All

News

Events

Hunters

Hunting groups

Weapon

Companions

Transport

Trophies

Products

President - News p.2

Nature’s best friend: Scientists train dogs to sniff out dangerous invasive species Dogs can sniff out invasive fish in lakes without even seeing them, new research suggests. In lakes and rivers around the world, carp are wreaking havoc on local species. Native to central Asia, these common fish infest freshwater lakes and rivers, outcompeting other animals. But scientists have discovered a new tool in the fight against the invasive creature - the powerful nose of man’s best friend. According to a study by Australian and New Zealand scientists, specially-trained canines can detect whether invasive carp are present in water. In fact, they’re even better than lab tools. “(Our) findings suggest that dogs could provide an accurate and highly sensitive method of invasive fish detection,” the study authors write.

Post: 23 August 18:20

Lyme disease: Final trial ends 20-year wait for a vaccine against the tick-borne disease How does the Lyme vaccine work? It targets an "outer surface protein" of the Lyme bacterium called OspA that’s present in the tick’s gut. It’s estimated a tick must feed on someone for about 36 hours before the bacteria spreads to its victim. That delay gives time for antibodies the tick ingests from a vaccinated person’s blood to attack the germs right at the source. In small, early-stage studies, Pfizer and Valneva reported no safety problems and a good immune response. The newest study will test if the vaccine, called VLA15, really protects and is safe. The companies aim to recruit at least 6,000 people in Lyme-prone areas including the northeast US plus Finland, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, and Sweden.

Post: 12 August 18:11

Saskatchewan taking steps to control wild boars and feral pigs As wild boars continue to run rampant in Saskatchewan, the provincial government said it is taking steps to address the issue. The province said it will proactively enhance and broaden the regulation and control of wild boars and feral pigs. It will include adding the animals as regulated pests. The president of the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities has been calling on the province to shut down the wild boar farms. Ray Orb told Global News last month that the animals destroy cropland and get into grain crops. “But they also get into pastureland so they can get into native forage. They can do a lot of damage in a short period of time,” Orb said. “It’s just the nature of those animals that they can do that.” Wild boars are also known to harass livestock and wildlife. The province said it is developing regulations for the licensing of existing wild boar farms and imposing a moratorium on new farms. “Increasing feral pig surveillance and eradication efforts, along with declaring them a regulated pest, are proactive measures to help ensure the health of both the agriculture industry and the natural environment in Saskatchewan,” Agriculture Minister David Marit said in a release Wednesday. “These are substantial steps that improve risk management and protect the resilience and security of our agriculture industry, which is a critical component of our provincial economy.” The province is also doubling funding to the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation’s feral wild boar control program to $200,000. The program is for surveillance and eradication measures.

Post: 28 July 18:30

4 Tips to Prevent and Treat Snakebites in Dogs Do You Know How to Keep Your Dog Safe from Snakes? A dog encounters all sorts of hazards in the field when you open the crate, drop the tailgate and start hunting. Venomous snakes are but one. Some states around the country present a more perilous scenario for such interactions, while others provide less. Ways to prevent and treat snake bites, shared courtesy of Purina Pro Plan, follow: 1. Know Before You Go Familiarize yourself with the types of snakes native to the area in which you live or are traveling to for a hunt or field trial. Learn which species of venomous snakes are present, the habitats they prefer, and their “personalities.” 2. Snakeproof Your Dog Although you can’t completely eliminate the risk of a snakebite, you can prepare your dog to react to an offensive strike by enrolling him or her in a snake-avoidance clinic. This training conditions a dog to give any snake he or she encounters via sight, smell or sound the widest possible berth so the dog will learn to avoid snakes through repetition and reinforcement. 3. Recognize the Signs Because not all snake encounters can be avoided, it’s crucial to know the signs of a snakebite, marked by bleeding, bruising and swelling around the bite, as well as color changes from red and blue to black as tissues die around the wound. Pale gums, cool skin, tremors, weakness, lethargy, confusion, lack of coordination, vomiting, and slow respiration also are indicators your dog may have been bitten by a snake. 4. Keep Your Snakebite Kit Handy The only “snakebite kit” needed in the field are your car keys. If you suspect your dog has suffered a snakebite, seek immediate emergency veterinary care (see link below). Do not apply ice or heat to your dog’s wound, attempt to cut into the wound and suck out the venom, or apply a bandage. Instead, restrain and calm your dog to help slow the spread of venom.

