During the winter season, waterfowl hunters across North America face a variety of risks associated with hypothermia.
“Statistics show more waterfowl hunters die from hypothermia and drowning than gunshot wounds,” said Maj. Chris Huebner, North Carolina's state boating safety coordinator. “Hypothermia is the loss of body heat and, left untreated, can prove fatal. Exposure to extreme cold, such as being in cold water or wearing wet clothes in cold conditions, can increase the chance of hypothermia.”
To help waterfowl hunters who use boats to practice both boating safety and hunting safety, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission recently launched its Home From The Hunt™ campaign.
For more information, visit: www.ncwildlife.org
source: North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
Saturday, December 14, 2013
2013 New Jersey Pheasant Stocking
The New Jersey DEP Division of Fish and Wildlife has announced that the extra pheasants are available because the Rockport Pheasant Farm in Warren County achieved better than anticipated production in the brooder houses and in the range pens this summer.
Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) scheduled for stocking on Tuesday, November 26, will each receive a portion of an additional 770 pheasants.
The additional birds are in addition to the 53,000 pheasants previously scheduled for the Small Game Season and the 1,090 already stocked for the Youth Pheasant Hunting Day on November 2.
Hunters can view the 2013 Division of Fish and Wildlife Pheasant Quail Stocking Schedule at:
www.njfishandwildlife.com/pdf/2013/pheas-quail_sched13.pdf.
source: NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife
Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) scheduled for stocking on Tuesday, November 26, will each receive a portion of an additional 770 pheasants.
The additional birds are in addition to the 53,000 pheasants previously scheduled for the Small Game Season and the 1,090 already stocked for the Youth Pheasant Hunting Day on November 2.
Hunters can view the 2013 Division of Fish and Wildlife Pheasant Quail Stocking Schedule at:
www.njfishandwildlife.com/pdf/2013/pheas-quail_sched13.pdf.
source: NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife
Monday, October 14, 2013
Georgia State Record Alligator
In September, Georgia hunter Jim Overman, age 43, harvested a new state record alligator at Lake Seminole.
According to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division, the 13-foot, 10 ¾-inch gator beats the former record by 1 ¾ inches.
After extensive restoration efforts, American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) now flourish over most of their historic range. Georgia's alligator population is managed through a regulated hunting season.
For information on alligator hunting in Georgia, visit www.georgiawildlife.com.
source: Georgia Department of Natural Resources
According to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division, the 13-foot, 10 ¾-inch gator beats the former record by 1 ¾ inches.
After extensive restoration efforts, American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) now flourish over most of their historic range. Georgia's alligator population is managed through a regulated hunting season.
For information on alligator hunting in Georgia, visit www.georgiawildlife.com.
source: Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Friday, October 11, 2013
Mississippi Wild Turkey Brood Survey
Each year from June to August, the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) conducts a survey to monitor wild turkey reproduction across the state. The "brood survey", as it is commonly known, enlists numerous observers who note all turkeys seen during the three-month survey period.
The resulting information allows turkey biologists to measure reproductive success and gives hunters an objective look at how turkeys are faring across the Magnolia State.
Dave Godwin, the MDWFP Wild Turkey Program Coordinator, reports that the brood survey data indicates reduced turkey reproduction for much of the state during 2013. "We witnessed our best hatch in over a decade last summer, but unfortunately it was followed up with a decreased hatch in most areas this year," said Godwin.
According to Godwin, the proportion of hen wild turkeys observed with young in 2013 declined 43 percent from the previous year's tally, and the average brood size dropped substantially as well.
Adam Butler, MDWFP Wild Turkey Program Biologist, suggests several factors that could be responsible for this year's decreased hatch. "We had an unusual spring this year. Springtime nesting activity seemed delayed as a result of the late winter and cool spring, and the later the birds get started nesting, the worse they tend to do," Butler said.
He also pointed out that untimely rains during the nesting and early brooding period likely had a negative impact. Another factor could be the abundant hatch of 2012, which may have skewed the population in favor of juvenile hens.
Research has shown that young hens tend to nest less frequently, and they are often not as successful.
For more information regarding wild turkeys in Mississippi, visit www.mdwfp.com.
source: Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks
The resulting information allows turkey biologists to measure reproductive success and gives hunters an objective look at how turkeys are faring across the Magnolia State.
