Time for Preseason Scouting in West Virginia
September 25, 2008
The recent cool mornings are a sure indication that another hunting season is just around the corner. With the youth squirrel season less than a month away (October 4), it’s time to begin preseason scouting by checking out the local woodlot for mast and wildlife sign.
Each year the mast conditions vary from species to species. Mast conditions are some of the main factors determining where wildlife will be found. West Virginia wildlife biologist and avid squirrel hunter Keith Krantz, stresses that “Large numbers of squirrels may be hard to locate due to the abundance of hickory we have this year. However, in areas with fewer hickories, squirrels may be either concentrated or have completely consumed the nut crop. In most areas, the oak mast seems to be spotty and sparse.”
September is one of the most pleasant and beautiful times to be afield in West Virginia. It’s a wonderful time to take the whole family for an afternoon walk. It’s also a great opportunity to introduce youngsters to the outdoors. Identifying wildlife sign and learning tree species can be very beneficial for these future sportsmen. Take the time to explain the reasons for buck rubs and scrapes you may find on your journey. Be sure to check for soft mast also. Soft mast is sometimes overlooked when searching for available foods. However, when hard mast is scarce, many animals rely on the berries of these species. Turkeys and bears are especially fond of grapes, gums and dogwood berries. In areas where other food sources are scarce, soft mass can sometimes carry animals through the difficult winter months to come.
“The fall hunting season is soon approaching and the time for scouting is now. It’s quite simple to find the wildlife – follow the food,” Krantz advises. “And just remember that taking youngsters afield may spark their interest in nature and lead them toward a career in forestry or biology.
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Free Workshops for Beginning Upland Game and Waterfowl Hunters Offered in Nevada
September 22, 2008
Waterfowl and upland game species like chukar and quail provide many opportunities for a hunt close to home in Nevada. Beginners can learn practical skills and tips at workshops to be held this Thursday, September 25 beginning at 5:45 the new Sportsman’s Warehouse in Henderson. The Nevada Department of Wildlife has gathered together hunting experts and will provide practical tools to help beginners have the most successful experience possible.
Upland game is the focus of the 5:45 workshop, where hunters can learn where to go and valuable “how to” information on hunting the challenging and elusive chukar as well as other species.
At 7:30 Brock Perry, representing Ducks Unlimited and a duck calling pro, will share his extensive knowledge on how and where to hunt ducks in Nevada.
Nevada Department of Wildlife educators and game wardens will also be on hand to answer questions and share a wealth of educational materials.
The workshops are sponsored by a National Shooting Sports Foundation Hunting Heritage Partnership Grant aimed at getting hunters afield.
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) protects, restores and manages fish and wildlife, promotes fishing, hunting, and boating safety. NDOW’s wildlife and habitat conservation efforts are primarily funded by sportsmen’s license and conservation fees and a federal surcharge on hunting and fishing gear. Support wildlife and habitat conservation in Nevada by purchasing a hunting, fishing, or combination license. For more information, visit www.ndow.org
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Virginia Hunting and Trapping Regulation Meetings Coming Up
September 16, 2008
Hunting and trapping regulatory issues being discussed
Richmond, VA — This month, sportsmen interested in discussing hunting and trapping issues are having their first opportunities of many to influence the next round of changes to the regulations that govern their sports. Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) Wildlife Division biologists are holding their first round of open meetings for the public as VDGIF commences the next regulatory cycle.
The VDGIF Hunting and Trapping regulation review and amendment process for the 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 Hunting and Trapping seasons begins this month with regulatory issue meetings being held throughout the state to discuss hunting and trapping issues and solicit the views of the public. The locations of the regulatory issue meetings are posted on the department’s website at www.HuntFishVA.com and are listed below.
Following the current early meeting series, the Board of Game and Inland Fisheries will address hunting and trapping regulatory issues at the October 23, 2008 Board meeting, soliciting and receiving additional public comments at that time.
Next, a hunting and trapping regulatory issues public discussion period will follow from November 4, 2008 through January 5, 2009. During this period, written comments and discussion on regulatory issues will be solicited for citizen submission either via the VDGIF website, by mail, or by email.
