Midwest retail giant Meijer, Inc. has decided to end its partnership with the Humane Society of the United States in a fund raising effort that would have sent up to $5,000 to the biggest anti-hunting organization in America. According to a release by the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance, Stacie Behler, Meijer vice president of corporate communications and public affairs, didn’t know there might be a problem.

“Our program was an outgrowth of our history of supporting local humane societies. We were not aware of the concerns that exist among hunters about HSUS. As you know, we have strongly supported the hunting community over many decades,” said Meijer vice president of corporate communications and public affairs, Stacie Behler. “We have discontinued our donation program as a result of the feedback. No new funds will be collected. The funds that were collected will be used exclusively for their Foreclosure Pets Fund, which is a grants program for animal shelters, non-sheltered rescue/adoption groups and animal care and control agencies to establish, expand, or publicize services or programs that assist families caring for their pets during the current economic crisis.”

As they would say up in Maine where I come from, “Ain’t too smaaht!” One has to question the intelligence behind Meijer’s decision to donate money to anything. From what I gather in this statement, they didn’t realize that there is a difference between local humane shelters and the Humane Society of the United States. Shame on them. Is it right to assume then that had Meijer known the difference they would have suspected there would have been some “concerns that exist among hunters about HSUS”? Doubtful.

The good part is hunters spoke up and Meijer listened. As USSA said,

“This once again proves that the sportsman’s voice is not to be taken lightly,” said USSA senior vice president Rick Story. “We hope that in the future, companies such as Meijer will consider how partnerships will be received before launching them.”

Tom Remington

A federal judge in California has ordered the U.S. Department of Interior and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to render its final decision on whether to list the polar bear as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Judge Claudia Wilken of Federal District Court in Oakland, California said the USFWS has no legitimate reason to continue delaying its decision on what to due concerning the listing of the polar bear. The judge ordered the Service to make its decision by May 15, 2008.

The New York Times and Associated Press have more.

On January 9, 2008, the U.S. Department of Interior published a proposal (pdf) to list the polar bear under the Endangered Species Act. Under the process of this proposal, the Service announced that is would begin a 12-month “finding”, meaning it will take one year to receive public comment and confer with scientists and all relevant entities in an attempt to determine is the loss of sea ice (polar bear habitat) is a long term threat that in turn will threaten the survivability of the bear across its range.

At the conclusion of that 12-month period, the DOI announced it would need another 6 months to complete its investigation in order to make a determination. Environmental groups files a lawsuit in order to force the DOI to render its decision immediately. The ruling by Judge Wilken is the result of that lawsuit.

No one completely understands the entire ramifications if the DOI opts to list the polar bear as threatened. This would be the first time a decision was made based on projected climate change. If it is determined that such climate changes are a result of man, just how far ranging restrictions will go to protect sea ice is anyone’s guess.

We will now wait until May 15 and see what Sec. Kempthorne has to say.

Tom Remington

I have been called a lot of things for my stance against the current administering of the Endangered Species Act. This includes the abuse through manipulation, the interpretation of the ESA through the courts, the abuse of it in order to stop hunting, trapping and fishing opportunities as well as the lack of any effort to change or eliminate it in order to provide a better means of accomplishing its initial goals. I have also been called colorful things because I think environmentalist, including animal rights groups, have completely gone off the radar and I have minced no words in saying so.

Even Arnold Schwarzenegger, the RINO (republican in name only) governor of California, thinks the whackos have gone too far. You know it has to be bad when one of California’s own thinks so.

“It’s not just businesses that have slowed things down, it’s not just Republicans that have slowed things down, it’s also Democrats and also environmental activists sometimes that slow things down,”

These comments come from the governor in response to delays in the construction of solar energy generating facilities. One is particular is the one near Victorville, where environmentalists are adding delays to the construction because of the Mojave ground squirrel – a rare squirrel that doesn’t even live on any of the land to be used.

“Our Department of Fish and Game is slowing approval of a solar facility in Victorville. It’s because of an endangered squirrel, an endangered squirrel which has never been seen on that land where they’re supposed to build the solar plants. But if such a squirrel were around, this is the kind of area that it would like, they say.”

You read that correctly! Here we have a case of no threatened animal even living on this land and yet because the weirdos think the habitat is good enough for the squirrel, that’s reason enough. This is one classic example of what is wrong with our environmental laws, the Endangered Species Act, the interpretation and administration of the Act and proof all this needs to be changed.

