Texas Expands Use of Suppressors for Hunting of Non-exotic Game

Officials in Texas have adopted rules allowing hunters to use suppressors (often called silencers) on their firearms effective September 1, 2012. Texas has now become one of a growing number of states that allow or are considering allowing suppressed hunting. Arizona just enacted permission for their use in March of 2012.

Interested sportsmen and women will still have to apply for specific permits for hunting with suppressors in addition to going through the BATFE’s process of acquiring the actual hardware. Suppressors may be used for the hunting of alligators, game animals or game birds. Prior to the ruling, only hunting exotic animals and feral hogs with suppressed firearms was allowed.

Joshua Waldron of Silencerco, a suppressor manufacturer, said suppressors are an advantage to hunters’ safety in an interview with CW33.

“A lot of people will put hearing protection on to protect their ears, but then they can’t hear their surroundings. … that’s actually dangerous when you’re hunting, to not be able to hear, you know, other hunters.”

Earl Ates, lifelong National Rifle Association member and hunter in Longview, has doubts about the benefits of silent hunters. He is worried that they will be used for illegal activities including poaching.

Statesman.com Commentator Mike Leggett also has his own undecided views on suppressors. In an article titled Should we care whether hunters can use silencers on their guns?, he says, “none of the silencers I’m familiar with are totally silent. And all of them compromise the speed and power of the bullet,” supporting the notion that suppressors are not simply illegal activity-enabling devices.

Leggett states that most people wouldn’t use suppressors for game birds, such as quail, but that these suppressors will mainly be used for deer. Leggett also points out that for many hunters, using suppressors may not be a very prudent economical choice.

“First, you’ll have to have a federal firearms license, which costs $200. Then you’ll need the rifle — which most of the time will be a military style, semi-auto selling for up to $1,500 — and the silencer/suppressor, which is going to be about $400. That’s more than $2,000 just to start.

Then, to make the gun really quiet, you’ll need hand-loaded, sub-sonic ammunition that costs more than $50 a box in .308 or .223.”

Be it as it is, hunters in Texas now have the option to hunt a little more quietly and will be able to use them as soon as September 1.

The following video is from Connect Amarillo, published on March 8, when legislation was still pending. Here is what citizens on both side of the story had to say:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BgJD1YftNP8

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - Texas Expands Use of Suppressors for Hunting of Non-exotic Game

Is it Legal to Hunt Bigfoot?

Cryptomundo reader John Lloyd Scharf was wondering just that. His curiosity led him to send a letter to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) asking whether it is legal to kill Bigfoot in the state if one should chance upon him. The TPWD Chief of Staff Lt. David Sinclair replied that because an indigenous cryptid is not listed as a game animal, it would be legal.

So when Texas hunters’ tags are all filled, they can still go hunting for the elusive Bigfoot. As long as a hunter is hunting on private property with landowner consent, there is no bag limit or no possession limit and no season (meaning hunting is allowed year-round) for hunting a non-protected, non-game animal, which includes Bigfoot.

This is the response from Lt. Sinclair to Scharf:

Mr. Scharf:

The statute that you cite (Section 61.021) refers only to game birds, game animals, fish, marine animals or other aquatic life. Generally speaking, other nongame wildlife is listed in Chapter 67 (nongame and threatened species) and Chapter 68 (nongame endangered species). “Nongame” means those species of vertebrate and invertebrate wildlife indigenous to Texas that are not classified as game animals, game birds, game fish, fur-bearing animals, endangered species, alligators, marine penaeid shrimp, or oysters. The Parks and Wildlife Commission may adopt regulations to allow a person to take, possess, buy, sell, transport, import, export or propagate nongame wildlife. If the Commission does not specifically list an indigenous, nongame species, then the species is considered non-protected nongame wildlife, e.g., coyote, bobcat, mountain lion, cotton-tailed rabbit, etc. A non-protected nongame animal may be hunted on private property with landowner consent by any means, at any time and there is no bag limit or possession limit.

