Hunting and Fishing News & Blog Articles

Photo Credit: mblach

About 80 elk were herded back up to Parley’s Canyon on Sunday after it was decided they were a public safety risk, being close to I-80 during heavy traffic hours for the better part of a month. The elk moved down to a golf course in Salt Lake City for the green grass after being pushed down by the worse than normal winter conditions in the hills surrounding the valley this year. I-80 was briefly closed and the elk were herded across the Interstate and back up to the canyon where there isn’t any green feed. DWR figured these elk were in good enough condition and picked a nice day to push the elk off the golf course. It’s a tough call to do but public safety is of utmost importance. 

This is a good reminder to give the deer and elk a break until green-up as shed season kicks in out West. If you are out there hiking around, even if you feel like you are being low impact, you will still spook deer and elk which stresses them at the most critical time of the winter, right now. March has been cold and snowy for much of the Western part of the country so it’s not looking good for our ungulate herds. Green-up hasn’t started in Wyoming so deer and elk are extremely depleted and weak and easily susceptible to stress and death. Unfortunately, I think the worst of the winter die-off has yet to come so please be aware of that when you consider going shed hunting or even hiking in the coming weeks.

If you absolutely have to get out and enjoy the outdoors, and I don’t blame you, try to recreate in areas with no wintering ungulates. 

https://www.ksl.com/article

https://cowboystatedaily.com

Photo Credit: byrdyak

Less than a week ago Governor Cox signed the amended bill that allows year round mountain lion hunting in the state of Utah, in an effort to curb the quickly declining mule deer populations. Mule deer have been steadily declining the past several years because of extreme drought in much of the state. This effort is intended to help slow that decline until Utah can recover from the drought. 

Another piece of legislation that was attached to this bill is that the state will set aside $1 million a year to acquire land and preserve it for wildlife habitat and hunter access under the Division of Wildlife. For every dollar the state puts in, the federal government will match it with three dollars through the Pittman-Robertson Act. The state wants to purchase more land with tax dollars from private landowners and protect the land for public use. Much of these purchases will be grazing land. Through these purchases, the state will still allow grazing allotments. 

Another attachment to this amended bill is to let the use of trail cameras for hunting on private land be legal again after it was just banned early last year. The ban on trail cameras on public land for hunting from July 31 to Dec. 31 will still be in effect. 

https://www.sltrib.com

The post Update: Governor of Utah Signs Bill-Open Season On Cougars appeared first on Eastmans' Official Blog | Mule Deer, Antelope, Elk Hunting and Bowhunting Magazine | Eastmans' Hunting Journals.

Setting up a hunting trophy room can be a great way to showcase your hunting accomplishments and create a space that celebrates your love of the outdoors. Here are some steps to follow to set up a hunting trophy room: Choose the right room: Choose a room in your home that has enough space to display your trophies and other hunting memorabilia. A ba...

Here are the basic steps for skinning a deer: Prepare the area: Choose a clean and well-lit area with a sturdy surface for skinning the deer. Make sure you have all the necessary tools on hand, such as a sharp knife, a bone saw, and gloves.Hang the deer: Hang the deer from a sturdy tree or hoist, using a gambrel or a pulley system to lift the anima...

Photo credit: Jessica Rockeman

Currently IDFG is tracking 182 mule deer fawns and 149 elk calves throughout winter and early spring. These youngsters were captured in the fall/early winter and fitted with tracking collars. Which will allow biologists to follow their what, where, when and how, in regards to mortality rates for these two species. The more we know and understand about what “happens and when” the more we can contribute to the implementation of countermeasures. 

As of now, approximately 30% of the mule deer fawns and nearly 10% of the elk calves have already died statewide. These numbers don’t jump out too much, but they are concerning. We can see very similar numbers over the past five winters, however, the scary part is March and April are often the toughest months for these critters as their fat reserves are minimal and they need time to transition from fall forage to spring forage which can result in a high mortality rate if we have rough weather in March and April. 

