The newly formed Feral Swine Control Committee (FSCC) has prepared a feral hog surveillance plan that will focus on collecting blood samples for the detection of diseases and researching ways to control the population of feral hogs in Louisiana.

“The Feral Hog Disease Surveillance and Population Control Plan’s” overall goals are to: 1) identify diseases carried by feral swine and their prevalence; 2) minimize the effects of the diseases on wildlife; and 3) control the population of feral hogs in Louisiana. This plan reflects a cooperative relationship between the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF), the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF), and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Wildlife Services.

House Concurrent Resolution No. 192 requested the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) to study all possible methods to reduce the number of feral hogs on private lands adjacent to wildlife management areas. In response to this request, an organizational meeting was arranged with the Feral Swine Control Committee (FSCC) on Nov. 6, 2007 in the Office of the State Veterinarian to discuss measures to aid in the control of feral hog populations. The following people were present:

• Dwight LeBlanc - USDA/APHIS Wildlife Services
• Scott Woodruff - USDA/APHIS Wildlife Services
• Nan Huff - LDWF
• Emile LeBlanc - LDWF
• Dr. Martha Littlefield - LDAF
• Dr. Henry Moreau - LDAF

Blood samples for the detection of diseases will be taken from feral hogs on Jackson-Bienville and Sandy Hollow Wildlife Management Areas (WMA). The different geographical locations of the WMAs will provide a relatively unbiased estimate about the presence (or absence) of swine brucellosis, classical swine fever, and pseudorabies in the feral hog population in Louisiana. Jackson Bienville WMA is comprised of 32,185 acres in North Central Louisiana. Sandy Hollow WMA is comprised of 3,514 acres in Southeast Louisiana.

Wild hogs cause extensive damage to natural wildlife habitat, privately managed food plots for deer and turkey, farm ponds and watering holes for livestock. In Louisiana, the frequency of wild pigs around agricultural areas has caused damage to sugarcane, rice and cornfields. The wild omnivores also compete with native wildlife for food resources, prey on young domestic animals and wildlife, and carry diseases that can affect pets, livestock, wildlife and people.

Recent research suggests that the increasing hog population of western Louisiana is not only causing detriment to terrestrial flora and fauna, but is negatively impacting native freshwater mussels and insects by contributing E. coli to water systems.

The estimated feral hog population in the United States is over 4 million and growing. “We do not anticipate complete eradication of the state’s wild hog population, or for the problems to be solved immediately,” said Nan Huff, LDWF’s wildlife disease coordinator. “The damage by feral hogs did not happen suddenly and the damage will not be resolved quickly. For that reason, this cooperative effort is the most logical and advantageous approach to this challenging problem.”

For more information, contact Nan Huff at 225-765-0823 or nhuff@wlf.louisiana.gov.

By Rory Aikens, public information officer, Arizona Game and Fish Department

If you’re getting ready to head afield, be sure to take advantage of the small game hunting opportunities that Arizona has to offer.

The outlook for tree squirrels and rabbits is promising, the late dove season (opens Nov. 23) ought to be a ball, and you can add Eurasian collared doves (year-round season) to the bag.

Although the overall quail outlook is “less than optimal,” southeastern Arizona is looking good for Mearns’, Gambel’s and scaled quail. You might be able to triple-up this year.

Also consider mixed bag hunts, or cast-n-blast expeditions to maximize your recreational time and dollars. For instance, if you are going after tree squirrels, take along the fishing pole for some high country trout. Or, look for pockets of quail hunting in the foothills when you fish central Arizona lakes such as Roosevelt.

Once seasons are underway, try hunting desert stock tanks for quail, rabbit, dove (opens Nov. 23) and waterfowl (mountain zones opened Oct. 5 and desert zones opened Oct. 19).

Read the full small game forecast report on our Web site:

http://www.azgfd.gov/h_f/small_game.shtml

Be sure to check the appropriate hunt regulations for season dates, open areas, methods of lawful take, bag and possession limits and other useful information prior to going afield.

Do you remember when you first went hunting? I think most of us do.

