mike rossi

His constituency is Long Island, so I don't think the NY Bowhunter's Association could put him in their back pocket for political correctness. He probably agrees with their position or was influenced by a bigger organization with many down state members, such as the HSUS. Did anyone investigate whether the HSUS weighed in on this bill? In my interface with NY sportsman I have found they are generally unaware of how active the HSUS is in NY in regards to hunting legislation.

Who knows, but either way grassroots lobbying such as sending emails sometimes does influence lawmakers. Its not always a show of hands, especially if a politician doesn't think it will effect his reelection. That's a good thing, because if it was always a show of hands and political correctness, we would have lost hunting a very long time ago...

Larry Keane isn't very keen...

Personal info from sporting licenses, surveys and that we give to merchants, magazines, and organizations might give a rough clue as to what percentage of hunters are in each HDS (see below). If so, do you think this has any bearing on what regulations are proposed, what articles are written, and/or what products and services that are marketed at us? Taking this one giant step further, do you think it is possible that an entity could freeze sportsmen in time to lock them in the HDS which profits them? The 5 stages of Hunter Development as outlined in Hunter Safety Education: “It should be the goal of every responsible hunter to become a true sportsman. As a hunter gains experience and skill, studies have shown that he or she will typically pass through five distinct stages of development. Keep in mind, however, that not everyone passes through all of these stages, nor do they necessarily do it in the same order”. Shooting Stage: The priority is getting off a shot, rather than patiently waiting for a good shot. This eagerness to shoot can lead to bad decisions that endanger others. A combination of target practice and mentoring helps most hunters move quickly out of this stage. Limiting-Out Stage: Success is determined by bagging the limit. In extreme cases, this need to limit out also can cause hunters to take unsafe shots. Spending time with more mature hunters helps people grow out of this phase. Trophy Stage: The hunter is selective and judges success by quality rather than quantity. Typically, the focus is on big game. Anything that doesn’t measure up to the desired trophy is ignored. Method Stage: In this stage, the process of hunting becomes the focus. A hunter may still want to limit out but places a higher priority on how it’s accomplished. Sportsman Stage: Success is measured by the total experience – the appreciation of the out-of-doors and the animal being hunted, the process of the hunt, and the companionship of other hunters.

I think muskrats can damage man-made berms or dikes, but don't have much of a chance with a beaver dam. Even if they manage to penetrate the logs, stones, brush and packed mud, the beavers will have none of it. Erosion plantings on man-made berms help with the rats, but I think you are going to say next that the beavers will eat those plantings. If it was me, I wouldn't use a woody planting. I am not a fan of rip-rap (stone)either. One of the reasons we would build wetlands would be to trap rats, so have at it... If the beavers prevent erosion planting from establishing, trap them too, we like them when they build dams, not degrade them... If we left things alone, we would have enough natural wetlands and beaver ponds and wouldn't need to build artificial wetlands with berms & dikes anyway...

I don't think you are looking at this through the correct lens. It is not specialized habitat for one introduced species. The wild pheasant program is part of a broader effort to restore imperiled native grassland species such as Henslow's sparrow and many others, as well as maintain biodiversity. That is a very appropriate use of DEC resources. Conservation organizations and federal agencies partner with the DEC and provide additional resources. There is also a variety of grassland specific funding, that is grants to be used only for grassland habitat and grassland species. Grasslands themselves provide great ecological services, second only to wetlands. This has been quantified into a dollar amount but I don't have the figures. One example of the ecological services that grasslands & wetlands exceed woodlands in, is carbon sequestration. I am not insisting this is the plan, but it is not novel to use a game species to generate funds and political support to conserve less charismatic species, such as Henslow's sparrow or dozen other mammals, herps, and birds dependent on grassland habitats. Investing in wetlands and grassland actually does provide the greatest bang for your buck. As far as licenses sold to hunt pheasant, that really doesn't take into account the interest & desires of the non shooting public and dollars and hours donated by conservation organizations. Off the top of my head the following organizations have a stake in grassland conservation: Audubon NY; Nature Conservancy NY; Pheasants Forever; Ducks Unlimited (most ducks actually nest in grass)' the Ruffed Grouse Society (woodcock need grassland clearings for mating displays); and the Wild Turkey Federation. As far as credible pheasant population estimates, ask the DEC. But its not only about how many birds, but also in how many acres of quality grassland. I hope this puts things in a different perspective for you.