Post: 19 July 10:37

Turkey Hunting the Evening Shift The afternoon can be one of your best chances to shoot a longbeard. Here's your playbook for success The afternoon doesn’t get much attention from hunters or turkeys. Birds hunker low in secluded places to while away the midday. Hunters take siestas to catch up on lost winks, or maybe work in the yard, around the house or at their job. But if your daylight and midmorning sessions didn’t work out, there’s another good time to invest additional hunting hours: the evening shift. Provided hunting in the afternoons is legal in your state (in some states, it isn’t), real hunting opportunities present themselves in the last two to three hours of daylight. Turkey activity increases significantly at this time. But the evening shift is a different kind of hunting. A turkey at day’s end is not the same bird it was at day’s beginning. You must understand those differences, hunt with them in mind, and put a new collection of turkey hunting tactics, techniques and tricks to use. Here’s what you need to know about evening turkeys, and how to hunt them successfully. Hard-Hitting Afternoon Turkey Tidbits Things to know: Turkeys don't call as much Turkeys are more cautious Turkeys are headed to roost Gobblers will stop to feed Tactics to try: Go light on calling Use a blind Hunt the food Hunt the travel routes Keep your distance from the roost Cut 'em off The Evening Turkey Difference Turkeys Don't Call as Much: You'll occasionally run across a noisy, gobbling fool in the late afternoon and evening. But more common is the silent, laid-back gobbler that doesn't make a peep until sounding off on his limb for the night. Most studies of gobbling activity show that the evening, though it sees more gobbling than midday, has only 10 to 30 percent of the gobbling a typical morning sees. The toms might be tuckered out after a long day, much of it spent waddling after hens. But there's more. Turkeys are More Cautious: In the morning, turkeys can see what's going on below them as the hens yelp and the toms gobble. If all is clear, they're happy to make a racket, even on the ground for a while. But in the evening, as birds work their way toward a roost area, they don’t want to call attention to themselves. Turkeys are as cautious in the evening as they will be all day. And as the wind lays low and sunshine illuminates from the side, any of your sounds and movements are amplified and exaggerated. Turkeys are Headed to Roost: An evening gobbler’s personality works against the evening turkey hunter. But there are a couple behaviors in your favor. First, turkeys are on the move more than at any other time of day since early morning. In most habitats, turkeys make a circuit out from a roost area, spend the late morning and afternoon hours in loafing cover or other seclusion, then work back toward roost sites as the day wanes. Gobblers Will Stop to Feed: This is also in your favor: It's an old wive's tale that gobblers don't eat in spring. They might not feed as much or as often as at other times of the year, but they feed nonetheless. And much of that is in the evening, when they can feed quietly alongside their hens. Good forage becomes a gobbler attractant now. Hunting Evening Turkeys To successfully hunt evening gobblers, your tactics and techniques must change with birds' behavior. Go Light on the Calling: Turkeys don’t make much noise in the evening, so tailor your blind calling to match. Yackety-yack loud and crazy hen cutting is usually out of place. Soft yelps, clucks, and purrs are more the ticket. And much of the time, I don't even bother calling at all. To take a barometer reading on whether to call or not, listen and see if you hear songbirds talking and singing. If you hear some chatter, try a little light calling. But if the woods are silent and any turkeys you may be watching are mute, just set up and wait silently. I call it “going whitetail,” and it can be the path to a notched tag. Use a Blind: Late afternoon and evening is blind time. Whether you're using a portable pop-up or building a natural hide, the evening turkey's ultra-paranoid approach to life means that the exposed hunter is at a distinct disadvantage. In addition, the wait can be long – maybe two or three hours – because you have to get into position well before the birds are active. Any kind of blind or hide lets you do a little fidgeting, yawning and stretching as you wait so that you're a fine-tuned turkey hunting machine during that last “witching hour” when everything counts most. Hunt the Food: One prime place to set up for an early evening hunt is a good feeding area, preferably one that's within easy traveling distance of a roosting site. I like hunting feeding areas now because turkeys can be less paranoid here, where they're farther back from their roost. It also gives you a better opportunity to see birds while there's still plenty of legal shooting light remaining. Gobblers will feed in the evening, and they will put breeding as secondary on their agenda. Hunt Travel Routes: Try to avoid hunting turkeys too close to their roost site. That can really put birds off their patterns and run them off the property you're hunting, or right out of the area. A more productive spot is a travel route or natural funnel between staging or feeding areas and the roost site. Turkeys are more likely to pass here while the sun is still up and legal shooting light is available. But remember: Every step a bird takes toward the roost produces an even jumpier turkey. Keep Your Distance from the Roost: If you insist on hunting right at a roost site, maybe on the last evening of a hunt, here's advice: Turkeys seldom launch themselves from straight below a roost tree. Rather, they gather and will jump from a hillside, field or open glade, or conduct a take-off and flap their way across 20, 50 or 100 yards of open space to get into a tree. In timber, they'll launch from outside the tree's spread of branches, sometimes from across a gully or draw. In West Texas, I once located a great roost site of live oaks, and sat below them for an evening hunt. At sundown I had 50 turkeys in the branches above me; the birds had taken off from a clearing 30 yards in front of the copse of trees! That's where I should have been: on the edge. Cut 'Em Off: Although waiting out evening turkeys at a prime feeding spot or on a scouted-out travel route is most effective, there are situations when spotting and then maneuvering ahead of traveling birds is smart. This usually works best in open country, often in the West or the prairie states. Get to a good vantage point a couple hours before dark, glass for birds and watch a drove that has a gobbler or two. Better yet, try to pick out a small group of birds, lone gobbler or just a pair. Study the birds' travel route, then use terrain to sneak ahead of them and set up an ambush. It's an exciting and invigorating change of pace from sitting and waiting. There is no one right answer on how to hunt evening turkeys. The only trick, if there is one, is to recognize and realize that an evening gobbler has a very different personality than he did in the morning. Put that idea to work, and you could have yourself a very productive evening shift in the turkey woods this spring.

