Motorists need to be aware that Moose are on the move in late May and June, and statistics show that there are more moose vehicle crashes June than any other month of the year.
“Moose frequent roadways during the late spring and early summer,” said Roland D. Martin, Commissioner, Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. “Drivers need to be alert when driving in areas populated by moose, and be certain to use their seatbelts.”
Moose travel to roadways for several reasons. After a long winter of eating poor-quality food, their bodies crave the salt that is found along roadsides. The sides of roads are also the first areas to green up in the spring, offering tender plant shoots as another source of food for moose. And yearling moose, recently forced away by their mothers as the
mothers prepare to give birth to this year’s calves, often travel and find themselves around roads.
Nighttime is also peak time for moose-vehicle collisions. The number of moose crashes peaks between 7:00 p.m. and midnight. Moose move more during the evening after it cools from the daytime high temperatures.
Moose collisions can happen anywhere in the state, and the state averages roughly 3 fatalities a year. As a driver, there are several steps you can take to minimize the chance of being involved in a moose-vehicle collision.
Drivers should reduce their speed when it is dark.
Use your high beams where it is appropriate
Always have everyone buckle up
Search the roadway ahead to identify potential problems.
“A moose vehicle accident can cause serious injury, or even death.” Said Colonel Thomas Santaguida of the Maine Warden Service. “Statistics show that one of every four moose-vehicle crashes causes significant injury.”
With their dark brown color, moose are difficult to see at night, and because of their height, their eyes do not readily reflect oncoming headlights. They also tend to move in groups. If you see one, slow down, because there may be another, and be on the lookout for tall silhouettes along roadsides.

Reports that several fallow deer have been released or have escaped from existing and decommissioned privately owned cervid facilities in southwest Michigan have prompted the Department of Natural Resources to ask the public to help locate the non-native deer in that region.
While investigating a recent case of five fallow deer that were unlawfully released, DNR law enforcement and wildlife officials have turned up more evidence that many more fallow deer may have been unlawfully released from other facilities in southwest Michigan.
“Fallow deer are not native to Michigan and pose a significant disease threat to our white-tailed deer herd,” said DNR Wildlife Division Assistant Chief Doug Reeves. “We also have learned that a fallow deer purchased in Wisconsin, where there is established chronic wasting disease in cervidae, was likely released in this region. We are particularly concerned about this deer, and would like to find it and remove it from the area as quickly as possible.”
Fallow deer are native to Europe and some Asian countries. While fallow deer vary in color, the most common form is a deer with a brown coat and white spotting. These animals should not be mistaken for spotted white-tailed deer fawns. Male fallow deer often have large, reindeer-like antlers. Fallow deer can potentially out-compete white-tailed deer for both food and habitat, DNR wildlife officials said.
Fallow deer may be legally hunted by licensed hunters during any regular hunting season, including spring turkey and small game. Any hunter who takes a fallow deer is asked to immediately contact the nearest DNR office for assistance and disease testing procedures. Anyone who sees a fallow deer should report it to the nearest DNR office or call the DNR’s Report All Poaching Line at 800-292-7800 to report its location to conservation officers.
“We do not want fallow deer to establish a population in our state due to the health and habitat threats to our white-tailed deer herd,” Reeves said. “We are asking hunters and the public to help us locate and remove these deer.”
DNR law enforcement and wildlife officials also remind all Michigan citizens that in order to possess privately-owned cervids in the state of Michigan, you must be registered through the DNR. The law regarding privately-owned cervids and the registration application can be found on the DNR’s Web site at www.michigan.gov/dnr. Both native and exotic cervids must be registered. Members of the Cervidae family include sitka deer, sika deer, fallow deer, axis deer, muntjac deer, white-tailed deer, elk, red deer, moose, caribou, reindeer, mule deer and any hybrids. It is a felony in Michigan to release these animals into the wild.

Mushroom hunting allowed at state sites after 1 pm during turkey hunting season.
People of all ages will be afoot this spring in search of mushrooms. While morel hunting offers a relaxing outing for novice and veteran collectors alike, as well as a great tasting treat, collectors need to be aware of the rules regulating morel hunting on state sites.
“Two years ago we revised the rules to allow the collection of morels, nuts and berries on most public sites after turkey hunting hours. We have seen a very positive response to the change, but we want hunters to be aware of the regulations to avoid potentially dangerous situations,” said Illinois Department of Natural Resources Acting Director Sam Flood.
No license is required for mushroom collecting, although collectors always need landowner permission and, on public sites, to adhere to approved collecting regulations/hours:
Collection of mushrooms is allowed in state parks and recreations areas, but is prohibited in any area designated as a dedicated Nature Preserve. Areas under the jurisdiction of IDNR that offer Spring Turkey Hunting will not be open for mushroom hunting until after 1 p.m. daily, to insure the safety of all of hunters. Turkey Hunting area restrictions apply through May 10th in the southern turkey hunting zones, and through May 17th in the northern zone.
Morel hunters are urged to call ahead to ensure a site isn’t closed due to ongoing hunting.

