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Sunday, August 30, 2009

Magnum Research Donates to the YSSA Firearms Program

The Youth Shooting Sports Alliance (YSSA) recently announced that Magnum Research Inc., Minneapolis, MN has generously donated 12 new Magnum Lite Stainless Steel .22WMR rifles to the YSSA in support of their Donated Firearms Program.

The Donated Firearms program, featured on YSSA's website www.youthshootingsa.com, encourages the donation of firearms which, in turn, will be sold on GunBroker.com - the web's largest hunting and sport shooting auction. Firearms are listed without a reserve bid and are 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.

These Magnum Lite stainless steel barrel .22WMR rifles include a combination of Hogue Overmolded, Barracuda Pepper and Barracuda Nutmeg stocks. The rifles feature an 18-inch straight bull barrel made from 4140 steel. The receiver is machined from aircraft aluminum. A tapered throat area aligns the bullet perfectly with the bore to maximize accuracy. Magnum Research's patent-pending gas-assisted blowback system eliminates problems related to time-to-peak pressure issues with .22WMR ammo.

For more information on Magnum Research products, visit their website at www.magnumresearch.com .

The Youth Shooting Sports Alliance is a 501 (c)(3) private foundation whose mission is to identify and support the needs of successful and safe youth programs. Youth groups and industry members interested in learning more about the Youth Shooting Sports Alliance are encouraged to visit their website at www.youthshootingsa.com .

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:40 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Sunday, August 30, 2009

ACTIVISION RELEASES CABELAS BIG GAME HUNTER 2010

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - August 21, 2009 - Activision Publishing, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) announced today that Cabela's Big Game Hunter 2010 will be released September 29 in North America for Wii^TM, Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, and PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system. The Wii^TM version can be purchased with the innovative Top Shot hunting peripheral, packaged with the game. In Cabela's Big Game Hunter 2010, the player must combine precision, guts, and technology to earn a place among world's most respected hunters.

"We are elevating the first person action hunting genre because it's what fans demand," said David Oxford, Activision Publishing. "Skill, extreme danger, real world equipment - you get all of that in Cabela's Big Game Hunter 2010, and it all takes place in stunningly rendered outdoor environments packed with animals that look and act like the real thing."

In Cabela's Big Game Hunter 2010, players seek "Super Hunter" status aiming to take their "game" to the next level and join the ranks of hunting's best of the best - a club where it takes much more than tall tales to gain respect. Players must prove their fearlessness and ability by successfully bagging the largest trophies in the world's most rugged regions. The most prized animals can only be reached by climbing cliffs, crossing raging rivers, and facing countless more perilous situations. Brand new elements, such as rewards for successfully using cover to progress through missions and a VITALS system which helps players visualize the perfect shot, promise to make this the most fun and action-packed Cabela's game yet.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:33 PM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Friday, August 28, 2009

Elk Foundation Files Motion to Intervene in Wolf Litigation

MISSOULA, Mont.—The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation has filed a motion in Missoula federal court to enter an amicus curiae brief supporting state-regulated wolf hunting in Idaho and Montana. If the motion is granted by U.S. District Judge Donald Molloy, RMEF documents will be considered in Molloy’s decision on whether to allow or stop the hunt.

A hearing is scheduled for Monday and a ruling could follow soon afterward.

A coalition of 13 environmental groups filed an emergency injunction asking Molloy to stop the planned hunt and return wolves to the endangered species list.

“Long gone are the days when species like elk, bears and wolves can go completely unmanaged. We don’t live in a zoo and this isn’t the old West. It is frustrating that America’s wildlife conservation system, which has worked wonderfully well since the time of Theodore Roosevelt, has been reduced to a legal chess match,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO.

Allen said the Elk Foundation’s brief reinforces four main points:

•    Historic success of modern, hunter-based conservation in North America.

•    Viewpoints of hunters who continue to pay for the big-game resources that made wolf recovery possible.

•    RMEF-funded research, along with other scientific and anecdotal evidence, showing that wolf populations are fully recovered and that, where wolves are present with elk, wolves are having detrimental impacts on elk.

•    State wildlife agencies are best suited to manage wolves alongside other species.

Allen urged Wyoming and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to work together on a mutually agreeable wolf management plan to help clear a legal path to regulated wolf hunting in The Cowboy State.

 

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 05:09 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, August 27, 2009

National Wild Turkey Federation Brings Programming to Pursuit in 2010

LUVERNE, Ala. - The Pursuit Channel proudly announces the addition of the NWTF's two highly acclaimed programs "Turkey Call" and "Get in the Game" to the rapidly expanding 2010 line-up.  
 
With its over 400,000 members and volunteers, the NWTF is a shining example of how passion for turkeys and a focus on conservation can impact the hunting lifestyle. Through an astounding variety of efforts, from restocking and securing habitat to expanding the number of hunters in the woods, the NWTF is to be congratulated for it's over 35 years of service to the outdoor lifestyle.
 
"Turkey Call" and "Get in the Game" are two top level programs that allow NWTF members and turkey enthusiasts everywhere to share hunts with the NWTF and learn more about how to make their own turkey hunts more successful.
 

 

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 00:30 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Browning First Aid Kits Serve Diverse Needs of Serious Outdoorsmen

Jackson, Wis. – Browning Outdoor Health and Safety Products offers five first aid kits to support groups of varying size and excursion length. Each kit is crafted from the highest quality materials and is designed to stand up in the field. They also contain a wide variety of hospital-quality supplies and medications to quickly treat the most common outdoor injuries, including cuts, blisters, insect bites and burns.

“There’s no question that serious outdoorsmen seek out brands they can trust,” said Mike Kermendy, vice president of marketing for Wisconsin Pharmacal Company, the manufacturer of Browning Outdoor Health and Safety Products. “And, when hunters see the familiar Browning Buckmark on a first aid kit at their favorite retailer, they just know right away that it’s a durable and dependable product that was designed with their specific needs in mind. Other, less trusted brands simply can’t deliver that immediate, positive connection.”

Browning’s expanded Outdoorsman Series of first aid kits encompasses four different kits that offer varying levels of protection. The Outdoorsman 1.0, the smallest in the series, is very lightweight and ideal for one-day hunts. It holds a variety of bandages to help treat the most common hunting and outdoor injuries, including blisters and abrasions. The Outdoorsman 4.0, the largest in the series, features well-organized compartments that allow for immediate treatment during extended backcountry excursions. The professionally-selected components in the Outdoorsman 4.0 can treat much larger wounds, bleeding and abrasions. The four kits in the series range in price from $14.99 to $39.99.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:50 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

New Eliminator Cargo Blind From Final Approach Gives Hunters Mobility Afield

Overland Park, KS. — Successful waterfowl hunters know that mobility is the key to success particularly late in the season after birds have been pressured. The new Eliminator Cargo Blind (E.C.B.) from Final Approach makes it easy to move all your gear — ground blind, decoys, guns, etc. — with mini mal effort.

The Eliminator Cargo Blind (E.C.B.) is a full-featured ground blind with removable wheels that will carry up to four dozen silhouettes or over 200 rag decoys, plus your gun, flags and other gear. The blind is built on a lightweight, collapsible aluminum frame so it won’t rust. Just attach the wheels, roll it out to your favorite field and set up your decoy spread. No need to make multiple trips. If the action moves to another location, you can be on your way within minutes.