At the February 26, 2009 meeting of the Board of Game and Inland Fisheries, the extensive regulatory review and amendment process will continue. At this meeting the Board will receive staff’s first full recommendations for regulatory changes; the Board will again hear public comment; and the Board will propose regulation amendment.
This will be followed by another public input period: a public comment period on the proposals the Board makes on February 26, 2009. From March 10 - May 11, 2009, public comment will be solicited and received on the proposals through a range of channels, including another statewide meeting series, and written comment through multiple channels.
Finally, at its planned June 2, 2009 meeting, the Board will hear staff’s final recommendations for regulatory changes; the Board will solicit and hear public comments again; and final regulation amendments will then be adopted for the 2009-2010 and 2011-2012 hunting and trapping seasons. Such amendments will take effect August 1, 2009.
There are numerous opportunities for the public to participate in the 2008-2009 regulatory process, and citizens are encouraged to take part at every stage.
For more information on the Hunting and Trapping Regulation Review Process go to www.HuntFishVA.com and click on “Board Meetings and Other Public Meetings” on the right-hand side of the page.
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Crossbows: Coming to a Treestand Near You?
September 16, 2008
Did you know that only two states in the country do not allow the use of a crossbow for hunting? Did you know that only four states place an age restriction on crossbow use? Did you know that New Jersey is one of 17 states that allow physically challenged hunters to use crossbows? Did you know that a change is in the works?
The crossbow is a popular hunting tool throughout the United States. Since 2002, eight states have added crossbow hunting. New Jersey hunters have shown an increased interest in hunting with crossbows based on requests to Fish and Wildlife to add them as a legal sporting arm. New Jersey now has a proposal to expand the opportunity to use crossbows for deer hunting to all hunters beginning in the 2009-2010 deer seasons. Crossbows are NOT legal for the 2008-09 deer seasons except for hunters issued a physically-challenged hunting permit.
The Fish and Game Council, which sets Garden State hunting regulations via the Game Code, acknowledges this growing interest in crossbows, as well as an objection to crossbows among some hunters. Fish and Wildlife’s role is to provide the Fish and Game Council with scientific data upon which to make regulatory decisions.
To that end, Fish and Wildlife conducted an opinion survey in 2007 of resident hunting license holders about their preference regarding crossbow hunting. The report to the Council also compared the capabilities of crossbows and compound bows, plus reviewed the experience of other states that hunt with this equipment. In addition, Fish and Wildlife biologists examined the current research and literature to identify crossbow misconceptions.
For the survey, Fish and Wildlife biologists contacted a random selection of resident sportsmen and sportswomen representing all New Jersey hunters. Each license-holder type – i.e., all-around, archery, firearm, etc. – was sampled in the same proportion as they exist in the hunter population. This ensured all user groups were represented fairly. The survey demonstrated support for the expanded use of crossbows across all user groups. To view the survey results, go to www.NJFishandWildlife.com/pdf/2008/xbowsurvey07.pdf (pdf, 112kb).
Crossbows resemble a firearm in that their short limbs are transversely mounted on a rifle stock and they have a trigger with a safety. The shooting technique is similar to shooting a rifle and is simple to learn. After cocking, crossbows hold the bowstring in the cocked position without the shooter’s continued effort and are released mechanically with a trigger. With practice, crossbows are accurate and easily mastered.
However, the range and velocity of a crossbow is comparable to those of a compound bow. And just as with a compound, long or recurve bow, crossbow hunters must still develop shooting skills to be successful: correct cocking technique, proper stance, breath control, careful aim, smooth trigger pull and follow-through along with the ability to judge distance.
Data collected from the 48 states that currently have some type of crossbow hunting (including New Jersey) indicate that crossbows are as safe as other types of bows; their use does not increase either hunting accidents or wounding of game. The success rate of crossbow hunters is equal to – or only slightly better than – hunters with compound bows. No state with legalized crossbow use during the archery seasons has needed to reduce the bag limit nor shorten the archery seasons as a result of crossbow hunting.