For those who still believe that there’s nothing wrong with the Endangered Species Act and who think that the environmentalists are right in this, why don’t you head on out to California. I’m sure those squirrels are in need of a few more “nuts”.

Tom Remington

Obama continues his effort to convince voters that he believes that the Second Amendment gives an individual the right to keep and bear arms but when he further explains in detail what that means, it becomes clear he doesn’t believe an individual or anyone for that matter, has a right to arm themselves.

In an interview with the Chicago Sun Times last week Obama was answering questions more specifically directed at the rising gun violence in Chicago. This is what he had to say about the pending case before the U.S. Supreme Court – Washington, D.C. versus Heller.

My view continues to be that the constitution, I believe, does provide a right to bear arms; but that local communities, and state governments, as well as the federal government, have a right to common-sense regulations and firearm ownership [rules.] The truth is, obviously, the ban here in Chicago, the ban in D.C. is not keeping the guns out of our cities, and so I’m interested in just figuring out what works and I’m confident we can come up with laws that work and that pass constitutional muster and don’t infringe on the rights of lawful gun owners whether it’s in Downstate Illinois or rural Montana.

Obama says what most intelligent people have known for a long time – that the gun bans don’t do anything to stop crime. All it does do is prohibit people from their God-given and constitutional right to self protection. He once again talks about “common sense” restrictions on guns. A common tactic of the left when debating “reasonable” gun control, is to cite their idea of reasonable controls over the First Amendment – always the “you can’t yell fire in a crowded theater” scenario. What they refuse to understand is that it is a far cry from comparable reasonableness in not allowing someone to protect themselves through gun ownership and somebody yelling fire in a crowded theater. One could argue that a reasonable or common sense restriction on gun ownership might be a weapon of mass destruction.

But Obama goes on to further explain a question about why as a state legislator he voted against giving people known to have been threatened, a right to own a gun.

I felt that [the first one] was a precedent for conceal-and-carry laws. There has not been any evidence that allowing people to carry a concealed weapon is going to make anybody safer. [The second one] is relevant to the D.C. handgun issue. I wanted to preserve the right of local communities to enforce local ordinances and this would have overturned municipalities being able to enforce their own ordinances. We can argue about whether the ordinances work or not. But I wanted to make sure that local communities were recognized as having a right to regulate firearms.

We have to question Obama’s actual knowledge of “evidence” concerning gun ownership. He says there is no evidence that allowing people to carry concealed makes anybody safer. Common sense would tell us that that is bogus and why do politicians get to decide which parts of the U.S. Constitution they want to allow us to experience?

Mike Adams at TownHall.com in his article this morning states that there is in fact 15 studies that suggest that concealed carry reduces homicide rates. Adams is a criminology professor at the University of North Carolina Wilmington.

Next, I calmly let him know that 60% of the refereed studies indicate that CCW laws reduce homicide rates while 40% show they have no effect. And none provide evidence that they actually increase homicide rates. I owe the professor an apology because I actually misquoted the number of studies indicating CCW laws reduce homicide rates. The number is actually 15, not nine as I had claimed. Thus, he was right to predict I would present a biased argument. But it was biased in his favor.

Obama says that he wants to make sure that local communities can toss aside their state’s constitution and that of the U.S. Constitution, well, at least the Second Amendment because he doesn’t like it, and let the communities like D.C. and Chicago prevent people from being able to protect themselves. They are effectually saying that it is alright to allow lawful, innocent residents in those communities get killed as long as we can stop the crooks from killing themselves.

Do you suppose that Obama would uphold that same kind of reasoning when applied to the First Amendment or any other Amendment for that matter?

One of the first signs of insanity is to repeat an action over and over without ever trying to change anything. The actions of the far left, Obama and Clinton being a part of that, is to continually repeat the action of disarming lawful citizens while denying the fact that it does any good. This is insane.

More on District of Columbia vs. Heller

Tom Remington

“And it’s not surprising then they get bitter, they cling to guns or religion or antipathy toward people who aren’t like them or anti-immigrant sentiment or anti-trade sentiment as a way to explain their frustrations.” Those were the words spoken by democratic presidential candidate Barack Hussein Obama just prior to the Pennsylvania primary.

These words bothered me quite a bit, at least enough that I responded to Mr. Obama’s comments and so I went out in search of some of America’s so-called “bitter” people – those clinging to their guns and religion. Over the weekend, I was fortunate enough to locate an all-American family reunion, a family that probably Obama was envisioning when he made his elitist remarks.

