Montana Wolf Hunting and Trapping 2012 Results

State wildlife officials released today the results of the 2012-13 wolf hunting and trapping seasons, which saw a substantial jump in harvest over last year.

The wolf hunting and trapping seasons ended with a total harvest of 225 wolves, 36 percent more than last season. Hunters took 128 wolves and trappers 97. The hunting season ran 181 days from Sept. 1, 2012 through Feb. 28, and the 76-day trapping season opened Dec. 15, 2012 and closed Feb. 28.

"We're generally pleased with these results," said Jeff Hagener, director of Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks in Helena. "The overall harvest of 225 wolves this season is higher than last year and reflects the more liberal harvest opportunities that were added for 2012. The effectiveness of hunters and now trappers together continues to grow."

In all, 84 wolves were taken between Sept. 1, 2012 and the end of Montana’s general big game hunting season, which closed Nov. 25, 2012. Sixty four of the 84 wolves taken before November 25 were opportunistically taken by hunters who were in the field hunting other species. The majority of the harvest, however, took place after the general hunting season by hunters and trappers who were exclusively seeking wolves. During Montana’s first wolf hunting season in 2009, the opportunistic harvest was almost 80 percent.

"The best news is that hunters and trappers, the core of Montana's wildlife conservation program, are helping us manage Montana’s most recently recovered native species," Hagener said. "

A total of 18,642 wolf hunting licenses were purchased for the past season—246 by nonresidents. Most successful wolf hunters were Montana residents who harvested 222 wolves.
Additionally, more than 2,500 prospective wolf trappers participated in mandatory educational certification classes held by FWP last fall. About 1,500 of the certified trappers purchased trapping licenses.

Reflecting the increasingly liberal harvest opportunities over the last three wolf hunting seasons, Montana's 2012-13 wolf harvest of 225 wolves was up significantly over the 2009 and 2011 seasons. Court challenges barred Montana's hunting season in 2010.

Hagener stressed that even with this season's hunting and trapping success—and an additional 104 depredating wolves removed from the population as a result of more than 70 control actions—Montana's wolf population remains robust. With more than 650 wolves reported at the end of 2011, when the 2012 season was adopted, population data indicated a harvest of nearly 400 wolves would be required to reduce the minimum population below 500.

"We need to achieve a reduction" Hagener said. "Montana has made room for wolves, we are long past the period of recovering wolves, and we are committed to managing for a recovered population. We also need to remember it is FWP’s responsibility to manage with an eye to how all of our special wild resources affect each other and address issues such as public tolerance, including that of landowners. That is what we continually hear the public asking us to do. FWP is working to manage wolf numbers and will continue to use reasonable tools to maximize harvest opportunities."

Wildlife managers are now compiling Montana’s 2012 wolf population data and FWP’s wolf report will be complete in late March. Montana’s wolf advisory council, which was originally convened in 2006 to assist with the development of Montana’s Wolf Management Plan, will be reconvened following completion of the annual report. The intent, according to Hagener, is to check in with the broad spectrum of interests included on the original council to again discuss issues associated with Montana’s evolving management of wolves.
New Wolf Management Law Adds Management Tools

Hagener noted that FWP sought and received from the 2013 Montana Legislature additional tools to increase the wolf harvest in the future. The wolf management bill—sponsored by State Representatives Kelly Flynn (R-Townsend) and Ted Washburn (R- Bozeman)—won swift and overwhelming bipartisan legislative support and was signed into law on Feb. 13 by Gov. Steve Bullock.

The new law immediately allowed hunters to purchase up to three wolf licenses and lowered the price of a nonresident wolf license from $350 to $50. The new law also allows for wolf hunters to use their license 24 hours after purchase, instead of after a five-day wait; authorizes the use of electronic calls; and removes the requirement for wolf hunters to wear hunter-orange clothing after the general deer and elk hunting seasons have ended.

Montana’s recently passed wolf management legislation allows FWP to close areas near national parks only if established wolf harvest quotas are reached. In signing the legislation, Gov. Bullock asked FWP to ramp up educational efforts aimed at averting the harvest of collared and heavily studied wolves near national parks.

Wolf Harvest Geography
More than half of the total 2012-13 wolf harvest, or about 51 percent, occurred on public lands. The top three counties for wolf harvest were Lincoln with 38, followed by Park with 24, and Missoula with 22. In all, the harvest was well distributed across the areas of Montana inhabited by wolves.

For more information, visit FWP’s website at fwp.mt.gov. Click "Montana Wolf Hunt."

Nebraska 2012 Deer Harvest Down

LINCOLN, Neb. - Drought and an outbreak of epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) in 2012 caused significant reductions in whitetail deer populations, permit sales and harvest.

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission responded to the outbreak in October by reducing antlerless permit quotas and hunters responded by purchasing fewer permits and harvesting fewer deer.

Deer permit sales in 2012 declined 13 percent to 122,214. Total deer harvest fell 30 percent to 60,548. The whitetail buck harvest fell 29 percent to 26,309; whitetail antlerless harvest dropped 36 percent to 24,974; mule deer buck harvest declined 3 percent to 7,325; and the mule deer antlerless harvest fell 8 percent to 1,940.