An exotic animal is an animal that is non-indigenous to Texas. Unless the exotic is an endangered species then exotics may be hunted on private property with landowner consent. A hunting license is required. This does not include the dangerous wild animals that have been held in captivity and released for the purpose of hunting, which is commonly referred to as a “canned hunt”.

If you have any questions, please contact Assistant Chief Scott Vaca. I have included his e-mail address. I will be out of the office and in Houston on Friday.

Best,

L. David Sinclair
Chief of Staff – Division Director I

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
Law Enforcement Division
4200 Smith School Road
Austin, TX 78744

Office 512.389.4854
Cell 512.971.2668
Fax 512.389.8400
“Texas Game Wardens Serving Texans Since 1895-Law Enforcement Off the Pavement”

 

From: Peter Flores
Sent: Thursday, May 03, 2012 5:59 PM
To: David Sinclair
Subject: Fw: TAKING WILDLIFE RESOURCES PROHIBITED

Please respond.

Pf

Unfortunately for Texans, Bigfoot is purported to inhabit forests in the Pacific Northwest of America in places such as California, Oregon and Washington, though that doesn’t mean he can’t migrate south, of course.

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - Is it Legal to Hunt Bigfoot?

NRA Saying Goodbye to St. Louis

St. Louis, Missouri - And just like that, it the weekend is over. Building since Thursday until reaching a fever pitch Saturday night with the Celebration of American Values Freedom Experience, this year’s 141st Annual Meeting in St. Louis is sure to be a memorable one.

Between the National NRA Foundation’s Banquet & Auction, Celebration of American Values Leadership Forum, Annual Meeting of Members, NRA Country Jam II and so much more, there was something for everyone.

Last time we came to the Gateway to the West a new attendance record was set. While full attendance figures have not yet been tallied, it was no doubt a massive weekend in both turnout and entertainment.

One of an Annual Meeting’s biggest draws is the exhibit hall where the industry’s top companies show off their new firearms, ammunition, accessories, hunts and more. This year’s experience was no different, featuring over 500 of the top names in almost eight acres of space.

From the moment it opened its doors at 9:00 AM on Friday until they were closed at 5:00 PM on Sunday, the exhibit hall was packed with attendees eager to poke, prod, and eye the latest and greatest.

Once Annual Meeting had officially ended, though, the exhibit hall began to disappear almost as quickly as it had popped up. Forklifts, crates, and cases of all sizes sprouted up around the giant hall and were soon packed up with the eye-catching booths we had seen throughout the weekend. Some were going home, others to new shows, but they all left with fond memories of St. Louis.

As you left the main doors of America’s Center Convention Complex, maybe you noticed our large banner that said “See you next year!” when we’ll do it all over again, this time in Houston, for the 142nd NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits.

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - NRA Saying Goodbye to St. Louis

Texas PW Commission Looks to Science for Solution to Quail Woes

Texas quail hunters should not expect substantive changes for the 2012-13 season after the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission urged biologists to intensify quail conservation efforts, while minimizing the use of regulations as a means to address declining bobwhite populations.

“We don’t see regulations as a defining tool to deal with the bigger, long term issues facing quail in Texas,” said commission Chairman T. Dan Friedkin. “Quail conservation is a critically important issue and one that the department will continue to emphasize and invest resources in, but it’s not a simple regulatory issue.”

The chairman did not rule out the possibility of a regionally-zoned approach to quail seasons based on scientific justifications. The commission will discuss a proposed framework for the 2012-13 quail season at its May 23 public hearing and following the public comment period, render a final decision in August.

The commission signal to forego any major restructuring of the quail season for this year comes after careful deliberation of scientific studies and input from some of the nation’s renowned bobwhite researchers. These scientists met in Austin recently to discuss the relationship between harvest regulations and population trends for quail. The group concluded that harvest regulations have little effect on quail population trends overall and that quail have been in decline over the long term due to losses in the quantity and quality of suitable habitat.

“Hunting did not cause quail declines,” Robert Perez, upland game bird program leader for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, told commissioners. “Responding to annual variation in quail abundance gives the impression that populations can be influenced by regulatory changes when, in fact, weather and habitat are the driving forces.”

