Another cute photo sent to me by my mom. (Hi Mom!) Supposedly taken by Art Carr in Douglas,NB

Not much to say here… “I told you so” gets old after awhile. They should round em all up and make the animal rights folks adopt them….

Read the full article here at Philly.com

Hunting in suburbia: Sharpshooters target deer in N.J. hunt

REBECCA SANTANA

The Associated Press

MAPLEWOOD, N.J. - Sharpshooters took to the trees Tuesday in a northern New Jersey nature preserve that borders hundreds of homes to deal with a common problem in many of the state’s suburban communities: too many deer.

But in the most densely populated state in the nation, the prospect of hunters on the South Mountain Reservation has some residents worried and animal rights activists angry.

Still, officials and many other residents say the hunt is necessary to cull the white-tailed deer, which are destroying the forest, spreading Lyme disease and posing a hazard for drivers.

“There are clearly too many deer for this environment to handle,” said Michael Jaffe, 65, who normally walks through the South Mountain Reservation with his dog Charlie.

On Tuesday morning, the two were forced to stroll the side streets bordering the scenic nature preserve because the reservation was closed for Essex County’s first deer hunt.

The 10-day hunt will take place each Tuesday and Thursday through Feb. 28. At any one time, up to 12 specially trained hunters will be positioned in trees throughout the roughly 3-square-mile preserve, an oasis of woodlands, streams and trails.

The territory is surrounded by a sea of upscale, suburban towns where the architecture is a mix of colonials, Tudor-style, and Queen Anne-style houses and mansions situated on tree-filled lots , many of which have back yards looking into the reservation.

Essex County is the state’s second most densely populated, according to 2000 census figures.

The hunters, who went out in the pre-dawn hours and were slated to come down between 8 and 9 a.m. before going out again in the late afternoon, were shooting from tree perches throughout the park.

The rules require them to set up a minimum of 450 feet from nearby homes and shoot downward to prevent dangerous stray bullets.

But those measures didn’t make Sharon McClenton feel any safer. The 42-year-old, who was waiting for her pre-dawn bus to the New York City school where she teaches second grade, said she was worried because her West Orange house buts up against the preserve’s border.

“I could come out on my deck and get shot,” said McClenton, who also questioned whether the hunt was necessary. “I haven’t seen an abundance of deer, quite honestly.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Tuesday, January 29, 2008)

IMPROVEMENTS TO BAD BOY BUGGIES ANNOUNCED

Bad Boy Enterprises announces innovative improvements to our 2008 Bad Boy Buggies. The new SEM (Separately Excited Motors) is more reliable, safer, faster, and delivers unmatched performance.

“We identified very specific goals for this edition,” stated Bad Boy General Manager Jim Willard. “We set out to build an even quieter buggy, improve safety, reliability, waterproofing and braking systems, maintain adequate torque, increase speed and improve heat control. We have done all this and more.”

Willard explains additional improvements, “The SEM features Re-Gen braking, which actually captures energy, a vast improvement over the former plug braking system that uses energy. Speed was increased from 14 to 19 mph and range from approximately 20 miles to 25 or more. The new buggies are now completely waterproof with 2 internal direction controllers, full speed control, all-time 4-wheel drive and improved torque at 65 ft/lbs.”

SAFETY INCREASED

The electric braking system cannot be turned off. The system works equally well in forward, neutral or reverse as long as the unit is powered up (key switch on). There is an automatic disconnect from batteries. The system will automatically disconnect the batteries if buggy is not used for 10 Seconds. Simply depress the accelerator and system powers up automatically. This feature is important if the key is left on and the unit left unattended.

RELIABILITY IMPROVED

Two, U. S. A. made 500 amp controllers improve reliability. Should a failure occur in a controller, the unit can run on 1 controller and 1 motor to prevent the customer from being stranded in the field. Controllers are completely waterproof. All control system connectors are waterproof. All switching is done internally in the controllers creating a quieter and more reliable operation. Mechanical contactors are prone to failure from water, sand & mud which are prevalent in most off-road conditions. A waterproof throttle with no mechanical linkage (no parts exposed below the floorboard) eliminates the possibility of sticks, etc. catching linkage in heavy terrain. Braking generates energy to the batteries and does not create heat build up in the controller.

