Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Commissioner Mark Holsten announced new restrictions for off-highway vehicles (OHV) to be in effect during part of the 2008 deer hunting season.

The Commissioner’s Order effects recreational riding on DNR forest trails but does not impact OHV use for big game hunting. Vehicles affected by the restrictions include all terrain vehicles, off road motorcycles, and off road vehicles such as jeeps and four-wheel-drive trucks that are not being used in conjunction with deer hunting by a licensed deer hunter.

The purpose of the restriction is to protect recreational OHV riders from potentially unsafe riding conditions and, to minimize conflicts between deer hunters seeking a quiet deer hunting experience and recreational riders who may inadvertently interrupt the hunt.

In the northeastern Minnesota 100 Series deer season, the recreational riding restriction will be in effect Nov. 8 through Nov. 23. In the Minnesota 200 Series deer season, the recreational riding restriction will be in effect Nov. 8 through Nov. 16. See the 2008 deer season map at www.dnr.state.mn.us/hunting/deer/index.html

There are no recreational OHV trails in southeastern Minnesota that remain open during the deer season so no additional restrictions are necessary in the southern part of the state.

This new restriction is in addition to the restricted hours of use that have been in effect in previous years. Deer hunters possessing a valid deer hunting license can operate an OHV 1) before legal shooting time (one-half hour before sunrise), 2) from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and 3) after legal shooting hours (one-half hour after sunset).

While many recreational OHV riders have voluntarily opted not to ride forest trails during deer hunting and small game seasons, OHV riding has become a year-around sport for many. That’s why Commissioner Holsten, reminds everyone who visits state forests in the fall to always consider safety first.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today praised a decision by the Environmental Protection Agency to protect thousands of acres of ecologically significant forested wetlands in the heart of one of America’s most important corridors for migratory birds by opposing the Yazoo backwater area pumping project as it is currently designed.  At the same time, the Service’s leaders committed to continue working with communities throughout the Delta to find ways to address flood control needs and meet conservation goals that contribute to the strength of local economies throughout the Delta.

Last Tuesday, the EPA announced its decision to veto the pumps project being developed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Mississippi Levee Board, relying on its authority in the Clean Water Act.

“We fully support the Environmental Protection Agency’s decision to veto the proposed Yazoo pumps project as it is currently planned,” said H. Dale Hall, the Service’s director.  “We have consistently expressed significant concerns about the adverse environmental impacts associated with this project, which has been on the books since the early 1940s.

The action EPA has taken is based on sound science that demonstrates unacceptable adverse effects on 58 species of fish; 42 species of birds; 21 species of amphibians; and 32 species of reptiles if the proposed project were completed.”

The proposed project would have adversely affected bottomland and riverine backwater wetlands by reducing the frequency, duration, and extent of flooding over extensive areas that provide important habitat for fish spawning, rearing, foraging, and cover.  Those wetlands also provide critically important habitat for many species of migratory birds, particularly waterfowl, shorebirds, and water birds.  The hydrologic changes associated with the proposed project would have also impacted numerous amphibian and reptile species dependent upon seasonal flooding to support their life cycles.

The Service has four National Wildlife Refuges located within the project area (Yazoo, Theodore Roosevelt, Panther Swamp, and Holt Collier).  These refuges were established in part for the benefit of migratory birds.  The proposed project would have reduced the frequency, duration, and extent of flooding on these four refuges by 59 percent within the 2-5 year floodplains, impacting the Service’s ability to manage for those birds.  EPA’s action on Tuesday ensures that these refuges will continue to be managed to achieve their intended purposes benefitting wildlife-dependent recreation such as waterfowl hunting and birdwatching throughout this part of the Delta.

“We are for sustaining and strengthening the Delta’s economic future in the area of wildlife-dependent recreation and we want to keep the region’s abundant and diverse natural resources in the best condition possible,” Hall added. “A win/win scenario is always possible if we all work together toward one goal of balancing fish and wildlife and public recreational uses for a positive economic future and realistic flood protection.”

