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4 Tips to Prevent and Treat Snakebites in Dogs Do You Know How to Keep Your Dog Safe from Snakes? A dog encounters all sorts of hazards in the field when you open the crate, drop the tailgate and start hunting. Venomous snakes are but one. Some states around the country present a more perilous scenario for such interactions, while others provide less. Ways to prevent and treat snake bites, shared courtesy of Purina Pro Plan, follow: 1. Know Before You Go Familiarize yourself with the types of snakes native to the area in which you live or are traveling to for a hunt or field trial. Learn which species of venomous snakes are present, the habitats they prefer, and their “personalities.” 2. Snakeproof Your Dog Although you can’t completely eliminate the risk of a snakebite, you can prepare your dog to react to an offensive strike by enrolling him or her in a snake-avoidance clinic. This training conditions a dog to give any snake he or she encounters via sight, smell or sound the widest possible berth so the dog will learn to avoid snakes through repetition and reinforcement. 3. Recognize the Signs Because not all snake encounters can be avoided, it’s crucial to know the signs of a snakebite, marked by bleeding, bruising and swelling around the bite, as well as color changes from red and blue to black as tissues die around the wound. Pale gums, cool skin, tremors, weakness, lethargy, confusion, lack of coordination, vomiting, and slow respiration also are indicators your dog may have been bitten by a snake. 4. Keep Your Snakebite Kit Handy The only “snakebite kit” needed in the field are your car keys. If you suspect your dog has suffered a snakebite, seek immediate emergency veterinary care (see link below). Do not apply ice or heat to your dog’s wound, attempt to cut into the wound and suck out the venom, or apply a bandage. Instead, restrain and calm your dog to help slow the spread of venom.

3 Tactics for Hunting Monster Black Bears Which of the Three Is Your Favorite Method? Like skinning cats, there's more than one way to hunt for bears. For those that tell you bear hunting is just too easy and unchallenging, they've probably never hunted the majestic black and colored bruisers. The basic descriptions of the various types or styles of bear hunting are covered here in this article. My professional bear hunting career began with hound hunting, so let‘s look at that method first. Hunting with Hounds Hound hunting requires the use of a highly trained pack of hounds that have the ability to smell the ground, air and brush in order to track a bear wherever he might go. Once a track is found, the guide, who is usually an expert at reading hound behavior, will let one dog out to test the track. He will know by the dog‘s reactions if the track is good, and if it is, he will let one or two more dogs loose to assist in the tracking. Some guides will let all the dogs go which could be as many as seven to 10 dogs. Many times pups are included in a chase as this is the primary training method. Bears can run for a very long time, often hours and hours. I have been in many races that have lasted eight hours or more. Depending on the head start the bear has, the race could take a while to begin (the race occurs when the tracking is complete and the dogs make a visual encounter). The guide knows this by the frequency and intensity of the hounds‘ barking. At this point, it is not uncommon to drive quickly through the forest on logging roads to get as close as possible to the baying hounds. Radio tracking collars are often placed on the dogs before they are turned loose, to aid in locating them when they get out of hearing distance. When you get closer to the barking frenzy, the remaining dogs are released as they are fresh and anxious to join in the chase. The race could go on until 1) The dogs come back to the truck exhausted; 2) The bear climbs a tree; or 3) The bear decides he would like to fight the dogs to the death. If the third scenario occurs, the guide‘s future in this business may be at a critical point and he may be flying through the woods as though his children where being eaten. Do your best to keep up with him. When a bear is bayed on the ground, there is without a doubt no more excitement or adrenaline rush found in any type of hunting. Bears bayed up on the ground need to be carefully stalked from downwind. This has to be done quickly to protect the hounds from fighting with the bear. One whiff of human scent will usually send the bear on its way again. If the bear trees, you have lots of time; bears usually stay put for a while when up in a tree. If this happens, the hunt is basically over. The hunt is in the chase and the excitement of the baying hounds. Shooting the bear once it is treed is usually anti-climatic. Hunting with Bait As hounds are very expensive to maintain all year for the two to three months I could use them, I chose baiting as my next adventure. (Also, hounds are not practical to use near roadless wilderness areas, parks, and highways.) When I was a hound hunter, I thought I was an expert bear man. But I was wrong. While baiting bears, I realized how little bear knowledge I had. I had a long learning curve before I was good at baiting. Unfortunately, I thought like many of the anti-hunters do today -- the only thing necessary was to load a pile of donuts on the ground and build a treestand nearby; then bears would stroll up and clients would shoot them. Nothing could be further from the truth. Baiting is the most physical and time-consuming form of big game hunting I have ever done. It is necessary to find numerous bait sites that bears will use during daylight; set up stands in places so the setting sun will not blind a late-evening hunter; keep stands a secret from other hunters; check baits and refill them daily, etc. (One year I used 20,000 pounds of food in six months. That's 400 50-pound sacks of bear chow.) What a massive undertaking. I did find a great location in west central Washington where one year 40 hunters took 40 bears, and each saw an average of two bears per night. This was a very successful hunting camp and over a 10-year span, we took hundreds of bears. That opened an opportunity for me to work in the Weyerhaeuser Company‘s bear management program for 10 years, averaging 60 feeding stations per year. During those years I gained an extensive education in bear biology. An older hunter who can‘t walk well or climb anymore, or one who is handicapped will enjoy this kind of a hunt. There is no real physical effort needed by the hunter, just to remain calm and shoot good (the outfitter has the responsibility of the physical labor). Hunting bear over bait is by far the most interesting and educational because you are able to learn by observation. I took every opportunity before hunting season began to hide away in my treestand and watch the bears interact with each other. Hunting over bait is much more personal for the hunter because you‘re usually by yourself, no one is there to help you to judge the bear, back up your shots, or to help track after the shot. Some hunters think this would be boring if nothing shows up, but there are so many things to watch in the forest that keep your interest. Bears seemingly appear out of nowhere. You can look down at the bait and see that nothing is there, so you look around the forest and then back at the bait, and suddenly a bear is there. They walk in the forest almost in complete silence. I really enjoy this type of hunting. An added benefit is that you will never shoot a female unless you choose to. At the typical 25 yards you can identify the sex almost 100 of the time. It is wise to put a few snacks in the tree branches to get them to stand and then identification should be easy. Find a 6-foot log on the ground and with a chain saw make notches every foot as a “bear ruler”. Making notches in the trees growing nearby helps to determine shoulder height as well. Hunting with Stealth Lastly and, without a doubt the most satisfying bear hunting I have ever experienced, is the old-fashioned spot and stalk. We were forced into this when the laws in Washington State banned the use of bait and hounds. On the positive side, we now can take two bears per year. The negative side is that sows can easily be killed when you can‘t see them up close, leaving cubs abandoned. Fortunately, we have never had this happen on any of our guided hunts. There is unmatched pleasure in finding a bear on your own and stalking it to within shooting distance. The high alpine scenery is breathtaking; the fall colors, the snow-covered peaks, various wildlife species or even hearing a bugling bull elk are highlights to please any outdoorsman. lassing the high meadows for bears is about the most satisfying and relaxing thing I have ever done in my life. Hunting bears this way could require shots of 300 yards or more. A rangefinder would be a reasonable investment (we use them on our guided hunts all the time and they have become very small and affordable). This type of hunting can also be quite physical as you must find an elevation where the berries are low enough for you to see a bear on all fours. A hike of a mile or more up a steep hill is not at all unusual. There are usually plenty of logged areas which you can drive to but they are usually heavily hunted. The bottom line here is you may find a ton of bear sign at low elevation but if you can‘t see them, you can‘t shoot them. There may be fewer bears up high but they are visible out in the open meadows and clear cuts. In summary, the highest success rate for your bear rug is hound hunting. It is usually the most expensive and can be the most physical as well. Next is hunting over bait, also a very successful method, and very affordable guided or semi-guided hunts are available. Stand or bait hunting can be more like hunting on your own -- you get to make whatever choice you want, good or bad. It is the least physical if you are not doing the baiting. It is the most physical if you are doing it. Finally, the spot and stalk method. This is the least successful only because it is not usually guaranteed. Some years it has been, but many years hunters have passed on bears that could be shot. In some locations like the northern Vancouver Island or southeast Alaska, it could be considered a 100-percent guarantee if the hunter is willing to take any bear. I certainly can‘t tell you which way is best for you -- that depends on your physical ability and interests. I have taken bears by each method and guided many other hunters with all three methods. For me, the high alpine hunts in the fall are still the high point of the season.

