A beautiful, full-color poster featuring the greater prairie
chicken is this years "thank you" to those who contribute to the
DNR's Wildlife Diversity program through the Fish and Wildlife Protection
Fund (Chickadee Checkoff) on the state income tax form. The photograph of
the "booming" prairie chicken used for the poster was donated
by photographer Ty Smedes of Urbandale, a frequent contributor to the Iowa
Conservationist magazine and DNR slide programs.As in past years, posters
are available from tax preparers at the time taxes are figured. Contributors
who complete their own tax form should contact the Wildlife Diversity Program
to receive their poster.
"The greater prairie chicken is a native of Iowa's
grasslands and numbered in the thousands during its peak in the late 1800's"
said Bruce Ehresman of the DNR's Wildlife Diversity Program. "Numbers
were greatly reduced due to habitat loss and overharvest, and by 1900 sightings
were rare. The last Iowa nests were documented in 1952, and only six sightings
were reported between 1960 and 1979," he added that these sightings
were primarily along the Missouri River and most likely birds from other
states.
"The Iowa Conservation Commission attempted restoration
with the release of 100 birds in Monona County in the early 1980s,"
Ehresman said, "but this effort proved to be unsuccessful. In a second
attempt at restoration, the DNR released 445 prairie chickens in Ringgold
County between 1987 to 1994, and 115 birds in Adair County in 1993-94. It
appears these efforts are paying off, as greater prairie chickens can now
be found in at least four southwestern Iowa counties."
Contributions to Iowa's Wildlife Diversity Program are
critical to the program existence and benefit more than 400 of Iowa's nongame
species. In addition to prairie chicken restoration, donations are also
used for the restoration of rare species like the peregrine falcon, river
otter, barn owl and trumpeter swan. Donations fund surveys for nongame wildlife,
help sponsor events such as Bald Eagle Appreciation Days and Hawk Watch,
and pay for publications about Iowa's bats, frogs and salamanders, lizards
and turtles, and snakes.
For more information on the Wildlife Diversity Program
and to report a contribution to the Fish and Wildlife Protection Fund, contact:
Wildlife Diversity Program, Wildlife Research Station, 1436 255th St.,
Boone, IA 50036, or call (515) 432-2823.
DNR Improves Customer Service With New Phone System
Each year, more than 90,000 telephone calls are received
by the DNR headquarters in Des Moines, according to the DNR's information
Chief Ross Harrison, and a new system has been developed for improved customer
service.
"Most of the calls to the DNR deal with hunting, fishing,
camping and forestry," Harrison said. "We have developed a 24-hour
a day, 7-day a week system on those topics, with a goal of answering more
than half of those calls with a taped message. If the taped message isn't
enough, callers can always access a real human."
Harrison said the value of this system is that people can
call anytime, day or night. "Callers are not restricted to 8 a.m. and
4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday," he explained. "And because
we can save labor in answering the phone, we will have more funds available
for natural resource management."
These taped messages answer the most frequently asked questions
and also give callers the opportunity to order DNR publications or licenses,
Harrison said. Persons wanting information on hunting should dial (515)
281-HNTR (4687). Callers desiring energy information should call (515) 281-5918,
while calls concerning other DNR topics such as environmental pollution
and waste management should be placed to (515) 281-IDNR (4367.)
We will continue to monitor this new system," Harrison
said, "and fine-tune it to the customers' needs as much as possible."
MICHIGAN
MANUFACTURED MATERIAL CONSTRUCTED GROUND BLINDS NOW UNLAWFUL
LANSING - It is now unlawful for hunters to build or occupy
(use) ground blinds made of manufactured material on publicly-owned land.
Hunters on public lands can continue to use portable ground blinds that
are removed at the end of each day or can construct blinds out of dead and
natural materials found on the ground. Seasonal use of blinds by hunters
with handicaps continues to be permitted.
The new Wildlife Conservation Order for Use of Ground Blinds
on Publicly Owned Lands took effect January 1, 1996. The laws state that
"ground blinds used in the taking of animals on all public owned lands
must be either portable blinds which are carried-in and carried-out daily,
or blinds constructed of dead and down materials found at the site. Ground
blinds, whether portable or made of dead and down materials, cannot be attached
to trees by nails, screws, bolts, wire, cable, rope, or any other fastener."
"We heard many complaints from hunters of conflicts
on public lands associated with permanent ground blinds at public meetings
last year," DNR Law Enforcement Division Chief Herb Bums said. "In
addition, litter resulting from the abandoned structures and leftover materials
has be MIDWEST STATES NEWS
IOWA
Prairie Chicken "Booms" For Contribution
A beautiful, full-color poster featuring the greater prairie
chicken is this years "thank you" to those who contribute to the
DNR's Wildlife Diversity program through the Fish and Wildlife Protection
Fund (Chickadee Checkoff) on the state income tax form. The photograph of
the "booming" prairie chicken used for the poster was donated
by photographer Ty Smedes of Urbandale, a frequent contributor to the Iowa
Conservationist magazine and DNR slide programs.As in past years, posters
are available from tax preparers at the time taxes are figured. Contributors
who complete their own tax form should contact the Wildlife Diversity Program
to receive their poster.
"The greater prairie chicken is a native of Iowa's
grasslands and numbered in the thousands during its peak in the late 1800's"
said Bruce Ehresman of the DNR's Wildlife Diversity Program. "Numbers
were greatly reduced due to habitat loss and overharvest, and by 1900 sightings
were rare. The last Iowa nests were documented in 1952, and only six sightings
were reported between 1960 and 1979," he added that these sightings
were primarily along the Missouri River and most likely birds from other
states.
"The Iowa Conservation Commission attempted restoration
with the release of 100 birds in Monona County in the early 1980s,"
Ehresman said, "but this effort proved to be unsuccessful. In a second
attempt at restoration, the DNR released 445 prairie chickens in Ringgold
County between 1987 to 1994, and 115 birds in Adair County in 1993-94. It
appears these efforts are paying off, as greater prairie chickens can now
be found in at least four southwestern Iowa counties."
Contributions to Iowa's Wildlife Diversity Program are
critical to the program existence and benefit more than 400 of Iowa's nongame
species. In addition to prairie chicken restoration, donations are also
used for the restoration of rare species like the peregrine falcon, river
otter, barn owl and trumpeter swan. Donations fund surveys for nongame wildlife,
help sponsor events such as Bald Eagle Appreciation Days and Hawk Watch,
and pay for publications about Iowa's bats, frogs and salamanders, lizards
and turtles, and snakes.
For more information on the Wildlife Diversity Program
and to report a contribution to the Fish and Wildlife Protection Fund, contact:
Wildlife Diversity Program, Wildlife Research Station, 1436 255th St.,
Boone, IA 50036, or call (515) 432-2823.
DNR Improves Customer Service With New Phone System
Each year, more than 90,000 telephone calls are received
by the DNR headquarters in Des Moines, according to the DNR's information
Chief Ross Harrison, and a new system has been developed for improved customer
service.
"Most of the calls to the DNR deal with hunting, fishing,
camping and forestry," Harrison said. "We have developed a 24-hour
a day, 7-day a week system on those topics, with a goal of answering more
than half of those calls with a taped message. If the taped message isn't
enough, callers can always access a real human."
Harrison said the value of this system is that people can
call anytime, day or night. "Callers are not restricted to 8 a.m. and
4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday," he explained. "And because
we can save labor in answering the phone, we will have more funds available
for natural resource management."
These taped messages answer the most frequently asked questions
and also give callers the opportunity to order DNR publications or licenses,
Harrison said. Persons wanting information on hunting should dial (515)
281-HNTR (4687). Callers desiring energy information should call (515) 281-5918,
while calls concerning other DNR topics such as environmental pollution
and waste management should be placed to (515) 281-IDNR (4367.)
We will continue to monitor this new system," Harrison
said, "and fine-tune it to the customers' needs as much as possible."
MICHIGAN
MANUFACTURED MATERIAL CONSTRUCTED GROUND BLINDS NOW UNLAWFUL
LANSING - It is now unlawful for hunters to build or occupy
(use) ground blinds made of manufactured material on publicly-owned land.
Hunters on public lands can continue to use portable ground blinds that
are removed at the end of each day or can construct blinds out of dead and
natural materials found on the ground. Seasonal use of blinds by hunters
with handicaps continues to be permitted.
