Outdoors Headlines
Canadian Hunter Stranded for Three Weeks Drank Melted Snow to Survive
A Winnipeg family is happy to have their family member back after he went out into the bush for a day hunting trip and didn’t return for weeks. A search party had even been officially called off when there was no sign of Brad Lambert after helicopters and foot search and rescuers could not locate him.
Lambert, 46, was hunting deer in southeast Manitoba when he took a “wrong turn on the wrong trail,” according to the Canadian Press, who spoke to Lambert. The last time anyone saw him was on November 15 when he stopped to buy supplies just southeast of his home in Winnipeg.
His truck later became stuck and soon became his only shelter from harsh weather. With no compass and an unusable cell phone, he placed all bets on being found by a passerby.
“I slept nightly in my vehicle, which was completely stuck, immobilized, out of fuel after five days, battery dead,” Lambert told Global Winnipeg. “Daily spent time trying to be noticed, building some smokey signal fires. Nothing to eat just, plenty of fresh water from snowmelt to ground water.”
His efforts to draw rescuers’ attention to him were futile so eventually he set out on foot through the thick forest until he came to a trail. He followed it to a road and began following it. A passerby later stopped for him and he was taken to a hospital and to see his family, 24 days after he had set out to hunt. Lambert credits thoughts of his wife and son were what kept him going.
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Deer Hunters in West Virginia Harvest 56,173 Bucks during the Buck Firearms Season
Preliminary data collected from game checking stations across the state indicate deer hunters in West Virginia harvested 56,173 bucks during the two-week buck firearms season, which ran from November 19 through December 1, according to Frank Jezioro, Director of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR). The 2012 buck harvest was seven percent less than the 2011 harvest of 60,157. The top 10 counties for buck harvest were as follows: Preston (2,108), Greenbrier (1,907), Randolph (1,792), Mason (1,667), Jackson (1,662), Hampshire (1,570), Monroe (1,563), Ritchie (1,518), Wetzel (1,496) and Hardy (1,435).
This year’s buck harvest is slightly less than last year, with decreases occurring in four of the six DNR districts. The largest percent decreases occurred in the western and central counties of the state. The harvest was 27th among all recorded antlered buck firearm seasons. This year’s preliminary buck harvest remains seven percent below the previous five-year average of 60,236.
Wildlife biologists and wildlife managers collected age-specific biological information at checking stations in 24 counties this year and preliminary analysis indicate antler development was good. The dry weather was good for hunter participation this year but made moving in the woods noisy. Deer densities that were more in balance with the habitat in many areas, combined with the better-than-average acorn crop that allowed deer to frequent open fields less frequently, made this year’s deer season challenging for many hunters. Residual access problems associated with Hurricane Sandy, such as downed trees blocking forest roads, may have hindered the ability of some buck hunters to reach their favorite hunting spots, especially in some of the high mountain counties.
Wildlife biologists will analyze data from the combined 2012 deer seasons (i.e., buck, antlerless, archery and muzzleloader) before making appropriate recommendations for next year’s deer hunting seasons. These recommendations will be available for public review at 12 regulations meetings scheduled for March 18 and 19, 2013. (See page 5 of the current 2012 – 2013 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary or visit the DNR Web site at www.wvdnr.gov for scheduled meeting locations.)
Director Jezioro reminds hunters that several days of deer hunting opportunity still remain for 2012. The traditional antlerless deer season in selected counties on both public and private land opens December 13 and runs through December 15. The Youth, Class Q/QQ and Class XS deer season (antlerless deer only) will be open on December 26 – 27 in any county with a firearms deer season, and will be followed by the reopening of Class N/NN antlerless deer season on December 28 – 31 in 48 counties or portions of counties. (See the 2012 – 2013 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary or visit the DNR Web site at www.wvdnr.gov for county and area listings.)
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Fresh Line Up and New Co-Hosts Await Brotherhood Outdoors Viewers
The Union Sportsmen’s Alliance’s award-winning hunting and fishing show, Brotherhood Outdoors, will return for a new, surprise-filled season on Sportsman Channel starting at 11 a.m. ET on Sunday, January 6.
Boasting a coveted Sunday morning time slot, new co-hosts Daniel Lee Martin and Julie McQueen, and a fresh line up of elusive game and fish, the new season will give viewers an intimate glimpse into the outdoor pursuits of some of America’s hardest working sportsmen and women.