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.  We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit http://www.fws.gov or http://www.fws.gov/southeast.

Centerfire rifles were the most popular choice for deer hunters during the past deer season, according to a recent survey.

An April 2008 survey by Southwick Associates of 3,700 deer hunters nationwide showed that 28% of those who pursued America’s top big-game quarry used rifles to harvest their deer.

Bows were the second most popular choice, used for deer hunting by 21% of survey respondents last season. Muzzleloaders, the choice of 18% of hunters surveyed, were not far behind.

Fewer hunters used shotguns (15%) or handguns (5%). In some areas, especially more densely populated regions, rifle hunting is not allowed, so hunters must use a shotgun, bow, or muzzleloader to harvest their deer.

Another 12% of survey respondents reported that they did not hunt deer at all last season; and 1% listed their top weapon choice as “other.” Deer hunters were asked to select their top choice of weapon, in order to allow the survey takers to account for hunters who participate in multiple deer seasons—for example, general gun, bow, and muzzleloader.

Source: Launched in 2006, HunterSurvey.com and TargetshootingSurvey.com help the firearms and outdoor equipment industries, government officials, and conservation organizations track consumer activities and expenditure trends. The list above represents only a small sample of the vast amount of information that is available from the complete survey results. The results are scientifically analyzed to reflect all U.S. hunters and target shooters. Find out how a subscription to the complete survey data can help your business, government agency, or organization.
For more information, contact Rob Southwick at Rob@southwickassociates.com.

The preliminary estimate of total ducks from the 2008 Waterfowl Breeding
Population and Habitat Survey was just over 37 million, which is a nine
percent decline from last year’s estimate, but still 11 percent greater
than the 1955-2007 average. In the U.S. and Canadian prairies, population
estimates of many species declined; while populations increased in the
boreal forest to the north, likely reflecting in part those birds that
overflew the prairies because of drier habitat conditions there.

The Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey, the largest and most
comprehensive survey of its kind in the world, samples two million square
miles across the north-central and northeastern United States,
south-central, eastern, and northern Canada, and Alaska. The survey
estimates the number of ducks on the continent’s most important nesting
grounds.

Overall, habitat conditions for breeding waterfowl in 2008 were generally
similar to or somewhat worse than to conditions in 2007. The total pond
estimate (Prairie Canada and United States combined) was 4.4 million ponds.
This was 37 percent below last year’s estimate of 7.0 million ponds and 10
percent below than the long-term average of 4.9 million ponds.

The annual survey guides the Service’s waterfowl conservation programs
under authority of the 1918 Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The Service works in
partnership with state biologists from the four flyways - the Atlantic,
Mississippi, Central and Pacific - to establish regulatory frameworks for
waterfowl hunting season lengths, dates, and bag limits.

Highlights from the survey in the north-central United States,
south-central and northern Canada, and Alaska (the traditional survey area)
include:

· Mallard estimated population of 7.7 million birds, similar to last
year’s estimate of 8.3 million birds and the long-term average.

· Blue-winged teal estimated population of 6.6 million birds, similar
to last year’s estimate of 6.7 million birds and 45 percent above the
long-term average.

· The estimated population of green-winged teal stands at 3.0 million
and is similar to last year and 57 percent above the long-term average.

· The estimated population of 2.7 million gadwall was 19 percent below
last year and 56 percent above the long-term average.

· The estimated number of 1.1 million redheads was similar to last year
and was 66 percent above the long-term average.

· The canvasback estimate was 489,000 which is 44 percent below last
year’s estimate of 865,000 and 14 percent below the long-term average.

· The estimated abundance of northern shovelers (3.5 million) was 23
percent below last year and 56 percent above their long-term average.

· Scaup (lesser and greater combined), estimated at 3.7 million, were
similar to last year and 27 percent below the long-term average.

· The 2.6 million estimate for northern pintails is 22 percent below
last year and 36 percent below the 1955-2007 average.