Long story short, this makes for a potential killer recipe. Not to mention areas like SE Idaho where we know the snowfall and record cold temperatures are crushing deer and elk populations, for example, Unit 69 near Idaho Falls is showing roughly 45% mortality of fawns and Unit 75 is at a whopping 67% fawn mortality! What does this mean for deer and elk in the Gem State? Well, that is a multi-faceted answer. But we can assume that 2023 hunting in many areas will continue without major changes, however, with die-offs we can be assured that only the fittest animals survive, this is typically mature bucks and does. 

If you aren’t paying attention to numbers of fawns it might seem like things are okay this year, but in 2-5 years we will see the disparity. Thus, we need to strongly consider how we as sportsmen and women hunt these areas. IDFG tries to preserve animals with permit reductions, season closures, etc. However, it is inevitable that you will find areas offering permits for animals that you and I as hunters should strongly consider how we hunt/harvest. Just because you have a tag for a doe or buck doesn’t mean you should fill it on a healthy doe or young buck… It is up to us to hold the line in some instances and teach others the same. Shooting a dry doe or old, saggy-eared, gray faced buck won’t affect numbers very much, it might even help. But shooting young bucks or a doe in her prime will have a noticeable impact on herd health in many areas throughout the state, especially over the next couple years. 

We will keep you posted as reports come in later in April. Right now we can hope and pray for a mild-ish spring and keep tabs on the SE Idaho units as snow melts off.

Photo Credit: Simon_Pixabay

California is a state of limited opportunities when it comes to species like pronghorn, elk and bighorn sheep.  Some of those opportunities are getting better and some are not.  

While some species aren’t doing so well in California (and in other states), the elk are doing well. Elk numbers are on the rise and California will be (hopefully) increasing opportunities for hunters. The proposals are not solidified as of now but soon we should know if the proposals will be adopted. The Commission should be voting on these proposals within the next few weeks.  

California is looking at adding numerous new elk hunting zones to increase opportunity throughout the state. They are also looking to add over 100 new elk tags. This will have an impact on not just the areas that will be newly open for elk hunting, but throughout the state. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is expecting this to help point creep on certain tags and spread-out applications for the current tags. This could mean improved draw odds for elk tags in California.  

While elk are doing well in California, the bighorn sheep are not in one of the Hunt Zones. Pneumonia has hammered one of the herds recently to go along with years of drought. This will result in some changes to tag allocation in one if not more Hunt Zones. California allocates tags as a representative of a population of rams in a herd. California allocates tags to harvest only 15 percent of mature rams in a herd population. So, if there are 33 mature rams in a herd, they will allow for 5 tags. If that mature ram number is cut significantly by pneumonia and drought, expect a significant reduction in tags. With that being said, look for some big changes to tags this year for bighorn sheep and for the coming seasons.

Keep an eye out for more on these species in the Eastmans’ Bowhunting Journal i137 and on Eastmans’ TagHub.

Wild duck has a more complex and gamy flavor compared to farm-raised duck. The meat is leaner and often darker in color, which contributes to its distinctive taste. Depending on the species of duck, the flavor can range from mild to quite robust. Wild duck typically has a rich, earthy, and slightly gamey flavor with a hint of sweetness. The meat ca...

Colorado Parks & Wildlife Commission Meeting, 15-16 March 2023

During today’s meeting in Aurora, the Colorado Parks & Wildlife Commission addressed many topics; to include Preference Point Banking, Group Averaging, and Big Game License Allocations. Prior to this meeting, CPW’s Staff conducted public outreach on these topics, which could be implemented as early as the 2024 big game hunting season. The results of the public comments gathered were: 

Staff Recommendations discussed during today’s meeting follow: 

–Based on the 2023 comment form results, 69% of resident hunters ranked status quo as their least preferred option, showing that residents want CPW to take some kind of additional action on license allocation. Furthermore, 86% of residents and 74% of non-residents ranked a 75/25 (R/NR) across-the-board allocation as either their first or second choice. 