Winner of a 2012 Sportsman Choice award and a 2013 nominee, Brotherhood Outdoors awards union sportsmen and women who are committed to preserving North America’s outdoor heritage with a guided trip or the opportunity to show off their guiding skills and local hunting or fishing destinations on national TV.
“What I love about Brotherhood Outdoors is that it’s not just about big horns and monster fish,” said host Daniel Lee Martin. “It’s about the traditions and family ties that bind America’s blue-collar sportsmen together. It’s about showcasing the relationships that can be fortified out in the woods and on the water.”
On January 6, viewers will join Mark Spreadborough, an HVAC Mechanic, member of United Association Local 290 and proud father, as he attempts to harvest a Vancouver Island black bear with his great-grandfather’s 1895 Winchester rifle.
“Viewers can expect a lot of exciting changes this season,” said USA Executive Director Fred Myers. “What won’t change is the show’s focus on everyday union sportsmen and women and their commitment to their communities and the preservation of our outdoor heritage.”
Presented by Bank of Labor, Brotherhood Outdoors is also sponsored by the following union and contractor partners: Employee Benefit Systems, International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers, International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, National Electrical Contractors Association, and United Association/International Training Fund.
For more information about Brotherhood Outdoors, the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance or Sportsman Channel, visit www.BrotherhoodOutdoors.tv.
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The Choice Lucky Logo Week 11 – Hunter Safety System
This week on The Choice, after passing on a nice bear last year and coming home empty handed Jeremy Huntley is back for revenge. Luckily for Jeremy and Heather the bears are everywhere. Unlucky for them, bears arenʼt the only predators in Quebecʼs woods. Bears, Tenpoints, Huntleyʼs and Hospitals – can this possibly end well?
Look for the Hunter Safety System logo during the show. This episode’s Lucky Logo winner will receive, a great package from Hunter Safety Systems that includes a lineman’s belt, bow holder, hat, t-shirt, life-line system, and of course a HSS UltraLite Xtreme to keep you safe out there, as well as the other great weekly prizes!
To enter to win and view contest prizes, visit http://www.archerschoicemedia.com/contests/lucky-logo
Read and join the discussion on The Choice Lucky Logo Week 11 – Hunter Safety System at OutdoorHub.com.
California DFG Seeks Comment on Hunter Education Regulations
The Department of Fish and Game (DFG) is proposing new regulations to support an increase in the number of hunter education instructors in the state. Currently, there are not enough instructors to keep up with the public’s demand for mandatory hunter education classes. The regulations would create an incentive program to help recruit new instructors and to retain current ones.
The proposed regulations, which would be added to the California Code of Regulations Title 14, establish specific criteria to participate in the hunter education instructor incentive program. These criteria include employment status, length of service, in-service training requirements, compliance with existing game laws and payment of an application fee.
The proposal also creates a drawing system to equitably distribute the incentive opportunities. These incentives include, but are not limited to, fully guided hunts, limited-entry big game tags and firearms. Eligible instructors would be assigned a random number for the drawing. Those with the lowest numbers would receive the highest-rated opportunities. The proposal also establishes a system to redistribute tags in the event any instructor is unable or unwilling to utilize the opportunity provided.
The proposal rewards long-term service as a hunter educator by providing additional entries per drawing. For example, instructors must complete three years of service in order to participate in the incentive program and they will earn an additional entry for each additional 10 years of service.
The proposed regulations are available for comment period from Dec. 10, 2012, until Dec. 26, 2012.
The proposed regulations are available on the DFG website at www.dfg.ca.gov/HunterEd/Instructor_Incentive.
All comments must be received by DFG no later than 5 p.m. on Dec. 26, 2012. Comments can be emailed to rgriffith@dfg.ca.gov , mailed or hand-delivered to:
Roy Griffith
Captain / Hunter Education Program
Department of Fish and Game
1416 Ninth Street / Room 1342-6A
Sacramento, CA 95814
Comments received by the due date will be considered before the regulations are adopted.
Questions about the regulations should be directed to Capt. Roy Griffith, Hunter Education Program Administrator, at (916) 653-9727 or rgriffith@dfg.ca.gov.
Read and join the discussion on California DFG Seeks Comment on Hunter Education Regulations at OutdoorHub.com.
Missouri Department of Conservation: Give the Gift of Nature
The Conservation Department has lots of holiday shopping ideas
Out of ideas for the hunter or angler on your gift list? Wondering what to buy for the nature enthusiast who has everything? The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has solutions for these and other holiday shopping quandaries.
