAM...............last week #05
#06= 307 A1 Archery TEAM...................last week #06
#07= 149 Pierce County Meats TEAM....last week #07
#08= 127 Mediastash TEAM...................last week #08
#09= 104 Nelson Plumbing TEAM..........last week #09
#10= 089 Original Black Pine TEAM.......last week #10

Please go check out our page and if your interested in joining a great site filled with Wisconsin Hunters and Conservationists.

http://www.wisconsinoutdoorsnetwork.org/profile/HuntingLifeTEAM

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 00:10 AM | 2 COMMENTS | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

You all see it at the same time, although the untrained eye could have easily missed the slashing black bill rising out of the ocean behind the hookless teaser. Time moves in slow motion and hyper-speed all at the same time as the three principals all hope to play their part to perfection.  The captain keeps the boat steady; his boat handling skills will soon be tested to the max if all goes well now. The mate starts to reel in the teaser, not too fast, yet not too slow. The sailfish get angrier and more frustrated as the meal he tries to engulf continues to slip away yet is still in front of him. I stand poised at the stern, fly rod and fly in hand, fly line coiled in a bucket of water at my feet. The tricky part comes now as the mate must make the teaser disappear, while I present my fly simultaneously. A clean bait-and-switch occurs, my fly having been delivered slightly behind the enraged billfish. The lit-up fish, glowing electric blue like a neon sign, turns to look for the meal that has just disappeared, right into my pink and purple popper with the big doll eyes; who could resist? All the action occurs right at the stern of the boat giving everyone a ring side, front row view to the action. Three down and dirty sweeps of the 12 weight rod set the hook and Mr. Sailfish erupts out of the sea in a dazzling display of jumps, tail walks, and twists, before he screams away and the battle really begins. Welcome to the world of big game salt water fly fishing, the closest thing to hunting without a gun.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:35 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

I just got off of the phone with Harry Walker from Sandy River Outfitters and Harry has some availability for Fall Bear Hunts, Combination Hunts and some Archery and Muzzleloader whitetail Hunts.  Usually by this time in the season these tags are sold out.

If you are looking for a great hunt with farm house accommodations and excellent food this hunt is exceptional.  I will be in Manitoba this year for another great rifle hunt and I am looking for the deep cold that gets the whitetails moving.  Fall Bear Hunts out of the Pine Falls area look to be exceptional this year with the bears packing on the summer weight.

2009 Spring Bear Season Flyer(updated with this years pictures)

Sandy River Outfitters Website

Sandy River Outfitters Listing on HuntingLife.com

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 03:41 AM | 2 COMMENTS | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

MISSOULA, Mont.—Sixteen counties in Wisconsin are slated for wildlife habitat conservation and education projects using $53,172 in new grants from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

The 2009 RMEF grants will affect Ashland, Bayfield, Burnett, Door, Fond du Lac, Green Lake, Iowa, La Crosse, Marathon, Monroe, Oconto, Oneida, Ozaukee, Price, Sawyer and Washington counties.

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

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 08:55 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Saint Paul, Minnesota- Pheasants Forever, Inc. announces the completion of seven projects, all additions to existing wildlife areas, that are now open to the public for hunting, fishing, trapping and bird watching. Funds for these projects were provided by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR), PF Chapters, and several partners. Trust Fund dollars originate through the Minnesota State Lottery.

In total, 412 acres of wetlands, grasslands and woodlands were added to enhance the state wildlife management area system or federal waterfowl production area system. Long-term management and stewardship of these lands will be provided by the Minnesota DNR and United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Initial site and habitat development is being completed in partnership with the Minnesota DNR, Pheasants Forever and the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 08:37 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Federal Heights, CO-The International Hunter Education Association (IHEA) Foundation Benefit Auction to raise funds to help hunter education programs nationwide has added over 30 new items to the auction. The auction is being conducted in partnership with www.GunBroker.com.

In recent days, IHEAF and GunBroker.com have added over 30 new items to the auction-all are products of interest to hunters, shooters and those who spend time in the outdoors. Included are: five more rifles, a 3-day Argentina Dove hunt

From SCI, tickets for a 3-event NASCAR package at Talladega Superspeedway from Realtree, a Laser Shot home theater shooting simulator system, hunting coats, a second guided Florida fishing trip, a Bushnell: rangefinder, weather monitor and GPS with XM radio/weather, a case of custom Hornady ammunition, Coleman outdoor equipment, two more Benchmade knives, and more.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 08:29 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, July 13, 2009

FRUITLAND, Utah - More than 5,700 acres of critical big game and sage-grouse habitat now belongs to the state of Utah.
On June 29, Allan Smith and representatives from the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) and the Mule Deer Foundation (MDF) finalized the sale of the land.

"Our grandfather, Moroni Smith, who acquired much of this land 100 years ago, instilled a simple philosophy in us: ‘leave the land in better shape for future generations than you found it,'" Smith says. "Our family is happy that this land-5,700 acres-is going to the DWR. It's our legacy to the people of Utah."

Miles Moretti, president of the Mule Deer Foundation, and Kevin Christopherson, DWR regional supervisor, agree. "This land exchange protects thousands of acres of critical wildlife habitat," Christopherson says. "It's a tremendous legacy for the people of Utah."

