Foremost Hunting // If you like to hunt deer, turkey or ducks then before you hit the field stop by Foremosthunting.com. Foremost Hunting is a great source of information including message boards, forums and more for the hunter. Please visit: http://www.foremosthunting.com
Wisconsin Deer Hunting Preview
Foremosthunting.com’s Chris Larsen visits with Bob Manwell of the Wisconsin DNR. Topics include the various deer hunting seasons, Chronic Wasting Disease, crossbows, and wolves.
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For Immediate ReleaseChevrolet Renews Partnership with NWTFFor more information, contact Shannon Coggin at (803) 637-7643. EDGEFIELD, S.C. — Chevrolet has renewed its longstanding partnership with the National Wild Turkey Federation, cementing Chevrolet as the official vehicle of the hunting and conservation organization. The partnership officially embraces a longstanding relationship between the automaker and turkey hunters. Based on findings reported in an NWTF survey, the vehicle of choice among NWTF members was Chevrolet. "The Federation is proud of our relationship with Chevrolet," said Cindy Williams, NWTF director of marketing. "The company's commitment to improving our environment and conserving our natural resources makes Chevy a natural fit for the NWTF. Chevy diversifies NWTF member benefits through our membership and banquet programs while maintaining our common goal of promoting enjoyment of the outdoors and preserving our hunting heritage." With more than 3 million wild turkey hunters in the United States, turkey hunters represent a significant market share for auto manufacturers. A study commissioned by the NWTF found that in 2003 (the last year this data is available), spring turkey hunters spent $182.8 million on trucks and other vehicles. The partnership agreement allows the NWTF and Chevrolet, a subsidiary of General Motors, to work together on various promotional activities, which makes the NWTF's mission of conserving wild turkeys and preserving our hunting traditions, and the Chevrolet brand, more accessible to millions of Americans. Chevrolet first partnered with NWTF in 2005. Since then, Chevrolet has offered test drives to tens of thousands of attendees each year at the NWTF's annual National Convention and Sport Show in Nashville, Tenn. The Chevy Ride and Drive is a favorite at the show, and is just one way Chevrolet supports the conservation organization. The NWTF will return to Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville for its 35th annual convention Feb. 17 to Feb. 20, 2011. "Chevrolet is excited about continuing our partnership into its sixth year with NWTF," said Kevin Messmer, field manager for Chevrolet's southeast region. "We're looking forward to strengthening this relationship with such a quality organization that is truly committed to the conservation of the wild turkey and preservation of our hunting heritage. As the official vehicle of the NWTF, Chevrolet demonstrates its commitment to conservation and support of the men, women and children who enjoy the outdoors." The NWTF is a nonprofit conservation organization that works daily to further its mission of conserving the wild turkey and preserving our hunting heritage. Through dynamic partnerships with state, federal and provincial wildlife agencies, the NWTF and its members have helped restore wild turkey populations across the country, spending more than $306 million to conserve 14 million acres of habitat for all types of wildlife. For more information about the NWTF visit the Web site at www.nwtf.org or call (800) THE-NWTF. |
by Naomi K. Shapiro
To become a hunter, you don't necessarily need to spend a lot. If you're for instance a single-game (deer or turkey are examples) hunter, it won't cost you that much to outfit yourself, BUT, if you want to hunt everything, then it can run into lots and lots of money. There are all the licenses you'll need. There are the different regs that have to be met. Then there is a wealth of different equipment for different hunting - -ducks, geese, turkey, deer, varmints, grouse, bear, pheasant, coyotes - -the list is endless. And don't kid yourself- - every type of game requires at least some modification in the equipment you'll need. Decoys, ammo, firearms, bows, arrows, scopes, clothing, gear, and on and on and on. There's no limit- -and don't think there is. Every time a hunter believes s/he's fully outfitted, there's something else they discover they "really need." It's never ending, and that isn't a put down. We all do it.
Most people gradually get into the equipment they need in steps. Some start as kids, or a bit older, and build up what they need as they go along. This type of approach won't "break the bank," and pretty soon, at least the basic equipment is obtained.