SEM FEATURE CONTROLS DIRECTION

Separately Excited Motors (SEM) - the field and armature are controlled separately. Direction control is done electronically, eliminating the need for an external mechanical contactor. Although sealed, external mechanical contactors are prone to failures caused by fine sand, grit, etc. which is prevalent in normal off-road conditions. Motors are built in the United States by the largest supplier of motors to the electric vehicle industry.

ADDITIONAL IMPROVEMENTS

The throttle is now completely waterproof, with no moving parts, and an electronic sensor. The unit will not move at power up if throttle is depressed. Deutsch Connectors are new and completely waterproof. These are standards of the automotive, aerospace, military defence and industrial markets. In the electric braking system (Re-Gen braking) energy is transferred from the motors to the batteries. The new braking system generates energy at the motors to slow the vehicle. It is designed to bring the vehicle to a complete stop, improving the life of the mechanical brakes. The speed of the vehicle is controlled by the percent of depression of the accelerator. This means the unit does not coast; instead, the throttle controls the speed both up and down hill. If the throttle is released slowly, the braking is smooth regardless of the terrain.

For more information on Bad Boy Buggies log on to www.badboybuggies.com or call 866-678-6701. Media Contact: Brenda Potts 217-836-1688 brenda@midwestlegacy.com

At least they’re not selling those darned chocolate bars! This would be a cool raffle to enter, and certainly a worthy cause.

Read the full article with photo here at Seacoast Online.

By Elizabeth Dinan
edinan@seacoastonline.com
January 25, 2008 4:21 PM

NORTH BERWICK, Maine — When bake sales failed to bring enough cake to pay for 200 music students to travel to New York City, Noble High School boosters cooked up Plan B: a raffle for a 6-day black bear hunt.

“We tried the cupcake sales,” said North Berwick police officer and Noble School Resource Officer, Rick Varney.
To purchase tickets

To purchase tickets for the Black bear hunt raffle, or more information send inquires to Varney at noblesro@sad60.k12.me.us.

But the sale of baked goods wasn’t enough to pay the $100,000 tab for the school’s music students to travel to the Big Apple for a music festival and “cultural enrichment.”

Grandfather of a choral student in the school music department and a Master Maine Guide, Varney figured the sale of $10 tickets for a chance to hunt at one of his son’s 50 “bear sites” might up the ante.

And so far, so good.

The winner gets lodging and meals for two at one of the family’s bear camps in northwestern Maine for the first week of the 2008 bear-hunting season. Hot and cold running water, “a flush toilet,” bedding and meals — including a lobster bake and “trash can turkey” dinner — are included. A Ragged Lake Guide Service guide is part of the prize and winners are warned their cell phones won’t work at the remote camp.

Winners who don’t want to hunt can photograph bears and other wildlife in the remote area between Mt. Katahdin and the Canadian border, said Varney, or take $1,000 cash.

Noble choral teacher Erin Lowell and band teacher Mark Mumme volunteered to take the 200 students to the big city and aren’t letting money stop them. Costs include the bus trip both ways, lodging and meals.

“It’s been a difficult winter up here in Maine with heating costs and I don’t want any kid left home because of money,” said Lowell. “Failure is not an option.”

To date, $1,300 tickets have been sold and $11,000 raised, but payment for the trip is due Feb. 15.

“It’s going to be tough to meet the deadline,” said Lowell.

In spite of that, tickets will be sold until April 30 and the winner drawn May 1. Rod and gun clubs are getting out the word and Noble music boosters will be selling tickets at the Kittery Trading Post on Feb. 2.

To purchase tickets for the Black bear hunt raffle, or more information send inquires to Varney at noblesro@sad60.k12.me.us.

Recently, I made a post about SPOT, a device that uses GPS technology to send out your location and a message.