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 03:41 PM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, July 13, 2009

Weatherby’s trailblazing online community for hunters and shooters recently passed the 25,000-member milestone.

The legendary firearms company launched its community, Weatherby Nation (www.weatherbynation.com), in September 2007.  In 2008 alone, there were 127,500 unique visitors to the site, which offers free membership.

“Weatherby Nation is one of the first, if not the first, stand-alone online communities created by a firearms company,” noted Brad Ruddell, Weatherby’s vice president of sales and marketing.  “It’s been exciting to watch the rapid growth of Weatherby Nation and see how active it has become.”

Ruddell added, “The Nation is much more than a resource on all things Weatherby.  It’s a place where passionate hunters and shooters can gather to swap stories and photos, discuss past and future hunts, show off their trophies, and give and receive input on firearms and related equipment.  In addition, we are planning a number of exciting enhancements that will make the site even more useful, informative and entertaining for the members.”

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 03:29 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, July 13, 2009

Here's how it works:

For an application, visit http://www.maine.gov/online/nedeer/.

If you applied for an Any Deer permit last year, all of your information is pre-filled into this year's online application. To start, type in your first name, last name and date of birth as you printed it on last year's application. We'll look up your information. Please review your personal data and make any necessary changes. It's easy!

If you fill out an application this year - and happen to move or change your phone number before the application deadline - you can go online and edit your previously submitted Any Deer permit application.

Once you've filled out your application, you'll be able to print out a confirmation page. Also, a confirmation will be e-mailed to you. This way you have a printed record of the day/time of your application as well as all of the information you provided to us.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 02:41 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, July 13, 2009

Great Video on the effectiveness of the Stedi-Stock Camera Stabilization Arm!

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 02:36 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, July 13, 2009

WICHITA, Kan. —The Coleman Company, Inc., America’s outdoor company, is announcing support for a cause to ensure more opportunities are provided for youngsters with cancer to enjoy life-changing experiences outdoors. About 8,600 kids age 14 and under will be diagnosed this year with the disease. Many will hear about a special youth camp in Montana where, for one week, the power of the outdoors can send fear and anxiety into complete remission.

To shine a light on the cause, Coleman has launched a charitable giving and awareness campaign for Camp Mak-A-Dream, a medically supervised, cost-free camping experience for children, young adults and families affected by cancer.

“At Coleman, we’ve always known that spending time in the outdoors benefits body, mind and spirit; and we recognize a compelling purpose for connecting kids and families outdoors at a place such as Mak-A-Dream,” said Scott Henrikson, Senior Vice President of Americas Sales for Coleman. “The kids get to enjoy hiking, horseback riding, fishing, swimming, making s’mores around the campfire, gazing up at the stars—all the things that healthy kids do at normal camps. But, for these kids, everyday life is anything but normal.”

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 02:07 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, July 13, 2009

Fun, Four Wheelers, Firearms, fellowship and fundraising are set as the main events at the 1st annual, NWTF Run N’ Gun event hosted by the Timberline Strutters Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) and the Bancroft Fish & Game Protective Association on Saturday Aug 22nd  at the Bancroft Fish & Game Club  27602 Hwy 62 S Bancroft Ontario.

Doors open at 9:00 am. Come early to enjoy ATV & Conservation displays, participate in raffles and silent auctions before hitting the Range for a Shotgun Still target shoot, and then hit the 85 km Trail on your ATV for a great tour of  North Hastings County’s country side. You will have three shooting stations that will help build your score.

All Firearms and ammunition will be supplied at all firing points with safety instructors, so if you never fired a shotgun or Crossbow before, here is a great chance to introduce yourself to the fun of our Canadian Outdoor Heritage and Shooting Sports Traditions. 

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 01:59 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, July 13, 2009

Expect to see hundreds of attention-grabbing items available in several live and silent auctions during the Quality Deer Management Association’s 9th Annual National Convention and Whitetail Expo, July 23-26 in Louisville, KY.

Friday’s Hunt Auction Luncheon will kick off the weekend’s auction events. During this annual luncheon, dozens of top-notch hunts will be available to the highest bidder responding to auctioneer Dale Dodson’s entertaining calls to the crowd. Wildlife art, hunting gear, and management tools are among the items up for grabs at the silent auction.

The Grand Banquet and Auction will occur Saturday night. Convention goers, seminar speakers, whitetail industry celebrities, and QDMA members will come together for dinner and the chance to bid on an exceptional line-up of once-in-a-lifetime hunts and trips; beautiful artwork, namely, pieces by Larry Zach and Jay Kemp; firearms; and management equipment. By way of live and silent auctions, gun boards, and raffles, attendees will have the opportunity to take home some great products, including a full array of Dolmar power equipment.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 01:08 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, July 13, 2009

HATFIELD, MN - At its national convention this spring, the Pope and Young Club recognized Dr. Kenneth Mayer (Nevada Department of Wildlife), Kelly Semple (from Alberta) and the New York Bowhunters, Inc., for achievement in pro-bowhunting and pro-conservation efforts.

