#missouri waterfowl hunting

[joesottolano]

Which American Locations Make the Best Hunting Trips? Where to Go Next

Hunting in the United States offers a rich and varied experience, with a range of landscapes and wildlife for both novice and seasoned hunters. Whether you’re after big game like elk and moose or small game like pheasants and waterfowl, the country offers some of the most rewarding spots for hunting. From the towering Rockies to the dense forests of the Southeast, here’s a guide to the top hunting destinations in the U.S. for planning your next adventure.

Montana: A Hunter’s Paradise

Montana is one of the top states for hunting in the U.S., known for its vast wilderness areas and diverse wildlife. The state is a haven for big game hunters, offering some of the best opportunities to hunt elk, mule deer, whitetail deer, and bighorn sheep. The rugged terrain of the Rockies, combined with the state’s expansive public lands, makes Montana an ideal spot for those seeking a challenging and scenic hunting experience.

In particular, the Missouri Breaks and the Bob Marshall Wilderness are among the most popular areas for elk hunting. While hunting in Montana requires a license and proper tags, it is often viewed as a dream destination for serious hunters. The state’s broad range of species ensures that no matter what game you’re pursuing, there’s a spot for you.

Alaska: The Ultimate Frontier

For the more adventurous hunter, Alaska provides some of the most remote and untamed hunting landscapes in the country. The state is renowned for its opportunities to hunt big game species, including moose, caribou, Dall sheep, and the iconic Alaskan brown bear.

Hunting in Alaska requires careful preparation due to its remote locations and challenging weather conditions. For many, this is part of the appeal—there’s nothing quite like trekking through the Alaskan wilderness in pursuit of massive game. The Alaska Range and the Tongass National Forest are top spots for hunting, and guided hunts are a popular option for those new to the area or hunting in extreme conditions.

Alaska’s expansive public lands make it easier for hunters to access prime spots, but it’s essential to plan meticulously, including securing the necessary permits and understanding the local regulations.

Texas: A Hunting State Like No Other

Texas is famous for its private ranches, offering hunters unique opportunities to pursue game in a controlled environment. While much of the state’s hunting occurs on private lands, it’s known for exotic species such as axis deer and aoudad sheep in addition to native species like white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and feral hogs.

South Texas, in particular, is renowned for its white-tailed deer hunting, with many hunters flocking to the region for some of the biggest trophy bucks in the country. For hunters interested in bird hunting, Texas also offers incredible opportunities for hunting dove, quail, and waterfowl. Whether you're after big game or small game, Texas offers a wide variety of species to hunt year-round.

Colorado: High-Altitude Hunting Adventures

Colorado is one of the premier hunting destinations in the U.S., especially for those in search of elk. With its expansive public lands, including national forests and wilderness areas, the state offers ample opportunity to hunt elk, mule deer, and pronghorn.

The Colorado Rockies provide stunning backdrops for your hunting adventure, and the state's large elk population ensures that you have a good chance of success. Archery, rifle, and muzzleloader hunting are all popular options in Colorado, and the season typically begins in late summer and runs through the fall.

The San Juan National Forest and the White River National Forest are prime hunting areas, known for their vast expanses and rich wildlife. If you're a first-time hunter in Colorado, hiring a guide can be beneficial to navigate the challenging terrain and maximize your chances of success.

Wisconsin: A Deer Hunter’s Dream

Wisconsin is a top destination for those looking to hunt whitetail deer, with a thriving deer population and a long-standing hunting tradition. The state offers a variety of habitats, from dense forests to rolling farmlands, making it an ideal location for deer hunting.

The Driftless Area in southwestern Wisconsin is especially popular, known for its trophy-size deer and picturesque landscape. Additionally, Wisconsin offers plenty of public lands for hunting, making it accessible for both resident and non-resident hunters.

Beyond deer, Wisconsin is also a great destination for waterfowl hunters. The state’s numerous lakes and wetlands make it a prime spot for hunting ducks and geese during the fall migration season.

Idaho: Untouched Wilderness for Big Game Hunters

Idaho offers some of the most rugged and remote hunting experiences in the U.S. Its vast wilderness areas and diverse ecosystems make it a haven for big game hunters. Elk, mule deer, mountain lions, and black bears are all common game in Idaho, with hunting opportunities available on both public and private lands.

The Salmon-Challis National Forest and the Sawtooth National Recreation Area are top spots for hunting in Idaho. The state also offers over-the-counter tags for some species, making it a relatively accessible destination for out-of-state hunters.

Hunters in Idaho can expect challenging terrain, but the reward is often worth it. The state’s low population density means that you’ll often have large areas of wilderness to yourself, providing a truly immersive hunting experience.

South Dakota: Pheasant Hunting Capital

If you’re looking for an excellent upland bird hunting experience, South Dakota is the place to be. The state is famous for its pheasant hunting, drawing hunters from all over the country each fall. The rolling prairies and farmlands provide the perfect habitat for pheasants, and South Dakota’s well-managed hunting regulations ensure healthy bird populations year after year.

In addition to pheasants, South Dakota also offers opportunities to hunt other game birds like grouse and partridge. Many hunters flock to the eastern part of the state, where large numbers of birds can be found in the fields and wetlands.

Hunting in South Dakota is a tradition passed down through generations, and the state offers numerous lodges and guided hunts to ensure a successful and enjoyable experience.

Maine: New England’s Hidden Gem

Maine may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking of hunting destinations, but it offers some of the best opportunities for hunting in New England. The state is known for its moose hunting, with the annual moose lottery drawing thousands of hopeful hunters from across the country.

In addition to moose, Maine also offers excellent hunting opportunities for black bears, whitetail deer, and small game like snowshoe hares and ruffed grouse. The vast North Woods region is one of the top spots for hunting in Maine, offering dense forests and remote wilderness areas.

Hunting in Maine can be challenging due to the state’s dense forests, but the rewards are plentiful. The state’s wildlife populations are well-managed, and hunting seasons are designed to maintain healthy populations of game species.