Ohio (Not a Northeastern state, but borders New York) Youth Nonresident license only $10, Youths given priority in Managed Dove Field Controlled hunt lotteries. Nonresident License $125 3 Day Nonresident license $40 Youth Nonresident $10 Where to purchase license or to purchase online or by mail: http://www.ohiodnr.com/wildlife/dow/regulations/vendor.aspx The Ohio Wildlife Council approved the state's 2013-2014 early migratory game bird hunting seasons at its scheduled meeting on Wednesday, July 17, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). Sept. 1 kicks off the state’s bird hunting seasons for mourning dove. Ohio's dove season is Sept. 1-Oct. 21 and Dec. 15-Jan. 2, 2014, with a daily limit of 15 birds and a possession limit of 45 birds after the second day. Controlled dove hunts will be offered at Fallsville, Rush Run, Spring Valley, Indian Creek and Bott state wildlife areas. Bott Wildlife Area will hold its drawings at the Indian Creek Headquarters. These controlled hunts will take place on Sunday, Sept. 1, and Monday, Sept. 2; hunting hours will be noon to sunset. Controlled dove hunts will also be offered at St. Marys Fish Hatchery on Sept. 1-2, 7, 14 and 21. Youths 17-years-old and younger will be given priority on Sept. 1-2. Opening day drawings for all of these hunts will take place at noon on Saturday, Aug. 24, at the respective public area headquarters. Drawings for the other hunts will be held the day of the hunt at noon. Maps and details are available at wildohio.com. Questions about these hunts should be directed to the ODNR Division of Wildlife’s District Five office at 937-372-9261. Hunters must obtain a new HIP certification each year. Licenses, permits and stamps are available online at the Wild Ohio Customer Center. Hunting hours are sunrise to sunset. The only exceptions will be on wildlife areas that have specially posted hunting times for doves. The 2013-14 Ohio Hunting and Trapping Regulations and the 2013 Migratory Game Bird Hunting Seasons brochure can be found online at wildohio.com. The 2013 Migratory Game Bird Hunting Seasons brochure will be available by late August at license outlets, ODNR Division of Wildlife district offices or by calling 800-WILDLIFE. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov . For some tasty dove recipes, check out our Wild Ohio Cookbook. Ohio Managed Dove Fields Download the locations of all dove fields and parking areas using Google Earth. For hyper links click here: http://dnr.state.oh.us/Home/HuntingandTrappingSubhomePage/DoveFieldLocations/tabid/18642/Default.aspx Central Ohio Big Island Wildlife Area Deer Creek Wildlife Area Delaware Wildlife Area Mackey Ford Wildlife Area Northwest Ohio Killdeer Plains Wildlife Area Lake La Su An Wildlife Area Pickerel Creek Wildlife Area Resthaven Wildlife Area Wyandot Wildlife Area Northeast Ohio Berlin Lake Wildlife Area Funk Bottoms Wildlife Area Grand River Wildlife Area Highlandtown Wildlife Area Killbuck Marsh Wildlife Area Mosquito Creek Wildlife Area West Branch State Park Wildlife Area Southeast Ohio AEP Recreation Land Crown City Wildlife Area Dillon Wildlife Area-Area 2 Dillon Wildlife Area-Area 3 Egypt Wildlife Area Salt Fork Wildlife Area Tri-Valley Wildlife Area Woodbury Wildlife Area-Central Section Woodbury Wildlife Area-Northwest Section Southwest Ohio Caesar Creek Wildlife Area Clark Lake Darke Wildlife Area Della Gates & Edward Charles Bott Wildlife Area East Fork Wildlife Area Fallsville Wildlife Area Fallsvile Wildlife Area-South Unit Indian Creek Wildlife Area Paint Creek Lake Wildlife Area Pater Wildlife Area Rush Run Wildlife Area Spring Valley Wildlife Area

I think it is more likely to distract or appease environmentalists that are upset with Obama, Clinton, and Cuomo over hydro-fracking.

