Idaho Mountain Express: Fish & Game prepares for fall wolf hunt – August 5, 2009

By JASON KAUFFMAN

Express Staff Writer

Idaho Fish and Game Commissioner Randy Budge speaks about the challenges of managing wolves in the state to a gathering of Western attorneys general in Sun Valley on Monday. Photo by Willy Cook

At least one high-ranking wildlife official in Idaho believes a wolf hunt will happen in the state later this fall regardless of whether the species remains under the state’s control.

Speaking in Sun Valley on Monday, Idaho Fish and Game Commissioner Randy Budge said many of the state’s hunters are so upset by Idaho’s growing wolf population they might take matters into their own hands if conservationists successfully derail the federal government’s latest delisting of wolves in the northern Rockies. Budge made his prediction while speaking about the challenges of managing natural resource issues at the annual Conference of Western Attorneys General, at Sun Valley Resort from Aug. 2-5.

Whatever happens, Budge predicted, a wolf hunt will take place in Idaho’s backcountry this fall.

“It will either be a state-authorized one or it will be an illegal one,” he said.

Whether strong remarks like that play into conservationists’ hands remains to be seen. In early June, conservation groups filed suit against the federal government in an effort to reverse a decision that removed Endangered Species Act (ESA) protections for gray wolves in the northern Rocky Mountains.

According to the 13 groups that filed the lawsuit, U.S. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar failed to fully consider both scientific and legal inadequacies underlying the delisting rule—released in the waning days of the Bush administration—before adopting it on April 2. The groups claim the rule will allow more than two-thirds of the region’s wolves to be killed before the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service would even consider stepping back in and restoring protections.

The federal government’s April delisting did not include the state of Wyoming, whose wolf management plan the Fish and Wildlife Service has deemed inadequate. Wyoming officials have also filed suit against the federal government challenging their absence from the delisting.

Both lawsuits are still pending.

via Idaho Mountain Express: Fish & Game prepares for fall wolf hunt – August 5, 2009.

Hunting industry impacts West Texas : Hunting : gosanangelo.com

Influx of hunters anticipated much like rain

By Jerry Lackey (Contact

jlackey@wcc.net or 949-2291″Welcome hunters” banners are posted along main streets in downtown sections of just about every rural town in West Texas come November. Both ranchers and merchants anticipate the annual influx of deer and turkey hunters much like a general rain.The seasonal guests bring an economic impact to rural Texas that keeps small communities and rural residents in business. The economic impact figures, which include money for gas, food, hotel/motel rooms and a variety of other things, normally turn over seven times for every dollar spent in a community.Jason Johnson of Stephenville, Texas AgriLife Extension economist-management specialist, said 1.2 million hunters spend $1.5 billion in Texas annually.”More than just the landowner and hunter benefit from the hunting trip and the hunting lease,” stated Johnson. “Restaurants, hotels, equipment stores — pretty much everything reaps the benefits from hunting.”Hunting is a tremendous opportunity for rural economic development since 65 percent of hunters come from urban areas,” Johnson said.”Many of the lodging facilities from all parts of town San Angelo see a sizeable impact from the hunters each year,” said Mikala Brownfield, president of the San Angelo Lodging Association. “Even though many hunters stay at the deer leases and in RVs, there are apparently many that would rather have the convenience of staying at the hotels and motels in town.”Brownfield, who has been general manager of the Hampton Inn in San Angelo for 10 years, said some groups of hunters have stayed at the hotel a couple times each year. They usually stay a week at a time.”I have worked many early morning shifts and get to talk to them hunters before they head to the deer lease at 5 a.m.,” he said. “What a great bunch of guests. They always make a point of telling me how good the hunting is in the area, but what brings them back is the great hospitality they receive from the people of San Angelo.”Brownfield said since the hunters start early, they are normally back in town by mid-afternoon. “They are always looking for places to go and things to do, which means they are more than likely spending their money in one way or another. I am always amazed at the impact hunting must have on our local economy,” he added.Another gauge of visiting hunters to the Concho Valley can be monitored at the San Angelo Regional Airport. Just about any day during November through December, outfitters’ vans line the airport parking area picking up or returning hunters to American Eagle flights.Chase Akin, owner of the Harkey Ranch southeast of Christoval, hosts hunters from all over the nation.”We deal with 10 different outfitters, he said, including: Five Star Outfitters, Coby Howell, Briley Outfitting, Frank Carter, Terry Owen of Fort McKavett Ranch, and Jim Roach’s Magnum Guide Service at Eldorado.”The Harkey Ranch, comprising 2,560 acres, lies in northern Schleicher County, about 30 miles south of San Angelo. The property is high fenced and divided into four large pastures. One pasture is exclusively whitetail deer habitat and the other three contain 36 exotic species.According to Parks and Wildlife statistics, Llano County is visited each year by more than 15,000 hunters who leave behind about $3.5 million.The whitetail density in Kimble County, as determined by the Quality Deer Management Association, is about 45-plus deer per square mile, said Connie Booth, executive director of the Junction Chamber of Commerce.It is one of the most densely populated deer areas in the United States.”Although the whitetail deer is the most widely distributed and hunted deer in Kimble County, it is only one of many animals hunted throughout the year,” Booth said. “Junction has a large number of hunting ranches as well as leases that offer many types of exotics for hunting year around.”Axis, Fallow deer and feral hogs can be found free ranging along the south, north and main Llano River bottoms throughout Kimble County.  Click link below for full story.

via Hunting industry impacts West Texas : Hunting : gosanangelo.com.