Guide Phil Schweik who has been hunting since he was a kid, says that as an example, if you need equipment to deer hunt, you can outfit yourself pretty-well for under $300 – and don't laugh, he is serious when he says that. Phil works for a major outdoor outfitter, and needs to watch his dollars just as most of us have to do. The first thing Phil suggests is to look for a good used deer rifle. You can get them from almost all outdoor outfitters and gun shops - -who test, and insure their quality and safety - -or at a gun show, or maybe a private party. Every year, lots of folks decide that their hunting days are over – age, physical ability, other things that they want to do - -lots of reasons; and usually just before deer season, you'll see a ton of ads for used deer rifles. And the nice thing is that you can get a nice used rifle, anywhere from a $100 to around $200 – and yes, I know – there are used rifles that go into the thousands, but a nice conditioned .270, 7mm mag, .30/.30, or .30-06 will do you just fine. Add on a piece of needed clothing, ammo, an ancillary this-or-that, your license, and you're good to go - -at $300 or less.
Notice in our "bargain basement shop-a-thon," I didn't mention scopes. That's because it's tough to find a used scope that'll fit your particular needs. They're all different, and "no one size fits all." Phil Schweik says that a scope is really a personal thing, and pretty much needs to be "fit" to the particular firearm it's going to be used with. Phil suggests that you start out using open sights, and then when you have the cash, buy a new scope, that fits your rifle and your needs. Phil says the variety of models and costs is almost beyond description. His best advice is that you take your rifle, and go into an outdoor outfitter or gun shop, and have them make suggestions about what you'll need for your particular firearm and your own physical needs, as well. Costs of course will vary all over the map – and don't buy more than you need.
The 2010 Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever Focus on Forever Conference is scheduled for July 23 – 25 at the Demmer Shooting Sports Education and Training Center on the campus of Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan. A “train the trainer” conference, Focus on Forever is designed for PF chapter members, agency staff and anyone else that is passionate about introducing youth and their families to our outdoor traditions and wildlife conservation.
If you have questions or would like to register for the 2010 Focus on Forever Workshop in East Lansing, MI please feel free to contact:
For Immediate ReleaseProgram Helps Landowners Pay For Habitat ProjectsFor more information, contact Brent Lawrence at (803) 637-3106. EDGEFIELD, S.C. — Landowners nationwide have the opportunity to recoup costs of habitat improvement on their land through a recently extended federal program. The sign-up period for the Conservation Stewardship Program has been extended through June 25, 2010. The program, which is administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, was authorized in the 2008 Farm Bill. The voluntary program offers payments to landowners who exercise quality land stewardship and want to improve the effectiveness of their conservation efforts. “This is a tremendous win-win opportunity for landowners and wildlife,” said James Earl Kennamer, chief conservation officer of the National Wild Turkey Federation. “By signing up for this program, landowners will be able to make critical habitat improvements, and can then be reimbursed for expenses. Improved habitat for wildlife is very important to many of our members and the CSP program is a valuable resource.” Reimbursable expenses may include land management plans completed by NWTF biologists, and seed and seedlings purchased through the NWTF. CSP pays participants based on conservation performance – the higher the performance, the higher the payment. Landowners get credit both for conservation measures they have already implemented and for new measures they agree to add. CSP is available to all landowners, regardless of operation size, crops produced or geographic location. Eligible lands include cropland, pastureland, rangeland, non-industrial private forest land and agricultural land under the jurisdiction of a Native American tribe. Potential applicants are encouraged to use the CSP self-screening checklist to determine whether CSP is suitable for their operation. The checklist, which highlights basic information about CSP eligibility requirements, contract obligations and payments, and additional information about CSP, may be obtained from the CSP website at www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/new_csp/csp.html. To apply, call or visit a local USDA Service Center, listed online at offices.usda.gov, or in the telephone book under United States Government, Agriculture Department. For information on seed, seedlings or for habitat plans, landowners can contact their local NWTF biologist or call 1-800-THE-NWTF. About the NWTF: The National Wild Turkey Federation is a nonprofit conservation organization that works daily to further its mission of conserving the wild turkey and preserving our hunting heritage. Through dynamic partnerships with state, federal and provincial wildlife agencies, the NWTF and its members have helped restore wild turkey populations across the country, spending more than $306 million to conserve 14 million acres of habitat for all types of wildlife. |