Aoudad Hunting: The Poor Man’s Sheep Like countless other big game hunters across the U.S., I dream of one day roasting tenderloins in a high-altitude camp as the flickering firelight casts its glow on a set of wild sheep horns strapped to my backpack. Be it a fully curled Rocky Mountain bighorn, Dall, Stone or Desert, I don’t care — I just want to be a sheep hunter, the kind that the legendary Jack O’Connor was as he roamed the withering heights with his .270 in hand. Unfortunately, being a sheep hunter is my dream, not my reality thanks to staggeringly high hunting costs and precious few tags available through state draws. But there is hope for a wannabe sheep hunter like myself, hope that comes in the form of a beautiful nomadic animal with sweeping horns that have found their way to American shores. Those sheep are the imported aoudad sheep, or Barbary sheep. Native to the rocky, desert mountains of North Africa, the sheep have made themselves quite at home in the similarly dry and rugged mountainous terrain found in portions of Texas and New Mexico where they were released many years ago. Today, huntable populations of free-ranging, wild aoudad sheep can be found roaming the Texas Panhandle’s Palo Duro Canyon, the mountains of southwestern Texas, and the nearby craggy peaks of southern New Mexico. With a beautiful sandy-brown coat, shaggy chaps and golden, semi-circle horns, the aoudad offers a supreme hunting challenge and a price tag in the range of a Midwestern whitetail bowhunt. Call an aoudad adventure a poor man’s sheep hunt if you will, but the aches and pains that a trek into the rugged outback of Texas or New Mexico are real and the photos and memories from such a hunt are priceless. If chasing aoudad sheep in the rugged mountains of Texas and New Mexico interests you, consider these recommendations: Hire the Right Guide: North Texas big game hunter Doug Rodgers says that since these animals are hunted on private land — primarily during the more temperate fall, winter, and spring months — finding an experienced outfitter with access to good mountainous property is a must. Use Top-End Equipment: “If you’re rifle hunting like I was, you’ll need a good flat-shooting and lightweight rifle,” Rodgers said. “You’ll also need some very good boots and top-end optics.” The hunter’s optics package included 10x42 binoculars, a spotting scope and a 3x10 scope. Be in Top-Flight Shape: “This is a physically demanding and mentally challenging hunt,” Rodgers said. “This type of hunting involves plenty of mind over matter when you find yourself climbing in spots where you are six-inches from falling off a 200-foot cliff.” So says Doug Rodgers, a big game hunter from Whitesboro, Texas, a small town just north of Dallas/Fort Worth. Hunting with guide Bubba Glosson of Southwest Trophy Hunts, Rodgers lived out his sheep-hunting dream in the rugged Chinati Mountain range between Presidio and Marfa, Texas.“This is a really good introduction to sheep hunting,” Rodgers said. “Bubba knew that I had a dream to hunt sheep and this is relatively inexpensive when compared to other sheep hunts. I’d highly recommend it for that reason. There are no special permits and you can go every year if you want.” After hunting hard and climbing through steep, prickly countryside at some 7,000 feet, Rodgers and his guides were finally able to spot a 31-inch aoudad with their optics. When the crosshairs settled into place, the hunter touched off the shot with his .300 rifle and the ram was his. “This was pure hunting in big country,” Rodgers said. “As with any other sheep hunting, you basically hunt with your eyes and anything that you’ll use is carried in on your back.” While he still yearns to hunt Rockies, Deserts, Dall or Stone sheep one day, Rodgers says there was nothing subpar about his first wild sheep hunting experience. “I think it’s as authentic an experience as you’ll ever have,” said the mule deer hunting fanatic with a couple of Booners to his credit. “I’ve been in some of Arizona and Sonora, Mexico’s sheep country, and this is the same kind of country (and experience).” The North American Hunting Club’s Bill Miller found that to be true on his aoudad hunting experience a few years back, again in southwestern Texas. “The Davis Mountains are mountains like an outsider would never expect in Texas,” the Minnesota resident said. “They are very steep and the elevation is surprising for Texas. It’s the perfect environment for those sheep.” Maybe so, but the NAHC man notes that it is certainly not the perfect environment for filming a hunt with heavy and expensive cameras being toted around. “The climbing, some of it is straight up and down,” Miller said. “While some of these cliffs are only 40 to 50 feet tall instead of 400 to 500 feet, I still think it would hurt quite a bit to fall off. We definitely went to places that I’ve never taken our good cameras before.” With superb eyesight, smell and hearing to go with their inhospitable home turf, Miller found out that these sheep are certainly no pushovers for hunters. Surprisingly stout, mature rams can weigh as much as 300 pounds on the hoof and can be difficult to bring down. In fact, Miller recommends that hunters bring big-caliber rifles from a 30.06 on up or a .50 caliber muzzleloader. For those looking for the ultimate sheep hunting challenge, bowhunting aoudads might be it. Bowhunting aoudad sheep is a tough proposition admitted Miller’s guide, Steve Jones of Backcountry Hunts in Carlsbad, New Mexico. Challenging for sure, but not impossible. “It is a tough hunt for a bowhunter,” said Jones, who like Glosson, has been guiding hunters since the mid-80s. “We had a bowhunter (a few years ago) who was the first truly dedicated bowhunter who came only with his bow. He came and got his sheep with a bow, and got a pretty nice one, too.” While aoudads typically go through the rut during the month of October, for the most part, Jones said that hunters see aoudads as an off-season diversion. He also said that veteran sheep hunters who have chased more famous sheep species in rugged mountain ranges much farther to the north and west will find that searching the Davis Mountains for a trophy aoudad is the real deal. “I’ve personally hunted Dall sheep and I’ve found aoudads to be every bit as difficult to hunt,” Jones said. “It’s amazing how they’ve adapted to this desert country out here. They look like they belong out here, be it Texas or New Mexico.” Rodgers fully agrees, noting that he is already looking to make a second aoudad hunt a reality. “There is nothing poor about an aoudad sheep — it’s a beautiful trophy that lives in challenging terrain where everything you touch is jagged and sticks to you,” he said. “This is a trophy that you earn by your boot leather and by plenty of muscle aches.” Just like Jack O’Connor did.