It started as a study that would ultimately strengthen the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s deer management program. But its initial findings will likely be surprising to many hunters and definitely don’t support long-held beliefs.
Researchers from the Game Commission and Pennsylvania Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit at Penn State University recently completed the second year of a female white-tailed deer study that focuses on their survival, and the behavior of deer and hunters during hunting seasons.
“This study was designed to address needs in our deer management program,” said Dr. Christopher Rosenberry, Game Commission Deer Management Section supervisor. “Gaining a better understanding of deer survival can improve our ability to track deer populations and to adjust their size through the issuance of antlerless deer licenses.”
Since the spring of 2005, field crews have captured more than 250 deer in both Wildlife Management Unit 2G - in northcentral Pennsylvania - and WMU 4B - ridge and valley region comprising southcentral counties. Researchers placed radio collars on female deer to monitor their survival and movements. During the firearms hunting season, researchers take to the air and conduct aerial surveys of hunter distribution and densities.
Preliminary results indicate non-hunting survival rates exceed 80 percent on both study areas. Outside of the hunting seasons, deer-vehicle collisions and deaths that could not be assigned a specific cause of death accounted for most mortalities. Predators killed two adult female deer during the fall of 2006.
“In October, field crews in WMU 2G discovered a female deer with claw marks and bite wounds consistent with a bobcat kill,” said Bret Wallingford, Game Commission wildlife biologist. “Then in November, field crews discovered another doe that had been killed by a bear.
“These predator kills represent about one percent of the animals we were tracking during the fall of 2006, and less than one percent of all of the female deer we have followed over the past two years. Clearly, predators have not had a substantial impact on our radio-collared female deer on either study area.”
In 2006, hunters harvested 17 of the 141 female deer being monitored in the study.
“We will use information taken from harvested and unharvested deer to evaluate factors affecting whether a female deer is harvested,” noted Matthew Keenan, graduate student from the Pennsylvania Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit at Penn State University. “For example, we will be looking at the age of the deer, location and terrain characteristics of their home ranges, along with other factors to determine what influences a female deer’s vulnerability.”
Rosenberry added, “This study seeks to improve our understanding of the relationship between female deer harvest vulnerability and various biological factors. For example, establishing to what degree a deer’s age influences its susceptibility to harvest will enhance our ability to monitor deer populations.”
During 2005 and 2006 firearms seasons, researchers used airplanes to fly over each study area counting and locating hunters on the ground. Unlike 2005, when poor weather hampered flights during the firearms season, the weather was more cooperative in 2006.
Although hunter density analysis has not been completed for 2006, preliminary data indicate that the opening morning of rifle season brought out as many as 6.5 hunters per square mile in WMU 2G, and about 5.5 hunters per square mile in 4B. While researchers were unable to fly the first two days in 2005, the trends for the rest of the two-week season appear similar between the two years.
“Based on our 2005 flights, we observed differences in hunter locations in WMUs 2G and 4B,” said Keenan. “Hunters in WMU 2G hunted closer to roads and in areas with less slope than randomly-distributed points. In WMU 4B, hunter locations were not affected by distance from roads or slope of the terrain.”
“Deer distributions also differed by study area,” noted Keenan. “In WMU 2G, density of radio-collared deer increased with steeper terrain, but distance to the nearest road did not appear to affect deer locations. In WMU 4B, density of radio-collared deer increased with steepness of terrain and with greater distance from the nearest road.”
“Study results, to date, emphasize a common finding from our research projects in recent years,” said Dr. Duane Diefenbach, assistant unit leader of the Pennsylvania Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit at Penn State University. “In every study we have conducted over the past seven years, we see differences across our study areas. This variability reinforces the idea that generalizations about Pennsylvania deer, as well as hunters, should be avoided.”
Research projects of this magnitude cannot be completed without cooperation and assistance from other agencies, organizations and individuals. State Department of Conservation and Natural Resources personnel in each study area have provided assistance and access to field crews. Organizations, including the Quality Deer Management Association, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Pennsylvania Deer Association, Lehigh Valley Chapter of Safari Club International and the Garden Club of Wilmington, have provided more than $57,000 in funding and equipment to support ongoing deer research. Researchers also are indebted to private landowners across Pennsylvania who have graciously provided access to their properties for deer capture and tracking activities.
“We occasionally hear about negative attitudes regarding deer or their management, but my experiences working with landowners and other agencies on this project have been and continue to be overwhelmingly positive,” said Walter “Deet” James Jr., wildlife biologist aide in the WMU 4B study area. “Most people I come into contact with are sincerely interested in our research. The cooperation of so many people outside the Game Commission has greatly improved our ability to carry out this project.”
Created in 1895 as an independent state agency, the Game Commission is responsible for conserving and managing all wild birds and mammals in the Commonwealth, establishing hunting seasons and bag limits, enforcing hunting and trapping laws, and managing habitat on the 1.4 million acres of State Game Lands it has purchased over the years with hunting and furtaking license dollars to safeguard wildlife habitat. The agency also conducts numerous wildlife conservation programs for schools, civic organizations and sportsmen’s clubs.
The Game Commission does not receive any general state taxpayer dollars for its annual operating budget. The agency is funded by license sales revenues; the state’s share of the federal Pittman-Robertson program, which is an excise tax collected through the sale of sporting arms and ammunition; and monies from the sale of oil, gas, coal, timber and minerals derived from State Game Lands.