The commission directed TPWD staff to redouble habitat management efforts using proven strategies and to continue to support habitat-based research. Specifically, TPWD should direct resources to development of focus areas that demonstrate successful quail restoration. These approaches are all part of TPWD’s Upland Game Bird Strategic Plan which lays the groundwork for ongoing and future game bird conservation and management.

A focus area is generally larger than a county but smaller than an ecoregion with a boundary determined by opportunity, habitat potential and landowner and partner interest and participation. An example of a focus area is the Wildlife Habitat Federation site in South Central Texas where prairie grassland habitat restoration has been under way since 2004. Other potential sites have been identified through the Oaks and Prairies Joint Venture, a multi-state, federal conservation partnership focused on priority grassland birds.

A recent survey of states within the bobwhite range reported an interest in enhancing population monitoring efforts at the “focus area” scale, to measure the impacts of habitat manipulation and develop models that can be reproduced in other areas with restoration potential. This is becoming the national model for bobwhite quail conservation.

“Bobwhites respond to habitat improvements when they occur at a scale that can support a viable population,” Perez noted. “When neighbors work together along with partners, quail can begin to recover. We need to demonstrate and document success at the focus area scale and encourage more folks to help old bob.”

Much of the research and demonstration site work with bobwhite in Texas is funded with money generated by the Upland Game Bird Stamp program and matching grants through the federal Wildlife Restoration Program, celebrating its 75^th anniversary this year. The funds allow TPWD’s wildlife biologists to offer many services, including technical guidance to private landowners, surveys and research for development of hunting regulations, operation and management of Wildlife Management Areas in Texas, and research to develop techniques for managing wildlife populations and wildlife.

By law, Wildlife Restoration funding is limited to wildlife management, related public use, and hunter education. Funds collected from federal excise taxes paid by manufacturers (an 11% excise tax on sporting rifles, shotguns, ammunition, and archery equipment and a 10% tax on handguns) are distributed to states based on number of hunters and land area. Texas receives the maximum distribution allowable under the program, about $17.6 million in 2011.

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - Texas PW Commission Looks to Science for Solution to Quail Woes

Texas PWD Opens Deer Season in Metro Dallas Counties, Approves Silencers

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission approved opening a hunting season for deer in Dallas, Collin, Rockwall and Galveston counties as part of changes to the 2012-13 Statewide Hunting Proclamation.

Under the new regulations, the current season structure in Grayson County will be altered to allow full-season, either-sex whitetail harvest. The amended Grayson County archery-only deer season structure will also be implemented in Dallas, Collin, and Rockwall counties. In addition, the Commission approved implementing the current Harris County season structure in Galveston County.

The deer season in Collin and Rockwall counties has been closed since 1976 after agricultural development had virtually eliminated deer habitat. Since that time, agriculture has been gradually displaced by the extensive urban, suburban, and exurban growth of the Metroplex, which has resulted in highly fragmented habitat and minimal populations of white-tailed deer, mostly in riparian areas surrounding lakes and streams.

The Commission also adopted rules permitting the use of firearm silencers for the take of alligators, game animals or game birds.

“These devices are already legal for hunting exotic animals, including feral hogs, and there is no resource- or enforcement-related reason to prohibit these devices for hunting alligators, game animals or game birds,” said Scott Vaca, TPWD Assistant Chief of Wildlife Enforcement.

The regulation change does not relieve any person of the obligation to comply with applicable federal, state, or local law governing the possession or use of firearm silencers. Firearms silencers are regulated under the National Firearms Act. They are legal for individuals to possess and use for lawful purposes in 39 states, including Texas. However, a prospective user must go through an application process administered by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), which requires a Federal tax payment of $200 and a thorough criminal background check.

The Commission has also decided to close the pheasant hunting season in all counties along the upper Texas coast. In 1976 the department stocked pheasant in seven counties along the upper coast in an effort to create hunting opportunity. By 2002, surveys indicated no pheasant populations in four of those counties, and the seasons in those counties were closed. Surveys now indicate that there are no pheasants remaining in Chambers, Jefferson, or Liberty counties, either.