Keep Predators Away From Your Elk Carcass

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

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

Here are five tips for discouraging marauding carnivores:

1. Hang quarters at an unreachable height 100 yards or more from the entrails, etc. Parachute chord works well; it’s small, light, cheap and strong enough for the job. Bring way more than you think you need. Try to select a hanging tree in a relatively open area that can be glassed from at least 300 yards away. If no trees are available, you can hang quarters off a rimrock ledge, too. Prime cuts of meat should get the first trip out.

2. When safe and legal, build a fire next to the quarters. Burn damp, pitchy wood that produces a good plume of smoke. This detracts predators and helps you locate the site on your return trip. Remember to mark the site in your GPS and take compass bearings as a backup.

3. Leave an article of clothing with the quarters, preferably something that’s been close to your skin and absorbed your scent. A brightly colored item also helps you locate the site. Urinate nearby to further saturate the area with human smell.

4. Many hunters won’t carry their rifle or bow once their elk tag has been punched. However, when returning to a carcass, consider carrying a handgun or bear spray for personal protection in case you encounter a defiant critter. Be as noisy and obnoxious as possible as you approach the site. Clap your hands. Sing as loud as you can.

5. Be ready to back off. An elk carcass is never worth fighting over. If a looter is adamant that it needs the meat more than you do, or has rendered your elk unsalvageable, check the state’s hunting regulations. A game warden may issue you a new elk permit.

Additionally, if legal, you may have an opportunity to add the predator to your game bag. Remember that many predator populations need management via state-regulated hunting, same as elk. The Elk Foundation is a vocal supporter of this system for managing restored populations of gray wolves in Idaho, Montana and Wyoming, too.

Bugle magazine is a wealth of elk hunting and conservation information. An annual subscription is included with a $35 membership to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. For details, visit www.rmef.org.

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:

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

via 2009 News Releases.

Public Input Sought on Deer Management During Series of Meetings This Month

Frankfort, Ky. – The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources is holding a series of six public meetings to gather input from hunters, landowners and concerned citizens about deer management in the coming years. People can voice their opinion about season dates, hunting zones and bag limits, the primary ways Kentucky manages its deer herd.

“This is an opportunity for the public to provide their thoughts on the direction of long-range deer management in Kentucky,” said Tina Brunjes, big game coordinator for Kentucky Fish and Wildlife. “We want people to be active partners in helping us decide the direction to take.”

Kentucky’s deer herd number is at an all-time high. The state consistently ranks in the top five nationally for trophy bucks recognized by the Boone and Crockett Club.

“The deer resource is better than ever across the state, thanks to the management program enacted nearly two decades ago,” Brunjes said. “To continue this, we feel it is time to examine the state of our deer program and assess methods for its continued success.”

Kentucky Fish and Wildlife officials plan to revise the state’s deer management plan, which was originally written to grow the deer herd. The new plan will serve as a map to keep the population of deer at acceptable levels to the public while maintaining the quality of Kentucky’s white-tailed deer.

“Before we lay pen to paper, we need the input of our hunters and landowners,” Brunjes said. “They are the critical tool in managing deer.”

Kentucky Fish and Wildlife officials will hold six public meetings this month across the state for public input. All meetings will begin at 6 p.m. local time.

Scheduled locations and dates include:

Bowling Green: Kentucky Community and Technical College System, 221 Commonwealth Boulevard, Transpark Center, Aug. 10.

Northern Kentucky: Lloyd Wildlife Management Area (WMA) clubhouse, Crittenden, Aug. 11.

Paducah: West Kentucky WMA Club House, 10535 Ogden Landing Road, Kevil, August 19.

London: North Laurel High School Gym, 1300 East Daniel Boone Parkway, London, August 20.

Ashland: Northeastern Fish and Game Association Club House, Herbert C. Ross Drive, Aug. 24. From Ashland, follow US 60 West to KY 180. Continue until passing underneath the Interstate 64 bridges, then turn right on South Big Run Road. Go 1.6 miles, turn left on Herbert C. Ross Drive.

Frankfort: UK Extension Office, Rooms E & F, 101 Lakeview Ct, Frankfort, August 27.

Those unable to attend these meetings may also provide written comments about deer management in Kentucky. Send letters on this issue to: Tina Brunjes, Kentucky Fish and Wildlife, #1 Sportsman’s Lane, Frankfort, Ky. 40601

via Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources – Public Input Sought on Deer Management During Series of Meetings This Month.

Duck Stamp receives conservation boost from House

Ducks Unlimited supports increasing value of stamp

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

“This is an important step for conservation,” said Scott Sutherland, director of governmental affairs for Ducks Unlimited. “The diminished buying power of the duck stamp is hamstringing the efforts of millions of conservationists that are investing in the program to protect waterfowl habitat.”

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

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

With more than a million supporters, Ducks Unlimited is the world’s largest and most effective wetland and waterfowl conservation organization and has conserved more than 12 million acres. The United States alone has lost more than half of its original wetlands – nature’s most productive ecosystem – and continues to lose more than 80,000 wetland acres important to waterfowl each year.

Neil Shader

nshader@ducks.org

202.347.1530

via Duck Stamp receives conservation boost from House.

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