THE NATURE SHOP
The most versatile gift item from MDC’s Nature Shop is the 2013 Natural Events Calendar ($7). Nearly everyone enjoys nature in one way or another, and this calendar, with dozens of awe-inspiring nature photographs, is sure to please almost anyone. Daily entries offer insights into the blooming periods of wildflowers, the lives of wild animals from snow fleas to bobcats, and celestial events, such as meteor showers and eclipses.
MDC’s newest book, Cooking Wild in Missouri ($15), was the subject of a year-long blog, “Woods to Food” (woodstofood.com). The project was similar to the one documented in the 2009 film Julie & Julia. Bloggers Ann and Fred Koenig “ate their way through Cooking Wild,” using food they collected, hunted, or received from friends until they had prepared every recipe in the book. If you buy Cooking Wild, you can consult the Koenig’s blog, sharing their fun and benefitting from insights they gained during their culinary odyssey.
The Nature Shop has field guides for everything from wildflowers to trees and butterflies to crayfishes. These are made to order for practical-minded outdoors people. There are coffee-table books, children’s picture-storybooks, and a guide to hiking trails on conservation areas. The Nature Shop even has nature-themed notecards and blank nature journals for recording personal outdoor experiences.
Check out a selection of musical, historical, and educational DVDs ranging from children’s music and waterfowl identification, plus a few, like “Just Kiddin’ Around,” purely for fun.
MDC’s online Nature Shop (mdcnatureshop.com) even has a gift registry where you can leave hints about what you would like to find under the tree on Dec. 25. If you prefer not to buy online, you can visit one of MDC’s nature centers or regional offices, or call 877-521-8632. Conservation Heritage Card holders get a 15-percent discount. Mail, phone, and online orders are subject to sales tax and shipping and handling fees.
NURSERY STOCK
If your outdoorsy friends own and manage land for wildlife, MDC’s forest nursery might be the perfect place to shop for their gifts. Bargain-priced tree and shrub seedlings make habitat enhancement affordable and effective. With dozens of species to choose from (including flowering dogwood, bald cypress, black walnut, northern red oak, buttonbush, and shortleaf pine) this is a gift you can tailor to the recipient’s special interests and land. For prices and ordering information, visit mdc.mo.gov/node/3328, or call 573-674-3229.
THE GIFT OF POSSIBILITIES
At first, giving a hunting or fishing permit might seem ho-hum, but giving a Resident Small-Game Hunting and Fishing Permit to a student on a limited budget means he or she has $19 more to spend on fishing line, ammunition, and other supplies. Giving a Nonresident Small-Game Hunting Permit ($80) or a Nonresident Fishing Permit ($42) encourages out-of-state family members to come home more often.
The Apprentice Hunter Authorization ($10) is an affordable gift that can last a lifetime. This is not a permit, but rather an authorization to buy hunting permits without first completing hunter education. This is made to order for friends or relatives who are intrigued by the idea of hunting but don’t want to invest time in hunter education to satisfy his or her curiosity. Not only will they get to experience your favorite outdoor pastime, you will share the experience. Hunters using the authorization must hunt with you or another hunter education-certified mentor. Annual permits purchased now are valid through February 2014. That is 15 months of outdoor enjoyment for the price of 12.
The ultimate hunting/fishing gift is a Resident Lifetime Conservation Partner Permit. This entitles the holder to the privileges associated with a Resident Hunting and Fishing Permit, a Trout Permit, a Migratory Bird Hunting Permit, and a Conservation Order Permit for life. The price varies according to the recipient’s age. Resident Lifetime Fishing Permits also are available.
Regular permits are available from vendors statewide or online at mdc.mo.gov/node/9258. Lifetime permits are only available through the Jefferson City Central Office. Get an application at mdc.mo.gov/8849, or by calling 573-522-4115, ext. 3574.
Read and join the discussion on Missouri Department of Conservation: Give the Gift of Nature at OutdoorHub.com.
2013 Tennessee Spring Turkey Application Period to Run Dec. 12-Feb. 6
Applications for the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency 2013 Spring Turkey Quota Hunts will be accepted beginning Dec. 12, 2012.
Applications are available and will be accepted at any TWRA license agent, TWRA regional office, or online at the TWRA website at www.tnwildlife.org. Applications will be accepted beginning at 12 a.m. (CST) on Dec. 12 and will not be accepted after 11:59 p.m. (CST) on Feb. 6, 2013. Mailed applications will not be accepted.