Several land transactions, including two that add habitat to state-managed wildlife areas in Okanogan and Kittitas counties, were approved by the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission during its meeting here March 9-10.
One transaction approved by the commission adds 202 acres of forestland to the Methow Wildlife Area. The forestland, located just north of Winthrop and previously owned by the Washington Department of Natural Resources, joins together other Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife properties in Okanogan County.
Another land transaction approved by the commission adds 80 acres of forestland to the L.T. Murray Wildlife Area. The property near Easton adjoins other WDFW-managed land in Kittitas County and is located within a wildlife migration corridor through the Snoqualmie National Forest.
“These lands will help us protect and enhance important and much-needed wildlife habitat, as well as increase public access for recreational opportunities,” said Jerry Gutzwiler, chair of the commission that sets policy for WDFW.
The commission also approved a proposal that updates WDFW’s guidelines on raising and releasing marine fish such as rockfish and lingcod. The policy limits marine aquaculture to scientific research and efforts to rebuild native marine fish stocks designated as “depleted.”
A proposal clarifying WDFW’s authority to issue landowner hunting permits for crop and property damage also was approved by the nine-member commission.
In addition, the commission dedicated much of the two-day meeting to briefings and public hearings on several proposed changes in state hunting rules. The commission will act on those proposed hunting changes at its April 6-7 meeting in Ellensburg. A list of those proposals is available at http://wdfw.wa.gov/do/newreal/release.php?id=feb2307a.
The commission also heard reports on a number of other topics, including proposed modifications in the reporting system for Dungeness crab caught in Puget Sound, a clarification of livestock-grazing policies, funding sources for habitat acquisitions and snow goose hunting on Fir Island.

Are you seeing more land posted when you go hunting, fishing, wildlife watching, hiking or snowmobiling? If you own land, why do you post or not post your land? A new study is looking for answers - and your input is needed.
The tradition of easy access to private land for recreation is eroding. Large tracts of land are changing ownership, and land is being subdivided and developed. Those who rely on private land for recreation have reason to be concerned about restricted access. But landowners are in a tight spot as well. Property taxes are high and many landowners say they cannot afford to keep their property intact and open for recreation.
These changes are a threat to all of us who recreate in the Northern Forest, that vast forested area stretching from northern Maine into New Hampshire, Vermont, and the Adirondack and Tug Hill regions of New York.
The Vermont Tourism Data Center and University of Vermont Extension are working with the University of New Hampshire, University of Maine, and Cornell University to conduct a study to better understand changes in land ownership and access to private lands throughout the Northern Forest.
If you own land or recreate on private land in the Northern Forest, please visit www.uvm.edu/tourismresearch/survey.htm to share your concerns and suggestions. Completing the questions takes about 10 minutes, and your confidentiality is assured. You may send your address if you would like to hear about research results.
Information gathered from the Web will help researchers design a mail survey that will be sent to landowners in the four Northern Forest states later this year.
After the mail survey is completed, researchers will hold workshops in the Northern Forest region to share what has been learned and discuss policy recommendations and cooperative actions that can conserve private lands and resolve access issues. The goal is to develop broadly-supported strategies for landowners and land users that encourage increased access and entrepreneurial activities while respecting local traditions.
Funding for the research is provided by the Northeastern States Research Cooperative, a competitive grant program for Northern Forest research jointly directed by the USDA Forest Service Northern Research Station Hubbard Brook Project, The Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources at the University of Vermont, The College of Natural Sciences, Forestry and Agriculture at the University of Maine and The State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry.
For more information about this project and other Vermont Tourism Data Center activities, visit www.uvm.edu/tourismresearch/ or contact the Center at tourismresearch@uvm.edu or 656-0623.