In other words, a pair of beavers probably produces more muskrats than several pairs of muskrats do...

I saw that, pretty impressive. south of the border you have doves flying by what seems like non-stop all day, if your arm holds out that is. Many of the doves shot down there are born or pass through NY , as the case with all the states south of us into mexico and beyond into Argentinia, Brazil, etc.. Starting this fall, they will be hunting them in Ontario. They have been hunting them in Rhode Island for some time, so they will be shot above and below us...

Rhode Island, PA, and Ontario Dove Seasons, Sunday hunting in Ontario Rhode Island MIGRATORY GAME BIRDS Mourning Doves -The open season for mourning doves is statewide: September 14 to October 13; October 19 to November 9; December 18 to January 4 Shooting hours are: First split: noon to sunset. Second and third split: sunrise to sunset Daily bag / possession limits: 12 / 24 JOHN L. CURRAN STATE PARK/MANAGEMENT AREA: 9.12.3 The hunting of and/or possession of Mourning Dove or Wild Pigeons (Rock Dove) is prohibited. Note from us: Wild or Feral Pigeons are the same thing as Rock Doves or Rock Pigeons. In other parts of RI these birds are an unprotected species with no closed season. This special regulation is no doubt a socio-political one. Fluorescent Orange Requirements: Exemptions: first segment dove hunters, not required in areas limited to Archery by regulation. Hunting Licenses are available from DEM Division of Licensing at 235 Promenade St., Providence, RI 02908 (401) 222-3576; most city and town clerks (licenses only); most sporting goods stores; and http://www.dem.ri.gov/. To replace a lost or stolen license or permit, contact DEM Division of Licensing. Non-Resident Hunting (must be 15 years old)1 ............................... $45.00 Non-Resident (3-day hunting) Tourist License ................... $16.00 Resident and Non-Resident active military personnel ......... $18.00 RI HIP Permit ...................................................................... No fee (SEE BELOW) Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program (HIP) The HIP program was designed to aid state and wildlife agencies and the US Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) better information on managing our nation’s migratory bird resources. All migratory bird hunters need to obtain a permit and answer a small survey. HIP permits are available through all license vendors and DEM. PA Dove Hunting Doves Sept. 1 – Oct. 1 bag limit 15 Oct. 29 - Nov. 26 bag limit 15 Dec. 26 - Jan. 4 bag limit 15 During the Sept. 1-Oct. 1 portion of the dove season, hunting hours are noon to sunset. During the other seasons, hunting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to sunset. Possession limit is twice the daily bag limit. A valid PA Migratory Game Bird License is required to hunt doves and also is how you register for HIP in PA. Nonresident Adult Hunting 17 & up $101.70 Nonresident Junior Hunting 12 - 16 $ 41.70 Nonresident 7-Day Small Game 12 & up $ 31.70 Nonresident Migratory Game Bird 12 & up $ 6.70 Reduced-Fee Resident Military Personnel Hunting $2.70 Reduced-Fee Resident PA National Guard or Reserves Hunting $2.70 Reduced-Fee Resident Prisoner of War Hunting $2.70 To purchase PA hunting Licenses Online: https://www.pa.wildlifelicense.com/start.php Out of State License Agents: http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=596048&mode=2 In State License Agents: http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=596049&mode=2 Ontario Canada Introductory Dove season & Sunday Hunting Canadian Providence of Ontario allows dove hunting the fall of 2013! Central District: September 3 to November 11 South District: September 5 to November 13 Bag limit and possession limits in both districts is: 15/45 Link for info on new “introductory dove season”: http://www.ec.gc.ca/rcom-mbhr/default.asp?lang=en&n=99FDEC59-1#_docOpen Link for nonresident hunting licenses: http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/Business/FW/2ColumnSubPage/261219.html PENDING – Sunday Hunting Periodic changes may be made to gun hunting on Sundays in areas south of the French and Mattawa rivers. To confirm the status in the municipality in which you wish to hunt, please check the Sunday hunting information available at ontario.ca/hunting. Sunday Hunting - April 1, 2013 to August 31, 2013 • Effective April 1, 2013 to August 31, 2013: List of Municipalities in Southern Ontario Where Sunday Gun Hunting is Permitted (PDF, 59 kb) • Effective April 1, 2013 to August 31, 2013: Colour Map Showing Where Sunday Gun Hunting is Permitted in Southern Ontario (PDF, 1.6 mb) • Effective April 1, 2013 to August 31, 2013: B&W Map Showing Where Sunday Gun Hunting is Permitted in Southern Ontario (PDF, 1.2 mb)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Claire Cassel (703) 358-2357 [email protected] Danielle Kessler (703) 358-2644 [email protected] U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Seeks Nominations for Advisory Council on Wildlife Trafficking The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is announcing the establishment of an Advisory Council on Wildlife Trafficking (Council) under the Federal Advisory Committee Act and seeking nominations for Council members. On July 1, 2013, President Obama issued an Executive Order (EO) to enhance coordination of U.S. Government efforts to combat wildlife trafficking and assist foreign governments with capacity building. The EO calls on the Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Attorney General, to establish an eightmember Council with representation from the private sector, former government officials, nongovernmental organizations, and other experts on wildlife trade. The Council will serve as an advisory body to a Presidential Task Force consisting of seniorlevel representatives from across the federal government. The Council will provide advice and recommendations to the Task Force on a multi-pronged approach to wildlife trafficking, including anti-poaching activities, law enforcement efforts and consumer demand reduction. The Service will provide administrative and logistical support to the Council on behalf of the Department of the Interior. The call for nominations publishes today in the Federal Register and remains open until August 13, 2013. The Federal Register notice is available online at http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR- 2013-07-29/pdf/2013-18194.pdf. For the full text of the Executive Order on Combating Wildlife Trafficking, visit: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2013/07/01/executive-order-combating-wildlifetrafficking. For more information on U.S. Efforts to Combat Wildlife Trafficking, visit: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2013/07/01/fact-sheet-us-efforts-combat-wildlifetrafficking. The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov. Connect with our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/usfws, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/usfwshq, watch our YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com/usfws and download photos from our Flickr page at www.flickr.com/photos/usfwshq. -FWS

