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FEATURE
Supreme Court Continues to Set Second Amendment
It was another 5-4 decision, but the Supreme Court of the United States has ruled the Second Amendment provides all Americans a fundamental right to bear arms. In the decision, the high court clearly said a person in Chicago has the same rights to a firearm as a citizen in Arizona or any of the other states where firearms rights have been protected rather than restricted.
The Court issued a similar 5-4 ruling two years ago in Heller versus District of Columbia, but limited their opinion to cover only federal territories, saying they preferred that individual nuances be argued on a case basis, building a body of opinions rather than one over-arching ruling.
Despite a confidence that the oral arguments had gone considerably better than those of Heller, there is widespread elation among gun rights organizations who have fought the kind of longstanding gun bans like the ones in the District of Columbia and Chicago covered in Heller and yesterday's McDonald ruling, respectively.
As expected, the Court split along ideological lines, with Chief Justice John G. Roberts and Justices Scalia, Kennedy, Thomas and Samuel A. Alito Jr. voting for the individual interpretation.
Justice Stephen G. Breyer wrote a dissenting opinion, joined by Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Sonia Sotomayor. Justice Stevens wrote his own dissent. In his dissent, Breyer argued that the local value-laden nature of the questions that lie at the heart of the issue, why, in a nation whose constitution foresees democratic decision-making, is it so fundamental a matter as to require taking that power from the people?"
In the majority opinion authored by Justice Alito, that objection was answered succinctly: "It is clear that the Framers..counted the right to keep and bear arms among those fundamental rights necessary to our system of ordered liberty."
The decision, however, does not remove many of the existing restrictions on firearms ownership by the mentally ill or convicted felons, nor does it remove the prohibition of firearms from "sensitive places" - including schools and government buildings.
"We repeat those assurances here," Justice Alito wrote, "Despite municipal respondents' doomsday proclamations." The decision, "does not imperil every law regulating firearms."
And that is the obstacle to outright euphoria among gun rights advocates. The Court did not remove all government rights to restrict gun ownership, leaving that to be determined by future litigation. While the ruling is not so broad as might be hoped by many, it is not the historical habit of the Supreme Court to use a minimal amount of litigation to decide broad-stroke issues. Rather, the Court has preferred to decide narrowly focused cases that create, over time, a broad-based interpretation.
Despite that, Second Amendment Foundation's Alan Gottlieb calls the decision a call to action for gun rights advocates to move against other restrictive local firearms regulations.
"This morning's high court ruling clearly shows that the right of the individual citizen to have a gun is constitutionally protected in every corner of the United States," Gottlieb said. "We are already preparing to challenge other highly-restrictive anti-gun laws across the country. Our objective is to win back our firearms freedoms one lawsuit at a time."
Clearly, Gottlieb and Alan Gura, the attorney who led the McDonald challenge -and made the Heller arguments before the high court, understand that winning such a deeply divided issue as firearms rights is one that will require incremental wins and not a slam-dunk, broad-stroke victory.
Despite the fact that the decision does not actually overturn a ban in Chicago and suburb Oak Park that has been in place since 1982, it does make the ban virtually unenforceable.
"The law abiding citizens who are part of this case and who support the court's decision today are not and never have been the crime problem in Chicago," Illinois State Rifle Assn. Attorney David Sigale said after the ruling was announced.
"To those who would prey upon the citizens of the city of Chicago, to the criminals -- I would like to say the Chicago crime buffet is over," said Colleen Lawson, a plaintiff in the lawsuit McDonald v. City of Chicago. "We are not prey."
Chicago Mayor Richard Daley, however, voiced a dissenting opinion- despite the fact his vociferous defense of the ban was rejected by the Court. "I don't think more guns protect society," he said after the verdict, "I just don't see that."
Daley has promised new plans - possibly as soon as today or tomorrow- that will include regulations on licensing, sales and training requirements for citizens looking to arm themselves. Some of the trial balloons floated by the Daley administration include everything from mandatory training and annual proficiency testing to additional insurance requirements. All of these solutions on the surface seem to set the stage for even more litigation in the future.
But, yesterday's decision was still reason for at least some mild euphoria from industry leaders.
"Today's ruling is a victory for freedom and liberty," said NSSF President Stephen L. Sanetti. "All law-abiding Americans, no matter whether they live in a big city like Chicago or in rural Wyoming, have the same Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms. Constitutional rights don't stop at state or city borders. Cities like Chicago and New York and states like California must now respect the Second Amendment."
"Today's decision marks the beginning of a new era of civil rights litigation as laws and regulations that infringe upon and violate the individual right of law-abiding Americans to keep and bear arms, protected by the Second Amendment, are challenged," said NSSF Senior Vice President and General Counsel Lawrence G. Keane. "As the trade association for America's firearms industry, our members make the products through which our Second Amendment rights are realized. Just as the First Amendment protects and shields newspapers and media, the Second Amendment secures constitutional protections for our industry."
Despite not normally being a champion for conservative causes, Arizona Senator Harry Reid stepped out of his role as Senate Majority Leader for a progressively more liberal administration to remind gun rights supporters that he had joined in the list of amicus filings in favor of the pro-gun position. "With today's ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court has helped ensure that the 2nd Amendment rights of Americans will be protected in all corners of our country. The right to bear arms is one of the essential freedoms on which our country was founded. I am pleased that the high court has taken steps in both the Heller and McDonald cases to guarantee this fundamental right. I supported individual gun rights in a bipartisan congressional amicus brief to the court, and I am glad they agreed with my position."
-- Jim Shepherd
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
New Season of DU-TV Kicks Off Tonight MEMPHIS, Tenn. - June 28, 2010 - The wait for the 2010 season premier of Ducks Unlimited Television is over.
On June 29 at 11 a.m. EST, a new season of DU-TV comes to the Outdoor Channel, with 12 all-new episodes covering the rich tradition of waterfowling. Over the course of the season, hosts Wade Bourne, Jared Brown and DU Biologist Mike Checkett will make their way down North America's flyways pursuing everything from diving ducks in Alaska to blue-winged teal in Louisiana.
"It was a great season," said Bourne. "We traveled across North America and hunted places any duck or goose hunter can hunt. And along the way, we found inspiring conservation stories about what DU volunteers, staff and others are doing to restore and protect waterfowl habitat."
Checkett expressed his hope that the season will call attention to DU's conservation mission. "We hope this new season of DU-TV will not only fuel viewers' passion for waterfowl hunting, but also strengthen their dedication to conserving North America's valuable wetland resources," he said.
The line-up of 2010 shows includes:
1. This is Ducks Unlimited: DU-TV kicks off the new season with a preview of great hunts and conservation work from Canada to Louisiana.
2. British Columbia Geese and Ducks: Wade Bourne reveals a unique look at hunting geese and ducks on the wheat and barley fields that are the first stop on the long migration south from Alaska.
3. Louisiana Teal: An early-season teal hunt reveals the incredible recovery efforts along this stretch of the Mississippi Delta after the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina.
4. Alberta Geese and Ducks: NBA Hall of Famer Rick Barry heads to the Prairie Pothole Region outside Edmonton, Alberta, for an action-packed duck and goose hunt. This area serves as a crucial breeding ground before the long migration south.
5. N.J. Black Ducks: Wade Bourne travels to the historic hunting grounds of the Delaware Bay to reveal the mystique of the black duck and to reflect on some of DU's most successful conservation efforts in the mid-Atlantic region.
6. Alaska Sea Ducks: Jared Brown travels to Valdez, Alaska, to hunt Barrow's goldeneyes. This extraordinary venue showcases Prince William Sound's amazing recovery since the Exxon Valdez oil spill in 1989.
7. Kansas Mallards: Wade Bourne joins DU Biologist Mike Checkett on a unique hunt for mallards from dry fields to flooded cornfields in southeast Kansas. The site of the hunt, a seventh-generation ranch, has become one of the hottest areas in the country to hunt ducks.
8. Nebraska Geese and Ducks: Host Jared Brown joins local landowners in western Nebraska to hunt geese in open fields and fast-action ducks on the historic Platte River. This episode will profile DU's work with landowners in its extensive conservation easements program.
9. Texas Gulf Coast: The Texas Gulf Coast marsh attracts an amazing variety of duck species. Host Jared Brown joins Texas DU volunteers on his home hunting grounds one year after the devastation of Hurricane Ike.
10. Missouri Ducks: This episode features a mallard hunt near the Missouri Department of Conservation's famous "Ten Mile Pond" area. Learn about the state's vast conservation efforts on the area's key wetlands projects as well as current waterfowl studies.
11. North Dakota Ducks: Wade Bourne joins DU biologists for a classic North Dakota pothole duck hunt on the Coteau Ranch and learns about advances in crop science thanks to DU's winter wheat project in the region.
12. Wetlands and Waterfowl Conservation: DU ─ the world's leading wetlands and waterfowl conservation organization ─ discusses the importance of research, restoration and grassroots efforts in protecting the habitat needs of waterfowl.
3rd Quarter air dates and times (Eastern Standard Time)
Tuesdays - 11 a.m.
Saturday - 8:30 a.m.
Sundays - 3:30 p.m.
on the Outdoor Channel
Ducks Unlimited is the world's largest non-profit organization dedicated to conserving North America's continually disappearing waterfowl habitats. Established in 1937, Ducks Unlimited has conserved more than 12 million acres thanks to contributions from more than a million supporters across the continent. Guided by science and dedicated to program efficiency, DU works toward the vision of wetlands sufficient to fill the skies with waterfowl today, tomorrow and forever.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Alabama Conservation Department Designates Coastal Boating Closures, Idle Speed-No Wake Areas The ADCNR has released a list of areas closed to recreational and commercial vessels, including fishing vessels, except for law enforcement vessels or other official emergency vessels involved in governmental operations, and/or other approved response vessels. They are as follows:
"All Alabama waters south of a line running from the northernmost tip of Boggy Point to the northernmost tip of Robinson Island to the northernmost tip of Walker Island to the westernmost tip of Ono Island at Old River. This will include Cotton Bayou, Perdido Pass and all canals entering these waters."
The following areas are hereby designated as "Idle Speed Only - No Wake" areas for all vessels:
"All Alabama waters south of a line running from the southernmost tip of Bear Point to the Eastern shore of the mouth of Ono Harbor on Ono Island. This will include Bayou Saint John, Terry Cove, Terry Cove Harbor, Cotton Bayou, Perdido Pass and all canals entering these waters."
This closure and designation of idle speed areas supersedes and replaces the earlier boating closure done on June 11, 2010.
These designated areas will remain as such until official notification by Conservation Commissioner Barnett Lawley on www.outdooralabama.com.
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment ofAlabama's natural resources through five divisions: Marine Police, Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. To learn more about ADCNR, visit www.outdooralabama.com .
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
L.D.W.F. Recruiting Enforcement Cadets for Next Academy The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Enforcement Division is currently seeking interested candidates who want to become LDWF enforcement agents for the next LDWF Cadet Academy Training Program, which is scheduled to begin on Sept. 1, 2010.
Interested applicants must submit an application for employment online at www.civilservice.la.gov by July 18, 2010. Paper applications may also be submitted via fax, mail or hand delivery LDWF. If mailed, the envelope must be postmarked on or before the closing date of the vacancy announcement.
Applicants must have an active or converted score of 70 or above on the Civil Service Law Enforcement and Protective Services (LEAPS) exam. Preference may be given to applicants with a score of 77 or higher. Applicants may apply to take the test by accessing the Civil Service Web site at http://www.civilservice.la.gov/info/LEAPS/Applying%20for%20the%20LEAPS%20Test.pdf.
All Enforcement Cadets receive full state benefits and pay from the first day of training. The starting pay is $31,500 a year. Training will last 22 weeks and mostly be held in Baton Rouge Monday through Friday. Cadets will be allowed to go home on the weekends and holidays.
"This is one of the greatest jobs in the world if you enjoy law enforcement work and have a love for the outdoors," LDWF Enforcement Division's Lt. Col. Keith LaCaze said. "An agent's life is never boring because it is seasonal in nature. The job changes according to the time of year with hunting regulations enforcement in the fall and winter and boating and fishing in the spring and summer."
Cadets receive six months of intensive physical and academic training at the academy. At the academy, cadets train to enforce the state's recreational boating laws, the state and federal wildlife and fisheries laws and general law enforcement work on the state's many wildlife management areas. The academy also covers general law enforcement training equal to that of other state law enforcement officers. Cadets are also trained for search and rescue and are charged as the lead agency in search and rescue coordination under the Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness.
For more information about testing and application information, please visit www.civilservice.la.gov or call the LDWF's Human Resources Office at 225-765-2850.
EDITORS: For more information, contact Adam Einck at 225-765-2465 or aeinck@wlf.la.gov.
2010-201
BLACK BEAR KILLED ON HWY. 70 NEAR BELLE RIVER
A Louisiana black bear was killed Sunday when struck accidentally by an automobile while crossing LA Hwy. 70 near Belle River on the St. Martin-Assumption Parish line.
The bear had been reported in the Oaks at Belle River subdivision around dusk and was struck by a passing motorist after sunset, as it accessed the highway by swimming across Belle River.
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) records indicate the bear was previously captured in the Patterson area in the summer of 2008 and subjected to aversive conditioning on site. Nuisance bears are captured, tagged and released using aversive conditioning in an effort to dissuade them from returning to residential areas.
"It's the breeding season for the Louisiana black bear," according to Maria Davidson, LDWF large carnivore program manager. "Male bears are traveling long distances in search of mates and consequently are crossing roadways in the process. This bear was a young adult male weighing approximately 250 pounds."
Homeowners are reminded that bears are naturally shy and usually avoid contact with people. If a person sees a bear in their neighborhood they should retreat to a safe area and call the LDWF 24 hour hotline: 1-800-442-2511.
The St. Martin Parish Sheriff's Office, Assumption Parish Sheriff's Office and LDWF Enforcement and Wildlife Division personnel were all part of the weekend response effort.
FEATUREEditor's Opinion: Gulf May Be A Casualty of Power PoliticsIt had to happen.
Like oil and water, the businesses and government of the Gulf Coast have finally collided head-on with the Obama administration over Washington's responses to the Deepwater Horizon disaster.
Business, with the wholehearted support of the gulf state governors, successfully argued in a federal appeals court that the Obama administration's proposed six month ban on deepwater drilling in the Gulf will cause an immediate economic hardship equal to- if not worse - than the potential impact of the gigantic oil cloud that's lurking in the Gulf.
The federal decision to stop all deepwater drilling seemed, simply put, to be the straw that broke the camel's back when it came to federal "assistance."
When U.S. District Court Judge Martin Feldman issued an injunction blocking the Interior Department's six-month moratorium on deepwater drilling issued in late May, he was direct in his reasoning, calling the Interior Department's decision "capricious", having failed to show the oil spill from the Deepwater Horizon meant there was imminent danger linked to all such exploration.
"An invalid agency decision to suspend drilling in depths over 500 feet simply cannot justify the immeasurable effect on the plaintiffs, the local economy, the Gulf region, and the critical present-day aspect of the availability of domestic energy in this country," Feldman wrote.
Feldman's opinion was extremely direct: "the blanket moratorium, with no parameters, seems to assume that because one rig failed and although no one yet fully knows why, all companies and rigs drilling new wells over 500 feet also universally present an imminent danger."
That thinking, Feldman opined, reflected a thinking that was "heavy-handed and rather overbearing".
For many, that seems an extremely accurate description of the way Washington has responded to the Deepwater Horizon accident.
Since the Deepwater Horizon's demise in April, it has become readily apparent - again - that, when it comes to emergencies, Washington is not the place to turn for immediate help.
Washington is not equipped to deal with triage; it is better suited for autopsies.
Gulf residents and businessmen I've spoken with are convinced that if you're waiting on substantive help from the federal government, you had better have a backup plan- or have your affairs in order.
Meanwhile, the administration holds to their position that the ban is necessary while officials conduct a safety review.
Businessmen say they are expecting that "safety review" would drag on- possibly 24 to 36 months.
If that's the case, there is simply no way to avoid the equivalent of economic carnage. Workers all along the Gulf Coast would find themselves without jobs.
That, in turn, would impact virtually every other business dependent on them as customers.
With a tourism industry already suffering at levels some smaller businesses seem to be unable to survive, there's no wonder area residents are both angry at the situation - and afraid for their futures.
None of that, however, seems to have made much of an impact on Washington.
The Obama administration says it is taking the case to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit in New Orleans, despite Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal's plea to the White House not to appeal the ruling.
Judge Feldman's order also speaks to transparency in the handling of this crisis. His writing, however, speaks to the Interior Department, not British Petroleum.
When a report recommending the six-month moratorium on permits and drilling was issued, Feldman wrote, it made the statement that the recommendations had been peer-reviewed by seven experts identified by the National Academy of Engineering. That, Feldman said, was "factually incorrect".
"Although the experts agreed with the safety recommendations contained in the body of the main report, five of the National Academy experts and three of the other experts have publicly stated that they 'do not agree with the six month blanket moratorium' on floating drilling," the ruling reads, "They envisioned a more limited kind of moratorium, but a blanket moratorium was added after their final review, they complain, and was never agreed to by them."
As the Deepwater Horizon crisis drags on, it is chilling to realize that while the well-being of the Gulf of Mexico is at stake, the confidence of the people in their leaders may already have become a casualty.
Meanwhile, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar says he will issue a "new order" on deepwater drilling, calling the ban "needed, appropriate and within our authorities".
He gave no date for when that order would be issued, but he made it quite clear that the administration has decided to make this crisis a watershed moment.
Hopefully, the people of Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama and Florida whose lives in one way or the other depend on the Gulf of Mexico won't be sacrificed along the way.
--Jim Shepherd
Editor's Note: You can read Judge Feldman's order for yourself by clicking here.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus Protects Hunting, Fishing and Trapping Videos WASHINGTON, DC- The Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus (CSC) worked to explicity exempt hunting, trapping, and fishing activities in legislation prohibiting production and sale of so-called animal "crush videos".
H.R. 5566, the "Prevention of Interstate Commerce in Animal Crush Videos Act of 2010", introduced by Rep. Elton Gallegly and Rep. Gary Peters, will ban the production of "crush videos" which depict animal cruelty.
The Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation (CSF), in partnership with Safari Club International (SCI) and the National Rifle Association (NRA), expressed concerns to the leadership of the CSC that the legislative language in H.R. 5566 should explicitly exclude videos and television programs showing legal hunting, fishing and trapping activities. The CSC leadership worked with the sponsors of the legislation to incorporate this important exclusion.
"While we all oppose malicious cruelty to animals such as those seen in these videos, it was vitally important that the new legislation specifically address the filming, distribution and sale of legally produced hunting, fishing and trapping video and television programming," said CSC Co-Chair Rep. Paul Ryan.
"I thank Rep. Ryan for working with me to ensure legitimate videos and television programs are protected while videos glorifying the fatal abuse and torture of animals are once again outlawed," said CSC Member Rep. Gallegly.
On April 20 of this year, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a 1999 federal law that prohibited the production and distribution of videos depicting the shocking form of animal cruelty known as "crush videos." CSF joined Safari Club International in an amicus curiae brief in this case, raising concerns about the potential impact of the decision on hunting videos.
"The new bill addresses the Supreme Court's constitutional concerns, and through the new language advanced by the CSC, alleviates the concerns of sportsmen while also prohibiting the interstate sale of these animal cruelty videos," said CSF Vice-President of Policy Gary Kania. Contact:
Lance Lemmonds - 202-543-6850 ex19
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Indoor Football Team Offers Outdoorsmen Discount HARRISBURG - The Pennsylvania Game Commission and Harrisburg Stampede, the Capital City's American Indoor Football Association franchise, today announced that fans who bring their 2010-11 Pennsylvania hunting or furtaker license to the final home game on June 26 - Fan Appreciation Night - will be able to purchase a VIP floor box ticket for $15, rather than the normal $32. At 7:30 p.m., on June 26, the Harrisburg Stampede will play the New Jersey Revolution at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Building's Large Arena, along Cameron Street in Harrisburg.
"This agreement has provided an added value to the price of a Pennsylvania hunting and furtaker license," said Carl G. Roe, Pennsylvania Game Commission executive director. "We are pleased that the Harrisburg Stampede recognizes the importance of our license buyers to wildlife management by offering this discount."
For more information, visit the Harrisburg Stampede's website (www.harrisburgstampede.com).
Earlier this year, the Game Commission announced similar arrangements for those who showed their hunting license and purchased tickets for the Altoona Curve and the State College Spikes minor league baseball franchises.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
FLW Outdoors Announces 2011 FLW Tour Schedule MINNEAPOLIS (June 22, 2010) - FLW Outdoors announced the 2011 FLW Tour schedule Tuesday. The 2011 FLW Tour will expand to 10 tournaments, plus the Forrest Wood Cup, the world championship of bass fishing.
"We are excited to expand the FLW Tour," said Charlie Evans, President and CEO of FLW Outdoors. "We have a long history of offering the best paybacks in the sport, and our new expanded schedule, with stops on some of the nation's top fisheries, will bring even more opportunity and visibility to our anglers, corporate supporters and for our fans."
The 2011 FLW Tour will consist of six FLW Tour Majors and four FLW Tour Opens. FLW Tour Majors, which will feature a 150-boat field, are open to professional anglers who enter all six tournaments. Pros fishing the FLW Tour Majors will receive priority when entering FLW Tour Opens and pros that enter all four FLW Tour Opens will receive priority over individual entrants. FLW Tour Opens will also feature a 150-boat field. Complete details regarding registration requirements will be available in the near future at FLWOutdoors.com or you can call (270) 252-1000.
The 2011 FLW Tour season is listed below and can be viewed at FLWOutdoors.com.
2011 FLW Tour Schedule
Date Fishery Location Tournament
Feb. 2-5 Lake Okeechobee Clewiston, Fla. FLW Tour Open
March 2-5 Falcon Lake Zapata, Texas FLW Tour Major
March 23-26 Lake Hartwell Greenville, S.C. FLW Tour Major
April 13-16 Lake Chickamauga Chattanooga, Tenn. FLW Tour Major
May 4-7 Table Rock Lake Branson, Mo. FLW Tour Major
May 18-21 Red River Shreveport, La. FLW Tour Major
June 1-4 Potomac River National Harbor, Md. FLW Tour Open
June 15-18 Kentucky Lake Murray, Ky. FLW Tour Major
Aug. 11-14 Lake Ouachita Hot Springs, Ark. Forrest Wood Cup
Sept. 14-17 Lake Champlain Plattsburgh, N.Y. FLW Tour Open
Oct. 19-22 Lake Guntersville Guntersville, Ala. FLW Tour Open
The prestigious Angler of the Year title for 2011 will be determined over the 10 events. The top 30 pros and co-anglers from the FLW Tour Majors will qualify for the 2011 Forrest Wood Cup, which will consist of 58 pros and co-anglers. In 2012, the top 35 pros and co-anglers from the FLW Tour Majors, along with the top five from the 2011 FLW Tour Opens, will qualify for the 2012 Forrest Wood Cup.
The full field will compete the first two days of each FLW Tour event. On day three, the top 75 pros and co-anglers will compete with the co-angler winner being crowned based on cumulative weight from all three days. Day four will feature the top five pro anglers with the winner determined by cumulative weight from all four days.
Pro anglers will compete for up to $125,000 and co-anglers will be vying for up to $25,000 in each tournament. With a full field, the paybacks will be $10,000 through 50th place on the pro side and $1,000 on the co-angler side. Entry fees are unchanged for 2011 at $4,000 per tournament for pros and $700 per tournament for co-anglers. For additional details regarding paybacks, visit FLWOutdoors.com.
ABOUT FLW OUTDOORS
FLW Outdoors, named after Forrest L. Wood, the legendary founder of Ranger Boats, is the largest fishing tournament organization in the world offering anglers worldwide the opportunity to compete for millions over the course of 189 tournaments in 2010. FLW Outdoors has also taken fishing mainstream with FLW Fantasy Fishing awarding the largest prizes in the history of fantasy sports. FLW Outdoors memberships are available featuring numerous benefits including Player's Advantage. For more information about FLW Outdoors and its tournaments, visit FLWOutdoors.com or call (270) 252-1000. For more information about FLW Fantasy Fishing, visit FantasyFishing.com.
www.FLWOutdoors.com Contact:
Jeff McCoy, Director of Public Relations & Communications, (612) 337-1945 (w), (612) 360-1375 (m) or jeff.mccoy@jacobs-mgmt.com
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Ogden Archery World Cup Calling for Aspiring Student Journalists The Ogden World Cup Organizing Committee is taking applications for the new FITA Archery Fan Reporter for the third leg of the 2010 Archery World Cup in Ogden, Utah, August 3-7. There are two openings for the FITA Archery Fan Reporter, which is a volunteer position. The selected individuals will arrive in Ogden on August 1 and depart on August 8. The selected reporters also have a chance to win an all-expense paid trip to Great Britain for the World Cup Final in September.
FITA, the international archery federation, will introduce the new media position at the 2010 World Field Archery Championships in Visegrad, Hungary, July 13-18. The Archery World Cup in Ogden will be the second event where FITA will work with the reporters to develop daily stories (3-5 minutes in length) about the aspects of the major international event that will be posted on the FITA's WebTV platform. The third event where this position will be tested is at the World Cup Stage 4 in Shanghai, China. Additionally, the pool of 2010 reporters will be judged by the FITA review panel for a chance of winning an all-expense paid trip to work as the FITA Archery Fan Reporter at the 2010 World Cup Final in Edinburgh, Great Britain, Sept. 18-19.
The two FITA Archery Fan Reporter positions are open to individuals who are between 18-22 years of age. The selected reporters must be comfortable with HD video cameras, computer technology and developing a daily story. The Ogden Organizing Committee will select two individuals who have experience in: videotaping and editing; embedding music beds; writing scripts; arranging interviews; and other general reporting skills. Room and board will be provided for the selected reporters, who will have to provide their own transportation to Ogden.
To be considered for the FITA Archery Fan Reporter please submit: 1) cover letter expressing your interest in this opportunity; 2) current resume; 3) work samples. Deadline for submission is Tuesday, July 20. Send all materials to:
Anthony Bartkowski
Media & Public Relations
Ogden World Cup Organizing Committee
Email: abartkowski@776marketing.com
-- #### --
About Ogden World Cup... For the first time in history, the United States will host an Archery World Cup stage. Utah will welcome elite archers from over 35 countries. The pivotal third stage will be contested at Weber State University with the finals held at the picturesque Lindquist Field in Ogden, the same competition venues as the 2009 World Archery Youth Championships. Ogden will also host the Archery World Cup in 2011 and 2012.
The Archery World Cup, which started in 2006, has been a popular event for athletes, sponsors, media and fans. The FITA-sanctioned event allows organizers to select unique competition venues, which included hosting the finals by shooting over a canal at the 2009 Archery World Cup in Denmark, and competing from a floating platform at the 2006 World Cup in Dubai.
The 2010 Archery World Cup in Ogden is made possible by partnerships between the International Archery Federation (FITA), Easton Foundations, USA Archery, the Ogden Weber Convention and Visitors Bureau and Utah Sports Commission.
Sponsors of the 2010 Archery World Cup Stage 3 include: Hoyt, Intermountain McKay-Dee Sports Medicine, Weber State University, GOAL Foundation, Easton Technical Products, Doinker, and Roosters Brewing Company, Arizona Archery Enterprises.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010 Maryland DNR To Host Four Public Oyster Regulation Hearings Annapolis, MD - The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has set the dates, times and locations for four public regulatory hearings as part of the implementation of Governor Martin O'Malley's Oyster Restoration and Aquaculture Plan. Governor O'Malley and DNR submitted the proposed regulations in May after months of public discussion, DNR open houses and robust input from thousands of citizens following the Governor's announcement of the plan in December 2009.
"We stand on the threshold of implementing a plan that was called for by the very first oyster advisory commission in the 1800s, but was never achieved," said Governor Martin O'Malley. "We need to change course and take bold action to rebuild our oyster population-both for its ecological value and for the jobs and economic impact that an expanded aquaculture industry will provide for Maryland families for generations to come."
In January 2009, Governor O'Malley sponsored legislation to promote oyster restoration and aquaculture in Maryland by streamlining the regulatory process, expanding oyster sanctuaries in the Bay and opening areas to aquaculture to reduce the pressure on wild oysters and to provide alternative economic opportunities for Maryland watermen. The legislation passed overwhelmingly in the General Assembly.
"Since Governor O'Malley announced this groundbreaking proposal in December, we have worked diligently with legislators, local elected officials and all of our stakeholders-including members of the oyster industry, aquaculture interests, scientists, environmentalists, sport fishermen and citizens," said DNR Secretary John Griffin. "This unprecedented public process resulted in more than 150 meetings during which we made numerous adjustments to our proposal to address the concerns of our watermen while maintaining the integrity of the Governor's plan."
The Chesapeake Bay's oyster population has languished at one percent of historic levels since 1994, quality oyster bars have decreased by 80 percent and the number of harvesters has dwindled from 2,000 in the mid-1980s to just over 500 annually since 2002. Today there are only eight oyster processing companies in Maryland, down from 58 in 1974.