The areas available for the hunts are listed on the instruction sheets. Hunters have up to 12 choices, but will be drawn for only one. Applicants may not use the same hunt code more than once. There are a total of 19 hunts listed. No person may apply more than once.
A permit fee will not be charged to Annual Sportsman (Type 004), Lifetime Sportsman (Types 402-405) license holders or Senior Citizen Hunters (Type 166) with an Annual Senior Citizen Permit (Type 167). TWRA will pay the agent fee for these transactions. For all other license holders, the cost is $10 per permit, plus the agent fee. When applying at a license agent, hunters must remain at the location while the application is processed. Hunters will receive a receipt with a confirmation number when the application is complete.
Hunters with Internet access may apply beginning Dec. 12 for a spring quota turkey hunt. Hunters can click on Buy a License On-Line. Once the Internet site has been accessed, hunters can follow the on-screen directions.
Read and join the discussion on 2013 Tennessee Spring Turkey Application Period to Run Dec. 12-Feb. 6 at OutdoorHub.com.
Deadline Near for Entering Trophies in 28th Boone & Crockett Record Period
Attention big-game hunters: Dec. 31, 2012, is the deadline for entering your trophies into Boone and Crockett records, if you’d like to be included in the Club’s 28th triennial Big Game Awards book, banquet, exhibit and conservation data.
The Boone and Crockett scoring and records-keeping program was the first-ever data collection system designed to measure and evaluate the population health and habitat quality of native North American big-game species. This historic info has been used for decades to improve state and federal wildlife polices and management strategies.
Trophy entry materials (official score chart, entry form and affidavit, and photos) postmarked by Dec. 31 will be processed for the next Boone and Crockett records book. The triennial publication will list trophies accepted in 2010, 2011 and 2012, and is slated for release in October 2013.
Of all the trophies entered during those three years, the Top 5 specimens in each of 36 categories of native North American big game will be invited to a special awards banquet, exhibit and other events July 17-20, 2013, in Reno, Nev. The Boone and Crockett Club 28th Big Game Awards Program will be held at the Silver Legacy Resort and Casino, where an exhibit of these high-ranking trophies will be open for public display.
To find an official measurer in your area, visit www.boone-crockett.org.
For more information on the Boone and Crockett 28th Big Game Awards event, visit www.biggameawards.com.
“Big game trophies are proof that hunter-supported conservation programs work and that the user pay/public benefit model of wildlife management is the only proven way to sustain healthy and balanced wildlife populations for the future,” said Eldon Buckner, chairman of the Club’s Records of North American Big Game Committee.
Read and join the discussion on Deadline Near for Entering Trophies in 28th Boone & Crockett Record Period at OutdoorHub.com.
Montana’s Bighorn Sheep Reintroduction Decision
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks announced its decision Friday to delay the reintroduction of Bighorn sheep into the Bridger Mountains after reviewing both the environmental assessment (EA) and public comment related to the proposal. In a letter explaining the decision, Region 3 Supervisor Pat Flowers wrote, “Now is not the right time for a reintroduction,” but committed to “additional work towards that end.”
This decision means the Department will not go ahead with the immediate reintroduction of Bighorn sheep given concerns about long term success. Instead, FWP will work to achieve agreements with sheep owners in the Bridgers – in collaboration with neighboring landowners and Bighorn sheep advocates – to help reduce the risk of contact between domestic and Bighorn sheep. The aim will be to create a better opportunity for success with a future reintroduction. FWP expects to evaluate this effort in December of 2013 to assess whether sufficient progress has been made toward that end.
The entire decision notice including public comment on the proposal can be found online at http://fwp.mt.gov/news/publicNotices/.
Read and join the discussion on Montana’s Bighorn Sheep Reintroduction Decision at OutdoorHub.com.
New Jersey’s 2013 Hunting and Fishing Licenses Available Now!
The NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife has announced that hunting and fishing licenses for 2013 are now available at all license agents (http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/agentlst.htm) and online (http://www.nj.wildlifelicense.com/).
All New Jersey fishing and hunting licenses expire on December 31, regardless of when purchased. Hunters can maximize the value of their licenses by purchasing them early and getting out and enjoying the great hunting opportunities still available at the beginning of the new license year, and anglers can continue to enjoy fishing for trout stocked during October and November in waters where they thrive all year, as well as other species which remain active through the colder months.
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