Kenneth Mayer receives the Lee Gladfelter Memorial Award

In recognition of lifelong commitment to bowhunting efforts by a professional wildlife biologist, the Pope and Young Club presented the 2009 Lee Gladfelter Memorial Award to Kenneth Mayer, Director of the Nevada Department of Wildlife. In receiving the award, Ken mentioned that this was special and humbling because he had personally worked with Lee Gladfelter prior to his passing. In making the presentation, P&Y Conservation Chairman Mike Schlegel noted Ken's years of service in the California Department of Fish and Game, his 11 years on the American Archery Council's professional wildlife management team, his service on the Wildlife Society's technical review committee "The Use of Bowhunting in Wildlife Management," and his involvement in the 1st National Bowhunting Conference in 2001.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 12:10 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, July 13, 2009

PHOENIX - The Arizona Friends of the NRA (National Rifle Association) and the NRA Foundation recently awarded the Arizona Game and Fish Department $25,000 in grant funds to purchase a mix of air gun rifles, air gun pistols, .22 rimfire rifles and shotguns to be used in introductory hunting and shooting sports programs.

"The NRA Foundation's state grant program provides much needed funding toward expanding and improving our programs," said Ashley Lynch, shooting sports program coordinator with Game and Fish. "The grant is an increase of $9,000 from last year's grant and a portion will go to good use buying quality air gun rifles and pistols, which allows us to hold shooting events in areas that can't accommodate .22 or shotgun shooting."

Once purchased, youth shotguns and .22-caliber rimfire rifles will be packaged into "loaner kits." These kits will be used by department staff and can be loaned to partnered sportsmen's groups and other organizations to run marksmanship workshops or small game hunting camps designed to introduce families to shooting and hunting throughout the state.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:45 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, July 13, 2009

MISSOULA, Mont.-Fifteen counties in Wyoming are slated for wildlife habitat conservation projects using $352,547 in new grants from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

The 2009 RMEF grants will affect Albany, Bighorn, Carbon, Converse, Laramie, Lincoln, Natrona, Park, Sheridan, Sublette, Sweetwater, Teton, Uinta, Washakie and Weston counties.

Additional projects have statewide interest.

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

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

Friday, July 10, 2009

Waterbury, Vermont - The winners of Vermont's 2009 moose hunting permits were determined July 09 at a lottery drawing in Montpelier. Governor Jim Douglas started the computer-generated selection process that randomly picked 1,230 winners among more than 14,000 people who applied this year.

The drawing is done by a random sort of applications that were submitted by a June 2nd deadline. Lottery applications were $10.00 for residents and $25.00 for nonresidents.

People who applied last year and didn't get a permit were given a bonus point, increasing their odds of winning a permit in future moose permit lotteries.

In addition to the regular lottery drawing, a "special priority drawing" was held for five permits to go to applicants who have received, or are eligible to receive, a Campaign Ribbon for Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom (in Afghanistan). Valid applications were received from 106 people. These five permits were drawn first. The unsuccessful applicants from the Iraqi-Afghanistan drawing were included in the larger regular drawing that followed. All applicants for both drawings who did not receive a permit were awarded a bonus point to improve their chances in future moose permit lotteries.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:47 AM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Friday, July 10, 2009

Shameless promotion of great products has never once bothered me.  I will not hawk junk but I will not hesitate to push the products that I absolutely love.

SPOT Messengers are GPS Tracking Devices and these units are important to all hunters, backpackers, fishersmen, Paddlers, climbers, skiers and outfitters.  They can show you a tracking history for where you have been and if you are in trouble they will allow you to send out messages to alert friends, family, and be rescued should you need that assistance.

This unit does everything it says it will and is a great tool giving you the peace of mind you and your family needs when you are in the outdoors.

Our Promotional Code for SPOT Messenger is HuntingLife23 and that provides you with a full year of tracking!!!

Check out the SPOT MESSENGER!!!

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 02:03 AM | 4 COMMENTS | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, July 9, 2009

TUCSON, AZ--Safari Club International (SCI), SCI Foundation (SCIF) and GSM Outdoors have announced they are teaming up to help hunters and wildlife conservation, with a percentage of certain product sales being devoted to SCI and SCIF programs.

GSM Outdoors, whose brands include Walker’s Game Ear, Stealth Cam, Wildview, Cyclops, SSI, FeederMax and American Hunter Products, has also become an SCI Corporate Sponsor, helping to support SCI’s mission to protect the freedom to hunt and to promote conservation in the United States and worldwide.

“We took a close look at which organizations were doing the most for conservation and having the greatest positive impact for hunting,” said GSM Team Member Tim Schnell, “and we put SCI at the top of the list. We’re proud to do our part for the future of hunting.”

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 02:38 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, July 9, 2009

The Hunter’s Specialties Pro Staff and friends have put together some great deer hunting footage for the new Primetime Bucks® XIII DVD.

From early season bucks in velvet through the wild and crazy whitetail rut into the frozen fields of winter, the hunters have put hour after hour in stands, covering hundreds of miles to bring viewers the kind of exciting hunting action they have come to expect in the Primetime videos.

Primetime Bucks XIII contains 28 hunts with over three hours of video and sells for a suggested retail price of $12.99.

A Primetime deer track window sticker is included.

