Self-explanatory

Surprise Your Valentine with Alpen Optics PINK Binoculars and Help Find a Cure for Breast Cancer

This Valentine’s Day surprise your sweetheart with Alpen Optics pink binoculars and show your support for the fight against breast cancer. You can choose from Alpen’s pink 8×25 compact or 10×42 full-size binocular. Alpen supports the fight against breast cancer and makes a donation to this effort each year.

Recent statistics show more than 192,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer every year and 40,000 women will die from it.

“The good news is breast cancer survivors number more than two and a half million now, including Alpen pro staffer Sheri Runge who recently beat the disease,” said Vicki Gardner, Alpen Optics vice president of stuff. “We’d like to do even more to help find a cure with our pink binoculars.”

Alpen’s pink binoculars are a great Valentine’s Day gift for girlfriends, wives, mothers, sisters or other special women in your life. Anyone who hunts, fishes, watches birds or other wildlife or attends sporting events will appreciate the quality and value of Alpen’s pink binoculars and the fact they support an important cause. Plus, when you purchase Alpen’s pink binoculars, you’ll also receive a free “How to Focus a Binocular” DVD and a keychain flashlight.

“By purchasing Alpen pink binoculars, you’ll not only demonstrate you’ve chosen the best for your dollars spent, but you’ll also take a firm stand against a disease that’s causing havoc in so many American families today,” Gardner said. “We also hope to inspire more companies in our industry to support breast cancer research.”

At about $60, the Alpen Pink 263P 8×25 compact binocular is affordable and offers the following features:

* Compact body design for ease of use and transport.
* 8x magnification to bring objects up close.
* Wide 430-foot field of view for panoramic viewing.
* Multi-coated BAK4 optics to provide crisp and bright images.
* Ergonomic rubber coverings for holding comfort.
* Carrying case, neck strap and lens-cleaning cloth.
* Alpen’s lifetime warranty.

The Alpen Pink 393P 10×42 full-size binocular costs about $170, and includes these features:

* 10x magnification that brings objects up close.
* 42mm objective lens with fully multi-coated, phase coated, BAK4 optical design to provide a super-sharp and bright image.
* Fully rubber armored for holding comfort and shock resistance.
* Long eye relief eye piece design with twist-up eye cups for eye glass wearers.
* O-ring sealed to provide fully waterproof and fogproof performance in any weather condition.
* Soft rubber eyepiece rainguard, rubber objective lens covers, carrying case and wide neck strap as standard accessories.
* Alpen’s lifetime warranty.

The green version of this binocular -model 390- won the ‘Great Buy’ award as seen in the 2008 Outdoor Life magazine gear test issue.

For more information about Alpen Pink binoculars, visit www.alpenoutdoor.com or www.alpenoptics.com

Check out Alpen’s Facebook Fan page at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Alpen-Optics/137331303846

Contact:

Media members interested in testing any of the Alpen products for an editorial review should contact: Joe Wieczorek of The Media Group at joe@themediagroupinc.com(847) 956-9090

I owe friend Jake Hartwick a bit of an apology. Jake sent me a copy of his new DVD quite some time ago, after I had agreed to review it. I watched it fairly quickly, sent him off a few initial comments – comments that were entirely positive. Then, I guess – life happened. This weekend I watched the DVD again, for the 3rd time, so that I could finally write the review it deserved.

The DVD is titled “Song of Africa – Episode One; Zululand”. This DVD is filmed in HD, and it is a super first effort by Jake Hartwick and Robin Berg. The movie features Jake and first-time-to Africa hunter Randy Archbold. This is Jake’s second visit. The movie takes place entirely in South Africa, with the hunt hosted by Tim Rudman of Trophy Hunters Africa along with his staff, and a devilish little dog. This is more than a hunting video. With minimal gore, I would be comfortable showing it to my non-hunting (but open minded!) friends and family.

You will see some awesome scenery. You’ll get a peek at life inside a Zulu village. You’ll follow Jake as he makes a quick stalk on a stunning nyala. You’ll see Randy take a perfect impala, and then put the creep on a big old Cape Buffalo in brush so thick it’s a wonder he got a shot off. If you’re looking for a “whack em and stack em” video that is a compilation of kill shots and bubbas “high-fivin”, this won’t be for you. Rather, think “NatGeo with hunting scenes”. The addition of African culture into this DVD really enhanced it for me.

This DVD is interesting and entertaining. Videography is top notch, and the score is well-done. music when there should be, voices when there should be, silence when appropriate. One of my pet peeves when reviewing videos is volume. I hate continuously messing with the volume; turning it up because I can’t hear dialogue, turning it down when the music starts blasting. I don’t think I touched the volume button on the remote a single time.