The ground blind is constructed with durable 600-denier poly fabric with a waterproof PVC coating for extra protection from the elements. The base of the blind uses ¾-inch closed cell foam to insulate the user from head to toe against wet and cold. For extra comfort and convenience, the blind has fast-access flagging holes on each side, a padded head and gun rest, built-in gun scabbard for transporting shotgun and a roomy interior.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:21 PM | 2 COMMENTS | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Hunters and Anglers want Salazar to keep Bristol Bay Off-Limits to Mining

(ANCHORAGE, Alaska, Aug. 26, 2009) -- Hundreds of hunting and fishing groups representing millions of America’s conservationists and anglers, outfitters, guides, lodge owners and others have asked Interior Secretary Ken Salazar and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Director Bob Abbey to protect from mining 1.1 million acres of federal fish and wildlife habitat near Bristol Bay, Alaska.

This large swath of BLM land is near one of the world’s most productive salmon and rainbow trout fisheries. In a letter to Salazar, the group expressed deep concern that during their final days in office, Bush Administration officials finalized a plan to remove existing protections for fish and wildlife on the BLM lands and to open the area for mining. The group called on Salazar to direct Abbey to reverse that decision.

“Sport fishing in Bristol Bay is a $60 million business while commercial fishing pumps another $300 million into the economy,” said Chris Wood, Chief Operating Officer of Trout Unlimited. “One out of four wild fish sold in America comes from Bristol Bay. Thousands of Alaska Native families depend on the area for subsistence. Never before have commercial fishermen, recreational anglers and subsistence users been so united on a single issue. Secretary Salazar and Director Abbey have a chance to do the right thing for Alaska Natives, commercial fishermen, and recreational anglers and hunters who come to Alaska from all over the world.”

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:57 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Ducks Unlimited dedicates Greenwing legacy projects in Nebraska

OMAHA, Neb., Aug. 26, 2009 – Ducks Unlimited will honor its young members in Nebraska for their commitment to the ducks during two simultaneous dedication ceremonies at 11 a.m. on Saturday August 29. Two restoration projects in Nebraska were made possible by contributions from legacy Greenwing members. These projects will have lasting value to migrating waterfowl as will the gifts from these young members.  

“These young people are the future of waterfowling in Nebraska,” said Steve Wilson, DU regional director in Nebraska. “They are establishing their commitment to conservation at a young age, and we hope they will carry those values with them as they grow up and continue to pass waterfowl traditions on to subsequent generations.”

DU Greenwing members in Nebraska, age 17 or younger, who have contributed $200 or more to DU since 2003 will have their names engraved on a bronze plaque. During the dedication ceremonies, DU volunteers and staff will unveil the plaques that will remain on the project sites as a reminder of who helped restore the wetlands. Speakers will discuss the importance of waterfowl habitat across the state and the significance of the youngsters’ gifts. 

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:40 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Potential Pheasant Release Sites Subject of Public Meetings

OLYMPIA - An additional public meeting has been scheduled August 27 in Mount Vernon to discuss potential pheasant release sites in Skagit and northern Snohomish counties, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) announced today.

The public meeting is scheduled for 7-9 p.m. at the Mount Vernon Senior Center, 1401 Cleveland St. During the meeting, WDFW staff will give an update on efforts to secure public and private lands to release pheasants for recreational hunting.

At a public meeting earlier this year, department staff presented a list of possible pheasant release sites, said Lora Leschner, regional wildlife program manager for WDFW.

"We'd like to meet with the public again and discuss progress toward securing alternative sites where we might be able to relocate our pheasant release operations," Leschner said.

WDFW is seeking new areas to release the birds because restoration projects on the Skagit Wildlife Area's Headquarters and Leque Island units will soon return those areas to estuaries. Both restoration projects are scheduled to be completed later this summer.

Restoration projects on the Skagit Wildlife Area are intended to restore important habitat for wildlife and fish, particularly salmon, Leschner said. WDFW owns and manages the entire 16,700-acre Skagit Wildlife Area to preserve habitat for fish and wildlife, and provide a site for outdoor recreation.

On Leque Island, about 110 acres of the Stillaguamish estuary is being restored. At the Headquarters Unit, the Wiley Slough project is designed to restore 160 acres of estuarine salmon habitat that was diked and drained to create farmland.

To address concerns about lands lost to hunting, WDFW has been working with a coalition of hunters, recreationists, farmers and other landowners to secure hunter access to private lands in the area.

For more information on the Skagit Wildlife Area, see WDFW's website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/lands/wildlife_areas/skagit/ .

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

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Quail Restoration Subject of Workshop

CAT SPRING -- Helping landowners and others understand reduced quail habitat in the Blackland Prairies and Post Oak Savanna of Texas and how they might be restored is the focus of the Texas Quail Study Group workshop.

The workshop will take place Sept. 30 and Oct. 1 in Cat Spring.

 According to Dr. Jim Gallagher, Texas AgriLife Extension Service wildlife specialist based in Uvalde and workshop presenter, Washington County and the surrounding area were once billed as "the quail capitol of Texas." However, over the past century, much of the quail habitat has been converted to other uses and quail populations in the region have plummeted.

"We want to give folks a better understanding of what kind of landscape quail require and examine the things that have been done to try to restore their habitat and populations," Gallagher said.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:20 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Field Preparation By Logan Hinners

A tanned hide or mounted head isn’t the only thing a hard working hunter can show off after their hunt. A successful hunt can yield pounds of burger meat, sausages or jerky that will last for months.  It starts by getting your meat from the field into the freezer, which requires some time and skill. As quickly as possible after the kill, hunters should fully dress out the animal, including removal of the windpipe and anus, to prevent contamination of the meat.  

Next, cool the animal by opening the shoulder blades and hip sockets, to ensure complete cooling throughout the entire body, which will also prevent spoilage. Taking care of your meat properly will determine how much you can expect to get back. My advice is always to take good care of your meat in the field and you’ll be a lot happier in the end! A meat processor can only work with what he has been given.

I’ve found that sprinkling black pepper on the animal while dressing it can help keep the meat fresh. It definitely is a great deterrent to the flies as well. If necessary, a hunter can skin and quarter the animal in the field, but if the animal comes in with its skin still on, it stays cleaner and holds moisture better.

When quartering an animal, I also recommend not splitting the loin down the center. This will help to prevent contamination from the spinal cord, where CWD is often found. I’ve found that putting meat in a plastic bag does not work well; they don’t breathe and therefore increase the risk of spoilage. I recommend wrapping meat in a cloth or muslin bags when packing it out of the field.    

Hunters who bring meat in for processing should know that the yield, even from a large kill, could be lower than they expect. I’ve found a 500 pound bull elk is only going to turn into about 150-170 pounds of meat.   

A 500 pound elk can lose about 90 pounds each from the abdomen and head, in addition to losses from the hide and legs. Pounds also can be lost depending upon where the animal was shot or how it was packed out.    

All in all a large elk for example will yield between 70 and 80 pounds of prime meat, such as steaks and roast, in addition to 80 or 90 pounds of trim meat, such as burger, sausage and specialty items.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 00:36 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, August 24, 2009

Weatherby Introduces Two New Shotgun Models

Weatherby® has expanded its line of SA-08 semi-automatic shotguns with new Youth Synthetic and Waterfowler models for hunters and shooters.