These public events will feature an overview of the proposed regulations by DNR staff followed by opportunities for individual comments. Comments may also be submitted online at fisheriespubliccomment@dnr.state.md.us or by mail to:
MD-DNR Fisheries Service
Oyster Recovery
Tawes State Office Bldg
580 Taylor Ave. B-2
Annapolis, MD 21401
The public hearings are scheduled as follows:
* July 7, 6:00 p.m., Anne Arundel Community College, Pascal Center for the Performing Arts, 101 College Parkway, Arnold, MD 21012
* July 13, 6:00 p.m., Leonardtown High School Auditorium, 23995 Point Lookout Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650
* July 22, 6:00 p.m., Salisbury University, Caruthers Hall Auditorium, 1101 Camden Avenue, Salisbury, MD 21801
* August 5, 6:00 p.m., Chesapeake College, Todd Performing Arts Center, Route 50 and Route 213, Wye Mills, MD 21679
To view the full Oyster Restoration and Aquaculture Plan, go to www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries/oysters/pdfs/OysterOpenHouseFINAL2a.pdf
A concise overview of the proposed regulations is located at www.dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/oysters/OysterRestoration&AquacultureDevelopmentProposedRegulationsFactsheet.pdf.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Special Dove Club permits go on sale July 1 Six special-opportunity dove fields will be open to the public this season through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's special-opportunity Dove Club Program.
Beginning at 10 a.m. (EDT) July 1, sportsmen can apply for Dove Club permits online atwww.fl.wildlifelicense.com or by submitting a completed Special-Opportunity Dove Club Permit Worksheet to any county tax collector's office or authorized license agent. There is no cost to apply. Worksheets are available at MyFWC.com/Hunting under "Limited Entry Hunts."
Dove Club permits will be issued by random drawing from applications submitted by 11:59 p.m. (EDT) July 19.
The permit allows one adult and one youth (under age 16) to participate in all scheduled hunts (up to eight days) for a designated dove field. These Saturday half-day hunts cost $150 and enable both the permit holder and youth to each take a daily bag limit of birds. Successful applicants must purchase their permits by Aug. 9. Any permits left unsold after the deadline will be available for purchase on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at 10 a.m. (EDT) Aug. 12. The deadline to purchase leftover Dove Club permits is Aug. 23.
The six special-opportunity dove fields are:
• Allapattah Flats WMA in Martin County,
• Caravelle Ranch (Putnam County),
• Combs Farm Public Small-game Hunting Area (PSGHA) (Baker County),
• Hilochee WMA (Lake County),
• North Newberry PSGHA (Alachua County) and
• Frog Pond (Miami-Dade County).
Dove hunting opportunities are in high demand, and these special hunts provide the perfect social setting for friends and family to hunt together. And hunters who purchase these season-long permits save more than half the cost of buying individual daily dove permits for the season.
Daily dove permits cost $35 and enable one adult and one youth (under age 16) to hunt together on one half-day hunt but allow only one bag limit of birds between the two hunters. Applications for daily dove permits will be accepted Aug. 24 - Sept. 7.
For more information on these great public land dove hunting opportunities, click on MyFWC.com/Dove.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
FWC Officers Patrol North Florida Waters Aboard the Guardian, a 45-foot offshore vessel, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Lt. Rama Shuster keeps an eye out for oil on the waters in Gulf, Franklin and Wakulla counties.
The FWC's mission since the explosion of the Deepwater Horizon oil platform in late April has been reconnaissance: tracking the movement of oil along the coast. Officers are on the water, patrolling the beaches on ATVs and flying daily missions, monitoring the shoreline and reporting what they find.
Shuster has been on the water for two weeks now. Last week, he was aboard the Orion, a 50-foot, offshore vessel, patrolling the waters off Pensacola. Shuster normally captains the Guardian and is assigned to the Crystal River Field Office in Citrus County.
"We saw quite a bit of product around Pensacola," Shuster said. "But it's clear so far around Carrabelle. However, we're definitely keeping a watch for any product that we might encounter."
When Shuster and his crew do find oil, they will determine the exact location, photograph what they see and then send the report back to the Florida Emergency Operations Center in Tallahassee.
"We've also had FWC biologists and personnel from our partner agencies on board with us so they can also view the waters," Shuster said. "We have been taking water samples at the surface and from the bottom in areas where fishermen have made reports of oil sightings and interviewing the fishermen to get as much information as possible."
As of June 18, the FWC has 75 vessels working the water patrol from the state line to Wakulla County. The vessels will be moved as needed for reconnaissance, and more boats will be added if required.
"The good news is I haven't seen any oiled wildlife yet," Shuster said. "All the birds I'm seeing today on patrol seem healthy and appear to be free of oil. Some of the other crews haven't been as fortunate. They have seen some oiled animals."
Those animals were documented and recovered.
"Our secondary mission while we're out here is directing the cleanup crews to the product we find. We make sure they have the proper coordinates and are able to locate the oil. We don't do the cleanup but we help the contractors get to the areas that need work," Shuster said. "We also keep the EOC informed as to how many cleanup vessels are in the area and their locations.
"Friday, we ran 37 miles south of Carrabelle to an area where a fisherman reported oil."
At that location, the boat crew took six samples at the surface, mid-water column and on the bottom. They then took samples in a quarter-mile radius around the coordinates and found no traces of oil.
"Even though we are not finding oil over here to the east, it's just as important to investigate these reports and keep the fisherman informed so they can continue to enjoy the waters before the oil does move in," Shuster said.
Shuster doesn't know how long he'll be deployed to Northwest Florida but anticipates that it's a long-term event.
"We'll do whatever it takes to protect the resources and people of Florida," he said. "That's our job and we're going to do it to the best of our ability."
Contact:
Katie Fojtik, 850-459-6585
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Skamania steelhead fishing is just around the corner Independence Day not only marks our nation's birth, it coincides with the start of summer steelhead fishing, and the second day of the Skamania Mania fishing tournament in northwest Indiana.
"Skamania" is the unique strain of summer-migrating steelhead trout that Indiana has developed in southern Lake Michigan. Steelhead that migrate up tributary streams in the fall and winter are also stocked by Indiana but the Skamania is special.
"Since these magnificent fish enter Indiana tributaries during the summer months, we are right on the cusp of this year's migration," said Indiana DNR Lake Michigan biologist Brian Breidert of the upcoming peak time for such fishing.
Indiana has been in the Skamania steelhead business for well over 35 years, becoming the mainstay for Indiana's Lake Michigan stocking program.
Trail Creek, Salt Creek, the East Branch of the Little Calumet River, and the St. Joseph River have summer and fall returns of Skamania as a result of annual stockings. Once these fish enter the rivers, they become accessible to local anglers until the following spring, when they spawn and migrate back into the lake. This unique fish provides a nearly 12-month steelhead fishery. Northwest Indiana tributaries receive 180,000 fish annually, while the St. Joseph River receives 240,000 fish.
During the 2009 creel survey season, northwest Indiana stream anglers caught 5,473 steelhead from July through December. More than 3,300 were caught in summer months alone. Shore anglers fishing the harbor mouths accounted for an additional 400 fish. Stream angler catch rates of seven-steelhead-per-100-hours-fished were the highest of the past decade. Average size was 8 pounds, with fish measuring an average of 28 inches.
"Indiana is the home of the Skamania steelhead in the Great Lakes," Breidert said. "Our hatchery staff continues to work diligently each summer, collecting adult Skamania steelhead to ensure our hatcheries have an ample supply of adults to produce eggs each winter for Indiana's stocking programs.
"Steelhead fishing during the summer has become one of our biggest draws for those in pursuit of tackle-busting trophies, with anglers from over half of Indiana's counties and throughout the Midwest pursuing these fish."
The Skamania Mania fishing tournament, sponsored by the Northwest Indiana Steelheaders, is July 3 and 4. Boat, shore and stream anglers can participate at no cost. Weigh-ins will run throughout each day at the DNR public access site next to the DNR building in Michigan City.
The best stream angling opportunities during summer occur directly after rainfall or when sustained south winds bring cold water near shore.
"Fishing the piers in late evening or early morning from June to September provides some of the best action," said local expert Mike Ryan.
With the 4th of July right around the corner, it's time to prep your gear in anticipation of these summer stream-fishing opportunities. Contact:
Brian Briedert, DNR fisheries biologist, (219) 874-6824
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Federal and Junior Duck Stamps Debut on June 25 Hanover, MD -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will host the First Day of Sale for the 2010-2011 Federal Duck Stamp and Junior Duck Stamp on June 25 at Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, located at Arundel Mills in Hanover, Maryland. Doors open at 9:00am, and the ceremony will begin at 10:00am. The event is free and open to the public.
The 2010-2011 Federal Duck Stamp features an American Widgeon painted by wildlife artist Robert Bealle, of Waldorf Maryland. Last fall a panel of judges chose Bealle's art to grace the new Duck Stamp from among 224 paintings at the Federal Duck Stamp Art Contest, held at the Patuxent Wildlife Research Refuge in Laurel, Maryland.
Martin MacDonald, Bass Pro Shops Director of Conservation, will CO-MC the event with Rowan Gould, acting Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Since 1934 the sales of Federal Duck Stamps have generated more than $750 million, which has been used to help purchase or lease over 5.3 million acres of waterfowl habitat in the U.S. These lands are now protected in the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service's National Wildlife Refuge System
Waterfowl are not the only wildlife to benefit from the sale of Federal Duck Stamps. Numerous other bird, mammal, fish, reptile, and amphibian species that rely on wetland habitats have prospered. Further, an estimated one-third of the Nation's endangered and threatened species find food or shelter in refuges established using Federal Duck Stamp funds.
People, too, have benefited from the Federal Duck Stamp Program. Hunters have places to enjoy their hunting heritage and other outdoor enthusiasts have places to hike, watch birds, and visit. Moreover, the protected wetlands help purify water supplies, store flood water, reduce soil erosion and sedimentation, and provide spawning areas for fish important to sport and commercial fishermen.
Bass Pro Shops has been a leader in conservation efforts, a seen by their Conservation Wall in each store.
About Bass Pro Shops Group:
Bass Pro Shops -56 retail stores in 26 states and Canada visited by over 109 million people annually, international catalog and internet retailing, American Rod & Gun wholesale division selling to over 7,000 independently owned retail stores worldwide, Outdoor World Incentives also selling Bass Pro Shops gift cards through over 132,000 retail outlets across America and a restaurant division with 26 locations.
For more information regarding Bass Pro Shops store locations, products or special events, please visit www.basspro.com. To request a free catalog call 1-800-BASS PRO.
Tracker Marine Group - Manufactures and sells Tracker, Nitro, SunTracker, Tahoe, Grizzly, and Mako boats through Bass Pro Shops retail stores and dealers worldwide. For more information go to www.trackermarine.com.
Resort Group - Big Cedar Lodge and other resort properties including restaurants and golf course. For more information go to www.big-cedar.com, www.bigcedarwildernessclub.com
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
North Carolina Says Fish Free On July 4 RALEIGH, N.C. - Fish for free in all public waters - including coastal waters - on July 4 from 12:01 a.m. until 11:59 p.m. While everyone, residents and non-residents, can fish in public waters on this date without a license, all other fishing regulations, such as length and daily possession limits, as well as bait and tackle restrictions, apply.
Authorized by the N.C. General Assembly and started in 1994, North Carolina's annual free fishing day, which always falls on July 4, was created to promote the sport of fishing.
The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission manages recreational fisheries, stocks fish, and provides free access to fishing sites across the state. And, while many sport fisheries in North Carolina are self-sustaining, the Commission annually stocks a variety of fish in public, inland waters - from trout in the mountains to striped bass in Piedmont reservoirs and channel catfish in Community Fishing Program (CFP) waters.
"We stock waters so anglers of all ages and skill levels have an excellent chance of catching fish," said Kyle Briggs, a program manager with the Division of Inland Fisheries. "The purpose of a free fishing day is to get people hooked on fishing. The more positive a fishing experience is, the more likely a person will continue fishing."
To make finding a spot to fish easier, the Commission has a list of free fishing-access areas on its website. Public Fishing Areas offer free access from the banks of many streams, rivers, lakes and ponds across the state while CFP sites provide fishing opportunities in urban areas. These sites typically feature solar-powered fish feeders, universally-accessible piers and periodic stockings of harvestable-sized channel catfish from April through September.
Some CFP sites have loaner rods and reels that anglers can borrow for the day on a first-come, first-serve basis. Through the Commission's Tackle Loaner Program, anglers can check out a fishing rod and reel in much the same way they check out a library book. They receive a Tackle Loaner card, which is good at all tackle-loaner sites across the state, although the rods and reels must be returned to the location where they were borrowed. Anglers age 15 and younger who register for the Tackle Loaner Program for the first time receive a mini tackle box filled with hooks, fishing line, a bobber, a stringer - all the necessary components of a successful fishing trip.
North Carolina residents age 16 and older who are interested in fishing the remaining 364 days of the year can purchase a one-year comprehensive inland fishing license, which includes public trout waters, for $20. A one-year license to fish in coastal waters is $15; to fish in inland waters, including public trout waters, and coastal waters, a unified license is $35 and is valid for one year from purchase date. To purchase a license:
• Call the Wildlife Resources Commission at 1 (888) 248-6834. Hours of operation are 8 a.m.-5 p.m., 7 days a week;
• Go to the Wildlife Resources Commission's website, www.ncwildlife.org and click on the yellow "Purchase License" button at the top left side of the home page.
• Visit a local Wildlife Service Agent. Most are located in bait-and-tackle shops, hunting and sporting good stores and larger chain stores.
For a list of all public fishing areas, Community Fishing Program sites and Tackle Loaner Program sites, visit the Fishing page, or call the Division of Inland Fisheries, (919) 707-0220.
About the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission
Since 1947, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission has been dedicated to the conservation and sustainability of the state's fish and wildlife resources through research, scientific management, wise use, and public input. The Commission is the state regulatory agency responsible for the enforcement of fishing, hunting, trapping and boating laws and provides programs and opportunities for wildlife-related educational, recreational and sporting activities. To learn more, visit www.ncwildlife.org.
Get N.C. Wildlife Update - news including season dates, bag limits, legislative updates and more - delivered to your Inbox from the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. Go to www.ncwildlife.org/enews. FEATURE
According to Whom?
B-P agrees to suspend dividends and put $20 billion into escrow for Gulf oil spill victims. That sounds like a win to most of the people living around the four-state shoreline that sits - waiting- to see when, where and how much of the more than one million gallons of oil leaking per day will come ashore.
Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour, however, says that fund's not necessarily a good thing. Rather than tying up that huge amount of money, Barbour says the money might be better spent on exploration, producing revenue, not sitting in an escrow account.
While the recriminations and accusations fly in Washington, some are taking more positive steps to help Gulf residents who fear their livelihood and the land and water they love just might not be able to bounce back.
Mortgage borrowers are getting a break from CitiMortgage, the housing arm of Citigroup. Through September 17, CitiMortgage is suspending all foreclosure sales and filings on its Gulf properties. There is a bit of fine print, the suspension is for first mortgages on homes that are twenty-five miles from the coast.
Fannie Mae has also said that servicers of their loans may suspend or lower payments on mortgages for borrowers who saw their income or property impacted by the spill. Not to be outdone, Freddie Mac, will grant up to six months of forbearance to victims of the oil spill. Interest, however, will continue to build during that forbearance.
And Orbitz, the online travel company, is doing what it can to help get people back to the Gulf beaches. It will refund a customer's hotel costs if a government agency closes a beach - or declares it dangerous - within 20 miles of the property.
The beaches of Alabama haven't had any more oil come ashore since the weekend. Consequently, officials say the beaches are now in considerably better shape than they were earlier this week. But the improvement on the beaches hasn't done anything to help what observers tell us is a "cratering" real estate market.
According to the Rudulph/Brander Monthly Birmingham Area Real Estate Report, sales in Baldwin County, Alabama were off seventeen percent from april. That May decline, we're told, is the first on in the normally robust realty month since 2002 and may point to continued declines in home sales and drops in value that may continue until a better handle is gained on the long-term impact on the Gulf region.
And the business of trying to profit from someone else's misfortune appears to be in full swing. As they did after Hurricane Katrina, some organizations have started making their presence known in the Gulf region. Their presence, however, is normally used as a "hook" for fundraising, not a plea for assistance to help the region recover.
Of course the near-instant communications abilities of the internet have been turned into the avenue for some shameless huckstering. Yesterday, I received an urgent email talking about "The crisis in the Gulf and what you can do to help" - since I've been getting regular updates from contacts throughout the region, I opened it.
Instead of another suggestion for cleaning up the oil, stopping the leak or even a request to pray for the people in the Gulf, it was an invitation to visit a website and learn about "how I could quickly and easily build a set of power generating solar panels". Said panels would then enable me to unplug from the grid, safe in the knowledge that I was "making my power for free" and not adding to the detritus caused by fossil fuels.
Seems everyone's unwilling to let a good crisis go to waste.
We'll keep you posted.
--Jim Shepherd
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Chevy Renews NWTF Partnership EDGEFIELD, S.C. - Chevrolet has renewed its longstanding partnership with the National Wild Turkey Federation, cementing Chevrolet as the official vehicle of the hunting and conservation organization.
The partnership officially embraces a longstanding relationship between the automaker and turkey hunters. Based on findings reported in an NWTF survey, the vehicle of choice among NWTF members was Chevrolet.
"The Federation is proud of our relationship with Chevrolet," said Cindy Williams, NWTF director of marketing. "The company's commitment to improving our environment and conserving our natural resources makes Chevy a natural fit for the NWTF. Chevy diversifies NWTF member benefits through our membership and banquet programs while maintaining our common goal of promoting enjoyment of the outdoors and preserving our hunting heritage."
With more than 3 million wild turkey hunters in the United States, turkey hunters represent a significant market share for auto manufacturers. A study commissioned by the NWTF found that in 2003 (the last year this data is available), spring turkey hunters spent $182.8 million on trucks and other vehicles.
The partnership agreement allows the NWTF and Chevrolet, a subsidiary of General Motors, to work together on various promotional activities, which makes the NWTF's mission of conserving wild turkeys and preserving our hunting traditions, and the Chevrolet brand, more accessible to millions of Americans.
Chevrolet first partnered with NWTF in 2005. Since then, Chevrolet has offered test drives to tens of thousands of attendees each year at the NWTF's annual National Convention and Sport Show in Nashville, Tenn. The Chevy Ride and Drive is a favorite at the show, and is just one way Chevrolet supports the conservation organization. The NWTF will return to Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville for its 35th annual convention Feb. 17 to Feb. 20, 2011.
"Chevrolet is excited about continuing our partnership into its sixth year with NWTF," said Kevin Messmer, field manager for Chevrolet's southeast region. "We're looking forward to strengthening this relationship with such a quality organization that is truly committed to the conservation of the wild turkey and preservation of our hunting heritage. As the official vehicle of the NWTF, Chevrolet demonstrates its commitment to conservation and support of the men, women and children who enjoy the outdoors."
The NWTF is a nonprofit conservation organization that works daily to further its mission of conserving the wild turkey and preserving our hunting heritage. Through dynamic partnerships with state, federal and provincial wildlife agencies, the NWTF and its members have helped restore wild turkey populations across the country, spending more than $306 million to conserve 14 million acres of habitat for all types of wildlife.
For more information about the NWTF visit the Web site at www.nwtf.org or call (800) THE-NWTF. Contact:
Shannon Coggin at (803) 637-7643
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Take Me Fishing Teams Up With South Bend Sporting Goods and Sports Authority ALEXANDRIA, VA - The Take Me Fishing campaign is teaming up with South Bend Sporting Goods and The Sports Authority to help launch a major youth outdoors movement this weekend in New York City's Central Park. Five hundred youth delegates will be on hand to celebrate the first-ever Outdoor Nation Youth Summit & Festival on June 19 and 20, which will include a 'Take Me Fishing Zone' to inspire the next generation of boaters and anglers.
According to research by the Outdoor Foundation, kids say cost, time, getting dirty and a risk of danger are among the top reasons they don't spend time outdoors. This survey of "Outsiders" - a growing community of young artists, athletes, advocates and ambassadors who have joined together to champion the outdoors - also revealed:
* More than half of Outsiders would use an hour of free time to do something active outside, which is indicative of a motivated, outdoor-oriented membership.
* Outsiders feel lowering entry fees for competitions and parks would go a long way toward encouraging first-timers to enter.
* Outsiders see the benefit in creating or joining clubs as a way to both foster friendships and keep young people engaged with the outdoors on a more regular basis.
* Outsiders strongly believe that educating parents on how to plan and prepare for outdoor activities will motivate them to teach their children to appreciate the outdoors.
* Education from parents is not enough. Outsiders believe in the need for creatively integrating the outdoors into school curricula, from PE and Geography to Biology and Civics.
A special video inspired by the idea of the Youth Summit, made by kids for kids, was commissioned by the Take Me Fishing campaign. The video is available on TakeMeFishing.org and on YouTube.
"With so many kids choosing to spend their free time indoors, it's great to be involved with an event that connects kids to nature," said Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) President & CEO Frank Peterson. "We're thrilled to be a part of this inaugural summit and festival which will create new outdoor champions to preserve the outdoors for future generations. And we're confident that the insights gained from these events and the Outdoor Nation movement overall will help shape our stakeholders' marketing and education programs, and provide research that may be useful in their public relations and community outreach efforts."
Visitors to the Take Me Fishing Zone can win instant prizes, fish from stocked tanks, take part in casting demonstrations with TakeMeFishing.org 'Master Caster' Aaron McAlexander, and register for a chance to win a $1,000 gift card to The Sports Authority and more prizes:
* Camping gear and equipment from The North Face and The Sports Authority
* Diamondback Edgewood Hybrid Bike
* "Ready 2 Fish" & N'GAGE fishing prize packages from South Bend Sporting Goods
Take Me Fishing is joining the Outdoor Foundation, Backpacker, New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, The North Face and many other partners for this two-day event where youth delegates will convene to discuss ways to motivate more kids to spend time outside. Designed to reconnect young people with nature, Outdoor Nation is a growing grassroots movement to inspire kids to live a healthy and active life. Other special events during the weekend include: kayaking demonstrations and rock climbing walls; discussion groups for the youth delegates to talk about diversity, outdoor services, media and culture; and a career fair to expose kids to job opportunities in the outdoor community.
For more information visit TakeMeFishing.org/OutdoorNation.
About RBFF
RBFF is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to increase participation in recreational angling and boating, thereby protecting and restoring the nation's aquatic natural resources. RBFF helps people discover, share and protect the legacy of boating and fishing through national outreach programs including the Take Me Fishing™ campaign and Anglers' Legacy™.
About Outdoor Nation
Outdoor Nation will unite more than 500 youth leaders from across the nation around a common mission: to reclaim, redefine and rediscover the outdoors. This multi faceted, two-day event will serve as a catalyst for a revolutionary youth-roots movement to embrace the active outdoor lifestyle. Outdoor Nation will feature nature-based activities, athletic competitions, photography, special exhibits, live entertainment and the nation's first Youth Summit on the Outdoors designed by and for youth. To learn more, please visit www.outdoornation.org.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Remington® Continues Support of the Boy Scouts of America® Shooting Programs Madison, NC - Remington Arms Company is honored to be recognized as the 2010 Official Ammo Sponsor for the Greater New York Councils Boy Scouts of America Sporting Clays Shoot. In its sixth year, the Annual Sporting Clays Shoot raises much needed dollars to support Scouting throughout New York City's five boroughs. This year's invitational will take place on Thursday, June 17, 2010 at Mashomack Shooting Preserve Club, a premier sporting club located in beautiful Pine Plains, New York.
A Remington Model 1100TM Premier® Sporting 12 gauge shotgun was also donated for the Silent Auction and all proceeds will support Scouting.
The Model 1100 Premier Sporting Series provides timeless good looks in a light-recoiling sporting clays gun. Featuring polished nickel receivers with intricate fine-line embellishments and gold accents, they're as aesthetically impressive as they are sweet to point and shoot.
All Model 1100 Premier Sporting shotguns feature light target contoured vent rib Rem® Choke barrels with attractive semi-fancy American walnut stock and fore-end. The High-Gloss finish woodwork displays precision cut checkering and the stock is fitted with an easy-mounting sporting clays style recoil pad. Gold triggers add a distinctive finishing touch to the Model 1100 Premier Sporting.
Greater New York Councils' programs bring the magic of Scouting to thousands of inner-city youth.
###
About Remington Arms Company, Inc.
Remington Arms Company, Inc., headquartered in Madison, N.C., designs, produces and sells sporting goods products for the hunting and shooting sports markets, as well as solutions to the military, government and law enforcement markets. Founded in 1816 in upstate New York, the Company is one of the nation's oldest continuously operating manufacturers. Remington is the only U.S. manufacturer of both firearms and ammunition products and one of the largest domestic producers of shotguns and rifles. The Company distributes its products throughout the U.S. and in over 55 foreign countries. More information about the Company can be found at www.remington.com. Contact:
Linda Powell or Todd Seigmund (800) 243-9700 ext. 8578 (Press only)
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Outdoors Radio collects 10 awards at OWAA Conference Rochester, Minn - At its 82nd annual conference held last week in Rochester, Minnesota, the Outdoor Writers Association of America announced its Excellence in Craft award winners for 2009. Outdoors Radio's Dan Small and Jeff Kelm received a total of 10 awards for their work in radio.
"We certainly appreciate this honor," Small said. "It's very rewarding to be recognized by your peers. Our success in OWAA's Excellence in Craft competition is the result of a team effort. We strive to line up good guests who can provide informative and entertaining content for our listeners. I develop a list of questions for each interview, but we often stray from the list when the direction of the conversation dictates. Jeff does a superlative job editing each segment and the show. I guess the results speak for themselves."
Outdoors Radio has won a total of 57 awards in regional and national competition since its inception in 2006. The program is recorded in Sheboygan, Wis. at 1330 AM WHBL and is syndicated on 11 broadcast stations in Wisconsin and Michigan. It is also offered as a podcast on iTunes and www.lake-link.com, where the show is streamed and archived. Outdoors Radio is also streamed on www.theradiofactory.com.
In addition, Small's television efforts in partnership with Milwaukee Public TV's Jack Abrams, executive producer/director of Outdoor Wisconsin, garnered another four awards. One award-winning TV entry, "Wisconsin's Black Bear Project," was also nominated for a Midwest Regional Emmy Award. Another, "National Parks: Wisconsin," received a "Best Documentary" award in the 2010 Milwaukee Press Club competition and a 2010 First Place award from the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association.
RADIO AWARDS:
• Big Game Hunting:
3rd Place: Gary Martin's Super Slam
• Camping. Backpacking, Outdoor Recreation:
1st Place: Sunflower Trout with Cindy Overton
• Humor:
1st Place: Bananas at Large
3rd Place: Miss Largemouth Bass
• Technical:
1st Place: Lip Grip Dangerous for Bass with Les Booth
2nd Place: Chill Killer with Dane Charles
3rd Place: Food Plots with Tim Bauer
• Family Participation/Youth Education:
1st Place: Sophie's First Deer with Keith Warnke
2nd Place: Gary and Carson Lenherr, Muskie Champs
• Conservation/Environment:
3rd Place: Gold Mine Threatens Bristol Bay with Scott Hed
TV AWARDS:
• Natural History:
1st Place: White Pelicans
3rd Place: Wisconsin's Black Bear Project
• Outdoor Ethics/Take Pride in America:
1st Place: National Parks: Wisconsin
• Big Game Hunting:
3rd Place: Handicapped Deer Hunt
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Nevada Big Game Tags Available in Second Draw Hunters who did not draw a big game tag in Nevada's recently completed main draw still have a chance in the upcoming second draw. The final results of the main draw will be announced by Friday (June 18), along with information on remaining tags. Any tags remaining after the second draw will be sold on a first come, first served basis.
Mule deer hunters will find tags remaining in several hunt categories and units. Four tags are available for the resident antlerless any legal weapon depredation hunt (hunt #1101) in hunt units 114, 115 - Late, in northeastern Nevada, while there is one antlered muzzleloader hunt (1371) tag remaining in Units 261-268. Archers who would like to hunt buck mule deer have a chance at 97 antlered longbow hunt (1341) tags, with 67 of those in Area 10 - Early. Resident youth hunters continue to have the best opportunity at second draw tags with 334 tags remaining for the junior mule deer, either sex hunt (1107) in a variety of units throughout the state.
A smattering of tags remain for other big game species. There is one resident antlerless elk muzzleloader hunt (4176) tag in Unit 075 and a total of five antelope, horns longer than ears, longbow hunt tags available in four different hunt unit groups. These antelope tags were remaining nonresident tags that are now available to both resident and nonresident hunters in this remaining tag draw.
Hunters interested in applying for any of these tags can apply online at www.huntnevada.com starting June 18 at 8 a.m. or mail their applications to the Wildlife Administrative Services Office in Fallon. Applications must be received by 5 p.m., Tuesday, July 6, 2010. Final results of the second draw will be provided by Friday, July 16.
For more information on the second draw or remaining tags call the Wildlife Administrative Services Office at 1-800-576-1020 or look on the web at www.huntnevada.com.