For more information, log onto the Hunter’s Specialties website at www.hunterspec.com, write to 6000 Huntington Court NE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402, or call a Consumer Service Specialist at 319-395-0321.

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

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Our military is one of the finest group of men and women in the world and each and every day those men and women support and protect our freedom to speak, shoot, hunt and fish.  These men like also like to take time out of their busy schedules and enjoy the pleasure of getting outdoors and hunting with friends and family.  Our military is certainly not the best paid men and women and I know most all of them are not serving our country for the money, that is for sure.

After getting this great letter from Maj, MS Darin L Harper(US Army), I am proposing that we reward our military with resident licenses in all 50 states.  Each state controls their resident and non-resident costs for licenses and every state has the option to declare military members as exceptions to the rule.  In fact I am pretty sure that most level headed politicians and game and fish officers would stand right beside me in saying we need to support our US Troops both at home and abroad.

Lets work together to give our United States soldiers the right to buy resident tags and licenses for hunting in every state of our great country so they can enjoy the outdoors no matter where they are stationed.

Here is a photo of this great soldier....

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:20 AM | 26 COMMENTS | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, July 9, 2009

BEAVERTON, Ore. - Souped up and simplified - these words best describe Leupold's® new RX®-600 and RX-750 TBR® digital laser rangefinders for hunters and shooters.

Enhanced digital signal processing delivers faster ranging performance than comparable rangefinders while ensuring accurate distance measurements. An improved user interface and simplified Quick Set Menu make the RX-600 and RX-750 TBR easier to operate than similar models.

The RX-600 provides straight-line distance measurements, while the advanced RX-750 TBR offers True Ballistic Range® technology to help place shots with exceptional accuracy.

"Whether you're a bowhunter or shooting varmints, our RX-600 and RX-750 TBR rangefinders will meet your needs," commented Mike Slack, Leupold's marketing communications manager. "We designed them for topflight performance, but priced them to be surprisingly affordable."

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

Thursday, July 9, 2009

BOGART, GEORGIA - Quality Deer Management Association's National Convention and Whitetail Expo will feature talented artists throughout the four-day event in Louisville, Kentucky, July 23-26.

Kicking off the festivities, the Welcome Reception will feature the Joe Freeman Bluegrass Band from Crown City, Ohio. The band will perform their one-of-a-kind show, a combination of celebrated music and comedy while the guests enjoy hors d' oeuvres and bourbon tasting in a casual meet-and-greet environment.

Gina West, along with guitarist Bobbie Stacks, will open the stage during Friday's REACH Celebration Party. West, a Nashville resident, was a top-20 contestant on Nashville Star. She is also a songwriter and, appropriate for this event, an avid hunter. Bobbie Stacks, also a songwriter, has been performing on stage since age ten and has collaborated on a number of original projects for other artists. West and Stacks have opened for Daryle Singletary, Montgomery Gentry, and Shenandoah, among others. Paul Bogart, a rising star in Nashville, will follow the ladies with his traditional country sound. Bogart has a passion for rodeo that is expressed in his music. Not only does Bogart have a voice, but he is a talented song writer and performer with down-to-earth sensibility and a crowd-pleasing presentation.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:14 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Team HuntingLife is proud to sponsor the Battle of the Bow competition with the Wisconsin Outdoor Network.  Pro Staffers Terri Lee Pocernich and Kale Williamson are extremely excited to for the upcoming season and have been working extremely hard to secure land, plant some food crops, set some new game cameras and write and film each and every opportunity they get to step out into the outdoors.  The upcoming Wisconsin Deer Season will be one of the most exciting for these two dedicated deer hunters.

We have two separate competitions going on for the Battle of the Bow.  There is a weekly contest based on page views to our profile page at http://www.wisconsinoutdoorsnetwork.org/profile/HuntingLifeTEAM and the second will be viewer votes once the television series goes public.

We are in the competition to win and we really hope you all will support us in this great competition!!

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 06:23 PM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

In life we all have strengths and weaknesses and it is the process of learning what your strengths and weaknesses are as a sportsman that helps you to grow and become better.  Cleaning weapons for me is a weakness.  Making them look pretty is not a concern and while I have a few really pretty rifles made by my Grandfather, the rest of my weapons are utilitarian in purpose.  These are tools that I use to hunt with and they work well.  They are not necessarily the prettiest guns in the world but I have learned how to make them work.

I do take time a couple of times a year though to spend some time cleaning these tools and wiping them down and it has always kind of been a chore.  I have always disliked spraying down the guns with oil and silicone because I clean all of the guns in the house and with kids present I do not like spraying chemicals around them.

Along comes Rusty's Rags!

Rusty's Rag is a small piece of Sheepskin impregnated with Silicone.  This great little gun cleaning cloth leaves a lasting shine, cleans and protects your guns from rust and allows you to get into all of the nooks and crannies that an ordinary gun cloth can not get into.  Silicon can be wiped on the stock, the scope and the barrel of any rifle or shotgun and it is simple and easy to use.  Wipe the cloth over the entire gun, take the included cloth and wipe off any excess and store your gun.

