Wildlife photographers fight over owl baiting in Minnesota
Baiting has become an issue over the past decade as the popularity of wildlife photography has exploded due to the advent of high speed, digital technology.
Associated Press
Star eagle shines, educates in Lake Shelbyville program
It was part of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ fifth annual “Eagle Day’.”
Survey finds wildlife have preferences for crossing highway
Deer overwhelmingly preferred the crossing’s overpass while javelin and bobcats preferred the underpass, with only a few going for the overpass.
Birders flocking to New Hampshire town to get a glimpse of great gray owl
It’s normally seen in Canada and also found in Alaska and the northwest United States.
Moose numbers strong despite tough Jackson Hole winter
According to estimate, there are 346 moose in the area, up from 231 last winter and the most since 2010. Still, that’s well below the Wyoming Game and Fish Department goal of 800 for the valley.
Republicans join Democrats against Trump’s Great Lakes cuts
President’s spending plan says it “returns the responsibility for funding local environmental efforts and programs to state and local entities, allowing EPA to focus on its highest national priorities.”
Illinois DNR white-tailed deer website to debut by April
It’s planned as an encyclopedia of biological information and facts about the Illinois state mammal. It will include data on state management of the deer population.
Galloping moose takes to slopes in Colorado; three moose relocated from resort
Later, three moose that reportedly were threatening skiers at the resort were relocated.
Kentucky men fined nearly $31,000 for poaching elk on TV hunting show
The case emerged when a Wyoming resident watching “Hunting in the Sticks” on the Pursuit Channel reported that the men appeared to have killed elk in the wrong hunting district during an episode titled “Western Redemption.”
Idaho plan to save wildlife gets OK from federal officials
Species of concern include already-listed grizzly bears and salmon, plus imperiled sage grouse, monarch butterflies and the magnum mantleslug, which hasn’t been verified in Idaho since a dead one was found 2013.
Environmentalists decry bills advanced by Minnesota GOP lawmakers
The GOP controls both the House and Senate for the first time since 2012. That’s given Republicans new opportunities for advancing legislation, and they’re hoping to use this session to push back against what they say is overregulation and governmental overreach.
Proposal to make it easier to get gun silencers debated in Pennsylvania
A federal bill re-introduced to Congress in January would eliminate the $200 transfer tax and allow a consumer to buy a silencer after an instant background check — the same that anyone buying a gun would undergo.
New Mexico Senate OKs ban on coyote killing contests
Effort wouldn’t place restrictions on hunting or trapping the animals.
Closure of Seattle tackle shop sign of changing times
Linc’s Tackle Shop, one of a handful of nostalgic tackle shops remaining in greater Puget Sound region, is a victim of age and modern times.
Great Lakes fund has aided Ohio’s algae fight, river cleanup
But under a tentative plan, several programs would see steep cuts and money for the Great Lakes initiative would be all but eliminated.
Montana considering options to lure outdoor retailer expo
Organizers have said they would look for a new host over Salt Lake City because of Utah’s political climate over public lands. Colorado, Oregon and Montana have been mentioned as options.
At long last, coho salmon making return to northeastern Oregon river
The fish, raised by state wildlife officials in a hatchery outside Portland, were trucked 300 miles inland in nine water tanker trucks equipped with highly sensitive oxygen and temperature sensors and a bubbling system that mimics a river’s current. Now in the Lostine River, they must turn around and swim 600 miles to the Pacific Ocean over the next month and then swim home after a year and a half in the Pacific Ocean feeding and growing.
In Northern California, the mystery of the missing wolf pack
The seven wolves, which made up the first wolf pack to make the state home in nearly a century, hasn’t been seen since May 2016.
Oregon sees another strong year for wolf recovery
Wolves were hunted to extinction in Oregon in the last century but recently started moving back from neighboring states.
In Wyoming, isolated elk tenders stay close to their work
It’s a rare breed of person who is essentially able to be dumped in the wild with a dry cabin, herd of elk and team of horses and survive self-sufficiently for months while not going crazy.
South Dakota’s long-awaited deer management plan nearly ready for public input
State has been working to create the 400-plus page plan for almost two years.
Police investigate after loons killed on Cape Cod
Birds are protected under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Massachusetts also lists them as a species of “special concern.’
Alabama’s catfish industry continues to grow
According to data, 2016 was state farmers’ best year since 2011 and marked third consecutive year of growth.
Plan for Idaho dam water release poses threat to fish
Water plunging from the dam’s spillways creates high levels of dissolved gas, which has the potential to harm or kill fish.
Montana readies invasive mussels battle plan
State officials have pushed for broader restrictions on boating activity after invasive mussel larvae were detected in the Tiber Reservoir in October and suspected in other parts of the state.
Great Lakes mayors’ group warns against cuts to ecological initiative
Potential cuts would slash annual funding for the $300 million program to $10 million.
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