The new Wildlife Conservation Order for Use of Ground Blinds
on Publicly Owned Lands took effect January 1, 1996. The laws state that
"ground blinds used in the taking of animals on all public owned lands
must be either portable blinds which are carried-in and carried-out daily,
or blinds constructed of dead and down materials found at the site. Ground
blinds, whether portable or made of dead and down materials, cannot be attached
to trees by nails, screws, bolts, wire, cable, rope, or any other fastener."
"We heard many complaints from hunters of conflicts
on public lands associated with permanent ground blinds at public meetings
last year," DNR Law Enforcement Division Chief Herb Bums said. "In
addition, litter resulting from the abandoned structures and leftover materials
has beMIDWEST STATES NEWS
IOWA
Prairie Chicken "Booms" For Contribution
A beautiful, full-color poster featuring the greater prairie
chicken is this years "thank you" to those who contribute to the
DNR's Wildlife Diversity program through the Fish and Wildlife Protection
Fund (Chickadee Checkoff) on the state income tax form. The photograph of
the "booming" prairie chicken used for the poster was donated
by photographer Ty Smedes of Urbandale, a frequent contributor to the Iowa
Conservationist magazine and DNR slide programs.As in past years, posters
are available from tax preparers at the time taxes are figured. Contributors
who complete their own tax form should contact the Wildlife Diversity Program
to receive their poster.
"The greater prairie chicken is a native of Iowa's
grasslands and numbered in the thousands during its peak in the late 1800's"
said Bruce Ehresman of the DNR's Wildlife Diversity Program. "Numbers
were greatly reduced due to habitat loss and overharvest, and by 1900 sightings
were rare. The last Iowa nests were documented in 1952, and only six sightings
were reported between 1960 and 1979," he added that these sightings
were primarily along the Missouri River and most likely birds from other
states.
"The Iowa Conservation Commission attempted restoration
with the release of 100 birds in Monona County in the early 1980s,"
Ehresman said, "but this effort proved to be unsuccessful. In a second
attempt at restoration, the DNR released 445 prairie chickens in Ringgold
County between 1987 to 1994, and 115 birds in Adair County in 1993-94. It
appears these efforts are paying off, as greater prairie chickens can now
be found in at least four southwestern Iowa counties."
Contributions to Iowa's Wildlife Diversity Program are
critical to the program existence and benefit more than 400 of Iowa's nongame
species. In addition to prairie chicken restoration, donations are also
used for the restoration of rare species like the peregrine falcon, river
otter, barn owl and trumpeter swan. Donations fund surveys for nongame wildlife,
help sponsor events such as Bald Eagle Appreciation Days and Hawk Watch,
and pay for publications about Iowa's bats, frogs and salamanders, lizards
and turtles, and snakes.
For more information on the Wildlife Diversity Program
and to report a contribution to the Fish and Wildlife Protection Fund, contact:
Wildlife Diversity Program, Wildlife Research Station, 1436 255th St.,
Boone, IA 50036, or call (515) 432-2823.
DNR Improves Customer Service With New Phone System
Each year, more than 90,000 telephone calls are received
by the DNR headquarters in Des Moines, according to the DNR's information
Chief Ross Harrison, and a new system has been developed for improved customer
service.
"Most of the calls to the DNR deal with hunting, fishing,
camping and forestry," Harrison said. "We have developed a 24-hour
a day, 7-day a week system on those topics, with a goal of answering more
than half of those calls with a taped message. If the taped message isn't
enough, callers can always access a real human."
Harrison said the value of this system is that people can
call anytime, day or night. "Callers are not restricted to 8 a.m. and
4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday," he explained. "And because
we can save labor in answering the phone, we will have more funds available
for natural resource management."
These taped messages answer the most frequently asked questions
and also give callers the opportunity to order DNR publications or licenses,
Harrison said. Persons wanting information on hunting should dial (515)
281-HNTR (4687). Callers desiring energy information should call (515) 281-5918,
while calls concerning other DNR topics such as environmental pollution
and waste management should be placed to (515) 281-IDNR (4367.)
We will continue to monitor this new system," Harrison
said, "and fine-tune it to the customers' needs as much as possible."
MICHIGAN
MANUFACTURED MATERIAL CONSTRUCTED GROUND BLINDS NOW UNLAWFUL
LANSING - It is now unlawful for hunters to build or occupy
(use) ground blinds made of manufactured material on publicly-owned land.
Hunters on public lands can continue to use portable ground blinds that
are removed at the end of each day or can construct blinds out of dead and
natural materials found on the ground. Seasonal use of blinds by hunters
with handicaps continues to be permitted.
The new Wildlife Conservation Order for Use of Ground Blinds
on Publicly Owned Lands took effect January 1, 1996. The laws state that
"ground blinds used in the taking of animals on all public owned lands
must be either portable blinds which are carried-in and carried-out daily,
or blinds constructed of dead and down materials found at the site. Ground
blinds, whether portable or made of dead and down materials, cannot be attached
to trees by nails, screws, bolts, wire, cable, rope, or any other fastener."
"We heard many complaints from hunters of conflicts
on public lands associated with permanent ground blinds at public meetings
last year," DNR Law Enforcement Division Chief Herb Bums said. "In
addition, litter resulting from the abandoned structures and leftover materials
has be come a widespread problem. This new law should help reduce conflicts
between hunters and keep public lands cleaner."
MINNESOTA
Tentative opening dates announced for many 1996 Minnesota
hunting seasons
Opening dates for many of the 1996 Minnesota hunting seasons
were announced this week by Department of Natural Resources Commissioner
Rod Sando. The dates are being announced now for the benefit of those who
must establish vacation or hunting plans well in advance. Although these
dates are tentative, pending final approval in June, Sando said it is unlikely
they will change.
SMALL GAME
General small game, including: Sept. 14 grouse, gray partridge
Oct. 12 Pheasant
Sept. 1 Woodcock, rails, snipe
WATERFOWL
* Ducks and geese open continuously Oct. 26, Nov. 2,Nov.
30, Sept. 28 (tentative)
Additional details on season lengths, quotas and bag limits
will be announced next summer.
SEASON WRAP-UP
Hunting was very good in east-central Minnesota during
1995 with the exception of upland game birds. Currently, the ruffed grouse
population is near the low end of its 10-year cycle and sharp-trailed grouse
numbers continue to be low due to long-term habitat loss. Likewise, the
pheasant population - which made gains from last year - is comparatively
low when measured against numbers of the 1950's and 60's. However, big game
hunters did very well during 1995 and waterfowl hunters experienced a fair
to good year.
Wulf said waterfowl hunting success was mixed. Canada geese
were a bright spot, he said, as the goose population continues to grow and
provide new hunting opportunities in many parts of east-central Minnesota.
Also doing well are many of Minnesota's most popular non-game
species. Pam Perry, regional non-game specialist, said east-central Minnesota
is now home to the Midwest's largest population of wintering trumpeter swans.
In winter, well over 100 rare trumpeter swans congregate on the open water
of the Mississippi River below the NSP power plant at Monticello.
"This is truly an impressive sight," said Perry,
"Years ago trumpeter swans were virtually nonexistent in Minnesota.
It's encouraging to see that our reintroduction efforts and the efforts
of Hennepin County Parks are paying off."
Pouring Antifreeze In Ice Fishing Holes Is Hazardous And
Illegal
A romp in the snow turned deadly recently when a Labrador
retriever drank from a pool of antifreeze on Forest Lake.
"The death of this dog was a tremendous loss to its
owner," said Forest Lake Conservation Officer Wayne Eller. "It
never should have happened."
According to Eller, an angler had apparently chipped a
shallow depression in the ice and filled it with antifreeze. "Anglers
sometimes do this to increase the effectiveness of their fish locators or
depth finders," Eller said.
DNR Law Information Officer Nancy Huonder said other anglers
dump antifreeze directly into fishing holes to keep them from freezing.
"in either case, these anglers are acting illegally and irresponsibly,"
Huonder said. "Common antifreeze liquids like ethylene glycol and methyl
alcohol are toxic chemicals. Methyl alcohol is the active ingredient in
windshield washer fluid and ethylene glycol is found in antifreeze."
Dave Enright of the South Shore Veterinary Hospital who
tried to save the retriever, said the poisoning wasn't an isolated incident.