At a price of $9.25 per cloth or $44.40 for a 6 pack of these cloths it is money well spent for the protection of your weapon.  I am going to keep one of these in my truck at all times to remind me to wipe down my weapon after coming in from the field.  Head on over to the Rusty's Rag Website and order yours and/or ask for them at your local sporting good store.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 02:09 PM | 2 COMMENTS | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

MISSOULA, Mont.—If you’re a tenderfoot looking to use horses for your elk hunt this fall, do yourself—and your horse—a favor. Follow these 10 tips from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and longtime supporter Smoke Elser, who’s been guiding and outfitting in Montana’s Bob Marshall Wilderness for more than 50 years.

Information and tips about elk hunting are regular features inside the Elk Foundation’s bi-monthly member magazine, Bugle. An annual membership, which includes a subscription and base-level support for RMEF habitat conservation efforts, is $35. To join, call 800-CALL ELK or visit www.rmef.org.
 

Read More for all 10 tips

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:24 AM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

WASHINGTON - The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation today announced a new partnership with Perdue, the East Coast's leading poultry provider, to help restore the Chesapeake Bay.

Perdue has committed a total of $35,000 to the Foundation's Chesapeake Bay Stewardship Fund to support habitat restoration and water quality improvement projects on the Delmarva Peninsula. The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) and its federal partners will provide matching funds of at least dollar-for-dollar to further leverage the investment.

"We are thrilled to have as a partner a company with Perdue's stature and capacity to do good work," said Jeff Trandahl, NFWF executive director. "Perdue has proven for decades that it can be a driver for the region's economy. Through its more recent environmental initiatives, we've seen that it can bring similar benefits to the region's natural resources. Our new partnership will strive to maximize the effectiveness of the company's investment in environmental stewardship, while adding new momentum to the overall effort to revitalize the Chesapeake Bay."

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

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

This year I needed some new tents.  My last tent was lost on boys outing a couple of years ago in the Chesapeake Bay while we were Sea Kayaking.  The tent was a good one but after a week tied to the top of my kayak the straps broke and it sank to the bottom of the bay.

I wanted to start out with getting a light weight 2 person tent that could work for one person and for trips where I take one of my kids out on a backpacking trip or a quick trip to the outer banks.  We settled on the Eureka Zues 2 Classic.  At 3 lbs and 14 ounces this tent fits extremely well into the bottom of my pack and is amazingly sturdy.

In June we took the tent out to the outer banks and since there was four of us on this great trip, I let the kids try out the Zues 2 while my buddy Tony West and I slept in his tent.

The boys dropped in two oversized bags and threw in all their clothes and toys into the tent.  This tent took about 5 minutes to set up and if I was in a hurry, I probably could of done it in about 2 minutes.  The Stormshield system is extremely tough and easy to set up with the poles being clipped on versus having to thread them through slides like typical tents.  The tent was very secure and we headed out to the beach.  As luck would have it a large thunderstorm headed in and pounded the entire coast with ground strikes, high winds and over an inch of rain in a couple of hours.  I figured for sure that the kids tent would be soaked as well as there clothes and the bags.  We had set the tent on sand and we came back to a dry tent and some very happy kids.

The Eureka Zues 2 Classic has a floor size of 4'10" by 7'5" and a center height of 3"6".  At 3lbs 14 oz it fits well into your pack and can work well as a solo or 2 person tent.  Your pack can fit well in the small vestibule in the front of the tent and staked down this tent can take a strong beating.  Eureka has over 100 years of outdoor shelter experience and Eureka stands behind its products.  If your in the market for a light weight tent that works well and packs into a tight space, take a look at Eureka Tents.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 04:56 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

WASHINGTON – In a letter sent today to U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, a broad consortium of sportsmen’s groups urged USDA intervention in the finalization of a state-based rule for roadless area management in Colorado to conserve valuable fish and wildlife habitat and uphold hunting and fishing opportunities.
 
The draft Colorado roadless rule, which will determine the management of 4.4 million acres of roadless backcountry, has been widely criticized due to exceptions and loopholes that could jeopardize some of the state’s most valuable public lands. Organized sportsmen have been meeting with representatives from the state and U.S. Forest Service throughout the development of the Colorado roadless rule and have expressed significant concerns about the ability of the proposed rule to conserve Colorado’s best remaining fish and wildlife habitat.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 03:25 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Just flipping through the Outdoor Wire this morning and I saw a quick story about a birthday party for Smokey Bear this weekend at Salamonie Resevoir, Indiana.  I grew up in a Forest Service Family and Smokey Bear was a part of my life from day one.  I am quite sure my first "Teddy" bear was Smokey and there is still one sitting around on my book shelf 39 years later.

Smokey Bear is an American icon and an important part of our education system for the last 60 years.  Over 60 years Smokey Bear has gone through many changes but the message has always been the same... Help Prevent Forest Fires!

The United States Forest Service has gone through many changes in 60 years, some great, some good, and some bad.  I hope they will always keep the American Icon Smokey Bear alive and well in our great country.

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

Monday, July 6, 2009

This is a story that in my mind was a wonderful Success and pert near all of it is true.. So there we were, on our yearly bowhunt in southern Colo.   We had our regular party of  4 hunters, wall tent, trailer, water barrels, campstove, food cooking utensils and all the other paraphernalia that the responsible hunter takes just in case for a week long  pursuit of the Mountain King .  I was armed with my Mathews Feathermax and a lot of hope.    