Dear Outdoor Enthusiast,
We would like to get your opinion on an important issue. In October, the Arizona Game and Fish Department began requesting public comments on proposed state legislation regarding a new “Copper Sticker” Off-highway Vehicle User Fee Program. We would welcome your comments by Nov. 26 to help shape this legislation to meet OHV user needs, while also protecting wildlife habitat and serving public interests. The comments are being compiled on behalf of the Off-highway Vehicle Legislative Workgroup, a group of representatives from OHV user groups, sportsmen’s groups, government agencies and other cooperators.
The use of off-highway vehicles in the state of Arizona has increased substantially in recent years. Therefore, the Department is working with the OHV Legislative Workgroup to develop this program for improving off-highway vehicle management in our state. If passed, the draft legislation would also enhance funding for OHV programs, including maintenance and development of OHV trails and routes, education and information, enhanced law enforcement resources, and mitigation for damage to environmental, historical and cultural resources from OHV recreation. Here are some of the specific areas that would benefit:
Developing and providing signage, maps and other OHV-related environmental education tools to OHV groups, local governments and land management agencies
Developing a responsible rider safety and education program
Enhancing resources for enforcement of off-highway vehicle laws, including improved regulations
Protecting natural resources
The current draft legislation proposes that the Arizona Game and Fish Department would sell the copper stickers and administer the program. The department would ensure the stickers are easily accessible through OHV dealers, the Internet, Game and Fish offices, and license dealers statewide.
You can download the draft legislation and get additional information at the department’s Web site at azgfd.gov/coppersticker. You can submit your opinion in two simple ways: through that Game and Fish Web site or by U.S. mail to OHV Comments, c/o Joe Sacco, Arizona Game and Fish Department, 2221 W. Greenway Road, Phoenix, AZ 85023-4399.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Arizona Game and Fish Department

OLYMPIA - The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission has cleared the way to adding 6,357 acres of mixed forestland and shrub-steppe to the Oak Creek Wildlife Area near Yakima.
The commission, which sets policy for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife , approved purchase of the property in the Tieton River Canyon along with two other land transactions at a public meeting here Oct. 6-7.
Located approximately 25 miles northwest of Yakima, the Tieton River property will become part of the 50,000-acre Oak Creek Wildlife Area, owned and managed by WDFW. The area provides habitat for Rocky Mountain elk, California bighorn sheep, golden eagles and other wildlife.
“Adding this land to the Oak Creek Wildlife Area increases preserved habitat for a variety of fish and wildlife,” said Ron Ozment, commission chair, who noted that the new parcel was purchased with assistance from the Nature Conservancy.
The commission also approved land transactions in Kittitas and Mason counties.
In other action, the commission approved a proposal that limits the use of catch record cards for Dungeness crab to Puget Sound. The previous rule required crabbers to obtain a catch record card to fish for Dungeness crab anywhere in the state.
The commission also received briefings by WDFW staff on a variety of issues, including 39 sportfishing rules proposed for adoption for the 2007-08 fishing season. The proposed rules — which range from prohibiting green sturgeon retention statewide to expanding a catch-and-release fishery in the Skagit River — will be the subject of a public hearing at the commission meeting scheduled Nov. 3-4 in Vancouver, Wash.
Additional information about the rule proposals and the upcoming meeting is available on the WDFW website and from the commission office .
At the Olympia meeting, the commission also heard staff reports on:
Razor clam population assessment surveys, which show an increase in razor clam populations south of Grays Harbor and a decrease farther north of the coast compared to last year.
Development of draft wildlife area plans for 28 wildlife areas managed by WDFW.
A pilot grazing program, which uses managed livestock to maintain and enhance habitat conditions for wildlife.
The coastal Dungeness crab fishery.
A proposal to the 2007 state Legislature to increase funding for the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program, which has helped WDFW and other organizations purchase critical habitat for endangered and threatened species and added thousands of acres to Washington’s wildlife areas.
Pilot spring black bear damage hunts in western Washington and Project Black Bear, which focuses on bear populations, forest management and public education.
The impacts of mineral prospecting and mining on fish and fish habitat.
WDFW’s hunter education programs and a measure approved during the last legislative session to provide new incentives for volunteer instructors.
During the meeting, Chairman Ozment and WDFW Director Jeff Koenings presented an award to Kirkland resident James Kramer for 50 years of continuous service as an instructor in the state’s hunter-education program.
“We estimate James Kramer has shared his knowledge about firearm safety and hunter ethics with nearly 2,700 students during that time,” said Mik Mikitik, who manages WDFW’s hunter education program. “That is an enormous contribution.”