Population estimates for American black ducks, ring-necked ducks, American
wigeon, bufflehead, goldeneyes, and mergansers surveyed in eastern North
America were similar to last year as well as their 1990-2007 averages.

This preliminary report does not include estimates from surveys conducted
by State or Provincial agencies. The entire 2008 Trends in Duck Breeding
Populations report can be downloaded from the Service’s Web site at http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to
conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for
the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and
trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific
excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated
professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our
work and the people who make it happen, visit http://www.fws.gov.

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Conservation Commissioner Barnett Lawley announced today that no further changes to the dog deer hunting regulations for the 2008-2009 hunting season will be implemented and no additional pubic meetings will be held this year.

When the Alabama Conservation Advisory Board met in May 2008, a motion was passed to form a committee to study further regulation of dog deer hunting and to conduct another public meeting if necessary. That committee, comprised of representatives from landowners, dog deer hunters, Advisory Board members and Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries’ professional staff, met on June 26, 2008, in Montgomery. After a discussion of the issues, they recommended to Commissioner Lawley that no further changes be implemented for this year and that no public meetings are currently necessary.

The committee determined that any changes in the dog deer regulations at this late date would be a hardship to landowners and hunters who need to make land lease and membership decisions for the upcoming hunting season.

The committee also recommended that a special permit system be considered by the Conservation Advisory Board as a means to resolve dog deer hunting conflicts. However, it was recommended that any special permit system be implemented on a county-by-county basis and not statewide.

In previous years, the Board placed Coosa, Chambers, Geneva, Henry and part of Covington County under a system whereby dog deer hunting is allowed only by special permit. No new areas have been placed under this system since 2004.

The Conservation Advisory Board assists in formulating policies for the Department of Conservation, examines all rules and regulations and makes recommendations for their change or amendment. The Board is expected to conduct its next meeting in February 2009. Meeting details will be posted on www.outdooralabama.com.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Thanks to sportsmen-legislators, hunters in rural America can look forward to their local farmers continuing to set aside acres of habitat for wildlife. Increased funding measures for America’s vital conservation programs for the next five years are contained in the oft-extended Farm Bill Reauthorization overwhelmingly passed by the House and Senate, now awaiting the President’s signature. The release of a Conference Report last week signaled that an agreement was reached by conferees who worked out the differences between the House and Senate versions. The House and Senate both voted overwhelmingly to approve the measure and will send the bill to the President to sign into law. The question is, will he?

Of the Farm Bill Conference Committee, twenty of the twenty-six conferees that hammered out the final compromise are members of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus (CSC). CSC members who held their ground for the conservation title in the Farm Bill included the House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson (D-MN) and Ranking Member Bob Goodlatte (R-VA); the Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Ranking Member Saxby Chambliss (R-GA).

Although CSF is still combing through the details, the good news for sportsmen is, in the end, conservation programs that enjoyed increased funding in both the House and Senate versions were left nearly intact, coming in at $4-billion dollars above the Administration’s baseline, highlighting the importance of the conservation programs to the committee members. The compromise process was often complicated by the differences in the House and Senate versions, the complexity of the issues and how to find enough money to pay for the subsidies.  Members of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus strove to preserve the increased conservation funding in the final version.
“The Farm Bill is a tremendous victory for sportsmen and conservationists across the country,” said U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss, Ranking Republican Member of the Senate Agriculture Committee. “This farm bill continues to help producers be good stewards of the land by providing $4 billion in new resources for conservation programs.  I look forward to completing the farm bill in order to see the investments we make today through our conservation partnership with this nation’s farmers, ranchers and forest landowners deliver benefits for our country for generations to come.”
The 2007 Farm Bill is the most important funding bill for private land conservation programs in America. The Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus worked diligently to increase funding for conservation programs in the final version. Funding priorities included such programs as Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP), the Grassland Reserve Program (GRP) and Open Fields.