Photo Credit: harrycollinsphotography

Results are now available for the Arizona mid-winter draw.

Results are only available through a portal account and can be found here: https://www.azgfd.com

Successful applicants who have been watching their checking accounts closely may have already noticed a charge from AZGFD for the amount of their tag. Now by logging in to the portal you can see full results including the tag and hunt numbers.

If you were one of the lucky applicants who now holds a coveted AZ tag you have already completed the hardest part of your quest. According to the department there were over 225,000 applicants for less than 25,000 permits. So at the macro level every tag holder had to beat out 8 competitors for a chance to pursue Grand Canyon state elk or goats in 2023.

Those fortunate enough to hold buck and bull tags are looking good. The state is experiencing tremendous winter moisture on the heels of an above average monsoon. This is good news for the author of this article and everyone else with a tag in their pocket.

photo credit: Christopher_Boswell

One of the best things about being a Wyoming resident is having the opportunity to speak your peace regarding wildlife management, especially hunting season dates and proposals. Well, for the next two weeks Wyoming residents get to do exactly that. 

I’ve posted the meeting dates and places below but for more information regarding proposed regulation changes follow this link https://wgfd.wyo.gov/Get-Involved/Public-Meetings

Keep in mind that our winter this year has been very hard on the animals we love and it’s up to us as stewards of both the wildlife and the land to make the right decisions and sometimes that means swallowing a tough choice like tag reductions or season dates being cut back. Any way you slice it Wyoming’s wildlife aren’t out of the woods yet as far as winter is concerned. 

Also, remember that if you cannot attend meetings in your area you can still weigh in online at the link above. 

Meeting Dates and Places

Photo Credit: Mike_Pixabay

Wyoming Pronghorn – Disease & Winter Mortality: Worth Applying? – Todd Helms

“This year, we are going to be at the lowest license issuance since I started tracking it in 1998,” Binfet said. “And it probably goes way beyond that.”

Wyoming is a notoriously harsh place to call home; drought ridden summers followed by extreme winters can make survival almost impossible for even the hardiest critters, like pronghorn. When you factor in disease outbreaks such as the most recent one south of Pindedale, which has claimed 200 pronghorn and counting, it simply stands to reason that tag numbers will be cut and hunting opportunities will be decreased, and rightly so.

This is the time of year when I’m helping folks make decisions on Wyoming applications, heck everyone one in our office does, but what I’ve been telling folks this year hasn’t been popular when it comes to “antelope”. Even my own dad was a bit incredulous about my application advice for speed goats in 2023. 

In short, buy points if you’re a non-resident. Most areas of the state are going to see more tag reductions and that means higher drawing odds and this year the trophy quality is more than likely not going to be worth the point spend in the best areas. Guy just finished up his Wyoming pronghorn analysis and it looks bleak. Taking his advice and going with what I’ve been observing, now is the time to bank points and wait for conditions to improve and antelope numbers to rebound. Remember, pronghorn do the bulk of their horn growing during the winter and when winters are harsh, like this one, they put more energy into survival than horn growth. 

Judging deer points involves evaluating the size, length, and symmetry of the antlers. Here are the steps to judge deer points: Count the number of points: This is the easiest way to judge deer points. Simply count the number of tines (points) on each antler.Look for length: The length of the main beams and tines are important factors in judging de...

The mountain west region of the United States is home to many stunning national parks. Here are some of the top national parks in this region: Yellowstone National Park - located primarily in Wyoming, but also extending into Montana and Idaho, Yellowstone is known for its geothermal features, wildlife, and stunning landscapes.Grand Teton National P...

Setting up a hunting blind can be a great way to improve your chances of success while hunting. Here are some general steps to help you set up a hunting blind: Choose a location: Look for a spot with good visibility and where you have seen or expect to see game. Make sure to check local hunting regulations to ensure that you are setting up in a leg...