Sportmen Against Hunger has provided more than 800,000 meals to Delawareans.
With deer hunting season currently underway, Delaware’s Sportsmen Against Hunger is encouraging hunters to share their harvest by donating venison to Delawareans in need. The venison is distributed by DNREC’s Division of Fish and Wildlife to more than 21 charitable organizations throughout the state.
According to Greg Moore, Wildlife Administrator with the Division of Fish and Wildlife, the Delaware Sportsmen Against Hunger chapter was formed in 1992 by a coalition of sporting groups, with DNREC as the primary sponsor. Last year, more than 30,000 pounds of venison were donated, providing more than 120,000 meals for the hungry.
“Delaware’s hunters have been willing to share their good fortune with others,” said Moore. “Over the past 13 years, the program has provided more than 800,000 nutritious meals for needy Delawareans. We are most grateful to hunters for helping fight hunger in our state, and we encourage them to participate again this season.”
Hunters not lucky enough to harvest a deer are encouraged to help the project by donating money. Funds donated will be used to pay for direct program expenses and to buy additional food. No donations will be used for administrative expenses.
Recently, the Division finalized the deer donation locations for participating hunters, including the Augustine Wildlife Area in New Castle County, the Woodland Beach Wildlife Area in Kent County, and three locations in Sussex County, Redden State Forest, Assawoman Wildlife Area, and Trap Pond State Park. In addition, successful hunters can also take their deer to any participating private butcher shop. Volunteers are also needed to assist with distribution.
For more information or to volunteer for the Delaware Sportsmen Against Hunger Program, contact Wayne Lehman, 284-1077 or Joe Shockley, 537-3217 . To request a brochure, contact Michael Friel, 834-8433.

The Colorado Division of Wildlife cautions big-game hunters to always be sure of their targets, to be aware of the different types of animals that are in various habitats and to know what might be behind their targets.
The rifle season for big game starts Oct. 14 and a variety of big- and small-game seasons continue through December.
“If you are in doubt about what you’re looking at, or if you’re not sure what’s beyond the target, don’t shoot,” said Tony Gurzick, southwest assistant regional manager for the DOW, “When you’re firing a rifle, a mistake can have serious consequences.”
Hunters should not rely only on their rifle scopes. Use binoculars to scan areas and to get a positive identification of animals that can’t be seen clearly.
Before pulling the trigger, big game hunters must be certain to be shooting at an animal that is legal to kill. Hunters with cow elk tags must be careful not to shoot a spike bull. It is illegal to kill yearling males. But because the small, slender spikes can be difficult to see, these young bulls often are mistaken for cows. It is illegal to shoot a spike bull. In most units, for a bull to be legal, the elk’s rack must show at least four points on one side or one brow tine that is at least five inches long.
Look carefully before shooting at animals standing in a bunch. A bullet fired from a high-powered rifle can continue through one animal and hit another.
Hunters also are cautioned not to mistake a moose for an elk.
Be aware that lynx now live throughout Colorado’s mountain areas and are listed as a threatened species. Killing a lynx could result in a serious fine and possible jail time.
Lynx look similar to bobcats. The season for bobcats starts on Dec. 1.
“Be sure to look closely at whatever kind of small game you are hunting. Lynx are often confused with bobcats,” Gurzick said. “If you are shooting at a coyote, be absolutely certain that it’s a coyote.”
In late September, the DOW received a credible report about a possible sighting of three grizzly bears near Independence Pass. Colorado bear licenses are for black bears only. Grizzly bears are an endangered species.
Besides being aware of the variety of animals in the woods, hunters also must be sure that they aren’t shooting towards any buildings. More and more homes are being built in remote areas and many of them are well hidden.
Domestic livestock also are present throughout Colorado.
“A shot from a rifle can be lethal from more than a mile, so study your hunting area to know what’s there,” Gurzick said.

LEWISTON - If conditions are favorable, State and Federal land management agencies will conduct a controlled burn in the Madden Creek drainage October 11th through October 14th.
Madden Creek is located in the northern portion of the Caption John drainage of the Craig Mountain Wildlife Management Area south of Lewiston.
Recreationists planning to utilize this area are advised to use extreme caution. Agency personnel may be in motorized vehicles behind locked gates.
The purpose is to improve wildlife habitat and reduce the risk of wildfire to private property.
For more information, contact Idaho Department of Fish and Game or Idaho Department of Lands .

Wildlife diseases are part of the natural world that rarely show up in humans, but it can happen and that’s why the state Game and Fish Department recommends that hunters and anglers take precautions when handling and cooking wild game and fish.
Even if the chance of a human encountering an animal with a disease is remote, hunters should be aware of the possibilities, according to Greg Link, Game and Fish Department assistant wildlife division chief.
“Last year there was some concern about anthrax, this year it’s tularemia,” Link said. “People also wonder about West Nile virus, EHD in deer, mange in furbearers, and others. We want hunters to know the details about these diseases, but there’s really no need for concern beyond the normal precautions hunters take.”
For instance, last May the North Dakota State University Veterinary Diagnostic Lab identified tularemia in a house cat that died near Beach, N.D., and a foal that died in northwestern South Dakota. According to lab director Dr. Neil Dyer, it was the first North Dakota case of tularemia diagnosed at the lab in at least 11 years. Later in the summer a cat from northwestern South Dakota was also diagnosed with tularemia.
Sometimes called “rabbit fever,” tularemia is caused by a naturally occurring bacteria. It most commonly affects rabbits and hares, but can infect other animals and on rare occasions it can be transmitted to humans, either by bites from ticks or deer flies carrying the bacteria, or by handling animals that have the disease.
For hunters or others who spend time outside in that region, the risk of acquiring tularemia or other diseases is low. Hunters can further reduce their risk by following a few basic precautions, such as wearing gloves, washing hands with soap and water, and properly cooking wild game, according to Kirby Kruger, director of the division of disease control for the North Dakota State Health Department.
In fact, hunters throughout the state, regardless of the game they are pursuing, would do well to observe the following, additional precautions.
If you encounter a dead animal with no obvious cause of death, the best approach is to leave it alone, note the location, and contact a regional Game and Fish Department office or local game warden.
Hunters should not attempt to harvest animals that appear ill or are acting abnormally.
In addition to wearing gloves and washing hands, hunters should minimize animal fluid contact with skin. Do not rub your eyes, eat, drink, or smoke before you wash.
Cooking wild game meat thoroughly kills disease organisms and parasites.
Be sure to sanitize knives, other cleaning tools, and food preparation surfaces.