Хитрости енотовидной собаки Этот зверь (далее по тексту – енот) был завезен с Дальнего Востока в Европейскую часть России в предвоенные годы и к настоящему времени встречается повсеместно, где есть леса, перелески, кустарники, тростники вдоль водоемов – то есть естественные укрытия вблизи воды Енот – зверь всеядный, поэтому проблем с кормовой базой у него не возникает. К зимней полуспячке он нагуливает приличный слой жира. Снятие шкурки и ее первичная обработка доставляют много мороки. Охота по чернотропу проводится в основном с собаками различных пород, а случайные встречи с ним довольно редки. С наступлением морозов и выпадением снега они залегают в полуспячку, как правило, парами в укромных местах: под валежинами, в норах, в густой траве. В этот период найти их можно только случайно. А вот в феврале, во время оттепелей, еноты выбираются из своих укрытий «на разминку» – освободиться от «продуктов жизнедеятельности». В это время, особенно если выпал мягкий снежок, охота на енотов может быть результативной и интересной даже без собаки. Впрочем, обнаружив свежий след, не обольщайте себя легкой добычей. По набродам придется поползать, по буреломам, густейшим зарослям ивняка или тростника, «понырять» в ямки-овраги. Чтобы найти выходной след из какой-либо крепи, не один раз придется сделать круговую обрезку. Даже при небольшом участке предполагаемой лежки отыскать енота непросто, особенно если охотник один. Дело в том, что он при опасности, не в пример зайцу или лисице, не «делает ноги», а наоборот, еще плотнее вжимается в землю в своем укрытии и не совершает даже малейшего движения (как иногда норка или куница). Выдержке енота могут позавидовать многие представители животного мира, она является одним из факторов его высокой выживаемости. Приведу несколько примеров, подтверждающих способность енотов к затаиванию. Бригада из трех человек в февральскую оттепель нашла свежие следы двух енотов. Недолгое тропление привело в болотину с высокой осокой местами едва ли не по пояс, засыпанной снегом. Небольшая обрезка показала: зверьки здесь. Начали поиск, пиная и прощупывая ногами кочки под толстым слоем снега. Одного нашли быстро, а второго никак не обнаружим. Для устойчивости племянник стоит на двух кочках. Он готов к выстрелу, если енот куда-то шмыгнет, а мы двое продолжаем «прощупывание» и протаптывание. Найти не можем, зверь как сквозь землю провалился. Решили прекратить поиски и немного передохнуть. (Раньше тоже бывали случаи, когда не удавалось отыскать хитреца в завалах, хотя место залегания ориентировочно было определено). Племянник Коля, сходя с кочек, вдруг почувствовал, что одна из них под травой и снегом какая-то необычная. Пнул ногой – и кочка оказалась предметом наших поисков. Терпел, бедняга, признаков жизни не подавал, притворялся кочкой! Если бы мы поторопились уйти, остался бы живым. Аналогичный случай был и у автора этих строк. Однажды, где-то в середине марта, на лыжной прогулке с приятелями и женами, обходили краем большое болото, чтобы выйти к дачам. Погода стояла тихая, солнечная, наст ослаб, «ноздреватый» снег уже проваливался, но под кронами хвойных деревьев еще был крепкий – идти было легко. Только миновали небольшой ручеек, вытекающий из болота узкой ленточкой, как я обнаружил непонятный след (остальные участники прогулки были не охотники): какой-то зверек что-то тащил, но тающий снег не давал четкой «картинки». Отправив компанию домой готовить обед, сам пошел по следу, ведущему к болоту. В куртине густых елок, где морозец еще держал корочку льда, следы были более четкими, и по ним я понял, что зверек этот – енот, а тащил он не добычу, а капкан, оставивший на снегу характерный след. Основной принцип охоты – «добирать подранка», так как зверек с капканом не может выжить. Пошел по следу, предположив, что енот заляжет в ближайших кустах на берегу болота. Но не тут-то было! Сквозь кусты он пролез, а дальше следы повели в болото. Там были глубокие торфяные карьеры, и между ними – заснеженные гребни берегов, местами заросшие тростниками. На открытом пространстве при ярком солнце снег стал рыхлым, узкие лыжи проваливались глубоко в снег, и при каждом шаге лыжу нужно было поднимать вверх. Другой задачей было не свалиться с крутого берега в карьер с водой. В этом хорошую помощь оказывали лыжные палки. Всякий раз, подходя к очередной куртине тростника, надеялся, что енот залег в нем, но след упорно тянулся дальше. Так я «прополз» более ста метров и хотел уже прекратить «погоню», но тут в ближайшем кустике тростника, метрах в пятнадцати, мелькнула знакомая мордочка. Когда цель рядом, шаг ускоряется, забывается усталость. И вот я у нужной точки, а зверя не видно. Обошел вокруг – нет выхода, но у оснований пучков тростника есть несколько нор в снегу. Стал раскапывать – внизу между стеблями много пустот, где бы мог укрыться енот. Пришлось снять лыжи. Под ногами слякоть и жижа, но поскольку я уже весь промок выше колен, то на грязь не обращал внимания. Одной лыжей расчищал снег, сверху сыпался новый, я его притаптывал и так расширял круг поисков. Площадка уже стала кругом радиусом 1,5–2 метра. Ее поверхность представляла собой утоптанный мокрый снег, переплетенный стеблями тростника и осоки, а енота все не было. От упорных трудов я весь взмок. Пора уже было присоединяться к общей компании, ждущей меня обедать, но напоследок, вспомнив события, упомянутые выше, решил провести «углубленную» проверку. Задней узкой частью лыжи начал протыкать поверхность площадки до земли по схеме «строчной разведки». Пробивать снежно-травяной слой до мягкой земли было нетрудно, и таким образом я шел слева направо с интервалом 20-30 сантиметров, пока вдруг «пятка» лыжи не уперлась во что-то мягкое и упругое. Разгреб снег и осоку – и вот он, предмет поисков, весь в мокром торфе, с закрытыми глазами, почти бездыханный. Взял за «воротник»… По пробитому следу выходить проще, но с грузом тяжелей, поэтому уже вне болота, на чистой полянке, на торчащем из снега пне, решил отдохнуть, положив енота на снег. Через несколько минут он открыл глаза, тихонько повернул голову, осмотрелся и сделал попытку убежать, но ему мешал капкан. Зверолов, поставивший его, совершил ошибку, привязав его мягкой стальной проволокой диаметром около 1 мм, которая, многократно перекрутившись, лопнула. По-видимому, попытки вырваться енот предпринимал долгое время. Передняя нога у зверька уже была сломана, и «клещи» капкана удерживали его за шкуру. Отпускать енота не имело смысла, так как трехногому зверьку выжить было бы непросто. Пришлось его забрать. Приведу еще несколько примеров из встреч с енотами, где его выручали выдержка и хладнокровие. В давние времена, когда с енотами я еще мало встречался, в сухую тихую октябрьскую погоду, не желая лазить по болотам за утками, я вышел на «промысел» тетеревов, с заходом в хвойный лес за рябчиками (в ту пору их у нас было в достатке, так как не было еще в наших краях «свиноферм» и даже случайных кабанов). Проходя по краю убранного поля, поднял косача и чисто «уронил» его в расположенный рядом край болотца с высокой осокой. Раздвигая ее «косы», я скоро увидел на черных проходах между кочками белое подхвостье петуха. Поднимая его, почувствовал резкий запах енота – значит, держится где-то здесь, не проходной. Присев как можно ниже, на «полусогнутых», стал заглядывать под развесистые «кроны» кочек, обходя каждую с разных сторон. И вот буквально в двух шагах вижу хвост и заднюю ногу. Стрелять – испорчу шкуру, да заодно и приятную охоту, начало которой только что было положено. Решил для интереса выгнать «зверюгу» на край поля, до которого были считанные шаги. Обошел его со стороны головы и начал раскачивать правой ногой траву перед ним, стоя на одной левой, полагая, что он «со страху» ринется в сторону поля, а я на чистом месте попробую его хотя бы выцелить. Стрелять не собирался. Ан нет, он среагировал наоборот: рванул между моих ног, зацепил мою единственную опору, едва меня не уронив, и был таков. Сделав пару кругов по осоке, я его уже не обнаружил, да и не хотелось. И хорошо, что с ним не связался: рябчик в тот день откликался на манок исключительно хорошо – приятно вспомнить. И еще, совсем коротко. В период «бабьего лета» к нам в деревню приехал дядя на охоту. Поскольку наш первый совместный выход с ним был накануне 1950 года по тетеревам из лунок (я тогда сделал свой первый выстрел по зайцу, оказавшийся результативным), то и сейчас решили не мочить ноги по уткам, а пойти вдоль сжатых полей по тетеревам, а попутно – по коростелям и бекасам. Проходя мимо небольшой высохшей болотинки с осокой, я увидел уходящую от меня «змейку» качающихся вершинок осоки. Решив, что там коростель, я сделал несколько быстрых шагов в ту сторону. Но коростель не поднялся. Раздвинув стволом ружья (это была ижевская одностволка) концы осоки, увидел голову енота. Подозвал дядьку, шедшего неподалеку, чтобы он своим сапогом прижал енота, поскольку я был в кедах и побоялся, что енот укусит за ногу. «Где твой енот?» – подойдя, спросил дядька. Я снова раздвинул осоку, он поднял ногу, чтобы наступить на зверя, но тот мгновенно шмыгнул в траву и в кусты. Немая сцена. Если бы енот не выдержал и побежал, когда я в первый раз раздвинул осоку, то сгоряча я, может быть, и выстрелил бы по нему, а так, благодаря «смелости характера», он благополучно выжил. В заключение хочется пожелать охотникам, чтобы они охотились на енота. Как уже было сказано выше, это зверь всеядный – употребляет в пищу все, с чем может справиться: птенцов, пернатых, зайчат, яйцекладки гнездящихся на земле птиц. Поэтому в угодьях он не должен быть многочисленным, регулировать поголовье надо охотникам, поскольку естественных врагов у енота практически нет, не считая волков. В советские годы шкурка енота ценилась на уровне шкурки лисицы, енот был желанным трофеем и пресс охоты на него был значителен. Но сейчас стимул пропал: заготконтор нет, меха стране не нужны, хотя какой-то сбыт найти можно у частников.

Pheasant Stocking In PA HARRISBURG, PA -- Saying there is bad news and good news for the future of pheasant hunting, Pennsylvania Game Commission officials have announced that hunters still should expect to see the agency's pheasant stocking efforts increase to 200,000 birds for the 2012-12 license year. However, because of recent flooding impacts at two of the agency's game farms, hunters will notice a significant reduction in pheasant stockings this year. "Prior to the flooding from Tropical Storm Lee, Game Commission game farms were on track to have more than 104,000 ring-necked pheasants for release on public lands throughout the Commonwealth for the upcoming small game hunting seasons," said Carl G. Roe, agency executive director. "Unfortunately, flood waters that wrecked havoc for tens of thousands of Pennsylvanians also destroyed pheasant holding fields at the Loyalsock and Northcentral game farms in Lycoming County. "Initial reports showed about 40,000 birds either perished in flood waters or escaped when the netting and fencing providing containment for holding fields were swept away. Game Farm employees have been working diligently to round up the birds that escaped; we have recaptured more than 10,000 birds and may be able to recapture a few hundred more by the time our stocking trucks roll out for State Game Lands and other lands open to public hunting." Roe noted the agency's other two game farms - the Western Game Farm in Crawford County and the Southwestern Game Farm in Armstrong County - were not impacted by flood waters. Combined with the birds unaffected by the flood and recaptured around the two Lycoming County game farms, the agency has reduced pheasant allocations across the state by an equal share - about 30 percent. Based on the present figures, the minimum number of birds to be stocked this year will be 73,390 pheasants, including 11,510 birds for the junior-only season (Oct. 8-15). Roe stressed that this across-the-board reduction will not impact the 1,800 pheasants allocated for those clubs sponsoring mentored pheasant hunts for juniors on Oct. 8, but plans to stock pheasants for the late season (Dec. 26-Feb. 4) have been cancelled. "We regret not being able to stock pheasants for the popular late season, but the large number of hens lost at the Loyalsock farm, coupled with the need for an increased number of hens for full production for next year, left us no choice" Roe said. "Counties that were to receive hens during the late season have been allocated an equal number of roosters during the earlier releases." The pheasant stockings will begin Oct. 7, when the agency will release 11,510 birds (6,880 males and 4,630 females) for the junior pheasant hunt scheduled for Oct. 8-15. A listing of stocking locations for the youth hunt can be found on pages 25-27 of the 2011-12 Pennsylvania Digest of Hunting and Trapping Regulations, which is provided to each license buyer. Roe noted that, based on agency budget cuts first implemented in the 2004-05 fiscal year and carried forward since, pheasant propagation production levels were reduced by 50 percent to 100,000 birds. Reducing the pheasant propagation program saved the agency more than $500,000 annually. However, thanks to monies from recent Marcellus Shale-related gas leases on State Game Lands, the agency announced its plans to return to the 200,000-bird level for the 2012-13 seasons, which is consistent with the Game Commission's Strategic Plan and Pheasant Management Plan. "From the first photos that we began to receive of the damages at the two Lycoming County game farms, we were concerned about our pledge to increase pheasant production to 200,000 birds for the 2012 seasons," Roe said. "However, despite the loss of birds and damage to holding pens, we suffered no significant impacts to our core infrastructure. "Hatcheries, brooder houses, barns, workshops, farm equipment and waterlines in the fields were relatively untouched. We will retain a sufficient number of hen pheasants to serve as a breeder flock to enable us to reach the 200,000 pheasant hunting season release level next year." Roe noted that the biggest challenge will be to restore enough holding fields at the Northcentral and Loyalsock farms to contain their quota of birds. All holding fields at the Northcentral game farm were damaged to varying degrees. Half of the holding fields at the Loyalsock were unaffected by the flood, but the other half were damaged to varying degrees. Opening day of the general pheasant hunting season is Oct. 22, and closes on Nov. 26. Pre-season stocking of pheasants in each region will begin Oct. 19, followed by the first and second in-season stockings on Oct. 27 or 28, and Nov. 3 and 4. Third in-season stocking will be conducted on Nov. 10 in areas surrounding the Somerset, Central Susquehanna, Hegins-Gratz Valley and Franklin County Wild Pheasant Recovery Areas. Only male pheasants are legal game in Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) 2A, 2B, 2C, 4C, 4E, 5A and 5B. Male and female pheasants are legal game in all other WMUs. During the regular fall season, the agency focuses pheasant stocking on State Game Lands and select state parks and federal lands. However, in some areas where habitat conditions on public lands are marginal, birds may be stocked on properties enrolled in the Game Commission public access program. The Game Commission has an updated publication titled "Pheasant Management Program," which identifies State Game Lands, and those state parks and federal lands with suitable habitat that receive pheasant stockings. This publication can be found on the Game Commission's website (www.pgc.state.pa.us), and can be viewed by putting your cursor over "Hunt/Trap" in the menu bar at the top of the page, clicking on "Hunting," clicking on "Pheasant" in the "Small Game" listing and then choosing "Pheasant Management Program" in the "Programs" listing.