After two days of hard walking and climbing, my partner Brat and I decided to venture up to a vantage point across the valley so we could glass the openings for the next morning hunt.   We thought that setting in the truck with spotting scopes would save a lot of, not only shoe leather, but also our lungs and bodies.  Little did I know how much of a toll this seeming innocent outing was going to heap on my flatland body.   
    

We had only been there at the overlook a short while when we heard a bull bugle in an aspen bowl that  I had seen from the mountain on the other side of the rive and longed to hunt some day.   I just didn’t realize that today was the day!   After looking at topo maps and attempting to venture up that way on a few prior occasions, we had come to the conclusion that this place was impossible to get to. Using the logic that it is much easier to go down than up.    After discussing the probabilities for a few moments, I decided to attempt the impossible.  Brat said, Ain’t no way I am going down there but I will drive  the truck back the 15 miles around the mountain and park along the road at the bottom so you ain’t gonna make it back up here from there and you probably ain’t gonna make it down there without breaking your neck, but you can at least slide all the way down, excepting for those spots you are just gonna drop.”   I realized that would be great since not have to climb  down and back up the extremely steep slope. He left shaking his head with reservation and I took off, with great anticipation, heading for the screaming of the MOUNTAIN KING..

Harold Hurst is CEO of Agonic Enterprises maker of the STEDI-STOCK

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 04:17 PM | 6 COMMENTS | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, July 6, 2009

EDGEFIELD, SOUTH CAROLINA - The National Wild Turkey Federation distributed more than $143,000 in June 2009 as it continues to advance its mission of benefiting wildlife conservation and protecting hunting traditions. The monies are distributed to states and programs through the NWTF Hunting Heritage Super Fund.

The Hunting Heritage Super Fund supports the NWTF's multitude of conservation and education programs with money raised from NWTF Hunting Heritage Banquets, donated by corporate sponsors and given to support wildlife conservation.

The NWTF is a national nonprofit conservation organization that was founded in 1973 and has worked with wildlife agencies to restore wild turkey populations from 1.3 million wild turkeys in 1973 to nearly seven million today. Now, NWTF volunteers raise funds and work daily to improve critical wildlife habitat, increase access to public hunting land and introduce new people to the outdoors and hunting.

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

Monday, July 6, 2009

MISSOULA, Mont.—For the first time in almost 150 years, Tennessee will host an elk hunt this autumn. Five lucky hunters will participate. Four Tennesseans received tags in a special drawing and one remaining tag will be auctioned on eBay July 16-25.

All auction proceeds will support Tennessee’s elk restoration program.

“This hunt is one of the rewards for the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation’s hard work in helping to restore a wild elk herd that was missing in Tennessee for a very long time,” said David Allen, president and CEO of the Montana-based conservation organization. “We hope our supporters will register on eBay and bid enthusiastically as a continuation of our support for this program.”

The hunt will take place at east Tennessee’s North Cumberland WMA Oct. 19-23, 2009.

All five hunters will be invited to an elk camp complete with wall tents, campfires, meals and entertainment. The camp will be held at the property of Terry Lewis near the North Cumberland WMA Elk Viewing Tower. Camp sponsors include the Elk Foundation, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Foundation, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Tennessee Wildlife Federation and Campbell Outdoor Recreation Association. Several of these groups are also partnering to promote the sale of the tag.

Tag recipients in the drawing were announced in June. Winners include Craig Gardner, of Parrotsville, Charles Ray Flynn of Rockford, Ronald L. Woodard of Oak Ridge, and Jeffrey L. Moses of Cleveland.

For more information visit www.twrf.net.

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

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:12 AM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Saturday, July 4, 2009

Happy Fourth of July from Team HuntingLife.  Please remember to take a few minutes and thank our Service Men and Women and all of our great veterans because without them we would not be here today.  As well please thank (by Joining) the NRA for protecting our ability to remain a free country!

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 00:46 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Friday, July 3, 2009

Several years ago I had the opportunity to go on a goose hunting trip with one of my business associates in January.  The weather was cold, the wind was bitter and we spent the entire day in the goose blind talking about life and drinking coffee and hot chocolate and we even killed some geese.  The action that day was slow but the camaraderie was exceptional.  Over the last several years I have tried to open up my schedule to include more of these hunts and some years have been good and others have not worked out as well.

This year I already have several trips planned to get out for Goose and Waterfowl hunts and I thought I would start off the season volunteering for a day of goose banding with the fine folks from the VGDIF and VAWFA .  Audrey(my middle daughter) and I got up on Tuesday and headed out to meet the folks and by 7:45 we had already banded 40 geese just down the road.

Click Through to see the rest of the story and a ton of great pictures!!

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 07:53 PM | 3 COMMENTS | LINKS TO THIS POST

Friday, July 3, 2009

Deer are always on high alert and tuned into their surroundings. The Kruncher™ Deer Call from Hunter’s Specialties® calms deer and plays on a whitetail’s feeding instinct.

The Kruncher is a compact, handheld call that simulates the sound of deer feeding on acorns. This natural sound relaxes deer in the immediate vicinity of your stand. It can also call in other deer that think there is food available. It calms spooked deer, stimulates deer to feed and stops deer in a relaxed manner.