Alleged Cultivators Hauled Off to Jail, Marijuana Confiscated
Sacramento - Northern California game wardens made huge pot busts in September, confiscating nearly 200 pounds of high-grade marijuana with an estimated street value of $700,000. On two separate occasions, at the risk of life and limb, game wardens arrested five suspected pot growers and confiscated several bails of “ready-for-sale” pot, before it could reach the street. Working in remote areas and alone, both wardens stopped vehicles, confiscated the pot and arrested the suspects.
“Both cases illustrate how our wardens regularly confront dangerous criminals, by themselves, with no backup,” said Ryan Broddrick, Department of Fish and Game Director and a former warden. “They do this dangerous work in the interest of public safety and California’s fish and wildlife resources.”
These most recent busts serve as a reminder of the life-threatening work of fish and game wardens, especially when they come across marijuana cultivators in the remote patrol areas. In August 2005, Warden Kyle Kroll was shot through both legs during a raid on a marijuana farm in Santa Clara County. He has since recovered and returned to work.
Colusa County Warden Brett Gomes was on a spotlighting detail Sept. 19 when he saw two people in a vehicle who had obscured their license plate. Spotlighting is a technique that poachers use at night in an attempt to kill deer by shining a bright light in their eyes.
Warden Gomes made an attempt to stop the vehicle, but the suspects jumped out of their car while it was moving, fled on foot and escaped into the forest. When backup arrived 20 minutes later, the car was searched and 139 pounds of processed marijuana was discovered in six luggage bags. As Gomes, CHP, and Colusa County Sheriff’s deputies were processing the vehicle, another car arrived with two occupants. Neither was able to produce valid identification. Two bags, similar to those confiscated from the first car, were removed from the second vehicle.
An examination of the two bags revealed about 30 additional pounds of processed marijuana. Both suspects were arrested.
On Sept. 16, Shasta County Warden DeWayne Little was on routine patrol during the opening of deer season. He observed two people driving at him recklessly and at a high rate of speed. He stopped the vehicle and when he approached, he smelled marijuana. In the back seat of the vehicle he discovered several large plastic bags. The bags contained 19 pounds of marijuana. Little handcuffed both suspects, and called for backup. Because he was in a remote area, it took 45 minutes for backup to arrive. Suspects Celerino Martinez Gomes, age 37 and Juan Delacruz Vazquez, 21, both of Yuba City, were arrested and booked into Shasta County Jail.
Marijuana was often grown in foreign countries and illegally smuggled across the U.S. border. In the last few years, however, drug dealers have adapted to increased international border controls, and turned to remote areas of California to cultivate their crops. DFG Wardens regularly patrol these remote areas, and run-ins with these cultivators have been more common in recent years.
Wardens regularly participate in raids on marijuana gardens with other law enforcement agencies and to build cases for environmental crimes committed. Cultivators regularly divert streams for irrigation, unlawfully apply pesticides and herbicides to the crops, dispose of waste on the land, and poach fish and wildlife from the area with no regard to seasons or species, all illegal activities that are harmful to the environment.
“DFG’s top law enforcement priorities are met when wardens take down marijuana cultivators,” said Nancy Foley, DFG’s Chief of Enforcement. “Our public safety responsibilities are met along with protection of the environment.”
Outdoors enthusiasts are advised that if they come across a marijuana garden, they should exit the area immediately and take note of its location. The cultivators could be present and should be presumed armed and dangerous. They should proceed immediately to an area where they can call 911, or contact the nearest law enforcement officer. Information such as GPS waypoints, vehicle descriptions and license plates in the area, including ATVs, or a description of physical landmarks of the area will be especially helpful.