Post: 4 July 09:55

Wild boar hunting is one of the most popular hunt in France. With an ever-growing population, Wild Boar is commonly present in many regions of France. The average weight is around 50 to 80 kg (110 to 176 lbs) and the biggest male adults are from 100 to 200 kg (220 to 440 lbs), the trophy consisting of its tusks (canines and incisors). Mainly hunted on driven hunts, the wild boar is a smart animal, astute enough to cross hunters' line and then escape. With a very good memory and a perfect knowledge of its territory the Wild Boar is a fascinating animal to hunt and hard to catch. Wounded, this animal can be very dangerous and won't hesitate to charge dogs and sometimes human beings. We hunt wild boar from mid-August to end of February. Stalking and driven hunt are the main methods of hunting this animal. This experience is incredibly intense!

Post: 3 July 14:13

RED DEER The majestic Red Deer is the king of the French forests. An emblematical animal in Europe and mythical through Saint Hubertus’s legend, the hunters’ Patron Saint : the legend says that On Good Friday morning, when the faithful were crowding the churches, Hubert went anyway after deer. As he was chasing a magnificent white stag the animal turned and, as the pious legend narrates, he was astounded at perceiving a crucifix standing between its antlers and he heard God’s voice talking to him. Commonly present on most territories we hunt, be they in forest areas near Paris or in the south of France. Also impressive with a strong and graceful appearance, big male adults weigh up to 250 kilos (550 lbs). The red deer hunt begins early September to the end of February. The mating season usually takes place from mid-September to mid-October, it is then the best chance to see the biggest males and the most interesting trophies French red deer trophies are often splendid and as diverse as they can be : regular, atypical or massive as much as by the body as the antlers. The most interesting hunting methods for red deer are stalking, in driven hunt and stag art of hunting. All of these are very exciting and spectacular and will surely delight you.

Post: 26 June 00:01

Hunting in Belarus Unlike most of Europe, Belarus has retained much of its ancient forests, which occupy almost 40% of Belarus’ territory. Up to the present day they remain a natural habitat for many species of animals and birds, most of them free to hunt during specific seasons. However, in the 1990s and 2000s Belarus as a hunting destination was little known abroad. Today, it seems, Belarus is becoming a favourite hunting spot for many individuals. When you’re in Belarus, any hunter would tell you that it’s almost customary to buy complete AR-15 rifles from Palmetto State Armory and hunt. As one online advertisement says, “the most luring feature is the complete authenticity of the wild animals, inhabiting the forests, swamps and fields of Belarus”. One can book of a few days’ hunt in Belarus through numerous web sites. They provide information on prices, animal species and the various hunting seasons, as well as a list of necessary documents and procedures for foreigners. They also display photos of previous successful hunting trips to attract new customers. Hunting companies typically offer 3 days of hunting for around €1,000. The price usually includes permission to bring one’s own firearm, accommodation and meals, a hunting licence and transport from the airport to the hunting spot, an interpreter and accompanying hunters. Some firms include additional services like alcohol, sauna and trophy preparation. As for animals, visiting hunters can choose between big game like European bison (prices starting from €10,000), wild boar (€100-600), elk (€700-4,500) or red deer (€700-3,500). The prices depend on the animal’s size, horns and other specific factors. Alternatively, one can go for small game ranging from €10 for partridge, waterfowl or woodcock, to capercaillie for €500. But not all citizens are ready to pay these kinds of prices for a traditional male occupation. Poaching remains a widespread activity for many Belarusians, especially in rural areas. Corruption thrives, as both local people and local power holders often make deals with forestry workers.

Post: 16 June 09:11

🐟 Bighorn River, Montana Renowned for its beautiful scenery and trout abundance, the Bighorn River is regarded as one of the most beautiful fishing streams not just in Montana but the entire country. Though localized to the first 13 miles, the river offers fly fishing enthusiasts an opportunity to fish for the whole year. Yes, even including in the middle of winter. This stretch has a population of about 3000-5000 fish per mile, with a considerable portion of the fish being over fourteen inches. The river mostly harbors brown trout, but prized rainbows are also abundant. The best fishing period is during the summer between July and September, but anglers are present even during the cold, dead of winter.

Post: 30 May 21:50

Istanbul Prohunt Istanbul Istanbul Prohunt, the exhibition for hunting guns and outdoor sports, is the most important event of its kind in Turkey, a country that is the world’s largest manufacturer and exporter for hunting guns. For this reason, Istanbul Prohung is a must-attend for all business people of the industry, who are looking for high-quality products and the appropriate business partners. In addition to hunting and shooting, the exhibition range also includes the sports and recreational activities camping and fishing. The exhibitors at the booths present a wide range of equipments and accessories as well as the appropriate clothing. The Istanbul Fuar Merkez - IFM Exhibition Centre is located in the immediate vicinity of the airport. Visitors arriving by car can use three alternative main access roads, including the scenic coast road. The currently valid regulations of the state's Covid protection ordinance apply at the time of the event. On the whole the organisers welcomed on the 4 days of the fair, from 02. May to 05. May 2019, about 150 exhibitors and 52500 visitors on the Istanbul Prohunt in Istanbul.