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) protects, restores and manages fish and wildlife, and promotes fishing, hunting, and boating safety. NDOW's wildlife and habitat conservation efforts are primarily funded by sportsmen's license and conservation fees and a federal surcharge on hunting and fishing gear. Support wildlife and habitat conservation in Nevada by purchasing a hunting, fishing, or combination license. For more information, visit www.ndow.org. Contact:
John McKay (775) 688-1553
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Oil Cancels IFA Redfish, Kayak Events The Inshore Fishing Association (IFA) regretfully announces that the ongoing oil leakage from a BP-owned offshore drilling rig has forced the cancellation of the IFA Redfish Tour Presented by Cabela's and the IFA Kayak Tour Presented by Hobie Fishing at Empire, Louisiana, scheduled for June 19-20.
Due to the nature of the ongoing damage to the sensitive wetlands caused by this environmental disaster, the IFA is not pursuing contingency plans at this time.
"It has become evident that due to potential health concerns, devastating financial impacts for their families and various other concerns - including the ongoing spread of oil and contaminants - that the anglers faced a bad situation," said IFA Tour Marketing and Sponsorship Relations Director, Bart Schad. "The IFA wishes to extend its prayers and support to all our members, friends, and competitors affected by this unprecedented disaster. We hope that all our anglers will understand and appreciate the gravity of this decision, and accept that we were left with no viable alternatives by this situation."
The cancellation of the Empire tournament comes as a result of an oil spill that began on April 20th, which originated from drilling rig located southeast of the coast of Venice, La. An explosion upon the rig created a leak that continues to spill millions of gallons of crude oil into the gulf, resulting in an oil slick that plagues the Gulf.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Ducks Unlimited Responds to President's Speech MEMPHIS, Tennessee ─ Ducks Unlimited urges President Obama and his Administration to accelerate implementation and funding of existing Gulf Coast restoration plans. In his speech to the nation from The Oval Office last night, the President declared, "It's clear we need a long-term plan to restore the unique beauty and bounty of this region...that's why we must make a commitment to the Gulf Coast that goes beyond responding to the crisis of the moment."
DU encourages the Administration to rapidly move forward with coastal restoration work planned under Louisiana's Comprehensive Master Plan for a Sustainable Coast. Such work includes a variety of restoration projects that can help coastal wetlands recover from oil spill impacts and other impacts that have occurred over decades, such as those included in the Louisiana Coastal Area Plan and Louisiana's State Master Plan.
"There are many projects for which design could be accelerated, and many that are on the shelf ready for implementation," said Dr. Tom Moorman, DU's lead scientist for the Gulf Coast. "Some of this work awaits only funding and could begin as soon as tomorrow."
The Gulf Coast region is of vital importance to North America's migratory waterfowl and other wetland dependent birds, wintering as many as 13 million ducks in some years. The livelihood of many of the region's residents depends upon the renewable natural resources provided by coastal wetlands, including commercial and recreational fisheries. The region also provides more than 250,000 waterfowl hunter days each year.
"Restoration of the region's fragile wetlands and waterfowl habitats is essential and we urge the Administration to ensure that coastal restoration planning and implementation are accelerated to benefit the region's people and the waterfowl and other wildlife that depend on these wetlands," Dr. Moorman said.
Ducks Unlimited is the world's largest non-profit organization dedicated to conserving North America's continually disappearing waterfowl habitats. Established in 1937, Ducks Unlimited has conserved more than 12 million acres thanks to contributions from more than a million supporters across the continent. Guided by science and dedicated to program efficiency, DU works toward the vision of wetlands sufficient to fill the skies with waterfowl today, tomorrow and forever.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
BASS Announces 2011 Bassmaster Elite Series Schedule BASS unveiled the 2011 Bassmaster Elite Series regular-season schedule Wednesday. The most prestigious level of tournament fishing will kick off near BASS headquarters with consecutive events in Florida and will come full circle for the conclusion in Alabama, BASS' birthplace. In between, the circuit will visit three fisheries - St. Johns River, Toledo Bend and West Point Lake - that will host their first Elite Series event.
"It's exciting to bring the Elite Series to new communities and expose the most prestigious level of tournament bass fishing to new fans and BASS members," said Tom Ricks, vice president and general manager, BASS. "We appreciate the support of the outstanding communities that are involved with BASS events."
In February, BASS announced the dates for the 2011 Bassmaster Classic: Feb. 18-20, out of New Orleans. The Super Bowl of bass fishing will kick off the BASS season and usher in ESPN2's coverage of BASS in 2011. As with past years, each Elite Series event will receive one hour of television coverage on ESPN2's The Bassmasters.
Additionally, Bassmaster.com will continue to define tournament coverage with their devotion to new technologies such as BassCam, BassCast and BassTrakk, as well as expansive traditional coverage with photo galleries and analysis. ESPN3.com will serve as the home for live, streaming coverage of Bassmaster Elite Series weigh-ins.
The 2011 season gets rolling on two Sunshine State fisheries, with the Elite season opener set for the Harris Chain of Lakes. The Sunshine Showdown will be held March 10-13 in Tavares, Fla., and will mark the Elite Series' second visit to the Harris Chain.
The waterway, which has featured some compelling storylines during Elite competition, includes six lakes and three tributaries and has rich shoreline vegetation. In March 2008, the last Elite event held there, Mike McClelland toted 59 pounds, 2 ounces, to the scales to best Brian Snowden in a come-from-behind thriller.
Next, anglers will head north to Palatka, Fla., for the March 17-20 Citrus Slam on the St. Johns River. The St. Johns has been a popular BASS tournament fishery in the past - it has hosted 16 events -- but has yet to host an Elite event. The last event, a 2008 Bassmaster Southern Open, was won by Elite Series pro Peter Thliveros of St. Augustine, Fla., with a three-day total of 55 pounds, 3 ounces. Thliveros also scored a victory on the Harris Chain in 2005.
Florida's longest river holds big largemouth bass and a variety of saltwater species, which tend to group with the bass. In addition to Thliveros, fellow Elite pro Terry Scroggins of nearby San Mateo will be a tournament favorite.
From Florida, the Elites will take a three-week break before heating up again at Pickwick Lake out of Florence, Ala. The April 6-9 Alabama Charge will be Pickwick's second consecutive Elite event.
During the 2010 Elite Series regular season, Kevin Short of Mayflower, Ark., worked Pickwick for 75 pounds, 1 ounce, to score his second career Elite victory. Pickwick showed what it's capable of on the final day of competition as Short smashed a 23-pound, 5-ounce, limit despite a weather-shortened day. During that tournament, Pickwick became the first fishery in Elite competition to surrender a limit to anglers during all competition days.
From Pickwick, Elite anglers will travel southwest to Toledo Bend, another fishery that BASS helped put on the map. The Battle on the Bayou, set for April 14-17 from Many, La.,, will tally the 13th time BASS has visited the Bend. The last event, a 2009 Central Open, produced a rare tie after the conclusion of the three-day event. In the ensuing fish-off on the following day, Elite pro James Niggemeyer of Van, Texas, claimed victory, which helped him to qualify for the 2010 Bassmaster Classic.
Next, anglers will trek to the Peach State on May 5-8 and compete on West Point Lake out of LaGrange, Ga. West Point has never hosted an Elite event, despite having served previously as tournament waters for one Bassmaster Open and four Invitationals. The Open was the last pro-level BASS event there, in 2005, and Elite pro Mark Menendez took top honors with a three-day total of 36 pounds, 14 ounces.
Surrounded by deep forests and rolling fields, West Point Lake extends 35 miles along the Chattahoochee River on the Alabama-Georgia state line. The lake's 525 miles of shoreline provide excellent opportunities for good-sized largemouth.
After West Point, anglers will head May 12-15 to Columbia, S.C., and Lake Murray, which served as the fishery for a 2008 Elite Series event. Fred Roumbanis of Bixby, Okla., won that tournament with a four-day weight of 66 pounds, 13 ounces.
Impounded in the 1930s, Lake Murray is a top fishing destination in the Southeastern U.S. and has been the site of eight previous BASS events. The Palmetto State fishery provides opportunities for a topwater slugfest, and anglers often compare it to Georgia/South Carolina's Clarks Hill Lake, a frequent stop on the Elites.
From South Carolina, anglers head to the Arkansas River and Little Rock, Ark., on June 9-12 for the Diamond Drive. The Bassmaster Legends, a 2006 Elite-level event also out of Little Rock, produced a winning weight of 34 pounds, 9 ounces, for Arkansan and Elite Series pro Scott Rook.
To wrap up the 2011 Elite Series season on June 16-19, anglers will head to the second Tennessee Valley Authority fishery on the schedule in Wheeler Lake. The Dixie Duel, held out of Decatur, Ala., will serve as tournament waters for the finale, which will determine qualifiers for the Bassmaster Elite Series Postseason and Bassmaster Classic.
Wheeler has hosted eight BASS events, with the previous Elite Series event occurring in April 2009. While anglers will hit the fishery at a different time of year in 2011, Wheeler should provide for a tight battle. Tommy Biffle of Waggoner, Okla., won the 2009 event with a weather-shortened three-day total of 50-13.
After the completion of the 2011 regular season, the top 12 in the Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year standings will qualify for the third annual Bassmaster Elite Series Postseason. The location for the 2011 postseason will be announced at a later date.
Thus far for the 2010 season, the Bassmaster Classic and the Bassmaster Elite Series have generated 17 percent more visits from users and 16 percent more average time spent on Bassmaster.com. The streaming video of the weigh-ins on ESPN3.com have produced an increase of 252 percent in terms of unique users.
The entire pro roster for the 2011 Bassmaster Elite Series will be released in early 2011, when all qualifications are realized.
On the heels of another successful season of the Bassmaster Elite Series Marshal program, BASS will open registration for 2011 Marshals in January. BASS Federation Nation, Life and Insider members will all be eligible for priority registration for the eight regular-season events beginning at 9 a.m. ET Jan. 4 . On Jan. 11, all BASS members can register at 9 a.m. ET. Interested parties can call 1-877-BASS-USA to register.
For more information, contact BASS Communications at 407-566-2208 or visit Bassmaster.com. Visit ESPNOutdoorsMedia.com for ESPN Outdoors' latest releases, schedules and other news, plus photos, video, audio clips and more.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Reels and Wheels Package With 2010 Daytona 500 and Bassmaster Classic Champions CONCORD, N.C. (June 15, 2010) - In February, Earnhardt Ganassi Racing's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) star Jamie McMurray won his sport's biggest and most prestigious event - the 2010 Daytona 500. Exactly one week later, Angler Kevin VanDam (KVD) pulled a similar feat by winning the 2010 Bassmaster Classic, the biggest and most prestigious event in professional fishing.
Now, the two Bass Pro Shops-sponsored athletes are joining forces on a unique ticket package for the upcoming Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola on Saturday, July 3. In addition, VanDam or "KVD" as he is known by fishing enthusiast worldwide will serve as an Honorary Race Official for the Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola. He will be introduced at the driver's meeting, participate in the driver introductions and ride in one of the grand marshal cars prior to the green flag waving on the Independence Day holiday classic.
NOTES OF INTEREST:
"REELS AND WHEELS" COKE ZERO 400 TICKET PACKAGE: Nascar fans and fishing fans alike, will have an opportunity to purchase an exclusive ticket package for this year's Coke Zero 400. The ticket package which starts at $110, includes:
• Ticket to the 52nd annual Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola / Brumos Porsche 250 doubleheader on Saturday, July 3
• Sprint FANZONE / Pre-Race Pit Pass offering behind the scenes access to driver interviews, garage viewing, pre-race concert and more.
• Fishing 101 fan forum with five-time Angler of the Year, and three-time Bassmaster Classic Champion Kevin VanDam and 2010 Daytona 500 Champion Jamie McMurray. VanDam and McMurray will demonstrate techniques, discuss different types of equipment and share other helpful fishing tips...
GET YOUR TICKETS!: Fans interested in purchasing the "Reels and Wheels" ticket package for the Coke Zero 400 can do so by visiting Daytona International Speedway online at http://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP
McMURRAY AT DAYTONA: McMurray came out of the gate strong in 2010 with new sponsor Bass Pro Shops and team Earnhardt Ganassi Racing as he held off Dale Earnhardt Jr. to bring his No.1 Bass Pro Shops / Tracker Boats Chevrolet home in the first position for the 52nd running of the "Great American Race," The Daytona 500. The finished marked McMurray's second victory at the speedway located on the northeastern shore of Florida. He had previously won the Coke Zero 400 in July of 2007, edging out Kyle Busch in the closest finish in Daytona history. McMurray's start in this July's Coke Zero 400 will mark his 16th start at Daytona, he has accumulated two wins, three top-five and four top-ten finishes at Daytona.
McMURRAY, RACING FOR HISTORY: In the upcoming Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola, McMurray will try to become the fifth driver in Daytona International Speedway history to sweep both NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events in the same year. Only Fireball Roberts, Cale Yarborough, LeeRoy Yarbrough and Bobby Allison have been able to complete the sweep of the Daytona 500 and the mid-summer classic in the same year.
KEVIN VANDAM "KVD": The Kalamazoo, Michigan native, husband and father of twin boys, stepped onto the professional fishing scene in 1992 and hasn't looked back. In the world of professional bass fishing, Kevin VanDam or "KVD" as he is known by fishing enthusiasts worldwide is at the pinnacle and arguably the best in the world. As the all-time money winner on the Bassmaster Tournament trail, VanDam has earned more than $4.1 million entering the 2010 season, captured three Bassmaster Classic titles (2001, 2005, 2010) and five Angler of Year titles (1992, '96, '99, '08 and '09). In 2002, VanDam was awarded ESPN's first-ever Outdoorsman of the Year ESPY trophy at ESPN's televised awards program. In 228 career Bassmaster events, he's won 17, finished second and third 11 and 16 times respectively, and landed in the top 10 an amazing 86 times.
REPAVED: The 52nd annual Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola will mark the final race on the current asphalt of Daytona International Speedway. Following the Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola, the entire 2.5-mile tri-oval will be repaved for only the second time in its history.
BASS PRO SHOPS: Bass Pro Shops, of Springfield, Missouri, will enter their fifth season in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series as one of the primary sponsors of the No. 1 Chevrolet. With 56 retail stores in 26 states and Canada, Bass Pro Shops are visited by over 109 million people annually. Their international catalog and internet retailing are second to none. The American Rod & Gun wholesale division sells to over 7,000 independently owned retail stores worldwide, and the Outdoor World Incentives sell Bass Pro Shops gift cards through over 132,000 retail outlets across America. Bass Pro Shops is also extremely proud of their restaurant division, featuring 26 unique locations.
QUOTE BOARD:
Robin Braig, President, Daytona International Speedway: "It's not very often that fans get the opportunity to interact with both the Daytona 500 champion and the winner of the Bassmaster Classic at the same time," Daytona International Speedway President Robin Braig said. "Race fans are going to have a once in a lifetime opportunity to gain some incredible insight, on fishing and racing, from two of the best in their respective sports while enjoying the thrill of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series racing under the lights."
Jamie McMurray, Driver, No. 1 Bass Pro Shops / Tracker Boats Chevrolet: "I am really excited about the opportunity to participate in this ticket package with Daytona and KVD! I've had some unbelievable opportunities since winning the 500, and this is just one more that I can say is really special. I had the opportunity to spend a couple of days with KVD at a Bass Pro Shops commercial shoot in North Carolina, and he is truly a great guy. I'm really looking forward to spending some more time with KVD, especially at Daytona, a place that means so much to me. The fans that purchase this package will not be disappointed, KVD is truly the best, and we'll certainly have a lot of fun!"
For more information log onto www.earnhardtganassi.com Contact:
Jarrod England at Earnhardt Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates, 704-662-9642
Larry Whiteley at Bass Pro Shops, (417) 873-5022
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Pheasant Forever's Farm Bill Biologist Program Expands to Colorado Aurora, Colorado - Pheasants Forever has added three new Farm Bill biologists in Colorado through a partnership with the Colorado Division of Wildlife and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). The partnering groups are focused on protecting environmentally sensitive agricultural lands through conservation programs and improving public hunting lands for wildlife.
"Partnerships are critical to accomplishing our habitat mission in this day and age," explained Bob Hix, Pheasants Forever's regional field representative for Colorado. "All 17 Pheasants Forever chapters in the state, the Division of Wildlife, and the NRCS have joined together in partnership to fund these three new positions. These new employees will translate into thousands of acres of improved habitat and hunting access."
Pheasants Forever's Farm Bill Biologist program is designed to educate farmers and landowners - through one-on-one consulting - about the benefits of conservation programs (such as the Conservation Reserve Program and Environmental Quality Incentives Program), as well as assisting farmers and landowners through program implementation. Pheasants Forever first began employing Farm Bill Biologists in 2003 and now has more than 50 biologists working in ten states - Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. Farm Bill Biologists have contacted and consulted with over 30,000 landowners, resulting in the improvement of more than 1.3 million acres of land for wildlife.
"The establishment of three new Farm Bill biologists in eastern Colorado really builds on each partners' ability to deliver conservation to the landscape. Wildlife, private landowners, and wildlife enthusiasts will benefit greatly from the fruits of this partnership," added Ed Gorman, Colorado Division of Wildlife's small game coordinator.
The new Colorado Farm Bill Biologists include:
Holyoke: Jerry Miller is a native of Northeastern Colorado, having grown up on a farm near the North Sterling Reservoir. He graduated from Colorado State University with a degree in forest management and most recently was employed as a conservation technician for the Haxtun and Sedgwick County Conservation Districts. He's also been an active volunteer in PF's Leopold Education Project and a member of the Phillips County PF Chapter. Jerry can be emailed atjmiller@pheasantsforever.org.
Burlington:Kraig Paulson is moving to Colorado this week. Paulson holds a biology degree from the University of Wyoming and has been employed by Pheasants Forever since 2006. He started out as a PF habitat specialist in Montana and has spent the last couple years working as Pheasants Forever's regional biologist for Washington and Oregon. Kraig can be contacted atkpaulson@pheasantsforever.org.
Lamar:An Iowa native, Nathan Schmitz graduated from Iowa State University. Prior to joining Pheasants Forever, Schmitz worked for the Colorado Division of Wildlife and the University of Wyoming studying sage grouse. Nathan can be reached at nschmitz@pheasantsforever.org. Contact:
Anthony Hauck (651) 209-4972
Thursday, June 17, 2010
RMEF to Fund New Mexico Conservation Projects MISSOULA, Mont.-Wildlife conservation projects in eight New Mexico counties have been selected to receive grants from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation in 2010.
The new RMEF funding, totaling $49,440, will affect Catron, Cibola, Mora, Otero, Rio Arriba, Santa Fe, Sierra and Socorro counties.
"These grants are possible because of the successful banquets and fundraisers staged over the past year by our New Mexico volunteers-most of whom are elk hunters as well as devoted conservationists," said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO. "Since 1984, our annual grants have helped complete 239 different projects in New Mexico with a combined value of more than $18.3 million."
RMEF grants will help fund the following projects, listed by county:
Catron County-Mechanically treat 716 acres of encroaching conifer to improve forage for elk in Pelona Mountain area of BLM lands; repair water tanks and windmills and construct fencing to improve permanent water sources for wildlife and livestock in Sweazea Draw Meadow area.
Cibola County-Launch first phase of a multi-year 30,000-acre project to restore ponderosa pine forest and meadow habitat for elk and other wildlife in Cibola National Forest near Grants, N.M. First-phase treatment includes enhancing 1,388 acres of ponderosa pine and mountain meadow habitat.
Mora County-Restore grassland, wet meadow and riparian habitat in Wagon Mound area to benefit the region's elk herd.
Otero County-Thin up to 800 acres of overgrown forests in Lincoln National Forest to rejuvenate habitat for elk, mule deer, wild turkey, Montezuma quail and other species.
Rio Arriba County-Prescribe burn 3,000 acres of ponderosa pine to create forage openings and improve forage for elk and other wildlife in Santa Fe National Forest.
Santa Fe County-Thin 30-40 acres of encroaching conifer to reduce hazardous fuels and improve habitat for elk in the La Cueva area of the Santa Fe National Forest.
Sierra County-Prescribe burn 5,000 acres of mixed conifers to restore grazing quality for elk and other wildlife in the Gila National Forest.
Socorro County-Prescribe burn 18,422 acres, and mechanically thin 2,536 acres, to restore forage areas, aspen stands, seeps and springs for elk in Cibola National Forest.
Projects are selected for grants using science-based criteria and a committee of RMEF volunteers and staff along with representatives from partnering agencies and universities.
Partners for 2010 projects in New Mexico include the Bureau of Land Management, New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, U.S. Forest Service, other agencies, corporations and landowners.
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 5.7 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. FEATUREGULF Update: Pray For the Gulf
Fifty-seven days into the catastrophe in the Gulf of Mexico, President Obama has offered a new suggestion: pray for the Gulf of Mexico and the people who are dependent on it for their livelihoods.
In his first address from the Oval Office, Mr. Obama said he would "unleash whatever resources may be needed to contain oil and clean up from the biggest environmental disaster in our history". He has also vowed to unleash whatever pressure necessary on British Petroleum to see that company pay for the accident -and the cleanup which, experts say, may take years, if not decades.
The measures taken to contain the leak from the Deepwater Horizon will eventually contain about "90 percent of the oil leaking out of the well" the president said, although there's no clarification as to whether the percentage of containment referred to the old estimates, or yesterday's revised estimate of 35,000 to 60,000 barrels (that's 1.5 million to 2.5 million gallons of oil per day) leaking each day the well continues unabated.
Meanwhile, B-P officials released a statement saying "We share the president's goal of shutting off the well as quickly as possible, cleaning up the oil and mitigating the impact on the people and environment of the Gulf Coast." In that statement, the company said it was "looking forward" to meeting with President Obama today for a "constructive discussion about "how best to achieve those mutual goals".
As the situation has unfolded, the drama associated with what will likely prove to be this country's most cataclysmic environmental disaster has shifted from the Gulf of Mexico where recovery and containment operations have been described by various officials as frantic and disorganized, to Washington where fact-finding hearings have turned into the finger-pointing sessions.
In one hearing yesterday, Florida Representative Cliff Stears called on B-P America chairman to resign. Louisiana Representative Anh "Joseph" Cao stepped up the rhetoric, suggesting that McKay try an old oriental remedy for screwing up - ritual suicide.
McKay, as of this writing, has not availed himself of either option.
Other oil execs, however, have made it plain that should the Gulf be closed to further exploration and development it would "only make matters worse" for the region because of the economic impact of lost jobs. Exxon and Chevron top execs say that if the region were shut down to development, they would redeploy deepwater rigs and personell to other places in the world. As one explained, "This stuff is too expensive to just let sit around."
Yesterday, however, a Food and Drug Administration official testified that seafood from the Gulf currently available to consumers in stores and restaurants was safe.
Our inexact checks of restaurants throughout the southeast has shown that while fresh Gulf seafood is available, it is not in the quantities normally available in this peak fishing season. Items apparently in limited supplies include oysters and red snapper. Restaurants have coped with the shortages in a variety of ways from offering fresh oysters as raw bar items only, to eliminating snapper and oysters from kids' meals.
Yesterday, we received word that a survey is underway of Florida's captains and fishing guides. We're hoping to have the early results for you soon, in the meantime,
we'll keep you posted.
--Jim Shepherd
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Merwin Fishing Event Lures Special Kids VANCOUVER - Children with disabilities will have a chance to reel in a lunker during a special fishing event July 17 at Merwin Fish Hatchery east of Woodland, Washington.
The 12th annual Merwin Special Kids Day, expected to draw more than 100 participants and their families, is sponsored by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Pacific Power, and the Go Play Outside Alliance of Washington (GoPAW).
The wheelchair-accessible hatchery waters will be planted with up to 5,000 trout ranging in size from one to four pounds. Volunteers will serve as one-on-one fishing coaches, assisting youngsters throughout the day.
Rods, reels, tackle and T-shirts will be provided for the young fishers to use and keep. A free barbecue lunch will be served, followed by fish painting, a casting contest and other activities.
Pre-registration for the event is required by June 30th. To sign up a participating child or to volunteer, call toll-free 1-800-899-4421.
Instituted in 1999, the annual fishing event draws youngsters from the Vancouver School for the Blind, Doernbecher Children's Hospital, Emanuel Legacy, Kaiser Kids and Shriners hospitals, but sponsors encourage anyone with a special-needs child to join in the fun. Contact:
Kevin Young, (360) 225-4394
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Florida Has Free Fishing Weekend to Honor Father's Day Gov. Charlie Crist announced on Tuesday another free fishing weekend to encourage people, especially dads and their kids, to get out and catch saltwater fish along Florida's beautiful coastlines. The announcement follows a briefing on the Deepwater Horizon oil spill's impact to Florida waters with President Obama in Pensacola. All Florida residents and visitors are invited to fish statewide for saltwater species without a license during the upcoming Father's Day weekend, June 19-20. All other saltwater fishing rules continue to apply.
"Extending a special, free fishing weekend is another reminder that Florida is still the fishing capital of the world," Crist said. "Our vast Gulf and Atlantic coastal waters are open for fishing, and I encourage everyone, particularly fathers and their families, to take advantage of this free fishing weekend in Florida."
Crist previously designated this year's Memorial Day weekend and the first weekend in June as free fishing weekends. Chairman Rodney Barreto of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) was pleased with the governor's new declaration.
"Gov. Crist's actions to extend another free fishing weekend will help bring families together to enjoy the outdoors and lend a hand to Florida's fishing communities, which have been suffering due to mistaken perceptions that fishing is not open because of the BP oil spill," Barreto said.
The FWC continues to vigorously monitor the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and is working closely with Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson to prepare for any action that might be needed to further protect Florida's saltwater fisheries and ensure that Florida seafood is safe to eat.
Crist and the President were briefed on the oil spill by Adm.Thad Allen at a Pensacola seafood restaurant. Afterward, Crist joined the President for a tour of Pensacola's shore.
Go to MyFWC.com/Fishing for more information regarding fishing regulations in Florida. Contact:
Governor's Press Office, 850-488-5394; Lee Schlesinger (FWC), 850-487-0554
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Vermont's 2010 Deer Management Proposal and Hearing WATERBURY, VT - Vermont's deer herd is currently healthy according to the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department. The department's annual proposal for a regulated deer harvest, based on scientific information and public input, was presented to the Fish and Wildlife Board on April 21. The Board amended the proposal to include antlerless permits for WMU I and WMU L and then approved the amended proposal on the first of three votes necessary to make it law.
The Fish and Wildlife Board will hold a public hearing on the proposed regulation Tuesday, June 22, at 6:30 p.m. in the Pavilion Auditorium, 109 State Street in Montpelier.
The proposal calls for a harvest of about 8,200 antlerless deer through a combination of either-sex hunting during the split archery season, an either-sex youth weekend hunt, and by issuing 25,600 muzzleloader season antlerless permits.
According to the proposal, 23 of Vermont's 24 Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) would be open to the taking of antlerless deer during the archery season. WMU-E in northeasternVermont would remain closed to antlerless deer hunting during archery season. Two deer would be allowed during archery season with two archery licenses. One legal buck would be allowed anywhere in the state during archery season. In WMUs open to antlerless deer hunting, both deer taken during the archery season could be antlerless deer.
Youth deer weekend on November 6-7 is proposed to be an either-sex season statewide. Any buck could be taken during this season, regardless of antler length or points.
Muzzleloader season antlerless permits are proposed for 21 of the 24 WMUs. Higher numbers of permits are proposed for WMUs with the highest deer densities with consideration for the size of the Unit as well.
The proposed regulation governing the taking of antlerless deer in 2010 is posted on the Fish and Wildlife Department's website (www.vtfishandwildlife.com). Under "About Us," click on "Fish and Wildlife Board." A link at the end of the regulation will take you to the department's Antlerless and Youth Deer Recommendation. Contact:
Shawn Haskell, 802-751-2647; Mark Scott, 802-241-3700
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Fish and Game Seeks Public Comment on Game Rules IDAHO FALLS - The Idaho Department of Fish & Game will be gathering public comments on several proposed new rules. Fish and Game plans a series of regional public open house meetings between June 14 and June 25 to gather public comments on a list of proposed rules. The Upper Snake Region will be hosting an open house from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM on Wednesday, June 23 at the regional office located at 4279 Commerce Circle in the St. Leon Business Park in Idaho Falls.
Public comments are being sought in four general areas.
• A proposed bonus point system designed to improve odds of unsuccessful controlled hunt applicants in subsequent years.
• Proposed 2011 upland game bird seasons.
• Proposed changes in the landowner appreciation program.
• Proposed rules for muzzleloader rules, trap placement, motor vehicle restrictions and possession and sale of rattlesnake parts.
Proposed changes and a public comment form will be available on the Fish and Game Website at: http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/cms/public/ later this week. Public meeting times and locations also are listed at this site.
Written comments may be submitted at the open house meeting, at any Fish and Game office or by mail to one of these: Big Game Comments, Bonus Point Comments, Upland Game Comments or LAP Comments c/o Idaho Fish and Game, P.O. Box 25, Boise ID 83707.
Individuals with disabilities can contact Shane Roberts at the Idaho Department of Fish & Game at 208-525-7290 or through the
Idaho Relay Service at 1-800-377-3529 (TDD). Comments can be sent via E-mail to shane.roberts@idfg.idaho.gov . The deadline for all comments is June 28, 2010.