Following the lead of several other states, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo signed a bill on Friday banning the possession, sale and — presumably — the ingestion of shark fins, signaling the death knell for a traditional Chinatown delicacy: shark fin soup. Connect With NYTMetro Metro Twitter Logo. Follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook for news and conversation. . Mr. Cuomo, an avid fisherman, said that he signed the legislation, which will take effect next year, to help safeguard the tens of millions of sharks that are killed each year for their fins. “Not only is the process inhumane, but it also affects the natural balance of the oceanic ecosystem,” the governor said in a statement, adding that the state “will be doing its part to help preserve this important species and maintain a stable environment for them.” New York is not a big shark-hunting state, but the law’s supporters say it will remove a major market for the fins and the soup they flavor, a salty broth often served at weddings and other banquets. Patrick Kwan, the director of grass-roots organizing for the Humane Society of the United States, said he had eaten the soup as a child — “It’s almost like a rite of passage” — but hailed the governor’s decision. “The situation with sharks is so dire and people see the cruelty that’s happened,” said Mr. Kwan, who likened the experience of the sharks to “having a limb cut off.” Mr. Kwan added that while the process of “finning” — cutting off the shark’s fins and tossing the animal back in the water — was already illegal in waters off New York, those laws did not bar “the trade in shark fins within the state.” New York is the second most populous state to ban the fins, after California, whose ban took effect earlier this month. All told, eight states have bans in effect. There is also international opposition: Last July, officials in China announced a ban on the soup at official banquets. New York’s ban takes effect in July 2014, which should give restaurants and banquet halls enough time to use up their stockpiles of fins, which are dried and bleached for sale. Even so, some of the fins can be up to 30 inches tall, indicating that some very large sharks are being killed, Mr. Kwan said. Tony Chen, a manager at Grand Harmony Palace, a restaurant on Mott Street, said the soup was usually only on the menu for expensive banquets, and not a staple of anyone’s diet. “We use less right now,” he said, “because not many people ask for it.” A version of this article appeared in print on July 27, 2013, on page A15 of the New York edition with the headline: Cuomo Signs Law Banning Shark Fin Sales, Signaling End of Popular Soup in Chinatown