The Youth Synthetic has a short 12 1/2-inch length of pull, 24-inch barrel and only 5 3/4 pounds of weight.  The Waterfowler sports Mothwing Marsh Mimicry™ camo on the stock and metalwork, with the exception of the matte black bolt.  Utilizing the moth’s biological patterns, Mothwing camo is designed to mimic and disappear into the surrounding environment.

“Like all SA-08 semi-auto shotguns, the Youth Synthetic and Waterfowler are precisely balanced, and feel trim and lightweight,” said Brad Ruddell, Weatherby’s vice president of sales and marketing.  “They offer the utmost in load versatility, as well as performance-tested reliability and very affordable prices.  The Youth Synthetic is easy for young hunters and shooters to handle, while the Waterfowler helps marshland hunters stay well concealed in their environment.”

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 07:52 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, August 24, 2009

Maryland Black Bear Lottery

If you are interested in hunting Maryland Black Bear in 2009 then you have to apply online or through their phone system anytime from today to September 1st, 2009.

Starting Monday, August 24, through Friday, August 28, you can apply by phone between 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
 
The number is 1-888-579-6768.
 
We put together an online guide to hunting black bear in Maryland and other useful information in response to many requests from hunters like yourself. This information will give you the basics of bear hunting in Maryland and may be helpful to you if you have never bear hunted before or if you are trying to encourage a friend to participate.
Visit the Maryland Black Bear Hunting Guide: http://www.dnr.state.md.us/huntersguide/BlackBearGuide.asp
 
Want to see what last year's hunters said? http://www.dnr.state.md.us/huntersguide/BearHunt_Testimonials.asp
 
Follow Maryland Black Bear on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/mdblackbear
 

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 07:24 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Saturday, August 22, 2009

Hunters Helping Kids - Grand Slam Raffle

Hunters Helping Kids is one of those organizations that is near and dear to our hearts and they are running a fantastic Natioinal Raffle.

Grand Slam Raffle 

The Grand Slam Raffle is $20.00 per chance, 3 chances for $50.00 and 7 chances for $100.00.

Winner Gets a "Grand Slam" Turkey Hunt, plus camo clothing, hunting boots, several custom-made Turkey Calls and a Remington 870 Turkey Express.  Winner will also receive a Bobby Trusdell Knife, custom made version #1 of 1.

Eastern Turkey:    
Hunt in upstate New York on private property.  Includes food and lodging.  
Also includes a 6 hour fully guided trout fishing trip on the Salmon River.
(Boat, tackle, bait, etc. provided.)

Rio Turkey:
Hunt 3 days on a private ranch in Rankin, Texas. Includes lodging. Minimal fee for food.
Second person can hunt for only $250 per bird, two Bird Limit.

Merriam Turkey:
Hunt near Broadus, Montana with Doonan Gulch Outfitters – Russ Greenwood
(ONE BIRD LIMIT)  Includes food and lodging.
    
Osceola Turkey:
Hunt in Florida on a private ranch.  (ONE BIRD LIMIT)   Includes food and lodging.

Drawing will be held on January 1st, 2010.

For Tickets Call Dennis Campbell at 540-529-2202

Go to the HHK Website

Email Dennis Campbell 

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 09:55 AM | 2 COMMENTS | LINKS TO THIS POST

Saturday, August 22, 2009

Elk Foundation Grants to Benefit 7 New Mexico Counties

MISSOULA, Mont.—Seven counties in New Mexico are slated for wildlife habitat conservation projects using $65,358 in new grants from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

The 2009 RMEF grants will affect Catron, Lincoln, Mora, Otero, Sierra, Socorro and Taos counties.

“Our volunteers across New Mexico 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 09:51 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Saturday, August 22, 2009

Pheasants Forever Expanding Farm Bill Biologist Program in South Dakota

    Mitchell, SD - August 17, 2009-

Pheasants Forever announces Greg Wolbrink as the organization's new Farm Bill Biologist in Mitchell, South Dakota. Wolbrink joins PF after two years as a wildlife technician with South Dakota Department of Game, Fish & Parks (SDGF&P). The new position was created in partnership with the Mitchell-based Pheasant Country Chapter of Pheasants Forever and SDGF&P. Wolbrink will be based out of the USDA Mitchell Service Center's Natural Resources Conservation Service office.

Pheasants Forever's Farm Bill Biologist program is designed to educate farmers and landowners about the benefits of conservation programs, as well as assist those farmers and landowners after programs have been implemented. The program originated in South Dakota, and Pheasants Forever now has 36 biologists working in six states – Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin. In just over six years, Farm Bill Biologists have contacted and consulted 28,065 landowners, resulting in the improvement of nearly 1.3 million acres! In South Dakota, seven Farm Bill Biologists have contacted and consulted 8,316 landowners, resulting in 434,362 acres that have benefitted from habitat recommendations.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 09:48 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Saturday, August 22, 2009

Studies: Coal mine would destroy Cook Inlet salmon streams

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Three new scientific reports conclude that critical salmon fisheries along the Chuit River will suffer severe long-term damage and never fully recover from the impacts of PacRim Coal LP’s proposed Chuitna coal strip-mine.
 
The scientists who completed the analyses concluded that PacRim’s plan to strip-mine for coal directly through 11 miles of salmon-bearing streams would significantly damage local wetlands and headwater streams in an area 45 miles west of Anchorage. Restoration of the fragile and valuable wetlands and streams that feed the salmon-rich Chuit River would be virtually impossible, they determined.
 
The researchers, whose expertise is in reclamation, restoration ecology and fishery and aquatic biology, based their findings on a review of PacRim's hydrology reports and preliminary mining and reclamation plans. The reports are available online at: www.inletkeeper.org/energy/Chuitna90813.htm.
 
“There is no scientific evidence that wetlands or streams can be put back together to be living, healthy ecosystems after the kind of mining impacts described in the PacRim reports,” said Dr. Margaret Palmer, who analyzed PacRim’s restoration plans. “The science just isn’t there. Experimentation should not be confused with sound, science-based knowledge.”

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 09:45 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Friday, August 21, 2009

Alone in the Wild with National Geographic

Ed Wardle knows a thing or two about surviving in the wild and he has decided to spend a couple of months alone in the wild and on assignment for National Geographic.  This trip into the Yukon Territory has been wonderful to watch and I highly recommend that you check out his videos and check into his twitter feeds

Watch Ed’s video diaries

Follow Ed’s Twitter feed

 

 

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:32 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Zing Outdoor Adventures Video Review

Zing Outdoor Adventures DVD's have been my escape from the real world for the past month.  When things have gotten crazy at the office, the pressures of real life crowd in and when I need an escape from the business end of running the site, I have been turning on these two DVD's and getting to watch a couple of great hunts with some real hunters and escape back into the West with these great guys.

Team Zing has put together some great action packed DVD's and they are an absolute joy to watch.  Jason and Tim Matzinger, Jeff Thorsen, Lance Groff, Jon Edwards, Ryan Merkel & George Dieruf are an amazing set of hunters to watch as they pursue everything from Western Turkey, Antelope, Elk, Mule deer and more.  These guys are real hunters and real guys based out of Montana with a passion for hunting and it bleeds through onto their DVD's.