During a meeting July 7, 8 and 9 at the Silver Mountain Resort in Kellogg, the Idaho Fish and Game Commission will consider these proposals. Contact:
Gregg Losinski (208) 390-0635
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Daytona 500 Champ to Attend Coke Zero 400 Media Day Concord, N.C. (June 15, 2010) - In February of 2010, Jamie McMurray won his sport's biggest and most prestigious event - the 2010 Daytona 500. Exactly one week later, Angler Kevin VanDam (KVD) pulled a similar feat by winning the 2010 Bassmaster Classic, the biggest and most prestigious event in professional fishing.
Now, the two Bass Pro Shops-sponsored athletes will try each other's professions at historic Daytona International Speedway at the Coke Zero 400 Media Day.
McMurray, who won the 2007 Coke Zero 400 and this year's Daytona 500, will join three-time Bassmaster Classic Winner and five-time Angler of the Year Kevin VanDam for a full day of media activities. The two champions will fish together on Lake Lloyd and then race high-performance karts from the Richard Petty Driving Experience in the infield between Turns three and four.
• Where: Daytona International Speedway
• When: Tuesday, June 22, 11 a.m.
In the upcoming Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola on Saturday, July 3, McMurray will try to become the fifth driver in Daytona history to sweep both NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events in the same year. Only Fireball Roberts, Cale Yarborough, LeeRoy Yarbrough and Bobby Allison have been able to complete the sweep of the Daytona 500 and the mid-summer classic in the same year.
Media will also be able to fish and kart with McMurray and VanDam. To attend this media event, members of the media should RSVP to Andrew Booth, Manager of Media Relatons, at abooth@daytonainternationalspeedway.com Contact:
Jarrod England at Earnhardt Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates, 704-662-9642
Larry Whiteley at Bass Pro Shops, (417) 873-5022
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Hunting Heritage Trust Recognizes Baron Engraving The Hunting Heritage Trust has presented its "Heritage Partner" award to Baron Engraving, Inc. for Baron's special contributions to the Trust and to America's hunting and shooting sports heritage.
The award was presented to Baron President, David Baron, by Bob Delfay, President of the Hunting Heritage Trust in recognition of Baron's "...exemplary contributions to America's hunting and shooting sports heritage through outstanding service, creativity and workmanship in fulfilling the projects of the Hunting Heritage Trust."
"It has been a genuine pleasure to work with the Hunting Heritage Trust and to help them develop special edition firearms that recognize our hunting heritage at the same time that they generate funding for important hunting and shooting sports initiatives."
Among many projects for the Trust, Baron has designed and executed several unique "Heritage Edition" firearms series including White-tailed Deer, Elk and Wild Turkey "Opening Day Tributes" which feature the production of one specially engraved gun per state. These "Heritage Edition" series have helped raise more than $250,000 for the Trust since 2006.
Baron Engraving is an acknowledged leader and source of high quality laser and hand engraving for the firearms and cutlery industries.
In addition to his day-to-day responsibilities at Baron, David Baron also currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Youth Shooting Sports Alliance and as a member of the Hunting Heritage Trust's "Heritage Editions" committee. Contact:
Bob Delfay (803) 641-1030
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
CSF: Recreational Fishing Facing Disastrous Closures The Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation (CSF) briefed members of Congress yesterday on two simultaneous disasters impacting recreational fishing caused by the effects of the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico and the total closure of substantial ocean fisheries by the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
The Gulf oil spill threatens an ever expanding portion of the fishable waters in the Gulf, as well as the over 300,000 jobs and $41 billion in yearly economic activity supported by recreational anglers and boaters in the region. A recent American Sportfishing Association study determined that 85 percent of recreational fishing-dependent businesses cannot survive the fallout without immediate financial assistance.
"Thirty-two percent of the Gulf of Mexico is now closed to any and all recreational activities because of this catastrophe," said U.S. Senator David Vitter of Louisiana. "There are over 2,300 bait and tackle shops and thousands of other related businesses operating in this area and the millions of dollars in lost income threatens their very existence."
"We need the support of the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus to ensure that recreational fishing is explicitly addressed in legislation aimed at the Gulf oil spill," said Jeff Angers, President of the Center for Coastal Conservation and CSF Board Member. "Specifically, it needs to be aimed at protecting and rebuilding key fisheries with research and data-gathering efforts now, and providing financial relief to businesses such as bait and tackle shops."
Another disaster impacting sportfishing and boating is the continued closing of important recreational angling in thousands of miles of U.S. marine waters by NOAA Fisheries. The recreational fishing and boating industries and the industries who serve them contribute $82.3 billion to the U.S. economy every year and support nearly 534,000 jobs.
"NOAA is attempting to cut off thousands of miles of valuable recreational fishing areas without sound scientific reasoning and by utilizing faulty fish population data," said CSC Co-Chair Rep. Dan Boren. "At no time in our history has there been more of a need for hard, accurate science regarding our marine resources."
On January 4, 2010, NOAA Fisheries closed the South Atlantic red snapper fishery, and yesterday the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council agreed to a red snapper ban (MORE...) in a 5,000-square-mile area off the coast of Georgia and northern Florida in water ranging from 98 to 240 feet, effectively closing the entire area to any bottom fishing.
CSF and fellow members of the fishing and boating communities, on behalf of the 13 million saltwater anglers and the businesses and jobs that depend on them, are working with the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus to ensure that recreational angling and boating are addressed in legislation targeted to address the oil spill, and a need for new legislation to protect and preserve key saltwater angling areas utilizing proper research and data gathering efforts under provisions set forth in the Magnuson Stevens Act (MSA).
"The legislative responses needed to address this one-two punch is crucial to the nation's anglers and the tens of thousands of businesses and Americans whose income and jobs depend on them," said CSF President Jeff Crane. "The large area fishing closures from NOAA's implementation of the MSA, along with expanding closures as a result of the oil leak will keep anglers away off the water, undermining the financial basis for fisheries conservation through the Wallop-Breaux user fees and state license fees."
The congressional briefing was held in conjunction with the Center for Coastal Conservation, American Sportfishing Association, Coastal Conservation Association, International Game Fish Association, National Marine Manufacturers Association and The Billfish Foundation.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Win a Fishing Trip with a Tour Pro in 24-Hour Fish-A-Thon COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA, June 15, 2010 - Would you like to have a chance to fish with a Professional Anglers Association (PAA) tour-level pro, or take a once-in-a-lifetime fishing getaway to a remote lodge?
Either one could be yours if you enter and win the second annual 24-Hour Fish-A-Thon slated for September 10-11. Organized by Recycled Fish and sponsored by BoatUS Angler , the tournament will raise funds to help support responsible fishing and improve fish habitat. Anglers have until August 10 to register their team. So far, over two-dozen teams have signed up.
Open to freshwater anglers in all 50 states, you can begin by becoming a Fish-A-Thon Ambassador at www.RecycledFish.org/FishAThon, and sign up your team of two to four anglers. Each team commits to fish their selected body of water for 24 hours and secures pledges from family, friends or co-workers for each hour they fish, which typically range from $10 to $75 an hour.
Lines are cast Friday, September 10 at 6 pm until Saturday, September 11 at 6 pm. During the event anglers are also encouraged to pick up any trash and use tackle that is easier on the environment, such as lead-free weights or biodegradable baits and lures, and practice responsible catch-and-release tactics. Participating anglers take photos of their fish and self-score their catch at the online Angling Masters Fish Calculator, then submit their score to the Fish-A-Thon administrator.
The Ambassador with the team who raises the most funds will win the first prize - their choice of a guided trip for two including airfare with a PAA tour-level pro or a four-day/three-night fishing lodge getaway at Spring Bay Resort on Lake Vermillion, MN (airfare also included for two). The Ambassador on the team with highest score gets the other prize.
The roster of PAA pros to choose from include: John Crews at Smith Mountain Lake, VA; Dave Mansue at Toledo Bend, TX / LA; Brian Snowden at Table Rock Lake, MO; Chad Morgenthaler (location TBD); and Matt Reed in Texas. Additional prizes from Berkley, Dick's Sporting Goods and Dragon's Custom Rods include tackle packages, apparel, gift cards, and custom-built rods. Prizes are also given for the best photos, the most "unusual" trash picked up and more.
Proceeds are donated to Recycled Fish and the non-profit BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water to support responsible fishing practices and waterway stewardship programs.
For complete Fish-A-Thon information and rules, go to www.RecycledFish.org, or contact Buddy Johns at buddy@recycledfish.org.
###
About Recycled Fish:
Recycled Fish is the national non-profit organization of "anglers living a lifestyle of stewardship both on and off the water, because our lifestyle runs downstream." The Recycled Fish "Sportsman's Stewardship Pledge" invites anglers to embrace the Stewardship Ethic and join the organization, free of charge. The SAFE Angling Program - Sustaining Angling, Fish and Ecosystems - is a way to help anglers embrace a lifestyle of stewardship on the water. It involves catch and release fishing, including the use of single barbless hooks, biodegradable lures, and non-toxic lead-free weights. Recycled Fish also strives to educate anglers about invasive species, habitat loss, waterway litter and pollution prevention, urban fisheries, and increase participation in recreational fishing for both adults and children. For more information on the 501(c)3 group go to: www.RecycledFish.org.
About BoatUS Angler:
BoatUS Angler is a program from the nation's largest association of recreational boaters whose mission is to protect the interests of boat-owning anglers, increase boating safety, provide consumer assistance and ensure fishing remains worry-free. It offers on-the-water towing, roadside assistance and angler's boat insurance. For more information, go to www.BoatUSAngler.com or call (866) 906-0013.
About BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water:
Founded in 1981 and largely funded by the half a million recreational boat owning members of BoatUS, the non-profit 501(c)3 BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is an innovative leader promoting safe, clean and responsible boating. Some nationwide programs include Clean Water Grants, Fishing Line Recycling and Help Stop The Drops, a clean refueling campaign designed to keep accidental spills out of the water. It provides educational outreach directly to boaters with the aim of reducing accidents and fatalities, increasing stewardship of America's waterways and keeping boating safe for all. For more information, go to www.BoatUS.com/foundation.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Maryland Launches Youth Backyard Fishing Program Annapolis, MD - The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Fisheries Service has selected three community ponds as test sites for a new Backyard Fishing Program. The purpose of this initiative is to create fishing opportunities for kids in easily accessible areas and to provide learning experiences to inspire natural resource stewardship.
"The Backyard Fishing Program gives Maryland children the opportunity experience fishing while they are young," said Governor Martin O'Malley. "Our kids deserve the same rights and opportunities to enjoy the natural world around them that we enjoyed when we were young. Experiencing the outdoors will help create a smarter, greener generation of stewards."
The Fisheries Service is stocking these ponds with hybrid sunfish and will manage the areas to provide youth fishing opportunities throughout the summer months. The fish are raised by young people enrolled in the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services Aquaculture Certificate Program. In 2009, Governor O'Malley and the General Assembly succeeded in appropriating funds to build an aquaculture and environmental science center at the Meadow Mountain Youth Center in Grantsville, Md. to support a science, math, engineering and technical (STEM) program for adjudicated youth. Watermen were hired to build the facility as part of the Governor's program to reduce the economic impact of blue crab conservations measures.
"I caught my first fish at age four, and it is a lasting memory," recalls DNR Inland Fisheries director Don Cosden. "But it was those endless summer days of catching bluegills at a neighbor's pond that left me with an undying love for the outdoors and the desire to protect it for future generations."
The Fisheries Service will host the following kick-off fishing events at selected ponds:
* Grantsville Pond in Garrett County: 5 to 7 p.m. on June 22
* Boonsboro Community Pond in Washington County: 5 p.m. on June 23
* Warfield's Park Pond in Howard County: 9 a.m. on July 2
These events are open to all, but the fishing will be reserved for anglers under the age of 16. DNR will supply the bait and will have a limited amount of fishing tackle available. Additionally, Fisheries staff will assist participants in baiting up and catching fish and will provide casting and knot-tying demonstrations and assistance.
The The Backyard Fishing initiative is inspired by the Maryland Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights. "Catch a fish" is one of the rights covered by the Bill which was issued by Governor Martin O'Malley last year. The Bill is part of the Maryland Partnership for Children in Nature, an initiative to ensure all Maryland young people have the opportunity to connect with their natural world and grow to become informed and responsible stewards.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Fishermans's Handbook To Provide In-Depth Coverage On Gulf Situation As part of the on going issues in the Gulf of Mexico related to the Deep Horizon oil spill The Fisherman's Handbook will be doing expanded television coverage in the months of July, August and September. This increased coverage will be covering timely and current events related to fishing, birds, marsh habitat, events and tourism in regard to how it's affecting the way of life in areas all along the gulf both from a recovery standpoint as well as personal stories tied to this. With a dedicated goal to provide as current as information as possible to include websites providing information about how to help, to information about the conditions in the gulf as well as recreational opportunities that are still being provided in the affected areas.
The camera teams will began gathering more footage starting this weekend led by veteran outdoors personality Wade Middleton as well as birding professional James Currie. The programs and information will be seen on FOX Sports Net at 10:00AM on Sunday (check your local listings) as well as updates on the Fisherman's Handbook Facebook page to include video.
"I was down in the Venice area in mid May and the situation has seriously changed since then and as a person who really worried about the future of the areas affected. My goal is to provide helpful information to those affected in the areas we understand such as the fishing, birding and marine tourism areas both what's still available as well as what's not" Wade Middleton Careco Multimedia.
"When I lived in my home country of South Africa I experienced first-hand the devastation of a major oil-spill on penguins, birdlife, fish-stocks and a fragile marine ecosystem. What we're seeing right now in the Gulf is only the tip of the ice-berg and the slow strangulation of the entire region's web of life is only just beginning. We need to act swiftly and wisely to ensure that this tragedy is mitigated." James Currie Birding Ventures Television.
For more information, to suggest stories and information please contact Careco Multimedia at 210-697-8081 or email Wade Middleton at Wade@carecotv.com
Monday, June 14, 2010
Beretta Reduces Prices on PX-4 STORM Polymer Pistols ACCOKEEK, MD (June 14, 2010) Beretta U.S.A. announced today that it has reduced the price of its popular polymer pistol - the Beretta Px4 Storm. The Px4 Storm is now available for about $500.
Since it was first launched in 2003, the Px4 has been a recognized for its superior technological features and its myriad of customization options. It is available in two operating systems, and three calibers (9mm, .40 S&W and .45 ACP).
One of the first pistols to be adaptable to hand size with interchangeable back straps and with a unique, recoil absorbing, rotary barrel design, the Px4 is available in full size, compact and sub-compact models. "Because the Px4 Storm is available in so many models, it's ideal for a wide range of use- from home protection to concealed carry to target shooting," said Ryan Muety, Director of Marketing and Consumer Direct at Beretta U.S. A. "This pistol has always had a great price per value story, and now we're able to offer it at an even lower price."
According to Gabriele de Plano, Vice President of Tactical Marketing at Beretta U.S.A. the Px4 Storm surpasses the performance of the legendary Beretta 92 model and the military version, the Beretta M9. Because of this technology the Px4 Storm is noted for its reliability, durability and accuracy. It also uses the exclusive Beretta designed locked-breech with a rotating barrel system, the strongest action to date.
Beretta, established in 1526, is the oldest industrial dynasty in the world tracing its roots through 16 generations of continuous family ownership. Firearms bearing the Beretta name have been sold for almost 500 years. Beretta USA Corp. was founded in 1977 and supplies the standard sidearm to the U.S. Armed Forces. Today, Beretta manufactures, distributes and markets a complete line of firearms, accessories and apparel. Beretta also owns and operates six retail Beretta Gallery stores worldwide. For additional information, visit www.berettausa.com.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Florida Opens Bay Scallop Season Early Gov. Charlie Crist has announced that the recreational harvest season for bay scallops in Florida will open 12 days earlier than usual this year. The governor is taking this action to help relieve possible economic hardships on Florida fishing communities that may occur due to the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
"Several people and businesses in Northwest Florida and Big Bend coastal regions asked us to please open the popular bay scallop season early this year," Gov. Crist said. "These folks depend upon the influx of visitors that come to their communities to scallop each summer, and they need a boost right now to help them recover from the mistaken perception that fishing throughout Florida has been affected by the oil spill, which is not the case."
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has issued an order which states that the recreational bay scallop harvest season in specified areas in Florida shall open on June 19 instead of July 1 this year. The order also says that all other provisions governing the harvest of bay scallops shall remain in effect for the duration of the order.
The FWC order, which can be viewed online at MyFWC.com/OilSpill, takes effect at 12:01 a.m. on June 19 and will expire at 12:01 a.m. on July 1. The regular recreational bay scallop harvesting season in Florida occurs from July 1 through September 10 each year.
"Gov. Crist's decision to open scallop season a little early this year will give Florida residents and visitors a chance to enjoy a terrific family experience outdoors," said FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto. "It's the right thing to do for these fishing communities and further illustrates that Florida is the fishing capital of the world."
Open scalloping areas on Florida's Gulf coast extend from the west bank of the Mexico Beach Canal in Bay County to the Pasco-Hernando county line near Aripeka. It is legal to take bay scallops only within the allowable harvest areas, and it is illegal to possess bay scallops while you're in or on state waters outside the open harvest areas, or to land bay scallops outside the open areas.
There is a daily limit of 2 gallons of whole bay scallops in the shell or 1 pint of bay scallop meat per person during the open season. In addition, no more than 10 gallons of whole bay scallops in the shell or one-half gallon of bay scallop meat may be possessed aboard any vessel at any time. Scallopers are allowed to harvest bay scallops only by hand or with a landing or dip net, and bay scallops may not be harvested for commercial purposes.
Unless otherwise exempt, scallopers will need a regular Florida saltwater fishing license when using a boat to harvest scallops. Those who wade from shore will need a regular Florida saltwater fishing license or a resident shore-based license, which is free beginning on July 1.
Divers and snorkelers are required to display a "divers-down" flag (red with a white diagonal stripe) while in the water. Boaters must stay at least 100 feet away from a divers-down flag in a river, inlet or channel. In open waters, boaters must stay 300 feet away from a divers-down flag.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission encourages everyone to adhere to scallop fishing regulations and collect only the amount of bay scallops they are willing to clean.
More information on bay scallops, including management rules, dive flag regulations and boating safety is available online at MyFWC.com/Rules; click on "Fishing - Saltwater."
Contact:
Governor's Press Office, 850-488-5394
Lee Schlesinger (FWC), 850-487-0554
Monday, June 14, 2010
Oil Forces Partial Fishing Closure In Florida's Escambia County The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), in coordination with Florida's Department of Environmental Protection, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the Department of Health, issued an executive order to temporarily close a portion of coastal state waters offshore of Escambia County to the harvest of saltwater fish, crabs and shrimp. The FWC is taking precautionary actions regarding harvest and consumption of these marine species, which may be affected by oil from the BP Deepwater Horizon spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
The closure includes state waters from the beaches out 9 nautical miles into the Gulf from the Alabama line east to the Pensacola Beach water tower. Interior bays and estuaries remain open to fishing. This area covers approximately 23 miles of Florida's coastline in Escambia County, where oil from the Deepwater Horizon spill is now present (see map).
Recreational catch-and-release fishing is still allowed as long as saltwater fish are not harvested or possessed in the closed area.
Oysters, clams and mussels are not included in the closure, because they are not expected to be affected by oil in the area. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services carefully monitors populations of these shellfish.
This order, which includes specific closure coordinates, can be viewed online at MyFWC.com/OilSpill and takes effect at 12:01 a.m. on Monday, June 14, and will remain in effect until repealed, extended or modified by a subsequent order. The order will be enforced by several state and federal agencies, and the affected area will remain closed until it is free of visible oil and testing confirms that the water and the marine life in it are once again safe.
Under the order, fishermen can transit through the closed area with saltwater fish, crabs or shrimp that were legally harvested outside the closed area. Fishermen doing this are required to go as directly as possible from where these species were legally harvested to where the vessel is regularly docked, moored or stored, or to the licensed wholesale dealer where the catch is to be sold.
"The oil spill in the Gulf is still far from most of Florida's vast coastlines, and while the FWC continues to carefully track oil spill developments and prepare for possible impacts, Florida's abundant saltwater fisheries remain in good health and the fish you buy in a commercial outlet or restaurant are safe and wholesome to eat," said FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto. "The FWC encourages residents and visitors to go fishing in Florida and to enjoy fresh Florida seafood."
More information on FWC's response to the BP oil spill and closed fishing areas in federal waters offshore of Florida is available online at MyFWC.com/OilSpill. Contact:
Lee Schlesinger, 850-487-0554
Around the Outdoors Tuesday, June 8, 2010 Newtown, Connecticut-- Spending a few minutes yesterday at the National Shooting Sports Foundation's headquarters gave me the opportunity to catch up on several of the critical issues facing gun owners.
The one that was occupying the attention of the NSSF staff yesterday was New York's continued push toward microstamping legislation. Yes, they know it doesn't work, the technology would be defeated with a simple file and all that, but the simple fact, at least to those of us in the discussion, is that the New York bill is essentially a gun ban.
It's also an anti-jobs bill for the state. If it were to pass, gun companies would essentially have no choice but to relocate. And with states like Kentucky, North Dakota, and both North and South Carolina angling - hard- for those companies to consider relocation to pro-gun, pro-business, anti-union areas would make a compelling case.
It would also impact- deeply- the gun owners of New York "..firearms manufacturers could be forced to abandon the New York market altogether rather than spend the astronomical amount of money needed to completely reconfigure their manufacturing and assembly processes," says NSSF Senior VP and Chief Counsel Larry Keane, "This would directly impact law enforcement, firearms retailers and their law-abiding customers."
NSSF's launched targeted radio spots in key areas, but honestly, the chances of New York's Republicans holding a coalition together sufficient to defeat the measure are not great.
And it's not related- at least not directly, but a new survey of hunters and anglers would seem to say that while new media is a hot topic, it's not necessarily the best way to reach anglers and hunters. According to May 2010 Anglersurvey.com and Huntersurvey.com results, outdoors enthusiasts are not flocking to Facebook or trooping to twitter to get their news.
In fact, sixty-four percent of the hunters surveyed said they preferred Facebook, with 24 percent using that site. Another 10.7 percent said they visited YouTube and MySpace.
Anglers also say they prefer Facebook by nearly 2-to-1 over other new media options. YouTube was the second most popular site, with MySpace picking up the third-highest number of users.
And as the enormity of the situation in the Gulf of Mexico continues to expand, we've found it extremely difficult to convey the immenseness of the area being impacted- today- by the Deepwater Horizon catastrophe.
Yesterday afternoon, however, we were pointed toward a website from American Military University (AMU) that helped put the enormity of the disaster in perspective. The site's www.ifitwasmyhome.com and it takes the latest closure data from the Gulf of Mexico and puts the area over other parts of the country.
If the Deepwater Horizon were located in Birmingham, Alabama, for example, the area currently impacted - and closed to use would stretch from west of Starkville, Mississippi eastward to near Cartersville, Georgia. From the northeast, it would spread from Cleveland, Tennessee southwards to only a few miles north of Montgomery, Alabama.
If it were dropped on Washington, D.C. (probably not a bad idea to get rapid action), it would stretch from Allentown, Pennsylvania southward past Philadelphia, through Delaware and into the Chesapeake Bay well south of Annapolis, MD.
If you visit www.ifitwasmyhome.com and enter your own hometown, you'll see- graphically - how large this disaster has already become.
As always, we'll keep you posted.
--Jim Shepherd
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
GunBroker.com to Launch Partnership with RMEF MISSOULA, Mont.-The world's largest online auction of firearms and accessories, GunBroker.com, has launched a new partnership to promote the conservation brand, mission and accomplishments of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.
The partnership will provide RMEF with premier visibility at GunBroker.com, which boasts some 3 million unique visitors per month. In addition, the RMEF logo will receive associate-sponsor, rear-tailgate and TV-panel placement on Jason White's GunBroker.com No. 23 truck in two nationally televised NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races in Michigan on June 12, 2010, and Texas on Nov. 5, 2010.
White currently sits ninth in the NCWTS standings with two Top 10 finishes and was the pole winner at the season opener at Daytona.
"This is a valuable promotional package worth hundreds of thousands of dollars-certainly an opportunity that we could never consider if not for the generosity and conservation spirit of GunBroker.com," said Steve Decker, vice president of marketing for RMEF. "We couldn't be more excited about expanding our efforts to familiarize sportsmen and sports fans with our work to ensure the future of elk, other wildlife and their habitat."
RMEF recently passed two key milestones: 5.7 million acres of mostly public-land habitat enhanced or conserved, and 585,000 acres opened or secured for public hunting.
"Many of our 1.5 million registered users are hunters and shooters who passionately support conservation programs, so it's important that we do our part to help RMEF continue its excellent work," said Steve Urvan, CEO of GunBroker.com.
GunBroker.com ads and logo placement will appear within RMEF organizational publications and events through the partnership.
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 5.7 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.
GunBroker.com is an informative, detailed, secure and safe way to buy and sell firearms and hunting/shooting accessories. GunBroker.com promotes responsible gun ownership. Aside from merchandise bearing its logo, GunBroker.com sells none of the items listed on its Web site. Third-party sellers list items on the site and Federal and state laws govern the sale of firearms and other restricted items. Ownership policies and regulations are followed using licensed firearms dealers as transfer agents. Currently GunBroker.com has over 1.5 million registered users, with 400,000 auctions running at any time and has over three million unique monthly visitors to the site.
For more information about SS Green Light Racing visit www.SSRacingonline.com or email pr@ssracingonline.com.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Ram Trucks Joins Pursuit Channel With A Conservation Message LUVERNE, AL - Ram Trucks joins Pursuit Channel with its sponsorship of True North Wednesday. Pursuit Channel's True North Wednesday programming block features shows such as Mossy Oak's Fist Full of Dirt, NWTF, QDMA and Keith Warren Deer Stories that focuses on the conservation aspect of hunting. The True North Wednesday programming block runs from 7 - 10 p.m. EST.
"Ram Truck owners are passionate about the outdoors," said Fred Diaz, President and CEO - Ram Truck Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. "As ethical hunters and fishermen, we understand that conservation and stewardship of the land play a vital role in sustaining the sport for future generations. We're proud that the Ram Truck brand can be part of the Pursuit Channel outdoor programming that directly supports that message."
"Having the partnership of a nationally known brand like Ram, which is so closely tied to the outdoor life, is very humbling and appreciated as we strive to promote conservation, land stewardship and just getting outside. This partnership demonstrates just how important the True North message is." said Rusty Faulk, CEO of the Pursuit Channel.
To learn more about Ram Trucks, log on to www.ramtruck.com or read their blog atwww.ramzone.com.
Pursuit Channel is the most widely distributed, pure hunting and fishing network. It is the only outdoor network delivered in satellite provider DIRECTV's basic package, channels received by every subscriber regardless of their level of service. Starting in January 2011, Pursuit Channel will be available on DISH Network. With a solid, growing portfolio of cable and high power TV stations in their stable as well, the network is on track to reach more than 40 million households in 2011.
For more information about Pursuit Channel shows, log on to www.pursuitchannel.com.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Pennsylvania Game Commissioners to Meet June 28-29 HARRISBURG - Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe today announced that the Board of Game Commissioners will hold its upcoming meeting on June 28-29, in the auditorium of the agency's Harrisburg headquarters at 2001 Elmerton Ave., just off the Progress Avenue exit of Interstate 81 in Harrisburg.
On Monday, June 28, the Board will gather public comments and hear Game Commission staff reports beginning at 8:30 a.m. Doors will open at 7:45 a.m. Registration for those interested in offering public testimony - limited to five minutes - also will begin at that time.
On Tuesday, June 29, beginning at 8:30 a.m., the Game Commission will take up its prepared agenda, which will be posted on the agency's website prior to the meeting. Doors will open at 7:45 a.m.
For those unable to attend this meeting, the Game Commission will webcast the meeting beginning with the Game Commission staff reports on Monday, immediately following the conclusion of public comments. In addition, the full Board meeting on Tuesday will be webcast beginning at 8:30 a.m. An icon will be posted on the agency's website (www.pgc.state.pa.us) on Monday to access the webcasts.
Roe also announced the minutes from the Board's April 20 meeting were posted on the agency's website (www.pgc.state.pa.us). To view the document, click on the "Resources" section in the menu bar under the banner, then select "Reports/Minutes," followed by "Commission Board Meeting Minutes," and then choose "April 2010 Minutes."
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Montana Decoy Presents Miss September Feeding poses have been proven effective during any phase of the hunting season and the all new Miss September Elk Decoy from Montana Decoy combines that potent pose with HD photography.
"A herd bull might try to add a lone cow to his harem during the rut or it might be a confidence decoy in the late season after the rut has passed," said Jerry McPherson, owner Montana Decoys. "Either way, using a realistic decoy can mean the difference between success and failure."
The ultra realistic HD photography on Montana Decoy's Miss September easily fools even the sharpest elk in the herd. Simple twist-and-stake set up is a hallmark of all Montana Decoys and the new Miss September is no exception. The light weight construction means it can go with you no matter if you're hunting near the road or backpacking in the wilderness.