"Mule deer were less affected by EHD, but there has been significant mortality due to meningeal worms over the past five years," said Kit Hams, Game and Parks' big game program manager.

Whitetail buck harvest declined 50 percent in the Calamus West and Loup West units in 2012, 35 percent in Calamus East, Elkhorn, Keya Paha, Loup East, Missouri and Wahoo units, and 25 percent in all other units, except the Frenchman, which was down 8 percent. Whitetail buck harvest also decreased on the following permits: Landowner (41 percent), Youth (37 percent), Archery (36 percent) and Muzzleloader (32 percent).

"Statewide mule deer and whitetail populations are similar to population numbers of 10 years ago," Hams said. "Most herds will recover over the next four or five years. Loss of habitat due to drought, increased corn and bean production, and a goal to keep deer populations at a level acceptable to most landowners will likely keep deer numbers well below those seen the past few years."

The Nebraska Game and Parks Board of Commissioners will consider deer and other big game recommendations for 2013 at a meeting March 8 in Kearney. The deer season recommendations are designed to allow for controlled herd growth in most areas of the state. Staff recommends a reduction of approximately 4,000 deer permits and 86,000 bonus antlerless deer tags.

To view the recommendations, visit: http://www.sos.ne.gov/dyindex.html.
Contact: Jerry Kane (402) 471-5008 or jerry.kane@nebraska.gov

Disabled Veterans Receive Free Hunting and Fishing Licenses

The Department of Natural Resources is reminding Michigan resident disabled veteran hunters and anglers that they can obtain free hunting and fishing licenses at their favorite retail agent or online at www.mdnr-elicense.com beginning today. House Bill 5292, signed into law by Gov. Rick Snyder, allows a disabled veteran to obtain any resident hunting or fishing license for which a lottery is not required, free of charge. The veteran will be required to provide proof of eligibility at the time of purchase and carry this proof when using any license obtained under this legislation. The law defines "disabled veteran" as a resident who either: has been determined by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to be permanently and totally disabled as a result of military service and entitled to veterans' benefits at the 100-percent rate, for a disability other than blindness; or is rated by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs as individually unemployable. Licenses will be available at the agents and online at the same time that the regularly priced items go on sale throughout the year. Some licenses become available for sale later in the year depending on the sporting season openers and leftover or over-the-counter quantities. Legally blind anglers who are not disabled veterans can still receive their fishing licenses at the senior rates. For more information about Michigan hunting and fishing licenses, visit www.mdnr-elicense.com. 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.

Anticipation for Western Canada's Largest Outdoor Show Builds

The 2013 Edmonton Boat and Sportsmen’s Show will kick off at 12:00 noon on Thursday, March 14^th and run through until 5:00 pm on Sunday, March 17^th. Western Canada’s Biggest Outdoor Show takes place at the Expo Centre, Northlands and will feature boats, marine products and accessories valued at over $20 million.
 
This year, the Hunting Seminar Stage and Fishing Presentation Pool will play host to some of the best known outdoorsmen and women in Canada including:
 
Brad Fenson, an avid outdoorsman who travels extensively throughout Canada and the U.S. on various hunting and fishing adventures each year.  Brad’s writing and photographs have appeared in over 65 publications in North America.  He is a regular columnist in Alberta Outdoorsman, Wildfowl, The Outdoor Edge, and Field & Stream magazines.  Field testing rifles, shotguns, muzzleloaders, archery products, ammunition, optics, and gear has provided him with a broad knowledge base for modern sporting equipment. This helps him learn new techniques and strategies to increase his knowledge as a hunter and angler, which he is then eager to pass on to readers and viewers.
 
Chris David is the host of “The Hunting Chronicles”.  Aside from his TV show, Chris has been an active and successful outfitter in the Hinton area for over 12 years.  He has been fortunate enough to harvest numerous Boone & Crockett and Pope & Young animals.  He volunteers time each summer to teaching kids the basics of archery through his local Fish & Game Association.  Chris was the 2011 Impact Award winner at Wild TV’s Grizzly Awards. It is presented to the person who has made a significant impact in the Canadian Hunting Television Industry.
 
Cody Robbins has been an avid hunter and bow hunter since he was 11 years old.  His interest in cinematography began as a hobby and progressed to new heights when he was asked to film for Jim Shockey’s Hunting Adventures.  Cody has travelled extensively in search of new hunting adventures and guides Moose, Grizzly and Caribou in the Yukon.  Cody’s camera work has netted him some extremely prestigious awards including The Golden Moose Award for “Best Camera Work” and The Outdoor Writers of Canada Aware for “Best Television Show.”  
 
