Master Archer Byron Ferguson Returns to Stonewall Resort State Park For West Virginia’s Celebration of National Hunting and Fishing Days September 27 and 28
September 16, 2008
Roanoke, W.Va. – Master archer Byron Ferguson will return as part of the 2008 line-up during West Virginia’s Celebration of National Hunting and Fishing Days at Stonewall Resort State Park September 27 and 28. The event, which draws nearly 20,000 outdoor enthusiasts each year and is the biggest outdoor-oriented event in the state, is sponsored by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources and the West Virginia Wildlife Federation.
Ferguson first amazed the crowd at the 2007 Hunting and Fishing Days event. “We’re proud to have him back this year,” said Jerry Westfall, event coordinator for DNR. “Byron is able to do the nearly impossible when it involves the bow and arrow.” Â
Ferguson took an interest in the longbow at the age of 12, first shooting out candles in the pitch dark to hone his skill. He is able to shoot coins out of the air, split playing cards, and even shoot an arrow through a wedding ring in mid-air.
When asked why he prefers the longbow, Byron replied, “It’s because of the romance that is tied to the weapon. Longbows are traceable to the cavemen and have been praised in songs, poems and stories since the dawn of mankind.”Â
Byron Ferguson is expected to be a show favorite again this year, attracting not only avid bow hunters and archers, but also the whole family. He has taken his talents around the world, performing in eight foreign countries and on dozens of television programs. Additional information is available from Ferguson’s Web site at www.byronferguson.com
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The public is invited to attend the 2008 West Virginia’s Celebration of National Hunting and Fishing Days at Stonewall Resort State Park on September 27th and 28th between the hours of 9 a.m. and 6 p.m on Saturday and 9 a.m. and 5.p.m. on Sunday. A complete show listing and schedule are available on the Division of Natural Resources Web site at www.wvdnr.gov.
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National Hunting and Fishing Day to be Celebrated Sept. 27
September 4, 2008
AUSTIN, Texas — Hunting and Fishing Day in Texas and across the nation is slated for Sept. 27 and every outdoors person is encouraged to extend a natural invitation to family, friends, neighbors and co-workers to step outside and share the values and the fun of the outdoors.
That invitation is being extended to Texans on Oct. 4-5 during Texas Parks & Wildlife Expo at the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s headquarters complex.
A wide range of activities will mark Hunting and Fishing Day nationwide sponsored by sportsman’s clubs, conservation groups and civic agencies. Texas Parks & Wildlife Expo, while scheduled for Oct. 4-5, is working toward the same end, introducing the young and old to the outdoors.
Dozens of outdoor-related events will be ongoing throughout Expo, including demonstrations, adult and youth shooting, casting clinics and demonstrations, youth fishing derby, seminars and others.
Texas Parks & Wildlife Expo is designed to create public awareness to the importance of hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation; focus public attention on the contributions hunters, fishermen and other outdoor users have made to preserve the abundant wildlife and natural resources of Texas; inform new generations of Texans about the history of hunting, fishing and the outdoors; and underscore the critical role of hunting, fishing and the outdoors in wildlife management and conservation.
At the urging of the National Shooting Sports Foundation, Congress designated National Hunting and Fishing Day on the fourth Saturday of every September as a public reminder that good conservation depends on hunters, anglers and shooters. In fact, through licenses and excise taxes, these outdoor enthusiasts generate $100,000 every 30 minutes for fish, wildlife and habitat programs.
In Texas, hunting and fishing contribute more than $14 billion annually to the state’s economy, according to data in the 2006 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation.
Findings from the report indicate the economic effect from Texas hunters, anglers and wildlife watchers was estimated to be $14.4 billion
Hunting and fishing play an important ecological role by managing wildlife populations and creating a healthy environment.