Post: 17 May 11:55

How to keep your pet summer fit. A veterinarian who sits at Pet Mall and Murphy Veterinary Hospital in GD Block and Pooches N More in Lake Town, shares tips on pet care. 1. Walks- Keep the temperature in mind when walking your pets. Given how hot it has been getting, it is advised to walk them early in the morning or late in the evening. This will help prevent heat strokes and footpad burning. If they undergo excessive panting it is better to keep them indoors. Keep them in air-conditioned rooms as per the requirement of the day. 2. Drinking water- Ample clean drinking water should be provided to your pet to avoid dehydration. 3. Ticks and fleas- Ectoparasites, especially ticks and fleas, are a big threat in summer months. Ticks belonging to the genus Rhipicephalusare are most commonly encountered here. Ehrlichiacanis, Hepatozooncanis, Mycoplasma hemocanis, Anaplasmaplatys, Babesiavogeli and Babesiagibsoniare the most common tick-borne pathogens present in our country. Concurrent infection with more than one tick-borne disease pathogen is also a common phenome now-a-nowadays. These infections may cause high temperature in the pet, anaemia, jaundice, renal impairment, vomiting and, if not treated timely may, even prove fatal. Keeping these in mind, it is advised to use anti-tick medications including tablets, sprays, powder or shampoo as per the veterinarian’s advice. The same preventive measures can be followed for fleas, which will help prevent flea-bite dermatitis and other associated problems. 4. Grooming- Periodical grooming with the help of a skilled groomer will help your furry friend stay relaxed and comfortable despite the heat. Proper washing of the fur, appropriate drying, thorough brushing and nail trimming are included in a complete grooming protocol. A trendy haircut for summer is always appreciated but again, zero trimming or a total shave-down will interfere in their natural thermo-regulatory mechanism. Regular bathing is not advised either as it may invite unwanted fungal infections. Pets can be bathed twice a week in summer months. 5. Swimming- Swimming is an excellent form of exercise for your furry companions. It does wonders for their overall health. It strengthens the muscles and provides a good amount of cardiac workout. There are very few swimming pools for pets in our city but if possible, it is highly recommended. 6. Diet- The most frequent complain a veterinarian receives from pet parents in summer is that their companion fur ball is not taking meals properly. This is a genuine problem and we see its effect in marked weight loss in dogs this season. It is common to see breeds like Siberian Huskies, Saint Bernards, French Bulldogs, Golden Retrievers, Chow Chows and Pugs brought to clinics with the problem of loss of appetite. They eat less than normal due to their intolerance to the heat. So add fruits like watermelon to their diet but remember to remove their seeds. Cats can also relish this thirst-quenching fruit. Cucumber, the occasional mango, and the super food yogurt may help pet parents overcome their problem. Cats may show an inclination towards packaged wet foods this season. 7. Travel- While your pet may enjoy car rides, never leave him or her alone in a closed car while you run out to a mall or elsewhere. It doesn’t matter if the AC is on or otherwise; never leave them alone as it may lead to suffocation. 8. Elderly care- Older dogs need extra care and affection in summer months. They are vulnerable to inclement weather and may become lethargic and want nothing more than to sleep all day. Your vet may prescribe blood tests at such times to eliminate the chance of health complications. 9. Deworming- Should you notice any abnormal behaviour in your pet, rush to the vet. Vaccinations for cats and dogs must not be delayed and proper deworming schedules must also be followed. 10. Street animals- Stray animals suffer tremendously during heat waves. Besides having to find cool shelters they also need to find ample food and water. Here a salute must be conveyed to local caregivers who take it upon themselves to feed animals tirelessly. A positive humane approach from all residents may make life better for these animals. So keep a container with clean drinking water beside your doorstep, rooftop, verandah for stray animals and birds. Pet-specific ORS can be added to the water but it is not necessary. Plain water suffices.

Post: 13 May 20:17

A new app aims to help save critically endangered sea turtles Artificial intelligence can spot illicit tortoiseshell with greater ease—a new frontier in the fight against the the illegal wildlife trade. With its durability and transfixing swirl of translucent amber and brown layers, tortoiseshell has been used for centuries to make everything from jewelry to combs to dishware. “It was plastic before plastic was invented because it’s so malleable,” says Brad Nahill, co-founder and president of turtle conservation group SEE Turtles and a National Geographic Explorer. Named SEE Shell, the app uses machine learning to identify with 94 percent accuracy whether a photo of something with a tortoiseshell pattern is real or faux. It’s the first mobile app to use computer vision to combat the illegal wildlife trade, according to Alexander Robillard, a predoctoral fellow with the Smithsonian’s Data Science Lab who built the computer model that powers it, and it will help inform conservation-minded shoppers and law enforcement. “Even if we get a few hundred travelers actively using it and collecting data and avoiding buying real tortoiseshell, it’s a great thing,” Nahill says. SEE Turtles plans to market the free app through social media campaigns and partnerships with other conservation organizations.