"Last year we treated at least three dogs that had ingested antifreeze
on Forest Lake," he said. Some pets poisoned by antifreeze can be saved
if treatment begins in time.
According to Enright, dogs readily drink antifreeze because
it tastes sweet. "Dogs that drink a large amount can die in a few hours,"
said Enright. "They typically become ataxic, then stuporous or comatose.
Those that ingest smaller amounts may not show any symptoms at first, but
they often die a few days later when the antifreeze destroys their kidneys."
The hazards posed by misuse of antifreeze on lakes may
not be limited to pets and wildlife. "People who eat fish that have
been in contact with antifreeze may be risking their health too," Huonder
said.
How Are The Animals Doing In This Weather?
Minnesota is getting back to their normal winters. In fact
the second annual conference on Global Warming was just cancelled because
all the planes were froze to the ground at the airport. We have had our
share of bad and cold weather this year including wind chills approaching
100 below.
From discussions throughout the state it appears though
there are bands of problem areas, the grouse and pheasant are holding there
own. We can expect a bit lower nesting numbers this year but it is still
too early to tell next falls numbers.
SEPTEMBER GOOSE SEASON TO BE EXPANDED
The DNR is presently evaluating the September early goose
season. With the explosion of the Canada Goose in the midwest the DNR is
looking for ways to control their numbers. In addition the DNR is looking
at other aspects of the fall waterfowl season.
NEBRASKA
WILDLIFE LOSSES MINIMAL DURING RECENT SEVERE WEATHER
LINCOLN -- The recent wave of record and near-record low
temperatures across Nebraska has many people wondering what effects the
cold snap might have had on wildlife, said Kevin Church, assistant administrator
for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission's Wildlife Division.
"Although Commission personnel from around the state
have not received any reports of unusual losses resulting from the cold
temperatures," Church said, "winter is often the most rigorous
time of year for resident species." He said the severity of winter
can play a large part in determining the size of spring breeding populations
and, to some extent, the size of populations the following autumn.
Low temperatures subject animals to physical stress. Animals
must produce more metabolic heat to maintain their body temperature during
unusually cold weather, burning more calories (from either body fat or food)
under these conditions. When deep snow or ice makes food inaccessible, animals
must rely on fat reserves alone to supply this extra energy. Starvation
or exposure-related death can occur when metabolic heat cannot be generated
fast enough to maintain body temperature or when food is unavailable after
fat stores have been depleted.
Church said that while the recent weather has undoubtedly
been challenging for many species, several factors have been favorable for
populations to escape heavy losses. "First, the truly brutal temperatures
only persisted for a week or less, so animals in good condition should have
emerged the period a little leaner but otherwise unscathed," Church
said. "Also, although some areas have several inches of snow, winds
that accompanied the last storm swept many areas nearly bare, making waste
grain and oilier critical foods accessible to pheasants and other seed-eating
,animals. Ironically, drifted snow actually benefited some species such
as sharp-tailed grouse, which take advantage of snow's insulating property
by roosting underneath it at night." Large-bodied species such as deer
and turkeys typically have little trouble weathering short spells of extreme
cold, and most migratory birds such as geese and eagles can move considerable
distances to find food or open water when necessary. Church said animals
that were already in poor condition probably fared worse. "Bobwhite
quail also may have suffered losses in the northeast and oilier local areas,
but because Nebraska is on the northwest fringe of the quail's range, these
events are unfortunately the norm," he added.
Habitat quality is the key factor influencing the risk
of winter mortality for wildlife. During the recent spell of arctic temperatures,
animals living in area with excellent protection from the elements and abundant
food probably had little problem surviving, whereas those living in poorer
habitat were more likely to succumb. People can help wildlife withstand
severe conditions by encouraging the growth of thick stands of grass or
shrubs that block high winds and provide pockets of shelter. (For more information
contact Kevin Church, Wildlife Division assistant administrator (402) 471-5435.)
PREPARE NOW FOR WATERFOWL NESTING SEASON
LINCOLN -- Artificial waterfowl nesting structures should
be repaired, cleaned and filled with nesting materials for the upcoming
nesting season, said Joe Gabig, waterfowl specialist for the Nebraska Game
and Parks Commission.
"Annual maintenance of artificial nesting structures
is important to encourage goose and duck nesting," Gabig said, "and
now is the time to do that maintenance."
Gabig said maintaining nest structures or putting up new
nest structures is easiest during the winter when good, safe ice is present
on lakes and marshes. Ice conditions are deteriorating across the state,
so anyone working on nesting structures should use extreme caution.
Annual maintenance should include repairs to the nest structure
and removal of any remaining nesting materials from the previous season.
Gabig said it is important to replace old nesting materials with wild hay
or straw. Gabig said alfalfa hay should not be used.
Many duck and goose nesting structures in the state are
installed by sporting clubs, service groups, schools, individuals and landowners.
Gabig said information and plans for building and erecting
nesting structures are available from Game and Parks Commission offices.
Next Years Season Opening Dates Have Been Set.
The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has set this falls
opening dates at their Jan 19th meeting in Lincoln. All dates are the same
as last year, adjusted for the Saturday opening. Here's what they look like:
grouse September 14th, pheasant, quail and partridge November 2.
Bird Dog News will have the closing dates as they are available.
NORTH DAKOTA
TENTATIVE 96-97 SEASON DATES
The following dates are tentative openeing dates for this
falls seasons:
Sept 14th: Sharptail, Huns, Ruffed Grouse
Sept 16th: Sage Grouse
Sept 28th: Duck & Goose
Oct 12th: Pheasant
SOUTH DAKOTA
PHEASANTS AND BLIZZARDS
PIERRE -- With the onset of one of the worst winters in
years, many South Dakotans have become concerned about how wildlife populations
can survive--especially pheasants.
"There have been a number of accounts in the media
of doom and gloom" according to pheasant biologist Steve Riley. But
Riley is more cautious about making predictions. "There is no doubt
that we have lost birds due to these storms. In some localized areas we
may have even lost large numbers, but I am still not overly concerned that
the recent conditions have devastated our population as some have suggested."
With mild weather in the fall and early winter, Riley said
the birds were generally in very good physical condition when the storm
hit. "Good body fat is important when pheasants have to survive blizzard
conditions," Riley noted.
Riley said his optimism stems from knowing that pheasants
are stalwart and wily birds. "When they have adequate cover, they can
survive. We won't know the extent of the storm's damage for sure until we
do our August roadside counts."
Ten things to remember about pheasants and other wildlife
relating to blizzard conditions:
1. Pheasants can survive in very severe conditions as long
as good cover is available.
2. When pheasants die in winter storms the cause is normally
hypothermia or asphyxiation, which are both linked to weather conditions
and habitat quality and availability.
3. Pheasants in poor health (resulting from injuries, late
hatches, etc.) that encounter blizzard conditions following mild weather
in the fall and early winter (as in 1995-96) often die all at once, which
makes their deaths look startling even though most would have died in a
more chronic manner had the blizzard not occurred.
4. The farther pheasants have to travel between habitat
types (like roosting and feeding cover), the greater their risk from weather
and predators is.
5. Pheasants commonly form large flocks in the winter.
6. Feeding pheasants is not normally necessary, but once
you start they become dependent on the food source, so it is important to
continue feeding them until the snow has substantially melted.
7. Pheasants do not usually die from starvation.
8. A white backdrop of snow makes pheasants more visible.
9. The more snow there is on the ground, the less usable
habitat is available for pheasants.
10. South Dakota has had a wild pheasant population for
over 80 years--winter storms have never killed them all yet--they are a
hardy creature!
If winter conditions cause you concern for the welfare
of pheasants and other wildlife, you should consider doing your part in
developing quality habitat on their behalf. The sad fact is, that when a
winter storm sets in it is too late to do anything that will significantly
lessen the effects of that storm. All we can do is resolve to make conditions
better for future storms.
Anyone interested in developing habitat should contact
their local wildlife conservation officer for technical assistance. There
are a number of sources available for financial cost-share assistance. -gfp-
DECEMBER GOOSE COUNT COMPLETE
PIERRE -- Between Thanksgiving and Christmas every year,
a group of South Dakotans goes out with the goal of counting all the geese
in the state.
According to waterfowl biologist Spencer Vaa, each year
in December, state wildlife agencies across all four waterfowl flyways conduct
a goose count. He said, "These surveys are conducted from the air and
the ground simultaneously by conservation officers and wildlife biologists."
