Vermont Moose Hunters Had a Successful Season

Vermont moose hunters had a successful hunting season according to the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department. An archery moose hunt was held October 1-7, and the regular moose hunting season was October 19-24.

“A preliminary count shows that by November 6, the department had received official reports of 23 moose being taken by 50 hunters in the archery season, and 197 moose taken by 362 hunters in the regular season,” said Cedric Alexander, Vermont’s moose project leader. A few additional reports may still be sent in from other reporting agents.

“Vermont’s moose population is being managed scientifically, according to a plan developed on sound wildlife biology and input from the public,” said Alexander. “The overall hunter success rate was up slightly from last year, due, in part, to colder weather stimulating moose activity near the end of the season.”

“The number of ticks found on moose brought in to the Island Pond check station was higher than at any other check station. The tick data will be analyzed further and compared to results from New Hampshire and Maine.”

This was Vermont’s 21st moose hunting season in modern times, the first occurring in 1993 when 30 permits were issued and 25 moose were taken by hunters.

A final report on Vermont’s moose hunting season will be available in January when all of the 2013 data have been received and reviewed.

Michigan conservation officers offer top 10 tips for a safe hunting experience

With Michigan's rich tradition of fall hunting getting under way, conservation officers at the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) have offered their top 10 tips for a safe outdoor experience.

"Hunting in Michigan is a time-honored activity, rich in tradition, when families and friends come together to enjoy our great outdoors," said Lt. Andrew Turner, who leads the DNR's Recreation, Safety and Enforcement Section for the Law Enforcement Division. "Making your hunt a safe and responsible experience is key to having an enjoyable and memorable time. By following these safety tips, hunters can help us all have a good season."

Turner said the top 10 safety tips for hunters to remember are:

1. Treat every firearm as if it is loaded.
2. Always point the muzzle in a safe direction.
3. Be certain of your target, and what's beyond it, before firing. Know the identifying features of the game you hunt. Make sure you have an adequate backstop; don't shoot at a flat, hard surface or water.
4. Keep your finger outside the trigger guard and off the trigger until ready to shoot.
5. Don't run, jump or climb with a loaded firearm. Unload a firearm before you climb a fence or tree, or jump a ditch. Pull a firearm toward you by the butt, not the muzzle.
6. Avoid alcoholic beverages before or during hunting. Also avoid mind- or behavior-altering medicines or drugs.
7. All firearm deer hunters on any land during daylight hunting hours must wear a hat, cap, vest, jacket, rainwear or other outer garment of "hunter orange" visible from all sides. All hunters, including archers, must comply during gun season.
8. Camouflage hunter orange is legal, provided 50 percent of the surface area is solid hunter orange. (Exceptions: waterfowl, crow and wild turkey hunters, and bow hunters for deer during bow season).
9. Always let someone know where you are hunting and when you plan on returning. This information helps conservation officers and others locate you if you get lost.
10. Carry your cellphone into the woods. Remember to turn your ringer off or set your phone to vibrate rather than ring. Your cellphone emits a signal that can help rescuers locate you when you are lost. If you have a smartphone, go to the settings and enable your GPS to help searchers find you if you get lost. Make sure before you leave for the woods each day that your phone is fully charged. If you have a smartphone, download a compass and flashlight app - there are many versions of these apps that are free to download in the iPhone App Store or on Google Play for Android.

"These simple, common sense tips can prevent hunting accidents and save lives," said Turner. "We encourage all sportsmen and women to follow these guidelines when enjoying the great outdoors in our state."

Michigan's regular deer firearm season starts Nov. 15. For more information about hunting in Michigan, visit the DNR websitewww.michigan.gov/hunting.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state's natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.

Deer Attractants In IN: Legal To Buy But Not For Use In Hunting

The Department of Natural Resources is reminding Indiana hunters that even though deer attractants found at retail stores can be purchased and used in the wild, hunting near them is illegal.

They are considered bait.

Indiana regulations prohibit the hunting of deer with the use or aid of bait, which is defined as “a food that is transported and placed for consumption, including, but not limited to, piles of corn and apples placed in the field; a prepared solid or liquid that is manufactured and intended for consumption by livestock or wild deer, including, but not limited to, commercial baits and food supplements; salt; or mineral supplements.”

This includes artificial products marketed under names such as Deer Co-Cain, Buck Jam, Trophy Rock, as well as mineral blocks, salt blocks, and even natural foods such as corn and apples.

“Basically, if you place anything that isn't grown in the area and hunt there, it's illegal,” said Lt. Larry Morrison, outdoor education director for DNR Law Enforcement. “Hunting next to a corn field or from an apple tree is legal, but placing corn or apples under your tree stand would put you in conflict with current Indiana law.”

An area is considered baited for 10 days after the product and the affected soil is removed from an area.

Odor differs from bait. Cover scents or scent attractants are legal to use when hunting.

Archery season currently is underway in Indiana and continues through Jan. 5, 2014. The urban zone segment in designated areas continues through Jan. 31, 2014.

The most popular segment of Indiana’s deer hunting season – firearms – begins Nov. 16 and ends Dec. 1, followed by the muzzleloader season (Dec. 7-22) and the special antlerless season (Dec. 26-Jan. 5, 2014).

A violation of Indiana’s no baiting regulation is a Class C misdemeanor.

Contact Information:
Name: Lt. William Browne
Phone: (765) 509-0207
Email: dnrnews@dnr.in.gov

A Few Wonderful Wildlife Photos from Waldo

My cousin recently got back from the Camino de Santiago and began to do something he has always been passionate about...photography. He's been selling prints for several years, but hasn't had the time to take photography serious from a business perspective. Well, he finally has a little capital built up to have some fun with it so Waldo Photography is now live. He will be heading to Africa next month and having just returned from Spain, it truly is like "Where is Waldo" for his family and friends.

His site is live and has a few kinks that he will be working out shortly. Stop by and enjoy his passion and while your there let him know you appreciate him capturing scenes most people don't ever get a chance to enjoy.