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - Texas PWD Opens Deer Season in Metro Dallas Counties, Approves Silencers

Texas Hunting Accidents Drop to Record Low

The number of Texas hunting accidents in 2011 declined to the lowest since statistical records began in 1966, according to a new report by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. The number of people injured in hunting accidents in Texas fell from 25 in 2010 to 23 in 2011, and fatalities also declined from four to two during the same period.

More important than the annual dips and peaks, however, is the long-term trend continues to track downward.

“The statistics show hunting is safe and getting safer in Texas,” said Terry Erwin, TPWD hunter education coordinator. “And we do believe that is directly related to hunter education.”

The steady decline in the number of accidents tracks the growing number of people who take hunter education in Texas. In 1972, 2,119 people were certified in hunter education. In 2011, more than 3,000 volunteer hunter education instructors trained 43,645 hunters across the state.

The state’s worst year on record for hunting accidents was 1968, when 105 accidents were reported, including 37 fatalities. In 1988, hunter education became mandatory in Texas for anyone born on or after Sept. 2, 1971.

According to Erwin, most accidents are preventable if hunters follow basic safety principles like those taught in hunter education courses.

“You know you’re not going to stop accidents altogether,” he said. “But you’re going to help people build knowledge and skills to avoid accidents. It’s things like the ‘10 Commandments of Shooting Safety,’ the very basic safety principles that are promoted a whole lot more now than 30 or even 20 years ago.”

Erwin said the significant factors behind most hunting accidents have not changed much in recent years. “Swinging on game outside a safe fire zone remains the number one cause of hunting accidents in Texas,” he noted.

This happens when a person points a firearm at another hunter while following a moving target, such as a flying game bird. Hunter education teaches people to set up safe zones of fire where a gun can be safely pointed whether the target is moving or stationary.

Careless firearm handling remains another primary factor in many accidents.

“Careless handling incidents almost always involve three factors: pointing a loaded firearm muzzle at yourself or someone else with the safety off and with your finger inside the trigger guard,” Erwin explained. Hunter education courses teach ways to safely handle firearms, including how to carry them in the field and pass them from one person to another.

Last year’s statistics showed a decline in accidents among those under the age of 40, and a significant increase among hunters over 40. Although hunter education in Texas is not mandatory for those born before Sept. 1, 1971, it is encouraged for even the most seasoned shooters and hunters and is a requirement of anyone hunting in some states.

The complete 2011 Hunting Accident Report is available online at http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/publications/pwdpubs/media/pwd_rp_k0700_1124_2011.pdf .

Texans have several options available for fulfilling hunter education requirements, including the traditional two-day, 10-hour classroom environment, two free online courses, including courses in Spanish or three optional fee-associated online courses. For more information and to find a hunter education course near you, visit http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/learning/hunter_education/ or call 512-389-4999.

The hunter education course is a minimum 10-hour class over two days that teaches hunting safety, modern and primitive sporting arms, wildlife conservation, management, game laws, outdoor skills and responsibility. When the course is completed, the certification card is good for life and is honored by all states, Mexico, and all Canadian provinces that require hunter education. Proof of certification, which includes the card or the hunter education certification number printed on the hunting license, must be carried at all times while hunting.

Hunters ages 9–16 must either pass the course or be accompanied by a person who is at least 17 or older licensed to hunt in Texas who has had hunter education or is exempt. Hunters younger than age 9 may take the course but they will not be certified and must be accompanied by a person licensed to hunt in Texas who is at least age 17 or older who has had hunter education or is exempt. Accompanied means within normal voice control and preferably within arm’s length.

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - Texas Hunting Accidents Drop to Record Low

Texas Prepares for CWD Possibility in Far West Texas

The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (NMDGF) has informed Texas officials that three mule deer harvested a few miles from the Texas border last hunting season have tested positive for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD).

The deer were harvested in the Hueco Mountains, which extend into Texas northeast of El Paso in Hudspeth County. New Mexico has been monitoring annually for CWD since it was first discovered 10 years ago and this event is the closest to Texas that the disease has been detected. Texas also has had an active CWD-surveillance program for the past decade, and CWD has not yet been detected in the state. However, state wildlife officials have been preparing for the possibility since 2002.