One of my favorite hunts is the bear hunt in Montana and after several shots the bear keeps going with one miss after another.  They checked the scope and the scope had been knocked way off alignment.  They were not afraid to show this great footage and show what can happen on a real hunt.  Another great hunt with Jon Edwards taking an Antelope is fantastic with a great buck taken and some awesome footage. 

I would hunt with most any of these guys in a New York Minute or a Montana Mile.

If you like great action based DVD's filled with hours of great hunting footage then I suggest you log onto their site and check out these DVD's.  These are keepers in my collection and they were well worth the $34.95 for the combo pack at Schnees.

Zing Outdoors

Zing Outdoors DVD's at Schnees 

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:08 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Hunting Life Podcast 62 RMEF Virginia Volunteers

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 01:12 AM | 2 COMMENTS | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

YES VIRGINIA WE HAVE ELK!!!

On August 18th, 2009 the Board of Directors of The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries voted today on a motion that will become 100% official at the October 22nd, 2009 board Meeting where it will be written into regulation that elk hunting in the Commonwealth of Virginia will not be allowed.  As well the board is moving towards the creation of an elk management plan and reintroduction plan for the South Western region of Virginia.

 

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:52 PM | 8 COMMENTS | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Blue Sky offers Alberta Waterfowl Special

 

We have one three day waterfowl hunt that is available for four to six hunters September 17, 18, and 19, 2009.
The in your face hunting that Blue Sky Outfitters has to offer has proven to be an outgoing adventurous once in a life time hunt, that neither you nor your hunting buddies can afford to miss out on!

Your hunting adventure will start bright and early on September 17th for a morning and evening waterfowl shoot. September 18th will be the same it will start out before the sun rises and end well after the sun sets. September 19th will be a morning shoot only before you depart from Blue Sky Outfitters, and begin your journey home to tell all your friends and family about your fabulous hunting stories from Blue Sky Outfitting.

Last minute deal for you from us! $1,750.00 a savings of $850.00 per person now that's a deal that cannot be beat for hunting on the "X"
 
Please E-Mail kept@serbernet.com
or call 1-780-324-2080
If you are interested in this hunting opportunity
 
Cheers,
Kevin and Patti McNeil
www.blueskyoutfitting.com
The price does not include your hunting licenses (approximately $150.00)
 

 

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 08:10 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Friday, August 14, 2009

Bid on a Donated Hunt & Help a Family in Need!

Bid on a Donated Hunt & Help a Family in Need!
A local family in my community was involved in a very bad traffic accident. They lost their father/husband and brother/son leaving the mother (Ingrid) with 4 kids from age 6-16 with almost nothing. The neighbors have been pitching in paying bills for them and fixing up the old house. "They were two guys who would drop everything to help someone else out. They died helping someone out," said Josie Schmidtke, Markas's aunt and Dave's sister-in-law..Though Dave, 49, and Markas, 20, had both been recently laid off and the family was struggling to make ends meet, the Springer family was still characteristically generous. Gary Schmidtke said the family was given a van a few weeks ago because they didn't have a reliable vehicle at the time."They turned around and gave it to someone who needed it. That's the kind of people they were," Gary said...

 

http://www.northstaroutfitting.com/hunt_auction.asp

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:54 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Kentucky Elk Tag Drawing

If you were not one of the lucky hunters that drew a tag in the lottery for Kentucky...Do not stress out... There is still one more alternative...The Lady Eagles Softball Team is here to help you out...

They have a Kentucky Bull Elk Landowner Tag they are raffling off on September 18th, 2009!

Download the Flyer Here and get yourself into this drawing.  Your helping out the local community and you just might get really lucky and get a chance at a hunt of a lifetime!!!!

DOWNLOAD FLYER HERE 

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 03:00 PM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Elk Hunt Forecast for 2009

MISSOULA, Mont.—Elk and elk hunting opportunities are plentiful across the U.S. and Canada, and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation has just released its annual roundup of hunt forecasts for 27 states and provinces, newly posted at www.rmef.org.

“Elk herds are in great shape across most of the West, thanks to a mild winter and normal moisture. And, of course, the ongoing habitat stewardship projects supported by our members and volunteers have helped, too,” said David Allen, president and CEO of the Elk Foundation.

This summer, RMEF passed the 5.6 million acre mark for elk habitat conserved or enhanced.

Storylines within the Elk Foundation’s 2009 elk hunt forecast include the amazing herd growth following elk restoration efforts in Kentucky, wolf impacts on elk and hunting in Idaho, Montana and Wyoming, massive elk populations in Colorado and the trophy bull reputations of Arizona and Utah.

Here’s a condensed look at forecasts from top states and provinces for total elk populations. To see all the reports in their entirety, including contact information for respective conservation agencies, visit www.rmef.org. For even more hutning including sidebars, see the Sept./Oct. 2009 edition of the RMEF member magazine, Bugle.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 02:57 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Delta Waterfowl New Partner of National Hunting & Fishing Day

Bismarck, North Dakota -Delta Waterfowl is proud to announce it is a new partner of National Hunting and Fishing Day, slated for September 26.

National Hunting and Fishing DayThe annual commemoration will hold several events across the country to promote awareness about hunting, fishing and wildlife conservation, as well as celebrate America's rich, time-honored outdoors heritage. Delta Waterfowl's regional directors are busy spreading the word to chapters and volunteers at the grassroots level about the day's many events.

"Hunters and anglers have always been on the front lines of conservation-with their pocketbooks or by getting their hands dirty-and this day commemorates their achievements and generosity and raises awareness for what we need to do now and in the future to keep our traditions alive and well," said Senior Vice President John Devney. "Delta Waterfowl is very pleased to be partner of this celebration of our outdoors heritage."

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:07 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Elk Foundation Grants to Benefit 5 Arizona Counties

MISSOULA, Mont.—Five counties in Arizona are slated for wildlife habitat conservation projects using $99,820 in new grants from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

The 2009 RMEF grants will affect Apache, Coconino, Navajo, Yavapai and Yuma counties.

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

Elk Foundation grants will help fund the following Arizona projects, listed by county:

 

Apache County—Thin trees and shrubs to restore 8,339 acres of grasslands, and install 6 miles of pipeline for wildlife watering devices, to improve winter range for elk, mule deer, pronghorn and other wildlife in the North Escudilla area; sponsor White Mountain Youth Hunter Camps to introduce young people to hunting skills and ethics in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest (also affects Navajo County).

Coconino County—Research elk movements to locate potential sites for wildlife underpasses along Interstate 40 between Williams and Winona.

Yavapai County—Sponsor National Archery in the Schools program to introduce Prescott Valley Charter School students to competitive archery skills.

Yuma County—Sponsor Scholastic Clay Target Program in Yuma to introduce young people to trap and skeet shooting.

A committee of Elk Foundation volunteers and staff select projects for grants. Additional projects are being reviewed and supplemental grants could be announced later this year.

To date, partners for 2009 projects in Arizona include Arizona Game and Fish Department, Arizona Department of Transportation, Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Forest Service, other agencies, corporations, landowners and organizations.