Dave Godwin, the MDWFP Wild Turkey Program Coordinator, reports that the brood survey data indicates reduced turkey reproduction for much of the state during 2013. "We witnessed our best hatch in over a decade last summer, but unfortunately it was followed up with a decreased hatch in most areas this year," said Godwin.
According to Godwin, the proportion of hen wild turkeys observed with young in 2013 declined 43 percent from the previous year's tally, and the average brood size dropped substantially as well.
Adam Butler, MDWFP Wild Turkey Program Biologist, suggests several factors that could be responsible for this year's decreased hatch. "We had an unusual spring this year. Springtime nesting activity seemed delayed as a result of the late winter and cool spring, and the later the birds get started nesting, the worse they tend to do," Butler said.
He also pointed out that untimely rains during the nesting and early brooding period likely had a negative impact. Another factor could be the abundant hatch of 2012, which may have skewed the population in favor of juvenile hens.
Research has shown that young hens tend to nest less frequently, and they are often not as successful.
For more information regarding wild turkeys in Mississippi, visit www.mdwfp.com.
source: Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks
Thursday, October 10, 2013
2013 Montana Elk Hunting
Montana's general, five-week long, elk hunting season opens Oct. 26. Overall, Montana's elk populations are in good shape, according to Montana FWP.
Once again this season, Montana hunters will pursue elk under some very favorable regulations although the weather could play a big part in hunter success.
Depending on the hunting district regulations hunters can pursue brow-tined bull elk, spike bull elk, either-sex elk, or antlerless elk.
For more information on elk hunting in Montana, visit FWP's website at fwp.mt.gov.
source: Montana FWP
Once again this season, Montana hunters will pursue elk under some very favorable regulations although the weather could play a big part in hunter success.
Depending on the hunting district regulations hunters can pursue brow-tined bull elk, spike bull elk, either-sex elk, or antlerless elk.
For more information on elk hunting in Montana, visit FWP's website at fwp.mt.gov.
source: Montana FWP
2013 Montana Deer Hunting
Deer hunters in Montana could experience a mix of hunting success across the state when the general deer season opens Oct. 26.
Montana FWP wildlife biologists are reporting higher fawn production and survival, although outbreaks of epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) have been reported in some areas.
Depending on the hunting district regulations hunters can pursue antlered mule deer bucks, either-sex mule deer, antlered white-tailed deer, either-sex white-tailed deer.
For more information on Montana deer hunting, visit FWP's website at fwp.mt.gov.
source: Montana FWP
Montana FWP wildlife biologists are reporting higher fawn production and survival, although outbreaks of epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) have been reported in some areas.
Depending on the hunting district regulations hunters can pursue antlered mule deer bucks, either-sex mule deer, antlered white-tailed deer, either-sex white-tailed deer.
For more information on Montana deer hunting, visit FWP's website at fwp.mt.gov.
source: Montana FWP
Vermont Deer Hunting
Vermont is home to a healthy white-tailed deer population, which could lead to opportunites for hunters this season.
“Vermont’s deer herd has benefitted from two relatively mild winters in a row,” according to Vermont deer biologist Adam Murkowski. “Mild winter weather coupled with a healthy and robust deer population mean herd growth is expected in many regions of the state this year, and hunters can choose between several different deer hunting opportunities starting in October and continuing into December.”
The 2012 Vermont Deer Harvest Report, available from the Fish and Wildlife Department’s web site (www.vtfishandwildlife.com) has a wealth of information to help plan a hunt, including the number of deer taken in each town.
The "2013 Vermont Hunting, Fishing & Trapping LAWS and GUIDE" explains all of Vermont’s hunting regulations and includes maps showing public hunting areas. The guide is available on the Vermont Fish & Wildlife website and where licenses are sold.
Vermont hunting Licenses are available on Fish and Wildlife’s web site and from license agents statewide.
source: Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department
“Vermont’s deer herd has benefitted from two relatively mild winters in a row,” according to Vermont deer biologist Adam Murkowski. “Mild winter weather coupled with a healthy and robust deer population mean herd growth is expected in many regions of the state this year, and hunters can choose between several different deer hunting opportunities starting in October and continuing into December.”
The 2012 Vermont Deer Harvest Report, available from the Fish and Wildlife Department’s web site (www.vtfishandwildlife.com) has a wealth of information to help plan a hunt, including the number of deer taken in each town.