With big game hunting seasons getting into full swing, hunters using Off Road Vehicles are reminded to keep other hunters in mind. It’s no secret; the use of ORVs while hunting has increased dramatically over the past ten years. With the increased use have come more complaints from other hunters about their use scaring game away, and creating new two track trails.
“The use of ORVs while hunting continues to be a hot topic amongst hunters,” said Mark Gocke, public information specialist for the Wyoming Game and Fish Department in Jackson. “The biggest frustration we hear comes from those hunters who have worked hard to quietly hike into backcountry areas only to have their hunting ruined by another hunter on a noisy ORV.” Hunters using ORVs during hunting season, should remember to “Walk when you stalk.”
In addition to the ethics, there are many state laws governing the use of ORVs that users may not be aware of. “Many ORV users are unaware that they are required to purchase and display a Wyoming ORV Permit or have a current license plate when traveling on designated trails or enrolled roads,” said Brad Hill, Wyoming State Trails program manager. “ORVs are mostly restricted to travel on established roads, routes and trails on public lands across the state.”
Motorists are strongly encouraged to contact the local land managers, such as the Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management, to see what is open for ORV use. Local land managers and permit selling agents, provide State ORV maps free of charge.
Most hunters acknowledge that ORVs can and are being used ethically for hunting, but with the increased use there seems to be a similar trend of increased conflicts in the field. “Last year was riddled with illegal off road use,” said Chris McNeil, Wyoming ORV Safety and Education Coordinator. “Hunters and other users would ride their ORVs off designated roads, routes, and trails just to see what is over next ridge or retrieve game, creating a new trails. This illegal activity is hard on all ATV users and land managers will be forced to implement more restrictions or close riding areas. ”
McNeil encourages all ORV users to know the rules and regulations of hunting with ORVs before going. “Responsibility or regulations — it’s your choice,” he said.
“Nobody wants more regulations regarding ORV use,” Hill added. “That’s why it’s so important for us ORV users to take it upon ourselves to make sure we abide by the laws and lessen our impacts on the land, and other users.”
For more information on ORV regulations and ethical use, contact your local officials with the Wyoming State Trails Program, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management or Wyoming Game and Fish Department. “We are all here to help you have a successful and more enjoyable hunting season in Wyoming,” says McNeil. “Respect and responsibility will increase our uses.”
733-2321 or Brad Hill WY State Trails Program 777-7550)

Celebrating the opening of most big game hunting seasons in the state and Wyoming’s proud hunting and fishing heritage, Gov. Dave Freudenthal proclaimed Oct. 1 as “Hunter, Angler and Landowner Appreciation Day” in Wyoming.
The proclamation recognized the financial contributions hunters and anglers make to wildlife management through license fees and excise taxes, and also recognized Wyoming landowners for providing for wildlife habitat and access to sportsmen.
“The landowner is not always fully appreciated for their role in hunting and fishing and wildlife management, particularly in Wyoming, where deeded land is really some of the best habitat,” said Freudenthal. “If we don’t have the cooperation of the landowners, we’re not able to accomplish our harvest objectives and the hunter doesn’t have the same quality of experience.”
The proclamation signing ceremony was held at the King Ranch east of Cheyenne. The working cattle ranch supports a variety of wildlife species, including antelope, badgers, fox and burrowing owls, and hosts more than 70 antelope hunters each season.
“Wyoming is truly the epitome of hunting and fishing,” said Terry Cleveland, Game and Fish Director. “The Game and Fish Department and the State of Wyoming thank our hunters, anglers and landowners for their contributions to wildlife, wildlife habitat and open space.”

Campfires and barbecue grills will again be permitted on Wyoming Game and Fish Department lands beginning Sept. 27 thanks to improved moisture conditions across the Cowboy State.
Game and Fish field personnel report recent rain and snowfall have lessened the fire danger across the state, but hunters are still cautioned to be very careful with campfires. “The forage on Game and Fish habitat areas is critical to wintering big game,” said Bill Cowling, Habitat and Access Maintenance branch chief. “Everyone still needs to be very careful with fire, so we don’t lose any valuable forage.”
Fire bans have also been lifted on some national forests and Bureau of Land Management districts. Hunters are advised to contact the local office of federal agencies for specific fire rules.
Hunters are reminded campfires are prohibited year-round on walk-in areas and state school sections.
777-4600)