Wyoming: Pronghorn Antelope and More

Wyoming is one of the best destinations in the U.S. for hunting pronghorn antelope, with more pronghorn than people in the state. The vast open plains of Wyoming provide the perfect habitat for these speedy animals, and hunters flock to the state each year for the opportunity to harvest a trophy.

In addition to pronghorn, Wyoming is also known for its elk and mule deer hunting. The state’s rugged mountains and expansive wilderness areas make it a prime spot for big game hunters. Areas like the Bridger-Teton National Forest and the Bighorn Mountains offer excellent hunting opportunities, and Wyoming’s wildlife management practices ensure healthy game populations.

Wyoming also offers over-the-counter tags for many species, making it an accessible destination for hunters who may not have drawn a tag in other states.

The U.S. offers an incredible diversity of hunting experiences, from the remote wilderness of Alaska to the rolling prairies of South Dakota. Whether you’re after big game like elk and moose or small game like pheasants and waterfowl, there’s a destination for you. When planning your next hunting trip, consider the unique landscapes, wildlife, and regulations of each state to ensure a successful and memorable adventure.

[taisamum-blog]

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[uskenga-blog]

Premier Flight Guide Service has long established itself among the world's greatest manuals for snow goose hunting from Arkansas up to South Dakota. We ' re real manuals. We aren't some type of fellas carrying out you into our family field - we're group of guides that chase geese round the nation for a full time income.

[usfwspacific]

Proposal Would Increase Access Opportunities at 10 National Wildlife Refuges and National Fish Hatcheries in the Pacific Northwest

Furthering the Trump Administration’s efforts to increase access to public lands, U.S. Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt announced a proposal for new or expanded hunting and fishing opportunities at 74 national wildlife refuges and 15 national fish hatcheries managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) across more than 1.4 million acres. 

 Ten of those national wildlife refuges and national fish hatcheries are in the Pacific Northwest.

“President Trump is committed to expanding public access on public lands, and this proposal is executing on that directive by opening and increasing more access to hunting and fishing by the Fish and Wildlife Service at more stations and across more acres than ever before,” said Secretary Bernhardt. “Hunting and fishing are more than just traditional pastimes as they are also vital to the conservation of our lands and waters, our outdoor recreation economy, and our American way of life. These refuges and hatcheries provide incredible opportunities for sportsmen and women and their families across the country to pass on a fishing and hunting heritage to future generations and connect with wildlife.”

The proposal would increase the number of units in the Service’s National Wildlife Refuge System where the public may hunt from 377 to 382, and the number where fishing would be permitted would be increased from 312 to 316. The proposal would also formally open lands on 15 hatcheries of the National Fish Hatchery System to hunting or sport fishing for the first time.

The following are proposed new or expanded hunting and/or sport fishing opportunities in the Service’s Pacific Region:

Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge in Idaho: Open big game hunting (elk) for the first time on 300 acres already open to other hunting. Expand existing sport fishing by extending the boating season.

Bandon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge in Oregon: Expand existing sport fishing to new areas.

McKay Creek National Wildlife Refuge in Oregon: Open mourning dove, wild turkey and big game (elk, white-tailed deer and mule deer) hunting for the first time on 620 acres already open to other hunting.

Nestucca Bay National Wildlife Refuge in Oregon: Open sport fishing for the first time on acres already open to other activities.

Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge in Washington: Expand existing waterfowl hunting to 1,142 new acres.

Entiat National Fish Hatchery in Washington: Formally open to sport fishing for the first time.

Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery in Washington: Formally open to sport fishing for the first time.

Little White Salmon National Fish Hatchery in Washington: Formally open to sport fishing for the first time.

San Juan Islands National Wildlife Refuge in Washington: Open sport fishing for the first time on acres already open to other activities.

Spring Creek National Fish Hatchery in Washington: Formally open to sport fishing for the first time.

The proposal also outlines a comprehensive revision and simplification of all refuge-specific hunting and fishing regulations in all 50 states to more closely match state regulations while continuing to ensure safe and compatible opportunities. The Service worked closely with the states in preparing the proposed rule.

“Well managed hunting and fishing are the backbone of conservation in this country, but inconsistent or overly complex regulations can act as a disincentive,” said Service Principal Deputy Director Margaret Everson. “By aligning our refuge regulations with our state partners, we are reducing confusion and the regulatory burden on the American public, helping ensure the tradition and benefits of hunting and fishing can continue.”

New proposed refuge opportunities include the opening of Green Bay National Wildlife Refuge in Wisconsin to hunting and fishing for the first time and the opening of Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge in Wyoming to deer and elk hunting for the first time on lands already open to other hunting.

Learn more about the Big Six uses of National Wildlife Refuges

Read about the important role of hunting and fishing in the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation

Proposed expansions of refuge opportunities include the opening of new acres at St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge in Florida to existing upland and big game hunting, and, at Great River National Wildlife Refuge in Illinois and Missouri, the expansion of season dates, times and methods for existing deer, turkey and other upland game hunting to align with state seasons.

Proposed changes at hatcheries include the formal opening of lands on Leadville National Fish Hatchery in Colorado to migratory game bird, upland game and big game hunting, and the formal opening of lands on Iron River National Fish Hatchery in Wisconsin to migratory game bird, upland game and big game hunting. Inks Dam National Fish Hatchery in Texas and Little White Salmon National Fish Hatchery in Washington are proposing to formally open their lands to sport fishing. An update to hatchery regulations is also included in the proposed rule.

“The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies is delighted by this announcement of a continuing commitment by the Department of the Interior to expanded access for regulated hunting and angling, on National Wildlife Refuges, in partnership with state fish and wildlife agencies,” stated Ed Carter, President of the Association and Executive Director of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. He added, “We need to get people outside to enjoy the lands and waters, and fish and wildlife resources, of our great nation. This is an important step in that direction!”