This really is a great effort by these guys. I think the “Africa seed” that has been planted deep in my brain for ages has just sprung a little green shoot. Little “what-if” scenarios are starting to flicker around in my skull.

To view more reviews, contact Jake or buy this video, visit the Song of Africa website. I’m very much looking forward to their next effort!

It’s nice to see the Az Republic covering this. It’s cool to see some success for the Sonoran Pronghorn. This is a conservation project that I hope continues well into the future. ~DesertRat

Read the full article here: Project near Ajo gives pronghorns second chance

Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge

The gates slam shut.

A cloud of dust rises as a small herd of pronghorn looks for a way out of the corral. The endangered animals
have fed inside these small, circular corrals in the desert southwest of Phoenix for months, coming and going freely until one December morning the gates close.

The corrals are divided into three sections, and biologists open and close gates among these sections until a few of the caramel-colored animals are isolated in one. Five men slip inside and approach them with a long, black net, forcing the pronghorn into a narrow space. The air fills with dust, the sound of hooves and bleating as men and women step behind the animals, grab their legs and slip blindfolds over them. The pronghorn are then carried outside, where biologists begin their work, giving shots and taking genetic samples.

The sun burns brightly, and some of the animals are sprayed with water. The smell of wet fur hangs in the air.

Some animals will be turned back out into a breeding area; others will be released into the wild. Although the process takes only minutes, the biologists have worked toward this moment for years. The capture-and-release is part of an effort to help the animals regain a foothold here in the Sonoran Desert west of Ajo.

In 2002, there were only about 21 Sonoran pronghorn left in the United States. But their numbers are rising as researchers have collaborated to carve out a home on a wildlife refuge, expand the herd with a captive-breeding program and help the animals reclaim their range.

Read the rest of the story at the link above.

Don’t worry, the old URL (www.arizonahuntingtoday.com/desertrat) will still get you here, but I have added another way to visit the Blog.

The old URL was hard to remember, I think so I asked Steve (network owner and web-dude) to add another. So encourage all of your friends to visit Desert Rat Outdoors.

Either URL will get you here, so no worries!

www.desertratoutdoors.com

I am not vehemently “anti-wolf”, but one has to wonder if this really is worth the time, money and effort. There aren’t better things we can focus our resources on? ~DesertRat

You can read the full article here: Mexican Wolf Count Drops By 10 From A Year Ago

ALBUQUERQUE – Federal wildlife officials overseeing a reintroduction program counted 42 Mexican wolves in the wilds of Arizona and New Mexico at the end of last year, a significant drop from the 52 reported one year earlier.

There were 27 wolves in Arizona and 15 in New Mexico.

“I’m extremely disappointed and troubled about this year’s low numbers,” Benjamin Tuggle, regional director of the Fish and Wildlife Service, said Friday. “These findings are very disturbing and I am determined to identify the reasons for this decline and turn the situation around.”

The survey classified two pairs of wolves as breeding pairs, the same number counted in 2008.

The reintroduction program in the Blue Range, straddling both Southwestern states, began with 13 wolves in 1998. Biologists had predicted a self-sustaining wild population of 100 wolves by now.

The leader of a conservation group said the results raise “grave concerns” but he expressed hope the situation could improve if federal officials introduce new wolves to replace those that have died and broaden the genetic lines of wolves roaming the 4-million-acre recovery territory.

Michael Robinson of the Center for Biological Diversity also proposed adding three new wolves anytime one is found dead, whether by poaching or natural causes.

“I don’t want to sugarcoat it. The Mexican wolf is facing a genetic and demographic emergency,” Robinson said. “Nonetheless, with science-based action, we believe the species can be salvaged.”

Federal officials cautioned that several documented wolves couldn’t be located during last month’s count.

Fish and Wildlife spokesman Tom Buckley said only wolves wearing radio collars can be accurately tracked, along with any wolves without collars accompanying them.

“To say there were many uncounted wolves might be pushing it a little bit, but we believe there are others that were uncounted,” Buckley said.

Eight wolves were found dead last year – four adults and four pups. Two were confirmed shot and the cause of death for the others was unknown, pending necropsy results.

Friend Jim Solomon asked that I pass along the exciting news that actor Kevin Sorbo (Hercules) will be on Sunday’s morning show from 8:25AM – 9:00 AM. You can listen live at The Fan 1060 AM or around the world at Xplortheoutdoors.com

Game and Fish seeks ferret-finding volunteers
Spotlighting effort to document recovery progress

While the elusive, nocturnal, black-footed ferret has established a foothold in Aubrey Valley, the Arizona Game and Fish Department needs volunteers to help monitor progress in the recovery of the endangered animal.

As part of this effort, Game and Fish will be conducting a spotlighting event from March 25-29 and needs volunteer wildlife enthusiasts to help find the small predators.