This year, there were over 300,000 Canada geese in South
Dakota on December 12. There's more than just total numbers in this survey,
though, according to Vaa.
In addition to estimating the number of geese of all species,
the Canada geese observed during the survey are separated into populations.
Small Canada geese observed along the Missouri River or in eastern South
Dakota are called Tall Grass Prairie birds (TGP). Small Canadas in western
South Dakota, primarily at Lacreek National Wildlife Refuge, are part of
the Short Grass Prairie population (SGP). Large Canadas along the river
or in eastern South Dakota are part of the Western Prairie/Great Plains
population (WP/GP). The Great Plains birds are known among South Dakotans
as giant Canada geese. The large Canadas at the power plant near Milbank
are part of the Eastern Prairie population (EP).
Vaa said each of the populations of geese, including snow
geese and whitefronts, has a management plan that includes a population
objective. For the TGP, WP/GP and mid-continent snow geese, the December
survey serves as the official goose survey to determine if their population
status meets the objective.
This is important to South Dakota goose hunters, according
to Vaa. "South Dakota has a liberal goose season right now because
the population status of the goose flocks important in South Dakota's harvest
are above population objectives stated in the management plans. These include
the Western Prairie/Great Plains, TGP, and snow geese.
"Conducting the December survey takes a lot of manpower,"
Vaa said. "Basically, all the National Wildlife Refuges take care of
surveying the refuges and South Dakota conservation officers survey their
own districts." The Missouri River is surveyed from the air from Whitlocks
Bay to Sioux City. In addition to the December goose count, there's another
waterfowl count during the first week of January.
This Mid-Winter Waterfowl Survey is conducted by all the
states in all four flyways, according to Vaa. "Waterfowl of all species
are tallied in January. This count is used to determine the long-term wintering
trend data and is the official goose survey for the Short Grass Prairie
population of Canada geese," he said.
"Although our weekly fall counts on the Missouri might
be of the most interest to hunters, these two surveys are a big factor in
the continent-wide decisions about waterfowl management and hunting seasons.
As uncomfortable as it often is to be out there in typical prairie winter
weather, waterfowl biologists across the country rely on the data that's
collected."
WISCONSIN
DUCK HUNTING ZONE CHANGED
MADISON -- The boundary between the northern and southern
duck hunting zones will be changed in western Wisconsin and in the or County
peninsula. The change was approved by the state Natural sources Board at
its January meeting.
The proposed boundary change must be given final approval
by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which allows states to change duck
zone boundaries every five years. 1996 is a year zones can be changed; the
state will next get an opportunity to modify duck zones 2001.
"These changes have the support of many duck hunters
in the areas that are being affected, " says Jon Bergquist, wetland
waterfowl biologist for the Department of Natural Resources. "Of course,
any change of this nature is never going to have unanimous support cause
individuals have different hunting styles."
The changes were based on comments the DNR received during
a series of public hearings held last December on this specific rule, well
as on comments the DNR received over the past two years at all waterfowl
season hearings that are held each August, Bergquist says.
The changes were also discussed at most affected county
Conservation Congress annual meetings, by the Conservation Congress Waterfowl
Committee, the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation and the Wisconsin Waterfowl
Association.
"In general, these changes reflect the desires of
the majority of hunters who commented on changing the boundary," Bergquist
said.
Under the changes, the boundary is divided by the following
highways beginning at Green Bay: State Highway 57 south to Kewaunee County
Highway A, to State Highway 163, to State Highway 147 to U.S. Highway 10,
to State Highway 27 north, to State Highway 70, to Sawyer County Highway
B, west to State Highway 77 to the state boarder.
The southern duck zone generally has a split season while
the northern zone has a continuous season. The result often extends the
season later in the fall for the southern zone. Season dates are set each
year through public input and negotiations with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service.
The new boundary places all or portions of a number of
western counties that had been in the northern duck zone into the southern
zone. These include: Barron, Burnett, Chippewa, Dunn, Eau Claire, Pierce,
Pepin, Polk, Rusk, Sawyer, St. Croix, and Washburn counties.
"There was near unanimous support at our hearings
for placing northwestern Wisconsin, including the Chippewa Flowage, into
the southern zone," Bergquist said.
In the east, the change moves all of Door County and parts
of Kewaunee County into the southern zone.
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service is expected to rule
on the proposed changes by August. Waterfowl seasons are set in September
following state and federal waterfowl population surveys and evaluation
of harvest goals and season frameworks. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Jon
Bergquist - (608) 266-8841
THE GROUSE ARE HOLDING THEIR OWN
Though there has been some Ruffed Grouse losses, the birds
have been holding their own. There has been above normal losses in a 15
to 30 mile line across the state from Polk County to the Upper Pennisula.
Sad to say the deer may not fair as well. The true numbers will be seen
in the spring drumming counts. This is a bad year for this to happen with
the grouse coming back. But being on the up-cycle they may still be able
to recover. It will be interesting to see how this effects the grouse cycle.
SOUTH CENTRAL STATES NEWS
KANSAS
WHERE HAVE ALL THE PHEASANTS GONE?
PRATT -- Most hunters who have pursued pheasants in western
Kansas during the past two decades have probably noticed a marked decline
in the bird population -- a decline documented by Kansas Department of Wildlife
and Parks annual Rural Mail Carrier Surveys. This trend disturbs both hunters
and conservationists because factors contributing to the pheasant's decline
may also affect other species.
Economists are concerned, as well according to a study
commissioned by the International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies,
upland and small game hunting in Kansas generated more than $90 million
in retail sales in 1991 alone. Of these game species, pheasants are the
most popular in the state.
Whether for environmental, economic, or recreational reasons,
citizens throughout western Kansas want to know why pheasant numbers have
dropped, and what can be done about it. In response to numerous requests
for information on the plight of the pheasant, the Kansas State Cooperative
Extension Service -- in conjunction with Pheasants Forever and the Kansas
Department of Wildlife and Parks -- has scheduled meetings to address three
areas of concern: 1) pheasant population trends and why these trends are
occurring, 2) what individual producers can do to affect pheasant populations
on the farm, and 3) what federal legislation such as the Farm Bill does
for or against wildlife like pheasants.
NEW FEES FOR 1996
PRATT -- In response to several years of inflation and
increasing demands placed upon state parks, the Kansas Wildlife and Parks
Commission approved increases in many hunting, fishing, and state park fees,
effective Jan. 1, 1996.
New wildlife related fees include the following:
· resident hunting license -- $15;
· non-resident hunting license - $65;
The Department of Wildlife and Parks Wildlife Fee Fund
receives approximately 65 percent of its revenue from the sale of hunting,
fishing, and furharvesting licenses. About 35 percent of the Wildlife Fund
comes in matching money from the Federal Aid to Fish and Wildlife Restoration
programs. The Wildlife Fee Fund makes the following services possible:
· maintenance of public wildlife areas and fishing
waters;
· wildlife education programs;
· wildlife law enforcement;
· wildlife habitat development on private lands;
· new programs such as the Walk-In Hunter Access;
· wetland development;
The department proposal to raise wildlife fees also noted
that increases were needed to meet spending levels required to receive federal
aid. It is estimated that the new fee increases will generate an additional
$1,046,000 for the Wildlife Fee Fund.
State parks are funded from the state General Fund and
money generated at the parks themselves. No federal matching funds are available
to maintain state parks. In 1993 and 1995, floods severely damaged many
state parks, not only increasing the need for repair funding, but reducing
income because of park closures.
LATE-SEASON BIRD HUNTING OFFERS CHANCE TO GET OUT
PRATT --The opening weekend fervor has died down, and reports
of bird hunting success from across Kansas have been mixed at best. While
some regions have provided some good hunting, some have confirmed the below-average
prediction. However, December and January are when the really-serious bird
hunters hit the field, and they enjoy some of the best hunting of the year.
Late-season bird hunting can be good for a variety of reasons,
not the least of which is the weather. As with many seasons, the early portion
of the 1995 upland bird season has been mild. Warm temperatures combined
with the dry fall have left birds scattered and wary, while scent conditions
have been difficult for dogs. Cooler weather and some much-needed moisture
will improve things dramatically.
Hunter competition is also reduced as the season progresses.