“The announcement today by Secretary Bernhardt is incredibly welcome news and builds off great progress in increasing access to refuge lands the last two years,” said John Devney, Senior Vice President, Delta Waterfowl. “Duck hunters have been leaders in investing in the refuge system and this action will provide them with new access and opportunities. We are sincerely grateful to Secretary Bernhardt and the Fish and Wildlife Service staff who have worked hard to create these new opportunities for hunters.”

“The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation applauds Secretary Bernhardt for his efforts to expand hunting and fishing opportunities within the National Wildlife Refuge System,” said Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation President Jeff Crane. “This announcement builds off momentum generated over the last few years through Interior Secretarial Orders, and advances recent recommendations submitted by the Hunting and Shooting Sports Conservation Council to increase hunter and angler access to federal lands and waters, including the Refuge System.”

Hunting, fishing and other outdoor activities contributed more than $156 billion in economic activity in communities across the United States in 2016, according to the Service’s National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation, published every five years. More than 101 million Americans — 40 percent of the U.S. population age 16 and older — pursue wildlife-related recreation, including hunting and fishing.

The Service will seek comments from the public on the proposed rule for 45 days, beginning with publication in the Federal Register in coming days. The notice will be available at http://www.regulations.gov, Docket Number: FWS-HQ-NWRS-2019-0040, and will include details on how to submit your comments. An interim copy of the proposed rule is now available.

The Service intends to finalize the proposed changes in time for the upcoming 2019-2020 hunting seasons.

A complete list of all refuges and hatcheries in the proposal is available in the proposed rule and online.

For more than 145 years, the National Fish Hatchery System has worked collaboratively with tribes, states, landowners, partners and stakeholders to promote and maintain healthy, self-sustaining populations of fish and other aquatic species. There are 70 national fish hatcheries visited by more than two million people each year. Hatcheries offer opportunities for viewing the operations and learning about fish, as well as activities such as fishing, hunting, hiking, sightseeing, nature study, birdwatching and photography.

The Refuge System is an unparalleled network of 567 national wildlife refuges and 38 wetland management districts. There is a national wildlife refuge within an hour’s drive of most major metropolitan areas. More than 55 million Americans visit refuges every year. National wildlife refuges provide vital habitat for thousands of species and access to world-class recreation, from fishing, hunting and boating to nature watching, photography and environmental education.

Under the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, the Service permits hunting and fishing along with four other types of wildlife-dependent recreation, including wildlife photography, environmental education, wildlife observation and interpretation, when they are compatible with an individual refuge’s purpose and mission. Hunting, within specified limits, is currently permitted on 340 wildlife refuges and 37 wetland management districts. Fishing is currently permitted on 278 wildlife refuges and 34 wetland management districts.

The Service manages hunting and fishing programs to ensure sustainable wildlife populations while also offering other wildlife-dependent recreation on public lands.

[petnews2day]

Watching for avian flu this bird hunting season

New Post has been published on https://petn.ws/11sJ

Watching for avian flu this bird hunting season

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) – While not as popular as deer season, hunters are still gearing up for this waterfowl season for ducks, geese, and other birds. Despite that, Frances Skalicky with the Missouri Department of Conservation says the season still has its devoted followers. “You get an opportunity to put meat on the table that […]

See full article at https://petn.ws/11sJ #BirdNews

[mypubliclands]

#FindYourWay and celebrate National Fishing and Boating Week!

It’s time to plan a summer adventure on your public lands to celebrate this year’s National Fishing and Boating Week!

The Bureau of Land Management manages over 130,000 miles of fishable rivers and streams and provides countless public recreational fishing and boating access opportunities throughout the United States. From desert reservoirs to mountain streams, BLM-managed fisheries and aquatic resources support public recreation and subsistence fisheries and are critical for sustaining the Nation’s aquatic resources and fisheries. BLM-managed public lands are open for fishing unless specifically closed for specific resource protection purposes.

Check out the list below to discover some of our favorite boating and fishing spots! Some of these spots are Wild and Scenic Rivers. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. Learn more on our website, and start exploring!

Gulkana Wild and Scenic River, Alaska

The Gulkana River begins in the Alaska Range near Summit Lake and flows south into the Copper River, which eventually empties into the Gulf of Alaska between Cordova and Katalla. Several hundred lakes and ponds are scattered throughout the spruce-dominated forest of the Gulkana River watershed, providing abundant nesting areas for trumpeter swans and waterfowl.

Portions of the Gulkana River were designated for its wild character as part of the National Wild and Scenic River system. The BLM asks that all users do their part to help maintain the wild character of the Gulkana through low impact camping techniques.

Lake Havasu, Arizona

Lake Havasu is a premier destination for water-based recreation, especially for boating enthusiasts and sport anglers.The BLM Arizona Lake Havasu Field Office maintains 87 boat-access-only campsites along the Lake Havasu shoreline, as well as a handful of day use areas and campgrounds south of Parker Dam on the California side of the Colorado River.

Recreationists will now be able to easily attain electronic recreation permits and annual passes for Lake Havasu shoreline sites through the digital marketplace, YourPassNow. More information available on our website.

Trinity Wild and Scenic River, California

Popular with fisherman and pleasure boaters alike, the 43 miles of the Wild and Scenic Trinity River from Lewiston to Pigeon Point is a class I and II segment that flows out of the Trinity and Lewiston Lakes. This clear, cold section of the river is world famous for its fly fishing. Paddlers enjoy the narrow valley with Ponderosa Pine, Douglas fir, Oaks, and Madrone trees coating the walls of the canyons. If you would like more adrenaline rush, the waters below Pigeon Point rage at class III-V. Those interested in a more relaxing experience can enjoy the abundant camping options in the area or head for the trail with your friends, horses, or dog. If you would like to stay at the river's edge, you can always swim, fish or do a little gold panning. The river can be accessed from many locations along this stretch of the Trinity River.

Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area, Colorado

The Arkansas River is one of the most popular river-rafting spots in the United States. The area also provides some of the best fishing in Colorado. The spectacular scenery is highlighted by the steep, narrow, rocky canyons that provide excellent opportunities to view Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep. There are over 25 developed river-access areas. Popular activities include rockhounding at Ruby Mountain, fishing for brown trout at Hecla Junction, and wildlife-watching at the Five Points Watchable Wildlife Area in Bighorn Sheep Canyon. The area is jointly managed by the BLM and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. 

South Fork of the Snake River, Idaho

The South Fork of the Snake River flows for 66 miles across southeastern Idaho, through high mountain valleys, rugged canyons, and broad flood plains to its confluence with the Henrys Fork of the Snake near the Menan Buttes. It flows northwest from Palisades Dam in Swan Valley. For the first nine miles, the river runs through a narrow channel, then widens and flows around several island complexes. A waterfall can be seen just upstream from the Swan Valley Bridge where Fall Creek cascades into the river. Downstream of Conant launch the river leaves Highway 26 and enters a scenic canyon. The impressive canyon scenery continues downstream until near Heise Hot Springs the cliffs give way to a level, but extremely dynamic, flood plain.

Upper Missouri National Wild and Scenic River, Montana

The Missouri is the longest river in the United States, flowing more than 2,500 miles from its source on the eastern slope of the Rockies near Three Forks, Montana, to its confluence with the Mississippi River at St. Louis, Missouri. Congress designated 149 miles of the Upper Missouri as a component of the National Wild and Scenic River System in 1976, calling it an irreplaceable legacy of the historic American west. The Upper Missouri National Wild and Scenic River section starts at Fort Benton, Montana, and runs 149 miles downstream ending at the James Kipp Recreation Area.

49 species of fish (ranging from 1/2-oz. minnows to 140 lb. paddlefish) reside in the river. Fishermen are most likely to catch goldeye, drum, sauger, walleye, northern pike, channel catfish, carp and smallmouth buffalo.

For the family who plays together, the Upper Missouri caters to boaters of all degrees, from the beginning novice to the expert paddler to the leisurely motor boat aficionado. Visitors embark into a capacious river corridor that seemingly swallows even the largest groups and are treated to a remoteness not often found in the 21st Century.

Pine Forest Recreation Area, Nevada

The Pine Forest Range, in northern Nevada's arid Great Basin, is a rare and exceptional area of abundant streams and clear, cold subalpine lakes. Nestled in a cirque and fed by snowmelt and springs, these lakes are not only visually stunning but also possess an excellent trout fishery. The lakes are surrounded by a rare remnant population of white bark and limber pines; stands of quaking aspen and mountain mahogany are also found throughout the area. Fall brings a riot of color found in few other places in northern Nevada.

Gila Lower Box Canyon, New Mexico

The Gila Lower Box Canyon is a true oasis in the desert, 20 miles north of Lordsburg, New Mexico. Since livestock were removed from the river canyon in 1990, a lush native community of cottonwood, willows, and other riparian and aquatic vegetation has re-established and flourished. The area provides some of the best birding in New Mexico. Home to approximately 200 species, it has one of the highest bird diversities in the state. The area provides habitat to many rare and unusual birds including Bell's vireo, peregrine, bald eagle (in winter), golden eagle, black hawk, zone-tail hawk, gray hawk, yellow-billed cuckoo, Gila wood pecker, and Abert's towhee. The river provides opportunities for canoeing or rafting during spring runoff, hunting, and year-round fishing and camping. The river contains smallmouth bass and several species of catfish.

Quartzville Creek Wild and Scenic River, Oregon

Tranquility and water both flow in the wild and scenic Quartzville Creek, where one may hike, camp, fish or simply gaze into the mesmerizing, cascading waters. Quartzville Creek is named for the gemstone that has been mined in the area and a ghost town that was once the center of two brief gold mining efforts in the late 1800s.

Birch Creek Reservoir, Utah

Birch Creek Reservoir is a day-use fishing access site with public parking and toilet facilities adjacent to an excellent tiger trout fishery at the foot of the Monte Cristo Mountains in Rich County, UT. The site is located 10 miles west of Woodruff, UT off State Route 39. Access to the reservoir is walk-in only, non-motorized watercraft only. No fees are charged.

Wisconsin Islands, Wisconsin

Wisconsin, famed for its 84,000 miles of rivers that meander through varying terrain and its 15,000 lakes, is full of places to paddle, float, and fish. Many islands in this region were omitted from the original land surveys conducted in the 1830s and 1840s. Because of this, there is a mixing of ownership between state-owned, privately owned islands. For those under federal management, the BLM - Eastern States administers to almost 500 islands throughout the area. Because of this varied ownership, it's critical that visitors determine whether an island is public land before using it.

The flowages between Stevens Point and Nekoosa are chock-full of more than 60 public islands, ranging from small, low patches of willows and alder, to large stands of mixed pines and hardwoods. Below Castle Rock Lake, the islands down to Prairie du Sac are mostly floodplain forests with broad sandbars that invite paddler-campers. A few of these islands have remnant prairie and savanna vegetation.

Many public islands are perfect fishing spots, lunch stops for your next float trip, or overnight campsites. However, there are no visitor services at any of these locations; as such, it is important to plan accordingly. If you have any questions about visiting the islands, please call (414) 297-4400.

Check out the Wisconsin Islands ESRI story map to learn more about these hidden gems.

North Platte River, Wyoming

The North Platte River is the only floatable waterway in central Wyoming and has become the destination fishery for the state. Scenic and recreational values of the North Platte River are derived from a combination of environmental factors and management practices. The river is highly valued as a class 1 fishery. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has rated it as a blue ribbon fishery. Game fish species include rainbow, brown and cutthroat trout. The most common recreation activities are fishing, floating, waterfowl hunting, and observing wildlife. There are also opportunities for picnicking and camping. This river has become a vital part of the social and economic values of central Wyoming.

ll anglers on public lands must have the required state license(s). That’s because states are responsible for managing wildlife within their borders for the trust and benefit of their residents, even if the hunting occurs on federal lands. You can search for state fishing licenses on the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service website. 