“Since this program’s inception, volunteers have played a critical role in the recovery of this animal,” said Jeff Pebworth, wildlife program manager at the Game and Fish Kingman office. “We don’t have the personnel available to fully staff these efforts and the program’s continued success depends on people remaining involved.”

Twice thought to be extinct, a small population of black-footed ferrets was discovered in 1981. A mere 18 were left when captive breeding efforts began in 1985. In 1996, Arizona’s Aubrey Valley was selected as a reintroduction site.

The reintroduction of these rare animals in Arizona was possible because of state’s Heritage Fund which, when matched with federal dollars, accounts for the project’s funding. This, along with the dedication of volunteers, has made Arizona’s reintroduction effort a model for other sites to emulate.

Pebworth admitted that without the voter-approved initiative, which provides money through the Arizona Lottery, this effort would not have been possible.

“We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished in Arizona,” Pebworth said. “We’re restoring an animal that was absent from the state for about 65 years. It’s gratifying to know we’ve reached a point with this reintroduction where the population has continued to improve.”

Spotlighting is not easy, and Pebworth acknowledges that volunteers earn the right to brag about their participation in the recovery of this animal.

Volunteers must be able to stay attentive from sunset to sunrise, be able to carry up to 30 pounds while backpack-spotlighting for two-hour durations, and they must be willing to learn how to use a Global Positioning System (GPS).

Individuals can volunteer for one or more dates. A parent or guardian must accompany any youth under 18.

“This is a unique experience and provides volunteers with an opportunity to see the amount of effort involved with this reintroduction,” Pebworth said. “Not to mention the fact that people will have a chance to see an animal few others have ever encountered.”

Those wishing to volunteer, or needing more information, should e-mail azferret@azgfd.gov by March 19 with “March Spotlighting” in the subject line. Individuals should indicate which night(s) they are available to help; include a first and last name, a contact number, and if anyone else will be attending with them.

Additional information will be sent following contact, including meeting location and times.
Volunteers should also note any of the following equipment they can bring: GPS, clipboard, backpack (to carry a 30-pound battery), headlamp, pen, compass, binoculars, walkie-talkies, 4×4 vehicle (please list passenger capacity), compass, spotlight (that can plug into a cigarette lighter), or a cordless rechargeable spotlight.

It can be cool during the March event, so individuals need to dress appropriately.

“We’ve made progress,” Pebworth said, “but we’re a long way from recovery. It is critical we continue to document ferret numbers and understand how this population is holding up in the wild.”

Come enjoy a smokin’ saga of living frontier history during the National Muzzle Loader Rifle Association’s Western National Shoot Feb. 10-15 at the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Ben Avery Shooting Facility on the northern edge of Phoenix.

Bring along your coonskin cap and Davy Crockett frame of mind because participants will be dressed in period clothing while shooting black powder rifles, throwing knives and tomahawks, wielding chunk guns and even firing smoke-belching cannons.

There’s a little something for everyone at this “historical, cultural and educational event” at the nation’s largest public shooting complex along Carefree Highway just west of Interstate 17.

There is no entry fee, but you can expect to pay a nominal fee for parking. Events run all day long. You’ll even find contestants camping out in teepees and cooking over campfires.

Many of these matches are loads of fun for contestants and spectators alike.

For instance, there is the “turkey machine shoot” where a shooter in a blind has to use a turkey call. If the turkey calling is good enough, a turkey head target will briefly appear down range for the contestant to shoot at with a black powder rifle or musket. At the end of the multi-day event, someone will be crowned “the best turkey hunter.”

There are even international matches.

Be sure to set your palate for frontier vittles and bring along some wampum in your wallet – once again there will be a Traders Row where you can purchase everything from mountain man stew (or hot dogs) to period clothing and vintage black powder firearms. There will also be plenty of bygone era toys available to fuel the imagination of your youngsters. Want your own cannon? You can probably buy one there.

For more information, visit the National Muzzle Loader Web site at www.nmlra.org/index.asp .

Ever wonder where eagles go during the wintertime?

Find this out and more at the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Annual Bald Eagle Workshop in Flagstaff on Saturday, Feb. 20.

The free workshop will be divided into two sessions; each one will include an informative lecture followed by a field trip to observe eagles. The first session will begin at 9 a.m. and the second at 11 a.m.

The lectures will be held at the Law Enforcement Administration Facility (LEAF) at 911 Sawmill Road in Flagstaff, which is the Police Department and Sheriff’s Office facility.

Biologists from the department will discuss bald eagle management and research in Arizona. The day will also include the opportunity to see a live bald eagle up close and personal, and a chance to talk with dedicated individuals from Liberty Wildlife Rehabilitation Foundation.