The majority of Kansas bird hunting pressure occurs in the first two weeks
of the season. And generally, when bird populations are below average, the
hunting pressure will decrease even more. Late-season hunters will have
the fields to themselves, even on public areas. But don't be afraid to politely
ask landowners. They may be more receptive to hunters after the pressure
has dropped off.
Traditional early-season pheasant hunts are often made
up of large groups of hunters canvassing fields in organized drives. By
late season, however, the wily ringneck has figured out this technique,
and the slamming of a truck door and voices of hunter's preparing to walk
a field will send any pheasant within earshot out the other end. Late season
is a time for a couple of hunters and a close-working dog to quietly walk
patches of heavy cover. Make a sneaky approach to likely patches, rather
than walk in a straight line across the field, just follow the dog in a
random pattern, work into the wind and avoid unnecessary noise.
When snow flies, the pheasant hunting can turn from mundane
to fantastic. Instead of being spread out across 400 acres of CRP grass,
pheasants will be congregated in the low areas of the field where the heaviest
cover is located. The snow will also show the sign of birds. When you start
seeing pheasant tracks littering the snow, be ready for the explosion of
birds!
Colder weather not only makes scent conditions better for
the quail hunter's dog, but it also makes quail more predictable. Quail
are generally found along the edges of habitat, but in mild weather, they
may find all the food they need in the grass and pastures. Cold weather
may force them to seek out high-energy grains, and hunters can work the
edges of grass, weeds and crop fields, often finding several coveys where
earlier only one was found.
LOUISIANA
WOODCOCK POPULATIONS HIGH
Woodcock hunting opportunities in Louisiana can be enhanced
through habitat management, according to an ongoing Department of Wildlife
and Fisheries research program. The project, which includes annual capture
and banding of woodcock, shows that individual birds return to specific
locations year after year if habitat is suitable.
Populations of the bird species have been declining nationwide
for the past 20 years but specific reasons are unknown, though habitat loss
is thought to be a major factor in this decline. Banding of woodcock has
been going on in Louisiana since 1990 to gather more information about this
popular game species.
"'They seem to come back to these same fields year
after year," said LDWF upland game biologist Fred Kimmel. "This
indicates that, once you find an area woodcock are using, birds will continue
to come back if you provide good habitat."
More than 280 woodcock were captured at Sherburne Wildlife
Management Area this year by Kimmel, upland game study leader Mike Olinde
and biologist Mark Roy. Seventeen of those had been captured, banded and
released in previous years. Others were harvested by hunters from the same
area in which they were banded years before. One bird harvested on Sherburne
WMA this year had been captured and banded on this state property four years
ago.
Banding will continue until early February, but captures
already outnumber last year's 229 birds banded and released, Kimmel said.
This indicates that more woodcock are wintering in the area this year.
"Last year's winter was mild and dry, so birds just
weren't pushed as far south," Kimmel said.
The return of previously banded birds to Sherburne WMA,
where LDWF biologists conduct their research each year, seems to indicate
that woodcock do not move around much once they reach their wintering grounds.
"It previously was believed that woodcock followed
the cold weather line. If the line was in south Louisiana early in the year
that's where the birds were found. If it moved to north Louisiana the woodcock
would move with it," Kimmel explained. "Our research and data
from an LSU radio telemetry study indicates that they stay in the general
vicinity once they arrive in their wintering grounds."
Weather still is important, however, as prolonged cold
temperatures are needed to push them south.
One fact has become clear during the past few years: hunting
is not detrimental to woodcock numbers. There has been concern about hunting
pressure on the wintering grounds, but only an estimated 5 percent of banded
woodcock are harvested nationally and an estimated 10 percent of banded
timberdoodles wintering on Sherburne WMA will be taken this year. Of the
roughly 300 birds harvested on that state land as of Jan. 23, 1996, only
about 25 had been banded.
"That's a heavily hunted area and the hunters aren't
hurting the woodcock population," Kimmel said. "Outside of Sherburne
WMA, most woodcock never even see a hunter. There just aren't that many
woodcock hunters."
RECORD NUMBERS OF DUCKS INVADE STATE
Louisiana's wetlands are flooded with more than 5.5 million
ducks, thanks to increased 1995 production and dry, cold weather in northern
states. This incredible number, determined during waterfowl surveys conducted
earlier this month by the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, represents
the highest December estimate of ducks in Louisiana since 1976.
"It's just phenomenal. Some areas were just stacked
with ducks," LDWF Waterfowl Study Leader Robert Helm said.
Surveys, which cover Catahoula Lake and coastal areas below
U.S. 90, are conducted annually from September through January. Results
of this most recent survey are up significantly from the 3.4 million ducks
estimated in November 1995 and the estimated 4.4 million in December 1994.
The December 1995 survey also shows more ducks than the 5-year December
average of 3.5 million.
The one area showing below average waterfowl use is the
Mississippi River Delta. "A 6- to 8-foot tidal surge from Hurricane
Opal apparently caused more extensive damage to waterfowl food plants on
the Delta than previously realized," Helm explained.
This plant damage coupled with persistent low tides in
that area has resulted in a redistribution of the estimated 500,000 ducks
traditionally utilizing the Delta for wintering, he said. When the survey
was conducted, the only central and north Louisiana zone showing above average
waterfowl numbers was Catahoula Lake. Helm said favorable water conditions
throughout November and December led to near record numbers on this LaSalle
Parish lake
The rest of the central and northern region, however, were
very dry. Estimates in these regions (157,000) actually were below the November
count (317,000) and well below that of December 1994 (540,000).
Severe weather that dumped huge amounts of water throughout
the state on Dec. 17-18, however, should result in more central and north
Louisiana wetlands available for ducks, Helm said.
"Numbers between the coast and Monroe will increase
substantially," Helm said, "because a lot of agricultural land
was flooded."
These heavy rains were not good news for coastal hunters
because waters there will rise and disperse duck populations.
"Hunting quality along some of the coast will suffer,"
he explained, "because ducks will just scarier." The impact of
the addition of many acres of flooded land in central and north Louisiana
will not be known until early January 1995, when the last survey of the
year will be conducted.
WATERFOWL HUNTING SUCCESS SOARING
High expectations continue for a truly outstanding second-split
of Louisiana's waterfowl hunting season. Wildlife and Fisheries waterfowl
biologists reported Dec. 7, 1995, that in some areas of the state many more
ducks have been seen than in past years. Hunter success numbers verify these
observations
"It wasn't too long ago that nay-sayers were predicting
we would never again see high numbers of ducks like we saw in the 1970s,"
said Robert Helm, LDWF waterfowl study leader. "Surveys made prior
to opening day showed 3.8 million ducks in Louisiana. Nationally, we have
near-record numbers of green-winged and blue-winged teal and mallards. It's
the highest reported number of mallards since 1972."
Weather, as every hunter knows, is crucial. Dry conditions
prevailed from mid-August throughout October and marsh water levels stayed
well below normal. That changed dramatically in early November, when 4-9
inches of rain in south Louisiana raised water levels above normal and provided
extensive shallow water in agricultural land. This created ideal habitat
conditions for waterfowl.
The same weather system caused a major exodus of ducks
and geese from northern prairies. Migrations were so heavy that airports
in Iowa, Nebraska, and Kansas temporarily shut down on Nov. 3. "This
weather system has been key to a very successful first split," said
Helm.
On opening weekend, hunting success at LDWF wildlife management
areas was excellent. "All of our results are well above last year,"
said Helm. Hunter success ranged from four ducks per hunter at Catahoula
Lake to three on WMAs in south and southeastern Louisiana. Green-winged
teal, mallards, and gadwall were among the top bird species.
Duck and goose hunting was off to a good start in the entire
West Zone including rice fields thanks to a storm on the morning of opening
day, Nov. 11. Goose hunting has remained good during the split, though duck
hunting has fallen off. Near-record ratios of immature to adult geese have
been reported, indicating much better production than earlier reported.
Hunters in Louisiana's southwest and southeast marshes
fared similarly, with hunting success dropping off through the later half
of the season. Overall, the southwest region is much improved over last
year. The southeast reports many more ducks than have been seen in several
years.
Hunting was not as good in the northeast parishes due to
dry weather. Open water locations were reported at 50 percent below normal
for this time of year. Geese, however, arrived earlier than usual and in
greater numbers.