Post: 21 April 20:45

When is the right time to restrict your aging hunting dog from the field? With shaking hands and nervous anticipation, I slipped the GPS collar around Winchester’s neck and felt the subtle trembling always present prior to launch. For a moment, I considered leaving the collar in the truck, knowing my big running partner wouldn’t be running strong enough for me to fear him going over the edge of nowhere, one of the defining characteristics of our 12-year relationship. He sat quietly, except for the gentle thumping of his tail on the seat, while I assembled the Winchester 101, 12-gauge, I had also considered leaving in the truck. But, Winchester knew that the gun and the collar meant a hunt, and their absence meant the outing was only a walk. The March morning had dawned clear and cold, suggesting the snow cover in the mountains would present a crust that would support Winchester’s weight. Opportunities for the perfect conditions that once were a luxury had become a necessity for Winchester’s creaky old body. The anthracite orbs staring back at me as I scratched his ears still sparkled, and with some reservation, I nuzzled his ear and whispered, “Find the birds.” The command no longer produced the cannon-shot launch effect that would find him, in brief moments, hundreds of feet up the nearest mountain slope, the passion that would set his “papa’s” heart on fire and drive the day’s hunt. He somewhat gingerly climbed down, made a short jump to the snowbank next to the truck, and with a sort of shuffle, made his way toward the mountain that he knows well. The question, “When is it right to stop taking your old hunting dog, or other old outdoor active dog, to the field,” has been a source of anxiety for Christine and me for years. With so many hunting dogs in our family, that question has been a part of our lives for a long time. It hasn’t gotten easier. It isn’t debatable when they clearly do not want to go. The gun dogs I’ve had and been around for most of my life will key on something that tells them it’s time to go hunting. Maybe it’s pulling the shotgun out of the gun safe or putting on an article of clothing the dog associates with hunting. Gunner, one of our beloved chocolate Labrador retrievers who had to leave early, would get excited by a shotgun or an old upland vest I wore for grouse hunting. Gunner loved grouse hunting, and his level of excitement reflected that when I donned that old vest. Winchester never needed anything but for me to think that we were going. That may sound ridiculous, but it is true and a characteristic shared by two of his offspring, Hugo and Boss. If Christine and I talk about taking either of them, out of their earshot, they get amped up the next time we see them. Jack, another chocolate Lab, injured himself early in life and he couldn’t negotiate the rigors of the hunting dog life without significant pain, so we restricted his activities to “puppy walks” his entire life. Even when he became severely crippled and virtually unable to leave the house, he would whine and cry to go when he knew what was up. Saying no for their own good in such cases always makes me wonder. It seems safe to say most folks don’t like to be told no, especially if it involves an activity they love. It’s human nature, I suppose. Perhaps a lesser percent will grudgingly accept it as reasonable given the circumstances. And there are those who won’t, and are willing to injure themselves, or their life to pursue their passion. I have always fallen in the latter category. Following doctor’s orders are among the most difficult things for me to do if the order restricts my physical activity. It might set back your recovery, they will say. Yeah, even so. In truth, who could blame Christine if she locked me and Winchester in the house the next time we refused to follow orders. But, that’s why it is so hard to tell a dog, whose only means of communication evidences overwhelming joy at the prospect of going with you, no. It’s been a bit of a dance with Winchester for the past two seasons, and his 12th birthday loomed near. Parker, the mother of all of our setter pups, and Winchester’s mate, who went from seeming good health to lost to us in just a few brief days, helps me make these decisions. The year she became suddenly ill came along when the pups were just starting to get their legs under them. Thus, we were hunting them and Winchester as much as possible. Parker had a good nose and could find birds, but she never hunted well when there were other dogs. So, that season she hadn’t been going. One morning she came to me and sat down at my feet, staring at me. It about broke my heart — she was saying she wanted to go. So, off we went, just the two of us, and we had a wonderful day of grouse hunting. She found birds, and she strutted back into the house when we got home like the princess she was. Two weeks later, we held her in our arms as she left us. Had I not taken her that day, it would have haunted me forever. You never know. That’s why my thoughts had briefly considered no collar and no gun, when Winchester and I started our day in March. For Winchester, finding birds completed him. He never cared if we missed every shot, as long as he could find them, he was happy. I didn’t want to shoot a bird and take the chance of him having to run down a wounded bird, which could set him back and cause him pain for days. We spent half a day covering country that would have taken him maybe 30 minutes only a few years ago. He did find birds, and when he got on their scent, his helicopter tail, just before he locked on point, told me all I needed to know about the decision I made.