Miss September stands 41 inches tall set up and weighs in at a mere 42oz. Meaning it will go unnoticed in your elk pack until you need it. Suggested retail for the Miss September is $99.95 and will be on dealer shelves in plenty of time for fall 2010.
Visit www.montanadecoy.com or call 888-332-6998 for a full list of decoys, tips and where to find a dealer near you.
About Montana Decoy
Created in 1996 by Jerry McPherson, Montana Decoy got its start from an average hunter trying to improve his bowhunting success. Tormented by an uncooperative bull elk, McPherson returned to his truck, thinking about how he could design a packable decoy without adding bulk and weight. McPherson got inspiration from folding band saw blades. He utilized the same twist-and-fold concept to hold open the decoy image.
Montana Decoy offers turkey, elk, whitetail, mule deer, antelope and predator options along with a Moo Cow confidence decoy. All share the same ease of use, light weight and ultra realistic HD photography.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Governor Teams Up With LCI to Highlight Lake Champlain Fisheries and Youth Conservation Education WHAT: 3rd Annual LCI's Governor's Cup: a good-natured, charity fishing derby
Colchester, Vt. - On Wednesday Governor Jim Douglas will host the 3rd Annual Lake Champlain International, Inc. (LCI) Governor's Cup charity catch-and-release fishing derby.
"The LCI charity fishing event is a fun way to highlight the importance of the Lake Champlain watershed," Governor Douglas said.
Proceeds benefit Lake Champlain International, Inc's efforts to ensure Lake Champlain is swimmable, drinkable, and fishable, and to educate and motivate our youth as stewards of the resource through the fun of fishing.
More than $10,000 has been raised now, with past proceeds going to LCI's mentoring initiative "Fishing for Friends" with the HowardCenter and the Bobber Bob and the LCI Tackle Team children's conservation education program. Bob's mission is to raise awareness among our youth in the areas of Lake Champlain pollution prevention and the need for restoring native fish.
More information on LCI, its programs and mission, and the Governor's Cup may be found online at www.mychamplain.net.
WHEN: Wednesday, June 9th, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
WHERE: Vermont Fish and Wildlife Colchester Point Access Area, Windemere Way, Colchester (Across from Airport Park) Contact:
David M. Coriell, Office of the Governor (802) 828-3333
Jessica Ayer, Lake Champlain International, Inc. (802) 879-2016
2010 Blade Show Monday, June 7, 2010 Atlanta, Georgia, June 6, 2010 ---The 2010 program describes the Blade Show as the "College of Cut" and I can't think of one good reason to disagree. If you're into all things edged, this annual gathering is definitely one you would enjoy.
Get a grip...or several. Handle material choices at the Blade Show ranged from natural bone and horn like these from Culpepper to $500-plus slices of meteorite
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Touring the show floor with Doug Ritter of Knife Rights (www.kniferights.org) was eye-opening. All my life I've owned and used knives, but it was the first time I've actually seen what a collection of knife experts looked like.
When my friend Ethan Becker of Ka-Bar (also co-author of "The Joy of Cooking") and fellow knife designer Ken Onion joined in, I was in the company of royalty. Our conversations were interrupted by well-wishers who wanted to say hello, shake a hand or, in the case of Onion, have their photo taken with their "favorite knife designer ever." It's easy to put that down to hyperbole until the fan pulls a velvet case out of a pocket, lovingly unwraps a treasured knife -and hands it to its maker. When that happened, even the maker was impressed. "Wow," Onion said, "I haven't seen one of those in a while."
But the Blade Show is more than a gathering of like-minded enthusiasts. Granted, it's like a super-sized knife show, but it's also a trade gathering where business topics are addressed, along with teaching seminars for the finer points of knife-making.
On this year's program, a definite recognition of the fact that the political climate is entirely different from any we've faced before. New Hampshire Representative Jenn Coffey was there, accepting a Knife Rights award for championing her state's successful campaign to pass pro-knife legislation.
Coffey was also one of the seminar experts, offering advice and counsel along with Knife Rights' Ritter and BLADE contributor Evan Nappen on "How to Repeal Your State's Anti-Knife Laws".
Despite the push to try and limit individual rights in full swing internationally (Great Britain's Boy Scouts removing knives from scouting equipment lists and Parliament restricting virtually all knives from public carry or use are only two frequently referenced examples) and the recent arrest of a New York man on a weapons charge -because his knife was clipped to the inside of his pocket rather than out-of-sight, many of the attendees seemed benignly oblivious to the fact that knives are increasingly being lumped in with firearms as "bad things".
But, the fact that Coffey and Knife Rights (www.kniferights.org) were there among a litany of seminars on grinding, cutting, inlaying and more points to the fact that at least some of the industry leaders are recognizing the fact that all individual "weapons" are under attack by those who believe a disarmed society is "better" than the one that has build this nation to its historical role of protector and international policeman.
American Cop magazine editor Suzi Huntington, strolling the aisles of her first Blade Show said it best, "guns and knives go together- and everyone should recognize that fact."
James Williams giving a practical demonstration of the correct application of a Japanese sword as a "fight stopper".
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But the focus of the Blade Show is just that - blades. From "Modern Cutting Tools and the Materials Used to Make Them" to "How to Survive Slow Knife Economies" the focus was the nitty-gritty of knives and the art of knifemaking. Having seem some of the amazing blades and decorated "art knives" first-hand, I can now understand how the words "knife" and "art" can be used in conjunction.
But the focus on working knives wasn't lost. From Ernest Emerson's "Surviving Mortal Combat" to James Williams' "Japanese Sword Demonstration" to the "Invitational Kitchen Knife Competition" and the World Championship Cutting Competition, knives and edged weapons were treated as what they are - man's most elemental tool.
Tools that, like firearms, are under attack in some circles of society- even here in the United States.
--Jim Shepherd
— GULF UPDATES —While Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour complains that his state's beaches are absent oil- and tourists- Alabama and Florida's normally pristine sugar sand beaches are being fouled by blobs of oil and balls of tar. Alabama's Gulf State Park and Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge are seeing the first of the millions of gallons of oil from the Deepwater Horizon disaster roll ashore, becoming what officials call "a tangible menace". From the high-rise condominiums that front much of the tourist havens of Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, a visible oil slick became visible Friday. "This gives us an idea of what we're in for," said Orange Beach City Administrator Ken Grimes, "This is an example of what we're going to be dealing with for the rest of the summer."
Maybe so, but the damage may already be much more significant than the issuance of a health alert for oil and dispersant in the waters might indicate. The Gulf's sargassum, the mats of floating seaweed that are shelter and home for much of the fish that make up one of the nation's most plentiful fisheries continues to wash ashore. Now, however, it is covered with a glop of oil or a pudding-like blend of crude oil and dispersants. As the sargassum goes, one captain said, so goes the Gulf.
Despite the oil coming ashore, there is still a guarded optimism from officials as B-P's containment cap is currently capturing "significant amounts" of oil. Yesterday, officials said the total had increased to 441,000 gallons of the estimated 798,000 gallons of oil that continues to gush daily from the ruptured well. As Coast Guard Admiral Thad Allen said - repeatedly - on yesterday's television talk show circuit, however, "I don't think anyone should be pleased while there's oil in the water."
"This is an insidious enemy," Allen said, "It's attacking all our shores, it's holding the Gulf hostage, basically."
Monday, June 7, 2010
Colorado Wildlife Commission Workshop Features Waterfowl Presentations DURANGO, Colo.--Waterfowl, the Habitat Partnership Program and elk and deer Data Analysis Unit management plans headline the agenda for the Colorado Wildlife Commission's June 10 workshop in Durango.
The workshop will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Doubletree Hotel, 501 Camino Del Rio.
Division staff will update the Commission on the Mount Blanca and Montelores Habitat Partnership Program management plans. Authorized by the Colorado Wildlife Commission and Colorado State Legislature, the Habitat Partnership Program is designed to reduce wildlife-agricultural conflicts and to assist the Colorado Division of Wildlife in meeting game management objectives on both public and private lands. The program also works to develop better partnerships between landowners, sportsmen and the DOW.
The meeting also features a presentation on Colorado waterfowl hunting. Staff will provide an overview of hunting regulations, migratory flyways, season dates, bag and possession limits, population monitoring programs and habitat and harvest surveys.
In addition, DOW staff will update the Commission on the Hermosa, Trinchera, Upper Rio Grande and Sand Dunes deer and elk management plans. The presentation will focus on deer Data Analysis Units D-52 (Game Management Units 74 and 741), D-31 (Game Management Unit 83), D-36 (Game Management Units 76, 79 and 791) and D-37 (Game Management Unit 82). Elk Data Analysis Units include E-30 (Game Management Units 74 and 741), E-11 (Game Management Unit 82) and E-34 (Game Management Units 76 and 79). DOW staff will discuss herd health, population objectives, habitat and other related issues.
Those who cannot attend the meeting can listen to the proceedings through a live audio link on the DOW's website. The DOW provides live audio of all its Commission meetings and workshops to keep citizens better informed about the development of regulations by the Commission and how they and Division staff are resolving issues facing Colorado's wildlife. Constituents may access the live audio feed by clicking on the "listen to audio" link on the "Wildlife Commission" webpage during the meeting. Broadcasts are only available during the meeting.
To view the entire agenda for the June Commission workshop, please visit: http://wildlife.state.co.us/WildlifeCommission/.
The Colorado Wildlife Commission is an 11-member board appointed by the governor. The Commission sets DOW regulations and policies for hunting, fishing, watchable wildlife, land purchases and property regulations.
For more news about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us/news/index.asp?DivisionID=3
For more information about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us. Contact:
Tyler Baskfield (303) 291-7468
Monday, June 7, 2010
See Bighorn Sheep on Arizona's Canyon Lake Via Steamboat PHOENIX -- The Arizona Game and Fish Department is partnering with the Dolly Steamboat at Canyon Lake to host a public workshop to see and learn about the state's desert bighorn sheep.
This guided wildlife viewing experience starts with an evening classroom presentation where participants can learn about bighorn sheep, their natural history, management and historical significance from a wildlife biologist. The following morning, participants will join biologists for a morning aboard the Dolly Steamboat where the group will tour the lake to view wild bighorn sheep in their natural environment.
The presentation will be held on June 25 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Game and Fish's regional office located at 7200 E. University Drive in Mesa. The lake tour and viewing will take place on June 26 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the Dolly Steamboat.
"June is the time of year when the bighorns stay pretty close to water. It will be hot on the lake, and there will be little shade on the boats, but that's when bighorns come down to the water's edge for a drink," said Brian Anthony, Game and Fish wildlife manager in the Canyon Lake district. "The hotter it is, the better the opportunity to see sheep along the banks."
The workshops are open to the public on a first come, first served basis. Participants are strongly encouraged to attend the presentation the evening before the viewing experience. To reserve space for this portion of the event, participants should call Randy Babb at Game and Fish's Mesa office at (480) 324-3546. The presentation is limited to 70 people due to facility restrictions.
Due to space limitations on the steamboat, participation for the boat tour and viewing is limited to 132 people. The cost is $30 per person. To register for the viewing experience, call the Dolly Steamboat at (480) 827-9144.
"This is a great opportunity for people to learn about bighorn sheep, and the department and its partners' conservation efforts for bighorn sheep," says Anthony.
Participants are encouraged to bring a camera, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and binoculars. Snacks and drinks may be purchased onboard the Dolly Steamboat.
Anyone with questions about the workshop may contact Randy Babb at (480) 324-3546 or e-mail rbabb@azgfd.gov.
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The Arizona Game and Fish Department prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, or disability in its programs and activities. If anyone believes that they have been discriminated against in any of the AGFD's programs or activities, including employment practices, they may file a complaint with the Deputy Director, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086-5000, (602) 942-3000, or with the Fish and Wildlife Service, 4040 N. Fairfax Dr. Ste. 130, Arlington, VA 22203. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation or this document in an alternative format by contacting the Deputy Director as listed above. Contact:
Lynda Lambert (623) 236-7203
Monday, June 7, 2010
WDFW Adopts New Damage Response Rules OLYMPIA-The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission adopted new rules to address property damage and other problems caused by wildlife, at a public video-conference meeting in Olympia and Spokane.
The nine-member citizen commission, which sets policy for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), considered public comments taken in previous meetings on the proposed rules that provide assistance for landowners and clarify their options in handling wildlife damage to crops and livestock.
Over the past year, WDFW staff developed the wildlife-damage rules in conjunction with a broad-based citizens' group, including commercial growers and livestock owners. The rules provide property owners with greater flexibility to prevent and mitigate damage while maintaining healthy wildlife populations.
Several changes were made in the final rules, in response to public input heard by the commission in April. The modified provisions allow for:
* Sharing the cost of crop value adjustors between WDFW and landowners submitting damage claims
* Dropping a $500 deductible on small claims
* Dropping a requirement that public hunting be used to address livestock depredation problems
* Reducing the minimum amount for livestock claims to $500
The adopted rules will be posted on WDFW's website next week.
Today's commission meeting was conducted by video-conference in Olympia and Spokane, to reduce travel costs for commissioners and WDFW staff.
In other action, the commission approved four land transactions to protect fish and wildlife habitat and expand public recreational opportunities.
Lands to be acquired by WDFW are:
* A 99-acre parcel of upland habitat in Grays Harbor County, adjacent to WDFW's Johns River Wildlife Area southwest of Aberdeen, in settlement for inadvertent timber harvest on WDFW lands by the Weyerhaeuser Company.
* Shrub-steppe habitat totaling 748 acres east of Oroville, in Okanogan County. The acquisition-paid for with Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program grant funds-is the third and final phase of a 5,738-acre acquisition.
* Two acres known as the Ness property on Leque Island in Snohomish County. The purchase of the in-holding in WDFW's Leque Island Wildlife Unit, is being conducted with grant funds from the state Salmon Recovery Funding Board.
A 448-acre conservation easement on the Hundley property along the Yakima River in Kittitas County was also approved to protect riparian habitat used as a migratory corridor for elk, deer and other wildlife.
The commission also heard staff briefings and received public comments on three issues that will be considered for action at the August commission meeting in Olympia:
* Proposed amendments to state falconry rules to align them with recently adopted federal regulations
* A proposal to prohibit possession of lead shot on two properties in the Chehalis River Valley in Grays Harbor County, to reduce the risk of wildlife health issues associated with lead shot ingestion.
* A proposal to repeal game reserve status for the Bayview Game Reserve in Skagit County, in order to increase hunter access to the shoreline. The game reserve was established in 1983 for brant geese that no longer frequent the site. WDFW staff plan to work with landowners in the current reserve area to establish regulated hunting access, with established blinds that would be available for wildlife viewing when the waterfowl hunting season is closed. Contact:
Susan Yeager, (360) 902-2267
Monday, June 7, 2010
Updated Planning Guide for Junior Pheasant Hunt HARRISBURG - While Pennsylvania's junior pheasant hunt seems like a long way off, Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe noted that now is the time for hunting clubs to make plans to host an organized junior pheasant hunt.
"The future of hunting is directly related to the continuing participation of young Pennsylvanians," Roe noted. "The goal is to successfully compete with all the other activities and recreational opportunities that vie for a young person's time. It's truly a challenge for the Game Commission, as well as Pennsylvania's one million hunters.
"To maximize this opportunity for younger hunters, and to ensure we pass along the importance of ethics and sound ideals that have shaped our hunting heritage, the Game Commission and Pheasants Forever urge local clubs to consider hosting a junior pheasant hunt in their community."
Those clubs interested in hosting a junior pheasant hunt are encouraged to use the 26-page planning guide prepared by the Game Commission and the Pennsylvania State Chapter of Pheasants Forever. The booklet offers a step-by-step guide on how to develop an organized junior pheasant hunt. The guide-book includes: a sample timeline; suggested committees and assignments; general event planning considerations; and several sample forms and news releases. It also includes event evaluation guides so clubs and organizations may consider changes for future junior pheasant hunts.
The guide can be viewed on the Game Commission's website, by clicking on "Hunting" in the left-hand column of the homepage, then selecting the pheasant photo and then choosing "Junior Pheasant Hunt Planning Guide." Later this year, the agency will update this section to include a listing of locations that the Game Commission plans to release birds for the 2009 junior pheasant hunts, as well as a listing of all the junior pheasant hunts being hosted by local clubs.
To participate in the junior pheasant hunt, youngsters must be 12 to 16 years of age, and must have successfully completed a basic Hunter-Trapper Education course. As required by law, an adult must accompany the young hunters. Participating hunters do not need to purchase a junior hunting license to take part in the youth pheasant hunt, but all participants must wear the mandatory 250 square inches of fluorescent orange material on their head, chest and back combined, visible from 360 degrees.
To bolster participation in the junior pheasant hunt, the Game Commission again plans to stock pheasants just prior to this special season. For the 2010 hunt, the agency will release 15,000 birds on lands open to public hunting. These areas will be identified in the 2010-2011 Pennsylvania Digest of Hunting and Trapping Regulations, as well as in future Game Commission news releases and on the agency's website (www.pgc.state.pa.us).
Additionally, the Game Commission will provide, free of charge, a limited number of pheasants to those clubs that host a junior pheasant hunt. Applications must be received by July 31, and the only two stipulations to be eligible is that clubs must have registration open to the public and must be held on lands open to public hunting.
Based on previous surveys, about half of the junior participants successfully bagged game; a male relative had accompanied most of them; the majority of participants were between the ages of 12 and 14; and many of them intend to hunt again. The agency also received many positive comments about the junior hunting opportunity.
Pheasants Forever is a national non-profit habitat conservation organization with a system of hard-working local chapter volunteers dedicated to the protection and enhancement of pheasants and other wildlife populations. Pheasants Forever emphasizes habitat improvement, public awareness and education, and land management policies that benefit private landowners and wildlife alike. For more information, visit the organization's website (www.pheasantsforever.org).
Monday, June 7, 2010
LDWF Announces 2010 Alligator Lottery Hunts In order to increase alligator harvest opportunities, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) will conduct alligator lottery hunts on 4 Coastal and Nongame Resources (CNR) Division Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), 13 Wildlife Division WMAs and 20 public lakes for the 2010 alligator harvest season.
The CNR Division WMAs include: Atchafalaya Delta WMA, St. Mary Parish; Pass A Loutre WMA, Plaquemines Parish; Pointe Aux Chenes WMA, Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes; and Salvador/Timken WMAs, St. Charles Parish.
The Wildlife Division WMAs include: Big Lake WMA, Tensas Parish; Boeuf WMA, Caldwell Parish; Buckhorn WMA, Tensas Parish; Elm Hall WMA, Assumption Parish; Grassy Lake WMA, Avoyelles Parish; Joyce WMA, Tangipahoa Parish; Manchac WMA, St. John the Baptist Parish; Maurepas Swamp WMA, St. John the Baptist, St. James and Ascension parishes; Sherburne WMA - State, Pointe Coupee and St. Martin parishes; Spring Bayou WMA, Avoyelles Parish; Pearl River WMA, St. Tammany Parish; Red River WMA, Concordia Parish; and Three Rivers WMA, Concordia Parish.
The public lakes include: Lake Bistineau, Webster, Bossier and Bienville parishes; Lake Wallace, Caddo Parish; Black/Cypress Lake, Bossier Parish; Cross Lake, Caddo Parish; Kepler Lake, Bienville Parish; Bayou Desiard North, Ouachita Parish; Caney Lake, Jackson Parish; Bayou Bartholomew, Ouachita and Morehouse parishes; Kincaid Lake, Rapides Parish; Indian Creek, Rapides Parish; Lake Iatt, Grant Parish; Cotile Lake, Rapides Parish; Nantachie Lake, Grant Parish; Saline Lake, Winn Parish; Toledo Bend, Desoto and Sabine parishes; Lake Bruin, Tensas Parish; Lake Concordia, Concordia Parish; Lake St. John, Tensas Parish; Lake St. Joseph, Tensas Parish; and Anacoco Lake, Vernon Parish.
Interested participants may either request an application by phone or print out an application from LDWF's website. Please review the following contact information concerning application requests.
CNR Division WMA application requests: call 337-373-0032 or go to www.wlf.louisiana.gov/hunting/regulations/wma/lotteryhunts
Wildlife Division WMA application requests: call 225-765-2346 or go to www.wlf.louisiana.gov/hunting/regulations/wma/lotteryhunts
Public Lake application requests: call 225-765-2346 or go to www.wlf.louisiana.gov/hunting/regulations/wma/lotteryhunts
Applications and application fees ($5) must be submitted to the address indicated on corresponding applications by July 9, 2010. Only one application may be submitted per applicant.
The lottery harvests will be conducted between Aug. 25 and Sept. 30. Exact harvest dates will vary by WMA/public lake and will be specified at the time selected hunters are notified.
Applicants must be a legal Louisiana resident and 16 years of age or older. Any applicant born on or after Sept. 1, 1969 must also provide a valid hunter safety certification number. All successful applicants will be required to purchase an alligator hunting license ($25). Successful applicants for WMAs will be required to submit payments ($40) for each alligator tag allocated.
All applicants meeting the application requirements will be entered into a randomized computer drawing, which will take place by August, 2010. Selected hunters will be notified by mail.
EDITORS: For more information concerning CNR Division WMAs, contact Lance Campbell at 337-373-0032 or ljcampbell@wlf.la.gov. For more information concerning Wildlife Division WMAs or public lakes, contact Randy Myers at 225-765-2346 or rmyers@wlf.la.gov.
Monday, June 7, 2010
BoatUS Foundation Funds Michigan BASS Federation Project The Michigan B.A.S.S. Federation has received a Boating Safety Grant from the BoatU.S. Foundation for Boating Safety & Clean Water. The competitive, annual grant program is designed to help nonprofit groups, associations, organizations and other waterway users to help spread the message about safe boating practices at the grass roots level.
This year the safety grant program attracted 67 applications from around the country and the Michigan B.A.S.S. Federation was one of only 10 that received funding. The group/organization will use the funds to create a brochure and display of engine cut-off switches.
"Working with small local boating nonprofits like this enables us to focus on issues specific to local waterways," said Alanna Keating, Grant Coordinator for the BoatU.S. Foundation. "We rely on enthusiastic volunteers like these to help expand our reach."
Since 1988, the Foundation has awarded over $800,000 in Boating Safety Grants to fund projects that promote responsible boating on a local level. A list of all 10 recipients, as well as grant applications and guidelines are available online at www.BoatUS.com/Foundation.
The BoatU.S. Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit education and research organization primarily funded by the voluntary contributions of the 600,000 members of BoatU.S. The Foundation operates more than a dozen programs including the only accredited, free, online general boating safety course, a low-cost EPIRB rental program, the "Help Stop the Drops" national clean fueling campaign, a free kid's Life Jacket Loaner Program, and has awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars in grants for nonprofit groups for boating safety and environmental projects.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Idaho Free Fishing Day June 12
IDAHO FALLS - While kids under the age of 14 always get to fish for free, Free Fishing Day is the one time each year when adults also can fish without a license. This year the event falls on Saturday, June 12th. While all other regulations still apply, this incredible opportunity is open to everyone, and you don't even have to be a resident to participate!
While everyone gets to fish free, the real point of the day is to help expose kids to the fun of fishing. All of the official sites will have experienced staff and volunteers on hand to help newcomers get started! Many rivers and reservoirs have been stocked recently to make sure novice anglers will have the best possible shot at a successful first outing. Folks planning to take advantage of free fishing day should remember that all other fishing regulations remain intact and fees are still charged for camping in the state parks.
IDFG staff, volunteers and other civic groups will be on hand at the following fishing spots help teach youngsters to tie fishing knots, bait hooks, and cast properly. All the sites will have loaner poles to help kids get started, along with a generous supply of worms for bait. It is important that a parent or guardian accompany all children. Adults and single-parent families are strongly encouraged to come and learn more about our proud national fishing heritage.
I.F. Area - Willow Creek in Freeman Park
Roberts Area- Roberts Gravel Pond
Rexburg Area - Rexburg City ponds west of fair grounds
Victor Area - Trail Creek Kids Pond
Ashton Hatchery - By reservation only, call 208-525-7290 to reserve a space.
Island Park - Mill Creek Pond on Yale/Kilgore Road
All above sites will be staffed from 9 AM until Noon on June 12th. Contact:
Dan Garren (208) 525-7290
Friday, June 4, 2010
Whitetails Unlimited Endorses Delisting; State Regulation of Wolf Populations No longer endangered, control of wolves should be returned to states in order to manage wildlife.
Some months ago Whitetails Unlimited went on record that federal protection of specific populations of grey wolves should be removed, and management of those populations be returned to individual states. There has seemingly been no movement on this issue by federal officials, and as deer, elk, and moose give birth this spring, the wolf problem continues to grow.
The recovery from near-extinction and the reestablishment of wolf populations is a true success story, but population goals of wolves in specific areas have not only been attained, but wildly exceeded. Not only are the population goals being exceeded (by up to 500% in some areas), but the geographic distribution of wolves is also expanding into areas never envisioned when wolf recovery plans were developed.
It is far beyond the proper time for states to take over management of established wolf populations. Protection under the Endangered Species Act is no longer needed or appropriate in many areas, and in fact, the uncontrolled expansion of these apex predators is causing extensive damage to other wildlife populations in some areas.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's biological goals for wolves were met in some areas of the country as long ago as 2002, and their plan has always called on the states to take over management after their goals are met. That is still the best idea - it is obvious that after wolves are no longer endangered they should not be under control of the Endangered Species Act. State management plans take into account the management goals of all animals in the ecosystem, and they manage natural resources according to the needs of the entire state. Those needs could be much different in Wisconsin than they are in Idaho, and state wildlife professionals are the appropriate people to evaluate local needs.
Under state management plans the wolf populations will continue to be healthy and sustainable, but damage to the populations of other species, including deer, elk, and moose, can be limited. Wolf recovery has been a success, now it is time for states to manage wolves, just like every other wildlife population they manage.
Founded in 1982, Whitetails Unlimited is a national nonprofit conservation organization. Our mission is to raise funds in support of education, habitat enhancement and acquisition, and the preservation of the hunting tradition for the benefit of the white-tailed deer and other wildlife. When it comes to the whitetail and its environment, WTU's degree of professionalism and dedication has earned us the reputation of being the nation's premier whitetail organization. Contact: Pete Gerl, Whitetails Unlimited executive director: (920) 743-6777, ext. 105
Friday, June 4, 2010
PA Game Commissioners Meet June 28-29 HARRISBURG - Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe today announced that the Board of Game Commissioners will hold its upcoming meeting on June 28-29, in the auditorium of the agency's Harrisburg headquarters at 2001 Elmerton Ave., just off the Progress Avenue exit of Interstate 81 in Harrisburg.
On Monday, June 28, the Board will gather public comments and hear Game Commission staff reports beginning at 8:30 a.m. Doors will open at 7:45 a.m. Registration for those interested in offering public testimony - limited to five minutes - also will begin at that time.
On Tuesday, June 29, beginning at 8:30 a.m., the Game Commission will take up its prepared agenda, which will be posted on the agency's website prior to the meeting. Doors will open at 7:45 a.m. For those unable to attend Tuesday's meeting, the Game Commission will webcast the meeting beginning at 8:30 a.m. An icon will be posted on the agency's website (www.pg.state.pa.us) the morning of the meeting to access the webcast.
Roe also announced the minutes from the Board's April 20 meeting were posted on the agency's website (www.pgc.state.pa.us). To view the document, click on the "Resources" section in the menu bar under the banner, then select "Reports/Minutes," followed by "Commission Board Meeting Minutes," and then choose "April 2010 Minutes."
Last Chance to Apply for Arizona Hunt Permit-Tags PHOENIX - Hunters, don't start your summer vacation just yet. Applications for fall hunt permit-tags for the 2010-11 hunting season are due to the Arizona Game and Fish Department on or before Tuesday, June 8 by 7 p.m. MST. Postmarks do not count.
Hunters interested in a permit-tag for fall deer, bighorn sheep, fall buffalo, fall turkey, juniors-only fall javelina, or pheasant are required to submit a paper application for the drawing process.There is no online application process available.
Applications may be hand delivered to any of the seven department offices or sent by U.S. mail to Arizona Game and Fish Department, Attn.: Drawing Section, PO Box 74020, Phoenix, AZ 85087-1052. For the locations of department offices, visit www.azgfd.gov/offices.
To apply, refer to the 2010-11 Arizona Hunting and Trapping Regulations and application forms available at any department office, license dealer, or online at www.azgfd.gov/draw.
Directions on how to apply for the draw are outlined on pages 16-20 of the regulations. The digital editable PDF application can be typed using a computer and then printed, signed, and submitted to the department. A blank form can also be printed and filled out using an ink pen.
A 2010 hunting license is required to apply. Licenses can be purchased through the application process, at department offices, from license dealers, or at www.azgfd.gov.
Youth hunts
Hey kids, do you want to go deer hunting, but don't know how to get started? There are three mentored deer hunting camps designed to help new hunters learn how to hunt. Each camp offers experienced instruction on hunting, camping, care of game, and other tips for first-time hunters. A tag issued through the draw is required for these hunts. Below is a list of the hunt numbers where the camps will be. Use the appropriate hunt number on your application depending on your schedule and location needs:
* Mogollon Rim Area, Oct. 8-10: Apply for hunt number 1156, juniors-only deer.