Dry, mild weather during the week of Dec. 4 resulted in
the need for rain to keep those ducks and geese coming. "A return to
more winter-like weather and normal rainfall patterns should result in a
similar second split for waterfowl hunting," said Helm.
The number of ducks and geese in Louisiana is the result
of a reported 15 percent increase in waterfowl numbers over last year. Increased
nesting success, brood survival, and number of ponds have translated into
a fall flight estimate of 80 million birds in all flyways.
MISSOURI
Waterfowl Hunters' Devotion Pays Off
Population recovery and favorable weather have combined
to make this year's duck hunting well worth the wait.
COLUMBIA, Mo. - It seems all the forces of nature that
are needed to make a good duck hunting season came together just in time
for Missouri hunters this year. Dale Homburg, Missouri Department of Conservation
(MDC) waterfowl research biologist, says for the first time in years the
migration period coincided with high duck populations and favorable weather
for migrating ducks.
That perfect timing enabled 13,000 hunters to harvest some
24,000 ducks on MDC lands during the first 30 days of the season. That's
quite a change from 1988, which was the first of six years when hunters
were restricted to 30-day hunting seasons. That year, the same number of
hunters took 10,000 ducks.
A larger duck population also accounted for the increased
harvest. Homburg credits projects sponsored by MDC and the North American
Waterfowl Management Plan, plus the Conservation Reserve Program for the
increase in duck numbers. These programs restored some of the nation's wetlands
and upland habitat, providing the ducks with suitable places for nesting,
migration resting and over wintering.
"We had a dramatic migration of birds on the second
and third of November," says Homburg. "That provided excellent
hunting in the northern two-thirds of Missouri."
Bird counts conducted by MDC showed a decline in the number
of ducks in Missouri after the first part of the hunting season. Homburg
says 500,000 ducks were on state and federal wetland areas during November.
By mid-December that number had declined to 250,000.
The effects of dry weather on wetland areas lead Homburg
to believe the southern zone probably will have a mediocre end to the season
unless it gets substantial rainfall between now and January 10. He says
dry conditions probably will prevent a record harvest statewide, but he
anticipates a record harvest of about 30,000 ducks will occur on MDC lands.
Oklahoma
BILL WOULD ALLOW BETTER QUAIL MANAGEMENT
House Bill 2170 would allow the Wildlife Conservation Commission
better control over the closing dates of quail season and thereby better
controlling the number of quail taken in a given year. After a number of
down years, it has been suggested that the season should be shortened when
the quail numbers are down and expanded when the birds are up.
TEXAS
R.K. MELLON FOUNDATION DONATES 40,000 ACRES TO THE STATE
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission just announced
it would be accepting a donation of 40,000 acres of land from the Richard
King Mellon Foundation in the Chinati Mountains of West Texas. The gift
is the largest donation of land in the commissions history.
QUAIL SEASON MAY CHANGE
A nondepartmental proposal from Foard, Cottle, Hardeman
and Wilbarger counties would move the quail season opener later to December
1st through January 31st. The proposal would also change bag limits from
15 to 12 birds. Another nondepartmental proposal would open quail season
on the Saturday before the general north deer opener. Under this proposal
quail season would open one week earlier three out of the next seven years.
TENTATIVE TEAL OPENER
The TPWD is presently looking at a tentative opener for
early Teal this fall for Sept 21-29 with a bag limit of four birds. The
actual dates will be set after the USF&W service guidelines are announced.
SOUTH EASTERN STATES NEWS
ALABAMA
THE RETURN OF WATERFOWL
Put two or more waterfowl hunters together and before long
the conversation will turn to duck populations. Few other species of wildlife
fluctuate from year to year as waterfowl numbers do. The up and down movement
of waterfowl populations is a normal cycle dependent on a variety of factors.
A graph of these fluctuations in population levels would have as many ups
and downs as a roller coaster.
The primary factor affecting waterfowl production is the
amount of water present on the breeding grounds. The breeding grounds are
traditionally in the prairie pothole regions of the northern United States
and Canada. In years where there is sufficient water, returning waterfowl
will have access to quality nesting habitat. In years without adequate nesting
habitat available, population levels will decline.
Factors other than water also have a great impact on waterfowl
nesting success. Availability of quality nesting cover has a direct impact
on the number of nesting waterfowl that are able to complete the nesting,
hatching and brood rearing periods.
The number of predators searching the cover for nesting
waterfowl also have an impact on the survival rate of hatchlings. Presence
of alternative target species such as rabbits, field mice and other rodents
can take some of the pressure off nesting waterfowl.
These are just a few factors that affect waterfowl numbers.
All are important and are capable of impacting the overall success of nesting
waterfowl populations in the breeding grounds. The interrelationship of
these factors and many more are constantly changing, thus having varying
affects on waterfowl populations.
Waterfowl populations in the 1970s were on the increase.
During the 1980s and early 1990s, biologists noted a sharp decline in population
levels. Within the past several years, these numbers have once again rebounded.
Some species of waterfowl have gone from an all time low to high population
numbers that have not been seen since the 1950s. Almost without exception
all species of waterfowl have shown a marked improvement in population levels
in the past two years.
Waterfowl have returned in numbers that some individuals
said would never be seen again. This return stands as a testimony to the
ability of nature to recover when conditions are favorable. As surely as
waterfowl populations have rebounded, sometime in the future a drought will
cause a decline in these same populations. It's just the nature of things.
For more information contact Chuck Sharp, P.O. Box 285,
Guin, AL 35563 (205) 468-3172.
ARKANSAS
Duck bands have special meaning for waterfowl hunters
LITTLE ROCK - It's a special moment for Arkansas waterfowl
hunters when they bag a duck or goose wearing a leg band.
"It's something of an added bonus" said veteran
duck hunter Jim Spencer of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. Necklaces
of duck bands are fashionable among some hunters.
The bands have another and vital purpose, too. They produce
information for migratory bird management. Any hunter killing a banded duck
or goose is urged to write down the date, location, band number, the hunter's
name and address and mail this information to:
Bird Banding Laboratory Office of Migratory Bird Management
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
121 10 Beech Forest Road
Laurel, MD 20708-4037
Hunters may keep the bands for any use they want. The information
is what is needed. Should a hunter choose to send in the band, it is suggested
the bands be taped to a piece of cardboard and mailed in an envelope.
Proper size shot a necessity for Arkansas waterfowl hunters
LITTLE ROCK - The size of the lead or steel shot in shotgun
shells is often given only slight consideration by many hunters.
They may ask for "duck loads" or "squirrel
loads" or "dove shot" at a sporting goods counter and depend
on the clerk's choosing for their shells. They may simply take what they
have on hand from previous hunts and make do. Or they may search through
varied selections and pick out the shotgun shell combination that best fits
the expected conditions of their upcoming hunt.
Shot size is important. Larger birds and animals need larger
shot for clean, effective kills. Longer ranges require larger shot for carrying
power. Steel shot in waterfowl hunting dictates a size or two larger than
the old lead loads for best performances.
Here are Arkansas Game and Fish Commission recommendations
on shot for Arkansas hunting: Quail, doves, woodcock, snipe, rail, gallinule:
No. 7, No. 8, No. 9. Ducks, steel shot: Short range, No. 2, No. 3, No. 4,
No. 5, No. 6; medium range, No. 1, No. 2, No. 3; long range, BB, No. 1,
No. 2. Geese, steel shot: Short and medium range, BBB, BB, No. I long range,
T, BBB, BB.
Mottled duck a newcomer to Arkansas hunting regulations
HREY - The mottled duck is getting some attention from
Arkansas waterfowl hunters this season, chiefly from its appearance in the
Arkansas Game and Fish Commission regulations.
Mottled ducks aren't common in the state, but a daily bag
limit of three was set for the 1995-96 hunt to be consistent with U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service regulations. The Louisiana's Gulf Coast is a center
for the mallard-sized ducks.
Tim Moser, waterfowl biologist with the Commission, said,
"We don't see a lot of mottled ducks in Arkansas, but some come up
from Louisiana coastal areas. Male and female mottled ducks are fairly similar,
resembling a mallard hen but darker than the female mallard and lighter
than the black duck. They lack the front white wing bars of mallards, and
instead of a purple speculum (on the wings), the mottled duck has a greenish
speculum."