You know as well as me that nobody gets those highs. Rat highs were also reported at $40... Mink around $100. The average was probably like $8 for the best rats and maybe $55 for the best beaver. Your small, unprimed, or damaged fur bringing much less. Then subtract the NAFA or FH commissions... More money & less effort in $8 rats than $55 beaver. An old beaver pond usually becomes a muskrat mecca anyway and can sustain a rat catch for years. Especially if it draws down and re-floods. When that happens the dormant seed bank of emergent plants (cattails, rushes, sedges) erupt and then so do the rats. Those water control devices can be periodically used to produce the same effect to maintain good rat populations. And when the cattails and other emergent get to dense for rats you can use the water controller to thin it to the liking of rats. More young beavers dispersing and creating more impoundments means more rats too.

I think beavers do much more good than bad, and are not worth the effort to trap them for profit. However, a small landowner might not wish to become a "water owner" or the water may enter roads, buildings etc. However, even in those cases, it is usually possible to use a "Beaver Deceiver" to keep the impoundment, but draw it back and prevent it from expanding again. Installing this kind of device isn't anymore difficult than removing the beavers, and then the dam (unless you are able to get a dynamite permit). Then after all that work, there is still a good chance other beavers will recolonize sooner or later, especially if the spot has the attributes beavers like, willows, alders,cottonwoods, poplars, aspens, and a narrow channel. There are many links here are a few. Don't be put off by the pages by the HSUS, FFA, PETA, they didn't invent this, its just one of the things that biologists do that they like... http://www.georgiawildlife.com/sites/default/files/uploads/wildlife/hunting/pdf/Game_Mgmt/Publications/ClemsonBeaverPondLeveler.pdf http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flow_device

Monitoring Pheasants in the Genesee Valley Focus Area Farmers in the 13 counties that comprise the Lake Plains of New York have partnered with DEC since 1945 to help survey wild pheasant populations. This effort continues in the newly established "Pheasant Habitat Focus Area" in the Genesee Valley (portions of Livingston, Genesee, Wyoming and Monroe counties). The focus area was created as a part of DEC's recently completed 10-year management plan for ring-necked pheasants. The goal of the focus area is to concentrate the efforts of public and private habitat conservation programs to benefit pheasants and other grassland birds. The surveys will help DEC monitor pheasant populations and evaluate the success of habitat management efforts in the focus area. Those who farm land in Livingston, Genesee, Wyoming or Monroe counties can consider participating in the Farmer-Pheasant Inventory. No special observations are required; just those made during normal spring and summer farming activities. To join, contact DEC at (518) 402-8886 or by e-mail ([email protected], write "Farmer-Pheasant Inventory" in the subject line). Those who do not farm, but would like to contribute their pheasant observations from Livingston, Genesee, Wyoming and Monroe counties can join the Summer Pheasant Sighting Survey. During the month of August, survey participants record the sex and age of all pheasants observed during normal travel. A Summer Pheasant Sighting Survey form can be printed from the DEC website or call (518) 402-8886 for further guidance. Additional information is available on the DEC website: Summer Wild Turkey Sighting Survey Pheasant Habitat Focus Area & Pheasants Surveys Citizen Science: Wildlife Observations Data Collection DEC Regional Office Contact Information