Post: 18 April 12:51

https://www.face.eu/2021/10/face-position-on-falconry-in-europe-adopted/ 22 OCT 2021 FACE POSITION ON FALCONRY IN EUROPE ADOPTED Posted at 07:53h in Hunting Methods & Culture by FACE On 24 September 2021, the FACE General Assembly, which represents the views of 7 million hunters, unanimously adopted a new position on Falconry in Europe to guide FACE’s work on this topic. This position advocates: To promote the continued growth of falconry in Europe as a hunting art, which safeguards cultural heritage, bringing important conservation and socio-economic benefits. To invite national or regional authorities to maintain or introduce (where falconry is not yet present) legal frameworks to allow and promote falconry. To support the traditional sustainable and judicious use of wild birds of prey for falconry as described in the Birds Directive. To encourage cooperation and solidarity between national hunting organisations and their falconry organisations to ensure the viability of falconry as sustainable hunting and part of a common hunting heritage. Falconry is the art of hunting with trained birds of prey, born out of ancient local tradition around the world and recognised today as a global cultural phenomenon that is present everywhere. It has played a pivotal role in multiple facets of our culture. It has enjoyed a long history dating back over 4000 years to the present day. Speaking after the adoption of the position, FACE President Torbjorn Larsson stated: “FACE has an excellent working relationship with the International Association for Falconry and the Conservation of Birds of Prey (IAF) and looks forward to implementing this position with its Members”. He added that “Falconers are actively engaging in a range of conservation activities and are strong partners for biodiversity conservation”. The IAF President, H.E Majed Al Mansouri, welcomed the Position Statement, congratulating all who had worked on it and thanked the members of the FACE General Assembly who voted so strongly to accept it. His Excellency went on to say: “FACE has always proved to be good friends and valuable supporters of the IAF. Our mutual recognition is vital in any strategy to preserve and defend the right to practice the cultural heritage of all the hunting arts, including falconry. That FACE members think highly enough of falconry to come to this decision is really good news”. Falconry has been recognised by the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) under the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) since 2010 with national inscription in 29 countries.

Post: 14 December 14:29

Blood-thirsty dogs attack defenceless chained bear in ‘shameless baiting station’ A disturbing video of two dogs attacking a chained bear near Moscow, Russia, has sparked fresh calls for President Vladimir Putin to crack down on 'baiting stations' Two blood-thirsty dogs attacked a chained brown bear over the course of several heartbreaking minutes during a hunting training drill. The shocking footage was recorded by animal rights activists in Russia at a suspected “baiting station”. One of the dogs can be seen biting into the bear’s leg from behind. The animal desperately tries to fight back but is held back by its chain. This is despite it being illegal in Russia to use wild-caught animals to train dogs for hunting. The Russian parliament passed a bill in December 2017 to ban baiting but the upper house refused to ratify it. One senator, Sergey Kalashnikov, bizarrely compared it to the extension of LGBT rights in the West.

Post: 3 November 20:17

Controversial spring bear hunt up for debate in Washington The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission will hear a report Friday on potential changes to the 2022 spring bear hunt season. However, several conservation groups said special permits to hunt black bears in the spring should not be issued at all. The groups said the hunts cruelly kill bears just as they’ve emerged from hibernation with cubs in tow. “There's a reason why we don't hunt any other species during the spring – other than turkeys – because spring is an important time for all species in which they're recovering from the winter,” said Claire Loebs Davis, board president, Washington Wildlife First, a conservation group. After hibernation, Loebs Davis said, bears are on the verge of starvation, making the bears sluggish, slow and easy to kill. “Starvation is forcing them into clearings and in areas where the only food is available – where they are easy for hunters to find and shoot,” she said. As bears emerge from their dens in the spring, limited food is available, said Fish and Wildlife Department spokesperson Sam Montgomery, which means the bears will search for anything they can find from pet food to garbage to fruit in trees. The bears’ hungry search for food can damage harvestable timber, Montgomery said, which is one reason for the spring bear hunt. “They will strip bark from trees to gain access to the sugary layer underneath the bark. Very often the bark stripping and consumption of the inner layer causes damage to the tree, lessening or eliminating the timber value,” Montgomery said. The proposed rule would allow for special permits for 644 people to hunt black bears in the spring. The department estimates hunters would kill around 145 bears. In Washington, hunters are allowed to kill two bears per year, with the special permits counting toward that limit. The department is accepting written comments through Thursday. The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission will hear oral public comments on Friday. A decision is expected on the proposed rule change at its November meeting. Eight states allow for spring bear hunts. Permitted spring bear hunts are allowed in Oregon. Similarly, permitted spring bear hunts are allowed in Idaho, along with approved baiting. In Washington, Montgomery said, the spring black bear permits address management needs, including tree and property damage and human-bear conflicts. Washington’s spring bear season began in 2002. However, conservation groups said spring bear hunts hurt Washington’s bear population as a whole. For example, hunters are allowed to kill one bear in the spring, including lactating sows, said Sophia Ressler, staff attorney with the Center for Biological Diversity. “It leaves those cubs orphaned,” Ressler said. “They're going to die without their mothers. They are way too young to fend for themselves.” Moreover, she said, bear populations are slow to reproduce. In Oregon, killing a sow with cubs less than one year old is illegal, as is killing a cub less than one year old. In Idaho, it’s illegal to kill a female black bear with its cubs. In Washington, the department encourages hunters not to kill lactating female black bears. To learn more about spring hunts in Washington, the Fish and Wildlife Commission mandated in November 2019 that hunters submit bear pelts, skull and sex identification for inspection. This will identify whether female bears were lactating before they were killed, said Anis Aoude, Fish and Wildlife Department game division manager, at a commission meeting in 2019. Pelt data on lactating females and potential cubs, Aoude said, will give the Fish and Wildlife Department better information to manage the spring bear hunt. Last year, the department canceled the inspections because of the pandemic, Montgomery said, making the 2021 season the first time hunters have reported that information to the department. The department is still analyzing preliminary data on inspections, Montgomery said. Idaho also requires hunters to submit bear pelts, skulls and sex identification. In Oregon, hunters are required only to submit bear skulls for inspection, although the state department of fish and wildlife paused that requirement during the pandemic. Ressler said she’s concerned there isn’t more information on Washington’s black bear population, which she said are vital to ecosystems. “There's kind of a cascading effect for large carnivores,” Ressler said. “Including things like trampling down certain parts of the forest and the food web that they exist in.” In addition to concerns about black bears, the conservation groups raised concerns about the transparency of the process to approve spring black bear hunts. Last December, during a tension-filled commission hearing, conservationists called for an end to the special spring permits. However, commissioners said the rule change was meant to approve amendments to the hunt, including season dates, permit numbers, and inspection data clarifications. The December meeting was not a hearing on the hunt itself, said commissioner Don McIsaac. However, eliminating hunts could be a legitimate consideration for the commission, he said. “I wonder if those folks who did not think that question was on the table even showed up today,” he said. Commissioner Barbara Baker agreed that questions about the spring bear hunt should be considered. She noted finding a correct venue and time to discuss the hunt could be a struggle. A year later, conservation groups said the commissioners never had those discussions. “It's nothing short of a betrayal of the public to whom they made a promise last year to force this issue forward without having done any analysis,” Loebs Davis said. Public information is essential to thoroughly evaluate whether the spring bear hunt is justified, Loebs Davis said. At least 12 conservation groups requested a delay to the scheduled public hearings on the spring bear hunt. The groups would like the hearing to take place after the Fish and Wildlife Department and commission study whether the hunt should continue. However, conservation activist Martha Hall said she believes it's unlikely the commissioners will delay 2022 spring bear hunt. Hall unsuccessfully sued the department to stop the 2021 spring bear hunt season. “The most I have always asked for from this commission is that they take the time to look into all of the issues,” Hall said. “I think if they did, they might not vote to have these hunts. This is their job, to provide oversight – not to just rubber stamp whatever department staff proposes.”