Do you remember who took you? Absolutely, it is a life-long lasting impression.

Introducing someone new to hunting and the outdoors is a rewarding and worthwhile effort. Additionally, many recent studies show that natural outdoor activities improve health, fitness, attention span and focus, and teach a respect for natural resources and our environment.

Wildlife habitat, publicly accessible open spaces, and interest in hunting continue to decline due to increased urbanization and a growing technology-dependent population.

But there’s hope. At nearly 12.5 million strong nationally, hunters have the ability to control their future. If every sportsman were to introduce just one new person a year, hunters’ voices will be heard into the future.

Sometimes, making that introduction is as simple as asking children, family members, friends, neighbors, or co-workers if they would like to tag along. Starting with the basics, just like we all did, is a great place to begin:

• Camping trips and family outings. These are ideal opportunities for kids and outdoor recreation newcomers to see, touch and experience the outdoors.
• Wildlife watching and identification. This can be fun for all ages, whether visiting wildlife refuges, parks, ponds, the desert, or just about anywhere.
• Hiking or geocaching. Exploring the outdoors with technology is a great activity for tech-dependent kids and their parents.
• Teach them to shoot. BB guns, .22’s, shotguns and archery offer a great way to teach marksmanship and safety; shooting ranges and youth programs are available to introduce newcomers in a controlled, teachable situation.
• Hunter education. Suggesting a hunter education course is a great way to have experienced, knowledgeable instructors teach a newcomer. Courses are available online, too.

After covering some of the basics, the next step is to get out hunting. Small game hunting offers a superb entry-level opportunity. Equipment needs are simple, and equipment is easy to borrow or obtain. Seasons are long, bag limits are generous, and small game species make excellent table fare.

Many seasoned sportsmen have cut their teeth on hunting squirrel, rabbit, dove, quail, pheasant and even ducks.

There is nothing better than to see the smile on a young or new hunter’s face when they hit their first game bird on the wing or carry a cleanly harvested squirrel or rabbit. It is a life-long lasting impression for them and you!

For more information on programs that help introduce people to hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation, visit these Web sites:

• Arizona Game and Fish Department Hunter Education
• Arizona Archery in the Schools Program
• Take Me Fishing

• Step Outside

• Trailblazer Adventure Program 

• Geocaching

Survey results for the 2006-07 hunting season show Georgetown, Clarendon, Horry, Sumter and Lee counties were the top five counties for quail, while the top five counties for rabbits jumped per hour were Fairfield, Saluda, Edgefield, Hampton and Newberry, according to biologists with the S.C. Department of Natural Resources Small Game Project.
           
Through intensive field observations, South Carolina quail and rabbit hunters maintained detailed records of their hunting excursions throughout the year and provided the data to the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Small Game Project for analysis. Hunting data compiled included the number of quail coveys flushed, covey size, number of rabbits jumped, the dates and counties where hunts occurred, and the amount of time expended in pursuit of these species. The S.C. State Council of Quail Unlimited assists with funding for the supplies necessary to conduct the surveys.
           
To receive a copy of the Quail Hunter Survey and the Rabbit Hunter Survey report or to have your name added to the list of potential cooperators, contact the DNR Small Game Project at (803) 734-3609.
           
Statewide survey results indicate a slight increase in the number of quail coveys flushed per hour and a slight decrease in the number of rabbits jumped per hour when compared with the previous year. The quail covey flush rate was 0.59 coveys/hour during the 2006-07 season, up from 0.49 coveys/hour the previous year. Quail hunters in the top five counties reported flushing an average of 0.57 to 1.89 coveys per hour. The rabbit-jumping rate decreased from 1.39 to 1.26 rabbits/hour during the 2006-07 season.
           
The Northern Coastal Plain, defined as a seven-county area from the Charleston-Georgetown county line north to the North Carolina line and inland to Dillon, Florence, and Clarendon counties, claimed the highest rate of quail finds at just over one covey per hour. Piedmont quail hunters had significantly less success than those hunting in other regions of the state, said Billy Dukes, DNR Small Game Project supervisor.
           