It has been more than a century since America’s first environmentalists — hunters and anglers — established the conservation tradition in our nation. These early environmentalists warned that the population growth and industrial development that offered prosperity for our nation also created serious threats to the future of our wildlife resources. Hunters and anglers fought for the laws and regulations that created a new system of wildlife management that would rescue many species of wildlife from near extinction and would set aside millions of acres of important habitat to help ensure future wildlife abundance.
In Texas, efforts by anglers helped create protection of red drum and other aquatic resources from commercial over-harvest, as well as conservation of aquatic habitat such as seagrasses and the control of invasive exotic aquatic vegetation.
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2008-09 Sporting License Sales Open August 18 in New York
August 15, 2008
Deer Management Permits, Hunting, Fishing, Trapping Licenses Available
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis announced that 2008-09 hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses and Deer Management Permits (DMPs) may be purchased beginning Monday, Aug. 18. Licenses and permits can be purchased at one of DEC’s 1,500 license sales outlets statewide.
“New York State is committed to helping provide outdoor enthusiasts with numerous recreational opportunities to enjoy the beauty of our state throughout the year,” said Grannis. “Hunting, trapping, and fishing opportunities in New York are among the best in the Northeast. As DEC kicks off another license year, we are pleased to offer new big game hunting opportunities to 14 and 15 year olds. We will continue to help meet the needs of sportsmen and sportswomen by making improvements to better serve the public and protect our natural resources.”
All sporting licenses are valid beginning Oct. 1, 2008, through Sept. 30, 2009. Prices for New York residents range from as little as $5 for a Junior Hunting license to $76 for a Conservation Legacy license that allows a full range of hunting and fishing privileges and includes specialty items such as a subscription to the Conservationist magazine and a Habitat/Access Stamp.
Sporting licenses can also be ordered by mail or phone. Previous DEC Automated Licensing System (DECALS) customers can purchase licenses via DEC’s website at www.dec.ny.gov (look for the “Purchase a Sporting License” button on the home page). License applications may also be downloaded from the website and submitted by mail to the address listed on the application. For questions regarding license purchases, please call our DECALS Call Center at (1-866-933-2257). Hours of operation for the Call Center are 7 am to 7 pm, Mon. through Sat. from Aug. 18 to Oct. 13, 2008. Regular weekday hours of 8 am to 5 pm will resume on Oct. 14.
The DECALS System is New York’s program for issuing sporting licenses and tracking license sales and revenues. DECALS may also be used for donations to the Habitat Access Stamp Program, Venison Donation Coalition, Conservation Fund, and the Trail Maintenance Program. The Department continues to improve DECALS to better meet the needs of sportsmen and women. Beginning August 18, 2008, individuals will be able to purchase 2008-09 sporting licenses and permits through DECALS at all license issuing outlets across the state, including during the 2008 New York State Fair in Syracuse.
License buyers should have the following items ready when applying: complete name and address information, customer ID number if you have it, proof of residency information (driver’s license number or non-driver’s ID number to qualify), and, if purchasing by phone, credit card and card expiration date. Hunting license purchases require individuals to provide proof of hunting education certification or a copy of a previous license, or this information must already be contained in their DECALS file.
Deer Management Permits (DMPs), for antlerless deer only, will be available at all license issuing outlets and by phone, internet or mail, from Aug. 18 through close of business Oct. 1. DMPs are issued through a random selection process at the point of sale; therefore customers who are selected for DMPs will receive their permits immediately. The probabilities for DMP selection in each Wildlife Management Unit (WMU) are determined by the number of applications expected for each WMU and the number of DMPs the DEC must issue to effectively manage the deer herd. An applicant’s selection is also affected by the customer’s residency, number of preference points, land ownership, or disabled veteran’s status. Chances of selection in each WMU are listed in this year’s Hunting and Trapping Regulations Guide, available at License Issuing Agent locations, and at www.dec.ny.gov/permits/30409.html /website/dfwmr/license/dmpchances.html . Chances of getting a DMP remain the same throughout the application period from Aug. 18 through Oct. 1, 2008.