For more river trips ideas, check out the Department of the Interior’s blog!

[tbcpress-blog]

TPC Press Latest Outdoor News Headlines

TBC Press now has a new format to bring you the most up-to-date hunting, fishing and outdoor news from around the globe. Read what's happening in your neck of the woods and beyond.

Latest Hunting, Fishing & Outdoor Headlines:

California's Monterey Bay Opens For Crabbing

Colorado Seasonal Closures in place at State Wildlife Areas around Gunnison Basin

Florida 2021 Snook Seasonal Closure in Atlantic starts Dec 15

Iowa 2021 Missouri & Big Sioux River Paddlefish License on Sale Dec 15

Two Montana Management Hunts, One for Antlerless Mule Deer and One for Wild Turkeys Opens

Montana 2021 CWD Management Hunt to be Held in Several Region-3 Hunting Districts

Changes to Montana 2021 Lake Elk Shoulder Season Currently in Effect

Apply by Dec 14 for Tennessee Late Waterfowl & Youth/Military Hunts

Texas Public Access Lease for Guadalupe River Trout Fishing is Open

West Virginia 2021 Muzzleloader Deer Season Opens

Read these news articles and more at TBC Press. Thanks for following TBC Press

[snowgoosehunt]

Missouri Snow Goose Hunting

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[uskenga-blog]

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[usfwspacific]

World War II Veteran Carried Special Memories of Outdoors to the Very End

By Brent Lawrence, a public affairs officer for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Pacific Region in Portland, Oregon.

My Dad passed away on Dec. 22. A 90-year-old World War II veteran, he had a stroke on Halloween morning and it significantly affected his ability to communicate in his final weeks.

However, it couldn’t stop him from teaching me a final lesson.

Dad was never a particularly sentimental man. During a visit to Missouri in November, Dad and I mostly talked about his therapy, how I could help him while home, and the next steps in his recovery. Due to his speech problems, I would do most of the talking and he’d nod or work to get out a few words.

One day with most of our family visiting him at the rehabilitation facility, Dad started trying to talk. His words were particularly tough to understand because he was excited. Mom tried to understand him but it was nearly impossible, with the words growing even more unintelligible as his excitement level rose. Mom looked around for help translating, but my siblings could not understand him.

I could.

Albert Lawrence grew up on a southern Missouri farm during the Great Depression. He joined the military when he turned 17, and then returned home to get married, raise a family and work. Lots of work, often juggling a full-time job or two, and picking up side jobs mowing lawns, cutting trees or milking cows.

He never took time for recreation.

About 20 years ago, after Dad had finally retired from his full-time job because his knees were unable to withstand the daily grind of working on a loading dock, I took him on a duck hunt. It was a miserable day on Pomme de Terre Lake, so cold that the water would instantly freeze on the aluminum boat railing and our gloves. The ducks flew high that day, and we didn’t fire a shot.

We’d occasionally let Thunder, my chocolate Labrador retriever, run on the nearby island. He’d always take a swim in the frigid water, and his coat would freeze stiff when he climbed back in the boat.

Dad and Thunder had one thing in common that day – they loved that miserable morning. They were immersed in nature and the outdoors, and they were enjoying every single freezing minute of it.

Many times over the years Dad would bring it up, with a shine in his eyes and excitement in his voice. It always started with “Do you remember that time …” He would talk about Thunder’s icy coat and the frozen boat. He’d recall the ducks flying overhead and the bald eagles in the trees. He’d talk about it being so cold. He talked about it with a level of pure excitement that I rarely saw from him.

That frigid day on Pomme de Terre Lake is only time I remember him slowing down and enjoying the outdoors. Memories of that day stayed with him to the very end.

So there we were in a room full of people, and a man who couldn’t speak was trying to tell a story nobody else could understand. Except for me. The glow in his eyes and his excitement level said it all. I knew what he was trying to say.

I grabbed his hand and recounted the story. “Dad, do you remember Thunder’s icy coat and the frozen boat? The ducks flying overhead? And the extreme cold?”

He nodded in relief that I understood.

He remembered. We remembered. We cried.

Those memories, and many others, have helped in the weeks since his passing. Fortunately, there are many individuals who help create similar outdoor-related memories for me and many other people. I get to work with them on a daily basis.

There’s Rick Spring, the disabled U.S. Navy Veteran who has donated his time to build ADA-compliant hunting and birdwatching blinds at Ridgefield and Willapa National Wildlife Refuges. Rick builds blinds and he builds memories. He does it so that all people can experience the outdoors without limitations.

Dion Hess, the Lower Columbia Chapter of the Washington Waterfowl Association and the staff at Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge worked together to put on the first Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge Veterans’ Day Waterfowl Hunt. They introduced 11 military veterans to the outdoors and hunting that day, giving them a gateway to the outdoors.

It was there that I met Sal Trujillo, a disabled Army veteran who was experiencing his first hunt. He was hunting from one of the ADA-compliant blinds that Rick built. Sal told me about the importance of outdoor recreation in helping him and other veterans stay away from “some pretty dark places.” Just as Dion started Sal down the path of outdoor-related memories, Sal now makes a difference by taking other veterans on outdoor excursions.

I witnessed Nancy Zingheim’s unyielding determination to fulfill the dying wish of a virtual stranger, all for the benefit and enjoyment of other people. Nancy’s inspiring 4,000-mile journey made sure that Rita Poe’s gift of nearly $800,000 to eight National Wildlife Refuges and four other parks in the West happened as promised. These two strangers managed to help future generations connect with nature through conservation and outdoor opportunities on our public lands.

These people live and breathe conservation and wildlife, and they all go the extra mile to share that passion. They are creating memories of the outdoors.

I know that Dad remembered.

Rest in peace, Dad.