The Unit 23 Juniors Deer Camp is hosted by the Arizona Deer Association.
* Southern Arizona, Nov. 19-21: Apply for hunt number 1162, juniors-only deer.
The Unit 36A Juniors Deer Camp is hosted by the Arizona state chapter of Safari Club International.
* Central Arizona, Nov. 19-21: Apply for hunt number 1154, juniors-only deer.
The Unit 20C Juniors Deer Camp is hosted by Youth Outdoors Unlimited.
Other great opportunities for the kids are several hunts that are like a two-for-one hunt. Juniors-only deer hunts for hunt numbers 1158, 1159, 1162, 1163, and 1176 (hunt areas include units 28, 29, 30A, 30B, 31, 32, 33, 36A, 36B and 16A muzzleloader) are also eligible to purchase an over-the-counter restricted javelina nonpermit-tag (companion tag) at any department office. The companion tag is valid for the same area and dates as the deer hunt, and gives kids twice the reason to go hunting.
Buy a ticket, support wildlife
To increase your odds of getting a big game tag, and possibly one of a lifetime, take part in the Arizona Big Game Super Raffle. There are 10 special big game tags and every dollar raised for these tags goes directly towards wildlife management projects that benefit that species in Arizona. Winners will be able to hunt for 365 days almost anywhere in the state of Arizona during the 2010-2011 hunting season. Tickets range from $5-25. The deadline to get a ticket by mail is July 9. Online ticket sales end on July 11. The public drawing will be held July 15. For more details, visit www.arizonabiggamesuperraffle.com.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department does not receive any of the state's general funds to operate. Wildlife conservation and management of the state's game animals, which also benefits many non-game species, is made possible through a user-pay, user-benefit system. Funding from the direct sale of hunting and fishing licenses, big game tags, and matching funds from the Pittman-Robertson Act, a federal excise tax that sportsmen pay on guns, ammunition and related equipment, remain the backbone of wildlife conservation in North America. To learn more, visit www.azgfd.gov/h_f/northamericanmodel.shtml.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, or disability in its programs and activities. If anyone believes that they have been discriminated against in any of the AGFD's programs or activities, including employment practices, they may file a complaint with the Deputy Director, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086-5000, (602) 942-3000, or with the Fish and Wildlife Service, 4040 N. Fairfax Dr. Ste. 130, Arlington, VA 22203. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation or this document in an alternative format by contacting the Deputy Director as listed above.
Contact:
Doug Burt (623) 236-7215
Five Ways to Celebrate National Fishing and Boating Week ALEXANDRIA, VA-- With National Fishing and Boating Week June 5-13, BoatUS has five easy ways to celebrate the week and inspire families and friends to head out to the water:
1. Go fishing for free: In honor of this special week, many states offer one or more days where anglers won't need a license to fish. Go to BoatUS Angler message boards where you'll find free fishing days and events posted for your region of the country.
2. Have fun at a marina party: Attend a "Boat. Fish. Live. At National Marina Day" event held at one of 10 select marinas across the country. Activities could include: boating and fishing demos, test drives, kid's activities, BBQ's, live music, giveaways, and more. Additional Marina Day events can be found here .
3. Brush up on your fishing skills: From learning about fishing tactics, equipment and safety, to advice and stories from pro anglers, BoatUSAngler.com has expert advice to help beginners start out right and keep experienced anglers at their peak. Click on "Fishing How-Tos" where you'll also find information that will help you teach your kids about catch and release fishing and how to measure a fish.
4. Make a fishing trip memorable for a child: Take a photo of your child with their catch and send it to the BoatUS Angler Catch of the Month Contest . Photos will be displayed on the association's website, BoatUSAngler.com, and will also be entered into a monthly prize drawing.
5. Go boating with the kids wearing the right life jackets: Don't worry if you want to take a bunch of kids boating and don't have enough life jackets. The BoatUS Foundation's free Life Jacket Loaner Program for Kids offers free child and youth life jackets for the day or weekend at over 500 waterfront sites, boat clubs, businesses and fire houses.
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About BoatUS Angler:
BoatUS Angler, a membership program from the nation's largest association of recreational boaters, offers services and helps protect the interests of boat-owning anglers. Visit BoatUSAngler.com for more.
Friday, June 4, 2010
$175,000 Available to Nebraska Landowners NEBRASKA - Landowners in Nebraska who want to improve the land and water on their properties to benefit wildlife can take advantage of $175,000 in cost-share funds for a limited time.
"Water quality is an important issue in Nebraska," said Brandon Houck, National Wild Turkey Federation director of conservation operations for the western region. "This project is a great way to help landowners improve their properties for wild turkeys and other wildlife by offering a higher rate of cost-share funding than is often available through other programs."
Through this cooperative project between the NWTF, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, landowners can receive up to 90 percent cost-share funding to improve wildlife habitat and water quality through practices including:
* Planting or restoring native grasses
* Installing fences along streamside habitats
* Removing invasive trees and plants such as red cedar, Russian olive and honey locust
* Planting trees and shrubs to improve wildlife habitat
* Conducting controlled burns and establishing firebreaks
* Improving forest stands by thinning to reduce fire hazards in pine lands and removing selected undesirable trees to improve oaks and other nut producing trees
Any landowner in Nebraska who contacts the NWTF about this cost-share opportunity will be put in contact with a natural resource professional or NWTF biologist. Landowners who do not have access to the equipment necessary to complete certain land enhancement projects are encouraged to inquire about this opportunity. The NWTF can help locate private contractors who can perform the recommended tasks and landowners can use the cost-share funds to pay these contractors.
The NWTF is a nonprofit conservation organization that works daily to further its mission of conserving the wild turkey and preserving our hunting heritage.
Through dynamic partnerships with state, federal and provincial wildlife agencies, the NWTF and its members have helped restore wild turkey populations across the country, spending more than $306 million to conserve 14 million acres of habitat for all types of wildlife.
Landowners in Nebraska who are interested in this cost-share opportunity should contact Roger Wells, NWTF upland biologist, at (620) 443-5834 or rwells@nwtf.net, or Brandon Houck at (620) 443-5906 or bhouck@nwtf.net.
For more information about the NWTF visit the Web site at www.nwtf.org or call (800) THE-NWTF. Contact:
Shannon Coggin at (803) 637-7643.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Memorial Day Weekend a "Bust" for Gulf Coast Recreational Fishing Businesses Alexandria, VA - Between the ongoing oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico and the vast areas of state and federal waters now closed to fishing, without immediate financial assistance, many of the region's recreational fishing-dependent businesses may not be in business by the 4th of July.
A post-Memorial Day survey of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida recreational fishing-dependent business owners, conducted by the American Sportfishing Association (ASA), found that over 85 percent of the owners surveyed won't survive the oil leak's fallout without immediate financial assistance. Compared to Memorial Day 2009, overall sales were down an average of 47 percent. In Louisiana, which has borne the brunt of the oil leak's impact, sales were down an average of 55 percent with some businesses reporting sales as much as 90 percent off from last year's Memorial Day weekend. In Florida, sales were down an average of 35 percent, even though the oil leak is still making its way to shore. The majority of the survey respondents are located within five to 25 miles of the coast.
"It's clear that this ongoing oil leak is having a disastrous impact on small business owners. Memorial Day weekend brings tens of thousands of people to the Gulf region and tackle dealers, their families and employees depend on that business. It's imperative that financial assistance reach these people immediately," said ASA President and CEO Mike Nussman. "Few businesses can survive the loss of 50 percent or more of their business. It's just not possible. We're calling on the administration to ensure that funds are immediately available across the Gulf region."
According to Gail and James Gelé, owners of Professional Sport Shop, Inc., in New Orleans, La., the impact of the ill-fated Deepwater Horizon oil leak has impacted their business far more than they expected. "Our business is a small retail and repair shop servicing fishermen of the northern Gulf. We have been in business since April 1948 and have made it through many hurdles including Hurricane Katrina. We have always looked forward, never looking back other than to learn from our mistakes. We always look for the light at the end of the tunnel. However with this disaster, we can't find the end of the tunnel."
In response to a request by Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL), on June 2, 2010, U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke added Florida to the May 24, Gulf of Mexico fishery disaster declaration due to the economic impact on recreational and commercial fisheries. The June 2 announcement adds Florida to Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. Upon a fisheries disaster declaration, Congress must appropriate funds for the affected communities.
On May 27, the Senate approved its 2010 Supplemental Appropriations bill which included an amendment submitted by Senator Richard Shelby (R-AL), ranking member of the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee, that provides $15 million for fishery-dependent businesses harmed by the BP Deepwater Horizon oil leak. ASA is working to ensure that recreational fishing-dependent businesses receive financial assistance and are represented in other economic and conservation recovery efforts. ASA also urged other Members of the Senate to support Shelby's amendment and Nelson's request for disaster declaration.
"We also urge the House of Representatives to follow suit and ensure that recreational fishing-dependent businesses are including in its 2010 Supplemental Appropriations bill," said ASA Vice President Gordon Robertson.
"The sportfishing industry thanks Senators Shelby and Nelson for recognizing the enormous scope of this disaster and their work to ensure that recreational fishing-dependent businesses are included in the financial aid packages," said Nussman. "The next crucial step is to get those funds in the hands of the people who need it the most."
ASA sent letters to Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke and to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations urging that they address and mitigate the impacts on the recreational fishing-dependent business community.
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The American Sportfishing Association (ASA) is the sportfishing industry's trade association, committed to looking out for the interests of the entire sportfishing community. We give the industry a unified voice speaking out when emerging laws and policies could significantly affect sportfishing business or sportfishing itself. We invest in long-term ventures to ensure the industry will remain strong and prosperous as well as safeguard and promote the enduring economic and conservation values of sportfishing in America. ASA also represents the interests of America's 60 million anglers who generate over $45 billion in retail sales with a $125 billion impact on the nation's economy creating employment for over one million people.
Defending Mobile Bay Thursday, June 3, 2010 Orange Beach, AL - "Damn the torpedoes, full-speed ahead," was the battle cry of Union Admiral David G. Farragut when he came under the guns of Fort Morgan that protected Mobile Bay, Alabama, during the War Between the States in the 1860s.
A five-star Michelangelo-designed fort, Fort Morgan and its counterpart, Fort Gaines on Dauphin Island, have defended Mobile Bay for hundreds of years. A total of seven flags have flown over Fort Morgan, including that of France, Great Britain, Spain, the United States, the Alabama Militia (Montgomery Rifles), the Confederacy and the State of Alabama.
But now, the old Fort, which has endured many salvos from domestic and foreign powers, faces its greatest battle - the war to protect Mobile Bay from the oil spill off Louisiana shores. Today, "Damn the oil, full-speed ahead," is the battle cry in Mobile Bay. The latest news reports and projections predict that the BP oil spill that has devastated many areas along the Upper Gulf Coast, when a BP drilling rig exploded on April 20, will hit Mobile Bay at some time during the first week of June. Efforts to put-up barriers to protect the Bay have failed.
Mobile Bay isn't just a body of water into which most of Alabama's rivers flow. It's one of the most-rich estuaries on the entire Upper Gulf Coast, teeming with fish, shrimp, oysters and abundant sea life. Dixey Bar, one of the five best spots on earth to catch bull reds, stands at the mouth of the Mobile Bay. Inside Dixey Bar, the State of Alabama has sunk riprap around the legs of oil and gas wells there, creating habitat for speckled trout, redfish, flounder, sheepshead and many other inshore species.
Alabama's Department of Marine Resources also has built several artificial inshore fishing reefs in the area. Concrete slabs from old bridges have been stood on their edges, and tons of oyster shells then put inside those concrete enclosures to provide habitat for these inshore species. These reefs have produced big catches of speckled trout weighing from 1-1/2- to 6-pounds each, and many of the redfish and rekeased caught off Dixey Bar will weigh 20 pounds or more.
Although the guns of Fort Morgan have witnessed numerous naval battles, there has been no threat to these waters greater than the black, creeping killer oil that has devastated much of the Gulf of Mexico in recent weeks. The State of Alabama and the federal government have spent millions of dollars fortifying the Fort and manning it to protect Mobile Bay in years past. The Armed Services has occupied Fort Morgan in every major war this country has fought. In World War II, German U-boats often went undetected as they slid beneath the waters of the old Fort, and there are reports of German sailors actually coming ashore at Fort Morgan.
The watermen of Fort Morgan have supplied fish, shrimp, oysters and other seafood for the American soldiers who have come to stand and fight at Fort Morgan through the years. Now these same watermen need someone to stand and fight for them and their livelihood and to protect the waters and estuaries that help feed the nation.
As long as the waters of the Mobile Bay remain open, fishermen will continue to catch large numbers of speckled trout, redfish and flounder around the old target ship, once used for target practice by the fighter bombers stationed at Barin Field in Gulf Shores, Ala., and around the inshore gas and oil rigs at the mouth of the Bay. They also still will catch fish around the artificial reefs that home some of the finest speckled-trout fishing in the nation.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Forty Free Fishing Events Set for North Carolina This Weekend RALEIGH, N.C. (June 2) - In celebration of 2010 National Fishing and Boating Week, 40-plus free kids' fishing events are being held across the state.
Supported by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, in cooperation with Neuse Sport Shop, Trout Unlimited, Bayside Marina & Grill, Bass Pro Shops and the U.S. Forest Service, these fishing events provide opportunities for young anglers to learn fishing basics, such as casting, knot-tying and tackle selection. They also let young anglers try their luck at reeling in a variety of freshwater fish, many of them stocked by the Commission, including trout in the mountains and channel catfish in the Piedmont and Coastal regions.
Participants registered at any listed event will be entered into a statewide, random drawing to win a variety of fishing-related prizes. The grand prize is a lifetime sportsman license, which includes freshwater and saltwater fishing privileges, as well as hunting privileges, donated by Neuse Sport Shop in Kinston. First prizes are two lifetime freshwater fishing licenses, donated by the N.C. State Council of Trout Unlimited and Bayside Marina & Grill in Edenton. Bass Pro Shops is donating 50 fishing-related prizes, such as tackle boxes, rod-and-reel combos and fishing line, while the Wildlife Commission is donating another 50 prizes - any of which would be a perfect addition to a young angler's tackle box. Local sponsors for many events will provide prizes and gifts to registered participants as well.
The Commission will conduct the drawing for the 103 prizes later this month. The names of winners, as well as their prizes, will be posted on the Commission's website,www.ncwildlife.org.
Go online to find a fishing event near you or visit www.ncwildlife.org/fishing for more information on fishing in public, inland waters.
About the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission
Since 1947, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission has been dedicated to the conservation and sustainability of the state's fish and wildlife resources through research, scientific management, wise use, and public input. The Commission is the state regulatory agency responsible for the enforcement of fishing, hunting, trapping and boating laws and provides programs and opportunities for wildlife-related educational, recreational and sporting activities. To learn more, visit www.ncwildlife.org.
Get N.C. Wildlife Update - news including season dates, bag limits, legislative updates and more - delivered to your Inbox from the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. Go to www.ncwildlife.org/enews.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
NRA Accepting Entries for Montgomery/NRA Youth Wildlife Art Contest Fairfax, Va. -- The National Rifle Association is now accepting entries for the 2010 George Montgomery/NRA Youth Wildlife Art Contest. The contest, which has been running annually since 1987, is open to students in grades 1 through 12, including home-schooled children. NRA membership is not required. The deadline to enter is November 1, 2010.
Entries will be placed into one of four categories based on school grade. Category I includes grades 1 through 3. Category II is for grades 4 through 6. Category III covers grades 7 through 9, and Category IV includes grades 10 through 12. Entries may portray any North American game bird or animal that may be legally hunted or trapped. Endangered species and non-game animals, such as eagles and snakes, are not eligible subjects. Contestants may call (703) 267-1588 to confirm whether a certain animal or bird is eligible or view a complete list at http://www.nrahq.org/youth/wildlife.asp.
The winners of each category will receive $750. Second-place finishers will receive $500 and the third-place award will be $250. This year features the addition of an overall winner across all categories who will be awarded $1,000.
Contestants are limited to one entry each. Entries may be in a medium of the artist's choice (oil, water color, pastels, pencil, pen and ink, charcoal, etc.). Submissions should be on good quality bond or drawing paper, or illustration board. Preferred sizes for the image are 8-1/2" x 11" or 11" x 14"; matting is optional. Entries should not be framed. Composition must be original. Photographs may be used for reference, but artwork determined to have been traced or copied from an existing photograph or work of art will be disqualified.
Entries must arrive at NRA by November 1, 2010, and must be accompanied by a brief statement signed by the student's parent, guardian, or teacher attesting to the originality of the work and verifying the artist's grade level as of November 1, 2010. In addition, the artist's name, age, home address, phone number, and grade must be printed on the back of the entry or on a note attached to the back of the entry. An optional submission form is available on the webpage for the contest. Entries will be judged on effort, creativity, anatomical accuracy and composition.
Entries should be sent to: George Montgomery/NRA Youth Wildlife Art Contest, 11250 Waples Mill Road, Fairfax, VA 22030. Entries will be returned only if accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. NRA assumes no responsibility for lost or damaged artwork, and reserves all rights to reproduce entries. The immediate families of NRA staff members are not eligible to enter. Questions regarding the contest may be directed to (703) 267-1588 or artcontest@nrahq.org.
The contest is supported through a generous gift from the George Montgomery Foundation, for the creation of the George Montgomery Youth Wildlife Art Endowment. Contact:
Kyle Jillson (703) 267-1588
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Outdoor Life Names Top Towns for Sportsmen New York, NY--Outdoor Life magazine ranks the top towns for hunters and fishermen in its June/July 2010 issue, available on newsstands today. The magazine used extensive data to score 200 towns on their sporting opportunities and quality-of-life issues for its third annual ranking. Rapid City, S.D., population 65,491, took top honors on the magazine's "America's Top 200 Towns for Sportsmen" list. Outdoor Life also created ten custom lists for sportsmen interested in specific outdoor pursuits, including bass fishing, whitetail hunting and more. For complete details on all 200 towns, please visit OutdoorLife.com/besttowns.
"Outdoorsmen want world-class hunting and fishing, but like everyone else, they also want to have a high quality of life," says John Taranto, Senior Editor of Outdoor Life."The towns on this list offer the best of the outdoors as well as decent homes and schools and good-paying jobs. They are truly dream towns for sportsmen."
Rapid City, S.D., took first place in this year's list thanks to its proximity to some of the best and most varied hunting and fishing in the nation, combined with excellent scores in several socio-economic categories. South Dakota's second most populous town, Rapid City enjoys a relatively low unemployment rate, a low cost-of-living, a growing population and a reasonably high median household income. Nearby, the 2.3-million-acre Black Hills National Forest serves as the city's very own sporting playground, with whitetails, mule deer, elk, turkeys, mountain lions and bighorn sheep. Nearby reservoirs, streams and lakes hold trout, perch, bluegills, pike and more.Pierre, at No. 10, is the only other South Dakota town in the top ten.
Pocatello, Idaho, at No. 2, jumped from a No. 5 ranking in 2009. At No. 3, Page is Arizona's only town in the top ten this year. Last year's top town, Lewiston, Idaho,came in at No. 4 this year. Kanab, Utah, once known as "Little Hollywood" because the town and its surrounding area were used as the set in many classic Westerns,moved up seven spots to No. 5. Year-round trout and steelhead fishing helped place Bend, Oregon, at No. 6. Mountain Home, Arkansas, No. 7, is the easternmost town in the top ten. A pair of Wyoming towns round out the list, with Saratoga at No. 8 and Rawlins at No. 9.
Outdoor Life's "America's Top 200 Towns for Sportsmen" offers sportsmen a well-balanced look at places that provide access to a variety of outdoor experiences and a high quality of life. Some sportsmen are more concerned about access to whitetail hunting, trout fishing, cost of living or a number of other factors, and for those sportsmen and women, the magazine created sub-lists that offer top opportunities according to readers' passions. The lists highlight the magazine's picks for Top Whitetail Hunting Towns; Best Towns for Kids; Best Towns With Low Population Densities; Top Retirement Towns; Top Trout Towns; Best Bird Hunting Towns; Big-Game Heavens; Bass Capitals; Top Coastal Towns; and Where to Live Like a King. For complete details, visit OutdoorLife.com/besttowns.
Outdoor Life's 2010 "Top 20 Towns for Sportsmen"
1. Rapid City, SD
2. Pocatello, ID
3. Page, AZ
4. Lewiston, ID
5. Kanab, UT
6. Bend, OR
7. Mountain Home, AR
8. Saratoga, WY
9. Rawlins, WY
10. Pierre, SD
11. Bismarck, ND
12. Rochester, MN
13. Marquette, MI
14. Grand Marais, MN
15. Cody, WY
16. Heber Springs, AR
17. Lander, WY
18. Sheridan, WY
19. Sioux Falls, SD
20. Cooper Landing, AK
For detailed rankings, including all 200 towns, visit OutdoorLife.com/besttowns. The website also includes a comment section for sportsmen and women to sound off on the rankings and their own favorite outdoors paradise.
To determine the 2010 "America's Top 200 Towns for Sportsmen," Outdoor Life started with the 200 towns from last year's list and added suggestions from readers and colleagues. Towns were ranked based on more than 20 criteria, with outdoor-related factors given slightly heavier emphasis than quality-of-life factors. Outdoor factors included gun-friendliness of each town's state, huntable and fishable species nearby, the town's proximity to public hunting land and fishable waters, and the potential for taking a trophy-caliber game animal or fish nearby. Quality-of-life factors included population growth since 2000, median household income, median home value, cost of living, unemployment rate, mean commute time, and amenities (schools, hospitals). The overall Quality of Life score was combined with the overall Outdoor score to reach each town's rank.
ABOUT OUTDOOR LIFE
Outdoor Life (OutdoorLife.com) is the source for hunting and fishing adventure. Outdoor Life provides technical information and insight to the more experienced outdoorsman, including field reports and gear guides to supply hands-on hunters and anglers with the most current knowledge about their passion, supplemented with the latest techniques, tactics and tips. Outdoor Life achieves this by featuring how-to articles written by the experts in the field, the best and most captivating adventure stories from the woods or on the water, comprehensive regional coverage of the best hunting and fishing opportunities in specific areas and annual gear tests conducted by theOutdoor Life editors. Outdoor Life is published 10 times a year by the Bonnier Corporation.
The Bonnier Corporation (bonniercorp.com) is one of the largest consumer-publishing groups in America and the leading media company serving passionate, highly engaged audiences through more than 40 special-interest magazines and related multimedia projects and events.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
PA 2010-11 Hunting/Furtaker Licenses On Sale June 14 HARRISBURG - Beginning Monday, June 14, Pennsylvania hunting and furtaker licenses for the 2010-11 seasons will go on sale throughout the state, according to Carl G. Roe, agency executive director. Licenses will be available through the Game Commission's Pennsylvania Automated License System (PALS), over-the-counter at all Game Commission region offices and the Harrisburg headquarters, as well as the more than 600 in-state and out-of-state issuing agents. Licenses also are available through the PALS website: https://www.pa.wildlifelicense.com.
For the 2010-11 license year, all fees are the same as they have been since 1999. However, there is a 70-cent transaction fee attached to the purchase of each license and permit, which is paid directly to Automated License Systems, the Nashville-based company that runs PALS.
"PALS enabled the Game Commission to modernize the licensing system and improve security," Roe said. "To ensure faster processing, personal information is now recorded through a Pennsylvania driver's license scan. This eliminates data entry; provides a more secure, reliable and accurate means to gather and store license holder records; and eliminates license buyer duplicity.
"For all these reasons - and more - the Game Commission has eliminated paper applications. Nonresidents who have always submitted a paper application will need to use PALS either on the agency's website or at an issuing agent. It's fast, easy and secure."
Roe noted that all license-issuing agents are now part of an integrated, real-time, cyber network that allows them to offer licenses that up until now simply could not be provided via the old license system.
"Now all license agents can issue senior lifetime licenses; Mentored Youth Hunting Program permits; elk drawing applications; bobcat and fisher permits; even resident landowner reduced-fee hunting licenses and Deer Management Assistance Program Harvest (DMAP) permits," Roe said. "Hunters also can purchase the special spring gobbler license, which allows them to harvest a second gobbler in the 2011 spring gobbler season."
New features this year will be the rotation of up to 10 random survey questions of which a license buyer may be asked one question that requires a positive, negative or no response. Additional survey questions may be asked of specific constituents based upon the license privileges they purchase.
Roe also noted, as originally envisioned by the U.S. Congress and the Pennsylvania General Assembly, PALS now will enable the agency to suspend issuing licenses to those, who through court order, have had their hunting license privileges revoked for failure to pay child support.
Roe reminded hunters that, under state law, only Pennsylvania County Treasurers may issue antlerless deer licenses. However, thanks to PALS, county treasurers now may issue an antlerless deer license for any WMU, so long as its allocation isn't sold out.
Applications for the regular round of antlerless deer licenses for residents begins July 12, and nonresidents can apply beginning July 26. An antlerless license application will be printed with every general license purchased, and an application also will be available in the 2010-11 Hunting and Trapping Digest for the first and second round of unsold antlerless deer licenses. Except for Wildlife Management Units (WMU) 2B, 5C and 5D, hunters only may apply for one license during each application period.
"Hunters will need to continue using pink envelopes to mail antlerless deer license applications to the county treasurer of their choice to process the applications and mail back antlerless deer licenses," Roe said. "Hunters will have the option of listing their first, second and third WMU preferences for doe licenses on their applications. Treasurers will fill the highest WMU preference listed by the hunter. This option will eliminate reapplication for a doe license if your first WMU preference - or second - is sold out. However, hunters do not need to list alternative WMUs if they only plan to hunt in one specific WMU."
A list of all County Treasurer mailing addresses is included in the 2010-11 Digest, which is provided to each license buyer. More details on the new procedures for applying for a doe license can be found in the Digest, which has been posted in the right-hand column of the agency's website (www.pgc.state.pa.us).
Another change will be the new look and feel of licenses. The yellow strip - similar to a fishing license - will fit into your old license holder, or one of the smaller new ones. Carcass tags are different-looking, too. They're squarer, have perforated holes and are preprinted with your name and address. Licenses will fold into a 2.5-inch by 3.5-inch, tear-resistant document.
Roe reminded hunters that, in conjunction with the move to PALS, the Game Commission now is able to accept online harvest reports for deer, wild turkey, bobcat and fisher. In addition to reporting deer and wild turkey harvests within the prescribed time limits, those who possess a DMAP, bobcat or fisher permit are required to report, regardless of whether they harvested an antlerless deer, bobcat or fisher, respectively. Each online harvest report costs the Game Commission 50 cents.
"A hard-copy of the postage-paid report card still will be available in the 2010-11 Digest, but the agency is hoping hunters will report online to save on the cost of postage and data entry," Roe said. "Reporting online also will ensure your harvest data will not be lost in the mail."
Waterfowl and migratory game bird seasons are not included in the 2010-11 Digest, as those seasons won't be established until mid-August. Once seasons are set, the Game Commission will produce the annual Guide to Migratory Game Bird Hunting brochure, which will be posted on the agency's website (www.pgc.state.pa.us) and mailed to U.S. Post Offices. However, applications and directions for the public drawing to waterfowl hunting blinds in the controlled hunting areas at the Game Commission's Pymatuning and Middle Creek wildlife management areas are in the 2010-11 Digest.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
PA 2010-11 Hunting/Furtaker Licenses On Sale June 14 HARRISBURG - Beginning Monday, June 14, Pennsylvania hunting and furtaker licenses for the 2010-11 seasons will go on sale throughout the state, according to Carl G. Roe, agency executive director. Licenses will be available through the Game Commission's Pennsylvania Automated License System (PALS), over-the-counter at all Game Commission region offices and the Harrisburg headquarters, as well as the more than 600 in-state and out-of-state issuing agents. Licenses also are available through the PALS website: https://www.pa.wildlifelicense.com.
For the 2010-11 license year, all fees are the same as they have been since 1999. However, there is a 70-cent transaction fee attached to the purchase of each license and permit, which is paid directly to Automated License Systems, the Nashville-based company that runs PALS.
"PALS enabled the Game Commission to modernize the licensing system and improve security," Roe said. "To ensure faster processing, personal information is now recorded through a Pennsylvania driver's license scan. This eliminates data entry; provides a more secure, reliable and accurate means to gather and store license holder records; and eliminates license buyer duplicity.
"For all these reasons - and more - the Game Commission has eliminated paper applications. Nonresidents who have always submitted a paper application will need to use PALS either on the agency's website or at an issuing agent. It's fast, easy and secure."
Roe noted that all license-issuing agents are now part of an integrated, real-time, cyber network that allows them to offer licenses that up until now simply could not be provided via the old license system.
"Now all license agents can issue senior lifetime licenses; Mentored Youth Hunting Program permits; elk drawing applications; bobcat and fisher permits; even resident landowner reduced-fee hunting licenses and Deer Management Assistance Program Harvest (DMAP) permits," Roe said. "Hunters also can purchase the special spring gobbler license, which allows them to harvest a second gobbler in the 2011 spring gobbler season."