DEC plans to issue approximately 530,000 DMPs this year, about 13% more than last year’s target DMP issuance. The boost in DMP targets for 2008 reflects increases in deer abundance in many parts of the state and the DEC’s intent to manage deer populations toward levels suggested by Citizen Task Forces for each WMU. Applicants are reminded that DMPs are only valid for use in the WMU specified on the permit.
If a significant number of DMPs are still available in a WMU after Oct. 1, leftover DMP sales will commence on Nov. 1, 2008 and will continue on a first-come/first-serve basis until the end of the hunting season or until all DMPs have been issued. Hunters who were accustomed to applying for leftover DMPs in archery-only units 4J and 8C are advised that these units will not be open during the first-come/first-serve application period this year, but Bonus DMPs will be available in these units. For information about Bonus DMPs in WMUs 1C, 3S, 4J and 8C see www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/10001.html .
Hunters and trappers are reminded that Governor David Paterson signed a new law creating a junior hunter and trapper mentoring program. This new law allows 14-15 year olds to hunt big game with a firearm while accompanied and supervised by an experienced adult hunter. The law also allows unlicensed youth less than 12 years of age to accompany and assist a licensed trapper who is at least 18 years of age and has at least three years of trapping experience. More details about the new opportunities are available in this year’s Hunting and Trapping Laws and Regulations Guide.
Sales of all sporting licenses are deposited into the Conservation Fund which is used for the management of New York’s fish and wildlife populations and for protection and management of the habitats these animals rely upon. Via DECALS, donations to the Conservation Fund may be made in addition to or in lieu of purchasing a sporting license or Habitat/ Access Stamp.
For specific boundaries of the WMUs mentioned in this announcement and for all current hunting, fishing and trapping regulations, access the DEC website at www.dec.ny.gov .
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Summer 2008 Species Challenge Lists Two Birds, Two Mammals
July 21, 2008
CHEYENNE-The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has named four more species for the 2008 Species of the Season Challenge, a program to help the agency gather information about distribution and abundance of some of Wyoming’s wildlife.
The species on the list for this summer are the white-tailed prairie dog, Abert’s squirrel, burrowing owl and the Lewis’s woodpecker. Outdoor enthusiasts encountering these species are asked to report their sightings to the Game and Fish Department.
As the name implies, white-tailed prairie dogs have a short tail with a white tip as opposed to the black-tailed prairie dog, which has a black-tipped tail. The white-tailed prairie dog is the most common of the listed species, occupying the western two thirds of the state.
The burrowing owl is generally found in open, dry grasslands and basin prairies. This small (7″-10″) ground dwelling owl is often associated with burrowing animals such as prairie dogs, badgers and ground squirrels.
The Lewis’s woodpecker is fairly large, (9″-11″) dark colored for the most part, and prefers open ponderosa pine forests, open cottonwood riparian woodlands and burned stands of Douglas fir and mixed conifers. It is found below 8,500 feet.
The Abert’s squirrel is probably the least common of this year’s species. It occurs in the Harriman area of the Laramie Range in the southeast portion of the state. Sometimes called the tassel eared squirrel, the Abert’s squirrel has tufts of hair extending beyond the tips of its ears, and is associated with ponderosa pine forests.
The species challenge is part of a Game and Fish effort to gather more information on the 278 species listed in Wyoming’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy. The CWCS is the state management plan for Species of Greatest Conservation Need. Most of the species are included in the listing because of a lack of basic information on their status and distribution.
Game and Fish supervisor of biological services Reg Rothwell said the Species of the Season Challenge enables citizens to help document locations and abundance of the 278 species of concern. “The species on the list are there not necessarily because they are few in number,” Rothwell said. “Many are there because we don’t know that much about them. Hopefully, the information we gain will help increase our knowledge about them and prevent some from federal listing in the future.”
Rothwell said the CWCS will be updated in the next two years and information will be provided to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service by 2010.