(Top photo: My dad and me as a 2-year-old in 1971; U.S. Army Air Force Sgt. Albert Lawrence in Greenland in 1945; my dad with his father, a World War I veteran; my dad and my children in 2006. Photos courtesy of Brent Lawrence)

[petnews2day]

Watching for avian flu this bird hunting season

New Post has been published on https://petn.ws/YfJ6

Watching for avian flu this bird hunting season

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) – While not as popular as deer season, hunters are still gearing up for this waterfowl season for ducks, geese, and other birds. Despite that, Frances Skalicky with the Missouri Department of Conservation says the season still has its devoted followers. “You get an opportunity to put meat on the table that […]

See full article at https://petn.ws/YfJ6 #BirdNews

[mypubliclands]

Happy National Hunting and Fishing Day!

On September 23, we celebrate National Hunting and Fishing Day. 

Over 95 percent of BLM-managed lands are open to hunting, and the agency manages over 130,000 miles of fishable rivers and streams.

The BLM manages 43 million acres of elk habitat, 131 million acres of mule deer habitat and 23 million acres of bighorn sheep habitat.

BLM-managed lands are home to over 3,000 species, including big game, upland game birds and waterfowl. Numerous wildlife species occur nowhere else in the country, except on public lands.

The Bureau of Land Management's National Conservation Lands boast some of the West’s most spectacular landscapes. These lands include 876 areas and about 36 million acres of outstanding and diverse ecosystems, 99 percent of which are open to hunting and fishing. Take advantage of opportunities for solitude and backcountry hunting and fishing in one of 224 BLM-managed wildernesses or visit a national monument in a less remote location. National Scenic and Historic Trails offer access to remarkable landscapes and prime hunting and fishing opportunities.  

Special places like the Upper Missouri River Breaks in Montana, the Snake River in Idaho and Colorado’s Gunnison Gorge are premiere destinations for anglers and hunters from around the country.

This fall, make public lands your hunting and fishing destination!

[snowgoosehunting0-blog1]

Missouri Snow Goose As Well As Waterfowl Searching

Missouri supplies a best environment for geese and also waterfowl. Hundreds of acres of plant bristle, river containers, marshes, as well as landmarks are readily available for the chicken to wintertime in. Missouri is likewise a sanctuary for snow goose as well as waterfowl seekers. The western fifty percent of Missouri where the reduced Missouri River sub-basins exist deal seekers outstanding duck and also geese firing chances. Swan Lake Haven, Water Fountain Grove Sanctuary and also the Grand Pass Sanctuary around 120 miles to the north of Kansas City are outstanding searching premises. 45 miles north of St. Joseph is Squaw Creek Sanctuary where snow geese gather together in great deals as they move north throughout the springtime period.

Typically, seekers prefer plant areas, ranch fish ponds, as well as watershed lakes as these are the locations where video game is plentiful. The searching experience in Missouri is really distinct as the seeker is spoilt for selection. Autumn and also springtime are the open season as well as you can either quest by yourself or register with outfitters for such pursues. The most effective time for searching waterfowl in the normal period is from late of November to the middle of January as well as from the center of February throughout of March for the springtime preservation order period.

Guides as well as outfitters that offer searching possibilities usually rent hundreds of acres of land. This enables seekers to relocate to the location where the video game is rather than waiting on the video game to show up to where they are. Guides and also outfitters offer seasoned personnel, the decoys and also tools, you just require to bring along your abilities. It is uncomplicated to locate lodging around the searching websites. Lots of seekers favor to search making use of format design blinds that have more than the periods gained a track record for being quickly concealed as well as using the most effective worth for a seeker's effort and time. Light geese, white-fronted geese, Canada geese are the goose kinds that you can bag in Missouri. Mallards, timber redheads, pintails, as well as ducks are additionally abundant.

Wealth of snow geese as well as waterfowl suggest that you are hardly ever refuted an opportunity of searching with an outfitter. A significant benefit of searching with an overview is that they recognize the places where video game is abundant; this is necessary since despite the fact that the environment crosses a big location and also it is not essential that the snow goose hunting ought to exist at the location you picked for your search. You desire to make it a effective as well as remarkable 2 days if you are going to search for a day or 2 in the period. The Web is the ideal location to quest for an overview to quest with if you pick to quest an overview or outfitter. Contrast offerings in regards to the durations in which the hunt is permitted, the kind of waterfowl that are offered in their location, assistance offered - such as decoys, variety of seekers permitted, variety of eliminates permitted, as well as the prices included. Check for previous seeker referrals with a provided company, this need to offer you a concept of your possibilities to bag some waterfowl.

[tbcpress-blog]

MDC 2021 Managed Waterfowl Reservations for Fall Open Sept 1st

Posted by TBC Press on 08/16/21 The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) announces its managed waterfowl hunts for this hunting season. The pre-season reservation period will run Sept. 1-18 with results posted Oct. 1. The in-season weekly drawings will take place on Monday afternoons with a seven-day application period that opens the Tuesday before and closes the Monday of the draw at 3 p.m. Missouri residents and qualifying non-residents, such as students from out of state or members of the military stationed in Missouri, can apply online however... READ MORE

[striblingarms]

The Spring Turkey Season in Missouri

Welcome to Stribling Arms where sharing our passion of hunting wild turkeys with new and novice hunters is part of the mission. The Spring Turkey Season in Missouri is considered one of the premier educational tools when it comes to learning everything you need to know regarding wild turkeys and their behavior. We have compiled necessary information herein. Below, you are going to find all the basic information on how to prepare to hunt wild turkeys and links to the firearms you will need therein. We also take you through the basics of selecting the right gun for Spring Turkey Hunting in Missouri.

A Little Background Information

Turkey Hunting in Missouri is a famous sporting activity involving the pursuit of the elusive wild turkey. And long before the European settlers arrived in North America, it occurred that the Native Americans involved themselves in hunting wild turkeys. Around the early 1900s, the population of turkey had grievously been demarcated in North America following habitat destruction, commercial hunting, coupled with the lack of wildlife regulations.