The "2013 Vermont Hunting, Fishing & Trapping LAWS and GUIDE" explains all of Vermont’s hunting regulations and includes maps showing public hunting areas. The guide is available on the Vermont Fish & Wildlife website and where licenses are sold.
Vermont hunting Licenses are available on Fish and Wildlife’s web site and from license agents statewide.
source: Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
2013 West Virginia Mast Survey and Hunting Outlook
The 2013 Mast Survey and Hunting Outlook is available on the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources website and will be available soon at DNR offices across the state, according to Curtis I. Taylor, chief for the DNR Wildlife Resources Section.
Since 1971, the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Section, in cooperation with volunteers from numerous other agencies, has conducted a fall mast survey to determine the abundance of mast produced by 18 species of trees and shrubs.
"The availability of fall foods has a significant impact on wildlife populations and harvests,” said Taylor. “Our biologists have used the mast survey data to demonstrate the strong correlation between mast conditions and deer, bear and turkey harvests. In addition to the impact on harvests, the amount of food available each year can affect the reproductive success of numerous species which will affect population sizes in the following years."
Beechnut and hickory were above their long-term average. Soft mast, including apple, crabapple and hawthorn were also well above average.
Production of acorns is well below average and will have noticeable effects on the 2013–2014 hunting seasons because oak makes up the majority of the hard mast biomass.
According to Taylor, hunters can find a wealth of facts in the Mast Survey and Hunting Outlook. Copies of the 2013 Mast Survey and Hunting Outlook may be found on the DNR website at:
http://wvdnr.gov/hunting/PDFFiles/2013WestVirginiaMastSurvey.pdf
source: West Virginia Division of Natural Resources
Since 1971, the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Section, in cooperation with volunteers from numerous other agencies, has conducted a fall mast survey to determine the abundance of mast produced by 18 species of trees and shrubs.
"The availability of fall foods has a significant impact on wildlife populations and harvests,” said Taylor. “Our biologists have used the mast survey data to demonstrate the strong correlation between mast conditions and deer, bear and turkey harvests. In addition to the impact on harvests, the amount of food available each year can affect the reproductive success of numerous species which will affect population sizes in the following years."
Beechnut and hickory were above their long-term average. Soft mast, including apple, crabapple and hawthorn were also well above average.
Production of acorns is well below average and will have noticeable effects on the 2013–2014 hunting seasons because oak makes up the majority of the hard mast biomass.
According to Taylor, hunters can find a wealth of facts in the Mast Survey and Hunting Outlook. Copies of the 2013 Mast Survey and Hunting Outlook may be found on the DNR website at:
http://wvdnr.gov/hunting/PDFFiles/2013WestVirginiaMastSurvey.pdf
source: West Virginia Division of Natural Resources
New York State Hunting
On October 3, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Joe Martens announced that hunters and trappers could begin hunting and trapping in upstate New York.
Hunting, trapping, and related activities provide significant benefits to New York's economy, especially in rural areas. A recent national survey estimated that hunter expenditures on equipment and trip-related expenses in New York totaled more than $1.5 billion in 2011.
Governor Cuomo recently announced a new initiative to make New York even more attractive to hunters and anglers. The "NY Open for Fishing and Hunting" plan streamlines sporting licenses and reduces fees to benefit sportsmen and sportswomen throughout the state.
Fees will also be lowered for non-residents to encourage out-of-state hunters to experience the great game opportunities in New York. These changes will first go into effect in 2014.
All new hunters or trappers planning to go afield this upcoming hunting and trapping season must first complete a mandatory hunter or trapper education course before they can obtain the appropriate sporting license. Training in safe handling of firearms and hunting is a legal requirement for anyone hunting in New York.
Courses are free to take and are taught by DEC-certified instructors. Although primarily offered for first-time hunters or trappers, anyone is welcome to attend a sportsman education course, whether it is for a refresher or an interest of the topic. For more on basic hunting safety rules visit DEC's website.
For general information about hunting or trapping in New York, or to get additional information about specific opportunities, visit DEC's hunting or trapping pages.
DEC advises hunters and trappers to confirm the exact dates, bag limits, legal implements, and other regulations pertaining to any area where hunting or trapping is planned before going afield.
source: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)
Hunting, trapping, and related activities provide significant benefits to New York's economy, especially in rural areas. A recent national survey estimated that hunter expenditures on equipment and trip-related expenses in New York totaled more than $1.5 billion in 2011.