To participate, wildlife viewers can go to the Game and Fish Web site http://gf.state.wy.us, and click on Species Challenge in the “What’s hot” box. After locating one of these species, participants can return to the Web site and record their findings. (Contact: Al Langston (307) 777-4540)
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Trout Regulations Modified at Fish & Boat Commission Summer Meeting
July 17, 2008
New Officers Selected, New Commissioner on BoardÂ
Harrisburg, PA, 7/16/08 – At its summer quarterly meeting yesterday, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) voted to allow anglers to fish in lakes and ponds approved as year-round trout waters without possessing a trout/salmon permit, as long as anglers are not fishing for trout or salmon. Commissioners also voted to open 31 additional approved trout waters to year-round fishing.
The changes to the lake and pond regulations were made after several individuals submitted public comments noting that anglers often fish these waters for species other than trout. Both changes will take effect Jan. 1, 2009.
At the start of the meeting, Commissioners Leonard L. Lichvar and Thomas C. Shetterly were elected President and Vice President, respectively, of the PFBC. New Commissioner Norman Gavlick, of Kingston, was also introduced. He was appointed by Governor Edward Rendell to serve as the Seventh District Commissioner.
In other action, the Commission voted to add regulations to further restrict the interstate sale, introduction and transportation of fish susceptible to the infectious disease viral hemorrhagic septicemia, or VHS.
Outdoor enthusiasts in Erie County will have more opportunities to fish, boat, and hike with the Commission action to approve a cooperative agreement with North East Township that commits $43,000 for the acquisition of an access easement located on 20-mile Creek, a popular steelhead fishing location.
The Commission also:
- Approved restrictions on nighttime fishing on a section of Walnut Creek, Erie County.
- Adopted amendments to Fish and Boat Code Section 63.8 (Longbows, Crossbows, Spears, and Gigs) to allow catfish to be harvested in all Commonwealth waters by longbows and arrows, not just the Delaware River.
- Adopted a statement of policy on wind power.
- Approved the publication of notice of proposed rulemaking to remove smallmouth buffalo, longhead darter, and channel darter from the threatened species list and river redhorse and longnose gar from the candidate species list.
- The complete agenda is available at http://www.fish.state.pa.us/minutes.htm.
The mission of the Fish and Boat Commission is to protect, conserve, and enhance the Commonwealth’s aquatic resources and provide fishing and boating opportunities. For more information about fishing and boating in Pennsylvania, please visit our website at www.fishandboat.com.
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Marylands’ Historic Octoraro Creek Trail Reopens To The Public
July 7, 2008
CONOWINGO — The newest addition to the Lower Susquehanna Heritage Greenway, Octoraro Creek Trail, is now open to the public. The trail, a half-mile walking path through wooded land that begins at the Octoraro Creek Bridge on Route 222 and ends at the Susquehanna River, provides greater opportunities for kayaking, canoeing and hiking, and opens previously inaccessible fishing locations along the Susquehanna.
The trail was built on land owned by Exelon Corp., owner of the nearby Conowingo Dam. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Exelon have been working together since 2004 to enhance recreational opportunities in the area. The trail is the first of many projects that will grow out of that partnership.
“The reopening of Octoraro Creek is a huge accomplishment, and could not have been possible without Exelon’s generosity and receptiveness,” said Tom O’Connell, assistant director of DNR’s Fisheries Service. “This new recreational opportunity grew out of an open process that included Exelon, DNR and input from local anglers and outdoor enthusiasts.”
“Exelon feels it has a responsibility to open recreational opportunities for people to enjoy the Susquehanna River. The trail provides access to great fishing spots and endless opportunities for the public to appreciate our natural world,” said Vicky Will, Exelon Vice President of Regulatory, Environmental and Safety.
“The Octoraro Creek Trail is a great idea, and an exceptional opportunity for those who love fishing and boating, or who just love the outdoors,” said Leon Senft, representative for the Susquehanna Shad Club. “Exelon was very cooperative and should be commended for their efforts. There are some very happy anglers along the Susquehanna.”