The Council’s proposal to broaden crossbow use is based on the positive attributes of crossbow hunting. These benefits include improved hunter recruitment and retention, better deer management in areas of suburban/rural interface and increased agency revenue. Crossbows may encourage a greater participation by youths, women and others who have difficulty drawing a regular bow to engage in the sport and start (or maintain) a family hunting tradition.
Crossbows will also enable aging hunters with various physical limitations not defined as a handicap, to continue with or to come back to the sport they love. Crossbows can be a practical alternative in populated areas where firearms discharge has been restricted by local ordinance. This will assist Fish and Wildlife to achieve deer management objectives where hunter access has been limited. And while no additional fees will be charged to hunt with a crossbow, additional revenue is anticipated through an increase in archery license and Permit Bow Season permit sales.
After reviewing the survey results and the documentation provided by Fish and Wildlife biologists, the Fish and Game Council voted to amend the 2009-10 Game Code to broaden the definition of a bow to include crossbows, and allow their use for deer hunting in any open bow season for legal hunters of all ages. If adopted, this proposed amendment will not take effect until the 2009-10 hunting season.
Game Code changes to include crossbow hunting, as well as the other proposed changes to hunting and trapping regulations (see Proposed Changes to Hunting in New Jersey) are subject to a public comment period whereby the citizens of New Jersey can express their opinion. Check periodically on Fish and Wildlife’s Web site (www.NJFishandWildlife.com) for details on the public comment period, public meeting dates and to view the proposed changes to the Game Code. And remember, crossbows are NOT legal during the 2008-09 deer seasons.
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NDOW Says “Don’t Put That Boat Away Just Yet”
September 12, 2008
Just as Memorial Day marks the official beginning of the annual boating season on Lake Mead and Lake Mohave, Labor Day marks the official ending. With their children heading back to school, many boaters put their boats away for the year. But that could be a big mistake.
“Some of the best boating water of the year is available right now. Boaters who put their boats away too early are really missing out,” said Nick Duhe, boating education coordinator for the Nevada Department of Wildlife. “The water temperature is still reasonably warm, daytime temperatures are comfortable, the summer winds are gone and there is very little boating traffic.”
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) protects, restores and manages fish and wildlife, promotes fishing, hunting, and boating safety. NDOW’s wildlife and habitat conservation efforts are primarily funded by sportsmen’s license and conservation fees and a federal surcharge on hunting and fishing gear. Support wildlife and habitat conservation in Nevada by purchasing a hunting, fishing, or combination license. For more information, visit www.ndow.org.
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More Turkey Permits in Utah
September 2, 2008
The Wildlife Board approves a big increase in permits for 2009
The chance you’ll draw a wild turkey hunting permit in Utah just got better.
The Utah Wildlife Board has approved 13,761 public hunting permits for hunts in Utah next spring. That’s an increase of more than 80 percent over the 7,706 public permits that were available in 2008.
Board members approved the permits at their Aug. 28 meeting in Salt Lake City.
“Sportsmen have told us that they’d like more opportunities to hunt wild turkeys,” says Dave Olsen, upland game coordinator for the Division of Wildlife Resources.
“Because of the way we manage turkeys in Utah, we believe allowing more hunters into the field will not affect the turkey populations.”
Turkey hunter survey
After last spring’s hunts, the DWR surveyed 2,330 of the 7,853 public and private hunters who hunted turkeys in Utah in 2008.
“There were more turkey hunters in the field this past spring than there’s ever been. But most of the hunters we surveyed said they were satisfied with their experience,” Olsen says. “Raising the number of permits will allow even more sportsmen to get out and enjoy spring turkey hunting.”
Turkey hunters in Utah can take only male turkeys. That rule, and the fact that female turkeys are very productive, means putting additional hunters in the field shouldn’t have a negative effect on Utah’s turkey populations.
“Turkeys and other upland game reproduce at a high rate,” Olsen says. “It’s not unusual for a single male turkey to breed as many as 10 females. And female turkeys are very productive. They usually lay a clutch of between 10 to 12 eggs.
“Because one male will breed several females, and because female turkeys are so productive, taking some extra males out of the population shouldn’t affect the overall number of turkeys in Utah.”