Governor Cuomo recently announced a new initiative to make New York even more attractive to hunters and anglers. The "NY Open for Fishing and Hunting" plan streamlines sporting licenses and reduces fees to benefit sportsmen and sportswomen throughout the state.
Fees will also be lowered for non-residents to encourage out-of-state hunters to experience the great game opportunities in New York. These changes will first go into effect in 2014.
All new hunters or trappers planning to go afield this upcoming hunting and trapping season must first complete a mandatory hunter or trapper education course before they can obtain the appropriate sporting license. Training in safe handling of firearms and hunting is a legal requirement for anyone hunting in New York.
Courses are free to take and are taught by DEC-certified instructors. Although primarily offered for first-time hunters or trappers, anyone is welcome to attend a sportsman education course, whether it is for a refresher or an interest of the topic. For more on basic hunting safety rules visit DEC's website.
For general information about hunting or trapping in New York, or to get additional information about specific opportunities, visit DEC's hunting or trapping pages.
DEC advises hunters and trappers to confirm the exact dates, bag limits, legal implements, and other regulations pertaining to any area where hunting or trapping is planned before going afield.
source: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)
Saturday, August 17, 2013
2013 USFWS Waterfowl Population Status Report
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has released its most recent Waterfowl Population Status Report.
The report summarizes the status of duck, goose, and swan populations in North America for 2013.
The Waterfowl Population Status, 2013 Report can be downloaded at:
http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/NewReportsPublications/PopulationStatus/Waterfowl/StatusReport2013.pdf
source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
The report summarizes the status of duck, goose, and swan populations in North America for 2013.
The Waterfowl Population Status, 2013 Report can be downloaded at:
http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/NewReportsPublications/PopulationStatus/Waterfowl/StatusReport2013.pdf
source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Saturday, August 3, 2013
2013 Wisconsin Elk Survey
During May and June, more than 250 volunteers joined Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources wildlife biologists to search the forests near Wisconsin's Clam Lake for elk calves.
The spring elk survey revealed that the year has started out exceptionally well for Wisconsin’s growing elk herd. Forty-five potentially pregnant cows were monitored this spring. From them, 35 to 37 new calves were expected to join the herd this spring.
A total of 23 elk calves were captured by volunteers and fitted with tracking collars that will provide future information about their survival. At least five additional calves have since been seen and not captured.
2013 is first time that more females were observed born than males, according to DNR staff.
As of mid-July, no newborn calves had been lost to predation. Black bears are the most likely predator during their first six weeks of life.
Within a week or two after giving birth, cows group together with other cows to provide added protection to newborn calves against predators.
More good news for Wisconsin’s elk herd came recently with the signing of the state budget where authority was given to DNR to bring in additional wild elk to boost the Clam Lake herd and start a second wild herd in the Black River Falls area of Jackson County.
Both plans have seen significant public support and financial backing from partners outside of the DNR. As a result, more elk may be arriving from a donor state starting in 2015.
For more information, visit dnr.wi.gov
source: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
The spring elk survey revealed that the year has started out exceptionally well for Wisconsin’s growing elk herd. Forty-five potentially pregnant cows were monitored this spring. From them, 35 to 37 new calves were expected to join the herd this spring.
A total of 23 elk calves were captured by volunteers and fitted with tracking collars that will provide future information about their survival. At least five additional calves have since been seen and not captured.
2013 is first time that more females were observed born than males, according to DNR staff.
As of mid-July, no newborn calves had been lost to predation. Black bears are the most likely predator during their first six weeks of life.
Within a week or two after giving birth, cows group together with other cows to provide added protection to newborn calves against predators.
More good news for Wisconsin’s elk herd came recently with the signing of the state budget where authority was given to DNR to bring in additional wild elk to boost the Clam Lake herd and start a second wild herd in the Black River Falls area of Jackson County.
Both plans have seen significant public support and financial backing from partners outside of the DNR. As a result, more elk may be arriving from a donor state starting in 2015.
For more information, visit dnr.wi.gov
source: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
USFWS Mourning Dove Population Report
The Mourning Dove is one of the most abundant bird species in urban and rural areas of North America.
The United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) recently released its Mourning Dove, Population Status, 2013.
The report summarizes information on abundance and harvest of mourning doves collected annually in the United States.