Local anglers are encouraged to participate in DNR’s 2008 Maryland Fishing Challenge. Designed to promote recreational fishing in Maryland, recognize angler efforts and inspire environmental stewardship, the 2008 Maryland Fishing Challenge began April 12 and will run through Labor Day, Sept. 1. Any angler who catches a citation-qualifying fish and enters the challenge may win one of the official grand prizes. To date, more than 1,000 anglers have qualified to win one of the grand prizes, including a 2008 Toyota Tundra 4×4 pickup truck from Central Atlantic Toyota, a boat and trailer package from Bass Pro Shops and $5,000 in fishing gear from Bill’s Outdoor Center.
For the full rules, list of qualifying fish, qualified entrants thus far, and other 2008 Maryland Fishing Challenge information visit www.dnr.maryland.gov/fishingchallenge.
For more information about Octoraro Creek and the Lower Susquehanna Heritage Greenway, visit http://www.hitourtrails.com/.
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PaddleQuest 2008 Coming to Deer Creek State Park
June 24, 2008
Event sponsored by Gander Mountain and ODNR
COLUMBUS, OH - Paddle Quest 2008, a series of events that promote canoeing and kayaking in Ohio, is coming to Deer Creek State Park in Pickaway County on Saturday, June 28, beginning at 10 a.m.
Paddle Quest 2008 is sponsored by Gander Mountain Company, the nation’s largest retail network of stores for hunting, fishing, camping, boating, marine, and outdoor lifestyle products and services, in conjunction with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).
The statewide series began in May at Shawnee State Park near Portsmouth and is traveling to nine state parks this summer in partnership with Ohio State Parks and the ODNR Division of Watercraft.
“We hope to raise public awareness of the excellent opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors right here in south-central Ohio and across the state,” said Joe Hardin, district manager of Gander Mountain’s Ohio stores. “Paddling is fun, great exercise, and something that can be done inexpensively and close to home.”
In addition to enjoying a day on the water at Deer Creek Reservoir, event participants will enjoy a cookout-style lunch, door prizes, and a chance to win a matching pair of kayaks. The Paddle Quest 2008 series concludes September 20 at Salt Fork State Park in Guernsey County.
Following the June 28 Paddle Quest event at Deer Creek, the series will be held at the following locations. Each event begins at 10 A.M.:
July 12 - Salt Fork State Park
July 26 - Mohican State Park
August 9 - Geneva State Park
August 23 - Punderson State Park
September 13 - Maumee Bay State Park
September 20 - Salt Fork State Park
“We’re really excited to partner with Gander Mountain on this event,” said Arley Owens, special programs manager for Ohio State Parks. “It’s a great chance for the whole family to get acquainted with canoeing or just to get out with other outdoor enthusiasts and enjoy our great state parks.”
No experience is required to participate in these free events, and they are open to all ages. Participants under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult. All Paddle Quest participants, regardless of age, are required to wear approved life jackets during the event.
Canoes, kayaks, paddles and life jackets are not provided, so participants must bring their own equipment. Rental boats and safety equipment may be available at some state parks. Pre-registration and event day registration is required for Gander Mountain prize eligibility. For more information on Paddle Quest 2008 and to pre-register, visit gandermountain.com on the Internet or call your local Gander Mountain store. A complete schedule of events and information about state park lodging and camping information can also be found at
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New Chance to Support Wildlife in Alabama
June 6, 2008
For over a half century, Alabama hunters have paid for the majority of the management of wildlife species through their purchases of hunting licenses and hunting related merchandise. Now there is an opportunity for non-hunters such as bird watchers, hikers and canoeists to support wildlife by purchasing Alabama’s new Wildlife Heritage License. Through matching funds from the federal government, each $10 license can generate additional matching federal funds for wildlife management. A lifetime option is also available for $200.