It seems that PLB’s (Personal Locating Beacons) are indeed making a difference, more and more. This is part of an article from The Outdoor Wire:

Anyway, the outdoor worldis learning that PLBs can be lifesavers. In 2007, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) says the PLB assisted in the rescue of eighty-eight people in thirty-eight separate incidents. That’s a pretty steady climb from the 37/22 totals in 2006.

NOAA also says there’s been a sixty six percent increase in PLB registrations as well, so the word’s getting out.

Globally, the Cospas-Sarsat 406 MHz satellite system (the backbone of the PLB) is credited with rescuing 22,058 people since the program’s inception in 1982. Of that number, 5,748 persons were rescued in the U.S.

This year’s first PLB use, like most, has a happy ending.

Ken and Quinn Golash were on a Sunday drive January 6, in Arizona’s Prescott National Forest. They headed up a narrow mountainous road and quickly realized it was getting rough and difficult navigating. Unfortunately, it started to rain, and the water made it impossible for them to go back the way they came. Dry streambeds now filled with water literally washed the roadbed out.

Being in their sixties, the Golashes decided to spend the night in their truck and wait out the weather. They were experienced hunters and outdoorsmen, so they had some supplies in their truck – more than enough to survive the night. Thinking ahead, they even captured some rainwater –just in case.

They also had an ACR Electronics Microfix 406Mhz GPS PLB (whew) with them, a gift to Ken from his wife just the month before.

After the rain continued throughout the night, Ken hiked to a higher elevation the following morning where he unsuccessfully tried to get a cell signal.

At that point, they decided to activate their PLB. Despite the fact it’s generally regarded as a “signaling device of last resort,” they realized their family would quickly become alarmed and notify authorities. By activating the device, they knew a search could quickly be localized, rather than potential rescuers having to search hundreds of square miles in an effort to find the Golashes.

It worked. An Arizona Department of Public Safety helicopter located them and dropped a two-way radio. The terrain was too-narrow for the chopper to land, so they were directed to a spot further up the mountain. They were choppered out, and able to return and drive their truck out three days later.

Authorities weren’t too-upset at their decision. In fact, Sgt. Rick Barnes, with Forest Patrol for the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office, said the Golashes made a good call in activating the PLB. “It definitely made it easier to dial in where they were. Otherwise, we would’ve been searching thousands of miles rather than a small finite area. We like it when rescues are quick and easy like this one.” Barnes also commended the Golashes for being prepared to spend an unexpected night in the wilderness and for registering the beacon in advance with current information that gave the rescuers vital information for the search.

Ken Golash says he’s certainly thankful Quinn, gave him the PLB. In fact, he says he’s getting her one of her own and they plan to carry them whenever they travel, especially when driving in the wide-open spaces of the west. Ken also plans to carry the beacon when he hunts, which he often does alone. “Even if you have no one with you, you’re never alone if you have an emergency locator beacon,” he said.

SHE SAFARI ANNOUNCES RHODE WEAR SHOOTING APPAREL

SHE Safari announces their new line of Rhode Wear Shooting Apparel. Casual shooting enthusiasts and world class competitors will be pleased with the unique features and designs in the new line of SHE Safari Rhode Wear shooting apparel. Whether it is the unprecedented SHE Safari Rhode Gold Shooting Vest, shooting pullovers and jackets, or long and short sleeved shooting shirts; special attention to detail and performance are the highlights of this collection.

“It has been our pleasure to work with Olympic gold medalist Kim Rhode to develop the new SHE Safari Rhode Wear Shooting Collection,” said SHE Safari President, Pam Zaitz. “The SHE Safari Rhode Gold Shooting Vest is the vest Kim will be wearing in her upcoming competitions. Because of her outstanding commitment to excellence, Kim is an excellent national spokesperson for our company and a valuable asset in designing our new line of SHE Safari Rhode Wear.”

ABOUT THE CLOTHING

The She Safari Rhode Gold Shooting Vest and the Rhode Pro Vest are tough, durable and extremely functional. They are accentuated with genuine leather and plenty of pockets. Each vest has a hidden pocket inside designed to hold the patented Evoshield for recoil dispersion. A special Ipod Feature allows the shooter to listen to music while keeping the unit’s cords neatly tucked away. Both vests accentuate the feminine form without bulk or sacrificing performance. The vests come in a navy blue, red and khaki color theme with vented mesh for hot weather. Adjustable side straps ensure perfect fit in sizes XS through XXL.