Hunters, wildlife agencies, as well as conservation organizations played a major role in the intervention of turkey populations which rebounded dramatically. Over 6 million wild turkeys currently roam North America, with different populations in every state but Alaska. Wild turkeys are partly hunted in Mexico and Canada. Late last year (2019), before the year even ended, officials at the Missouri Department of Conservation were already planning for the 2020 season, releasing the dates for the turkey and deer hunting.

General Rules And Regulations

The hunting of wild turkey is permitted statewide. You can check the local ordinances for firearm discharge as well as restrictions. Typically, firearms are permitted during the Spring and Youth as well as Parapelegic seasons. Hunting as well as shooting hours for the seasons end at 1:00 PM. All the Missouri Spring turkey hunters need to leave the woods by 1:00 PM.

The event is limited to shotguns, gauges, 12, 16, with only shorter sizes of 4, 5, 6, magnum turkey loads. Long bow and re-curve must also be set at not less than 40 pounds for the archers using fixed blade broadheads, coupled with a minimum of 50 pounds for archers using mechanical broadheads. Hunters need to carry a non-electric turkey-calling device when hunting. Calling is one of the legal methods for hunting wild turkeys gobblers. The application of decoys when hunting is also allowed. Surveys are not automatically issued to every person purchasing a turkey permit. But the Division can send a survey to randomly chosen hunters. If selected, the completion of the survey information is important to the turkey management program. Now let us take you through some of the firearms you can purchase from our site for that impending Spring Turkey Season in Missouri.

Overview Of Firearms To Use

Mossberg 835 Turkey Waterfowl 62437

Our 835 Ulti-Mag manages one of the most punishing magnum loads which come with overbored coupled with ported barrels for a better shot pattern and reduced felt recoil as well as muzzle pump. These features enhance quicker follow-up shots. The combo package comes with the 835 Ulti-Mag’s 24’’ ported vent rib turkey barrel in addition to an adjustable fiber optics sights as well as a 28’’ ported vent rib barrel for a smooth waterfowl and a fiber option front. It is also fully finished in Mossy Oak Break-Up Country camouflage. These features make it ideal for turkey hunting!

 Browning A5 Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 011-8332005

Our Browning A5 Mossy Oak is built to be reliable with a fast cycling shooting recoil-operated autoloader which stands right behind it with a 100,000 round and a five year guarantee. The firearm uses the trade marked Kinematic Drive System. This drive system converts the kinetic energy into mechanical motion for a rather faster reload action. It also comes with a bolt latch located right at the front of the trigger. This addition makes for quicker loading of the shotgun.

Winchester Repeating Arms SX4 Waterfowl Hunter 511250291

Our SX4 Waterfowl is definitely one of the best firearms for that turkey hunting season. It is built on the Active Valve System of bulletproof that was at the core of the foundation of SX3. Building on the solid operating mechanism coupled with improving the balance, controls, as well as internal operation components of the SX4 in order to make it a worthy successor to the SX3.  

 Final Thoughts

Anyone who possesses a big firearm license can obtain a combination of spring/fall turkey permit. A small game hunting license is also valid for hunting wild turkeys in Missouri. If you kill a wild turkey you will be required to securely attach it, using a visible tag that bears your name, license number, coupled with an address. A gift turkey on the other hand, must be labeled with the name as well as address of the individual who registered it.

[ezatluba]

Hunting is ‘slowly dying off,’ and that has created a crisis for the nation’s many endangered species

By Frances Stead Sellers

Feb. 2, 2020 

They settled, watchfully, into position — a retired couple armed with a long-nosed camera and three men with shotguns.

Tom Stoeri balanced the hefty lens on his half-open car window, waiting to capture the Canada geese as they huddled on the frozen lake, fluttering up in occasional agitation before they launched into flight.

A little more than a mile away, John Heidler and two friends scanned the skies from a sunken blind, mimicking the birds’ honking and hoping their array of decoys would lure them within range — until, Pachow! Pachow! Pachow! Two geese dropped in bursts of grey-black plumage, and a third swung low across the snow-streaked landscape before falling to the jaws of Heidler’s chocolate lab.

Public lands such as these at the Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area are a shared resource, open to an unlikely mix of hunters and hikers, birdwatchers and mountain bikers.

“It’s a symbiotic thing,” said Meg Stoeri, Tom’s wife and fellow photographer.

But today, that symbiosis is off kilter: Americans’ interest in hunting is on the decline, cutting into funding for conservation, which stems largely from hunting licenses, permits and taxes on firearms, bows and other equipment.

Even as more people are engaging in outdoor activities, hunting license sales have fallen from a peak of about 17 million in the early ’80s to 15 million last year, according to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service data. The agency’s 2016 surveysuggested a steeper decline to 11.5 million Americans who say they hunt, down more than 2 million from five years earlier.

“The downward trends are clear,” said Samantha Pedder of the Council to Advance Hunting and the Shooting Sports, which works to increase the diversity of hunters.

The resulting financial shortfall is hitting many state wildlife agencies.

In Wisconsin, a $4 million to $6 million annual deficit forced the state’s Department of Natural Resources to reduce warden patrols and invasive species control. Michigan’s legislature had to dig into general-tax coffers to save some of the state’s wildlife projects, while other key programs, such as protecting bees and other pollinating creatures, remain “woefully underfunded,” according to Edward Golder, a spokesman for the state’s natural resources department. Some states, including Missouri, are directing sales tax revenue to conservation.

Here in Pennsylvania — where the game commission gets more than 50 percent of its revenue from licenses, permits and taxes — the agency had to cancel construction projects, delay vehicle purchases and leave dozens of positions vacant, according to a 2016 report, even as it tackled West Nile virus and tried to protect rare creatures such as the wood rat.

“That’s what keeps me up at night,” Robert Miller, director of the Governor’s Advisory Council for Hunting, Fishing and Conservation, said of the inadequacies of the user-pay, user-play model that has funded conservation for decades.