FLORIDA
Florida Has A homepage on the net
Another state can be found on the internet, or more exactly
the World Wide Web (WWW). The home page for the Florida Game and Fresh Water
Fish Commission can be found at http://www.state.fl.us/gfc/gfchome.html
Last month over 5,000 people viewed the home page which has hunting and
fishing regs, license requirements, season dates and bag limits and news
releases from the department.
This page can also be found, along with a dozen other state
pages, by going through the Bird Dog News home page which is at http://www.primenet.com/~bdognew
happy surfing.
TENNESSEE
PLACES TO HUNT
Are you looking for places to hunt in Tennessee? There
are more than 600,000 acres of land open to you for the cost of a permit.
If you would like more information you can request the states brochure on
public hunting lands by calling 1-800-627-7406 or writing to the TWRA at
PO Box 40747, Nashville, TN 37204.
LICENSES WILL COST MORE NEXT YEAR
The Tennessee General Assembly approved and increase in
hunting licenses this year. The combination hunting/fishing will go from
$19 to $21, junior hunting from $6 to $8, sportsman from $95 to $100, waterfowl
from $16 to $18. This is the last increase expected for some time.
VIRGINIA
PLACES TO HUNT
Piedmont State Forests: When looking for places to hunt
don't overlook the opportunities provide by Virginia's piedmont state forests.
Cumberland State Forest for example, is made up of over 16,000 acres in
western Cumberland County north of U. S Route 60. Department Wildlife Biologist
Assistant, Bob Turney, who works on the area with state forestry people,
says that 15 acres of wheat, clover and orchard grass were planted this
past fall to improve nesting, brood range and forage for turkey, quail,
rabbit and deer. Approximately 50 acres of burned-over ("site-prepared"
in wildlife manager's jargon) tracts were strip-seeded with Korean lespedeza
to provide food and cover for quail this winter.
Turney again expects deer and turkey to be the best opportunities
on the area this year. The Department of Forestry has begun planting and
maintaining game food patches on the piedmont state forests. Openings and
food patches are maintained to provide good food, cover and brood range
for all wildlife species.
In addition to Cumberland, other state forests in Virginia's
piedmont region with hunting opportunities include Appomattox-Buckingham
which consists of 19,535 acres south of Route 24 in Appomattox and Buckingham
counties; Prince Edward State Forest, which has 6,496 acres in eastern Prince
Edward County north of Route 360 and Pocahontas State Forest, south of Richmond
in Chesterfield County which has 5,873 acres.
A $10 permit to hunt state forests is requited, and can
be purchased from selected issuing agents, many located near the above areas.
They are also available by mail. To purchase them by mail, send a self-addressed,
stamped envelope along with the individuals name and state hunting license
number to the Cumberland State Forest Office or the Appomattox-Buckingham
State Forest Office
Seasons and bag limits generally coincide with those of
the included county or counties of each state forest, but there are some
differences, so check the state game regulations pamphlet. Hunters are reminded
too, that there are special safety zones established to protect residences,
offices and working facilities. Look for the signs that set these areas
apart. For permits, maps and other information, write to; Department of
Forestry, Cumberland State Forest, Rt. 1 Box 250, Cumberland, VA 23040,
(804) 492-4121, or Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest, Rt. 3 Box 133, Dillwyn,
VA 23936, (804) 983-2175.
Input Sought on the Virginia Quail Management Plan
The Department of Inland Game and Fisheries is seeking
your input on their quail management plan. They are looking at declining
bird numbers, what we can do to help the population, and what they should
be doing. If you would like a copy of the plan or have suggestions you can
contact them at 804-598-3706. You can also write them at VDG&IF, Mike
Knuth, PO Box 11104, Richmond, VA 23230.
The Ruffed Grouse Society Contributes to Virginia
The Ruffed Grouse Society (RGS) has contributed $2000 toward
forest wildlife management for the Crawfish Valley project in Wythe County
near Wytheville. The money will be used as part of their Management Area
Program MAP. The MAP program assists land managers with technical and financial
support for habitat improvement for public lands.
The Crawfish Valley MAP project covers 600 acres in George
Washington and Thomas Jefferson National Forest. Work on the site involves
field maintenance to upgrade the habitat for grouse, woodcock and other
species.
Another MAP project, called the Tub Run project, encompasses
more than 3,400 acres in Craig County. A third project in Alleghany County
called James River encompasses 3,264 acres. Finally a fourth project called
Dowell's Draft encompasses 5,740 acres.
For more information you can contact Bill Klein the RGS
regional director incharge of the projects at 412-938-3705.
Prescribed Burn Workshops To Be Held
The Department of Inland Game and Fisheries will be holding
a prescribed burn workshop in Surry County on March 15th. The workshop is
limited to 25 people and is on a first come-first serve basis. There is
a $5 fee. This might be a great project for a sportsman's club or even better
for a few kids from a scout pack. Teach them young. For more information
contact Patty Moore 804-598-3706.
QUAIL NESTING STUDY UPDATE
Preliminary data analyses of the 3rd year of a quail nesting
study, are yielding some interesting information about bobwhite quail nesting
success in Virginia. The 1995 fieldwork began in mid-May with just over
100 quail with radios affixed to them. Less than 30 percent survived until
mid-September. Mortality of adult birds was very high, with 83 percent of
losses attributed to predation. A relatively equal number of quail were
lost to avian predators such as hawks and owls, and mammalian predators
such as foxes and bobcats. Several birds were also killed by cars and mowing
equipment.
During 1995, 43 nests were located and monitored. The earliest
nest was found on May 22, and the latest nest had an estimated hatch date
of September 21 ( it was destroyed prior to hatching). The average clutch
size was about 12 or 13 eggs (12.4), ranging in number from 9 to 17. Early
clutches were significantly larger than later ones. Almost all of the late
nests were reneging attempts by birds that were unsuccessful earlier in
the season. Twelve of the 43 nests, or 28 percent, were incubated by cock
birds.
Nest success was average during 1995, which was much better
than in 1994. Fifteen of 43 nests, or 35 percent, successfully hatched a
brood. On managed quail plantations farther south, 50 percent nest success
is not uncommon during a good year. The average size of hatched broods,
which ranges from 5 to 15 young, was 10 or 11 chicks (10.8). The earliest
successful hatch occurred on June 17 and the latest brood hatched in September.
Of the 28 unsuccessful nests, 24 were destroyed by predators.
In most cases, all of the eggs were destroyed by predators. In most cases,
all of the eggs were removed with little disturbance to the nest. We're
still not certain which predator is responsible for this pattern of destruction,
although opossums are a prime suspect. By using remote camera units to monitor
"dummy" nests, which are old nests filled with eggs from pen-raised
birds, we've identified opossums to be a common nest-destroying culprit.
Many other species of predators are also likely to be involved, including
raccoons, skunks, foxes, rodents and snakes. The incubating bird was killed
at 5 of the nests. Several nests were also destroyed by mowing equipment.
One of the most disturbing results of the study has been
the high mortality of adult birds immediately after broods are hatched.
More than half of the birds that successfully hatched a brood were dead
within 10 days after hatching. Immediately after the chicks were hatched,
the adult birds usually led their broods away from the safety of the thick
cover associated with nesting. Typical brood habitat was more open with
a greater abundance of insects for the chicks to feed on.
Leading a group of chicks through open habitat can be very
hazardous. Aside from being more visible to predators, the adult bird will
often do a broken wing display to lead the predator away from the brood.
In the process, the adult bird becomes easy prey for some types of predators.
Although the fate of orphaned broods is unknown (since we lose contact with
the brood when loosing the "radioed" adult), survival is not likely
to be high.
Its never been Nature's design for a majority of quail
to survive. The normal annual mortality rates for bobwhites throughout their
range often exceeds 77 percent. To maintain their existence, quail have
adapted the ability to produce large clutches and renest several times during
the season. In Virginia, the real question is whether nest success and juvenile
survival are adequate to compensate for the high mortality of adult birds.
This is precisely the question that we're trying to answer with this research
project.
West Virginia
September Goose Season Successful
West Virginia's second September Canada goose hunting season
was a success, according to Steve Wilson, Waterfowl Biologist with the Division
of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Section. Preliminary results indicate
that hunter effort and harvest levels were similar to 1994 figures. More
importantly, there were no indications of any impact to grant Canada goose
populations.
"Approximately 1,300 Canada geese were harvested during
the special season which took place this past September," Wilson said.
"Seventy percent of the permit holders have returned harvest report
cards accounting for 1,143 Canada geese taken in 42 counties."