One of Canada’s largest waterfowl outfitters, Claudio Ongaro dedicates much of his time to this endeavor and in the off season, he outfits for trophy White Tail and Mule Deer.  Claudio recently launched his own YouTube Channel “A Guide’s Life”, which portrays life as a guide, bringing viewers the action as it happens.  The videos currently have well over 3.3 million views.  An avid outdoorsman and Shimano Field Staff status holder since 1990, Claudio has competed aggressively as a Walleye tournament angler and holds the 1993 Alberta Top overall Team of the Year.  In recent years he has returned to the tournament circuit finishing 2^nd and 1^st in the 2009 Anglers Cup and the Faust Walleye Tournament respectively. Claudio writes the Seasonal Targets column in Alberta Outdoorsmen Magazine and in 2011 was named one of Cabela’s Pro-Staff.  He feels truly honored and privileged to be a member of this prestigious group of Outdoor Professionals.
 
Richard Mellon’s interest in the outdoors began at an early age.  Growing up in Northern Alberta; where hunting and fishing was a way of life.  He is co-host and Executive Producer of Outdoor Quest TV; Canada’s longest running hunting show, now in its 13^th season. Rich is a well-known firearm and reloading expert with an affinity for long range shooting and accurate rifles are what set him apart.  When he isn’t honing his skills on the range, he is an active Outdoor Writer specializing in guns and ballistics.

One of Canada’s premiere women hunters is Sandi Mellon.  Her love of the outdoors has taken her across North American, New Zealand and Africa.  She spends much of her time promoting women and families in the outdoors.  Sandi’s interests are varied, but her love of outdoor gear has become a personal passion and she taken it upon herself to put them all through their paces.

T.J. Schwanky believes in challenging himself every day and that spirit is exemplified in his hunting and fishing adventures.  He has taken three of North America’s four mountain sheep species and travelled to Asia last year to hunt the king of all sheep, the Marco Polo.  Schwanky is recognized as one of North America’s mountain hunting experts and is obsessed with finding gear that will allow him to push further in search of his next adventure.  T.J. was one of the pioneers on the walleye tournament circuit in Canada and authored the award-winning book, Walleye Across the West.  In addition to his passion for walleye, T.J. is equally at home in the mountains with a fly rod in hand.

Vanessa Harrop is relatively new to hunting, but in eight short years her quest has taken her across North America, Africa, New Zealand and Argentina in search of big game.  Most recently she took a 7 foot Grizzly bear at just 9 yards in the Yukon.  Vanessa is the ultimate gear junky, who is continually searching and testing items to assist in her adventures.  Vanessa is also the editor of “Inside Outdoors” for the Outdoor Writers of Canada.

“Both our Fishing  Presentation Pool and Hunting Seminar Stage will be a bevy of activity throughout the weekend,” says Laurie Paetz, Show Manager, “We have secured an impressive roster of Canadian outdoorsmen and women to conduct seminars on a wide variety of hunting and fishing topics.  Their presentations are sure to be both informative and entertaining.”

The Fishin’ Hole’s 35 Hour Fish-Tacular is a great opportunity to stock up and save on all your outdoor needs for the upcoming season, where many products will be offered at “show special” pricing.

Some of the other features that you should be sure and take in are the Trigger X Kid’s Fishing Pond, The Honda Junior Red Rider Club, the AHEIA hands on displays and simulators, and the Alberta Birds of Prey presentations, and the Retriever Dog Trial demonstrations. The Outdoor Travel and Tourism area is a must stop for anyone who is considering taking a fishing, hunting or outdoor adventure trip.   There is so much to see and do, you will want to spend the whole day at the Show.

This year’s Edmonton Show provides a unique opportunity to meet Willie and Korie Robertson, stars of A&E’s Duck Dynasty on Friday, March 15^th only.  There will be meet and greet sessions along with a question and answer sessions.  In addition to the stars of Duck Dynasty, you can also meet Alex Debogorski from History Channels “Ice Road Truckers” in the Northwest Territories booth and Terry Grant “The Real Mantracker” will be signing his new book “The Ultimate Guide to Tracking Man or Beast” in the AHEIA booth throughout the weekend.

Enter to win the Show’s Grand Prize a 2013 Kawasaki KVF360 ATV valued at $8650, provided by Canadian Kawasaki and Echo Cycle.

For further information including Show hours, ticket prices, features, and a list of exhibitors please visit www.sportshows.ca or become part of the Edmonton Boat and Sportsmen’s Show’s online community by liking us on Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/edmontonboatandsportsmensshow?sk=wall. Advance tickets are available at http://www.ticketmaster.ca/Edmonton-Boat-and-Sportsmens-Show-tickets/artist/1536080

DID YOU KNOW:

As a nonprofit Corporation, Canadian National Sportsmen’s Shows is committed to conserving Canada’s Great Outdoors and instilling Canadian youth with an appreciation for nature and outdoor activity.  CNSS uses the proceeds from these Shows to support and promote outdoor campaigns in Canada.  Since the first Show in 1948, more than $32,000,000.00 has been donated.

For Further Information Contact:
Show Manager
Laurie Paetz                                                                                                                     
Canadian National Sportsmen’s Shows                                                                
paetz@sportshows.ca                                                                                                 
Office:  (403) 245-9008                                                                                                 
Cell:  (403) 888-6583
Show Publicist
Jackie Jackson
jjregency@shaw.ca
Office:  (403) 238-3309
Cell:  (403) 614-6697