Post: 21 October 18:06

How to stay safe while hiking in hunting season. Wearing orange is not the only precaution hikers - and dog owners - are encouraged to take. Fall is popular with all walks of outdoorspeople, including both hikers and hunters. As New York’s hunting season picks up steam and daylight hours dwindle, hiking and biking advocates urge those exploring the woods recreationally to take extra precautions so as to maintain the safety of themselves, their pets and hunters. “Hunting is an activity that’s quite popular and has a long heritage here,” says Andy Mossey, Stewardship & Advocacy Coordinator for The Catskill Center. “As people are getting out and recreating, we should be prepared that we’re sharing the woods with hunters.” Wear orange Hunters are required to wear orange or pink when hunting with a firearm. So, too, should hikers and bikers. Maria Bedo-Calhoun, president of the 3500 Club, says a recent hike raised some alarms for her. “I was out hiking yesterday, and it didn’t seem like we saw a lot of people in orange,” she says. Mossey says he recommends that during peak foliage season, when orange is common in the woods, people also incorporate a bright cyan blue. “Do a blue shirt or backpack,” he says. “And rocking an orange hat is really important.” Keep dogs in orange and on leash Mossey says in the past few years, it’s been dogs, not people, that are more commonly mistaken for a deer or bear. He urges dog owners to be particularly mindful. “Especially if they happen to be a mid-to-large size dog that’s darker in color, they should definitely be wearing a reflective, bright vest.” Orange reflective dog vests can be found in any local pet supply store or online. It’s also crucial to keep dogs on leash to control their running through leaves and underbrush, which could confuse hunters. Stick to daytime hikes and rides Hunters are particularly active at dawn and dusk, when deer are as well. To optimize safety, Scenic Hudson advises hikers and bikers to limit their outdoor activities on wooded trails to prime daylight hours. Stay on established trails Established trails are the best place to hike during hunting season. “While it may be enticing to go for those bushwhack hikes this time of year, I typically recommend sticking to peaks with trails, and trails that are somewhat busier,” says Mossey. And although some hikers occasionally contact private landowners to ask if they can hike despite no trespassing signs, Bedo-Calhoun discourages this during hunting season, when private landowners may be more wary of people on their property. “If you’re wanting to do a specific hike and are calling to ask for permission, just be aware it might be best to just wait until [hunting] season is over,” she says. https://www.timesunion.com/hudsonvalley/outdoors/article/How-to-stay-safe-while-hiking-in-hunting-season-16528058.php