Early returns in 1994 reported 1,125 birds harvested, and
follow up letters to nonrespondents resulted in a final estimate of 1,303.
Special seasons are designed to harvest resident Canada
geese and minimize any impact on migrant Canada geese. Neck collar observation
and leg band recovery data are used to monitor special seasons. Neck collar
observations conducted in August and during the special season indicate
that 99. 1 % of the Canada geese in West Virginia are resident birds.
NORTH EASTERN STATES NEWS
MASSACHUSETTS
1996 MIDWINTER WATERFOWL SURVEY INVENTORY
Despite a delay in one week due to the weather the midwinter
waterfowl report is finally in. The counts showed all species except mallards
were below numbers expepected. Mallards set a new high at 3,460 birds. There
were 934 mute swans counted. The 21,300 black ducks were 8% below last years
but less than 1% below the ten year average. The Canada goose count was
7,445 which was down by 24% and 37% below the ten year average. Numbers
of Goldeneyes, buffleheads, scaup and Mergansers were all 25% to 50% below
the average numbers. But the reason the numbers being down may be the harsh
winter driving birds south.
NEW HAMPSHIRE
FISH AND GAME INFORMATION NOW ON INTERNET WORLD WIDE WEB
CONCORD -- In an effort to deliver information to the public
faster and more efficiently, the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department
has established a site on the Internet's World Wide Web.
"This is a big and important step for our Department
and the people we serve," says Judy Stokes, chief of the Public Affairs
Division. "Hunters, anglers and wildlife watchers now have information
about fish and wildlife literally at their fingertips."
The Internet is an international network of computers linked
by telephone lines. Millions of people worldwide have access through their
computers to the Internet. The World Wide Web (WWW) is the most popular
feature of the Internet.
The Department has a site on WWW that has a range of information
about fish, wildlife and outdoor-related activities. For example, the site's
pages contain the latest information on hunting and fishing, licenses, and
educational programs. People will also find the latest press releases, subscription
information to New Hampshire Wildlife Journal, and products in the Department's
merchandise catalog. The Public Affairs Division plans to update the information
monthly.
People can access the site directly by typing: http:\\www.
wildlife.state.nh.us. Fish and Game's WWW site is also located in Webster,
the State of New Hampshire WWW site developed by the New Hampshire State
Library.
People on the Internet who do not know the WWW site name
can find New Hampshire Fish and Game under numerous topical listings. These
include state government agencies wildlife, fish, hunting, fishing, nature,
and others related to the Department's mission.
Finding information in the site's pages is easy. Once the
home page with the "Discover Wild New Hampshire" logo appears
on the screen, computer users scroll down to an index. Next to each topic
listing is a small common loon icon. To access a certain topic's information,
the user "double clicks" on the loon.
New Hampshire Fish and Game's home pages were developed
by Mainstream Electronic Information Service of Merrimack. The company specializes
in Web page development, service and support.
VERMONT
1996 WATERFOWL ART COMPETITION
Reed A Prescott III is the winner of this years wildlife
art competition. His winning painting was called "Bluebills at Button
Bay." Revenue from the sale of waterfowl stamps depicting the painting
will benefit wildlife throughout the region.
MOUNTAIN STATES NEWS
COLORADO
GEESE THRIVING IN COLORADO
Colorado's goose population has never been better and just
in time for the holiday season.
Fifty-eight million turkeys were served at Thanksgiving
and Christmas last year, according to the United States Department of Agriculture.
But if there is a hunter in the family, dinner may host a goose, the traditional
English holiday feast.
Not just any goose is honored as the main dish. The snow
goose is the special bird. Either way, compared to a domestic bird, "the
meat of a wild goose is darker and less fatty and there's less leg meat,"
said Jim Ringelman, migratory game bird unit leader for the Division.
In eastern Colorado, Canadas used to be as hard to find
as snows before the 1960s, except for the high-flying formations cruising
from Canada to New Mexico. The population has increased due to a successful
Division of Wildlife program called the Canada Goose Restoration Project.
In the mid-1950s, the Division set out to establish resident
flocks of Canada geese in several parts of Colorado. From 1957 through 1967,
a total of 999 goslings were released at several lakes near Fort Collins,
Boulder and Longmont. Nest boxes mounted on poles protected the birds from
predators. Meanwhile, the surrounding areas were closed to hunting.
Because geese are attracted to golf courses, parks, lakes,
and cemeteries where there are open waters, short grass and few predators,
the Front Range is ideal for the geese to flourish.
"Today, the short-grass prairie population is four
and a half times above the objective and the population of large Canada
geese is twice the objective," said Ringelman.
Geese populations are doing so well that they are wearing
out their welcome in some parks and golf courses. Grass is being eaten and
trampled, goose droppings are sliming up grass and sidewalks and some small
ponds may be collecting such large amounts of goose droppings that they
are becoming "over fertilized." Geese with goslings may even become
aggressive to children and dogs.
A short-term solution is trapping and transplanting the
geese. Volunteers and wildlife officials participate in the Colorado Division
of Wildlife's annual goose roundup, capturing geese when they lose their
feathers and can't fly. These birds are then transported to other states
such as Kansas, where they are used to help establish new goose populations.
Although the most common goose in Colorado is the Canada,
learning to identify geese in Colorado is important since the state is a
stop-over for many subspecies.
Snow geese are members of the genus Anser, with all-white
bodies and black wing tips, red legs and feet and a rosy pink bill with
a black "grinning patch."
Lesser snow geese breed in high Arctic regions and migrate
through Colorado to Mexico. Some are slate gray and known as blue phase
snow geese. Old-timers call them blue geese as if they were a different
species.
Although snows keep to themselves - generally in flocks of 100 to 1,000
while migrating - waterfowlers occasionally spot a stray traveling with
Canadas.
Snows are much harder to hunt than Canadas because they
change feeding grounds without warning. So if your goose is a snow goose,
you really have a treat.
Before you set your sights on any goose remember, just
as wild turkeys are several steps above their domestic cousins when it comes
to intellect, Ringelman said, the wild goose can think circles around barnyard
fowl.
Canada geese vary in size and in the sounds they make.
The large subspecies of Canada goose, which is also common in Colorado,
makes the classic honk and winters from Montana to New Mexico and Texas.
There are more than 20 subspecies of the Canada goose. They weigh from 2
1/2 to 18 pounds with a wingspread from 3 to 6 and one half feet.
Varying from light pearl-grey to a chestnut brown, they
all have a black head, crown and neck "stocking, " fastened with
a white "chin strap."
Canadas are hardy birds. After putting on a layer of fat
during the early stages of migration, they are easily able to sit out extended
periods of severe weather, perfect for Colorado winters.
MONTANA
UPLAND GAME BIRDS
The FWP office just release changes for this falls upland
seasons. A two-day possession limit for upland birds, a shortened sage grouse
season and smaller daily limits for mountain grouse are proposed.
If you desire a complete copy of the proposed regulations
to contact any FWP regional office or the agency's Helena headquarters.
UTAH
Head for the hills for Huns and Chukar
Hunting Hungarian partridge, or chukar, means working steep
slopes and plenty of walking. With most other hunts completed, the hills
are quieter and chukars are active. "With a skiff a snow on the hillside,"
says Scott Root, regional information and education manager for the Utah
Division of Wildlife Resources. "It makes tracking birds easier, especially
if you don't have a bird dog. Listen for the clucking and chatter that these
birds make too. They leave you plenty of signs but that's because they make
up for it in the type of terrain you need to work through."
There's no question, chukar hunting is tough. It is mostly
all up hill and then down and up again. Typically, you are likely to push
a group of birds all the way up a hillside before they will flush. "Their
mode of defense is to go up these steep slopes and then fly down, so you
have to first follow them up hill and then down when they fly," says
Dennis Southerland, regional habitat biologist. "You really have to
be in good health."
Look for chukar along steep, rocky slopes interspersed
with cheat grass. These birds were first introduced into Utah from Asia
in the 1930s. The hunt runs through the end of January. Before heading afield
this year, hunters will be required to buy a $5 Habitat Authorization. This
will replace the Upland Game Habitat Stamp and the Big Game license. Revenues
are dedicated to habitat acquisition, improvements, and restoration.
Advertise with us for only $5 per month,
you will get your own 20 word ad on your own page we will set up on our
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