In one easy step, outdoor lovers can purchase a Wildlife Heritage License from the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources at www.outdooralabama.com/licenses or at any of the many locations that sell hunting and fishing licenses. Although the license includes some hunting and fishing privileges, it was designed to give outdoor enthusiasts a way to help improve Alabama’s abundant wildlife and conserve our state’s rich natural heritage.
This new program will help generate funds for outdoor programs throughout the state, such as needed wildlife research; surveying and monitoring wildlife populations; funding outdoor education programs; and developing additional areas for the public to enjoy wildlife.
Alabama is one of the most popular places for the national pastime of wildlife observation, out our back doors and away from home, according to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s 2006 national survey. In addition, Alabama is the second most bio-diverse state in the country, meaning its plant and animal life is extremely varied.
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has numerous successful programs that benefit nongame species–wildlife species that are not hunted. The Department has also developed areas that directly benefit bird watching enthusiasts. A few examples include:
Bald Eagle—Alabama began a bald eagle restoration program in 1984, and eagles now nest in many parts of the state. Surveys show they have increased every year since their re-introduction and now exceed 100 nests statewide. The successful restoration, along with that of other states, led to the bald eagle being removed from the federal Threatened and Endangered Species list.
Red-cockaded Woodpecker—The Safe Harbor Program gives landowners who have suitable habitat for this endangered species an assurance that if they continue to manage their property for mature pine timber and attract red-cockaded woodpeckers, no restrictions will be placed on management practices. Also, if they currently have woodpeckers on their property, they will not be subject to further restrictions if the population increases. Recently, the first red-cockaded woodpeckers were relocated to private lands to increase populations of the bird in our state.
North Alabama Birding Trail—The trail consists of a series of 50 birding stops in 11 north Alabama counties. Interpretive signs help birdwatchers know what species frequent the area and describe visible habitat types. Visit www.northalabamabirdingtrail.com for more details.
Conservation Commissioner Barnett Lawley encourages birders and others to make the $10 purchase. “I’m often asked by people who don’t hunt or fish what they can do to help conservation in Alabama. Purchasing the Wildlife Heritage License is the perfect way for them to show their support. The great thing is the three-to-one match we get for each dollar. That makes their donation even more valuable,” he said.
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 outdooralabama.com.
Download The Brochure (.pdf file)
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Mickelson Trail Hosts 5th Annual Walk/Ride/Run
June 2, 2008
LEAD, S.D. – Walkers, bikers and runners are invited to take part in the 5th Annual Mickelson Trail Walk/Ride/Run on June 7.
The event is non-competitive, and families and work groups are encouraged to participate. Participants can walk, ride a bicycle or run.
Registration begins at 7 a.m. at the Lead High School. Pre-registration is available at the Lead Chamber or at www.LeadMeThere.org under “Mickelson Trail Registration.” The event will start at 8 a.m.
There is a $15 per person entry fee or $45 for a team of four. Children 12 and under may participate for free. Trail passes are included in the registration fee.
The first 100 registered participants will receive a free t-shirt. The Lead-Deadwood Regional Hospital will be offering free blood pressure checks and door prizes will be given away at the end of the walk.
The event is a cooperative effort between the S.D. Game, Fish and Parks, Lead Area Chamber of Commerce, Deadwood Chamber of Commerce, Northern Hills YMCA, Lead-Deadwood Regional Hospital, Golden Hills Regional Senior Care Center, KEVN, Apple Springs Resort Properties and Wilderness Estates.
June 7 is the 16th Annual National Trails Day, a day set aside to celebrate America’s magnificent trail systems and their countless supporters and volunteers. It is a nationwide trails celebration, bringing together thousands of outdoor enthusiasts annually on the first Saturday of June. For additional information on National Trails Day and other events, visit www.AmericanHiking.org.
For more information on the Mickelson Trail, visit www.MickelsonTrail.com or call. (605) 584-3896.