This shooting jacket offers many of the same features and color theme as the SHE Safari Rhode Gold Shooting Vest. The jacket has long sleeves and is lined with Polartec fleece. Special elbow and arm bellows allow extended range of motion.

Long and short sleeve versions of shooting shirts are available in a combination knit and woven fabric. The shooting patch is flattering and functional. A contrasting color neckline makes these garments stand out.

With a form fitting jersey knit look on the outside and fleece liner inside, the Hooded Shooting Pullover offers warmth and style. Detailed pockets add extra style.

ABOUT KIM RHODE

In 1996 Kim won the gold medal at the Centennial Olympic Games in Atlanta and in 2000 she won the bronze medal at the Sydney Olympic Games. In addition, Kim has won seven gold medals in World Cup competitions. Kim also captured the gold medal in her event at both the 1999 and 2003 Pan American Games. By capturing a gold medal in Athens in 2004, California’s “Golden Girl” Kim Rhode became the most decorated female Olympian in the history of USA Shooting.

Following her dramatic performance in Athens, Kim faced one of the greatest challenges of her career when her event, International Doubles Trap, was dropped from the Olympic Games. To continue to represent the U.S. in Olympic competition, Kim was forced to choose between trap and skeet shooting and she would be facing competitors who had a tremendous head start on her for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. She opted for skeet shooting because of the proximity of a shooting range for skeet.

Following months of hard work, Kim qualified for the U.S. National Shooting Team. In her first major World Cup event in Santo Domingo on March 22, 2007, Kim not only posted the highest score to win the gold medal, she also broke the world record in the process. She made a powerful statement that she is back ready to contend for another medal in 2008.

ABOUT SHE SAFARI

SHE Safari is a Texas based company specializing in high-quality women’s hunting clothes in safari, upland, camouflage and shooting collections available at more than 150 dealers nationwide. For more information check out www.shesafari.com or call 281-448-4860.

MEDIA CONTACT: Brenda Potts 217-836-1688 brenda@midwestlegacy.com

PRESS RELEASE

All Media: For Immediate Release

January 28, 2008

Contact Allan Ellis, Director of Communications

allan@sportsmenslink.org or 202-543-6850 extension 19

Economic Report Shines in the Media

A new report, ‘Hunting and Fishing: Bright Stars of the American Economy ~ A force as big as all outdoors’ compiled by the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation was released in December. The report spotlights the immense impact that sportsmen have on the national economy – 34 million sportsmen spending 76 billion dollars annually on their pastimes of hunting and fishing.

In less than a month, the report has generated more than 180 print articles and 350 internet articles. Circulations of the print venues exceeded 8.6 million readers. In this election year, the report is especially helpful to define not only the economic impact of sportsmen, but their political clout as well. The list of publications where articles appeared is available upon request.

Jeff Crane, President of CSF, since the report was released has been interviewed on numerous outdoor radio shows around the country. Hunting and fishing advocates nationwide continue to request the information from the report.

Crane’s message points out, “Because sportsmen enjoy hunting or fishing alone or in small groups, they are overlooked as a constituency and as a substantial economic force. When you compare spending by hunters and anglers to other sectors, their impact on the nation’s economy becomes more tangible.”

On a state-by state scale, Crane said, “The economic impact that sportsmen have on state economies should be a wake-up call to state governments to welcome and encourage hunting and fishing in their states. The evidence is clear: States that encourage hunting and fishing benefit many times over through jobs and taxes as well as a boost to tourism.”

The report is in the hands of the nearly 300 members of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus on Capitol Hill and many state legislators including the leadership of the 34 states that comprise the National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses (NASC).

Downloads of the 16-page report, state press releases and state fact sheets are available on the home page of www.sportsmenslink.org. The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), Safari Club International (SCI), National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers were partners on the report.

Normally, I stay away from politics on this blog - unless it directly affects an issue concerning sportsmen. That being said, the following article struck home for me.

