This is the first year hunters have been able to hunt much of the open, undeveloped public lands within municipal boundaries.

“All in all, it was a quiet dove opening weekend across the state, with about the normal amount of calls into the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s radio room, or maybe even a little less than normal,” said Assistant Director of Field Operations Leonard Ordway.

Ordway added that just as agency experts had predicted, opening around a million acres to small game hunting actually spread out hunters, reduced possible hunter congestion, and overall reduced potential conflicts.

Prior to the opening of dove season on Sept. 1, Game and Fish officials designed and implemented hunt strategies within municipalities that emphasized reducing potential conflicts.

“We certainly did our best to go the extra mile and work closely with municipal law enforcement agencies. As we hoped, because hunters were better able to determine where to hunt legally on open lands, conflicts and potential violations truly diminished,” Ordway said.

On the plus side, Ordway said, lots of hunters have been thanking the department for opening such vast tracts of open desert lands to small game hunting thanks to Senate Bill 1334, which granted authority to regulate hunting within municipal areas to the Arizona Game and Fish Commission.

“To be honest, we hoped for the best, expected the best, but were still holding our breaths a little. We are grateful that this opening weekend of dove hunting far surpassed our expectations. Which is a good thing, because these new municipal hunting lands allow whole families the opportunity to re-connect with nature close to home,” Ordway said.

The dove season runs from Sept. 1 through Sept. 15. Even though a lot of white-winged doves have migrated south since the Sept. 1 opening of the season, the milder daytime temperatures during the second half of the season should make it more enjoyable for hunters.

“Now it doesn’t take a half-tank of gas for most people to find decent dove hunting,” Ordway said, “It’s great to be able to hunt dove before or after work or school and experience routine contact with nature in our daily lives.”

Ordway added that there is a lot of talk about the growing “nature deficit” among our youth, but wildlife professionals and those who study the social dynamics of the outdoors know the positive spin-offs for youth from such activities – they have been well studied and documented over the years.

“Youth who hunt and fish or routinely participate in other outdoor activities typically do better in school, have better self esteem, have enhanced problem-solving abilities, and demonstrate increased abilities to overcome challenges,” Ordway pointed out.

Studies have also shown other increased attributes to participating in healthy outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, camping, hiking and wildlife watching. Those include:

* Increased self-concept and self-concept domains such as independence, confidences, self-efficacy, and self understanding.
* Enhanced psychological well-being.
* Increased leadership competencies.
* Enhanced academic achievement and academic self-concept.
* Increased personality dimension such as assertiveness, emotional stability, achievement motivation, internal locus of control, and maturity.
* Improved mental strength and interpersonal dimensions, such as social competence, cooperation and interpersonal communication skills.

“It may surprise some, but despite Arizona’s vast tracts of open public land, this is one of the most urbanized states in the union. Most Arizonans live in highly urbanized areas, not rural areas. Yet it may also seem strange that we are truly blessed with so many outstanding outdoor opportunities close to home,” Ordway said.

What’s next on the hunting hit parade close to home? Quail season opens Sept. 30. Rabbit season is open year-round. So is predator season.

“Many of us were lucky growing up because we could simply walk out in the desert and go rabbit hunting. Guess what, it’s almost that easy again, but there are restrictions or rules everyone has to follow,” Ordway said.

Be sure to visit the Game and Fish website for all of the particulars.

“These new opportunities definitely come with the necessity for hunters to be familiar with the regulations and act responsibly so that future generations can also be blessed with these character-building opportunities close to home,” Ordway advised.

Young Morgan Craft (Hughesville, Pa.) shot 68 out of 75 match targets to tie with Lucie Anastassiou of France for the silver and bronze medals. Craft shot one target to Anastassiou’s two targets in the shoot-off to claim the bronze medal for the red, white and blue. Craft, a freshman at Lindenwood University in Saint Charles, Mo., was elated to receive the bronze medal as she said, “All the time, sweat and dedication put into my training this summer more than paid off when the bronze medal was placed around my neck on the podium while representing the USA.” Her successful finish was even sweeter as this Championship was Craft’s first overseas trip. Erickson was proud of the junior team’s tenacity and development as he said, “I’m impressed with our junior team’s performance. Morgan had a terrific day and should be proud of her first international medal. These young athletes are the foundation for success in the future.” Teammates Brandy Drozd (Bryan, Texas) finished in fourth place with 67 targets and Riley Moody (Collinsville, Okla.) shot 58 targets for eighteenth place. With strong shooting from all three athletes, the Women’s Junior Team claimed the team bronze medal. For complete results, please visit the ISSF website or the ISSF YouTube Channel for finals footage.