New features this year will be the rotation of up to 10 random survey questions of which a license buyer may be asked one question that requires a positive, negative or no response. Additional survey questions may be asked of specific constituents based upon the license privileges they purchase.
Roe also noted, as originally envisioned by the U.S. Congress and the Pennsylvania General Assembly, PALS now will enable the agency to suspend issuing licenses to those, who through court order, have had their hunting license privileges revoked for failure to pay child support.
Roe reminded hunters that, under state law, only Pennsylvania County Treasurers may issue antlerless deer licenses. However, thanks to PALS, county treasurers now may issue an antlerless deer license for any WMU, so long as its allocation isn't sold out.
Applications for the regular round of antlerless deer licenses for residents begins July 12, and nonresidents can apply beginning July 26. An antlerless license application will be printed with every general license purchased, and an application also will be available in the 2010-11 Hunting and Trapping Digest for the first and second round of unsold antlerless deer licenses. Except for Wildlife Management Units (WMU) 2B, 5C and 5D, hunters only may apply for one license during each application period.
"Hunters will need to continue using pink envelopes to mail antlerless deer license applications to the county treasurer of their choice to process the applications and mail back antlerless deer licenses," Roe said. "Hunters will have the option of listing their first, second and third WMU preferences for doe licenses on their applications. Treasurers will fill the highest WMU preference listed by the hunter. This option will eliminate reapplication for a doe license if your first WMU preference - or second - is sold out. However, hunters do not need to list alternative WMUs if they only plan to hunt in one specific WMU."
A list of all County Treasurer mailing addresses is included in the 2010-11 Digest, which is provided to each license buyer. More details on the new procedures for applying for a doe license can be found in the Digest, which has been posted in the right-hand column of the agency's website (www.pgc.state.pa.us).
Another change will be the new look and feel of licenses. The yellow strip - similar to a fishing license - will fit into your old license holder, or one of the smaller new ones. Carcass tags are different-looking, too. They're squarer, have perforated holes and are preprinted with your name and address. Licenses will fold into a 2.5-inch by 3.5-inch, tear-resistant document.
Roe reminded hunters that, in conjunction with the move to PALS, the Game Commission now is able to accept online harvest reports for deer, wild turkey, bobcat and fisher. In addition to reporting deer and wild turkey harvests within the prescribed time limits, those who possess a DMAP, bobcat or fisher permit are required to report, regardless of whether they harvested an antlerless deer, bobcat or fisher, respectively. Each online harvest report costs the Game Commission 50 cents.
"A hard-copy of the postage-paid report card still will be available in the 2010-11 Digest, but the agency is hoping hunters will report online to save on the cost of postage and data entry," Roe said. "Reporting online also will ensure your harvest data will not be lost in the mail."
Waterfowl and migratory game bird seasons are not included in the 2010-11 Digest, as those seasons won't be established until mid-August. Once seasons are set, the Game Commission will produce the annual Guide to Migratory Game Bird Hunting brochure, which will be posted on the agency's website (www.pgc.state.pa.us) and mailed to U.S. Post Offices. However, applications and directions for the public drawing to waterfowl hunting blinds in the controlled hunting areas at the Game Commission's Pymatuning and Middle Creek wildlife management areas are in the 2010-11 Digest.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Florida Governor Requests Federal Aid for Fishing Industry Gov. Charlie Crist has asked for federal assistance to help Florida's fishing industries and communities weather adverse impacts of the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Specifically, the governor has requested that the U.S. Commerce Department take action under federal law to provide aid to commercial fishermen, charter boat operators and coastal fishing communities.
"The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has been consulting with our fishing industry stakeholders very closely over the past several weeks," said FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto. "They are telling us they are struggling to stay afloat even though fishing is still open in Florida and seafood is still being harvested."
While Florida so far has been mostly spared from direct impacts of the oil spill in its coastal waters, Florida fishermen and coastal communities are already experiencing a significant loss of current and future income because of a mistaken public notion that all of Florida's waters have been tainted by the oil spill.
This is compounded by the fact that expanding federal fishery closures and the recent movement of oil towards the Florida Panhandle are considerably reducing fishing opportunities for commercial and charter boat fishermen, especially for important snapper and grouper species off the state's west coast.
Federal aid would help offset severe and immediate economic impacts to Florida's commercial grouper fleet and seafood dealers who are having trouble selling their products because of unfounded fears that seafood from the Gulf is contaminated. Federal assistance also would help Florida's charter fishing fleet, for-hire guides and related fishing communities that are suffering, mainly because of misperceptions and misinformation about the extent and impact of the oil spill.
"We appreciate Gov. Crist taking the lead to help the people who help make Florida the 'Fishing Capital of the World,'" Barreto said. "We will keep a close watch on the oil spill and respond to any impacts we may experience, but Florida is still open, and we encourage everyone to keep fishing and to enjoy Florida seafood products."
Updated information regarding the FWC's response to the BP oil spill is available online at MyFWC.com/OilSpill. Contact:
Lee Schlesinger (850) 487-0554
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Alabama Free Fishing Day Saturday, June 12
Alabama's "Free Fishing Day" is scheduled for Saturday, June 12, 2010. The event takes place during National Fishing and Boating Week, June 5 - 13. Approved by the Alabama Legislature, Free Fishing Day allows for an annual free day of fishing when residents and non-residents may fish in most state waters without a fishing license. The fishing licensing exemption applies to both freshwater and saltwater fishing.
According to Barnett Lawley, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Commissioner, fishing is a gateway activity that allows kids and parents to be a part of nature. "Fishing events like Free Fishing Day are a great opportunity for Alabama families to spend quality time together outdoors," Lawley said.
The exemption of the usual fishing license requirement on Free Fishing Day does not affect some lakes that may still require fees and permits. Fishing in a private pond requires the pond owner's permission. Contact your local Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries district office if you have any questions regarding license requirements. A list of district offices and contact numbers can be found at www.outdooralabama.com/fishing/freshwater/staff/. A list of freshwater fishing options can be found atwww.outdooralabama.com/fishing/freshwater/where/regions/.
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama's natural resources through five divisions: Marine Police, Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. To learn more about ADCNR, visit www.outdooralabama.com . Contact:
Doug Darr (334) 242-3884
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Rehabilitated Birds to be Released After Rescue From Oil Impacted Areas WHEN: Thursday, June 3, 2010 at 2:30 p.m.
WHERE: Sherburne WMA
North Farm Unit
* Rendezvous point for media: I-10 West, Ramah Exit, approximately 20 minutes west of Baton Rouge.
Officials from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) and United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) will release two oil spill impacted birds Thursday afternoon at the Sherburne Wildlife Management Area (WMA) on the northern edge of the Atchafalaya Basin.
A Least Bittern and a Cattle Egret, treated at the Fort Jackson rehabilitation facility in Buras, La., survived oil contamination and are being returned to the wild.
For more information related to the oil spill, visit http://www.emergency.louisiana.gov. Connect with us on www.facebook.com/GOHSEP and on Twitter @GOHSEP. View photos in from the state's response efforts at http://www.flickr.com/photos/lagohsep.
The Gulf of Mexico: Still Open for Business Thursday, May 27, 2010 Editor's Note: Yesterday, Louisiana announced the opening of spring shrimp season on Lake Ponchatrain, Lake Borgne and Mississippi Sound. The LDWF also reopened recreational and commercial fishing activities in Bayou Grand Caillou in Terrebonne Parish. B-P also announced yesterday the next step they'll try to stanch the gush of oil from the Deepwater Horizon will be a "top kill" -using 50,000 barrels of dense mud and a fleet of robotic submarines to plug the well that continues to leak a mile below the surface.
For the next few days, we'll feature ongoing reports from the Gulf of Mexico and the recreational areas that are determined to get their story out - the Gulf of Mexico may be in serious trouble, but the problems are still to be determined. As of today, things are far more normal than news reports might have you believe.
Here's Lisa Metheny's first report.
For over a month now, it seems nearly every major news network has had their cameras pointed at the Gulf of Mexico. Reporters have been watching, waiting and reporting on the oil spill. Tarball, tophat, loop current and oil slick have become a daily addition to our vocabulary. Reports regarding the sticky situation have been forthcoming on a daily basis. And stories of affected sea life, and consequential warnings about the consumption of affected fish, have become a part of the information flow from this oil spill.
Recently I received an invitation from the Alabama Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) to visit Gulf Shores and Orange Beach to experience first-hand the area's excellent deep sea and in-shore fishing. Little did I know my worries would go from my untested sea legs to whether or not the beaches would be covered in oil and the fish contaminated.
With the constant news coverage, it was easy to let myself worry about murky waters, poisoned fish and un-sailable waters. Daily reports of the environmental impact and resulting clean up that the Gulf was facing seemed to show that it was going to be impossible for me to travel to and fish in the Gulf, let alone enjoy it. But Kim Chapman, public relations manager for the CVB assured me that that wasn't going to be the case and my trip was a go and I was going to be able to enjoy the wonderful beaches, clean waters and excellent fishing that the area had to offer.
While the situation in the Gulf near the Deepwater Horizon accident is extremely serious, the majority of the Gulf of Mexico is still unaffected - except by the negative impact of reporting about the situation. As seen here, most beaches remain the pristine white beaches. Lisa Methey photo.
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I wasn't sure what I was expecting to see. Dirty beaches with sick, oil covered animals stranded on the sand or dead fish floating in the water? This was the story main stream media was painting. But here I am in Gulf Shores, Alabama and there's not a tarball in site. I can't smell oil. The pristine ocean is still just that, pristine. And clean. The fishing is still fabulous and according to the locals, even better than before.
The sensationalism of the traditional media has some believing that every inch of coastline in the southern United States is seeping with oil. Here in lies the problem for the cities, beaches and businesses in the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach area. The negative reporting has had an ill effect on the tourism and charter fishing vessels and business is down an estimated 25%.
Why?
Well, as Chapman explains, it's the misperceptions that are hurting Gulf Shores and Orange Beach the most. "The tourism right now is a little slow because of the cancellations. Some people haven't reached out to us and if you go by what is perceived in the media, you're not getting the entire picture." Many would-be visitors are confused by the news and because of their uncertainty; many have chosen to cancel their travel plans to the area, which is bad news for the local economy.
Chapman also echoes what I'm experiencing first hand, explaining that "Gulf Shores and Orange Beach [does] not have any oil effects on the beach. We are free of oil spills, tar balls, the smell, etc. It is a beautiful, clean, white beach." Chapman advises potential visitors, and those with previously booked plans, to contact the CVB for daily updates on the conditions of the water and the coastline. "We are working hard, fielding phone calls from guests and answering their questions. If they need more specific information, such as lodging, lots of places have posted their guarantees and other incentives that are being offered on their Web sites. Mainly, we are doing our best to answer questions and address concerns and daily post pictures and videos of the condition of our beaches."
While the oil spill is sadly affecting many beaches and countless sea life, other beaches are still open for business. Fishing, both deep sea and in shore are excellent in this area, and so are some of the travel incentives. Check out the Alabama Convention and Visitors Bureau at www. http://www.gulfshores.com/ for daily updates on water conditions and coast line.
--Lisa Metheny
Metheny's reports from the Gulf Coast will continue tomorrow.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Turtle Trapping Yields 62-pound Turtle PHOENIX - After a three-day management effort to remove nonnative turtles from a Papago Park pond near the entrance of the Phoenix Zoo, biologists are still in disbelief at the capture of the largest turtle ever in the history of the program: a 62-pound alligator snapping turtle.
The turtle is nearly double the weight of the previous record holder, a 31.5 pound common snapping turtle.
"Finding a turtle of this size in the pond is a reminder of how important it is not to release nonnative species into the wild," says Cristina Jones, turtles project coordinator for the Arizona Game and Fish Department. "Not only is this animal considered restricted wildlife, a turtle of this kind and size is capable of significantly impacting the native species living in the pond by out-competing them and preying on native turtles and fish."
The large alligator snapping turtle was removed from the pond and taken to the Phoenix Herpetological Society (PHS), where it will remain in captivity. It was not part of the zoo's exhibits. The pond is enjoyed by zoo guests from a viewing bridge, high above the water.
This year, 75 nonnative turtles were captured and 32 were removed from the pond, with the majority being red-eared sliders. Only female nonnative turtles were removed from the pond to help prevent reproduction. Female turtles will be placed with PHS and made available for adoption to suitable homes with a pond in a fenced yard.
"The Phoenix Zoo has been intensively involved in native species conservation efforts like the nonnative turtle trapping for many years," says Stuart Wells, director of conservation and science at the Phoenix Zoo. "Controlling these invasive species benefits the efforts to recover native species populations. Many of the state's most imperiled species, including Chiricahua leopard frogs and narrow-headed garter snakes, are negatively impacted by the proliferation of introduced nonnative species."
Every year, it is estimated that hundreds of unwanted pet turtles are released into the Papago Park pond by their owners. Owners often purchase turtles when they are small without considering how large they become. Believing they are doing the best thing for their unwanted pet, they release them in public ponds.
Federal regulations prohibit the sale of turtles smaller than four inches long as pets to help prevent salmonella, an infection that young children are especially prone to contract. Arizona also has a law prohibiting the sale of any animal, including turtles, on or adjacent to public streets and parks in Maricopa and Pima counties.
"The sale, distribution, or gifting of turtles with a shell less than four inches long is illegal," says John Kolman, Maricopa County Environmental Services Department director. "All reptiles, like turtles, lizards, and snakes; and amphibians like frogs, are commonly contaminated with salmonella, which could make people, especially children, very ill."
The first nonnative species turtle trapping was held at the zoo in 1999. Since then, nearly 700 turtles have been captured and 375 removed.
The trapping program was a joint effort of the Arizona Game and Fish Department, Phoenix Zoo, Phoenix Herpetological Society and nearly 120 volunteers.
The alligator snapping turtle, one of the largest freshwater turtles in the world, is native to the southeastern region. Alligator snapping turtles spend most of their time in the water, and rarely venture on land. A threatened species, adult snappers have no natural predators other than humans.
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The Arizona Game and Fish Department prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, or disability in its programs and activities. If anyone believes that they have been discriminated against in any of the AGFD's programs or activities, including employment practices, they may file a complaint with the Deputy Director, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086-5000, (602) 942-3000, or with the Fish and Wildlife Service, 4040 N. Fairfax Dr. Ste. 130, Arlington, VA 22203. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation or this document in an alternative format by contacting the Deputy Director as listed above. Contact:
Lynda Lambert , AGFD (623) 236-7203
Linda Hardwick (602) 663-3254
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Pheasants Forever Focused on Forever East Lansing, Mich. - 0 - The 2010 Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever Focus on Forever Conference is scheduled for July 23rd through 25th at the Demmer Shooting Sports Education and Training Center on the campus of Michigan State University in East Lansing. A "train the trainer" conference, Focus on Forever is designed for the organization's chapter members, natural resources agency staff, and members of the public passionate about introducing youth and their families to America's outdoor traditions and wildlife conservation ethics.
"We are keenly aware of the downward trend in the amount of time kids spend outside. Add the declining number of new hunters being recruited and retained, and we are all left to question the future of our outdoor traditions and land stewardship ethics," explained Rich Wissink, Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever's Youth Programs Specialist. "Focus on Forever allows us to engage the people who are directly linked to a larger number of kids. The attendees to this year's event may represent 10,000 youngsters. That's a lot of kids we hope to get outside through one event."
This year's Focus on Forever event in East Lansing represents the third such event. Iowa was home to the 2008 conference, while Nebraska hosted last year's event. This year's conference includes sessions covering a wide range of topics; including, best practices for hosting youth mentor hunts, introducing shooting sports to novice shooters, canoeing and angling basics, habitat projects for kids, basic teaching skills and activities from the Leopold Education Project.
Focus on Forever is part of the organization's larger No Child Left Indoors® initiative. The initiative's mission is to engage the organization's members, chapters and conservation partners in working together to introduce youth and their families to a lifetime of adventure and health benefits that come from playing, recreating and spending time outdoors. Hoping to inspire the next generation of conservationists and land stewards; the organization strives to first give youth and their families the skills and opportunity to have fun developing an appreciation for wild places and the critters that live there.
This year's Focus on Forever conference received a presenting sponsorship donation from The Hal & Jean Glassen Memorial Foundation of Okemos, Michigan. The Glassen Foundation was founded in 1992 to support efforts to foster shooting skills, hunter ethics, and game bird management practices grounded in science. Both Hal and Jean were avid bird hunters and dog lovers.
If you have questions or would like to register for the 2010 Focus on Forever Workshop, please contact Rich Wissink, Pheasants Forever's Youth Programs Specialist, at 715-722-0286; or Liz Roxberry, Pheasants Forever's Michigan Youth Education Specialist, at 517-927-8364.
Pheasants Forever is dedicated to the conservation of pheasants, quail and other wildlife through habitat improvements, public awareness, education and land management policies and programs.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
High Water Closes Pair of Indiana Beaches High water has resulted in the closure of the beach at Salamonie Lake and a request from the Department of Natural Resources for caution on the water at both Salamonie and Roush lakes through Memorial Day weekend.
At Roush Lake, the beach should be open, although the water will be very muddy. Salamonie Lake is at 7 feet over summer pool and is rising slowly, and the beach is very likely to remain underwater and closed.
Boat ramps will be open at both lakes, but the influx of water into the reservoirs always results in an increase in partially submerged logs and other debris. Boaters should use caution on the water.
Campgrounds, picnic areas and shelters, interpretive programs and other recreation activities remain open and available for use.
Additional rain may alter conditions at one or both locations. For current conditions, contact Salamonie Lake at (260) 468-2125 or Roush Lake at (260) 468-2165. Contact:
Dennis White for Salamonie (260) 468-2125 and Jeff Reed for Roush (260) 468-2165.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
DU Issues Gulf Oil Spill Statement MEMPHIS, Tennessee - In a statement released today, Ducks Unlimited CEO Dale Hall emphasized that the organization has reached out to both federal and state agencies and offered its assistance and technical expertise in the damage assessment and habitat restoration phases of the 36-day-old Gulf disaster.
"DU understands the frustration of watching this happen," Hall said. "We are frustrated as well, but right now it is important for the federal agencies and BP to handle the emergency response and containment phase. We have offered our assistance in any way we can."
Oil has been spilling into the Gulf since April 20, 2010 and is currently moving into wetlands that support waterfowl, shorebirds and other wildlife. These wetlands are also vital to the livelihoods of many citizens in the region. The Gulf Coast is a top conservation priority for DU and the organization is committed to reestablishing healthy wetlands in the Gulf.
"I have spoken to the director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and directors of state wildlife agencies in Louisiana, Alabama and Florida," Hall explained. "They know we are there to help when we are needed. DU plans on doing what it does best and that is restoring and revitalizing wetland habitats. We have worked hard in the past to reinvigorate these ecosystems and we will continue to do so."
The Gulf Coast is one of DU's top five priority habitats and the region is one of the most significant wintering areas for waterfowl in North America, having wintered up to 9.2 million ducks and more than 1.5 million geese in some years. The area of southeast Louisiana most directly and immediately affected may winter more than 4.6 million waterfowl.
Ducks Unlimited is the world's largest nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving North America's continually disappearing waterfowl habitats. Established in 1937, Ducks Unlimited has conserved more than 12 million acres thanks to contributions from more than a million supporters across the continent. Guided by science and dedicated to program efficiency, DU works toward the vision of wetlands sufficient to fill the skies with waterfowl today, tomorrow and forever. For more information, go to www.ducks.org.
EDITOR'S NOTE: See the statement herehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OspFwnTXd-g&feature=player_embedded
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Ohio Announces Reciprocity Agreement With North Dakota According to Jim Irvine, Chairman of Buckeye Firearms Association, this is good news. "For Ohio citizens with a Concealed Handgun License, this means they can now exercise their Constitutionally-protected rights in a total of 29 states including Ohio."
States where Ohio's Concealed Handgun License is valid include:
Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
Irvine says some people are confused about the difference between "reciprocity" with other states and states that "honor" licenses.
"A total of 20 states now have 'reciprocity' agreements with Ohio, meaning Ohio recognizes their license and they recognize Ohio's license. With other states, Ohio does not recognize their license, but they "honor" Ohio's license.
"But for the Ohio license holder, this is a distinction without a difference. If you have an Ohio Concealed Handgun License, you can carry a handgun legally in a total of 29 states, including Ohio, as long as you follow the rules of each state."
For more information on concealed carry in Ohio and how to obtain or renew your license, visit the Ohio CCW Information Center: www.buckeyefirearms.org/ohio-ccw-information-center.
Buckeye Firearms Association is a grassroots political action committee (PAC) dedicated to defending and advancing the right of Ohio citizens to own and use firearms for all legal activities, including self-defense, hunting, competition, and recreation. We work to elect pro-gun candidates and lobby for pro-gun legislation.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Game Commission Enrolls Class of WCO Cadets HARRISBURG - The Pennsylvania Game Commission's 28th Class of Wildlife Conservation Officer (WCO) Cadets recently took up residence at the agency's Ross Leffler School of Conservation, which adjoins the headquarters building along Elmerton Avenue in Harrisburg.
The class, comprising 23 men and one woman, will undergo 49 weeks of training, including field duty with veteran officers, before graduation in March of 2011, which will mark the 75th Anniversary of the agency's graduation of its first class of WCOs.
"The 24 individuals who made it into the 28th Class were chosen from a field of more than 900 applications," said Carl G. Roe, Game Commission executive director. "They now will be challenged to successfully complete the 49 weeks of intensive training. Those who pass will join a proud team of Wildlife Conservation Officers, and be entrusted by the public to protect and conserve Pennsylvania's wildlife resources and habitats and enforce the state's hunting and trapping laws."
Cadets were selected through a series of written tests, interview boards and physical examinations. Training will include subjects such as: wildlife management; law enforcement; legal procedures; physical fitness; firearms proficiency; unarmed self-defense; land management practices; computer skills; conservation education; and public relations. Cadets will be evaluated throughout the weeks and required to meet stringent standards to continue.
Upon graduation, each cadet will be commissioned a Wildlife Conservation Officer and given an assignment within the Commonwealth. Following a probationary period of at least one year, the WCO's performance will be evaluated and, if acceptable, he/she will be granted permanent status. Continued training will be required on a regular basis for certain skills, such as firearms proficiency and legal updates. Other advanced skills training may be offered on a voluntary basis.
Of the 24 individuals enrolled in this class, 13 have college or advanced degrees; six are veterans; nine have served as Deputy WCOs for the Game Commission; three had served as full-time Game Commission employees in other capacities; and two worked for the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Other careers included probation and parole officers; security officers; construction foreman; cook; electrician; sales technician; utility line worker; business owner; corrections officer; forklift driver; bank customer services associate; counselor; sales manager; animal care technician; lawn care business crew leader; and aquatics specialist.
The minimum age of those enrolled is 24 years, the maximum is 50 years.
Officer cadets and their hometowns are: Steven Ace, Knox, Clarion County; Kevin Anderson, New Bloomfield, Perry County; Christopher Bergman, Monongahela, Washington County; Edward Berryman, Zionsville, Lehigh County; Ronda Bimber, Lucinda, Clarion County; Brandon Bonin, Patton, Cambria County; Daniel Bookser, Pittsburgh, Allegheny County; Matthew Chipego, Noxen, Wyoming County; Jeremy Coughenour, Berlin, Somerset County; Eric Erdman, Milton, Northumberland County; Gregory Graham, Lititz, Lancaster County; Lawrence Harris, Northampton, Northampton County; Kevin Halbfoerster, Bath, Northampton County; Kyle Jury, Halifax, Dauphin County; Jason Kelley, Rome, Bradford County; A. Wade Kramer, Lancaster, Lancaster County; Matthew Lucas, Ebensburg, Cambria County; Richard Macklem II, McElhatton, Clinton County; Daniel Murray, Elizabethtown, Lancaster County; Shawn Musser, New Cumberland, York County; Jacob Olexsak, Butler, Butler County; Michael Papinchak, Murrysville, Westmoreland County; Brian Singer, Clarks Summit, Lackawanna County; and Philip White, Bear Creek, Luzerne County.
The Game Commission has budgeted nearly $2 million to train these 24 individuals, who will help fill vacant districts throughout the state. The agency anticipates that there may be as many as 31 vacant districts before the class graduates in March.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Great Start on Nesting Grounds May Indicate Good Year for Waterfowl MCCLUSKY, NORTH DAKOTA - The hills are alive with breeding ducks. Conditions in the U.S. Prairie Pothole Region (PPR) are excellent for waterfowl production. And birds are taking full advantage of the food and nesting cover available to them.
"When I've been out in the field, there were ducks everywhere. We're seeing lots of breeding ducks, and all indications are we'll have lots of hens nesting this year," said Scott Stephens, director of conservation planning for Ducks Unlimited's (DU) Great Plains Regional Office (GPRO). "We have had very wet conditions on the prairies, and that has caused many of the seasonal wetlands to be full of water and exploding with duck food."
This spring DU research crews are searching winter wheat fields looking for duck nests to see how nests fare in fall-planted cereal crops compared to other nesting habitats.
Ducks researchers found these duck species already nesting on the prairie:
• Mallards
• Northern pintails
• Blue-winged teal
• Northern shovelers
Ducks expected to begin nesting soon:
• Gadwall
• Scaup
Samples taken from prairie wetlands were teaming with aquatic invertebrates, a vital food resource for nesting hens. "The potholes were loaded with water boatmen, midges, snails and other invertebrates," said Steve Adair, director of operations for GPRO. "It also looks like we will have no shortage of mosquitoes this summer."
Stephens says with last year's excellent duck production he expects waterfowl populations have increased. "And if the birds breeding here now experience good production again, as we suspect they will, then populations should be in good shape," he said.
Prior to last year, conditions on the prairie were much dryer and bird populations dropped. "We're pleased to see favorable wetland conditions again this year," Stephens said. "We're especially pleased about rebounding pintail numbers because they've been below population objectives for some time. Good conditions on the prairie should facilitate improved populations."
One dark cloud in these promising waterfowl conditions is the continued loss of native prairie and Conservation Reserve Program grasslands. "Waterfowl and many other birds nest in grass. If the grass isn't there, full wetlands are not enough to keep duck populations stable," Adair said. "We continue to be very concerned about keeping grass in the PPR, which produces about 70 percent of the continent's waterfowl when conditions are wet like this year."
"From a continental perspective, we'll need production from the Canadian prairies and the boreal forest if the fall flight of ducks is to be maintained," Stephens said.
Ducks Unlimited is the world's largest nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving North America's continually disappearing waterfowl habitats. Established in 1937, Ducks Unlimited has conserved more than 12 million acres, thanks to contributions from more than a million supporters across the continent. Guided by science and dedicated to program efficiency, DU works toward the vision of wetlands sufficient to fill the skies with waterfowl today, tomorrow and forever.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Country Music's Lawrence Headlines Outdoor Trails Radio Magazine Country Music Artist - Tracy Lawrence
Tracy Lawrence is one of the premier voices of his generation, a sensitive and intelligent singer who continues to stretch both as an artist and as a person. Lawrence's dedication to honesty and respect for tradition have enabled him to build one of the most respected careers in recent country history. He talks with Jim and Travis about his recent CD "The Rock," his hectic tour schedule and his plans for elk hunting this fall.www.tracylawrence.com
Jim Sammons host of "The Kayak Fishing Show"
Jim Sammons is the host "The Kayak Fishing Show with Jim Sammons" which airs on the World Fishing Network. The first season of the show started airing this January and will be repeating in all 4 quarters in 2010. Currently this is the only TV show that is 100% focused on catching fish from a kayak. www.kayakfishingshow.com
Geoff Nemnich of Coyote Craze
Geoff Nemnich's obsession with calling coyotes began over 15 years ago while he was deer hunting at a local wildlife management area. It was there he stumbled upon a lanyard filled with distress calls that someone else had lost. Today, he takes great pride in introducing new people to the sport of calling coyotes and enjoys sharing his vast knowledge of the sport. www.coyotecraze.com
The Weekly Giveaway
We're giving away great prizes every week to our listeners.
This week's prize is the Buddy Knife from Puma Knife Company. This handmade hunting knife has a handle made from true naturally dropped stag antlers and has a 2.8 inch drop blade and is 7.3 inches in overall length. It features a 440C steel blade and comes with a leather sheath and lifetime limited warranty. To win send an email to: radio@outdoortrailsnetwork.com. Just say "I saw you on the radio!" One winner will be drawn every week!
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
$10,000 Diamond Jim Striped Bass on the Loose WHAT: Maryland DNR will release the first batch of up to 200 tagged striped bass, including Diamond Jim for the 2010 Maryland Fishing Challenge.
WHERE: Happy Harbor Marina
533 Deale Road
Deale, MD 20751
WHEN: Thursday, May 27, 2010.
Meet at 8:30 a.m. Boat departs at 9 a.m.
**MEMBERS OF THE MEDIA PLANNING TO JOIN STAFF FOR THE RELEASE BY BOAT MUST RSVP TO JOSH DAVIDSBURG AT 410-260-8002 NO LATER THAN 1P.M. WEDNESDAY MAY 26**
WHO: DNR Biologists
Marty Gary, Fisheries Ecologist
Youth Anglers
Contest Sponsors
BACKGROUND:
On May 27, 2010, up to 200 tagged striped bass will be released into the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. One of these fish, Diamond Jim, will be worth $10,000. Its imposters will each be worth $500. The challenge will begin Friday, May 28 and will run through Labor Day, September 6, 2010.