The Rabbit Hunter Survey has shown slightly declining hunting success during the past three years. A majority of rabbit hunting (74 percent) by survey cooperators occurred in the Piedmont. The Southern Coastal Plain exhibited the highest rate of rabbits jumped per hour (1.52), among regions with a minimum of 25 hunts, said Judy Barnes, wildlife biologist with the DNR Small Game Project.
           
Written comments from hunters in the surveys provided some excellent field observations, particularly on food items of quail. The preferred foods reported for quail were agricultural grains, soybeans and lespedeza. Other food items such as native legumes and acorns were also reported. Many cooperators also noted that a lack of prescribed burning on public and private lands has resulted in impaired habitat quality and hunting success.

“To ensure continued accuracy and usefulness of future small game surveys, the Small Game Project would like to increase the number of hunters participating this coming season,” Dukes said. Avid quail and rabbit hunters across the state who are willing to assist by taking careful notes on their hunts should write to DNR Small Game Project, PO Box 167, Columbia, SC 29202. Indicate whether you are interested in participating in the Quail Hunter Survey, the Rabbit Hunter Survey, or both. Survey materials will be mailed to cooperators in mid-November, just prior to the opening of statewide quail and rabbit seasons.

DNR protects and manages South Carolina’s natural resources by making wise and balanced decisions for the benefit of the state’s natural resources and its people.

Ohio’s hunters are encouraged to harvest any feral swine they encounter in the wild in order to limit the spread of this destructive species in the state, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.

Known in Ohio as “wild boars,” they also are also called free-ranging European wild boar, Russian wild boar, wild pigs, wild hogs, or razorbacks. These “eating machines” damage agricultural crops, degrade wildlife habitat and consume the eggs of ground-nesting birds, as well as, reptiles, amphibians or just about anything else they come across. They also carry diseases that can infect domestic livestock, wildlife and even people. The rangy-looking non-native members of the domestic swine family are increasing their distribution in Ohio, according to state wildlife biologists.

The Division of Wildlife documents the counties and townships where feral swine have been observed, but more specific locations are not available or recorded. The number of feral swine in any given township varies. The greatest numbers of hogs are generally reported from southern Ohio counties. Hunters interested in pursuing free-ranging wild boars should start by talking to local residents and businesses (agricultural supply stores, check stations, local diners, and area farmers) and then do some scouting in the county they plan to hunt.

Wild boars have been reported in Belmont, Guernsey, Noble, Morgan, Monroe, Athens, Hocking, Vinton, Washington, Gallia, Lawrence, Scioto, Butler, Preble, Logan, Champaign, Auglaize and Knox counties. Visit the division’s Web site to view a general location map. Hunters are reminded to always obtain permission from the landowner before venturing onto private property.

Wild boars feed most heavily at dawn and dusk, spending their days resting in dense vegetation or wallowing in mud holes. These nuisance animals may be legally harvested year-round by hunters with a valid Ohio hunting license or by landowners on their own property. During the deer-gun and the statewide muzzleloader seasons, a valid Ohio deer permit is also required and hunters should use only the firearm legal for the season.

Wild boar meat is reportedly excellent to eat. As with any game, proper field dressing and thorough cooking is always recommended. Experts recommend cooking all types of meat to 155-165 degrees Fahrenheit to kill disease organisms and parasites.

Successful wild boar hunters are encouraged to submit digital photographs to be posted on the Division of Wildlife’s Web site at www.wildohio.com. Feral pig sightings can also be reported through the site.