“The conference report makes significant investments in our conservation priorities,” U.S. Senator Blanche Lincoln said. “I am proud of the investment of $1.3 billion in the Wetlands Reserve Program, which will help expand habitat for North American waterfowl.  This investment is particularly important in Arkansas as one of the largest wetland conservation areas in the nation.  I urge the President to sign this conference report, which will help us to continue to enjoy the land that we love and help us leave our children with the environment they deserve.”

“The Food, Conservation and Energy Act” is a great victory for outdoorsmen and wildlife advocates. It improves and expands popular conservation programs, including Environmental Quality Incentive Program, Farm Protection Program, and the Wetlands Reserve Program, and it creates a new Open Fields Program to encourage public access to private land for hunters and anglers,” said House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson (D-MN). “I am proud of these accomplishments and appreciate the hard work of conservation and wildlife advocates whose tireless efforts played an integral role in this successful Farm Bill.”
The ‘Open Fields’ $50M funding source is crucial for enhancing public access to private lands. Originally introduced in the Senate by CSC member Senator Kent Conrad (D-ND) and Senator Pat Roberts (R-KS), Open Fields will boost state programs that are designed to expand sportsmen’s access and the use of best management practices for fish and wildlife habitat improvement.

Language that provides tax incentives for landowners who allow access to their lands has been a priority of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, working with the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus since the beginning of the reauthorization process. The Farm Bill includes language for a 2-year extension of tax incentives for conservation easements that were approved by Congress in 2006. This provision provides tax deductions to landowners who enter into irrevocable conservation easements on their properties. A provision for tax credits for eligible landowners entering into a conservation easement for habitat protection and/or restoration for endangered species was also included in the bill.

About the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation is the most respected and trusted proponent for hunters and fishermen in the political arena. With support from every major hunting and fishing organization, CSF is the leader in promoting sportsmen’s issues with elected officials. CSF works directly with the bi-partisan, bi-cameral Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus in the U.S. Congress, as well as affiliated state sportsmen’s caucuses in state legislatures around the country. For additional information, visit www.sportsmenslink.org or call 202-543-6850.

MORGAN, Utah — The Morgan, Utah-based makers of Winchester rifles and shotguns have announced the historic return to the original name given the brand nearly 150 years ago. In 1866 Oliver Winchester named his company - and the brand of rifles he was selling - Winchester Repeating Arms. Going forward all Winchester branded sporting firearms will fall under the Winchester Repeating Arms banner.

In the mid 20th century the usage was often shortened to just “Winchester.” In recent years reference to Winchester firearms fell under the umbrella brand of Winchester Rifles and Shotguns. Today, with the launching of the 2008 product line, including the new Model 70 and the entry of the new Speed Pump shotgun, it is fitting for the company to return to its roots. Other Winchester Repeating Arms products include the Super X3 autoloading shotgun (known for its extreme speed and reliability), the Super X Rifle (an autoloading centerfire rifle with impressive, bolt action-like accuracy), the Wildcat 22 bolt action, and the impressive line of Model 101 and Platinum over and under shotguns (made in Belgium).

The Winchester brand is licensed to the makers of Winchester firearms by the Olin Corporation. Olin is the owner of the legendary Winchester Ammunition brand and owns and licenses the brand to a number of quality companies who make hunting and shooting related products. Winchester Repeating Arms and Winchester Ammunition are the anchor brands for the Winchester family of products.

Source: The Hunting Wire

EDGEFIELD, S.C. — After 30 years of distinguished service, including 27 years as the Chief Executive Officer of the National Wild Turkey Federation, Rob Keck has decided, for personal and family reasons, to step aside from his duties with the Federation as of June 1, 2008.

Wednesday morning, the NWTF’s National Board of Directors reluctantly accepted this decision. Under Mr. Keck’s leadership, the NWTF has grown into one of the nation’s premier conservation organizations.

The NWTF is a grassroots, nonprofit organization with more than 550,000 members in 50 states, Canada, Mexico and 14 other foreign countries. It supports scientific wildlife management on public, private and corporate lands as well as wild turkey hunting as a traditional North American sport.