DEC Seeks Participants for Summer Game Bird Surveys New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Joe Martens today encouraged New Yorkers to participate in surveys about two popular game birds: wild turkeys and ring-necked pheasants. "Citizen science efforts such as these provide our wildlife managers with invaluable data and give people the opportunity to partner with DEC to help monitor state wildlife resources," Commissioner Martens said. "I encourage residents to take the time to record their observations of turkeys or pheasants while exploring the forests and fields around their home or driving through New York's beautiful landscapes this summer." Summer Wild Turkey Sighting Survey Since 1996, DEC has conducted the Summer Wild Turkey Sighting Survey to estimate the number of wild turkey poults (young of the year) per hen statewide. Weather, predation, and habitat conditions during the breeding and brood-rearing seasons can all significantly impact nest success, hen survival, and poult survival. This index allows us to gauge reproductive success and predict fall harvest potential. During the month of August, survey participants will record the sex and age composition of all flocks of wild turkeys observed during normal travel. Individuals interested in participating can download a Summer Wild Turkey Sighting Survey form from the DEC website. Detailed instructions can be found with the data sheet. Survey cards can also be obtained by contacting your regional DEC office, by calling (518) 402-8886, or by e-mailing [email protected] (please type "Turkey Survey" in the subject line). Monitoring Pheasants in the Genesee Valley Focus Area Farmers in the 13 counties that comprise the Lake Plains of New York have partnered with DEC since 1945 to help survey wild pheasant populations. This effort continues in the newly established "Pheasant Habitat Focus Area" in the Genesee Valley (portions of Livingston, Genesee, Wyoming and Monroe counties). The focus area was created as a part of DEC's recently completed 10-year management plan for ring-necked pheasants. The goal of the focus area is to concentrate the efforts of public and private habitat conservation programs to benefit pheasants and other grassland birds. The surveys will help DEC monitor pheasant populations and evaluate the success of habitat management efforts in the focus area. Those who farm land in Livingston, Genesee, Wyoming or Monroe counties can consider participating in the Farmer-Pheasant Inventory. No special observations are required; just those made during normal spring and summer farming activities. To join, contact DEC at (518) 402-8886 or by e-mail ([email protected], write "Farmer-Pheasant Inventory" in the subject line). Those who do not farm, but would like to contribute their pheasant observations from Livingston, Genesee, Wyoming and Monroe counties can join the Summer Pheasant Sighting Survey. During the month of August, survey participants record the sex and age of all pheasants observed during normal travel. A Summer Pheasant Sighting Survey form can be printed from the DEC website or call (518) 402-8886 for further guidance. Additional information is available on the DEC website: Summer Wild Turkey Sighting Survey Pheasant Habitat Focus Area & Pheasants Surveys Citizen Science: Wildlife Observations Data Collection DEC Regional Office Contact Information

You probably spoke to Steve H. in Utica. What was the exact reason you were told that you are most likely going to have to get rid of them? Although I am against beaver removal, I disagree that they do not sometimes flood large areas. You can also install water control devices to "trick" the beavers. The device will only allow the impoundment to get so big, but without the sound of running water the beavers will not plug it. This is not the same type of water control device used for wetland management, but one designed for beaver problems and operates to manage the size of the impoundment without removing it. There are numerous benefits to having a beaver impoundment and besides trying to out work a beaver is not easy. If you remove all the beavers, it is very likely others will recolonize the general area anyway. Doc raised the issue of how they got there. Like muskrats and other aquatic/semi aquatic animals they not only travel small water courses, but also overland in search of water. Young beavers disperse when they approach sexual maturity and if water is there, they will find it. (You sound like you are well within a beavers reach from the West Canada Creek anyway, which is a constant source of beavers) And in the case of beavers, they will stop when they find an area they think they can neck down and has the right plants. You may be able to change the plants, but I don't think you want to widen the channel - which is doing the same thing the beavers are... Beaver trapping is rich in tradition, but require expensive,extremely large, heavy, dangerous, hard to set traps. The value of a beaver pelt is about the same as 2 muskrat pelts, but the price of traps is double or more, you can skin, flesh and stretch a dozen muskrat pelts in the time it takes to process one hard to skin, hard to flesh, hard to stretch beaver. And, you need a lot of space to hang those huge beaver pelts...