“While this finding is not a big surprise, we’re not going to ignore it,” said Mitch Lockwood, Big Game Program Director for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. “We are working with TPWD’s Wildlife Health Working Group to develop a more intensive strategy for sampling, and to determine the geographical extent of the disease if it is detected in Texas.”

The Wildlife Health Working Group is comprised of wildlife biologists, veterinarians and other animal-health experts from TPWD, Texas Animal Health Commission, Department of State Health Services, Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine, and USDA. NMDGF is also involved in the discussion.

While several thousand deer have been tested for CWD in Texas, wildlife officials express concern that the Trans Pecos region is underrepresented because of the very low number of deer and the relatively low deer harvest in that region. Samples are obtained from hunter-harvested deer, deer found dead on public roadways, and deer showing clinical symptoms. TPWD is determining how many more deer need to be sampled and deer hunters in the region could be asked for their assistance during the next hunting season.

“We are using disease models to determine the intensity of sampling that would be required to detect CWD in that deer population if it is present with a prevalence of at least two percent,” said Ryan Schoeneberg, Big Game Program Specialist with TPWD.

CWD was first recognized in 1967 in captive mule deer in Colorado and has also been documented in captive and/or free-ranging deer in nearly two dozen states and Canadian provinces, including New Mexico. Although fatal in deer, there is no evidence that CWD poses a risk to humans or livestock in the natural environment.

CWD is a member of the group of diseases called transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs). Other diseases in this group include scrapie in sheep and goats, bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE or mad cow disease) in cattle, and Cruetzfeldt-Jakob disease in people. CWD is a progressive, fatal disease that affects deer, elk, moose, and other cervid species and there is no vaccine or other biological method that prevents it.

“It would be almost impossible to eradicate the disease once it becomes established in a population,” said Lockwood. “But, what we can do is manage the disease and minimize the risk of it spreading.”

More information on CWD can be found on TPWD’s website, www.tpwd.state.tx.us or at the Chronic Wasting Disease Alliance website, www.cwd-info.org.

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - Texas Prepares for CWD Possibility in Far West Texas

“Pig Man” Heads to West Texas for an Epic Whitetail Hunt on Sportsman Channel Sunday

Pig Man: The Series is going back – back to Big Johnson Outfitters in search of ‘monster’ bucks and more! Sportsman Channel, the leader in outdoor TV for the American Sportsman, brings viewers on a up and down journey on Pig Man: The Series through the brush of west Texas in search of big bucks, aoudad, turkey’s and other wild game. Follow Pigman’s journey as he glasses the landscape for the ultimate trophy and introduce gun deer hunting to his friend and veteran hunter, Jess Moats. You can watch this rollercoaster ride of action on Sunday, March 25 at 10 p.m. EST.

The mature deer movement on day one was somewhat sparse, however; Pig Man’s luck drastically changes on day two. After watching the deer slowly emerged, the perfect shot presented itself as a mature buck came into bow range. The whitetail finally turned broadside and Pig Man went into full draw with his bow and did NOT miss his target.

Pig Man’s attention quickly turned to his friend Jess Motes and his quest for his deer harvested with a rifle. Motes is an accomplished bow hunter, however has NEVER harvested a deer with a gun – this was about to change! On the final day, the pressure was on to harvest a whitetail. Patience is a virtue and it certainly paid dividends for Motes as he located and mature buck and made some personal history with his first gun-deer harvest. Not only did he tag a buck, but he also took a coyote for good measure.

“My sole intent on this hunt was to help Jess harvest a nice mature buck, said Brian “Pigman” Quaca, Host of Pig Man: The Series. “Jess came in all the way from Illinois and I wanted to show him what Texas hunting is all about. He’s set all kinds of bow hunting records, but has never taken a deer with a rifle. I was extremely proud to see his personal achievement take place on Texas soil.”