This is a photograph of the men leaders of the Hatstat family. They asked that I not reveal their exact location out of fear that the not so bitter people will try and come take their land and their rights away from them.

The elder leader of the Hatstat family is Jedediah Hatstat. He’s a bit difficult to see. He is the one on the left in the front of the group, kneeling in prayer. Obviously a bitter, bitter man who has clung to religion and prayer for many years.

Second eldest is Samuel Hatstat, also not highly visible but he is the one in the middle with a very firm grip on his hunting rifle. No explanation is needed for that I guess.

I would surmise that because the Hatstats live away from the center of politics and well, where the “informed” are, they really didn’t seem all that bitter to me. As a matter of fact they were quite happy, especially on this day being it was a family celebration and all. (notice a couple of moonshine jugs being passed around while the dogs played at their feet.

These are great people with a lot of love and respect for all Americans. Jedediah says he prays several times a day that God would protect them from the “city people” who seem determined to destroy their life and snatch away their freedoms.

Third man from the right is Jeremiah Hatstat, the self-proclaimed flower child of the family, having once visited Berkley, California. I asked him what he thought of Barack Obama and the message he was sending to the American people and his response was a bit surprising.

“Who’s Barack Obama?”

Tom Remington

Thanks to Erin, for sending me this alert. Check out what PETA is up to.

Tom Remington

Dear Fishermen and Fisherwomen;

I’d like to invite you to compete in the Upper Andro Two Fly Contest and Drift Boat Competition scheduled for June 12 and 13. This is the Upper Andro Anglers Alliance’s primary fund-raiser for the year. Our sponsors, Kittery Trading Post, L.L. Bean, the Orvis Company, Caddis and Cane, Sun Valley Sports, and Clackacraft have donated over $5,000 worth of prizes.

Information and registration is available on line at www.upperandro.com. The releases below give an overview of the events.

If you are a guide, invite two of your best sports to join you for the event and introduce them to the trout fishery on the Upper Andro. Did you know that Maine’s record rainbow trout was caught last June on the Upper Andro? If you are an avid angler but a mid-week 9 to 5’er, perhaps your employer would sponsor your team. We’d be happy to post any banners or posters from you company to give them recognition.

Many of our lodging members have special overnight rates. Just mention that you are competing in the Two Fly Contest to receive the rates. May we suggest The Bethel Inn-$133 per night for a double occupancy room including tax (800-654-0125) or The Bethel Hill B&B- $230 for 2 nights exclusive of tax or bring your friends and stay at the Village House sleeping 6 for $375 for 2 nights (207-824-2461). Information about other UAAA lodging and camping members is available at www.upperandro.com

The final day of registration is Wednesday, June 11 at Sun Valley Sports. Pick up your registration kit, rules, and barbecue coupon early so you can get out on the water at the crack of dawn. Any questions, give me a call at 207-824-7533.

Yours truly,

Rocky Freda
Sun Valley Sports
UAAA Director

Upper Andro Two Fly Contest

Set for June 12 and 13

The Upper Andro Anglers Alliance is sponsoring its Annual Two Fly Contest on June 12 and 13 in Bethel, Maine.

The Two Fly contest will test the skills of anglers to fly fish for the most and the largest of the three trout species, brown, rainbow and brook found in the Upper Androscoggin River from the New Hampshire border to Rumford.

Contestants may use only two flies during the event, which starts early Thursday morning and ends at noon on Friday. A fly is defined as made from natural or synthetic materials tied to a single pointed hook. No tandems or treble hooks are allowed. Teams of three including two anglers and a referee/oarsman must fish from an open boat-drift boat, row boat or raft. All fish must be released live.

Prizes include rods and fishing gear supplied by Kittery Trading Post, L.L. Bean, Caddis and Cane, Sun Valley Sports and the Orvis Company.

Official contest rules and a registration form are available on line at www.upperandro.com or by phoning 1-877-851-7533. The entry fee is $375 per team and includes an outdoor barbecue at the Bethel Inn. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Upper Andro Anglers Alliance.

Northeast Drift Boat Championship

The First Annual Northeast Drift Boat Championship will be held Friday afternoon, June 13 on the Upper Androscoggin River in Bethel Maine. Designed as a spectator event, the competition will test oarsmen’s skills at launching, navigating a course and rowing speed. Each drift boat must carry at least one angler, who must remain standing throughout the timed race. The launch will be from Bethel Outdoor Adventures on Route 2 and the finish line is at Davis Park in Bethel-a distance of a quarter mile.