Since 1984, the Elk Foundation and its partners have completed more than 360 conservation projects in Arizona with a value of more than $28 million.

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 09:52 AM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

NSSF working to support Collegiate Shooting

NEWTOWN, Conn. -- Participation in target shooting sports is growing at colleges, and the launch of a new grant program by the National Shooting Sports Foundation will provide even more opportunities for student-athletes to hit their targets.

The assistance comes at a time when increasing numbers of scholastic target shooters want to continue participating in their sports when they go off to college. In some cases, students are applying to colleges and universities based not only on a school’s academic offerings but also on the quality of its intercollegiate target shooting programs.

NSSF’s Collegiate Shooting Sports Initiative will provide financial and informational support to strengthen existing target shooting programs and help form new club and varsity teams in shotgun, rifle and pistol. NSSF announced the program today in Sparta, Ill., at the national championships of the American Trapshooting Association’s youth program called AIM.

“During my college years, I competed on the varsity rifle team and eventually became coach of the team. The friends I made in those times, the matches we competed in and the equipment we used are the source of vivid memories today,” said Steve Sanetti, president of NSSF, trade association for the firearms and shooting sports industry. “With this grant program, the National Shooting Sports Foundation is helping to ensure that students can carry on the tradition of target shooting in college and enjoy the many benefits the shooting sports provide.”

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 09:48 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Sportsmen Urge Congress to Renew Their Commitment to Conservation in Highway Bill

 
WASHINGTON – With President Obama’s signing of the $7 billion short-term extension of the Surface Transportation Authorization Act on Friday, Aug. 7, the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership calls for an increase in conservation-related policies and funding as Congress moves toward crafting a new Highway Bill in the coming months. The TRCP specifically urges the inclusion of conservation measures in the next Highway bill related to storm water runoff and promotion of sportsmen's access to public lands. Congress is expected to debate new legislation in September as the current $286 billion bill is set to expire at the end of that month.

Earlier this year, the TRCP helped initiate the Transportation Conservation Coalition to proactively educate and engage with key policymakers as the Highway Bill takes shape. Made up of 54 sportsmen's, conservation and other outdoor organizations, the coalition sent a letter outlining these recommendations to committee leaders in Congress.

“Whether a new Highway Bill occurs this fall or at a future date, now is the perfect time for Congressional leaders to consider ways to strengthen the conservation components of this broad-reaching legislation,” said Geoff Mullins, TRCP policy initiatives manager. “The last bill saw some key conservation gains in transportation policy, but there is so much more that can be done to protect crucial fish and wildlife habitat and promote sportsmen’s recreational use of public lands.”

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

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

RMEF and Partners Protecting Habitat and Hunter Access in Washington

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.

“We’re proud to be a part of this unique partnership that is generating permanent benefits for wildlife and sportsmen. The first phase of this project has moved a significant piece of critical elk range and calving grounds into public ownership,” said David Allen, president and CEO of the Elk Foundation.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 09:25 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Keep Predators Away From Your Elk Carcass

MISSOULA, Mont.—Black bears, grizzlies, cougars, wolves, coyotes—just some of the potential looters you may find skulking around the scene of your next successful elk hunt. These tips from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation will help keep meat stealers away from your elk carcass.

“Deterring predators ensures all that hard-won protein ends up in your freezer, but personal safety is a factor, too. If you hunt in grizzly country, for example, it’s worth minimizing the risk of surprising a bear that has claimed your kill,” said P.J. DelHomme, hunting editor of the Elk Foundation’s member magazine, Bugle.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:42 PM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Signposts and Rubs

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Provided to our site courtesy of USA Outback TV

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

Monday, August 10, 2009

Brothers Bicycle from Alaska to Argentina to Protect Bristol Bay

ANCHORAGE, Alaska, August 5, 2009 – Two brothers are bicycling from Alaska to Argentina to draw attention to Bristol Bay wild salmon and the threat the fishery faces from a proposed open-pit copper and gold mine.
 
Seth and Parker Berling, of San Francisco and San Diego, Calif., left Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, in early July to begin a 17,000-mile journey to Tierra del Fuego, at the southernmost tip of South America.  The Berling brothers are making the trip to raise awareness about the proposed Pebble mine and how it could harm the world’s largest sockeye salmon fishery, located in Southwest Alaska’s Bristol Bay. The Pebble deposit is located in the headwaters of the Nushagak and Kvichak Rivers, two of the major salmon-producing rivers of Bristol Bay. If developed, Pebble would be one of the world’s largest open-pit mines. A diverse coalition of commercial and sport fishermen, Alaska Natives, lodge owners, guides, outfitters, scientists and others say the project is likely to expose the region to acid mine drainage, industrial discharges and habitat destruction.
 
The self-described “Pebble Pedalers” first became aware of the mine project and the threat it poses to Bristol Bay from watching a trailer of the award-wining documentary, Red Gold (www.redgoldfilm.com.) The movie depicts the vital role that wild salmon play in the Bristol Bay region and how the fish are a cornerstone of Alaska Native culture. The film illustrates what how Alaska’s most valuable fishery, and one of the world’s last remaining wild salmon runs, could be lost if the massive open-pit mine gets built.

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

Monday, August 10, 2009

Federal Court Ruling Supports National Roadless Rule

WASHINGTON – In a decision that could have far-reaching implications for management of national forest roadless areas and important fish and wildlife habitat, a U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals today affirmed a 9th District Court judge’s ruling that the Bush administration unlawfully repealed the national roadless rule when it established a short-lived rule that enabled development of state-specific plans for roadless area management. The District Court’s 2006 ruling enjoined the state petitions rule and reinstated the 2001 roadless rule.   
 
Citing “procedural shortcomings” that violated the National Environmental Policy Act and the Endangered Species Act, the 9th Circuit Court decision stated that “the district court did not abuse its discretion in ordering the Forest Service to comply with the Roadless Rule as a remedy” for these deficiencies.

The Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, which has mobilized a broad cross-section of sportsmen, conservationists and recreationists in support of roadless area management that safeguards valuable habitat and activities such as hunting and fishing, asserted that the decision takes an important step toward ensuring America’s backcountry traditions.

“Today’s 9th Circuit roadless ruling affirms what many hunters and anglers have been saying all along,” said Joel Webster, associate director of campaigns for the TRCP Center for Western Lands, “namely, that the remaining federal lands that are roadless must be conserved for the high-quality hunting and fishing they provide American citizens.”

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:43 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, August 10, 2009

TRCP Protests Utah Energy Leases Over Habitat Concerns

WASHINGTON – Citing a need for more comprehensive upfront planning in crucial wildlife habitat, the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership today filed an official protest of 26,000 acres of oil and gas leases proposed for federal public lands in Utah. Valuable habitat for mule deer, elk, pronghorn, sage grouse and Gunnison sage grouse is of concern to the sportsmen’s group and spurred its action in the Bureau of Land Management’s Aug. 18 mineral lease sale. Administrative protests are the public’s only means for participating in the leasing of public minerals to private entities.   

“Sportsmen support responsibly planned energy development that sustain a range of public-lands uses,” said Joel Webster, associate director of campaigns for the TRCP Center for Western Lands. “Our worry with these Utah leases, however, is that advance planning and adequate stipulations for wildlife and recreational resources have not been established prior to the lands being opened to development. History indicates that after public lands are leased, very little can be done to address the course of subsequent development on other values and uses like wildlife habitats and hunting.”