Карелия переходит к открытой жеребьевке лицензий на охоту На смену «электронной очереди» придёт открытая жеребьёвка. Соответствующий законопроект поддержал профильный комитет Заксобрания Карелии. Изменить порядок выдачи разрешений на охоту предложил глава республики Артур Парфенчиков. Охота в Карелии – социально значимый промысел, многие занимаются ею не только для развлечения, но и чтобы прокормить семью. А существующая система распределения разрешений ставит местных жителей в неравные условия. Дело в том, что подаются заявки онлайн, через портал Госуслуг, а одобряются в порядке поступления – кто раньше заявку подал, тот и получил разрешение. Скорость оформления заявки, в свою очередь, сильно зависит от скорости интернета. А значит, у москвичей и питерцев, например, больше шансов получить разрешение на охоту в Карелии, чем у местного жителя из отдалённого посёлка. Находятся также «хакеры», обманывающие систему: используя роботизированный метод подачи заявлений, они получают по несколько разрешений, которые потом перепродают. Всё это вызывает справедливое недовольство среди карельских охотников. Если новый законопроект будет принят, порядок выдачи лицензий станет совсем другим. Половину всех разрешений будут распределять открытой оффлайн-жеребьёвкой, при которой будут присутствовать охотники, чиновники и депутаты. Принятые заявки будут перемешаны в специальном «лототроне», а одобрят в итоге те из них, которые достанут путём случайного выбора. Подать заявку можно будет онлайн, как сейчас, а также письмом по почте или лично. Такая схема сейчас используется в 24 российских регионах и даёт хорошие результаты. Оставшаяся половина разрешений будет распределена между охотниками на волков (30%) и помощниками охотинспекторов (20%). Как можно большее количество лицензий должно при этом достаться жителям Карелии. А у тех, кто идёт на волка, будет ещё один бонус: они смогут получить разрешение на охоту не только в своём районе, но и на всей территории республики.

5 Off-Season Treestand Safety Reminders Do You Follow These Safety Rules? The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission is reminding hunters to give some thought to hunting safety, especially for treestands during the off-season. It may seem counterintuitive at this time of year, but treestand safety is important at times other than hunting season. "Unfortunately, every year there are a number of treestand accidents with injury before deer season even opens," said Travis Casper. "We need hunters to think about and practice treestand safety all the time, not just during hunting season." If you are scouting a location and putting up your treestand, even on a trial basis, use the same precautions you would during hunting season: Wear a full-body safety harness. Use a lifeline or lineman's belt to stay connected when you're off the ground. Maintain three points of contact when climbing. Follow manufacturer instructions. Have an emergency signal and tell someone where you plan to go. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission urges frequent hunting equipment inspection. Long-term placement (leaving your treestand up from one season to the next) has some inherent problems that outweigh any convenience. Exposure to the elements will damage straps, ropes and attachment cords and potentially lead to premature failure. Trees are living, growing things and alter over time, also affecting stability. "So, if you or someone you know has had a treestand up for an extended length of time, take it down," Casper said. "Inspect it. Replace rusted bolts, frayed straps or, if needed, buy a new treestand. Your life could depend on it." Successful completion of hunter education is required for all first-time hunting license buyers in North Carolina. Courses are offered by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, with schedules and registration available at www.ncwildlife.org.

