USFWS Seeks Science, Data Related to Greater Sage-Grouse and Efforts to Protect Sagebrush Habitat DENVER - The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is initiating its formal status review of the greater sage-grouse under the Endangered Species Act by requesting information from a broad array of state and federal agencies and tribes, along with industry and local conservation partners, about the ground-dwelling bird's population and efforts to protect its sagebrush habitat. During the next several months, the Service will be gathering the best available scientific and commercial data to evaluate the effectiveness of the unprecedented and ongoing campaign to protect North America's largest native grouse and its sagebrush habitat. The West's vast "sagebrush sea" supports an abundance of wildlife. More than…
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Laramie, Wyo. - Offering its hunting expertise, Wyoming-based company Eastmans' Publishing Inc. will provide its antelope packages to women signed up for the 2014 Wyoming Women's Antelope Hunt as part of its sponsorship. Eastmans' Publishing has signed up as a sponsor of the hunt, agreeing to send this year's hunters antelope packages that include its Antelope DVDs - Antelope Safari 2, in which Mike Eastman gives valuable insight on antelope behavior and how to approach hunting the different stages of the fall, and Antelope Safari 3, which covers 100% DIY, public land, fair chase hunts. The package also includes Mike Eastman's book Hunting Trophy Antelope a Do-It-Yourself Guide, and an issue of the Eastmans' Hunting Journal with an article about…
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In Minnesota's case, there could be problems because of incomplete data or problems with survey responses, she said. She noted all the figures in the survey are preliminary. Minnesota also surveys small game hunters to estimate the number of duck hunters and harvest, and looks at state duck stamp sales. The DNR's 2013 survey results haven't been completed yet.
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But grizzly aggression toward humans has an explanation based on evolution, wildlife biologists say. Black bears evolved in forested areas, and climb trees if threatened. Grizzlies evolved in open country, with few trees to climb, where the appropriate response to threats was fight or flight. This could spell trouble for grizzlies. Many Californians are accustomed to living near black bears who can engage in dumpster diving, pool hopping and climbing trees.
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Archery buck deer hunt starts Aug. 16 With the start of Utah's first major hunt just days away, biologists with the Division of Wildlife Resources have good news: in almost every area of the state, the number of buck deer will be similar to, or better, than it was last fall. And biologists have some more good news: two more units have been added to the list of units where deer hunters-who have an antlerless elk-control permit-can take a cow elk during the archery buck deer hunt. More information about antlerless elk-control permits is available on page 21 of the 2014 Utah Big Game Field Regulations Guidebook. You can get the free guidebook at www.wildlife.utah.gov/guidebooks. Utah's general archery buck deer…
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John Cornyn visited Midland on Tuesday to hear about the impact of the Endangered Species Act, specifically the listing in March of the lesser prairie chicken as threatened. One would reduce funding for listing activities, including for the lesser prairie chicken, based on arbitrary decision deadlines reached in closed-door settlements. A second would prohibit the departments of Interior and Agriculture from altering land management practices based on the chicken's listing.
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PINEDALE, Wyo. - Sportsmen's groups will be gathering in Wyoming this week to confront declining populations of mule deer and how to increase public support for conservation and management of the popular Western big game species. The Wyoming Mule Deer Coalition, a consortium established by Bowhunters of Wyoming, the Mule Deer Foundation, Muley Fanatic Foundation, Wyoming Wildlife Federation and the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, is sponsoring the event in cooperation with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. The new group hopes to establish a network of sportsmen and conservation organizations, business and individuals to work together to ensure the future of Wyoming mule deer populations. "Mule deer are a true icon of the West, and they are facing a lot…
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IDAHO FALLS - Earlier this month, dry summer conditions prompted the United States Forest Service(USFS) to issue a yearlong ban on the use of exploding targets on USFS managed lands. As the wildlands continue to dry out, the Idaho Department of Fish & Game (IDFG) would like to remind users of Department managed lands and access sites that fireworks and exploding targets are always prohibited. According to Regional Habitat Manager Terry Thomas, "The Department's lands regulations prohibit the use of fireworks or explosives at any time." These regulations cover not just Department lands such as Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), but also Department managed access sites. The definition of explosives also covers the use of explosive targets and incendiary rounds, such…
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DENVER - Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), in coordination with The Keystone Center, will hold a West Slope Mule Deer Summit in Glenwood Springs, Colo., Aug. 9. The summit agenda includes presentation of a draft of the West Slope Mule Deer Strategy slated to be released early next month. The event is free and open to the public. CPW and The Keystone Center invite public review and comments on the West Slope Mule Deer Strategy draft as it serves as a guide to future CPW efforts to increase mule deer populations in Western Colorado. The summit is in response to recent mule deer population declines across the Western U.S. and specifically, several areas on the West Slope, including the White…
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Spring hunt orders to be considered during the Saturday portion of the meeting PHOENIX -- Double Tree by Hilton Hotel at 1175 W. Route 66 in Flagstaff. The meeting begins at 8 a.m. both days. The public is invited to either attend the meeting in person, view it live via video stream at any Game and Fish regional office (Friday only), or view it over the web at www.azgfd.gov/commissioncam. Members of the public who wish to speak to the Commission may submit Speaker Cards (Blue Cards) in person at the meeting or from any regional Game and Fish office (Friday only). The ability to speak to the Commission is not available for those viewing the webcast online. Items on the…
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