Photo credit: WirestockMisdemeanor: Up to $1,000 fine, 0-6 months in jail, 0-3 years license revocationMandatory 1 year license revocationIdaho Code 36-1201(c) states: “License to be Carried and Exhibited on Request. Have the proper required license, temporary license, authorization number or other information required by rule, on his person at all times when hunting, fishing or trapping and produce the same for inspection upon request of a conservation officer or any other person authorized to enforce fish and game laws.” Idaho Code 36-401 states in part “No person shall hunt, trap, or fish for or take any wild animal, bird or fish of this state, without first having procured a license”

Idaho Code 36-1201(c) covers both your hunting license and tag. The part that covers the tag is the “other information required by rule”.  With this code, you are required to carry it “on your person” as opposed to “in your possession”.  This is specific for a reason. I can think of a bunch of scenarios where someone could get in hot water because of this code.  

I know a lot of people who carry their tag in their backpack and that has caused some problems for them. One situation I know of happened to a friend of mine. He used to keep his tags in his backpack lid.  Over the course of the season, he damaged his backpack and had to use his back up pack.  

When he swapped out his packs, he forgot to transfer over the license and tags. Long story short, he ended up killing a bull elk about five miles from the trailhead. He went to tag the bull and realized he did not have his license or tag with him. He did the right thing and called the Game Warden and told him what he did. This ownership of the error kept him from a citation.  

A more common situation I could see happening is still with people keeping their tags in their packs.  People often drop their packs on the mountain, when making the final stalk on an animal. If you forgot to grab your tag and license from your pack, you’d be in violation. Now let’s say that your stalk was successful, and you shoot a nice 165-inch muley. Well, under Idaho law, you could be charged with felony unlawful possession of a “trophy” mule deer because of the score and the misdemeanor violation of not having your license on your person. It’s a slippery slope when it comes to the application of some of these laws and you might not be charged that way, but you could.  

To stay out of these situations, I always keep my license and tags in my bino harness. That bino harness goes on whenever I am hunting, and it only comes off when I am done hunting, this way my tags and my license are always on my person.  

Photo Credit: wirestockc

The Utah legislature passed a bill on Wednesday that would radically change the rules on cougar hunting. HB 469 would make for an open season on cougars 365 days a year and you don’t need a tag, just a hunting license. As you can imagine critics are outraged by this bill that would basically treat a lion like a coyote. Utah currently has no shortage of coyotes. 

Anti-hunting groups claim this bill is not based around science or actual real numbers where proponents of the bill are more interested in saving Utah’s diminishing mule deer herd. Also attached with the bill are changes to the recent trail camera rules, outfitters, guides, and land acquisitions to ensure public access in the future. 

Faith Jolley of DWR said that “recent studies on select mule deer populations have indicated that cougars cause deer populations to fail to meet management objectives and increased harvest of cougars on those units has correlated with an increase in adult doe survival and growing the deer population”. She added that cougar numbers have increased over the past decade in the majority of Utah’s hunting areas. 

The Utah Houndsmen Association would like to see the bill struck down claiming that lions are needed for the ecosystem but the main concern is how the legislature circumvented to public process that’s been in place. The bill would go into effect May 3rd if signed into law by Governor Cox. 

Cougars on the Loose

Photo Credit: Aaron Brewer

Arizona Game and Fish has given a deadline of March 6 to update credit cards on file for their elk and antelope drawing.

Use the link below if you need to change the card on file for your application.

If past experience holds true, successful applicants may see a charge for the amount of their tag on their credit card statement as soon as Tuesday, March 7. So, make sure the information for the card used to complete your application is current and then start watching those online bank statements Tuesday. Draw results will then be available through portal accounts 1-2 weeks after cards are charged.

If you are lucky enough to be charged for a tag, tell us about it in the comments.

https://www.azgfd.com/march-6-deadline

Photo Credit: Pilens

It seems only a short while back I typed up a report on a poaching case with a father and son duo killing a sow grizzly and receiving their just penalty, for more on that story click here. This story seems much simpler and is a first time conviction for JT Johnson, who shot a cranker velvet buck during archery season with a rifle! But is it really more simple? 