“The primary goal of the workshop is to educate people about eagles in Arizona but also to show the importance of wildlife management and the cooperation involved,” says Shelly Shepherd, information and education program manager for the department’s Flagstaff region. “This is a popular workshop and we are happy to see such an interest in our Arizona wildlife.”

Anyone interested in attending will need to register with the Game and Fish Flagstaff office at (928) 774-5045 by 3 p.m. on Friday Feb. 19. People are reminded to dress appropriately for weather conditions, bring binoculars, bird field guidebooks, snacks and water. Be advised field trips may be cancelled due to weather conditions.

Have a heart:
Join Valentine’s Day bike run for sick and injured wildlife

Looking for something different to do with your Valentine this year?

What better way to celebrate the occasion than on the back of a motorcycle enjoying Arizona’s landscape, all while benefiting sick and injured wildlife?

Riders are invited to participate in the family-friendly “Bikers Soar for Wildlife Poker Run” on Feb. 14. The fundraiser helps with the care and rehabilitation of animals at the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Wildlife Center, and is hosted by the center’s auxiliary.

“Flowers and candy are nice, but this bike run is an opportunity for you and your Valentine to spend the day together doing something different, all while helping raise money for wildlife rehabilitation and education,” says Sandy Cate, coordinator of the Wildlife Center. “The whole family is sure to have fun with a variety of activities, including the poker run, plus wildlife exhibits, a live band, and a raffle for prizes that include NASCAR and NHRA pit passes.”

Riders will enjoy approximately 130 miles of scenic Arizona, beginning at Arrowhead Harley Davidson at 16130 Fountain Center in Peoria and ending at Dillon’s at Lake Pleasant’s Scorpion Bay Marina.

Throughout the route, riders will stop at designated locations to collect a playing card, with the best hand of five cards winning a prize at the end of the ride. Even the non-riders in the family can partake by joining riders after 12 p.m. to enjoy the activities at the final destination.

The tax-deductible cost to participate is $25 per rider or $30 per rider and passenger with lunch provided to all registered riders. This reduced pre-registration cost is offered through Feb. 1, and the first 300 registrants will receive a free event T-shirt and a 5-year anniversary ride pin.

After Feb. 1, the cost to participate will be $30 per rider or $35 per rider and passenger. Registration begins at 8 a.m. on the day of the event. For more information and to register, visit the Wildlife Center’s volunteer auxiliary Web site at www.azwildlifecenter.net/events or call (623) 587-0139.

Founded in May 1983, the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Wildlife Center treats more than 1,000 sick and injured animals annually, and provides wildlife education to local schools and outreach to community groups. The center’s mission is carried out with a small budget from the state’s Heritage Fund, making fundraising an important contributor to the care of the animals.

The Heritage Fund, a voter-passed initiative, was started in 1990 to further conservation efforts in the state, including protecting endangered species, educating children about wildlife, helping urban residents to better coexist with wildlife, and creating new opportunities for outdoor recreation. Funding comes from Arizona Lottery ticket sales.

The Arizona Game and Fish Commission’s next regularly scheduled meeting is Friday, Feb. 5, at the Game and Fish Department headquarters at 5000 W. Carefree Highway in Phoenix (1.5 miles west of I-17).

Items on the one-day agenda include:

An update on the current status of the remainder of the department’s 2010 budget and of the 2011 budget.

Consideration of approval of the Master Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the commission and the U.S. Forest Service Southwest Regional Office to replace the existing MOU.

Consideration of approval of a state land use permit with the Arizona State Land Department for the purpose of statewide wildlife water improvements on state trust lands.

A presentation on the current status of the Species and Habitat Conservation Guide (SHCG) and the Geospatial Planning Tool.

Consideration of approval of a Notice of Docket Opening and a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for one new rule and several rule amendments (see last article in this newsletter for more details).

A briefing on the department’s involvement in Mexican wolf reintroduction in Arizona and New Mexico and related recovery and conservation issues.

Updates on state and federal legislation, state and federal lands issues and activities, information/education/wildlife recreation activities, and shooting sports/shooting range activities.

Hearings on license revocations for violation of Game and Fish codes and civil assessments for the illegal taking and/or possession of wildlife.

The public can view the meeting any of three ways: (1) attending the meeting in person in Phoenix; (2) viewing it via video stream at any of five Game and Fish regional offices (Flagstaff is unavailable at this time due to office construction); or, (3) viewing it over the Web at www.azgfd.gov/commissioncam.

Those wishing to submit “blue slips” to present oral comment during the meeting must do so either at the Phoenix meeting or at the regional Game and Fish offices (again, Flagstaff will be unavailable). For office addresses, visit www.azgfd.gov/offices.

For a complete agenda, visit www.azgfd.gov/commission and click on the commission agenda link.