545 PEOPLE RESPONSIBLE FOR AMERICA’S WOES

BY CHARLEY REESE

Politicians are the only people in the world who create problems and then campaign against them.

Have you ever wondered why, if both the Democrats and the Republicans are against deficits, we have deficits? Have you ever wondered why, if all the politicians are against inflation and high taxes, we have inflation and high taxes?

You and I don’t propose a federal budget. The president does. You and I don’t have the Constitutional authority to vote on appropriations. The House of Representatives does. You and I don’t write the tax code. Congress does. You and I don’t set fiscal policy. Congress does. You and I don’t control monetary policy. The Federal Reserve Bank does.

One hundred senators, 435 congressmen, one president and nine Supreme Court justices - 545 human beings out of the 300 million - are directly, legally, morally and individually responsible for the domestic problems that plague this country.

I excluded the members of the Federal Reserve Board because that problem was created by the Congress. In 1913, Congress delegated its Constitutional duty to provide a sound currency to a federally chartered but private central bank.

I excluded all the special interests and lobbyists for a sound reason They have no legal authority. They have no ability to coerce a senator, a congressman or a president to do one cotton- picking thing. I don’t care if they offer a politician $1 million dollars in cash. The politician has the power to accept or reject it.

No matter what the lobbyist promises, it is the legislator’s responsibility to determine how he votes.

Those 545 human beings spend much of their energy convincing you that what they did is not their fault. They cooperate in this common con regardless of party.

What separates a politician from a normal human being is an excessive amount of gall. No normal human being would have the gall of a SPEAKER, who stood up and criticized G.W. Bush ALONE for creating deficits.

The president can only propose a budget. He cannot force the Congress to accept it. The Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land, gives sole responsibility to the House of Representatives for originating and approving appropriations and taxes.

Who is the speaker of the House? She is the leader of the majority party. She and fellow Democrats, not the president, can approve any budget they want. If the president vetoes it, they can pass it over his veto.

It seems inconceivable to me that a nation of 300 million cannot replace 545 people who stand convicted — by present facts - of incompetence and irresponsibility.

I can’t think of a single domestic problem, from an unfair tax code to defense overruns, that is not traceable directly to those 545 people

When you fully grasp the plain truth that 545 people exercise power of the federal government, then it must follow that what exists is what they want to exist.

If the tax code is unfair, it’s because they want it unfair. If the budget is in the red, it’s because they want it in the red. If the Marines are in IRAQ, it’s because they want them in IRAQ.

There are no insoluble government problems. Do not let these 545 people shift the blame to bureaucrats, whom they hire and whose jobs they can abolish; to lobbyists, whose gifts and advice they can reject; to regulators, to whom they give the power to regulate and from whom they can take this power.

Above all, do not let them con you into the belief that there exist disembodied mystical forces like “the economy,” “inflation” or “politics” that prevent them from doing what they take an oath to do.

Those 545 people, and they alone, are responsible. They, and they alone, have the power. They, and they alone, should be held accountable by the people who are their bosses - provided the voters have the gumption to manage their own employees. We should vote all of them out of office and clean up their mess.

I spent a few days down at my friend John’s in Hereford, this past November. John is a combat veteran, great dad/husband/grandfather, and the kind of hunter that sets the example for all of us. He stacks up predators like cord wood ! Read his blog here. Anyway, we saw no bucks “up the hill”, but this little fella used to visit the house daily.

Congratulations to Mr. Voyles.

http://www.azgfd.gov/artman/publish/article_711.shtml

Larry Voyles named new director of Arizona Game and Fish Department

News Media
Jan 28, 2008

PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Commission today announced it has hired Larry Voyles as the new director of the Arizona Game and Fish Department, effective when current director Duane Shroufe retires in March.

Voyles has been with Game and Fish for nearly 35 years and is currently supervisor for the department’s Yuma region, which handles field operations in southwestern Arizona.

“We’re thrilled to hire someone with Larry’s depth of experience and accomplishments,” said Commission Chairman Bill McLean. “He brings more than three decades of experience in wildlife management to the director’s position, as well as the respect of colleagues and the public.”