How to Stalk a Pronghorn Antelope The heat of the merciless sun pounded the back of my neck as I glassed through the small gap of the lone cedar bush I was crouched behind. His handsomely colored face and long curved black horns seemed to fill the viewfinder as I studied every inch of him. He was a dandy goat, and there was nothing more I wanted to do at that moment than wrap my hands around his black, 16-inch horns. This ground-crawling, torturous stalk began some two hours ago, and needless to say my body ached from the countless gouges, pokes and prods from the seemingly endless supply of needle-sharp plants that inhabit this semi-arid landscape. Although I had whittled the mile down to a mere 110 yards, I could go no farther. It wasn’t because of my lack of sheer will, there was just no cover between me and my bedded prize. I could easily have reached out and touched him with the help of modern ballistics, but I receive no satisfaction from that fact. I wanted to get archery-close, and that meant somehow closing the gap at least another 60 yards before I would consider a solid broadside shot. I had been watching him on and off for the past couple of days, and he was finally in a position that offered me this sneaky opportunity. He had been lugging around with a few other bucks, but now they were no where to be found. Living the bachelor’s life seemed to suit him for the moment, so I took full advantage of it. It also didn’t hurt that his two buddies had found greener pastures elsewhere. All I could do was wait him out and hope when he got up from his midday nap he would wonder my way. Keeping my fingers crossed, I nocked an arrow and waited. And before I could get comfortable on the jagged ground, he abruptly stood up. I tightened the grip on my bow anticipating a possible shot opportunity. He stood stiff-legged for several minutes scanning the parched landscape. It was as if he was peeling away every ounce of cover looking for a hint of danger. Suddenly he turned and started hot-footing it in my direction, and before I could wipe the sweat racing down my forehead, the 110-yard gulf that was once between us had vanished—50, 40, 30, 20, 18, 17, 16 flashed my rangefinder—and this Pope and Young candidate was still coming. With only a quartering-to shot I rose to both knees and pressed my Hoyt into service. His eyes almost popped out of his head when he caught my movement, and in one fluid motion he jerked back, turned and darted away running in a semi-circle. Not completely trusting his eyes, he skidded to a stop and looked back at the moving cedar bush to confirm what his eyes had suspected. Estimating the distance at 45 yards, I released, only to see my arrow harmlessly skip into the dirt under his belly. With a wheezing snort he turned and his hooves never seemed to hit the ground as he jetted away toward safer pastures, leaving me shaking my head and wondering what could have been. That was my third stalk of the day, and although I didn’t get to hang his handsome head in my trophy room, it was a great experience to file away. It wasn’t until the third day and stalk number nine that I claimed my high-desert New Mexico prize, making this pronghorn experience one of my most action-packed and memorable bowhunts to date. Pronghorns have picked up many nicknames over the years to include speed goats, prairie racers, sage rockets and the common antelope just to name a few. Although these names depict the sure-footed, 55-plus miles-per-hour speed they possess, it’s the pronghorns stark reddish tan and white coat, black muzzles, and ink-black curved horns that make them the most colorful and exotic North American big game animal. Not only is their African-like appearance and cheetah-like speed unique, but they are only found in the high desert West and flat grassy regions of the eastern plains, making this American original a prime target for any stick and string trophy hunter. Because of the flat, relatively open and arid regions they inhabit, matching wits with these high desert kings can be challenging, but consistent success can be found by matching the right hunting tactics to the given situation. The three main methods most seasoned pronghorn hunters utilize are ground-crawling stalks, deceptive decoying and laying in wait at a well-used water hole. There’s no question that ambushing one at the watering-hole beneath the August heat is the most successful method, but decoying at the right time makes for some heart-pounding excitement and breaking into their comfort zone with a clean stalk adds a thrill all its own. All methods will put you archery-close and should be considered if you’re dreaming of hanging a tag on these American originals. Just Add Water No question about it, hunting over water is the most effective way to put a trophy pronghorn on the wall, as well as put some excellent protein on the table. Given the arid high desert and blazing-hot prairie climate these American icons call home, water is a daily necessity, and it’s usually only a matter of time before an unsuspecting buck that deserves your tag wonders in. As easy as this may sound, there is usually a catch, and typically that catch is measured in time, and lots of it. Just a couple of seasons ago, I sat under the blazing Nevada sun in my Ameristep blind for six, fourteen hour days, waiting on the right buck to show up. Needless to say, I was more than eager to release an arrow on the morning of the seventh day, hour 87 no less, on a fine Silver State goat. Although this may sound like a no-fun, no-brain style of hunt, it isn’t. Not only does the water draw in every critter in the area for all-day waterhole entertainment but also the long hours can instill and develop a mental toughness few hunts can. As good as popping up a portable blind on a liquid oasis can be for antelope, if the opportunity exists, the elevation of a wrought iron tree, aka windmill, can be an exceptional option. Not only does the elevation give you a bird’s-eye view of the country but it also gives you an opportunity to size up your buck before he makes it to the drink. In fact, I killed my first P&Y antelope from a New Mexico windmill, and I watched him for over 20 minutes before I finally sent an arrow his way. I would not have had that opportunity if I had been on the ground. Another benefit of a windmill is the constant motion, clangs and groans it put out. Naturally these sharp-eyed residents are used to it so I was able to get away with more movement. Double Take For heart-pumping, fast-paced, all-day action, it’s hard to beat the use of a decoy. When the time is right, usually around late August to mid September, nothing can beat the shot opportunities a decoy provides or the sheer excitement when you add one to the antelope experience. One of the first times I used a decoy was on a worn-out Colorado buck during the September rut. From a distance I watched him diligently protecting his harem of does from two smaller bucks. From each side they grazed innocently closer, attempting not to arouse the suspicions of the herd buck. When the herd buck focused on one, the other would come closer. With patience lost, this high-desert bad boy exploded, tearing off in pursuit of his closest foe. With a sense of urgency the smaller buck scrambled across the dusty flat hoping to elude the bulkier herd buck. However, by the time he finished chasing one off, the other would be closer than ever to his does, and he would make a mad dash again, repeating the process. This was the perfect opportunity to slip in with a decoy, so in I hustled in their direction. After sneaking to within 150 yards of the panting buck, I popped up my Montana Decoy antelope buck decoy, and in an instant he caught a glimpse and headed my way. At first his trot was slow, but in mere seconds dust was billowing in a stream behind him. He was coming fast — too fast to put it bluntly — and I barely had enough time to draw my bow. When he hit the 42 yard mark, he skidded to a stop facing me no less. For nearly a minute he stared my decoy down without ever offering a shot, and as quickly as he came, he sped away when he knew the gig was up. The key to success with a decoy is slipping close enough to the right buck, and although that distance varies to the buck’s temperament and situation, usually it’s around 100 yards. Sometimes getting this close can be tough, but if you do just pop up that decoy and you might have an angry goat in your lap. The Sneak Without question, trying to get the job done on a critter with 8X eyes, that lives in relatively open terrain, with the natural limitations archery equipment offers, makes stalking antelope one of bowhunting’s ultimate challenges. Although it’s one of the toughest ways to hunt these speed demons, with enough stalks — and a little luck — it can be done with some success. Throughout the years, I’ve been fortunate to sneak close enough to a handful of bucks that deserved my arrow. And although most have ended with me watching the buck’s dust trail billow across the county, I’ve been able to bury a few arrows into the shoulder of some unsuspecting goats. One aspect that has been consistent in all of my successful stalks is the broken and uneven terrain I chose to hunt in. It’s true, most antelope live in relatively open country where grassy flats are king and are just not conducive for stalking. However, badlands-type rugged terrain, cactus flats and rolling sagebrush hills of the West hold their share of bucks, and it’s this broken landscape that will give the willing bowhunter a solid shot at arrowing a buck. Although this type of country usually only offers shallow ground-crawling, knee-busting attempts, and can take hours to complete in some cases, the reward is the satisfaction of knowing that you got close enough, despite the outcome. Another aspect to consistent success is choosing loner or gypsy bucks to zero in on. It goes without saying one set of eyes is easier to sneak in on than two or more sets, so picking that unsociable outsider can be key to punching your tag. Don’t forget to keep the wind right and always approach from behind if you can. Because pronghorns have eyes that protrude from the sides of their heads, they have nearly 300 degrees of move-catching eyesight, and it’s the rare occasion that you will fool them. Regardless of how you decide to chase these sage rockets, all offer their own uniqueness and challenges, and it’s the consistent bowhunter who seems to get it done.

Бесстрашный медоед Медоед, известный также как лысый барсук или ратель, относится к семейству куньих. Это небольших размеров зверь, чья высота в холке составляет 30 см, а вес не более 13 кг. Окрас приметный: медоед обладает редкой, весьма жесткой шерстью, где низ полностью черный, а верхний «плащ» пепельного цвета. При этом имеется белая окантовка, яркость которой варьируется в зависимости от подвида. Каждый медоед обладает относительно короткими лапами с очень длинными острыми когтями. Голова у него небольшая, а уши настолько мелкие, что не всегда заметны. Эти особенности позволяют зверьку без проблем рыться в земле, копая норы или добывая пищу. Особенность этих животных — их шкура, которая делает медоеда неуязвимым для противника. Это настоящая броня почти сантиметровой толщины, очень жесткая, но эластичная. И, главное, кожный покров не прилегает плотно к телу, благодаря чему медоед способен вывернуться из пасти врага. Задушить или ранить медоеда — задачка не из легких. Это очень ловкий зверек, хотя, глядя на него, так не скажешь. Грации в нем мало, но при этом он умудряется забираться на высокие деревья, запросто преодолевает скалистую местность и густой кустарник. Для него не существует преград. Всем известен медоед по кличке Стоффл из реабилитационного центра для диких животных Мохолохоло в Южной Африке. Он прославился тем, что неоднократно сбегал из своего вольера, используя различные предметы вокруг, такие как бревна или камни, чтобы взобраться с их помощью по голой стене.

Pack of Canadian Wolves Released in National Park to Control Moose Populations It rippled through the conservation and hunting communities this week when news broke that four Canadian wolves were air-dropped in a national park. According to a recent National Park Service (NPS) news release, the wolves were trapped in Canada and released in the Isle Royale National Park in Michigan. “During a narrow weather window between storms last week, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (OMNRF) successfully transferred four wolves to Isle Royale National Park,” NPS said. “Earlier this winter, severe weather on both sides of the border hampered the ability to capture and transfer wolves. However, NPS staff worked diligently with ONMRF and over the course of four days successfully translocated Canadian wolves. Two mainland wolves, one female and one male from the same pack and both with a black coat color variation, were captured on crown land near Wawa, Ontario, and transferred to Isle Royale. Weather cleared long enough on Thursday to provide an opportunity to access Michipicoten Island Provincial Park, where two males were captured.” Mark Romanski was pleased with the transfer. “I am impressed by the resilience this international team showed to overcome adversity and meet project objectives: polar vortex, federal government shutdown, complex aviation logistics, the list is endless,” stated Mark Romanski, Division Chief of Natural Resources for Isle Royale National Park and project manager for the reintroduction efforts. He continued, “I am even more blown away by the resilience of these wolves who within hours after undergoing capture and handling and arriving on Isle Royale, immediately got on the trail of their pack mates. These large males, all around 90 pounds, will almost certainly know what to do when they encounter a moose.” Many among the hunting community are outraged at the release of these wolves. And those same hunter-conservationists were quick to admit that they, if given the chance to help manage the population, would also know what to do when they saw a moose. That didn’t stop the NPS from making the decision that it did, though. Some say that it seems wolf predation is a preferred population management tool by NPS. “NPS made the decision to restore predation, a key ecosystem dynamic, to Isle Royale National Park last June and sourcing the startup population from diverse geographic areas was essential to ensure genetic diversity,” NPS said. “Canadian wolves have been a critical component to future success and graciously Ontario Premier Doug Ford approved the operation in October to support NPS objectives. Understanding the goal of balancing the male/female wolf ratio on Isle Royale combined with a need for robust wolf genetics from Canada, OMNRF personnel remained committed to providing wolves from Ontario to support the repopulation of Isle Royale. Knowing weather could prevent access to Michipicoten Island, OMNRF worked with NPS to develop a strategy to acquire wolves from the mainland in Ontario if they were unable to access the island.” Superintendent of Isle Royale National Park Phyllis Green applauded the release. “To see these wolves disappear into the forests of Isle Royale and to have an opportunity to start a new generation of wolves on the island fulfilled a major objective in the first year of reestablishing the population,” Green said. “The success reflected six months of planning and represented a major accomplishment by the agencies involved.” Changing ice conditions and winter storms foiled a previous attempt to acquire the Canadian wolves. This week afforded only four operating days between weather windows and the success of the operations can be attributed to the planning and expertise of the OMNRF. Green cited the amazing aircraft resources of the OMNRF, normally used for firefighting, which were critical in capturing the wolves and delivering them to Isle Royale National Park.” Again, a quick scroll through social media quickly revealed that a vast portion of the hunting community didn’t agree with the decision to release more wolves in the Lower 48. Many would have rather seen hunters given a chance to help manage moose populations instead of introducing more wolves into the mix. Their arguments, while seemingly falling on deaf ears, had valid points: Allowing hunters to achieve NPS goals would produce license and tags sales that would benefit conservation. Opting for hunters, instead of wolves, to achieve population management goals would generate revenue, instead of costing the government time, money and resources to trap, import and release wolves. Hunting would be a more accurate method for pin-point population management, as the number of moose taken could be regulated via quotas. If hunters managed the moose population, rather than wolves, other species would not be affected — some of which are already in trouble. As wolves will not only take moose but also deer and other game animals, too. Now that more wolves are on the landscape, and their numbers will likely grow, public safety concerns continue to rise as predator populations increase. It’s clear that, while many are not happy with the recent release of four Canadian Wolves in the UP of Michigan, that seems to be the future of wildlife management within the National Park Service.