The TRCP protest includes approximately 9,000 acres of viable pronghorn habitat in Utah’s West Desert region, which is overseen by the BLM’s Fillmore Field Office. Since 2007, the TRCP has been vocal in requesting that the BLM undertake the necessary upfront planning to ensure the area’s responsible energy development and sustain activities such as hunting and fishing. Other leases objected to by the sportsmen are located on mule deer and elk crucial winter range in Utah’s famous Book Cliffs and in Gunnison sage grouse habitat southeast of Moab.

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

Monday, August 10, 2009

State Releases Recommendations on Colorado Roadless Rule; Backcountry Areas Remain Vulnerable

WASHINGTON – The state of Colorado today released recommendations for management of national forest roadless areas located within its borders, kicking off a new, 60-day comment period for the public to offer input on the draft Colorado roadless rule before the plan goes to the Department of Agriculture for final review. While praising the state action that established the extended comment period, sportsmen were quick to point to numerous deficiencies in the state recommendations that would leave backcountry fish and wildlife habitat vulnerable to harmful development.
 
The Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, which has mobilized a broad cross-section of Colorado sportsmen, conservationists and recreationists in support of responsible backcountry management, cautioned that significant problems remain in the draft rule that fail to safeguard valuable habitat and activities such as hunting and fishing.
 
“As hunters and anglers, we will continue working to conserve the natural resources and outdoor traditions found on our state’s more than 4 million acres of national forest backcountry,” said Forrest Orswell, a TRCP field representative who lives in Fort Collins. “I’ve read the state’s recommendations for roadless area management, and, unfortunately, they do not assure the long-term recreational quality of these important backcountry lands.”

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:27 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, August 10, 2009

When the Bulls Won't Bugle

Bugling is an amazing tool to use when elk hunting, but when the bulls go silent a good hunter should have additional methods ready to use!

It seems that it’s every one of my hunter’s dreams to hunt a bugling bull elk, but the truth is bulls typically bugle for three or four weeks of the entire hunting season.  For success, you need several methods ready if you want a shot outside of the bugling period!

I’ve found success in these strategies when bugling just wasn’t working!

by Logan Hinners 

 

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

Monday, August 10, 2009

Emotional Landowners, Elk Foundation Protect S.D. Ranch

MISSOULA, Mont.—Up in years, Dolly and Harry Evans of Custer, S.D., couldn’t bear the thought of their ranch someday being broken up, cross-fenced, subdivided or developed. The place had been in their family for generations. In fact, their ancestors homesteaded nearby. The Evans wanted permanent protection for their land and they selected the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation to help.

The Evans and RMEF recently transferred 212 acres of Black Hills ranchland and wildlife habitat to the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Department.

“Dolly and Harry took years to decide how best to protect their property. This was very emotional for them. But they’re looking beyond their own lifetimes and focusing on the fact that this land they love will always be much like it’s always been. It’s a beautiful, wild place and very productive agricultural land, and now that’s never going to change,” said Mike Mueller of the Elk Foundation.

He added, “We’re honored the Evans family chose RMEF to be part of their family’s legacy. I’ve been so impressed with this family—Dolly, Harry, their daughters and sons, everyone working together toward a goal of keeping open spaces for wildlife and for people to enjoy forever.”

Mueller said a crush of development continues to shrink wildlife habitat across the Black Hills, which makes the Evans’ decision even more special.

The transaction closed and all transfer documents were recorded June 15.

The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Department now manages the land as an addition to its adjoining Spring Valley Game Production Area. The acquisition expands public access and recreational opportunities including hunting.

“This has been a great partnership with RMEF and private landowners. This is the fourth acquisition in the Pleasant Valley area over the last 15 years with 1,450 acres conserved by RMEF and the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Department,” said Dennie Mann, regional habitat manager for state agency.

The property also borders the Black Hills National Forest so the tract helps permanently connect a crucial corridor of wildlife habitat. Ponderosa pine-covered hills and lush grasslands are winter range for up to 300 elk. Pronghorn antelope, deer, turkey, mountain lion, coyote, bobcat and numerous other game and non-game species also utilize the area. The area is popular among hunters, sightseers and other recreationists.


Working with many landowners through the years, the Elk Foundation has completed 35 different projects to help permanently protect 33,467 acres in South Dakota’s Black Hills.


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, s

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:33 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, August 10, 2009

NWTF Invests $262,500 in Conservation, Outreach in July

EDGEFIELD, S.C. — The National Wild Turkey Federation distributed more than $262,500 in July of 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.

To date, the NWTF and its partners have spent more than $286 million upholding hunting traditions and conserving nearly 14 million acres of wildlife habitat. Some of the Federation's Hunting Heritage Super Fund projects include improving wildlife habitat, supporting hunter education and providing opportunities for women, youth and people with disabilities to experience outdoor fun through outreach programs.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 09:55 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, August 10, 2009

Great River Energy and Xcel Energy Partner for Prairie Restoration Project at DCTC

Eighteen acres provide visual beauty, biodiversity and energy use reduction

Rosemount, Minn. -

Pheasants Forever and Dakota County Technical College (DCTC) announce the completion of an 18-acre prairie wildflower restoration project at the DCTC campus in Rosemount. The project, developed by the college and the Mississippi Longtails Chapter of PF, was underwritten by Xcel Energy and Great River Energy.

DCTC initiated the idea of the prairie wildflower restoration project as part of the college's "Green Campus Commitment." With the help of PF, two areas – one at each end of the DCTC campus – were planted with native forbs, including Black-eyed Susan, Canada milk vetch, Common Ox-eye, Golden Alexander, New England Aster and Yellow Coneflower. Not only is the prairie wildflower restoration project adding to the aesthetic beauty of the campus, according to Paul DeMuth, DCTC Director of Operations, the two areas are saving the college over 20 hours a month of mowing, cutting down on maintenance costs, and gas emissions.

"There are so many positives with this project, and it demonstrates what's possible when good ideas and good partnerships are created," said Dan Richmond, President of the Mississippi Longtails Chapter of PF, "This project is not only great for the college, but it will benefit the local area and serve as a building block for future projects."

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

Monday, August 10, 2009

SAFE Acres Over 100,000 in 2009, Top 200,000 Acres Nationally

Reallocation of acres and additional acreage allotment needed for SAFE success to continue

With over 30,000 acres enrolled in the program in the past three months, more than 125,000 acres have already been enrolled in federal Conservation Practice 38 this year to date. The wildlife-oriented practice, better known as the State Acres For wildlife Enhancement (SAFE) program, currently has 203,874 acres enrolled nationally.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has established a goal of 500,000 acres for SAFE, which is part of the larger federal Continuous Conservation Reserve Program (CCRP). Announced in 2007, SAFE is a wildlife-specific conservation practice that has allowed states to cater policies specific to their wildlife and habitat. For example, SAFE projects in Midwestern states such as Kansas, Nebraska, Minnesota and South Dakota benefit pheasants and other upland birds, while the SAFE project in Washington targets Roosevelt elk.