To learn more about Pig Man: The Series, visit, http://www.pigmantv.com/

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - “Pig Man” Heads to West Texas for an Epic Whitetail Hunt on Sportsman Channel Sunday

High School Senior Mikayla Nixon Can Talk Turkey with the Best of Them!

The beautiful, talented and accomplished turkey caller Mikayla Nixon, still a senior in high school, continues to actively compete in contests across the country as her schedule allows. She strives to hold her existing titles, and is looking to grab even more! It is very exciting to see a young girl actively involved in the outdoors and hunting, and amazing to see her competing in calling contests around the country!

Mikayla began competing at the early age of 4 when she took 2nd place in a calling competition, with her sister Marlaina winning first place. The two girls’ father, Shaine Nixon, an avid turkey hunter, has raised both of his daughters to appreciate and participate in hunting in the great outdoors. He is the motivational inspiration for Mikayla and her calling ventures, and supports her ambitions and strives to make it all happen for her with the limited time that she has. Mikayla has been limited to contests she could attend as a senior in high school and is very involved in many extra curricular activities. Shaine Nixon explains, “Since then she has been limited to contests she could attend with school and all that she is in. In January she didn’t get to defend her title (reigning State Champion Senior Friction) because she was on one side of Dallas at a Future Business Leaders of America convention as a high school senior representative from her school, while the rest of us were at Bass Pro in Grapevine at the state calling contest.”

Here are just a few of Mikalya’s latest accomplishments while she works to add even more!

• 2011 – (4 time Winner) Texas Junior State championship.
• 2011 Winner State Senior Friction – Her first time in that division (see report here:  http://www.nwtf.org/texas/2011_calling_contest.html)
• 2012 Mack’s Prairie Wings calling contest Stuttgart, AR. This event was billed as the “King of the Delta” and had all the major junior and senior callers participating.
• 10th in the friction which included ten of the best pro callers in the world.
• 3rd in the Intermediate Division
• 2012 World Championships in Mobile, AL
• 3rd place in the Amateur which was opened up to all the junior callers
• 4th place in the Juniors which had three winners competing from the NWTF Grand Nationals Calling contest in Nashville this year, 2012.
• 13th place in the Friction Division, competing against professional men, which places Mikayla 13th in the world.

Up coming events:

• 2012 Clay County World Champion Turkey Fest in Henrietta, TX, referred to as the “Battle of the Beards”.

Mikayla is looking forward to being one of a three person team with her father, Shaine Nixon and good friend Bobby Woods. Bobby is 2012 NWTF Grand Champion Friction Caller, and 4 time 2012 World Champion Friction Caller. If all goes well, this will be both Bobby and Mikalya’s first Rio Grande Turkey! Check out their facebook page now for events and list of all teams that will include even more celebrities isuch as Hal Shaffer, Ken Cobb, Mike Stroff, Jamie Satterfield, and many more.

The picture above makes a statement in history. See a detailed article here about this history making event: http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2012/03/arkansas_teen_becomes_first_fe.html

Mikayla has had her plate full these last few years along with honing her “Gift for Turkey Gab”.  She played varsity softball as a freshman and sophomore on a very competitive team that won 36 games one year and lost in the state semi-finals n Austin. She has served as president of Harleton High School FFA. She is currently a Member of Future Business Leaders of America and coaching her sister Maleigha’s “12 and under” softball team. Mikayla has received the Presidents award for Academic Excellence and attendance. She has traveled 30,000 miles in one year with father Shaine, for turkey calling competitions, and she did not miss a day that year of school, and maintains an honor roll report! Mikayla is a giving person and volunteers for NWTF‘s “Women in the Outdoors” and JAKES programs. She has accomplished 4 time state junior championships, and won the Texas State Friction in 2011 beating the senior men.

“Mostly. I just love being with her. She has an incredible personality and her hunting skills are awesome. She loves people, and really talk to anyone!” says Shaine Nixon, a father full of admiration.

Since meeting Shaine and speaking with Mikayla, I have been anxious to spread the news and commend this remarkable young woman. I am hoping that you too will share this story which will help to inform, encourage, and inspire other youth to get involved in outdoors activities, calling in turkeys is fun, and all forms of competition is good for the soul!