Less Lethal Wolf Ammo? Roughly 30 local ranchers gathered at the fairgrounds in Carey, Idaho, last week to talk wolves. But this was far from the typical wolf discussion. The workshop, possibly the first of many hosted by Defenders of Wildlife, took an unusual and widely unacknowledged tack: Don't shoot the predator, protect the prey. The morning served as a crash course in a host of non-lethal deterrents to wolf predation, from guard dogs to grazing rotations. It also marked the first attempt by Defenders to share with the public lessons learned over the past three years by the Wood River Wolf Project. Defenders of Wildlife spokeswoman Suzanne Stone says the project has field-tested numerous tools for decreasing livestock losses to predators, an approach that replaces the habit of killing problem animals with the concept of coexistence. "If you do nothing and kind of rely on the traditional lethal control methods routinely used by [U.S. Department of Agriculture] Wildlife Services for the states, then you're not really addressing the problem," Stone says. "You're just perpetuating it...Dead wolves don't learn lessons." If the Wood River Wolf Project doesn't ring any bells, it's no surprise to Stone. The project, now in its fourth year, has intentionally sought little press coverage, she says. Meanwhile, participants have used guard dogs, noisemakers and lights to haze wolves away from the project's 10,000 sheep. They've even tested an Eastern European wolf deterrent called fladry, a type of fencing that uses long vertical strips of red fabric to frighten wolves and coyotes. Stone says Defenders was "nervous" about hosting last week's coexistence demonstration. "We've been trying to fly under the radar on this project for quite some time," she says. "We just don't try to make any kind of public news about [these projects] because the wolf debate is so controversial that it puts a lot of pressure on the ranchers who are partnering with us." The demonstration came fast on the heels of news that Idaho's 2011-2012 wolf hunt will be governed by some of the most lax regulations to date. Quotas are virtually nonexistent across most of the state. Nonresident licenses were knocked down to $31.75 earlier this month. The Idaho Fish and Game Commission increased the bag limit from one wolf to two wolves per hunter. And they've added a trapping-season component to the hunt, further increasing the potential wolf harvest over the next seven months.

Охотник попал под суд за добычу медведя-конокрада С охотника, убившего медведя, нападавшего на лошадей, хотят взыскать 180 тысяч. Приговором мирового судьи судебного участка Кош-Агачского района 17 февраля житель села Джазатор был признан виновным в совершении преступления, предусмотренного п. «а» ч. 1 ст. 258 УК РФ (Незаконная охота с причинением крупного ущерба). Ему назначено наказание в виде исправительных работ сроком на 1 год с удержанием из заработной платы 5% в доход государства. Судом установлено, что в апреле 2021 года мужчина, находясь на территории охотугодья в урочище Аккол, прицельным выстрелом из огнестрельного гладкоствольного оружия убил самца бурого медведя. Охота была незаконной, поскольку у сельчанина не было разрешения на добычу медведя. Имущественный вред, причиненный животному миру Республики Алтай в результате незаконной добычи одной особи бурого медведя, составляет 180 тысяч рублей, отмечает пресс-служба прокуратуры Республики Алтай. В связи с этим прокурор подал исковое заявление о взыскании с охотника суммы ущерба в пользу бюджета Кош-Агачского района. Заявление находится на рассмотрении. Напомним, ранее сообщалось, что 34-летний житель Джазатора, проверяя свое подсобное хозяйство в урочище Аккол, не досчитался двух лошадей. Мужчина отправился на поиски и обнаружил растерзанную тушу жеребенка, вокруг которой виднелись следы медвежьих лап. Сельчанин вооружился ружьем и отправился на поиски виновника. Он выследил хищника, застрелил и снял шкуру – ее мужчина намеревался продать. О факте незаконной охоты стало известно сотрудникам полиции, было возбуждено уголовное дело, и мужчина получил судимость.

How to Track a Buck in the Snow Have You Ever Slipped Up on a Deer in the Snow? No doubt about it, the vast majority of whitetail hunting today is done from some type of elevated platform – treestand, tripod or shooting house. That wasn’t always the case. To this day, many northwoods hunters still practice the age-old art of tracking in the snow. So can you, and here are a few tips to help you along the trail. To follow a track you first need to find one, and the more ground you cover the better the odds. Typically, the big woods hunters will drive the backwoods roads before daylight. These are often dirt logging roads, some accessible only by 4WD vehicle, which is what you want. Less Traffic, More Deer You’ll usually find an inverse correlation – the less vehicle traffic, the more deer traffic. If you really want to get away from the crowd, and back where the big bucks roam, unload your ATV and ride the least-accessible roads and trails into the more remote areas. Reading Tracks Once you find a track, you’ll want to determine a few things, including the age of the track, and the deer that made it. Big tracks means big deer – usually, though not always a buck. Track sizes can vary considerably, but you’ll know a really big one when you see it. And width is often a more important indicator than length. If you’re after a big buck, you want a track at least 4 inches long and 3-1/2 inches wide. You can also judge the relative sinking depth of the track – the deeper the track, the heavier the deer that made it. To determine track age, you need to pay attention to local environmental conditions. When did it last snow? How long has the snow been on the ground? How cold has it been? Did it warm up today and melt out part of the track? What type of snow is on the ground: wet, powder or granular? Do the tracks look like they were made in soft, wet or dry, frozen snow? Some of this will only come with experience, but you can always compare deer tracks with your own boot prints to see how they differ. The Behavior Once on the track, try to determine what the buck was up to. Was it feeding, following a doe or making time? In either of the former two cases, you need to go on red alert immediately. After feeding, it’ll likely bed. So will a doe, and it’ll bed with her. If the buck is “lining out,” you’ve got to do likewise. You’ve got a lot of ground to cover, and at best only 8 hours to do it. You need to move along at a brisk pace to make up time. If and when you feel you’re closing in, it’s time to use your eyes more than your feet. Move slowly and quietly, pausing often and long to scan ahead, and to the sides. You’ve got to spot the buck before it spots, or smells, you. Either mode can be exhausting, both physically and mentally. Hiking in snow takes a toll, and will wear you out. Still, hunting requires tremendous concentration. Don’t expect to find the deer standing in the open, though you may. Move slowly and study the brush, looking for parts of a deer, like a patch of brown, sunlight glinting of an antler, or the tell-tale horizontal line of its back or belly, or movement, like the flick of an ear. Watch also for sudden changes in the deer’s direction of travel. A sudden change may indicate it’s headed for bed, and may be lying nearby. And always be mindful of the wind. Remember to be safe. Never leave the road without a compass. Leave a note or let somebody know where you plan on spending the day; and always carry a survival kit in case you end up spending the night.

Quail Hunting in Utah Do You Hunt Western Quail? If you own a good pair of running shoes — or better yet, a trained hunting dog — hunting Gambel’s quail in southwestern Utah might be a fun adventure this fall. Population Estimates, Where to Hunt Utah’s quail hunt opened Nov. 3. The number of Gambel’s quail has dipped a bit this year, but decent numbers of birds should still be available. You can hunt both Gambel’s and California quail until Dec. 31. (Utah is also home to a small population of scaled quail, but hunting for them is not allowed.) Jason Robinson, upland game coordinator for the Division of Wildlife Resources, says opportunities to hunt California quail in Utah are limited: most California quail are found in Duchesne and Uintah counties on land that’s either privately owned or part of the Ute Indian Reservation. (If you decide to hunt California quail, look for them in river bottoms that have Buffalo berry and Russian olive trees in them.) Hunting Gambel’s quail is different: they’re found mostly on public land in the western part of Washington County. “Gambel’s quail are colorful birds that live in areas filled with Joshua trees,” Robinson says. “Hunting them is a unique experience many in Utah have never tried.” Quail Hunting Tips Robinson provides tips to help you locate quail and take some birds this fall: Tip 1: Look for Joshua Trees To find Gambel’s quail, look for Joshua trees. “If you’re seeing Joshua trees,” he says, “you’re likely in the right area. It’s a good place to start.” Tip 2: Focus Efforts in Dry Washes and Draws Once you’ve found a landscape with Joshua trees on it, focus your efforts in dry washes and draws. Gambel’s quail zero in on these areas, especially washes and draws that have desert almond or black brush in them. Tip 3: Use a Trained Hunting Dog Gambel’s quail are excellent runners. Because they’d rather run than fly, hunting with a trained dog is a huge advantage. “A dog can often cause a quail to freeze in place,” Robinson says. “Once it’s caused a bird to hold, you can walk to the spot and cause the bird to flush.” Even if your dog flushes an entire covey of quail before you get there, that’s not a bad thing. “When a covey flushes,” he says, “individual birds often get separated from the group. Birds that are separated typically hold tighter than birds that are still with the group. If your dog breaks up a covey, it’ll have an easier time finding and pointing individual birds.” Tip 4: Get Ready to Run If you don’t have a dog, you can still hunt Gambel’s quail and find success. But you need to be in good physical condition and ready to run. Robinson encourages you to walk through dry washes and draws, staying alert and watching the area ahead of you. “If you see quail running,” he says, “don’t be afraid to go after them. If you close the gap fast enough, you might cause the birds to flush close enough for a good shot.”