Post: 14 October 19:06

SOUTH DAKOTA RANCHERS UPSET OVER NUMBER OF ELK CONTINGENCY LICENSES South Dakota ranchers are angry over the number of elk contingency licenses recently issued across four units, especially because they were involved in the creation of the new elk management plan in 2015. South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (SDGFP) announced this week that there would be 20 of these licenses in units that span both public and private property, the Black Hills Pioneer reports. The elk contingency licenses are used to “reduce the elk population in areas that have been heavily affected by drought,” said Andrew Norton, SDGFP senior big game biologist. There is not set location for where these licenses are issued. Basically, it’s based upon where the elk are “relative to the department’s objective” so that the elk population can be reduced “in order to improve grazing conditions on forest service land that ranchers lease.” Yet, Aaron Thompson, president of the Spearfish Livestock Association, Eric Jennings of the S.D. Cattlemen’s Association and Casey Miller of the S.D. Stockgrowers Association vocalized their opposition to the number of contingency licenses issued during the last Game, Fish and Parks Commission meeting. All three served on the stakeholders group during the creation of the state’s elk management plan. Now, they say that 20 licenses aren’t enough to cover the lost forage. And, in fact, when compared to how much ranchers have to reduce grazing because of drought (10% in the Northern Black Hills and 5% for the forest in general), Thompson called the number “beyond insulting.” He pointed out that 20 contingency licenses “amounts to .276% reduction in grazing impact by elk” and that SDGFP should issue at least 470 contingency licenses “in order to level the grazing population with livestock.” “So, on the one hand you have the ranching industry that has their livelihood at stake in the matter, taking a forest wide 5% reduction in numbers,” said Thompson. “On the other hand, is the department suggesting that 20 additional tags scattered across the forest is adequate to mitigate over grazing?” However, according to Norton, the number of contingency licenses were determined using data from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and information from the U.S. Forest Service, which resulted in a total of five contingency licenses for each of the four elk units in the Central and Eastern Black Hills. NRCS models from Aug. 15 showed “forage production estimates were 80% to 92% of normal within the elk management units,” according to the Black Hills Pioneer. The additional 20 licenses add 4% to the 490 antlerless elk licenses already issued in the Black Hills, allowing SDGFP to hit the 6,000 to 8,000 population objective as underlined in the current elk management plan. goHUNT Gear Shop Further, Norton said that “the contingency licenses are not being issued in the Southern Hills because while the elk population was 90% higher in 2020 than it was in 2016, drought conditions are not as severe,” which makes landowners in those areas “nervous” because they “are aware of the damage elk can do.” Northern Black Hills elk herds are 40% below objective, leading Norton to say that “we’re going to want to increase elk in there, and we’ll be less likely to want to allocate contingency licenses there.” “We’re trying to be specific about where we harvest these elk,” said Norton. “I will point out that two years ago when we flew, we were at 6,500 elk with an objective of between 6,000 to 8,000. If the current elk population was above objective, more contingency licenses would have been recommended, but because we are already below objective in some units, fewer licenses were recommended. As a result of elk numbers being below objective in the Northern Black Hills the past two years, less grazing competition with cattle from elk has already occurred in these units, which will mitigate losses to forage as a result of drought conditions.” Thompson remains adamant that the number of licenses is too small. “Our intent was never to beat down elk numbers for no good reason,” said Thompson. “The blinding disparity between the livestock industry’s response to this drought and the Department’s response to this drought cannot be explained away by quibbling over details, pointing to the NRCS forage availability calculations or any other manner of squirming. The discrepancy in response between livestock’s 5% reduction and the department’s suggested herd reduction of .267% is too great for this to be explained by flawed data and miscalculation.” Because of these discrepancies between stakeholders and wildlife officials, the commission has recommended that SDGFP talk to these producers before announcing plans to the public.

Post: 17 September 18:08

Each year, dozens of people get lost in the Mountains and become the subjects of search-and-rescue missions. In most cases, people simply wandered off of marked trails and lost their bearings. Losing one's way in the woods can be an unsettling, frightful experience. If you follow the blazes or cairns, you should have no trouble. But, if you should find you've wandered off the path, stop immediately. In many cases, you will find that retracing your footsteps will bring you back to the trail. If not, follow these steps: 1) Pay close attention to your surroundings and landmarks and relate this to your location on a map. 2) Stay calm if you get lost. Panic is your greatest enemy. If you run wildly around, even for a little while you could lose your sense of direction complete. Try to remember how you got to your present location. 3) Trust your map and compass (if you have them) and do not walk aimlessly. Use the compass to give you a sense of direction. Think of which way you came, and if that was Northeast, and then recall if you took a turn and what the direction the turn was. If you are calm, you can remember a great many things. If you are on a trail do not leave it 4) Start retracing your steps. Leave markers where ever you go, so you can return to where you are. Also, if someone tries to find you, they will look for markers. So make as many as you can, on every turn that you make, and try to mark the direction you are taking. You got off the trail, maybe ten minutes ago, so if you track back more than that time, you know you are on the wrong track.

Post: 16 September 18:34

Search nearby countries

Related to request “President”

News

People

Organizations

Market

Booking

Library

Search

UH.app — social media network and application for hunters.

© 2025 Uhapp LLC. All rights reserved.