There are so many resources available for children of all ages such as NWTF Jakes check out events in your area, http://www.nwtf.org/jakes/, NRA focuses on many outdoor activities in addition to gun safety, including Wildlife Art! http://www.nra.org/programs.aspx, also check OutdoorHub.com for current youth news,events and programs! http://www.outdoorhub.com/category/general-outdoors/youth-outdoors/

One form of inspiration may not be immediately obvious, but after recently attending a Hunter Education Class myself, I am acutely aware that this class is not just for hunters, it should be presented to all persons of all ages that would like to begin any outdoor activity. It addresses firearm safety, and being familiar with gun safety is a plus, whether or not you plan to ever handle one. Wildlife Management Agencies in most states also offer special programs and activities for youth, so check your with your local agencies here http://www.fws.gov/offices/statelinks.html.

Congratulations to you Mikayla on all of your accomplishments and good luck in all of your future endeavors! Kudos to her dad Shaine for the support and encouragement he shows for his girls!

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - High School Senior Mikayla Nixon Can Talk Turkey with the Best of Them!

Outlook Promising for Texas Spring Turkey Hunting

Despite lingering dry conditions in some parts of Texas, prospects for this year’s spring turkey season remain promising, thanks to a carryover of mature gobblers, according to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department biologists.

Rio Grande spring turkey hunting season in the 54-county South Zone runs March 17-April 29 with special youth-only weekends set for March 10–11 and May 5–6. In the 101 counties comprising the North Zone, the season opens March 31 and runs through May 13 with special youth-only weekends set for March 24–25 and May 19–20.

“We had phenomenal production in 2010, which means there should be plenty of two-year-old birds out there,” said Jason Hardin, TPWD turkey program leader. “Last year Texas hunters harvested the fewest birds on record, which can be attributed mainly to the drought. That also means greater carryover of mature birds.”

Hardin expects hunters this spring will get plenty of gobbling activity from the 2010 year class and barring any late wet cold fronts, productivity and survival prospects are favorable this spring.

“Our biggest concern is having wet cold fronts once the hens are on the nest,” he explained. “If we can get poults on the ground and then in the trees a couple of weeks later, survival increases dramatically.”

Hardin said he’s not concerned about the overall health of turkey populations going into the spring hunting season thanks to some timely winter rainfall.

“Parts of the state are greening up with a lot of forbs so the birds should be in good condition going into the breeding season,” he noted. “If we can stay green for a couple more weeks we’ll be in good shape.”

Hunters are reminded several regulation changes take effect for the 2012 season. TPWD closed spring turkey hunting in the following 15 East Texas counties in response to low populations and harvest numbers: Cherokee, Delta, Gregg, Hardin, Houston, Hunt, Liberty, Montgomery, Rains, Rusk, San Jacinto, Shelby, Smith, Tyler and Walker.

Closing spring turkey seasons in these counties will enable biologists to reassess Eastern turkey restoration efforts in areas having suitable habitat, restock sites and provide brood stock protection. The agency’s goal is to reopen hunting once the Eastern turkey populations in the affected counties are capable of sustaining harvest.

Also effective for the 2012 season, TPWD is delaying spring Eastern turkey hunting in the remaining 28 counties having an open season by two weeks, to run from April 15-May 14. Biologists say the delay gives hens time to begin nesting prior to the season opening.

“Time will tell how dramatic of an impact the regulations will have on Eastern turkey populations, but we will almost guarantee that the majority of hens will be bred prior to the opening of the season, which should help to boost the population”  said Hardin. “Harvest is not as critical the latter part of the season, and hens should be on the nest by the time the season starts.”

Also new this season, hunters may harvest gobblers and bearded hens during the spring season in counties having a bag limit of four turkeys. Hunting is for gobblers only during the spring season in all other counties.

All harvested Eastern turkeys must be taken to a check station within 24 hours. To find the check station nearest you, contact a TPWD field office or call (800) 792-1112.

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - Outlook Promising for Texas Spring Turkey Hunting

Next Page »