Тридцать семь тысяч раков выпустили на свободу В июне должностными лицами Нижнедонского отдела рыбоохраны в ходе рейдовых мероприятий из Веселовского водохранилища Ростовской области изъято 1468 штук многозаходных ловушек. Более 37156 экз. раков пресноводных общим весом 609,3 кг (жизнеспособны), незамедлительно возвращены в естественную среду обитания. Сумма предотвращенного ущерба водным биологическим ресурсам составила свыше 4 млн руб. В результате проведенных мероприятий выявлено 13 фактов незаконной добычи (вылова) водных биоресурсов, по которым возбуждены дела об административных правонарушениях, проводятся административные расследования по части 2 статьи 8.37 КоАП РФ. Данные мероприятия должностными лицами отдела проводятся на регулярной основе – сообщили в Азово-Черноморском ТУ Росрыболовства.

Picking Your Puppy: Traits to Look for in Your Next Hunting Dog Are You Looking for a Hunting Dog Puppy? You wouldn’t walk into a sporting goods store and purchase the first shotgun you saw without doing some background research first, so why then would you skip that step when selecting a puppy that you’ll be hunting with for the next 10 to 12 years? Many hunters make that mistake and end up regretting later. In addition to being your most valuable hunting asset, your hunting dog is likely to become your closest companion. Not only will it share some of the best moments of your life with you, it’ll make many of them possible. You’ll spend hours with your dog during training and in the field, so you want to take great care in choosing the puppy that is perfect for you. Tim Nichols of Fall Flight Retrievers says not every puppy has what it takes to become an outstanding hunting dog. So you need to know what qualities and traits to look for, specifically when it comes to health and trainability. “The most important tip I can give you is to go look at several litters of puppies and don’t take your checkbook with you,” Nichols said. “You need to do some considerable research before selecting a puppy. If you bring your checkbook with you, you’re likely to purchase a puppy before you should because they’re cute, and they’re hard to resist.” Pedigree and Health You’ve heard the saying he or she is “a chip off the old block” when referring to a child’s resemblance in personality and appearance to his or her parents. This rings true in the dog world as well, especially when it comes to health-related issues and trainability. “The very first thing you want to do is look at the parents’ health clearances,” Nichols says. “Make sure that neither parent has had an issue with hip dysplasia. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) will certify the dog’s hips based on a scale of good, excellent or fair, and will include the results in a database.” Remember the puppy you choose should be your hunting partner for 10 to 12 years. If that puppy ends up with hip dysplasia, you’ll get no more than three or four years out of it. Parents also go through certification that checks their eyes for vision problems and their bodies for muscular dystrophy. There’s also a genetic test for Exercise Induced Collapse (EIC), a genetic disorder that can be passed down from the parents. A dog with EIC will get heat exhaustion if it is overly worked or excited and can experience muscle weakness and even collapse. “Last year, a guy brought me a great-looking dog to train,” Nichols said. “I had her out in the field training and all of the sudden, she lost control of her back legs. She couldn’t even get in her trailer. I took her home and called the owner. He had not checked on the parents' genetics, and sure enough, after testing his dog, he found out she had EIC.” Nichols warns that if you select a puppy with parents that have not been genetically tested, it will most likely come back to bite you. Performance Titles Next, check to see what titles the parents have received. If the parents have earned impressive titles, such as Grand Champion, etc., then chances are, the puppies are going to have the raw materials it takes to be great hunting dogs too. “When I train a dog that has parents that are titled and have a good health certificate, then I know that dog is going to learn fast. If the parents can do it, then the puppy can do it. It’s as if the puppy is programmed. I can often train a dog with good health and breeding in three or four weeks, whereas other dogs can take three or four months.” Nichols says when selecting a puppy, you are most likely going to get what you pay for. “Don’t expect much out of a puppy that only cost a couple hundred bucks with no health certificate,” he said. “You can get a nice, title puppy with all genetic testing for between $500 to $600. A puppy with Grand Hunter Retriever parents can run around $1,000. Of course, you can spend even more for a super-high quality puppy, but it’s not necessary.” Time to Select Your Puppy Nichols said when you go to look at the puppies, also check out the surroundings and ask yourself these questions: Are they in a nice whelping box with mom or out in a kennel in cold weather? Is the breeder reputable? Are the parents on site? Is the area clean and hygienic? If you can’t answer yes to these questions, you need to keep searching. When it comes time to select a puppy, Nichols warns not to automatically assume that the puppy that is running around, retrieving and being playful is the best pick of the litter. “That fact that one puppy is active and playful and the other two are resting or sleeping doesn’t mean a thing,” Nichols said. “The other two puppies may have been running and playing earlier and they’re now taking a nap. So, you can’t really tell much about a puppy by its energy level at any given moment. You do want to see if the puppy will come to you and if it acts spooky or is extremely shy.” Again, the best determinate of a puppy’s potential is its parents. “If the parents are on the premises, ask to see them,” he said. “Ask to see what mom and dad can do. If someone is coming to pick out one of my puppies, I always take out the parents and show the buyer what they can do. That way, they can get a true idea of their puppy’s potential.” Once you’ve selected a puppy, the best thing you can do for it is to socialize it. “For the first five months of that puppy’s life, take it with you everywhere you go,” Nichols said. “Get it out around other dogs, family members and friends as much as possible. If the dog is not socialized well, it will scare easily and will be much more difficult to train.” During those first several months, Nichols recommends you teach the puppy basic commands, such as sit, come and stay. Selecting a Trainer Once the dog has learned the basic commands and is approximately six months old, it’s ready to go to a trainer. When selecting a trainer, Nichols recommends following these steps. Ask for references. Ask the trainer for phone numbers of other clients and call them to ask about their experiences with the trainer. Attend several hunt tests near your home to check out the participating dogs. Find out who trains the dogs that perform the best. Ask the trainer to show you his dogs and work them for you. Also have him show you the parents of the puppies he has available and ask to see what they can do. Once you hand your dog over to a trainer, remain involved in the process to ease the transition for both you and the dog once it returns to you several months later. Actively participate in your dog’s training and use the opportunity to learn how to handle the dog. “Once your dog completes its training, take it hunting and follow the same program that your trainer used,” Nichols said. “After hunting with the dog for a season, bring it back to the trainer for a tune-up. Take the dog to hunt tests and make sure that it continues to progress.” If you put great care into selecting your puppy and choosing a high-quality trainer, then you’ll create a partnership that will reap great rewards for years to come, making the time, effort and money spent well worth it.