If you are correct, then one wonders what happens to the millions of dollars generated each year which are put into a trust fund to expand the refuge system. What makes this more egregious is that in the last decade or so the DOI/FWS has developed more revenue tools and is generating more money from existing refuges than ever.

That's the problem. The far right dictate who wins the primary but the moderate voters from both parties decides who gets elected.

They prefer them to be mentally unfit though... Not that Christie isn't a bit of a showman,(he has a bit of an ego and tries to come off as a tough guy) but he if he ever wanted to give up politics & law the guy could do great as an actor or comedian, check him out on youtube. Even people who dislike his politics cant help but like this guys humor... Last I heard he was in fact thinking about the presidency. John Thune also said he wasn't interested a few years ago... I think Ryan would have had a better chance than Romney, but I don't particularly care for either Ryan or Romney. Then who the heck knows what female candidate they might draw out? Palin isn't likely, but maybe her or another women... This should be an interesting one...

On Wednesday, July 24, 2013, the House Natural Resources Committee passed H.R. 638 – “ The National Wildlife Refuge Review Act of 2013” — which would remove the Department of the Interior’s authority to establish new national wildlife refuges, instead requiring an act of Congress. Representative John Fleming (R-LA), the bill’s sponsor, expressed concern regarding the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s capacity to manage existing refuges. Representative Peter DeFazio (D-OR), opposed the bill, arguing that Congress already has the power to reverse wildlife refuge designations. HR 638 IH 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 638 To amend the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 to require that any new national wildlife refuge may not be established except as expressly authorized by statute. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES February 13, 2013 Mr. FLEMING (for himself, Mr. SIMPSON, Mr. YOUNG of Alaska, Mr. JONES, Mr. FRANKS of Arizona, Mr. GOHMERT, Mr. MCCLINTOCK, Mr. POSEY, Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania, Mr. AMODEI, Mrs. BLACKBURN, and Mr. SOUTHERLAND) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources A BILL To amend the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 to require that any new national wildlife refuge may not be established except as expressly authorized by statute. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the `National Wildlife Refuge Review Act of 2013'. SEC. 2. PROHIBITION ON ESTABLISHMENT OF NEW NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGES. (a) In General- Section 4(a) of the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C. 668dd(a)) is amended by adding at the end the following: `(6) The Secretary may not establish any national wildlife refuge except as expressly authorized by a law enacted after January 3, 2013.'. ( Existing Refuges Not Affected- The amendment made by subsection (a) shall not apply with respect to any national wildlife refuge established on or before January 3, 2013.

NJ Governor Christie, SD Senator John Thune, and Paul Ryan is my guess who will race in the republican primary.

So, I will be expecting to see a Steve B on both our Facebook pages?

NY averages about $20 million a year for both the PR and DJ programs. It is not a sales tax, but an excise tax, paid for by manufacturers of guns, ammo, archery gear, motor boat oil, fishing tackle, and some other miscellaneous hunting & fishing related "components". The money is not simply "returned to the state" as most people believe. It is disbursed in the form of grants which must be applied for and are competitive and must be approved by the FWS, and require the state to put up 25% of its own money. The 25% is usually derived from one or both of two sources; one source is private conservation organizations such as Ducks Unlimited and the other source is the state conservation fund. The state conservation fund is comprised of 8 separate accounts and is derived from sporting licenses, guide licenses, the voluntary habitat/access stamp, and even the state migratory bird stamp despite being phased out a number of years ago, and the misleadingly named "fish & game account". The reason this ties into lifetime licenses is because those revenues go into the Fish & Game account. The fish and game account is diverted away from conservation and into the state's investment pool. It is a very complicated policy and it is written in very stilted language, it took us several hours to make sense of it. We summarized it the best we could. Nobody has offered an alternate interpretation of the laws. One critic from another forum simply sent us a copy of one of the laws, to which I replied, yeah, so what, we read this, it supports what we are saying...