Applications
You can apply for a 2009 turkey hunting permit starting Dec. 2 at wildlife.utah.gov
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Free Fly-tying Workship Offered Through NDOW
August 28, 2008
Want to tie your own flies? The Nevada Department of Wildlife will be holding a free fly-tying workshop at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, September 9. This hands-on, entry-level course will teach participants the basics of tying fishing flies. Students will learn what equipment, materials, and techniques are needed to create fishing flies. All equipment and materials necessary for the class will be provided. The class will be held at the NDOW office located at 4747 Vegas Drive (just east of Decatur Blvd.). For registration and more information contact 486-5127 x 3503 Monday – Friday.
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) protects, restores and manages fish and wildlife, promotes fishing, hunting, and boating safety. NDOW’s wildlife and habitat conservation efforts are primarily funded by sportsmen’s license and conservation fees and a federal surcharge on hunting and fishing gear. Support wildlife and habitat conservation in Nevada by purchasing a hunting, fishing, or combination license. For more information, visit www.ndow.org.
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Shooting Space Still Available at Range Day at the Desert Sportsman’s Rifle & Pistol Club
August 28, 2008
Hunters looking for a place to sight-in their firearms before the upcoming big game seasons are in luck. There is still space available at the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) Range Day slated for Saturday, Sept. 6 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Desert Sportsman’s Rifle & Pistol Club.
A maximum of 20 shooters will be allowed each hour and each shooter can reserve at least one hour of range time. Club range officers and NDOW Hunter Education instructors will be on hand to ensure safety guidelines are followed and to assist shooters with the sight-in process if needed. To reserve a range time, shooters need to call Martin Olson at the NDOW Southern Region office, 486-5127 x 3501.
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) protects, restores and manages fish and wildlife, promotes fishing, hunting, and boating safety. NDOW’s wildlife and habitat conservation efforts are primarily funded by sportsmen’s license and conservation fees and a federal surcharge on hunting and fishing gear. Support wildlife and habitat conservation in Nevada by purchasing a hunting, fishing, or combination license. For more information, visit www.ndow.org.
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Dove Season to Kick Off Fall Hunting in Oklahoma
August 19, 2008
Largely viewed as the kick-off to fall hunting in Oklahoma, dove season’s Sept. 1 opening day is sure to attract sportsmen to the field, no matter where in Oklahoma they live.Â
Last year’s dove season took on some unusual qualities. Not only did the 2007 dove season come after an unusually rainy year that created muddy conditions and forced many farmers to harvest their grain fields later than normal, but some hunters also took part in a new season format with the formation of the southwest zone, which offered additional hunting opportunities during late December and early January. Biologists say the circumstances of last year’s dove season did not appear to affect the success of hunters, however.
“Last year, the rainy conditions may have had some affect on certain areas where hunters were used to finding higher concentrations of birds most years, so some hunters may have had to look at different areas to hunt,” said Rod Smith, southwest region wildlife supervisor for the Wildlife Department. “But dove hunters are persistent, and they were able to locate some good areas and found plenty of birds. This year, though, the management of crops is pretty much back to normal, and we should have a good year.”
The southwest zone will be open again this year as well. The season for the southwest zone is the same as the statewide season — Sept.1 - Oct.30 — but also Dec. 27 – Jan. 5. The southwest zone starts on U.S. 62 from the Texas border west of Hollis, east to Interstate 44, Interstate 44 south to OK 7, OK 7 east to U.S. 81 and U.S. 81 south to the Texas border at the Red River. Regulations for the rest of the state have not changed.
Dove hunting is wildly popular in Oklahoma. In fact, with the exception of the opening day of the deer rifle season, there are more Oklahomans in the field on the opening day of dove season each year than at any other time.
Dove hunting is a favorite for several reasons. For starters, there is plenty of action. Youngsters and adults alike can have an enjoyable yet challenging hunt in Oklahoma no matter where they choose to hunt. Dove can be found from one corner of the state to the next, but hunters do not have to travel far to find them. Excellent hunting can be found on wildlife management areas managed by the Wildlife Department, some of which have been managed specifically for doves. Additionally, persistent dove hunters can often obtain permission from landowners to hunt private land, such as those where grain fields have been recently harvested.