The Arizona Game and Fish Department has hired one of the country’s most accomplished competitive shooters to manage the Ben Avery Clay Target Center when the department assumes operational control of the center on Sept. 18.
John Satterwhite, a four-time international skeet champion, former Olympic team captain and two-time gold medalist in the 1979 Pan American Games, has joined the department as an assistant range manager at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility, responsible for overseeing the Clay Target Center.
“We’re thrilled to have such an accomplished shooting professional as John on board,” says Dana Yost, assistant director for information and education for Game and Fish. “He’s not only had an incredible competitive shooting career, but also an impressive background and commitment to teaching clay target shooting to others, especially youth.”
Satterwhite’s career includes first-place finishes at the All-Armed Services national and international skeet championships, the NSSA international skeet championship, and the NRA United States international skeet championship . He was captain of the 1975 and 1979 U.S. Pan American Games shooting teams, the 1976 U.S. Olympic shooting team, and the 1979 World Shooting Championships team. He won 12 medals for the U.S. in world shooting competitions, six gold.
While serving as an instructor for the U.S. Air Force, Satterwhite trained more than 20,000 B-52 and K-135 pilots, crew members and base personnel in rifle and pistol marksmanship. In 1980, he created, and for several years directed, the American Shotgun Academy, a Prescott, Ariz.-based instructional school specializing in all facets of shotgun shooting. He has worked for several major companies as an instructor and target shooting exhibitor, and has been featured on numerous nationally televised outdoor shows.
“I’m looking forward to this new opportunity,” says Satterwhite. “One of my real joys these days is working with existing shooters and teaching the sport to youth and new shooters. Our goal is to make each visitor’s experience an enjoyable and memorable one.”
The Ben Avery Clay Target Center will remain open under the current operator through Sunday, Sept. 17 and will be closed Sept. 18 and 19, as the department transitions to new operational hours of 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Wednesdays through Sundays. The first day of the new hours will be Wednesday, Sept. 20. The center will be closed Mondays and Tuesdays, which coincides with the operational hours at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility.

BURNS - ODFW is accepting applications to fill openings for two hunter representatives on the Access and Habitat Malheur Regional Advisory Council.
Residents of Harney or Malheur County experienced or interested in hunting and wildlife conservation are encouraged to apply. Applications are due no later than Sept. 22. To request an application and instructions for applying, contact A&H Regional Program Coordinator Dan Gonzalez 573-6582 or download an application at http://www.dfw.state.or.us/AH/RAC_membership.pdf
A&H Regional Advisory Councils are composed of seven citizen volunteers — three landowner representatives, three hunter representatives and one public-at-large representative — who review and recommend wildlife habitat improvement and hunter access projects for funding to the state A&H board. Council members meet three or four times each year to review project funding applications and act as liaisons between the program and the public.
The current vacancies are due to two hunter representatives finishing their first four-year term. Council members may serve up to two four-year terms.
The Access and Habitat Program was created by the 1993 Oregon Legislature to form partnerships with private landowners to improve wildlife habitat and increase hunting access on private lands through grants for projects which accomplish these goals.
The program is funded by a $2 surcharge on hunting license fees and a raffle and auction of 20 elk and deer tags. It receives about $1.6 million in revenues biennially.

Specimens from a second year of monitoring wild turkey droppings collected on New Hampshire dairy farms have once again all tested negative for the presence of Salmonella bacteria. That’s good news for wildlife managers and farmers in New Hampshire, who are concerned about possible transmission of Salmonella from wild turkeys to dairy livestock. The screening was part of a continuing collaborative effort between New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services and the University of New Hampshire to better understand the impacts of winter turkey congregations on dairy farms in New Hampshire.
In 2005, 139 samples of turkey droppings, systematically collected from 12 New Hampshire dairy farms, all tested negative for Salmonella. In 2006, 16 dairy farms located in the Connecticut River Valley were included in the study. An effort was made to collect 5 samples per month per farm for the period January-March, 2006. The lack of snow during 2006 discouraged turkey activity at some farms, with the result being that only 5 northern farms and 7 southern farms were sampled. A total of 131 samples, representing 393 turkeys, were collected. All samples tested negative for Salmonella.
“Dairy farms play a critical role in the ecology of wild turkeys in northern New England. We’re delighted to be able to report that based on two years of intensive sampling, there is no evidence to indicate that wild turkeys are a source of Salmonella on New Hampshire dairy farms, even in those locations where large winter congregations of turkeys gather,” said Mark Ellingwood, a wildlife biologist with the Fish and Game Department. “Because dairy farms are so important to the distribution and abundance of turkeys in northern New England, all turkey enthusiasts owe dairy farmers our gratitude for their willingness to accommodate turkeys in and around their farms. We had an obligation to address their concerns.”
Ellingwood noted that over the past 30 years , the wild turkey population has grown from 25 birds transplanted from New York in 1975, to approximately 30,000 birds today.
The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department is the guardian of the state’s fish, wildlife and marine resources and their habitats. Visit http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us.

The next guide and outfitter written examination is Saturday, Aug. 12 at 1 p.m. at the North Dakota Game and Fish Department office in Bismarck. The test is given periodically to anyone interested in becoming a hunting guide or outfitter in the state.
In addition to passing a written exam, qualifications for becoming a guide include a background check for criminal and game and fish violations; certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and standard first aid; and employment by or contract with a licensed hunting outfitter.
Hunting outfitter eligibility requirements include the guide qualifications, as well as an individual must have held a hunting guide license for two years; and must have proof of liability insurance.
Interested individuals are required to pre-register by calling the Game and Fish Department’s enforcement office at 328-6604.