mike rossi

You wont appreciate bird hunting with a dog until you do it, but without a dog it helps to know what they sound like. http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Ring-necked_Pheasant/sounds

Last night I listened in on a "webinar" by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Basically it was an information session for refuge stakeholders who volunteer to provide input on refuge policies. Each refuge has a group called Friends of ___________ refuge. As I expected it was predominantly nonconsumptive users on the friends, thus, nonhunters are essentially dictating refuge policy. The refuge system is about 99% funded by the federal migratory bird conservation trust fund create by congress in the 1930s. That fund is derived from 1) sales of federal migratory waterfowl stamps which are mandatory for hunting ducks and geese 2) Entry fees for the annual art contest in which the winner's art becomes that years stamp 3) sales of prints made of the stamps. This program is one of the most successfull conservation initiatives and one that is almost 100% hunter financed. Originally refuges were closed to hunting. Later some were open to control deer populations. Then a small number were open to other forms of hunting. Around 1980 the fund for animals sued the USFWS and now before a hunting season is opened on refuges an EA/EIS must be completed. I have written extensively about the abuse of public trust doctrine possibly interfering with the mandates of federal and state wildlife departments such as the NY DEC. I also cautioned sportsmen that those agencies have already recognized that they must depend on the public majority, not hunters, who are the public minority, to sustain conservation funding. As agencies promote wildlife lands and nonconsumptive uses of those lands, they also promote policy involvement and have developed ways to generate revenue from the public majority. I acknowlege that this may be necessary but I predict a number of problems from land use conflicts to land overuse - particularily during the warm months when wildlife are rearing young. I also disagree with the development of infastructure at the expense of both land and funds. The webnar discussed 24 recomendations to be put into draft products which will be open to public comment. The draft communications plan addresses the USFWS vision to promote the refuge system to the public majority and educate them about the refuge system. Causual comments made during the webnar expressed disatisfaction with (quote): "talking about the duck stamp" therefore the role of hunting in funding conservation. The public comment period for the "draft communications plan" is open. It is important that the current emphasis on deer and trophy hunting does not eliminate sportsmen from having say so in conservation policy and funds. As we bicker about antlers it is the public majority who is helping refuge staff ban doves and waterbirds. The safety of hunting on public lands is an easy card to play especially if everyone is in the hardwoods after that big buck or big bad coyote. Below is information I copied about the public comment period. Please get informed and submit comment and then foward and cross post this message to encourage others to do the same. The National Wildlife Refuge System (NWRS) has released a draft Communications Strategic Plan online for public comment. The purpose of the plan is to increase visitation and awareness of the Refuge System and ultimately fostering the next generation of Refuge supporters by guiding improved communications activities that reach key audiences throughout the next five years. The draft was developed as a fulfillment of recommendations 14 and 15 in Conserving the Future: Wildlife Refuges and the Next Generation, a document representing NWRS’ updated vision for the future of America’s wildlife refuges. The draft Strategic Plan will be online for comment until January 16, 2013. Individuals can view and comment the draft product by signing-up or signing-in to the social network. You can also email comments to [email protected] or mail them to: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service NWRS-DVSC, Suite 634 4401 North Fairfax Drive Arlington, VA 22203 Attn: Vision Implementation Coordinator

Parts of the military have switched from lead ammo to non-lead, with soldiers in Afghanistan now carrying non-lead. Although it is not available for civilians, it is reported that .223 non-lead out preforms .308 lead. The Army's PowerPoint shows the reasons. http://www.aschq.army.mil/ac/aais/ioc/LCAAP/Industry_Day/634272332137343750.pdf

Do you want to have a voice in the future of the National Wildlife Refuge System? Here's our number - call us! We're holding a w... ebinar tonight, Mon. 12/17 at 6pm Eastern time, to help members of our "Friends" volunteer groups get involved in the refuges' "Conserving the Future" plans for the next decade. Interested? Scroll down for call-in info. If you're not a Friend group member, but you'd like to get involved, now is the time! Join the conversation tonight. Photo: USFWS To join the online meeting, go to https://mmancusa.webex.com/mmancusa/j.php?ED=194892447&UID=496017202&PW=NZjgwMjllZjlh&RT=MiMxOA%3D%3D Call-in toll-free number: 1-866-541-4241 (US) Attendee access code: 658 934 3 For call in help: Go to https://mmancusa.webex.com/mmancusa/mc

This is interesting because several people more than once suggested a "dislike button". That one could just dislike and move on -thats a quote. That makes no sense. If you like a post you dont need to reinvent the wheel, but if you dislike a post that requires a little explaination or its mere pontification. I think the board admin here knows that too, evidence that there is no such button. Hunters are notorious for "moving on" anytime they meet a new concept. It didnt happen over night but thats how we got the current state of public opinion and regulations. Hopefully the internet will finally change that, especially as the "leaders" age - then maybe we can "move on". On a very similair note: 1. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions, but not to their own facts. 2. You use science to form your opinions; you do not use your opinions to form science. Think about it...

Says right in the regulation magazine you get with your license, and says it every year... Some state parks, some.... Besides this thread is using public, state, and county interchangably. Why not through in city, town, municipal....

Bubba; State money is matched three to one by federal funds - Every state dollar is matched by three federal dollars. Besides license fees the DEC could use funds from the voluntary habitat-access stamp or any other stamp or permit it issues to obtain matching dollars. Re authorizing the (NY State) duck stamp and creating a woodcock stamp, and a dove stamp, would provide more dollars the state could use to leverage federal conservation funds.

There is another side to that, but I am uninformed so I will remain nuetral on the bear provision. Whether you or I agree with it or not - it still is a controversial provision which benefits a miniscule number of hunters. Why tie up good legistlation with a controversial provision which benefits very few? Don't you think this is showboating?

Lets get the (percieved) safety issue out of the way and then get to the (real) issues: Hunting or being afield as a non hunter when hunting is occuring is much less dangerous than driving. That being said, I do think there should be some public lands for so-called nonconsumtive uses on which hunting is prohibited. But that works both ways... Pitman-Robertson lands and Duck Stamp lands have designated conservation uses and priority public uses. Bigger worries are those activities you list and some others on public hunting lands - I am more concerned with the abuse of the public domain concept on PR and duck stamp lands to that extent state wildlife agencies, such as the DEC and federal wildlife agencies are not performing their mandates. Another thing to question is why are nonconsumptive uses safe on public hunting lands; but unsafe on parks? (These days you see more nonconumtive users on most wmas than hunters). To make a long story short: Conservation lands are for wildlife and hunting. Parks are for nonconsumtive recreation. So go party in the parks and leave conservaton lands to the animals, hunters, and naturalists...

Interesting point about the DEC being understaffed to police it when the industry successfully fought tooth and nail to take almost all of the federal EPAs regulatory authority from them. Makes no sense except to the people who profit from it. We have a federal environmental protection agency - they just arent allowed to protect the environment. Guess who is deliverying water to the people in Pa -the EPA! The EPA is the water boy. Another point: some people may say the greedy fools who enter gas lease agreements deserve what they got. However their neighbors for some distance also have their properties ruined.

Well, ok that neighbor is a bad example... I will rephrase it: With other people, try asking in advance...

Whats with the wood duck?

Do what people who do not have their own land do: ask permission - in advance. If they say no, its no...

I will look into the TRCP more closely the causes you list are great ones. The CFBD primary mission is rare species and an ecology-based approach to management. If the only sympothizers of their causes are anti-hunters/trappers they will work with what they got. This Act contained a bundle of bills containing provisions about lead, target shooting, and polar bears. I dont know about you, but I really am not wealthy enough to hunt polar bears and even if I was I wouldnt want to. Who is this serving? Do I take the NRAs word for it that polar bears should be hunted or that lead shot is benign? Next they tell us to watch out for the slippery slope - first polar bears than whitetails. Too much time and OUR money fighting for or against things that just do not enhance opportunity for the vast majority of hunters. To make matters worse this sort of NRA show-boating does not foster a conservation ethic among hunters and gives us the public image of being selfish, greedy and over-exploiting land & game.

Here are the "Boxer Amendments": TEXT OF AMENDMENTS -- (Senate - November 14, 2012) [Page: S6806] --- SA 2901. Mrs. BOXER submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by her to the bill S. 3525, to protect and enhance opportunities for recreational hunting, fishing, and shooting, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows: Strike section 121. SA 2902. Mrs. BOXER submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 2875 proposed by Mr. REID (for Mr. TESTER) to the bill S. 3525, to protect and enhance opportunities for recreational hunting, fishing, and shooting, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows: Strike section 121 and insert the following: SEC. 121. NO REGULATION OF AMMUNITION OR FISHING TACKLE PENDING STUDY OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS. (a) No Regulation of Ammunition or Fishing Tackle.--The Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency shall not issue any proposed or final rule or guidance to regulate any chemical substance or mixture in ammunition or fishing tackle under the Toxic Substances Control Act (15 U.S.C. 2601 et seq.) during the period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act and ending on the date of the publication of the study required by subsection (. ( Study of Potential Human Health and Environmental Effects.-- (1) IN GENERAL.--Not later than December 31, 2014, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Commissioner of Food and Drugs, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Secretary of the Interior shall jointly prepare and publish a study that describes the potential threats to human health (including to pregnant women, children, and other vulnerable populations) and to the environment from the use of-- (A) lead and toxic substances in ammunition and fishing tackle; and ( commercially available and less toxic alternatives to lead and toxic substances in ammunition and fishing tackle. (2) USE.--The Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency shall use, as appropriate, the findings of the report required by paragraph (1) when considering any potential future decision related to a chemical substance or mixture when the substance or mixture is used in ammunition or fishing tackle.

Moderaters: Please make that link more visible.

The issues with hydrofracking are not only its environmental impacts and its impacts on human health. It is a quality of life issue with other negatives. It has been pitched to Americans as energy independence and an economic silver bullet. However, there has been no plan for automobile conversion to methane, and to be frank, even if there was, driving a methane automobile sounds a little bit dangerous to me. Residents of Pennsylvania were made big promises by the gas industry and many, if not most, have found their properties polluted to the extent they want to move but cannot find a buyer. Most stay and no longer have a convenience we take for granted, that is the ability to turn a faucet for water. They now have installed water storage tanks and are dependent on water delivery. Sounds more like a third-world country than independence to me. The ethics of the gas companies are akin to the mafia. They tell homeowners “if you do not lease your land to us we will take your gas anyway”. No whistleblowing policy with the gas companies – report an environmental violation or marijuana use by coworkers and you are fired. Do the gas companies even permit drug use by the workers who build the oft discussed “casings” – which have failed on a number of occasions? Even without environmental and health impacts – the noise pollution, stench, and eyesores which go with the territory are sufficient reason to reject this industry. Residents in frack country complain about large volumes of traffic involving extremely heavy trucks causing unsafe driving conditions, traffic snarls, noise, road rage, and damage to roads. I guess road repair as well as installing water tanks and delivering water will be reconciled as additional “job creation”. The gas industry already has enormous power. Allowing them to expand will only increase their power and influence to the point they will (totally) run the country. Personally, I believe that hydrofracking is a major environmental impact; however that most important issue seems to be well documented, yet trivialized, so I won’t delve there. There is also a proposal to follow what PA is doing with frack brine they have no place to dump. That is use it to melt roadways and spread the rest on fields throughout the state. There was some maps of the exact roadways online (yesterday) but they took them down. If they are put up I will post the link. Here is another less detailed link: http://blog.shaleshockmedia.org/2012/12/10/pa-now-allows-dumping-fracking-fluids-onto-roads-and-fields-ny-wants-to-follow/

Im willing to bet he does. And so does Bloomberg. You have to understand the mentality. Its called arrogance...

Kludes; I see your cable and it is obvious it pulled out the stake of a drowning set. Coons can climb on a thread of a vine, even with one foot in a trap as you learned. If you set a muskrat trap, you should always stake for coon. These days you should stake for coyotes actually. Incidents happen in trapping, hunting, and driving cars. BUT: the public majority does not accept incidents from trapping and hunting. It creates opposition in most nuetral people and is used as ammo by hard wired antis. As someone who writes a lot of letters and public comment in defense of our sports, a picture like that is just creating work for me.

Lets talk about TRCP and CFBD. The TRCP is always coming up with these public land schemes and fight for hunting of things like wolves and polar bears. They sound like (probably are) a branch of the NRA or USSA or the republican party. IMO I have not seen them propose one sound policy. The CFBD has an impressive staff of 15 environmental attorneys and 15 biologists. They stand by an ecology-based management strategy for natural resources (wildlife and fish). Now most peoples concept of a biologist is someone whose job is to have opinions and either works for a state or the federal goverment - both of those ideas are wrong. The CFBD very often sues state wildlife agencies and the US Fish and Wildlife Service. I cant be honest without agreeing with most of those lawsuits. Montana Fish and Game is under alot of fire right now. The sponsor of the sportsmans act is a montana senator. I spoke to an aide in Tester's office to find out what the lead provision had to do with the rest of the bill and naturally I did not get a straight answer but I was told the EPA is not popular in Montana and the NRA has alot of influence. Montana is one of the states recently opening up the controversial wolf hunting seasons. Montana is also the only state except Alaska which allows trapping of wolverines, which the state population is estimated to be 300 animals or so. The CFBD is not the only organization to oppose the lead provision and a bunch of other stuff Montana Fish and Game does or doesnt do. Thats it for back-round... The only objection because of the lead provision came from democrat Barbara Boxer of California. Boxer's proposed amendment was not popular with her colleagues. Boxer based her argument on human health which is a weaker argument than the impact on birds. I will post the Boxer Amendment as they are known later. The idea to prevent the EPA from regulating lead ammo and fishing tackle resonates with the "Halliburton Loophole". Halliburton is a natural gas company in which at the time he was vice president, Dick Cheney was also its CEO. Cheney crafted legislation which prevented the EPA from regulating or even knowing what chemicals are used in hydrofracking. President Bush did sign the bill into law. Hydrofracking is allowed on PA state game lands. The left over brine is used on roads to melt ice and the extra they can’t find a place to dump is spread on fields. New York State has plans to allow hydrofracking AND already has maps online where the brine will be spread. Some conservationists have suggested that the lead provision isn’t really for hunters but an attempt to further disempower the EPA. Sounds far-fetched on the surface but look at the 16 other bills which comprise the sportsman’s act then try to reconcile why #17 the lead provision is in there. Kind of out of place, wouldn’t you agree? The ammo companies deny lobbying for this, unless anyone else knows something please post. It may simply be NRA flag waving or similarly republican cheerleading against environmentalism or for so called state rights. By the way, public comment about NY hydrofracking starts today, December 12. If you think fracking is a good thing, you need to do some research. Now back to the "Fiscal Cliff". Using my wildest imagination I cannot make a connection between increasing the price of duck stamps and the resulting increase in the federal migratory conservation fund; with costing the goverement millions of dollars over a ten year period. Nobody explains this - not any members of Congress and not any conservation organizations and not any individuals. So if anyone knows what rebublicans in congress are talking about please let everyone know!

Better, but still not acceptable - GET THE LEAD OUT! Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) has renewed his push to pass S 3525, his Sportsmen’s Bill which failed to pass before the election-day recess. The package, as written, includes 17 bills that would conserve wetlands, expand funding for shooting ranges, increase recreational access to public lands, and prohibit the EPA from regulating lead in ammunition. The bill has already passed several procedural votes in the lame duck session, but was most recently rejected by the full Senate because it fails to uphold the standards of the Budget Control Act of 2011, which requires any new spending initiative to be matched by equivalent reductions in the federal deficit. The problem is that the provision which gives the Secretary of the Interior the authority to review and set the price of the duck stamp every three years will increase federal spending by about $140 million over a ten year period. The Congressional Budget Office estimates the Sportsmen’s package decreases the national deficit by $5 million over that same time period. This led Senator Sessions (R-AL) to lead a procedural motion to kill the bill. In an effort to revive the bill, Tester offered to include a sodsaver amendment to the package. The amendment, supported by sportsmen and conservationists, would save about $175 million, by reducing insurance premium supports and subsidies for farmers who convert native grasslands into production. The amendment was originally considered for the new Farm Bill, which stalled out in talks after the November election

Talks about what she thought not only about hunting, but HUNTERS... And what she thinks now. Audio | Q with Jian Ghomeshi | CBC Radio www.cbc.ca

Pretty hard to listen for a gobble or a walking deer with back-round music? Still hunt for 4 hours with that? Can tell nobody here hunts with dogs either, because dogs, especially young ones, wonder what all the shooting is about to. Whatever. I do my target shooting at the range and any youth I mentor will be told to do the same... Shoot where you want and tell your mentees whatever you want...

Its a compliment Doc... Your welcome!

Not only will this remove the rust, but if you leave it longer, it will blacken them, just like the logwood dye treatments.