Dove season is even more appealing to new hunters because it offers two days of free hunting. September 6-7 marks Oklahoma’s Free Hunting Days, and Oklahoma residents do not need a hunting license, fishing and hunting legacy permit or HIP permit to go afield.
Dove hunters also enjoy a generous daily limits of 15 doves, except in the southwest zone, where the daily limit is 12 doves. The limit may consist of any combination of mourning doves, white-winged doves and Eurasian collared doves.
To hunt doves, sportsmen need a hunting license and a fishing and hunting legacy permit, unless exempt. Additionally, all hunters, unless otherwise exempt, must carry a Harvest Information Permit (HIP) while afield. For complete hunting license information and dove hunting regulations, be sure to pick up a copy of the “2008-09 Oklahoma Hunting Guide” at a sporting goods retailer or at wildlifedepartment.com.
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Duck Hunters May Access Public Areas to Repair Blinds
August 6, 2008
POCAHONTAS – Waterfowl hunters who make use of public duck blinds on several northeast Arkansas public hunting areas will soon get their chance to perform maintenance work on these public blinds. Sportsmen may access Big Lake, St. Francis Sunken Lands and Dave Donaldson Black River WMAs from Aug. 16 through Aug. 31, to maintain public duck blinds, waterfowl hunting holes and boat lanes.
There are no blinds on Dave Donaldson Black River WMA, but public hunting holes may be maintained on that WMA. Access is scheduled for an earlier period than past years after comments from local residents. The later dates conflicted with a peak in farming activities. Maintenance will only be allowed into the areas during daylight hours. Permits will not be required.
Maintenance may be done under the following guidelines:
- All blinds located on Commission owned or controlled property are public property and are available for use by the public on a first come first served basis. Blinds may not be locked at any time and may not be reserved in advance for future use regardless of previous use, maintenance or construction history.
- Maintenance and use of public duck blinds is at the users own risk. The Commission assumes no liability for personal injuries, damages or loss of property by anyone entering or hunting from public blinds.
- Only blinds that are in good condition may be maintained. Blinds that have been destroyed or are no longer safe or serviceable may not be rebuilt.
- Maintenance is limited to repairs necessary to keep the structure in a safe and serviceable condition. Construction of new blinds is not permitted and existing blinds cannot be enlarged or replaced or moved.Â
- Blinds determined by the AGFC to be unsafe, unserviceable, or to have been illegally built, moved or altered will be permanently removed.
- Certain levees and roads usually open to vehicular traffic may be closed because of construction or logging operations on Big Lake and Dave Donaldson/Black River. Only ATVs will be permitted beyond signs, locked gates or barricades for maintenance purposes.
- Identification numbers that have been placed on or near blinds are not to be removed or painted over.
- Boats; three wheeled, four wheeled, six wheeled or eight-wheeled all terrain vehicles may be used on existing roads or trails to access blinds or hunting areas. Trailers may be used with ATVs to transport repair materials and/or equipment to blind locations.
- No trucks or other passenger vehicles, farm tractors or implements, including implements for use with four-wheelers, riding mowers or power mowers may be used.
- No chemicals, herbicides or defoliants may be used.
- Chainsaws will be permitted only for the cutting of fallen logs from boat lanes, trails and hunting spots.
- No trees are to be cut, regardless of size.
- No new holes or clearings are to be created.
- Soil may not be plowed, cultivated or disturbed in any manner and no seeds of any kind are to be planted.
- Cutting of trees, application of chemicals or defoliants, or the enlargement or creation of new openings will result in the permanent closure of that location to hunting.
- No maintenance may be done in areas that have been closed to hunting by painted boundaries or signs, and any blind that is in a location that has been permanently closed to waterfowl hunting because of illegal activity will be permanently removed.
- Blinds may not be relocated or moved from GPS coordinates established by the AGFC. This includes floating structures. All other wildlife management area rules and regulations established by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission are applicable. Hunters should refer to the 2007-2008 waterfowl regulations guidebook prior to hunting.
The use of all-terrain vehicles for off road travel is restricted to persons actively participating in blind or hunting hole maintenance, and mobility impaired access permit holders as permitted by area regulations. Joy riding is prohibited and violators will be prosecuted.