Any angler who catches an award citation-qualifying fish will be eligible to win one of the official sponsor grand prizes including a boat, motor and trailer from Bass Pro and Tracker Boats, thousands of dollars in merchandise and fishing trips from Bill's Outdoor Center and an 7-day dream trip to the island of Tobago courtesy of the World Fishing Network.
The Maryland Fishing Challenge was created to showcase Maryland as a great sport fishing destination for its residents and visitors, highlighting our accessible, affordable, high quality and diverse fishing opportunities.
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The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), which celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2009, is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages more than 467,000 acres of public lands and 17,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland's forests, fisheries and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic and cultural resources attract 12 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.dnr.Maryland.gov. Contact:
Josh Davidsburg (410) 260-8002
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
BASS Regional Pumps Big Dollars Into Local Economy YUMA, Arizona - The B.A.S.S. Federation Nation Western Divisional Bass Tournament at Lake Martinez on the Colorado River May 17-21 drew 176 anglers from 11 states and pumped more than $225,000 into the Yuma economy.
The Washington State team took first-place honors and Arizona's team finished 9th in the overall competition.
William Bravence of Globe, Ariz., qualified to compete in the 2010 Bassmaster Federation Nation Championship on the Red River in Shreveport, La., on Oct. 27-29. Larry Hardy of the Tonto Basin, Arizona, hauled in a 6-pound,10-ounce bass to claim the honors for largest fish caught on the final day of the tournament here on Martinez Lake.
But a really big winner was Yuma's economy.
"Filling all the hotel rooms for an entire week, that's huge for us. This is our off-season for tourism," said Chris Bedringer, the events planner for the Yuma Visitors Bureau.
The Yuma Visitors Bureau estimates the tournament brought $200,000 to $300,000 into the local economy. "The national exposure for Yuma was fantastic as well," Bedringer said.
The event was covered by ESPN.
Although the overall divisional tournament was 3-days long, there were also two practice days immediately preceding the competition on the Colorado River.
During the tournament, Bill Golightly from Preston, Idaho, who checked in with a 13-1 limit on the final day, placed first with more than two pounds ahead of Oregon's David Brinkerhoff, who placed second.
Two young Idaho anglers claimed both positions in the one-day Junior Bassmaster competition. Thirteen-year-old Eathan Peterson of Hayden, Idaho, brought in the most weight with 9-6 and was the only junior angler to manage a limit. Tyler Ashton, his 17-year-old teammate from Boise, won in the 15-to-18 age group with three bass totaling 5-13.
Kip Pollay, the president of the Arizona B.A.S.S. Federation Nation, said the City of Yuma helped tremendously in setting up this major bass tournament. "I can't say enough about all the help the City of Yuma gave us. Their willingness to work closely with us was one of the big reasons we brought the tournament here."
Pollay said the tournament really helped a lot of local businesses. "I know the local tackle stores sure did a booming business."
Harold Wah with Sportsman's Hide-A-Way, a tackle shop in Yuma, said the tournament anglers bought a little bit of everything from brush hogs and topwater frogs to Senkos and jigs. "The last day of the tournament the temperature dropped 10 degrees, the wind came up and the fish went deep. I guess a lot of those guys were drop-shotting Senkos. I didn't sell any Robo Worms though."
The B.A.S.S Federation Nation estimates that a tournament with 125 anglers (there were 176 in the Western Division tournament in Yuma) typically provides the following economic benefits:
* Rooms - $65,625;
* Campsites - $1,750;
* Gas - boats, $36,000 and vehicles $10,800;
* Meals - $70,875;
* Entertainment - $28,000;
* Miscellaneous - licenses $3,000, groceries $7,000.
* Total community revenues - $223,050 (note: this is a conservative estimate).
Pollay said it took months of planning and effort to make the tournament a success. During the almost week-long event, Pollay's crew of 20 volunteers from Arizona handled much of the tournament logistics.
"We had our guys strategically placed with flashlights and orange vests to guide the contestants to the three launch ramps at Hidden Shores. On the final day, we launched 77 boats in just 45 minutes. Everyone was amazed. The B.A.S.S officials said our Arizona crew set the bar really high for all the other states," Pollay said.
For more information on the tournament, and the full results, visit sports.espn.go.com/outdoors/bassmaster/federation/index.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD) prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, or disability in its programs and activities. If anyone believes that they have been discriminated against in any of the AGFD's programs or activities, including its employment practices, the individual may file a complaint alleging discrimination directly with the AGFD Director's Office, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, Ariz. 85086, (602) 942-3000 or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 4040 N. Fairfax Dr. Ste. 130, Arlington, VA 22203. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation, such as a sign language interpreter, or this document in an alternative format, by contacting the AGFD Director's Office. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange for accommodation.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Forgotten About Hurricanes? Season Starts June 1 ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA - Last year's Atlantic hurricane season saw the formation of just nine tropical storms - the fewest since 1997. And with news headlines focused on the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, marina operators in the Gulf and Atlantic seaboard are questioning whether boaters are distracted or have simply forgotten about making annual storm preparations for the upcoming hurricane season, which begins June 1. Adding to the operators' worries are forecasts warning that 2010 could be a much more active hurricane season with as many as 18 named storms.
On Florida's east coast, Sebastian River Marina & Boatyard owner Doug Hillman is concerned. "Unfortunately, some of us have short memories," said Hillman, who recalls the last significant storm that struck his region five years ago. "There doesn't seem to be a sense of urgency this season."
Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) is advising recreational boaters in hurricane states to start making plans now to protect their boat from damage. "If you wait until a storm watch is posted, it may be too late," said BoatUS Director of Damage Avoidance Bob Adriance.
To make storm preparation easier, BoatUS has free resources online for boaters, boat clubs, marinas and private dock owners that can help them survive hurricane season:
BoatUS Hurricane Resource Center at http://www.BoatUS.com/hurricanes : The website offers easily downloadable storm planning materials including a hurricane preparation worksheet, an in-depth Guide to Preparing Boats and Marinas for Hurricanes, and checklists for what to do before and after a hurricane strikes. Sample hurricane plans for boat and yacht clubs as well as up-to-the-minute storm tracking tools with live satellite images are also offered.
BoatUS Captains Locator at http://www.BoatUS.com/procaptains: While the safest location for a boat during a storm is on land, boaters may also want to ask their insurer now if their policy covers any of the costs of a storm-related haul-out. With help from the Locator, boat owners can seek the services of a professional delivery captain to move a vessel to a safe "hurricane hole" or to a haul out facility. If moving the boat is not possible, BoatUS suggests owners contact their marina now to enroll in hurricane "clubs".
Help for Boat Clubs, Yards and Marinas: Written for marina and yacht club managers, the free 24-page What Works, A Guide to Preparing Marinas, Yacht Clubs, and Boats for Hurricanes shares success stories as well as failures of dozens of facilities that have experienced a hurricane over last two decades. The guide covers floating docks with tall pilings, strapping down boats ashore, developing hurricane clubs for customers, dealing with boats at fixed docks, moving boats to hurricane holes, and how to install better moorings. Also included is a sample Marina Hurricane Preparation Plan that can be customized for any boating facility, as well as a Hurricane Preparation Worksheet that can be copied and given to individual boat owners. To download a copy of the guide, go to www.BoatUS.com/hurricanes . To get a paper copy, call 703-823-9550 ext. 3525.
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About BoatUS:
BoatUS - Boat Owners Association of The United States - is the nation's leading advocate for recreational boaters providing over half a million members with government representation, programs and money saving services. For membership information visit www.BoatUS.com or call 800-395-2628.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Washington Anglers Fish For Free June 12-13 OLYMPIA - Each year, thousands of Washingtonians go fishing - legally - without a license. How? By taking advantage of Free Fishing Weekend, scheduled June 12-13.
During those two days, no license will be required to fish or gather shellfish in any waters open to fishing in Washington state. Also, no vehicle use permit will be required during Free Fishing Weekend to park at any of the 600 water-access sites maintained by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).
In addition, anglers will not need a Two Pole Endorsement to fish with two poles on thousands of lakes statewide, nor will they need a Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement, otherwise required to fish for salmon and steelhead in the Columbia River and its tributaries.
"Free Fishing Weekend is a great time to revive an old hobby or to introduce friends and family to fishing," said Craig Burley, fish division manager for WDFW. "Adults can introduce kids to fishing on a wide variety of waters around the state."
Anglers have been catching daily limits of trout at lakes for the past month, and many rivers will open to trout fishing June 5 throughout the state. Other options available on Free Fishing Weekend include:
* Hatchery chinook salmon in Washington's ocean waters.
* Lingcod on the coast and Puget Sound.
* Bass, crappie, perch and other warmwater fish biting in lakes throughout eastern Washington.
* Shad and sturgeon on the Columbia River.
* Spring chinook salmon on tributaries to the lower Columbia River.
* Hatchery steelhead on the mainstem Columbia River and on rivers on the Olympic Peninsula.
While no licenses are required on Free Fishing Weekend, other rules such as size limits, bag limits and closures will still be in effect. Anglers will also be required to complete a catch record card for any salmon, steelhead or sturgeon they catch.
Catch record cards and Fishing in Washington 2010/2011 sportfishing rules pamphlets are available free at hundreds of sporting goods stores and other license dealers throughout the state. See http://wdfw.wa.gov/lic/vendors/vendors.htm on the WDFW website to locate a license dealer.
The sportfishing rules pamphlet also is available on WDFW's website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations. Contact:
WDFW Fish Program, (360) 902-2700
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
College Bass National Championship And ESPNU Cameras Return To North Little Rock Atlanta, Georgia - College Bass, the nation's elite collegiate fishing tournament, will return to North Little Rock for the sixth annual College Bass National Championship Thursday, July 8-Saturday, July 10. The best collegiate anglers in the country will cast their lines in the Arkansas River for more than $14,000 in scholarship monies and prizes and the coveted national title.
A true tournament of champions, only one two-person team per school can compete in the national tournament. Schools must participate in a College Bass-sanctioned tournament to qualify for the national championship making this the calendar's most esteemed collegiate bass fishing event.
"In 2005, we had only six sanctioned clubs and teams competing for the national title; now College Bass has more than 220 schools from more than 30 states and Canada competing in three Super Regional events, a national championship and additional College-Bass sanctioned tournaments," said Rob Russow, College Bass tournament director.
Since its inception, the College Bass National Championship has been the only fishing tournament to air on ESPNU. In its sixth season, College Bass will receive extended television coverage totaling nine hours of ESPNU programming. For the first time, the College Bass Super Regionals will be featured in the ESPNU shows, which begin airing Thursday, July 29. ESPNU reaches more than 71 million households across the United States.
Last year 56 teams contended for the national championship trophy with North Carolina State anglers Will White and Chris Wood tipping the scales to claim the 2009 College Bass National Championship title on the Arkansas River in North Little Rock.
"We're anticipating around 75 teams battling it out for bass-fishing supremacy in the challenging, but rewarding North Little Rock waters," said Russow.
The College Bass National Championship will kick off each day with the morning launch at 6 a.m. CDT at the North Little Rock ramp. Thursday and Friday's weigh-ins will be hosted at the Academy Sports + Outdoors (6100 Warden Rd. Sherwood, Ark.) with Saturday's weigh-ins at the North Little Rock Riverfront Park (LaHarpe Boulevard) at 3 p.m. CDT. Angler teams will fish for large-mouth, spotted and smallmouth bass 15 inches or longer, with a five-fish limit. Teams will fish a standard three-day format, with the field narrowed down to the top five teams on the final day. Weights will then be zeroed, and the team with the largest one-day total on Saturday's final day of competition will take the title.
Official practice for the College Bass National Championship anglers begins Saturday, July 3 in pools 5-7 of the Arkansas River. These pools go off limits to College Bass competitors beginning Saturday, June 12 until official practice begins. College Bass National Championship competitors must attend the registration and briefing meeting Wednesday, July 7. (Location TBA).
The 2010 College Bass Tour consists of three Super Regional events and one national championship that kicked off April 10-11 in Montgomery, Ala. with the East Super Regional. The second tournament stop was April 24-25 in Tyler, Texas for the West Super Regional. Fort Madison, Iowa will host this year's inaugural North Super Regional June 5-6.
Collegiate anglers can register to compete in the Super Regionals by contacting Rob Russow at rrussow@groupcse.com or 501-372-6544.
For more information, please visit www.CollegeBass.com or find us on Facebook.
The 2010 College Bass ESPNU Schedule
Thursday, July 29 East, West and North Super Regionals
5-6 p.m. EDT Friday, July 30 National Championship - Part I
5-6 p.m. EDT Saturday, July 31 National Championship - Part II 5-6 p.m. EDT
About College Bass:
Since its inception in 2005, College Bass has been the pioneer in the emerging sport of competitive fishing at the college level with a nationally televised national championship comprised of a qualified field of student anglers. With more than 220 participating colleges and universities from more than 30 states and Canada, College Bass is a rapidly growing property with a mission of supporting student anglers and bass fishing at the club level. The 2010 season marks the sixth anniversary of the national championship event and will also feature three Super Regional events, an increase from two in 2009. Fans can follow the 2010 College Bass Tour online atwww.CollegeBass.com and on ESPNU, which will televise nine hours of coverage beginning next summer.
Sponsors of the 2010 College Bass Tour include Mercury Marine, Triton Boats, Plano Molding Company, Strike King, Ardent Reels, Carrot Stix, Vicious Fishing, Gemini Sport Marketing and Motorguide.
About CSE
CSE, the agency that owns College Bass, is an independently owned sports and entertainment agency, delivering original thinking since 1986. For more information, please visit www.groupcse.com. Contact:
Cama Poffenberger, CSE (770) 955-1300 (office) (404) 290-5906 (cell) or cpoffenberger@groupcse.com
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Big Game Trophy Exhibit Draws Eager Sponsors MISSOULA, Mont.-Conservation groups and the hunting industry are rallying for unprecedented support of an upcoming public exhibit of big game trophies.
Hosted by Boone and Crockett Club, the triennial event is a free showing of world-class antlers, horns and mounted specimens from across North America. The exhibit is set for June 24-26, 2010, at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nevada.
"Since 1947, these exhibits have helped citizens understand more about the hunter-funded conservation system that continues to produce ever-increasing numbers of trophy-class game," said Tony Schoonen, chief of staff for Boone and Crockett Club. "This year, we're honored to have a record number of supporters from across the sporting industry to help us recognize these special animals, their hunters and the fair chase hunts that produced them."
Sponsors for the Boone and Crockett Club's 27th Big Game Awards include:
Boyt Harness Company
Buck Knives
Cabela's
Dallas Safari Club
Eastman's Hunting Journal
Federal/ATK
Hornady Manufacturing
Intermedia Outdoors
Leupold & Stevens
Mule Deer Foundation
Nikon Hunting Optics
Pope & Young Club
Remington Arms and Ammunition
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
Trijicon
Wild Sheep Foundation
Funding from sponsors helps to produce many facets of the event, including the free-to-the-public displays of Top 5 trophies taken during the past three years, along with Boone and Crockett-class trophies taken by hunters age 16 and under, in 36 categories of native North American big game, plus a variety of seminars and exhibits.
Registered attendees also can enjoy raffles, an auction featuring hunts in top trophy regions across the continent and evening awards banquets and presentations.
Details are available at www.biggameawards.com.
The Boone and Crockett system of scoring big game trophies originated in 1906 as means of recording details on species thought to be disappearing because of rampant habitat loss and unregulated hunting. Science-based conservation efforts led and funded by license-buying hunters brought those species from vanishing to flourishing.
Boone and Crockett records remain a classic gauge of habitat and management programs.
In addition to its prestigious history and tradition, the Boone and Crockett scoring system is strongly associated with the highest tenets of fair chase and hunting ethics.
About the Boone and Crockett Club
Founded by Theodore Roosevelt in 1887, the Boone and Crockett Club promotes guardianship and visionary management of big game and associated wildlife in North America. The Club maintains the highest standards of fair-chase sportsmanship and habitat stewardship. Member accomplishments include enlarging and protecting Yellowstone and establishing Glacier and Denali national parks, founding the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service and National Wildlife Refuge System, fostering the Pittman-Robertson and Lacey Acts, creating the Federal Duck Stamp program, and developing the cornerstones of modern game laws. The Boone and Crockett Club is headquartered in Missoula, Mont. For details, visit www.boone-crockett.org.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Zoos & Aquariums Mobilize To Help Gulf's Wildlife Silver Spring, Maryland - America's leading zoos and aquariums are mobilizing to help save wildlife impacted by the Gulf of Mexico oil spill. Zoos and aquariums have been identified by key Federal agencies, including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, as important partners in animal rescue and rehabilitation for the Gulf's wildlife.
"Accredited zoos and aquariums have a unique expertise with animals that can support the clean-up effort," said Jim Maddy, President and CEO of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. "Many zoos and aquariums already have animal rescue and rehabilitation programs in place, and their trained personnel and existing infrastructure are being made available to help with the oil spill response."
Currently, it appears that the greatest need is for skilled professional volunteers to assist with transporting and handling wildlife. Aquariums and zoos across the country are ready to send their professional staff to assist with the rescue, rehabilitation and release of animals back into the wild.
Thirteen AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums are located along the Gulf Coast, but many more AZA-accredited institutions around the county have stepped up to help. Institutions as far away as Newport, KY and Boston, MA are already organizing and lending expertise to aid rescue efforts in the Gulf.
"The Audubon Nature Institute would like to thank zoos and aquariums across the country for their help with the oil spill," said Ron Forman, President and CEO of Audubon Nature Institute in New Orleans. "Many zoos and aquariums helped us in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and continue to lend their support during this current disaster."
A list of current rescue efforts by accredited zoos and aquariums and more information can be found at www.aza.org/oilspill/.
Founded in 1924, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, education, science, and recreation. Look for the AZA logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things. The AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation, and your link to helping animals in their native habitats. To learn more visit www.aza.org. Contact:
Linda Cendes, AZA, (301) 562-0777 x236
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
RFA: Accident a Devastating Blow to Gulf of Mexico Fishing Communities Since the tragic oil spill at the Deepwater Horizon site on April 20, RFA staff has been in close contact with members and allied organizations in the Gulf region. "There's very little we can do right now except pray, keep lines of communication open and work with our legislators to ensure that nothing like this ever happens again," said RFA Executive Director, Jim Donofrio.
In recent years, RFA and other groups were led to believe that mandatory safeguards now utilized on oil platforms had made offshore drilling a safe and ecologically sound way of producing domestic oil. "After Hurricane Katrina, we were assured that the technology was up to speed, but that is clearly not the case. The Deepwater Horizon tragedy illustrates that substantial improvements need to be made to ensure that marine resources and fishing communities are protected in the event of a spill," Donofrio said.
While clean-up efforts are now underway throughout the Gulf, RFA members on the ground are also researching legal avenues for making up the revenue and income losses resulting from this devastating spill. There are more than enough news outlets covering the Gulf disaster, but if you're interested in staying up-to-date on tracking information, Dr. Mitch Roffers has set up a Deepwater Horizon oil spill monitoring tool that uses QuickTime tracking. Also, Florida State University has created an oil spill forecast model using available wind drifts and surface currents.
"There are still great fishing opportunities in the Gulf, and I'd encourage RFA members to keep that in mind when making upcoming plans," Donofrio said. Those interested in charter fishing opportunties in the Gulf should call Capt. Bob Zales at the National Association of Charterboat Operators (NACO) at 866-981-5136.
Contact:
Capt. Bob Zales, NACO (866) 981-5136
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
New York DEC Announces Tentative 2010-11 Migratory Game Bird Hunting Seasons New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis today announced the tentative schedule for many of New York's 2010-2011 migratory game bird seasons, allowing sportsmen and sportswomen to plan outdoor activities well in advance. Tentative season dates for ducks, geese, woodcock, snipe and rails can now be found on the DEC website at: http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/28503.html .
"Each year, DEC announces the tentative schedule to help give hunters an opportunity to begin planning their trips for a safe and successful season," Commissioner Grannis said. "But we always remind hunters to check the final dates, usually issued in late summer, before going afield."
In the event that any season dates do not conform to federal regulations, DEC will strive to ensure that the final seasons encompass the tentative season dates to the extent possible. As soon as the final federal regulations are known, the final season dates, bag limits and other regulations for 2010-2011 migratory game bird hunting seasons in New York will be posted on DEC's website and announced by a statewide news release. Hunters should confirm the final season dates before going afield.
The tentative season dates were developed by a team of DEC staff representing all regions of New York State, taking into consideration anticipated federal regulations for the coming year and recommendations from Waterfowl Hunter Task Forces established by DEC for each zone. DEC has used a task force approach since 1997, and it has been very helpful for setting seasons where hunter preferences are diverse. For more information about the task forces, go to: www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/40737.html.
Tentative season dates for the Lake Champlain Zone were not included because they will be determined by the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Board following public meetings likely to be held in August in Burlington, Vermont. DEC encourages New York waterfowl hunters to attend a meeting; details will be announced by Vermont later this summer.
Copies of the 2010-2011 migratory game bird hunting regulations brochure will be available on the DEC website in late August, and by mid-September wherever hunting licenses are sold.
For more information about hunting waterfowl or other migratory game birds in New York, visit the DEC website at www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/28175.html.
Commissioner Grannis also encouraged all outdoor enthusiasts to consider purchasing a Habitat/Access Stamp, an optional stamp that helps support DEC's efforts to conserve habitat and increase public access for fish and wildlife-related recreation. This year's stamp features a drawing of a pair of playful red foxes. Buying a $5 stamp is a way to help conserve New York's wildlife heritage. More information about purchasing a Habitat Stamp is available at http://www.dec.ny.gov/permits/329.html on DEC's website.
DEC's acclaimed Conservationist magazine brings nature to your door, six times a year for only $12. For a free, no-obligation issue, call 1-800-678-6399. For more information, and to view the latest issue, visit the Conservationist's website at http://www.dec.ny.gov/pubs/conservationist.html .
Contact:
Maureen Wren (518) 402-8000
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Maryland DNR Services Will Close Friday, May 28 Annapolis, Maryland - All Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) offices will be closed this Friday, May 28, as part of the State's Furlough and Temporary Salary Reduction Plan. This includes regional service centers, which are historically busy the Friday before Memorial Day weekend. Maryland State Parks and other public lands managed by DNR will remain staffed and open to the public.
"Maryland's State Parks and other public lands have become traditional venues for Maryland families to enjoy their holiday weekends," said DNR Secretary John Griffin. "We remain committed to keeping these amenities open and operating for citizens and visitors despite the suspended service day."
DNR asks all boaters to plan accordingly, and register their boats early. Anglers can purchase fishing licenses online 24/7 athttp://www.dnr.state.md.us/service/license.asp or over the phone at (800) 918-2870.
On August 26, 2009 the Board of Public Works approved more than $450 million in reductions to the state's FY 2010 budget, to address a projected shortfall. The reductions included a sliding scale of furlough and fixed service reduction days for State employees. It is estimated that the furlough and salary reduction plans will save the State approximately $75 million and prevent the elimination of about 1,500 State jobs.
For more information on State Parks visit http://www.dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/
For more information on the recent budget reductions visit http://www.governor.maryland.gov/pressreleases/090825.asp. Contact:
Josh Davidsburg (410) 260-8002, (410) 507-7526 (cell) or jdavidsburg@dnr.state.md.us
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
American Wilderness Leadership School Life-Changing Experience for Educators Jackson Hole, WY - The American Wilderness Leadership School (AWLS) is nearing its 30th year of programs for educators. Each summer hundreds of educators sponsored by SCI Chapters, members, and other organizations attend AWLS. For many, this is the first time they learn about and shoot any kind of firearm. This can be a life changing experience by gaining an understanding of hunting, shooting, and conservation.
Anne Warren, a 2009 AWLS graduate describes her life changing program there, "I would not have been able to experience AWLS without the support of the Northeast Wisconsin Chapter of SCI and I want to thank all of you, and especially Cal Ort, for the privilege of your sponsorship. In my position as Education Specialist for Marinette County's Land & Water Conservation Division, I present environmental education programs to over 4,000 people a year. I hope to incorporate much of my AWLS experience into my programs, and to help people better understand their environment and the responsibility we have in managing and conserving our natural resources properly. Thank you for this wonderful and unforgettable experience, and for belonging to an organization so dedicated to conservation and education."
Anne goes on to describe her experience, "Programs for the week included interesting and exciting activities held in the classroom and outside, on topics such as stream ecology, wildlife conservation & human impacts, resource management, hunting ethics & economics, resource management, outdoor survival, and ecology. In addition to the activities at Granite Creek Ranch, we also traveled to various sites and spoke with staff from the Wyoming Department of Fish & Game, BLM archeologists and range specialists, National Elk Refuge volunteers & staff, and US Fish & Wildlife biologists. A culminating activity was a rafting trip on the Snake River!
We had the chance to experiment with some Project WILD activities, which we took home with us to incorporate into the classroom. A campfire under the stars wrapped up the week, which is one I won't soon forget. I met great people, the staffs were wonderful, and just being there in the middle of one of the most scenic areas in the country was an experience of a lifetime.
I think one of the most impacting moments for me at AWLS was the trip to the Pinedale oil and gas fields, because it really hit home how much humans impact natural habitats. I believe it is important for educators to really instill in students the importance of environmental responsibility and stewardship, as most people don't really get to see an impact as pronounced as in Pinedale. Humans need those resources, and we all benefit from them, but at what expense do we obtain them? It is for this reason that I think that environmental education is such a vital part of our children's upbringing in today's society, and I think that AWLS is a wonderful opportunity for teachers to help "spread the word" to their students."
Surveying the 2009 AWLS participants showed more than 6,005 students this school year were reached with a conservation message and from the 87% educators indicating they taught a class or lesson plan using what they learned at AWLS.
• 72% of the responders indicated they had participated in one or more shooting sports activities since their AWLS experience.
• 64% indicated that AWLS influenced their way of thinking about the role of hunting. Most stated their eyes were opened to the commitment of hunters in wildlife management and understand the role. Many said they were not aware of the economics of the sportsman's dollars before AWLS.
Spots are still available for Workshop 3, July 17-24 and Workshops 4, July 26- August 2. Although most of the scholarships are supported by SCI chapters, anyone or any business can sponsor an Educator that will go back to their schools and communities and share what they have learned. Tuition is $900 for the 8 day session and includes lodging and meals.
Triple Curl Public Relations and Advertising is also sponsoring scholarships for outdoor writers. Members of the Media who wish to attend (AWLS) go to www.triplecurl.com and complete the scholarship form. This is a great opportunity for hunting and shooting writers to develop new stories on conservation, habitat protection and economic development of natural resources. This Scholarship includes tuition for an eight day session, food, lodging and airfare. For applications, brochures and more information go to www.safariclubfoundation.org or send an email request to awlsscif@safareclub.org
Contact:
Jon Zinnel Cory Cannon
Safari Club International Foundation Triple Curl Public Relations
1- 520-620-1220 ext 228 1-801-525-0253
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Felt Sole Ban In The Works For Maryland Streams to Stop Spread of Didymo Annapolis, Maryland - Based on scientific advice from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Invasive Species Matrix Team, DNR is moving forward with a regulation to ban the use of felt-soled boots and waders in Maryland waters. The ban on felt soles was introduced at the May 17 public scoping meeting in Annapolis, and would help to prevent further spread of microorganisms that infest the State's waters and, when overgrown, damage water quality and impair fishing and boating opportunities.
"You couldn't find a more effective method for transporting microscopic species from one place to another than the felt soles used by anglers," said Jonathan McKnight, Associate Director of DNR's Wildlife & Heritage Service. "Felt is an excellent collection material, and it stays wet over time between locations, which allows organisms to survive."
One of the most damaging microorganisms transported by felt soles is didymo, also known as rock snot, an alga that thrives in cold-flowing fresh water. Individual didymo organisms are microscopic, but infestations can include enormous numbers. The resulting mass is an unsightly, yellow-brown slime layer that makes streams and rivers unattractive and nearly impossible to enjoy. DNR scientists and anglers have found seasonal infestations of didymo in the Gunpowder River and traces of the organism in the Savage River.
Numerous other diseases and harmful species can be carried on felt soles, including whirling disease, which is fatal for trout.
This regulation to prohibit the use of felt-soled boots and waders in Maryland may become effective in January 2011. Alaska and Vermont have already moved to prohibit felt soles, and felt has been banned in New Zealand streams since 2008. Many anglers are aware of the risk and have switched from felt soles to rubber soled waders, and some manufacturers have discontinued felt-soled boots and waders.
Concerned citizens are encouraged to send in their thoughts on banning the use of felt-soled boots and waders in Maryland tofisheriespubliccomment@dnr.state.md.us.
DNR will be reaching out to the angling community over the summer to seek comment and input. The next public scoping meeting will occur in September prior to the submission of the felt-sole ban regulation. Information about this regulation initiative and the schedule for next public scoping event can be found at www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries/regulations/draftregulations.aspp.
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