In 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation was founded in Fredericksburg, Va. At that time, there were an estimated 1.3 million wild turkeys and 1.5 million turkey hunters. Shortly after its founding, the NWTF moved to Edgefield, S.C., where it is headquartered today.

Thanks to the work of federal, state and provincial wildlife agencies and the NWTF’s many volunteers and partners, there are now more than 7 million wild turkeys and nearly 3 million turkey hunters. Turkey hunting has become the fastest growing form of hunting and has the second-highest number of participants of any type of hunting.

Since 1985, more than $258 million NWTF and cooperator dollars have been spent on upholding hunting traditions and conserving more than 13.1 million acres of wildlife habitat. Hunters have also benefited as the NWTF has worked tirelessly to support our hunting heritage and protect and promote laws that increase hunting opportunity and safety.

The NWTF’s National Board of Directors will immediately begin a nationwide search for Mr. Keck’s successor.

Source: The Hunting Wire 

Courtesy of The Hunting Wire

Tucson, AZ – Safari Club International’s (SCI) Record Book for Trophy Animals is recognized world-wide as one of the most comprehensive systems for registering game animals. The Record Book has now completed its Phase II evolution of the Online Record Book. The upgraded Phase II online version will contain distribution maps, scientific and taxonomic notes of big games species from around the world.

Phase II of the Online Record Book has new features, including biologists’ reports that compile data in a scientific manner so that other biologists and teachers can use the data for wildlife research. The SCI Online Record Book will be able to share 35 years of records representing more than 136,000 entries — including all North American species. A free demo is now available for a complete listing of Rocky Mountain Elk species.

“Moving the SCI Record Book online is a great step forward for both SCI and SCIF,” said SCI President Dennis Anderson. “By making the Record Book more accessible to our members and the wildlife research community, the science of wildlife conservation around the world can only be enhanced.”

To take a firsthand look at SCI’s online demo, please visit www.scirecordbook.org. Log on today and experience the SCI Online Record Book for Trophy Animals.

SCI-First For Hunters is the leader in protecting the freedom to hunt and in promoting wildlife conservation worldwide. SCI’s 179 Chapters represent all 50 of the United States as well as 13 other countries. SCI’s proactive leadership in a host of cooperative wildlife conservation, outdoor education and humanitarian programs, with the SCI Foundation and other conservation groups, research institutions and government agencies, empowers sportsmen to be contributing community members and participants in sound wildlife management and conservation. Visit the home page www.safariclub.org or call (520) 620-1220 for more information.

From US Sportsmen’s Alliance

Pending legislation understates the safety of youth hunting
November 2, 2007 (National)

Legislation has been introduced in Ohio that will stop anyone under the age of 21 from hunting or shooting without supervision.

House Bill 354, sponsored by Rep. Barbara Boyd, D-Cleveland Heights, and Sandra Williams, D-Cleveland, prohibits anyone under 21-years-old from possessing a firearm. Under the bill, if an adult or youth who does not meet the age requirement plans to handle a firearm, he or she must do so in the presence of someone 21 or over. Licensed hunters who now take to the woods solo will have to bring a supervisor if the bill passes.

“If passed, this bill would have a devastating effect on efforts to attract new hunters and recreational shooters,” said Rob Sexton, USSA vice president for government affairs. “It is inconceivable that the government would send people between the ages of 18 and 21 to war, but prohibit them from hunting or target shooting.”

Bill sponsors claim that the legislation is aimed at preventing gun violence and accidents; however, hunters and recreational shooters promote safe handling of firearms. Accident rates among hunters and shooters are at historic lows.

For those under eighteen, parents are best equipped to make this decision, not the government,” said Sexton.  “The proposal will not stop criminals from using firearms, but it will stop hunters from passing on our traditions to the next generation.”

House Bill 354 has been referred to the House Criminal Justice Committee.

Take Action! Ohio sportsmen should ask state representatives to reject HB 354. Let them know that you oppose unnecessary restrictions on youth hunting. To find your representative, call (800) 282-0253 or use the Legislative Action Center at www.ussportsmen.org.