The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has announced results of the 2010 Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey, completed each spring, and numbers are similar to last year. The preliminary count of duck populations from the traditional survey areas estimates 40.9 million birds, similar to last year’s estimate of 42 million birds, and is 21 percent above the long-term average.
Minnesota’ s 2010 breeding duck and goose populations are similar to last year, according to the results of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) spring waterfowl survey.
On June 19, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) will enter the first of two summer auctions of items forfeited by those convicted of wildlife crime. The June 19 auction will be held at the Blomquist Auction Gallery, 684 E. Kansas Highway 4 in Assaria. KDWP items in this auction will include general items such as antlers, fishing rods, radios, and cameras. This auction will be combined with Kansas Department of Revenue tax forfeiture assets.
If you own great property or know someone who has superb hunting property and is willing to allow you access for free, congratulations. You, my friend, have got it made. But for most of us, hunting is done on public land. Hunting public land can be quite good in some areas but often times it is frustrating.
Where you place your duck blind is important if you want to come home with more than grimy boots. You can't just plop down in any old place and put up a blind. A little thought, knowledge about what you're hunting, and some common sense is all that's needed.
Like all hunting, various individual parts make up the scenario of success when brought together properly. That's certainly true of goose hunting. Concealment and decoys are two of the items that meld into a successful goose hunt when used with proper calling.
One of the key tools for hunting ducks is proper decoy placement. Proper blind placement is necessary. Proper DECOY placement is imperative!
The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) reports that the 2009 hunting seasons were the safest on record. Hunters reported 12 hunting accidents — and no fatalities. This is a decrease of four accidents from the previous year and one below the previous record low of 13.
In a year when one word, "fewer," described life in America -- fewer jobs, fewer home sales, fewer purchases -- hunters were responsible for generating a welcome "more" category, as hunting license sales rose by 3.5 percent in 2009 in states that make up NSSF's Hunting License Sales Index.
The first Bald Eagle I ever saw was on the western end of Mt Magazine in Arkansas. I was about half way up the highest point in the Ozark range when I saw a big black bird with a white head and a white tail flying over the the high point of the mountain, then I heard its high pitched scream. All I could do was stare in amazement, at this breathtaking sight, of which will be ingrained in my minds eye for ever.
Each year, the Playa Lakes Joint Venture (PLJV) gives approximately $120,000 in Capacity Grants to extend habitat conservation projects throughout the playa lakes region. The grants are intended to help landowners develop habitat projects that benefit playas.
Upland bird and waterfowl seasons have been open for more than two months now, but that doesn't mean it's time for hunters to put up their shotguns. Quail, pheasant, and prairie chicken (Northwest and East units) seasons are open through Jan. 31, and rabbit and squirrel seasons provide additional opportunities for the avid hunter.
PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Department is offering citizens the opportunity to review a five-year draft management plan for resident Canada geese. The South Dakota Resident Canada Goose Management Plan is written with a goal of providing maximum recreational opportunities that are consistent with a healthy goose population, habitat constraints, and tolerance levels of private landowners and the public.
South Dakota sportsmen donated over $14,000 to the Turn In Poachers program during the 2009 big game license season.
The 1,700 sportsmen not only contributed cash and checks, but also took advantage of the opportunity to donate funds as part of the process for purchasing general hunting, fishing and trapping licenses and applying for big game licenses.
Because of changes in waterfowl migration and hunter-use patterns, the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Commission may make some changes to state waterfowl refuges located along Lake Francis Case.
PIERRE, S.D. - A new grant program from the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Department seeks to help child-care providers increase the amount of time children spend outdoors.
MANHATTAN — Fire safety is a priority of the upcoming Prescribed Burning Workshops scheduled for central and eastern Kansas this fall. Carol Blocksome, Grassland Water Quality Extension Staff at Kansas State University (KSU), says that these workshops are a continuation of workshops conducted in western Kansas last fall. It was evident from these workshops that producers needed and wanted more information and education on how to conduct safe and successful prescribed burns.
Getting lost in the woods can happen to even the best hunter, according to Capt. Mike Hammer, DNR Enforcement Education Program coordinator. He encourages lost individuals to remain calm and just STOP.
PRATT — The Kansas pheasant and quail seasons return to their traditional opening and closing dates this fall. Both seasons open on Saturday, Nov. 14, and run through Jan. 31, 2010. Prairie chicken season opens a week later — Nov. 21 through Jan. 31, 2010, in the Northwest and East units. In the Southwest Unit, prairie chicken season runs Nov. 21-Dec. 31. (The prairie chicken Southwest Unit is bordered by Highway K-96 on the north and U.S. 281 on the east.)
NEWTOWN, Conn.—Whether you're a hunter, target shooter, own a firearm for self protection or don't own a firearm at all, the National Shooting Sports Foundation asks you to be informed about AR-15-style rifles.
PIERRE, S.D. – People who have received the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Department’s Public Lands Hunting Atlas may want to check the GFP Web site for additional hunting-access opportunities.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources sells about 600,000
hunting licenses each year so there will be a large number of hunters afield this fall in search of a variety of big and small game. The DNR says it’s important that each hunter put safety first to ensure an enjoyable and successful hunting trip.
HILLSDALE RESERVOIR – The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) will conduct a youth/mentor waterfowl hunt at Antioch and Gardner wetlands near Hillsdale Reservoir on Saturday, Nov. 21. A new 35-acre youth/mentor-only marsh adjacent to Antioch Wetland will be featured site. The Miami County Ducks Unlimited Chapter and Tribal Outdoors, an outdoor apparel and custom graphic design company in Overland Park, will assist with the event.
Hunters in the Low Plains North and Middle Zones of South Dakota will be the first into the marshes and fields when duck season opens on Saturday, Sept. 26. Hunters in the remaining portions of the state will have to wait until Oct. 10.
With many duck hunters anxiously preparing for the Oct. 3, Minnesota opener, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds people to make sure they pack the one thing that could save their lives - their life jackets.
With the 2009 Minnesota waterfowl season set to open on Saturday, Oct. 3, hunters who wish to hunt either Greenleaf or Sioux lakes in Meeker County are advised that both lakes will be open to hunting.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) invites waterfowl
hunters to introduce a youth to a Minnesota tradition on Saturday, Sept. 19,
during Youth Waterfowl Hunting Day.
RAPID CITY, S.D. – Hunters who need to clear freezer room for this year’s deer, elk, and other wild game can help needy South Dakotans by donating game meat to the South Dakota Sportsmen against Hunger program.
JAMESTOWN — At 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 10, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) will conduct a Waterfowl Hunters' Information Night at Cloud County Community College's Cook Theater. KDWP staff will give hunters an update on local waterfowl hunting areas, new maps, insider tips, upcoming seasons, understanding regulations, and information about what every duck boat should have. KDWP staff from Glen Elder, Jamestown, and Lovewell wildlife areas will be available to answer questions.
PRATT — September is the month to watch for masses of migrating monarch butterflies in Kansas. The weather has cooled, and many people are seeing this regal butterfly in backyards, parks, and in the field. A familiar and popular insect species, monarch migratory behavior is much like that of birds. Navigating on instinct, every monarch east of the Rocky Mountains flies toward a specific area of central Mexico to spend the winter.