Just like imitating a deer’s grunt or recreating the rattling of antlers, the sound of a whitetail feeding on acorns can cause a positive reaction. While grunting and rattling can generate emotions of anger and aggression, The Kruncher has the opposite effect. It calms spooked deer. The sound of crunching acorns actually stimulates deer to feed and puts them into a relaxed state.

Just as the rut vocalizations (bleat, grunt, snort wheeze) have meaning and are recognized sounds, so does the sound of chewing and grinding. The difference is that it is linked to the most frequent sound a whitetail experiences (feeding sounds) and can be used aggressively the entire season.

Through testing in the woods, hunters were repeatedly amazed that whitetails of all sizes and varieties had the same calm and relaxed reaction to The Kruncher. Even deer that had been spooked by other sights and sounds would relax in just seconds upon hearing The Kruncher. They would return to the source of the sound again and again.

The Kruncher is a vital part of your calling arsenal. This unique call comes with a user-friendly attaching device to keep things simple when deer are in close and hunters can’t afford mistakes. It sells for a suggested retail price of $9.99.

For more information, log onto the Hunter’s Specialties website at www.hunterspec.com, write to 6000 Huntington Court NE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402, or call a Consumer Service Specialist at 319-395-0321.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 02:12 PM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Friday, July 3, 2009

A great video on Leupold one of America's Great Companies!!!

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 12:34 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Friday, July 3, 2009

The thrill of the hunt and all the emotions tide into taking a trophy of a lifetime, last only seconds. Memories of that event will fade with time, leaving your photos however, to capture the memories for a lifetime!

As ethical hunters, we first need to be aware of the images we communicate to the public. Despite all the talk of hunter ethics, I still often times see photos of animals in the back of vehicles, lying in a heap with little thought given to composition, and hanging on meat poles or in garages.

After recently taking a photo 1 class as an elective in college, combined with the ability to practice/take several trophy quality photos a week throughout the fall, I’ve come up with a quick list of suggestions and recommendations on taking a quality shot:

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 12:16 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Friday, July 3, 2009

It was of one of our monthly Halifax County NWTF meetings when our president David Vaughan mentioned a fundraiser for our chapter. It would be for our ‘Jakes.’ He said we would construct some wood letters that would spell ‘Jakes’, let the kids paint them, then stake them in a beautiful mulch bed, followed with planting a nice oak tree above the letters. I told him that sounded like a great plan and that the kids would have a great time painting the letters! Every committee member agreed to the idea and we set our date and time. We dismissed then left for dinner. While at dinner, David said he would call us the night before to tell us if he needed help. After a good meal, we left.

When the day finally comes, my brother and I waited for David to call and every time the phone would ring, we would race to pick it up. We waited, then finally the phone rang and mom was telling us where to go. We quickly got ready and left.

When we arrived we were expecting to be put to work real quick but come to find that the kids had painted the letters and themselves and that they were starting to put down the mulch. We walked over to the ‘work site’ to take a peek at the project and found that the kids did a great job! The letters were perfectly cut to make each letter and the painting was well done! The tree was much bigger than we thought but it was perfect and the mulch setting was beautiful.

We watched people spread mulch and we even helped a little. David ended up assigning me the job of re-painting the letters so they would be extra white. We laughed and took some pictures. We decided to wait for the letters to finish drying then we would come back to finish the mulch work. We walked down to the pond and watched the geese as they flocked around a lady with bread. While looking at the pond, I noticed that people had thrown some trash on the pond side, so I walked down and picked it up so other people could enjoy the beauty but don’t have to see trash blocking it. After doing my good deed for the day, we left

The project was fun and we taught a few kids about the beauty of nature and that it doesn’t hurt to help it sometimes! We strive to teach kids the importance in taking care of nature and the understandings of different wildlife habitats. We love teaching the ‘Next Generation’ about keeping the world a beautiful place!

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:59 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, July 2, 2009

I met Jana Waller on Facebook several months ago and after taking a look at some of her pictures of painted skulls, I knew I wanted to have one done.  Well the post woman just left and boy am I glad that I took a chance and sent out my bear skull.  Jana is truly an amazing artist and her work is AMAZING.

Once your skulls are bleached and dried take a chance and send them off to Jana.  The work she does is excellent and she can take a simple skull and turn it into an absolutely amazing work of art.

I asked Jana to create a Navaho design on my bear skull and I gave her complete creative license to create a great piece and she absolutely blew me away with this work of art.  This particular skull was from my first bear and it is going to be sitting up along side the mount for the bear.  The painted skull really completes this amazing mount for this bear and I am thrilled with the work that has been done on this bear skull.

If you are thinking about turning one of your skulls into a work of art contact Jana Waller at 920-222-1136 and check out her website at www.paintedskulls.com.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 04:08 PM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Tucson, AZ – Safari Club International (SCI) and Safari Club International Foundation (SCIF) are pleased to announce that today, Larry Rudolph of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania has become their 32nd President.
 
“I am pleased to announce Larry Rudolph as the new President of SCI,” said SCI Executive Director John Eichinger. “Larry brings a great deal of experience to the position and we look forward to working with him as we continue promoting the freedom to hunt for our members world-wide.”
 