Hunting for small game in West Virginia will begin October 7th with the opening of squirrel season. “Squirrel hunting is very popular with many West Virginia sportsmen. It is a time when hunters can participate in one of their favorite sports and also enjoy the fall beauty of the Mountain State,” said Curtis Taylor, Chief of the Division of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Section.
Last year’s mast production was good, which should have reduced overwinter mortality and improved reproduction. A recent mast survey, conducted by the Division of Natural Resources indicates that statewide oak, hickory, and walnut production this summer was better than the 36 year average. These factors should provide good hunting opportunities for gray and fox squirrels this fall. Some pre-season scouting to locate areas containing favored foods of squirrels will ensure successful hunting. The daily bag limit for squirrels is six.
The ruffed grouse season opens on October 14 and closes on February 28, 2007. Brood counts for ruffed grouse are near the five-year average but are considerably lower than last year. The majority of the brood counts were from the mountain counties. Soft mast crops are abundant statewide. Grouse hunters should look for areas that provide ample cover and soft mast species such as grape, hawthorn, dogwood, and greenbrier. The daily bag limit for grouse is four.
The hunting season for raccoons will open October 14 at 6:00 p.m. and continues through February 28, 2007. Favorable mast conditions during the last two years have allowed raccoon populations to increase. Mast surveys indicate that food is again plentiful. Hunters, and their hounds, should have a very successful season. Raccoon hunters are reminded that the daily bag limit is four.
Opening day of cottontail rabbit season is November 4. Rabbit populations should be similar to last year. Old fields and brushy pastures are the best habitat types in which to rabbit hunt. Snowshoe hare, bobwhite quail, ring-necked pheasant, bobcat, red fox, and gray fox hunting seasons also open November 4. Hunters should be aware of daily bag limits and season possession limits for each species.
November 4 marks the opening of trapping season for fur bearing animals in West Virginia. Populations of beaver, bobcat, fox, mink, muskrat, and raccoon are high, and trappers should be very successful. Trappers should be aware of season closing dates for each species.
For more complete information on season dates and bag limits consult the 2006-2007 Hunting and Trapping Regulations available at all hunting and fishing license agents, DNR District Offices and the DNR website www.wvdnr.gov.

The late part of winter presents an often overlooked opportunity for hunting in the Mountain State, according to Jeff McCrady, Assistant District Game Biologist. Rabbits, grouse, foxes, bobcats, and raccoons are in season through the end of February. For many hunters, this is the most enjoyable time to be afield. “The holidays are long past and people just seem to have more time to get out,” McCrady said.
February can be a preferred time for serious rabbit hunters. There is less vegetation to obscure their vision, the ground is always damp enough to hold scent well, and the weather is generally cool enough to keep the beagles from getting over heated. Grouse hunters like late season outings for the same reasons. The next two or three weeks will be the last chance to work the dogs until next fall.
Raccoons are generally not very active during cold winter nights; however, a warm spell can change everything. As the winter begins to weaken and the days become longer, raccoons will become more active. Hunters should be vigilant through the end of February.
With prey being scarce in late winter, predators are generally more susceptible to varmint calls. Imitated distress cries of a rabbit or a mouse work well for foxes, bobcats and coyotes this time of year. Predators might be a little easier to call in February, but hunters still need to be mindful of the wind and hide well in order to be successful.
“With all of West Virginia’s late season hunting opportunities, there is no reason for a case of cabin fever,” McCrady said. “Success can’t be guaranteed, but fresh air and exercise can.”

PIERRE, S.D. - Game, Fish and Parks has been helping landowners with prairie dog problems, and so far this fall, the department has treated more than 13,000 acres of private lands for the invading animals.
This program is for landowners who are experiencing prairie dogs invading their property from adjacent public lands. Landowners with a complaint regarding prairie dogs invading from public grounds needed to have contacted Game, Fish and Parks before Oct. 1. Landowners who missed the Oct. 1 deadline have been put on the list for 2006. “After making landowner contacts and verifying that prairie dogs were encroaching from public grounds, department officials began poisoning and documenting GPS coordinates of the targeted prairie dog towns,” said Layne Sievers, GFP Conservation Technician. “To date, about 13,987 acres have been treated with 15,848 treatable acres being documented with GPS coordinates. This includes everyone on the 2005 list.” Sievers noted that the state is also treating GFP lands.
Total funding available for this program is $280,000 with $98,332 used to date. The South Dakota Prairie Dog Management Plan may be seen by visiting online at www.sdgfp.info/Wildlife/hunting/PrairieDog.htm or by calling the GFP Wildlife Damage Program at 773-5913.