Information in the report is used to set annual hunting regulations for the mourning dove.
The report is available at:
http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/NewReportsPublications/PopulationStatus/MourningDove/Mourning%20Dove%20Population%20Status%202013.pdf
source: United States Fish and Wildlife Service
The United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) recently released its Mourning Dove, Population Status, 2013.
The report summarizes information on abundance and harvest of mourning doves collected annually in the United States.
Information in the report is used to set annual hunting regulations for the mourning dove.
The report is available at:
http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/NewReportsPublications/PopulationStatus/MourningDove/Mourning%20Dove%20Population%20Status%202013.pdf
source: United States Fish and Wildlife Service
Thursday, July 4, 2013
New York Bobcat Hunting - Trapping
Bobcat hunting and trapping opportunities have been expanded under new regulations adopted by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).
According to DEC, the agency is implementing strategies of the recently adopted Bobcat Management Plan that will provide sustainable harvest opportunities while maintaining a stable or increasing bobcat population.
After considering public comments, DEC adopted rules affecting bobcat hunting and trapping in New York to implement the state's Five-Year Bobcat Management Plan.
The harvest of bobcats will be closely monitored by DEC biologists via activity logs maintained by hunters and trappers, a mandatory pelt sealing program, and hunter and trapper surveys.
For information on furbearer hunting regulations and trapping regulations visit the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation website.
source: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
According to DEC, the agency is implementing strategies of the recently adopted Bobcat Management Plan that will provide sustainable harvest opportunities while maintaining a stable or increasing bobcat population.
After considering public comments, DEC adopted rules affecting bobcat hunting and trapping in New York to implement the state's Five-Year Bobcat Management Plan.
The harvest of bobcats will be closely monitored by DEC biologists via activity logs maintained by hunters and trappers, a mandatory pelt sealing program, and hunter and trapper surveys.
For information on furbearer hunting regulations and trapping regulations visit the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation website.
source: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
New York Special Snow Goose Harvest Program
State regulations to expand the special snow goose harvest program in New York have been amended to allow hunters to take snow geese during a special harvest program from January 16 through April 15 in all of upstate New York.
This is in addition to the regular snow goose hunting season, which is expected to run October 1 through January 15 annually. DEC filed a Notice of Emergency Adoption and Proposed Rule Making with the Department of State on January 23, 2013, and the changes took effect immediately. However, the Emergency rule expired in April, so adoption of the final rule was necessary to extend the same regulation indefinitely.
The expanded special season will increase hunter opportunity to harvest snow geese throughout the winter and early spring, when they are most abundant in New York.
Snow geese are an arctic breeding goose species that recently reached record high population levels in North America - from approximately 50,000 birds in the 1960s to more than one million birds in recent years.
Wildlife agencies, ecologists and environmental organizations have expressed concern about the impacts that overabundant snow geese are having on arctic ecosystems, coastal wetlands and agricultural crops. In response to those concerns, federal hunting regulations were liberalized in 2008, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) adopted a conservation order allowing states in the Atlantic Flyway to implement special snow goose harvest programs in addition to its regular hunting seasons. Based on guidance from USFWS, DEC decided to have one continuous season beginning this year.
For more information about snow geese hunting in New York, visit the DEC website.
source: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
This is in addition to the regular snow goose hunting season, which is expected to run October 1 through January 15 annually. DEC filed a Notice of Emergency Adoption and Proposed Rule Making with the Department of State on January 23, 2013, and the changes took effect immediately. However, the Emergency rule expired in April, so adoption of the final rule was necessary to extend the same regulation indefinitely.
The expanded special season will increase hunter opportunity to harvest snow geese throughout the winter and early spring, when they are most abundant in New York.
Snow geese are an arctic breeding goose species that recently reached record high population levels in North America - from approximately 50,000 birds in the 1960s to more than one million birds in recent years.
Wildlife agencies, ecologists and environmental organizations have expressed concern about the impacts that overabundant snow geese are having on arctic ecosystems, coastal wetlands and agricultural crops. In response to those concerns, federal hunting regulations were liberalized in 2008, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) adopted a conservation order allowing states in the Atlantic Flyway to implement special snow goose harvest programs in addition to its regular hunting seasons. Based on guidance from USFWS, DEC decided to have one continuous season beginning this year.
For more information about snow geese hunting in New York, visit the DEC website.
source: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)