Hunting the Modern Cottontail Rabbit A New Age Has Dawned in the World of Rabbit Hunting Hunters have been pursuing the Eastern cottontail ever since the time of the earliest Native Americans. Although hunter numbers have declined from peak numbers, rabbit hunting still remains extremely popular overall and is one of the most popular small game pursuits. However, the dynamics of hunting cottontails have changed dramatically, and to achieve consistent success in the field, hunters must adapt to the new age of rabbit hunting. The Decline Bunny Facts: The number of rabbit hunters has declined through the years. Even so, rabbit hunting is still popular. According to recent surveys, approximately 1.5 million people hunt rabbits and/or hares. Rabbit/hare hunting ranked as the fourth most popular hunting endeavor, tied with pheasant hunting and behind only whitetail deer, turkey, and squirrel. Rabbit hunting ranked more popular than waterfowl and dove hunting, as well as all other species such as elk, bear, and others. A decade or two ago, finding rabbits was really not all that difficult. They are well known as prolific breeders, and though population numbers may take a dip in years with extremely bad weather, numbers bounce back rather quickly after weather improves. Back in the day, there was also ample habitat. Now rabbit habitat is shrinking every year. There is more predation. The outcome: rabbit populations, although still very good, are not what they used to be. Going out on the back 40 and kicking brush rarely results in bagging a limit of cottontails. Shrinking habitat has not only reduced rabbit numbers but it has also reduced hunter access and allowed predators easier opportunities to bag a bunny for dinner. The proliferation and expanding populations of coyotes throughout the cottontail range — plus numbers of domestic feral cats at an all-time high — has only increased predation on rabbits. All of these habitat and predation factors have led to changes in rabbit location and behavior. Where They Hide Rabbits are found most anywhere they can find food sources and cover (for hiding from predators and also thermal protection from the elements). In most locations, sparse cover does not hold rabbits like it once did. Hunters must concentrate on areas with denser and more abundant cover to find rabbits in good supply. Hard-earned success is much more rewarding. (Photo by Russell Graves) Hard-earned success is much more rewarding. (Photo by Russell Graves) An exception to this rule is near dwellings, barns, oilrigs, and other areas with a consistent amount of human activity. Coyotes and many other predators steer clear of areas where people are constantly present, but a rabbit will hang out in brush or other thick foliage and disregard most human activity. In the last decade or so, it seems they have increased their attraction to these areas and are even more numerous in urban areas than the past. Regardless, areas with human activity, sufficient cover, and a lack of predators are prime locations for finding rabbits. As mentioned, rabbits in more remote areas are found mostly in the thicker cover than in places with thin cover. Rabbits have always liked thick cover; that is no surprise. The difference is that they are found less in other areas than in the past. When I first began rabbit hunting, it was very common to walk into a field of grass and jump a few rabbits just walking around or to kick an isolated clump of cover and reasonably expect a rabbit to come darting out. That just isn’t the case anymore. Hunters must hit sparse cover early in the season for any success at all. This is especially true in agricultural areas, as rabbits forced from row crop fields during harvest often take cover along the edges. However, within a short period of time, they are either decimated by predation or they move to thicker, safer locations. The absolute best locations for finding rabbits are areas with extremely dense cover. Gnarly tangles of briars, thorns, honeysuckle, and brush are difficult to reach for coyotes and foxes and make great locations for rabbits to hide from birds of prey. Likewise, they are hard to “kick up” by walking hunters. Rabbits hold much tighter in these areas and often do not jump unless almost stepped on or forced out by a rabbit dog willing to bury deep into cover. Having good rabbit dogs — especially one or two good “jump” dogs — is what often spells the difference in success these days. Dogs that skirt the edges of cover are not going to get up a lot of bunnies. Watch Them Run “There he goes,” is a common phrase shouted by hunters as the rabbit bolts from cover and streaks off down the field edge or across an open area to the next patch of thick cover. Hunters then try to determine which direction the rabbit is going and get in a position to intercept it and have a shooting opportunity when the rabbit circles back near the jump location. That part hasn’t changed, but what has changed in many cases is how a rabbit runs and circles. Cottontails have a relatively small home range and are well familiar with their local surroundings. They do not like to leave this comfort zone. Therefore, a cottontail often darts out and puts as much distance as possible between it and the pursuing dogs. Then it slows down or stops and waits. As the dogs following the scent trail get near, the rabbit moves again. Eventually, it makes its way back to or near the original jump site. Most times, this jump and circle does not cover a large distance. It all depends upon the habitat and how cover is positioned. But usually a circle is within 100 yards or so. However, in areas where rabbits are constantly pressured by predators, especially along strips of cover between two crop fields, rabbits these days run much farther before turning and starting to circle. In recent years, I have seen numerous rabbits pop out of cover and run full speed along the edge of a field until they are completely out of sight. We have to accept this as the new norm and be willing to work a little harder to get into position for a shot. Kicking Them Up In contrast to the propensity of cottontails to locate and hold tight within the thickest cover to be found, there are still possibilities today for finding “easy” rabbits. Even with all the changes in habitat, predation, and rabbit behavior, it is still possible to bag a few rabbits without having dogs. However, hunters must choose hunting locations wisely and then be willing to put in some sweat equity if they are to enjoy a hot plate of rabbit stew. Some of the best locations to walk up a few rabbits are the aforementioned areas of human activity. Around barns, stored farm implements, automotive junkyards, grown-up spots around ponds, and other areas located where humans are close by are great spots for kicking brush. The best locations are isolated away from woods. Look for places where coyotes, foxes, and bobcats would have to cross wide-open fields to reach. A Full Game Bag Rabbit hunting is a tremendous amount of fun, and, of course, rabbits are one of the tastiest wild game meals to make an appearance on the dinner table. Rabbits may not be as easy to find now. Finding quality rabbit habitat and obtaining permission to hunt it is not what it once was, either. Nonetheless, with a little more work, a friend or two, and perhaps a couple of good dogs (or even a whole pack), rabbit hunting is as much fun and as rewarding as ever. Time spent in the field, the camaraderie, and the “gourmet” dining experience all combine to make any extra effort well worthwhile.

Turkey Hunting the Evening Shift The afternoon can be one of your best chances to shoot a longbeard. Here's your playbook for success The afternoon doesn’t get much attention from hunters or turkeys. Birds hunker low in secluded places to while away the midday. Hunters take siestas to catch up on lost winks, or maybe work in the yard, around the house or at their job. But if your daylight and midmorning sessions didn’t work out, there’s another good time to invest additional hunting hours: the evening shift. Provided hunting in the afternoons is legal in your state (in some states, it isn’t), real hunting opportunities present themselves in the last two to three hours of daylight. Turkey activity increases significantly at this time. But the evening shift is a different kind of hunting. A turkey at day’s end is not the same bird it was at day’s beginning. You must understand those differences, hunt with them in mind, and put a new collection of turkey hunting tactics, techniques and tricks to use. Here’s what you need to know about evening turkeys, and how to hunt them successfully. Hard-Hitting Afternoon Turkey Tidbits Things to know: Turkeys don't call as much Turkeys are more cautious Turkeys are headed to roost Gobblers will stop to feed Tactics to try: Go light on calling Use a blind Hunt the food Hunt the travel routes Keep your distance from the roost Cut 'em off The Evening Turkey Difference Turkeys Don't Call as Much: You'll occasionally run across a noisy, gobbling fool in the late afternoon and evening. But more common is the silent, laid-back gobbler that doesn't make a peep until sounding off on his limb for the night. Most studies of gobbling activity show that the evening, though it sees more gobbling than midday, has only 10 to 30 percent of the gobbling a typical morning sees. The toms might be tuckered out after a long day, much of it spent waddling after hens. But there's more. Turkeys are More Cautious: In the morning, turkeys can see what's going on below them as the hens yelp and the toms gobble. If all is clear, they're happy to make a racket, even on the ground for a while. But in the evening, as birds work their way toward a roost area, they don’t want to call attention to themselves. Turkeys are as cautious in the evening as they will be all day. And as the wind lays low and sunshine illuminates from the side, any of your sounds and movements are amplified and exaggerated. Turkeys are Headed to Roost: An evening gobbler’s personality works against the evening turkey hunter. But there are a couple behaviors in your favor. First, turkeys are on the move more than at any other time of day since early morning. In most habitats, turkeys make a circuit out from a roost area, spend the late morning and afternoon hours in loafing cover or other seclusion, then work back toward roost sites as the day wanes. Gobblers Will Stop to Feed: This is also in your favor: It's an old wive's tale that gobblers don't eat in spring. They might not feed as much or as often as at other times of the year, but they feed nonetheless. And much of that is in the evening, when they can feed quietly alongside their hens. Good forage becomes a gobbler attractant now. Hunting Evening Turkeys To successfully hunt evening gobblers, your tactics and techniques must change with birds' behavior. Go Light on the Calling: Turkeys don’t make much noise in the evening, so tailor your blind calling to match. Yackety-yack loud and crazy hen cutting is usually out of place. Soft yelps, clucks, and purrs are more the ticket. And much of the time, I don't even bother calling at all. To take a barometer reading on whether to call or not, listen and see if you hear songbirds talking and singing. If you hear some chatter, try a little light calling. But if the woods are silent and any turkeys you may be watching are mute, just set up and wait silently. I call it “going whitetail,” and it can be the path to a notched tag. Use a Blind: Late afternoon and evening is blind time. Whether you're using a portable pop-up or building a natural hide, the evening turkey's ultra-paranoid approach to life means that the exposed hunter is at a distinct disadvantage. In addition, the wait can be long – maybe two or three hours – because you have to get into position well before the birds are active. Any kind of blind or hide lets you do a little fidgeting, yawning and stretching as you wait so that you're a fine-tuned turkey hunting machine during that last “witching hour” when everything counts most. Hunt the Food: One prime place to set up for an early evening hunt is a good feeding area, preferably one that's within easy traveling distance of a roosting site. I like hunting feeding areas now because turkeys can be less paranoid here, where they're farther back from their roost. It also gives you a better opportunity to see birds while there's still plenty of legal shooting light remaining. Gobblers will feed in the evening, and they will put breeding as secondary on their agenda. Hunt Travel Routes: Try to avoid hunting turkeys too close to their roost site. That can really put birds off their patterns and run them off the property you're hunting, or right out of the area. A more productive spot is a travel route or natural funnel between staging or feeding areas and the roost site. Turkeys are more likely to pass here while the sun is still up and legal shooting light is available. But remember: Every step a bird takes toward the roost produces an even jumpier turkey. Keep Your Distance from the Roost: If you insist on hunting right at a roost site, maybe on the last evening of a hunt, here's advice: Turkeys seldom launch themselves from straight below a roost tree. Rather, they gather and will jump from a hillside, field or open glade, or conduct a take-off and flap their way across 20, 50 or 100 yards of open space to get into a tree. In timber, they'll launch from outside the tree's spread of branches, sometimes from across a gully or draw. In West Texas, I once located a great roost site of live oaks, and sat below them for an evening hunt. At sundown I had 50 turkeys in the branches above me; the birds had taken off from a clearing 30 yards in front of the copse of trees! That's where I should have been: on the edge. Cut 'Em Off: Although waiting out evening turkeys at a prime feeding spot or on a scouted-out travel route is most effective, there are situations when spotting and then maneuvering ahead of traveling birds is smart. This usually works best in open country, often in the West or the prairie states. Get to a good vantage point a couple hours before dark, glass for birds and watch a drove that has a gobbler or two. Better yet, try to pick out a small group of birds, lone gobbler or just a pair. Study the birds' travel route, then use terrain to sneak ahead of them and set up an ambush. It's an exciting and invigorating change of pace from sitting and waiting. There is no one right answer on how to hunt evening turkeys. The only trick, if there is one, is to recognize and realize that an evening gobbler has a very different personality than he did in the morning. Put that idea to work, and you could have yourself a very productive evening shift in the turkey woods this spring.