Demand for SAFE in some sates, including South Dakota (50,004 acres), Minnesota (22,476 acres), and Nebraska (20,947 acres) has been so strong that those states are at or near their initial SAFE acreage allotment. "For SAFE to continue to be the stepping stone for the next generation of the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), we need to give serious consideration to reallocating acres to continue to meet the demand that exists in certain states," said Dave Nomsen, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever's vice president of government affairs.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 09:40 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, August 10, 2009

Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health Joins Pheasants Forever as National Sponsor

Intervet keeps "The Habitat Organization" on leading edge of sporting dog health

 

- August 03 -

Pheasants Forever announces Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health as the organization's newest national sponsor. A world-renowned leader in the research, development, manufacturing and sale of veterinary medicines, Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health is the official sponsor of the "Ask The Vet" column in each issue of the Pheasants Forever Journal of Upland Conservation.

"For many Pheasants Forever members and hunters, bird dogs are the fibers that bind them to the world of conservation. Maintain healthy, active animals and you maintain healthy, active conservationists," said Howard Vincent, PF National President and CEO, "We're extremely excited to be partnering with Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health, as this keeps our organization and all its members on the leading edge of the sporting dog health world."

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

Monday, August 10, 2009

Pheasants Forever Banquet Funds to Enhance Habitat in Steele County

Over 150 grassland acres slated for restoration and enhancement on five WMAs

Owatonna, Minn. - July 28 -

The Steele County Chapter of Pheasants Forever already has designs for funds they plan to generate at their first-ever banquet coming up this Friday, July 31st. In fact, the funds will be used to enhance nesting cover for pheasants and other grassland nesting birds on five Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) in Steele County.

"We know that the quantity and quality of nesting cover is the primary limiting factor for pheasant populations, and we are proud to be able to assist the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in making a positive impact on local habitat," said Kevin Seavey, President of Steele County Chapter of PF. "We hope that local conservationists and sportsmen will support our efforts by coming to our fundraising banquet this Friday."

Seavey said that each of the five planned enhancement projects have been designed by local DNR officials to improve conditions for ground-nesting birds and by preparing sites for conversion to native grasses and wildflowers. The five projects encompass 157 acres and will be completed over an 18-month period. All five of the Steele County WMAs are open to public hunting and recreation. They include:

• Marsh Wren WMA – 17 acres of restoration • Pogones WMA – 20 acres of restoration • Swan WMA – 20 acres of restoration • Somerset WMA – 40 acres of restoration • Aurora WMA – 60 acres of restoration

"We are fortunate to have Pheasants Forever field staff that develops partnerships and finds grants to assist with local habitat projects," Seavey said. "Their work enables us to turn a five dollar raffle ticket purchased at our banquet into twenty or thirty dollars for local habitat."

The Steele County PF banquet will be held at the Eagles Club in Owatonna. Doors open at 5:30 PM with dinner at 7 PM. Advance tickets are required. They are $50 each and include a one-year membership to Pheasants Forever, complete with a year's subscription to the "PF Journal" and a PF vehicle decal. Contact Brad Erickson at 507-446-0581.

"Our chapter's focus is on improving habitat and developing youth programs in Steele County," Seavey said. "We look forward to being part of many other projects in the months and years ahead."

For more information on PF in southern Minnesota, to start a chapter or join one of the state's already existing chapters, contact Scott Roemhildt, PF Regional Representative for southern Minnesota, at (507) 327-9785 or via email at sroehmhildt@pheasantsforever.org. You can also log on at www.MinnesotaPF.org.

Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever are non-profit conservation organizations dedicated to the protection and enhancement of pheasant, quail, and other wildlife populations in North America through habitat improvement, land management, public awareness, and education. PF/QF has more than 125,000 members in 750 local chapters across the continent.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 09:29 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Washington State Cougar Season Opens September 1

OLYMPIA - Cougar hunters will begin the 2009 general season on September 1 this year, while those interested in permit-only hunts held after the general season have until August 31 to submit an application to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).

Under new rules adopted by the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission, the general cougar season will begin with a statewide archery-only season Sept. 1-25, followed by a muzzleloader-only season Sept. 26-Oct. 16. Beginning Oct. 17, hunters may use any legal weapon to target cougars in most areas of the state.

In the past, the general cougar hunting season began Aug. 1 and hunters were allowed to use any legal weapon. The changes were adopted to better match cougar hunting with the early elk and deer seasons, said Donny Martorello, carnivore specialist for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 00:44 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

SylvanSport Go Mobile Adventure Gear

A couple of months ago, I had the pleasure of getting a hands on demonstration of the SylvanSport Go Mobile Adventure Gear.  This unit is an incredibly well thought out utility trailer that has a pop out tent allowing you to travel with your gear and have the best of both worlds.  The GO caught my eye one day after seeing the press release that they had a new version in Camo and I had to take a look.  The design is incredibly well built and is so unique you can bet that your going to quickly get to know your fellow campers because they are all going to be coming over to take a look once you pop this baby out and set it up.

During the demonstration we were able to watch one person put this unit up and complete a full set up in about 5 minutes and this unit looked really comfortable.  The features on this unit with tables, tents, pads, steps, tools and vents for air movement are fantastic.

The great thing about these trailers is the versatility they offer.  They can carry two motor bikes, one ATV, cargo, boats and all the gear you need for a week of camping.  if you have lawn work to do, you can load up the grass clippings and haul away the branches from your work like a normal utility vehicle and take it out the next day on an overnight trip.  The unit is small and fits well into a garage.  The price for this unit is pretty reasonable and it comes with many different options and accessories.

After talking with the owner of this particular unit he was really happy with how well it towed and at such a light weight for the whole unit, it looks very easy to pull behind just about any vehicle. A great amount of thought was put into this mobile trailer and if you are looking for a great way to go camping and not sleep on the ground this might just be the unit for you.

GO TO www.sylvansport.com

 

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:59 PM | 2 COMMENTS | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

The Archery Classic by Dennis Brauchle

Now that summer is rapidly dwindling away it becomes apparent that the time is quickly approaching for hunters to return to the woods for the upcoming hunting season. I spoke to my neighbor an avid archer that Cabela's was holding an archery classic running from July 30 to August 9. We decided to take a run out to the Hamburg Pa. Store and see what they had to offer. They offered free seminars on both Saturday and Sunday.

We went Sunday and the first seminar about Scent Prevention started at 12 p.m. There is alot to be said on scent prevention. New clothing, scent killing sprays, laundry detergents and most of all working with proper wind direction to eliminate scent detection. At 1 p.m. began youth archery followed by a 2 p.m. seminar on After Season Bow Care. The event featured Michael Waddell's bone collector tour which carried an autograph session from 11 A.M.- 2 P.M. followed by a seminar at 3 P.M. Since I had been feeling a bit under the weather for a few days prior I wasn't able to take in all the events. I was able to meet Michael Waddell and told him he was my hero. Anyone who can live the dream the way he does has got to be my idol. Just think about it. Gee, I got to go to work! Which bow I am going to take? Where I am going to hunt? What do I want to hunt for? Boy, that must be some tough decision making. In all sincerity, Michael took plenty of time to talk to the people and sign autographs. The nice part of attending functions like this is that you get to meet hunters like yourself who love the sport as much as the next. I was impressed by a young lad there with his dad for waiting to meet Michael and get his autograph. As it turned out the boy had Michael sign his hunting bow. It was great to see this father / son companionship.