Larry Rudolph, the owner of a large multi-office group dental practice in Pittsburgh, has hunted extensively around the world and was honored as the 2007 recipient of the Weatherby Hunting and Conservation Award and the SCI World Hunting Award – two of the top honors amongst sportsmen and women. He has been a life member of SCI since 1986, and has served as the Pittsburgh Chapter President.  In addition, Rudolph has served on the SCI Executive Committee for four years, as SCI Director-at-Large, SCIF Director, SCI-PAC Chairman, Marketing Chairman, National Fundraising Chairman, and on many other various committees.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 01:03 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Howdy-- let me start out by wishing you & yours a Happy Fourth of July!   Also a Happy Birthday to my friend Butch Thompson at the King Ranch in South Texas.  

I'd like to announce that as of today, July 1, I will be shooting Hoyt bows exclusively on stage and for all my bowhunting adventures.  After being at Hoyt for almost 19 years, it feels great to have a Hoyt in my hand again.  I look forward to working with my friend Mike Luper, aka "Super Luper" again.  I have twin GMX recurve bows for my stage show and a Montega compound that I shoot instinctively for my hunts.  

Here's something on the move to Hoyt:


Addington to use/endorse Hoyt bows
by Lynn Chhabra

      Effective July 1, 2009 Frank Addington, Jr. will exclusively use Hoyt bows on stage for his instinctive archery exhibitions across the country and for all bowhunting activities.  For his stage bows, Addington selected two identical GMX recurve bows with 990 TX limbs.  In a long standing tradition, both bows are blue.  For his bowhunting activities, Addington will use the Hoyt Montega compound bow, which he has set&nb sp;up to shoot instinctively as well.  He said, "I'll have a little higher profile in the bowhunting end of the sport.  I've always kept my bowhunting private, but will do a little more high profile stuff to further promote the sport and brand."

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

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

DES MOINES - TEAM Iowa DU has adopted a "No Excuses" attitude about helping Ducks Unlimited achieve it's vision of "Wetlands sufficient to fill the skies with waterfowl today, tomorrow, and forever." The results of this commitment became apparent as TEAM Iowa DU was recognized recently at DU's national convention for performance and innovation.

"This recognition was accomplished during a time that will be marked as economically challenging on many levels," said Dave Haggard, DU Iowa state chairman. "Iowa persevered because we have a passion for our mission. We don't let challenges become excuses, and we have a commitment to our team and emphasize that by the way we identify ourselves - "TEAM Iowa DU."

The Des Moines legal and public affairs firm Brown Winnick, along with DU volunteers and staff, won one of only four Wings of Innovation awards for government relations work in support of Iowa's initiative for sustainable natural resources funding. Brown Winnick's Nancy Boyd, Michael Treinen and Marc Beltrame provided tactical recommendations and lobbying support on the measure, all pro-bono.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 12:16 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

COLUMBUS, OHIO - Hunters wanting to participate in Ohio's fall controlled deer and waterfowl hunts have until July 31 to submit permit applications for a random drawing. Hunters can save time and money by submitting their applications online at wildohio.com.

The online application fee is $3 per hunt. Mail-in applications are $5 per hunt. Application fees are non-refundable. Since the online application process became available, more hunters have taken advantage of the option. Last year, 93 percent of applicants applied online.

These special hunts are held each fall on selected public areas to provide additional hunting opportunities.

Special deer hunts also are slated for the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge (Lucas County), NASA/Plumbrook Station (Erie County), Ravenna Training & Logistics Site (PortageCounty), as well as the Mosquito Creek (Trumbull County), Killdeer Plains (Wyandot County) and Old Woman Creek (Erie County) state wildlife areas.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:48 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

WATERLOO, Iowa - The Young Family Foundation of Waterloo, Iowa, recently pledged $50,000 to help Ducks Unlimited complete the Zirbel Slough wetland enhancement project near Clear Lake. The Young family has been an ardent supporter of DU's conservation efforts for over a decade and this recent contribution will help accelerate DU's Living Lakes Initiative in Iowa.

"We've always been impressed with DU and how effective they are with using the money given to them to improve the environment and habitat. DU gets it done like they say they will," said Rick Young, Young Foundation president.

The 330-acre Zirbel Slough Wildlife Management Area is owned and managed by the Cerro-Gordo County Conservation Board and is comprised of a large restored native prairie and wetland complex.

"Like many shallow lakes and large marshes in north-central Iowa, the waterfowl and migratory bird use at Zirbel Slough has declined significantly due to poor habitat conditions and a recent proliferation of exotic rough fish," said Eric Lindstrom, DU regional biologist in Iowa.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:44 AM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

MISSOULA, Mont.—Several partners including the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation have completed a 2,675-acre first phase of a three-year project to protect wildlife habitat and public access in the Cascade Mountains near the Naches River in Washington.

By 2011, the entire project will transfer more than 10,000 acres in Kittitas County from Plum Creek Timber Co. to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).

First-phase partners included The Nature Conservancy, Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, WDFW and RMEF. A broad coalition, including the Kittitas County Commissioners, Yakama Nation, U.S. Forest Service and Washington Department of Natural Resources, supported the project.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:36 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST