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Interior Department Announces More Than $157 Million in Funding for Wetland Conservation Projects and National Wildlife Refuges

The U.S. Department of the Interior announced that more than $46.2 million in grants, under the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA), will conserve or restore 91,425 acres of critical wetland habitats across 17 states. The grants, matched by $99.1 million from partners, aim to support migratory birds and boost local economies through enhanced recreational opportunities. Additionally, $11.7 million from the Migratory Bird Conservation Fund will conserve 3,268 acres across seven national wildlife refuges, fostering public access for hunting, fishing, and wildlife observation. This initiative aligns with the Biden-Harris administration’s conservation goals, supporting biodiversity and climate resilience.

Key Takeaways:

NAWCA Grants: $46.2 million in federal funding matched by $99.1 million from partners will conserve vital wetland habitats across 17 states.
Biodiversity & Recreation: These efforts benefit 11 Endangered Species Act-listed birds and enhance local economies by expanding opportunities for wildlife observation, hunting, and fishing.
Public Lands Expansion: $11.7 million from the Migratory Bird Conservation Fund will conserve land on seven national wildlife refuges, contributing to the “America the Beautiful” initiative to protect biodiversity.

Secretary Deb Haaland emphasized that these investments demonstrate the administration’s commitment to conserving habitats that are essential for biodiversity and community resilience in the face of climate change. More than half of endangered species rely on wetlands, and this funding supports critical projects that ensure their future.

Wetlands Conservation and Migratory Bird Protection:

The Migratory Bird Conservation Commission, chaired by the Secretary of the Interior, helps conserve the nation’s most important waterfowl habitats through projects that support both ecological preservation and outdoor recreation. For example, acquisitions funded by the Migratory Bird Conservation Fund include:

Bear River Watershed (Idaho) – 656 acres for $610,000
Big Muddy National Fish and Wildlife Refuge (Missouri) – 294 acres for $2.94 million
Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge (Maryland) – 460 acres for $1.57 million

Additionally, the sale of Federal Duck Stamps continues to play a vital role in supporting these conservation efforts, raising over $1.2 billion since 1934.

These efforts by the Department of the Interior and its partners ensure that the nation’s diverse ecosystems are preserved for future generations, enhancing both the natural environment and the quality of life in surrounding communities.

For more detailed information on these programs, visit the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website.

New Hunting & Fishing Opportunities: US Fish & Wildlife Service Announces

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The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced 53 new hunting and fishing opportunities on approximately 211,000 acres within the National Wildlife Refuge System. This expansion includes twelve national wildlife refuges in Kentucky, Louisiana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Carolina, Texas, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Notable additions include first-ever hunting on Green River National Wildlife Refuge and expanded fishing on Horicon National Wildlife Refuge. To view the complete list of new opportunities, click here.

Martha Williams, Service Director, highlighted the significance of these activities, citing their roots in American heritage, and the economic benefits to local communities. Nearly 80% of Service stations currently offer hunting and fishing access, boosting local economies and connecting people with nature. This initiative aligns with the broader goal of increasing public land and water access through locally led and voluntary conservation efforts.

Public land access is an essential component for the hunting community, especially as private lands continue to fragment, and access to those private lands is harder to come by due to a multitude of factors.

The National Wildlife Refuge System comprises 571 national wildlife refuges and 38 wetland management districts. It offers vital habitats for thousands of species and various recreational activities such as fishing, hunting, boating, and nature watching. With over 68 million annual visitors, these refuges significantly contribute to local economies. In 2022, outdoor activities like hunting and fishing generated over $394 billion in economic expenditures, with hunters and anglers contributing over $144 billion.

This expansion of hunting and fishing opportunities reflects a commitment to conservation and responsible wildlife management, ensuring these lands are preserved for future generations.

Legislative Study on Sandhill Cranes Announced in Wisconsin

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On August 1st, Wisconsin Waterfowl Association announced the formation of a bipartisan Legislative Council Study Committee on Sandhill Cranes. This committee, which includes state legislators and representatives from agricultural, birding, and hunting communities, is set to address the burgeoning sandhill crane population in Wisconsin and its associated issues, including as crop damage. The committee’s first meeting took place on August 1 at the Horicon Marsh Education Center.

Bruce Ross, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Waterfowl Association (WWA), praised the establishment of this committee, emphasizing the need for a management plan for the state’s increasing sandhill crane population. He advocated for science-based solutions to manage the population and mitigate crop damage.

State Representative Paul Tittl (R – Manitowoc) chairs the committee, which includes public members like Todd Schaller, Vice President of WWA and former Chief Warden of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Schaller’s appointment underscores the committee’s commitment to using scientific data to inform wildlife management decisions.

The sandhill crane population in Wisconsin has seen significant growth since the early 1900s, when federal protection was established through the international treaty on migratory birds. The population has doubled in the past decade, surpassing the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s upper population goals by nearly 100%. This rapid growth has resulted in increased agricultural damage, estimated at over $1.6 million in 2022, with more than 1200 cranes destroyed under federal kill permits.

Farmers have been using the chemical deterrent AVIPEL™ to mitigate crop damage, costing approximately $2 million in 2020 for application on 200,000 acres. The potential area affected could expand to 3,000,000 acres with the crane population’s continued growth. There is currently no financial relief for farmers dealing with crane-caused crop depredation or for the use of AVIPEL™.

In addition to agricultural impacts, the growing crane population poses other challenges. Negative human interactions, like those experienced with increasing Canada goose populations, are expected to rise as cranes become more prevalent across Wisconsin.

Currently, Sandhill cranes are hunted in 17 states and 3 provinces, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service based on annual population counts and scientific research.

The Wisconsin Waterfowl Association is a state-based non-profit conservation organization dedicated to the conservation of Wisconsin’s waterfowl and wetland resources. Since 1984, WWA has worked to restore critical habitat in Wisconsin, educate the next generation of waterfowl hunters, and advocate for policies that protect Wisconsin’s resources and the rights of citizens to hunt.

The 2024 NDA Report: Summarized Insights into North America’s Deer Populations and Management Strategies

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This is just a snapshot summary of the insights provided by NDA. If you’d like to learn more, we recommend reading the full report, linked at the end of this article. The National Deer Association’s 2024 Deer Report presents an in-depth analysis of the current state of deer populations, harvest trends, and the challenges and successes of deer management across North America. This comprehensive report draws on extensive data to offer a nuanced understanding of the factors influencing deer populations, the impact of diseases such as Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) and Hemorrhagic Disease (HD), including Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease Virus (EHDV) and Bluetongue Virus (BTV), and the evolving role of technology in wildlife management.

Key Findings and Trends

The report highlights a balanced age structure in the harvested deer population, with a significant portion of the harvest comprising older bucks. This trend suggests positive outcomes from wildlife management practices and a shift towards more sustainable hunting. Over 2.9 million antlered bucks and 3 million antlerless deer were harvested, indicating robust deer populations and successful management strategies across various regions.

Harvest Trends: The report indicates a significant shift towards a more mature age structure among harvested deer. For instance, in 2022, the percentage of antlered bucks aged 3½ years and older in the harvest was the highest ever reported at 42%. This reflects a successful outcome of wildlife management strategies aimed at promoting a healthier deer population and a more ethical hunting practice. It’s interesting to see this specific data point as it relates to the general climate of the hunting community when you consider the old adage of “Brown Down” mantra. It would seem even though a number of hunters chose to punch their tag on a spike buck or basket rack, the overall herd is considerably healthy. Moreover, hunters should feel comfortable punching their tag how they see fit, given how deer heard numbers are managed through various states’ licensing processes.
Antlerless Deer Harvest: The report also delves into the antlerless deer harvest, noting that over 3 million antlerless deer were harvested in 2022. This marks only the second time since 2013 that the antlerless harvest has topped three million, highlighting the effectiveness of current deer management strategies in maintaining balanced deer populations. It’s good to see hunters tagging does, especially in a day and age when harvesting mature bucks is at the forefront of most hunting conversations across the internet.
Harvest by Weapon Type: Analysis of the harvest by weapon type reveals a diversification in hunting practices. Muzzleloader hunters accounted for 9% of the total deer harvest, bow/crossbow hunters for 25%, and firearm (rifle/shotgun) hunters for 66% in 2022. This diversification not only reflects the evolving preferences and skills of hunters but also the regulatory changes that have expanded hunting opportunities. It’d be great to peel the numbers back a bit more to compare crossbow numbers exclusive to bow numbers rather than grouping them.
Regional Differences: The report identifies significant regional differences in deer harvests, both in terms of numbers and methodologies used. For example, in the Northeast, bow hunters accounted for the highest percentage of the harvest (33%), while in the Southeast, firearms were used for over three-quarters of deer taken.

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) and Hemorrhagic Disease (HD) Insights:

CWD has been identified in 32 U.S. states and several other countries, with no vaccine or cure available. It’s particularly fatal and spreads through direct contact and environmental contamination. CWD affects deer species including white-tailed deer, mule deer, elk, moose, and reindeer. Research indicates adult bucks have higher infection rates compared to does and younger deer.
HD, including EHDV and BTV, is transmitted by biting midges or flies and has been confirmed in deer across at least 16 states. While 2023 saw a surprisingly low HD year, the diseases pose significant threats to deer populations, especially in areas experiencing drought conditions, albeit with limited distribution and prevalence compared to the previous year.

Harvest Success Across States

Texas, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Missouri reported the highest buck harvest numbers, reflecting the effectiveness of their deer management and conservation efforts. The report underscores the importance of adaptive management strategies to maintain healthy deer populations and ensure the future of deer hunting.

The Impact of Technology

Trail cameras, including cellular cameras, have revolutionized deer management by providing real-time monitoring capabilities. These tools offer valuable insights into deer behavior, population dynamics, and the effectiveness of management interventions. Additionally, the use of drones for habitat assessment and wildlife management underscores the potential of technology to enhance conservation efforts, though it also calls for careful regulation to minimize disturbances to wildlife. There are strong opinions about cell cam and drone usage, and it’s important to note that things are evolving quickly as more legislation is introduced at the state level for some of these emerging technologies to be applied to the hunting realm.

Conclusion

The 2024 Deer Report offers critical insights into the challenges and successes of deer management in North America. It underscores the importance of sound management practices, the impact of diseases on deer populations, and the transformative role of technology in conservation efforts. As we move forward, continued research, innovation, and collaboration among wildlife professionals, hunters, and conservationists will be essential to ensure the health and sustainability of deer populations for future generations.

Read the full report here.

Springtime on the Water

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Contributor: Gary Maerz

It’s the end of February. The quest for Whitetail has ended. Sure, I could begin scouting the woods, look for sheds, and start planning for my autumnal mission. But to be honest, I am way more okayest as an angler than a hunter. While some may be planning for turkey, my mind tends toward trout; I cannot help but think about some of the amazing opportunities for spring fishing we can all enjoy. To be clear, the below noted timeframes are a general point of reference. The fishing described is more dictated by conditions than any given month. Regardless, anticipation will only be quelled by a spring on the water.

March Browns (Brooks and Bows)

Water temperatures start creeping back to the high 30s and day-dreaming about time on a river is in full swing. Start looking at stream reports for temperature and stream flow (cubic feet per second or cfs) trends to maximize the chance of success. Trout are back on the move after frigid waters begin warming, but turbidity is your enemy.

Look for increasing (or at least stable) temperatures and cfs trends that may indicate clearer water. Watch for stable stream flow or a period of high water followed by a precipitous drop to normal levels. These trends are indicators that possibly suggest clear/clearing water. Streamers and wooly-buggers are good choices with a fly line unless there is a notable hatch. Additionally, an attractor pattern such as a yellow-humpy has been successful. For ultra-light spinning gear, rooster tails, panther martins, and spoons (Thomas’ Little Tiger for me) do an excellent job of imitating protein packed baitfish.

I target larger trout with medium-light spinning gear as April rolls on. Warmer water has the biguns’ on the hunt; they are more than happy to smack a baitfish imitation. My favorite jerkbait presentation is a 4-4.5”, usually a trout pattern but any baitfish pattern is suitable, worked through current breaks, eddies, and slower water. A slow, steady retrieve with the occasional twitch will trigger strikes from bigger trout. Switch to a floating stick bait if the water is shallow and employ a similar retrieve. These techniques work on smaller trout as well but be sure to downsize your lures.

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Pre-Spawn Smallmouth

April marches toward May and water temperatures climb into the upper 40s – low 50s. This is truly a special time of year. Big girls move out of their wintering holes and start feeding in shallower water: the smallmouth bass pre-spawn. Even the okayest fisherman has the opportunity to catch a giant.

The arduous task of pescatarian labor is about to begin. Before this, females pack on weight after the general austerity of winter before the eggs start to drop. Baitfish and crayfish (crawdads) will hold a special place on the menu. Jerkbaits (again) are a fantastic option for this time of year. Vary your retrieve until you determine which twitching cadence and pause length or retrieve speed will trigger the most strikes. This is the technique I have had the most success (and experience) with and is a confidence presentation to be sure.

Slow-rolled soft swimbaits and large curly-tail grubs also work well during this time of year. Additionally, many anglers will employ a jig with a crayfish trailer. I have not had a great deal of experience with a jig, but all those other anglers can’t be wrong; they are using jigs for a reason.

A Little Prespawn Chatter

Another great option for pre-spawn smallmouth is a chatterbait (or bladed jig). Don’t be afraid to use it as a search bait or as a follow-up to the jerkbait. A chatterbait mimics baitfish and/or crayfish and offers a bulkier profile than a jerkbait, coupled with significant vibration. And as is often typical of fishing with a chatterbait, quality reigns supreme over quantity and some of my largest smallmouth bass went for the chatterbait. For more information, forgive the shameless plug and see my BASSMASTER article, “A Little Prespawn Chatter” (April 2020).

Mixed Bags of May

A good portion of my time on the water has been spent on the Delaware River, specifically the region designated the Upper Delaware River which runs south from Hancock, NY to Port Jervis, NY. This fantastic fishery is home to several species such as trout, smallmouth bass, walleye, and a bountiful run of American shad. A peak time of year to fish the river falls between Mother’s Day and Memorial Day as a “Grand Slam” (or greater) is always possible. If you have a local river with a similar abundance of game species, be sure to verify its potential.

Trout and bass can be caught on the fly, spoons, spinners, and jerkbaits. Walleye can be caught on jerkbaits but crankbaits and soft plastics are also excellent choices (smallmouth also). Chain pickerel (sturdy “gators” known for drag screaming runs) are often a nice bonus during this time of year as well. Shad are typically caught with shad darts; colored jig heads often adorned with bucktail or feather. The variety of gamefish readily available at this time of year will keep you entertained and in the action.

Spring is Near

The grip of old man winter loosens, mother nature becomes a little more forgiving, and springtime fishing opportunities are a welcome distraction. I will relive springtime fishing moments until new experiences can manifest memories for next winter. See you on the water; tight lines.

Shooting Your Bow in Summer has Proven to Increase Your Odds of Success During Hunting Season

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By Will Bowen | PUBLISHED June 29th, 2023

Every summer I start my practice sessions off the same way, shaky arms and loose groups. Am I terrible on the first session of the year? Not really, I’ve shot a bow for over two decades, so there is some inherit form there, but for my preferred hunting standards, yes…it’s pretty rough. I’d say the same goes for most bow hunters. As soon as hunting season ends, we all tend to put the bow on the hanger for a couple months. Some of us leave it up longer than that. A small offseason break is good but you don’t want to wait too long to break the bow back out and start shooting.

I like to follow a basic practice routine and schedule during the summers. I start somewhere in late June or early July. This will give me about two and a half to three months of solid practice before the season starts. My personal progression is pretty simple and an easy one for novice archers to follow. The progression is as follows: perfect your form, hone your skills, and then harden your nerves. Pretty basic right? Let’s take a look at each step and break them down into the most important aspects.

How to Practice

Before we dive into each step we need to briefly discuss how to practice. Your shooting sessions should be brief. There is no need to shoot 500 arrows a day, this could possibly accentuate bad habits. Instead stick to 15-20 well thought out shots. Practice doesn’t make perfect, perfect practice makes perfect. Keeping your practice sessions short will force you to focus and make every arrow count. It also keeps weakness and shakiness from becoming an issue, therefore cutting down on the possibility that you develop bad habits. Want something else to fill your time? Do some archery specific exercises like theraband rows or shoulder blade retractions. It’s not shooting directly but it is beneficial to your archery success.

Perfect Your Form

This is how I like to start my shooting in the summer. I like to take the first two to three weeks perfecting my form. When you haven’t shot in a few months you can get pretty rusty. I like to start with a typical dotted bag or block target at 20 yards. Instead of focusing on stacking arrows on top of each other, really focus on your form. Proper back tension, proper riser grip, and proper trigger squeeze all need to be achieved on a consistent basis over the course of this period. Once you feel that you have achieved good, repeatable form, then we can start working on honing your archery skills.

Hone Your Skills

Now we can focus on stacking arrows. Your form has been built and you’re ready to start mixing it up. The next three to four weeks will be spent shooting varied shots. Start changing up your distances and angles. If your max shooting distance during the season is 40 yards, practice at 50 and 60. It’ll make 40 feel like 25. And imagine what it’ll make 20 feel like! Also practice your in-between yardages (27, 34, etc.). This is a great opportunity to learn how your sight pins perform at variable distances. This is the core of your summer practice. Change it up, we are building skill now, not form.

Harden Your Nerves

Finally in the last month or so before the season, it is time to start hardening your skill and your nerves. There is no better way to put ice in your veins than to shoot under pressure. First and foremost, shoot while people are watching. The added pressure of extra eyes scrutinizing your form is beneficial. It makes you focus and talk yourself through the pressure. Another way to pressurize the situation, while also adding a ton of fun, is to shoot in 3D competitions or shoot for dough in the yard. Get your buddies together on a weeknight and have an impromptu competition for $5 a guy. Nobody will put pressure on you like a buddy trying to win your money. The point in all this goofiness is to shoot at 3D targets, learn anatomy, and put pressure on yourself, that way when the actual pressure comes you’ll be prepared.

This is how I plan to tackle my summer this year. The key is to have a plan and stick to it. Remember perfect practice makes perfect and consistency is the goal. Go into this fall being a better archer than you were last year. Let’s get shooting!

Remember, Don’t Forget Your Release!