I did take time to stop at some vendor stands and talk to them about their products. Walker's game ears has a hearing booth set up there where you can have your hearing tested.

My wife said my hearing wasn't as good as it had been. She said something about Selective Hearing?

All kidding aside licensed hearing aid fitter Christopher Stafy showed me the latest listening devices and technology they have to offer.

I also stopped by the C'Meer Deer booth. Although some of these products are illegal in some states because it is considered baiting it does have its merits in bringing the deer close for a good clean kill. Check your local hunting regulations for your area that you are hunting, as some deer management units can change within the state. When talking with Shawn at the booth he also told me he produces turkey calls.

To some things up, anyone who has the opportunity to attend such an event should do so. There is a lot of talented people you can learn from and its great to have sponsors like Cabela's to bring events to the public the way they do. You can log on www.cabelas.com to see the upcoming seminars in your area. I am looking forward for a black powder seminar coming later this month.

Maybe I will see you there.

Submitted by Dennis Brauchle

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:30 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Hardcore Huntin Video Review

The DVD arrived in the mail and it made it 20 minutes before it was in the DVD player and I was thinking about the upcoming waterfowl season.  These guys know waterfowl hunting and they are as hardcore as it gets.

The action is very well filmed and you get the feeling you are right there in the blinds with them as the birds come in and boy do these birds come in.  Set after set these guys light up the skies with falling birds and the action is non-stop.  I would hunt with these guys in a New York minute and isn't that the sign of a great DVD.  $13.00 for this great DVD is money well spent.

Big D Productions has hit this one out of the park and I am excited to see what they have coming out for next year.  Go check them out at Big D Productions and if you are in Cabelas or Bass Pro look at the DVD rack for this video.  If you like hard, fast, furious, HARDCORE waterfowl action... This is the DVD for you!

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 09:54 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

AR34F The Most Unique Browning Gun Safe in 27 Years

Morgan, Utah - The AR34F Breaks New Ground. Browning has been the industry leader and innovator in gun safes for over 27 years. But there has never been a Browning ProSteel safe like the all new AR34F Tactical safe. In fact the AR34F leads in ground breaking innovation and is the first Tactical gun safe ever. And it is perfect for the person who has special guns -- tactical guns -- that have special storage requirements.

On the outside it has the tactical look you like -- black and textured -- with the unique look of overhead and side racking. On the inside it is specially designed to handle the odd shapes and sizes and special storage requirements of tactical guns. That means its made for shorter length rifles with different shapes, unique optics and unique buttplate-to-magazine-to-muzzle dimensions. Finally a practical way to secure your AR, M-16, M4, AK, FAL, FNAR, SCAR, or whatever, in a way that makes sense and doesn't waste valuable space. It is not a beginner's safe. If you have the goods that need protection from theft and fire, this gun safe excels. If you like the look of black guns, then this gun safe rises to the top.

 

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 05:25 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, August 3, 2009

Belvoir Bow Hunters 3D Shoot

Belvoir Bow Hunters has been doing an August 3D Shoot for as long as I can remember.  It is a great event and a whole lot of fun for hunters wanting to spend some time shooting and with other hunters.  This club has been around a long time and most all of the hunters are dedicated to hunting archery on Fort Belvoir, Virginia.

The Shoot is on August 22nd and there is always a great BBQ and some great raffles along with a great chance to get out and practice your shooting skills on 3D targets.  All of the proceeds go to help support the Hunters 4 the Hungry Program in Virginia and they use the money to process deer for needy families.

Come on out and check out this great event.

http://belvoirbowhunters.com/index.php 

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 03:51 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, August 3, 2009

Elk Country Athlete: 5 Ways to Train for Better Hunting

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.

Here are five ways to start closing the gap.

1.    Try a “commercial workout” when you’re sitting around watching TV. Do push-ups and sit-ups during the commercials. Over the summer months, this exercise can make a big difference.

2.    If you’ve been doing nothing recently, there’s no point in running. Going overboard right out of the gate will only make you too sore, cause you to hurt yourself or burnout quickly. Go for a brisk walk instead. Walk for 10 minutes and slowly jog for five. Do this back-to-back for 30 minutes, four times a week, for a couple of weeks. Slowly begin to lengthen the overall workout, then start increasing the jogging time.

3.    You needn’t spend tons of time. If you’re at your ideal weight, you need just 30 minutes per day of exercise, minimum. If weight loss is a concern, experts say it takes an hour of exercise each day to lose weight without going on a diet. Thirty minutes will do for weight loss if you both diet and exercise.

4.    Hard workouts are not always better. Some of the world’s greatest athletes exercise at “conversation pace,” meaning their pace is easy enough to have a conversation while running. Even many Olympians workout at a comfortable pace 90 percent of the time. As you get into shape, try long (45 minutes or more) comfortable workouts three or four days a week. Then, one day a week, do a harder fast-paced workout.

5.    Mix it up. Add some variety to your walking and jogging with cross-training and lifting weights—but keep in mind that almost everything you do in elk hunting begins and ends with your legs. Throw on your pack and climb hills or bleachers. Get on a bike. In the weight room, emphasize squats and lunges. Lots of reps are more important than heavy weights, because for elk hunting you need lean muscle, not size.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 01:35 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, August 3, 2009

Trail Cam Judging

All of these pictures were taken on the trail cam of Don (ElDondo) Rickards.  We would be interested in knowing what you all think he scores.  I have my opinions and I thought we should put this out there for our readers.

Tell us what you think!

Lots More Pictures...Read the whole story! 

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 12:17 AM | 2 COMMENTS | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, August 3, 2009

Game Tag Raffle Raises $540,000 For Wildlife Conservation

PHOENIX - The 2009 Arizona Big Game Super Raffle sold a total of 34,614 raffle tickets raising a near record $591,465. Of the dollars raised, more than $540,000 will go to directly benefit Arizona's wildlife.

Eleven winners were selected on July 18 to receive the ten special big game tags and one unbelievable Swarovski optics package. Swarovski covered the cost of administrating the raffle. The winners are:

* Antelope (Pronghorn) - Rodney B. Everhart, Hustontown, Pa.
* Bear - Paul P. Pier, Vail, Ariz.
* Buffalo - Cecil DeWayne Davis Jr., Tucson, Ariz.
* Coues deer - Greg D. Diehl, Peoria, Ariz.
* Elk - Michael Schnable, Edgewater, Md.
* Javelina - David Nygaard, Astoria, Ore.
* Mountain lion - Dan Bix, Flagstaff, Ariz.
* Mule deer - Robin Hansen Jr., Saint George, Utah.
* Bighorn sheep - Claude G. Sanchez Jr., Santa Fe, N.M.
* Turkey - Bruce A. Carlson, Celebration, Fla.
* Swarovski optics package - Bret Fuller, Sunnyvale, Calif.

"The success of this raffle is a testament to what can be accomplished when organizations work collaboratively to improve Arizona's wildlife populations and habitats for game and non-game species," said Director Larry Voyles of the Arizona Game and Fish Department. "The real winners of this raffle are the citizens of Arizona. Through the dedication of concerned hunters and sportsmen, all Arizonans can continue to enjoy the state's full complement of diverse wildlife for generations to come."

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