Voyles joined the department in 1974 as a wildlife manager (game ranger), serving in the Wellton, Wickenburg and Prescott districts. He subsequently served as the department’s law enforcement training coordinator and wildlife enforcement program coordinator before being promoted to supervisor of the Yuma region in 1988.

“This is truly a great honor,” said Voyles. “The Arizona Game and Fish Department is recognized as one of the world’s leading wildlife management agencies, and I look forward to continuing our tradition of innovation and dedication to meet the challenges and opportunities of the future.”

Voyles was one of two finalists considered by the Game and Fish Commission in today’s public session. The commission received more than 30 applications after conducting a nationwide search. Initial interviews were conducted with six people.

“We were fortunate to have several qualified candidates to choose from,” said McLean. “The process has been arduous, but we’ve found what we’re looking for—someone with a proven record of strong management skills and an in-depth understanding of Arizona’s natural resource issues.”

Voyles, of Yuma, will lead an agency that employs more than 600 employees and is funded at more than $85 million per year from multiple funding sources, primarily the sale of hunting and fishing licenses, federal assistance from an excise tax on hunting and fishing gear, and several other sources such as the Heritage Fund (lottery proceeds), Wildlife Conservation Fund (tribal gaming revenue), watercraft licensing, and state wildlife grants.

He will work side-by-side with Shroufe until the latter’s retirement in order to ensure a smooth transition and will fill out the remainder of Shroufe’s original five-year contract through January 2009. In December, Shroufe requested, and was granted, commission approval to retire early this coming March after serving as director for nearly 20 years.

“You don’t just replace a Duane Shroufe,” said Voyles. “He led the agency through an amazing period of growth, quality improvement and accomplishment. He set the bar high, and I’m looking forward to the opportunity to continue that legacy.”

Voyles holds a B.S. in wildlife biology from Arizona State University.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department director is appointed by and reports to the Arizona Game and Fish Commission. The director serves as the department’s chief administrative officer and is responsible for the general supervision and control of all activities, functions and employees of the department.

This is an interesting story, for sure.

Read the entire story over at this site.

Plainville boy suffering from extreme allergy

by News Channel 8′s Jocelyn Maminta
Posted Jan. 22, 2008
3:30 PM

(WTNH) _ A six year old Plainville boy and his family are trying to manage a rare disease that only allows him to eat just a few kinds of food.

It’s lunchtime for Timmy Armstrong and his stepfather is cutting up prepared venison for the little boy. Deer meat is the only solid protein that the six year old can stomach.

“I say I’m on a diet, I can’t eat a lot of food,” Timmy said.

Timmy has eosinophilic esophagitis, a disease that is relatively new to doctors. It is characterized by an intense inflammation of the esophagus associated with allergies.

“The white blood cells think food is a parasite and it attacks his body and creates all kinds of symptoms whether you see them or not,” said Timmy’s mother, Stacey Dionne.

Timmy lives on a very restricted diet thanks to the disease.

“He can eat deer, he can have natural oats, for condiments he can have salt…sugar,” said Timmy’s father, Tim Armstrong Sr.

Also on Timmy’s daily menu is an amino acid-based formula fed through a tube.

“It’s better than drinking it,” Timmy said.

According to Dr. Jeffrey Hyams at the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, Timmy’s disorder has become widespread in the last 10 to 15 years.

Does your wife worry about you breaking a leg or something, while out hunting?

This looks like a great idea; more reliable than a cell phone, not as expensive as a satellite phone…

SPOT

From their site:

SPOT. The World’s First Satellite Messenger.
With the SPOT Satellite Messenger, you and your loved ones have peace of mind knowing help is always within reach. SPOT is the only device of its kind, using the GPS satellite network to acquire its coordinates, and then sending its location – with a link to Google Maps™ – and a pre-programmed message via a commercial satellite network. And unlike Personal Locator Beacons, SPOT does more than just call for help. Tracking your progress, checking in with loved ones, and non-emergency assistance are also available, all at the push of a button. And because it uses 100% satellite technology, SPOT works around the world – even where cell phones don’t.