Last Saturday, the fourth Saturday in September was National Hunting and Fishing day in the United States. Local newspapers ran run full-page ads recognizing the event with ads from businesses that acknowledge the significant contributions of hunting and fishing to the local economy. It is important for everyone to understand and appreciate those contributions which benefits the economy, but more importantly, the conservation of land wildlife and water conservation across the United States.
The National Hunting and Fishing Day committee always does an outstanding job promoting the events associated with the day and they have an outstanding web page which is loaded with information about the history, contributions and value of hunters and fishermen over the years. This year, country music superstars Luke Bryan and Chris Janson served as honorary co-chairs for this 48th annual celebration of National Hunting and Fishing Day.
Recognized on this weekend every year, National Hunting and Fishing Day serves as a reminder to the American public that wildlife and wild places exist today thanks to the ongoing leadership and funding from hunters, anglers, and shooters. Luke Bryan, 2013 American Country Music Awards Entertainer of the Year, has sold more than seven million albums world-wide featuring hit singles like “Huntin’, Fishin’ and Lovin” Every Day.” Chris Janson, the youngest living member to be inducted into the Grand Ole Opry, has produced three top-10 hits including “Buy Me a Boat.” Both avid outdoorsmen, Bryan and Janson joined forces as honorary co-chairs this year to reach more people than ever with NHF Day’s inspiring mission. Together, more than 34 million outdoorsmen and women keep the unique American conservation system strong by raising $100,000 every 30 minutes through self-imposed fees and excise taxes. This groundbreaking model of conservation funding is recognized as the foundation that allows every American access to abundant wildlife and wild places to enjoy.
National Hunting and Fishing Day was formalized by Congress in 1971 to convey the message that conservation in America succeeds because of hunters and anglers. In 1972, Richard Nixon signed the first ever Presidential Proclamation of National Hunting and Fishing Day, writing, “I urge all citizens to join with outdoor sportsmen in the wise use of our natural resources and in insuring their proper management for the benefit of future generations.”
Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium serves as the officially recognized home of National Hunting and Fishing Day. Located in Springfield, Missouri, within a day’s drive of more than half of all Americans, the not-for-profit institution celebrates those who hunt, fish, and act as stewards of the land and water. National Hunting and Fishing Day is made possible through the sponsorship and generous support of the conservation organizations Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, Ducks Unlimited, Izaak Walton League, National Shooting Sports Foundation, and Wonders of Wildlife. For additional information about this year’s festivities or to get involved, visit www.NHFDay.org. Those who hunt and fish understand the strong commitment to conservation that hunters and fishermen have provided, aiding wildlife conservation in so many ways by the contributions through self-imposed taxes to fund research and habitat projects. Never forget that conservation is an ongoing challenge that requires everyone’s support.
The first segment of the Massachusetts black bear season closed Sept. 23. The second season runs Nov. 4 to Nov. 23 and the final segment is concurrent with the shotgun season for deer, that being Dec. 2 through 14. A bear permit is required and hunters participating in the first two seasons may use a rifle .23 caliber or larger, a muzzleloader, or bow and arrow. During the initial segment, which closed last Saturday, hunters could also use a revolver using .357 Magnum cartridges or a revolver .40 caliber or larger. During the deer season, hunters can use a shotgun, muzzleloader or bow and arrow.
At last week’s Fisheries and Wildlife Board Meeting, Bear and Furbearer Project Leader Dave Waddles reported that about 120 bears had been reported at that time, a number very similar to previous seasons at the same point and he noted that not all reporting stations were online and the number would increase. Locally Tom Parker and both Dennis and Ryan Piragis took nice bears to contribute to that total. If the reports this writer has received are any indication, there are a lot of bruins out there.
Just over a decade ago, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service called upon states to draft State Wildlife Action Plans. The plans identified species of greatest conservation need and set blueprints for conservation. The result was concern status for ruffed grouse and American woodcock across their native range with grouse listed in 18 states and woodcock in 28.
Validating Wildlife Action Plan prophecies, the dominoes are falling. This year riffed grouse were listed as endangered in Indiana and the grouse season was closed in New Jersey. Hunting seasons in Wisconsin and Pennsylvania were shortened. Grouse hunters in southern Michigan and Minnesota traveling north instead of spending bird-less hours close to home. Clearly there is something trending here that needs to be examined closely.
My experience in upstate New York clearly indicates that active habitat management, based on science, works and creates thriving grouse populations. Yes, there are burdens caused by disease, West Nile Virus, and climate stressors. But ruffed grouse, American woodcock, and the entire forest wildlife community are more resilient in quality habitat. HABITAT is still the answer. According to the Ruffed Grouse Society and the American Woodcock Society, to say this is a conservation crossroad is an understatement. The group’s dual missions are to go forth with firm resolve in a mission to conserve forest wildlife. Habitat management, land conservation, partnerships, communications, and research are all components. To allow these negative trends to continue is not an option.