A national panel has called for a new funding model to keep at-risk species from needing far costlier emergency measures. The crisis stands to worsen with as many as one-third of America's wildlife species “at increased risk of extinction,” according to a 2018 report published by the National Wildlife Federation. In December, environmentalists and hunters united in Washington behind two bipartisan bills aimed at establishing new funding sources and facilitating the recruitment of hunters.

The needs are becoming more urgent as development eats into habitats and new challenges crop up, such as climate change and chronic wasting disease, a neurological condition infecting deer. The Trump administration’s recent rollback of pollution controls on waterways will put a greater burden on states to protect wetland habitats.

The financial troubles are growing as baby boomers age out of hunting, advocates say, and younger generations turn instead to school sports and indoor hobbies such as video games.

“Hunting and fishing are slowly dying off,” said Heidler, who described himself as “a fourth-generation waterfowler.”

While his children enjoy the lifestyle, he said very few of their friends do.

“They say there’s not time between school and after-school activities,” he said, adding that even archery rarely leads children into hunting anymore.

The sport is booming at Lancaster Archery Supply, where Kevin Sweigart takes his 14-year-old daughter for lessons. Sweigart said he grew up hunting, but the culture has changed and he hasn’t passed on the tradition to the next generation.

“My dad always told me stories about hunting,” said Norah Sweigart. “But for me it’s just target shooting.”

Many states are devising ways to reinvigorate hunting culture and expand the sport’s appeal to women, minorities, and the growing number of locavores — people who seek locally sourced food.

Colorado has a Hug a Hunter campaign to raise awareness of wildlife management and outdoor recreational opportunities. Pennsylvania, where the number of licensed hunters has dropped from 927,000 to 850,000 over the past decade, is trying to stall the decline with “R3 activities” — efforts to recruit, retain and reactivate hunters.

The state is relaxing its ban on Sunday hunting this year to increase opportunities for working families. The game commission plans to bring a food truck to community gatherings to familiarize people with eating wild game. And it will expand on mentored outings for young people and first-time female hunters.

In October, Derek Stoner, the commission’s hunter outreach coordinator, helped arrange a deer hunt for 20 newcomers, many from the city, with 14 trained mentors at the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge in Tinicum, just south of Philadelphia.

Elena Korboukh, a teacher from South Philadelphia, recognized the event was “a kind of PR campaign to promote hunting,” but said she welcomed the chance to connect with nature — an opportunity she wishes she could offer her students.

“I had hiked the refuge for close to 20 years, but you don’t see a lot when you are moving,” said Korboukh, who killed a deer with a crossbow during the October event. “When you are sitting still, you see a lot, and it’s very, very exciting.”

Pat Oelschlager, one of the mentors at the Heinz hunt, continues to take out inexperienced hunters. On a dank January afternoon in Evansburg State Park, Oelschlager set out to stalk deer with Lenny Cohen, who said he wanted to get closer to his hunter-gatherer roots, which he felt distant from, growing up in the Philadelphia suburbs.

Neither targeted a deer that day but Oelschlager fielded Cohen’s questions about animal behavior, hunting etiquette and the names of native plants.

A few states are bucking the trend. New Mexico, where the number of licensed hunters grew nearly 10 percent over the past four years, credits its successes to R3 strategies such as making license applications available online and reaching out to Latino residents.

Many national hunting advocacy groups, such as Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, have made cultivating interest among people who have had little exposure to the outdoors key to their missions. The National Shooting Sports Foundation is seeking to turn what its research suggests is about two and a half million “aspiring hunters” into actual hunters.

Other groups aim to create experiences that appeal to women, including BOW (Becoming an Outdoors Woman) and the National Wildlife Federation’s Artemis.

“I have had more dance parties in the field with women,” said Artemis’s leader Marcia Brownlee. “And laughed more.”

But revamping the federal funding model has proved tough. A proposed tax on outdoor gear, for example, was killed by resistance from retailers and manufacturers.

The link between hunting and conservation dates back more than a century to when trigger-happy gunmen all but blasted the bison population to oblivion and finished off North America’s most abundant bird, the passenger pigeon. (Martha, the hapless final specimen, died in 1914 in the Cincinnati Zoo before being shipped, on ice, to Washington and put on display at the Smithsonian.)

Small wonder that hunters were asked to curb — and pay for — their excesses. Avid outdoorsmen such as Theodore Roosevelt put their stamp on an enduring ethos that combined sport with conservation and led to the 1937 passage of the Pittman-Robertson Act, which imposed an 11 percent excise tax on the sale of firearms that is apportioned annually to state agencies for conservation.

While critics say the system puts too much emphasis on hunted animals and birds, it has turned the tables for many species including the now-ubiquitous Canada goose and whitetail deer, which had been in decline.

“The species that we have funded have done very well,” said National Wildlife Federation President Collin O’Mara, “which means it’s a fixable problem.”

In December, Congress modernized Pittman-Robertson as part of the Omnibus Appropriations Act, giving states greater discretion in their use of federal dollars for recruitment. House legislators also took bipartisan steps to advance the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act, which would provide states and tribes with $1.4 billion annually from the general fund to restore habitats and implement key conservation strategies. The bill now heads to the House floor for a full vote.

“It’s exciting to see sportsmen’s groups working with greener groups,” O’Mara said.

Still, at Middle Creek and beyond, conservation remains a constant balancing act — not only among the plentiful waterfowl, the returning bald eagles and rare bog turtles — but also among the people.

In a month or so, busloads of tourists will park along the lake, many having flown in specially from Asia, to see tens of thousands of snow geese stop over on their route north to their breeding grounds.

It’s a miraculous sight, free and open to everyone, that has inspired Tom and Meg Stoeri, the wildlife photographers, to bring along their grandchildren.

Tom Stoeri noted that the otter on their special license plate reflects their support of the state’s wild resources.

“I would pay more,” he said. “But I don’t know if the general population would.”