Prizes include drift boat equipment provided by Clackacraft. A registration form is available on line at www.upperandro.com or by phoning 1-877-851-7533. The entry fee is $50 or is included in the Two-Fly Contest fee if the drift boat is competing in both events.

Tom Remington

AUGUSTA, Maine – Maine’s spring Wild Turkey hunting season opens Saturday (April 26) with a Youth Only Day to encourage young people to learn about the sport, and for adults it opens on Monday (April 28).

“Wild turkeys now are found in every county in the State because of a well-instituted restoration program,” said Roland “Dan” Martin, Commissioner of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. “Their presence is an amazing success story.”
Hunters must have a valid Spring Wild Turkey Permit and a valid Maine resident hunting license, or a valid nonresident or alien big game hunting license in order to hunt turkey. A valid archery license also permits hunting of wild turkey with bow and arrow in Maine.

Hunters can purchase their permit to harvest online using MOSES at www.maine.gov/ifw, at any of the more than 250 MOSES agents statewide, at IF&W headquarters in Augusta, or at manual license agents.

Maine’s wild turkey season is split into two seasons over a five-week period. It’s broken down like this:

* Season A: April 28-May 3; May 19-May 24; May 26-May 31. Hunters with even-numbered birth years (years ending in 0, 2, 4, 6, or 8 ) will be authorized to hunt during Season A.

* Season B: May 5-May 10; May 12-May 17; May 26-May 31. Hunters with odd-numbered birth years (years ending in 1, 3, 5, 7, 9) will be authorized to hunt during Season B.

* Spring Legal Hours: One-half hour before sunrise until noon (12 p.m.) local time.

* Spring Areas Open to Hunting: Wildlife Management Districts 7, 10-18, and 20-26.

* Spring Bag Limit: One bearded wild turkey per permit holder per season.

* Spring Legal Method for Taking: Only shotgun gauges 10 through 20 using shot sizes 4 through 6, or bow and arrow may be used.

* Calling devices: Electronic calling devices are legal.

In spring 2007, 19,079 people carried a wild turkey permit and 6,083 bagged a turkey.

Youth Day: Once again this year, junior hunters who are interested in wild turkey hunting will have their own day this Saturday, April 26, before the regular season starts. The rules are:

* Age: Youth hunters who are 10 years of age or older and under 16 years of age;

* Permit and License Needed: Eligible youth hunters must possess a junior hunting license and a Spring Wild Turkey Permit;

* Adult Supervision is Required and Rules: The qualified adult must be a person 18 or older who has been approved by the youth’s parent or guardian and must hold a valid Maine hunting license or have completed a hunter safety course. The accompanying adult cannot possess a firearm during Youth Hunting Day.

* Bag Limit: Junior hunters may bag one bearded wild turkey with a firearm or a bow and arrow.

* Other Options: Eligible youth are allowed to hunt during Season A or Season B if they meet the birth year requirements and are under the supervision of an eligible adult. Also, junior hunters are allowed to hunt on any Saturday during the season.

Posted by Tom Remington

Remember I asked you the other day if we were carrying this global warming thing just a bit too far? At issue was whether or not the cover of Time Magazine was an insult to American veterans who fought and died to keep our country free. It seems that this illness of global warming hysteria has people thinking that their “war” on global warming is the equivalent of WWII.

Here’s a reminder of what that cover looks like and now you have a chance to sign a petition asking for Time to apologize and to ask the media to report issues on global warming in an unbiased fashion.

Tom Remington

Yesterday’s show was a live broadcast, part of an attempt to work out more of the “bugs” that seem to be affecting the show. That part of the effort was unsuccessful but I did end up with a recorded broadcast. All the information has been posted up at the Skinny Moose Radio home page along with an audio player so you can listen to the show. You can also download the audio if you chose and play it later.

Yesterday’s show includes a commentary from me about hunting ethics and the “bastardizing of the hunting ethic”. This includes why some people just have to legislate and control everything which ultimately steals our rights and freedoms as Americans.

Along with sharing with listeners about the growth and recent successes of the Black Bear Blog, I take a little time out to tell a funny story about Nancy Pelosi referencing Bible Scripture. You got to hear this one.

There’s also a bit of a treat at the very end of the show that I think most listeners will enjoy. So, follow this link for more information about the show and a chance to stream the audio for the latest podcast of Open Air With Tom Remington.

Tom Remington