We have seen time and time again that many trophy poachers are serial poachers. Of course we all want to hope for this lesson to be learned and that JT will take his five year hunting ban, pay his penalties and come away a changed man. I can say with confidence that many will hope and pray for this outcome. However, the premeditated plan to shoot and retrieve a large mule deer buck with a rifle during archery season is clearly a symptom showing a lack of fear of consequences and no respect for the animal or the sportsmen and sportswomen who legally hunt and pursue fair chase big game.  

My goal with writing these articles is to bring awareness of these issues along with other topics in hopes that sportsmen around the globe can continue to unite and in this case take a stand against unethical hunting practices. I don’t know JT Johnson personally, but I have read many reports about poaching cases over the years, nearly all of them uncovered a long history of poaching. Maybe in this case it was caught early and will be snuffed out. That we can hope for! Actively taking a stance for ethics starts with teaching and exemplifying them to those around us, young or old. The future of our heritage depends on it. Good luck in the draws. I hope you enjoy your prepping and planning season. 

The post Velvet Fever! Idaho Poacher Convicted appeared first on Eastmans' Official Blog | Mule Deer, Antelope, Elk Hunting and Bowhunting Magazine | Eastmans' Hunting Journals.

Well, we have gone from what I called, “a good old-fashioned winter” to a harsh winter over the past three or four weeks. With snow packs piling up and low temperature records being shattered, this winter in Wyoming has been one for the records books. 

The town of Pinedale has reported almost 60 straight days with a low temperature of below zero degrees fahrenheit. That has to be some kind of record. Earlier in January my personal weather station recorded a low, windchill temperature of -51, a personal record for me and certainly an extreme for my home in Park County, Wyoming. And have you seen the images of the snow drifts in the neighborhoods of Casper? Although alarming, they are impressive in a painful kind of way. It brings me back to my roof shoveling days as a kid in Jackson. 

As for the wildlife, nothing is known for sure at this point, other than the outlook does not look good. I have gotten reports of die offs in pretty heavy numbers in western and southern Wyoming: massive herds of antelope smashed by trains, elk and deer hung up in fences and trapped along the freeway and elk desperately trying to survive in neighborhoods and on golf courses around Jackson and Star Valley. The aftermath of this winter could be something to behold. So far, this winter has only been eclipsed by that of 1982 some are saying, and that was a bad one, unless you were an eleven-year-old skier. 

As for areas of relief, there aren’t many. The northwest corner of Park County, where I live, seems to be the lone standout for cold temperatures and right about 100% snowpack, leaving us with a winter that is just a tick worse than average. The rest of the state however is not as lucky by a long shot. 

Photo Credit: WildMediaSK

A pair of bills that deal with shed antler hunting season in Wyoming are getting closer to becoming law. The first one will prevent non-residents from shed hunting until one week after the season opens, giving residents a week-long head start. For example, if the shed hunting season opens on May 1 at 6 a.m. on public lands, non-residents will have to wait until May 8th and 6 a.m. until they can shed hunt in the state of Wyoming. This includes Jackson Hole. The point is to give residents a fair chance to get out over the course of a full weekend without the non-resident pressure. 

The second bill would require non-residents to purchase a conservation stamp to hunt antlers in the state of Wyoming as well. The license is valid for the entire year and would cost a non-resident $21.50. For reference, the average price of brown elk antler is $20 a pound. A medium sized 6-point bull elk antler weighs 5-6 lbs, so that antler is worth $100. In my mind a $21.50 conservation stamp is a small price to pay when you factor in the price of shed antlers.

Both these bills passed the Senate unanimously and they each have the support of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. There are still a few more votes that need to happen before these bills reach the Governor’s desk. 

What’s your take on this?  

https://www.wyomingpublicmedia.org