Winchester Ammunition is a Proud Sponsor of the USA Shooting Shotgun Team: Winchester® Ammunition has been the exclusive ammunition sponsor and supplier of the USAShooting Shotgun Team since 1999. Members of the 2008 shotgun team brought home four medals from Beijing using Winchester AA International Target loads. Winchester is an industry leader in advancing and supporting conservation, hunter education and our country’s proud shooting sports heritage. For more information about Winchester and its complete line of products, visit www.winchester.com.

Dallas Safari Club
Dallas Safari Club (DSC) is a proud sponsor of USA Shooting’s Junior Team to the World Shooting Championship Team in Belgrade, Serbia. An independent organization since 1982, DSC has become an international leader in conserving wildlife and wilderness lands, educating youth and the general public, and promoting and protecting the rights and interests of hunters worldwide. For more information on DSC visit www.biggame.org.

About USA Shooting:
USA Shooting, a 501c3 non-profit corporation, was chartered by the United States Olympic Committee as the National Governing Body for the sport of shooting in April 1995. USA Shooting’s mission is to prepare American athletes to win Olympic medals, promote the shooting sports throughout the U.S. and govern the conduct of international shooting in the country. Check us out on the web at www.usashooting.org and on Twitter at twitter.com/USAShooting.

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“The many wildfires that swept through the state this summer are being considered for the coming spring hunting seasons, particularly for turkey,” said Chief of Game Management, Brian Wakeling. “We will be evaluating conditions right up until the setting of the seasons at the August commission meeting.”

While there is no formal presentation given, a knowledgeable staff person will be available to discuss hunt recommendations and answer questions specific to their region.

All of the six self-paced open houses run from 3-5 p.m. and will be held at the following Game and Fish regional offices:

Mesa – Friday, July 22, at the Region 6 Game and Fish office, 7200 E. University Drive, (480) 981-9400.

Flagstaff – Wednesday, July 27, at the Region 2 Game and Fish office, 3500 S. Lake Mary Road, (928) 774-5045.

Yuma – Wednesday, July 27, at the Region 4 Game and Fish office, 9140 E. 28th St., (928) 342-0091.

Tucson – Wednesday, July 27, at the Region 5 Game and Fish office, 555 N. Greasewood Road, (520) 628-5376.

Kingman – Thursday, July 28, at the Region 3 Game and Fish office, 5325 N. Stockton Hill Road, (928) 692-7700.

Pinetop – Thursday, Aug. 4, at the Region 1 Game and Fish office, 2878 E. White Mountain Blvd., (928) 367-4281.

The proposed recommendation packages are anticipated to be posted Saturday, July 23, at the Game and Fish Department’s website at www.azgfd.gov/huntguidelines. This webpage is also an excellent resource to learn more about the hunt recommendation and hunt guideline processes, including when they happen, and how the public can provide input.

The Arizona Game and Fish Commission will be presented with the recommendations on Saturday, Aug. 6, during its regular meeting in Phoenix at Game and Fish headquarters on 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086. For a full agenda, visit www.azgfd.gov/commission under “Meeting Agenda.” The meeting can be attended in person, at regional offices or online via webcast.

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The Arizona Game and Fish Department prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, or disability in its programs and activities. If anyone believes that they have been discriminated against in any of the AGFD’s programs or activities, including employment practices, they may file a complaint with the Deputy Director, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086-5000, (602) 942-3000, or with the Fish and Wildlife Service, 4040 N. Fairfax Dr. Ste. 130, Arlington, VA 22203. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation or this document in an alternative format by contacting the Deputy Director as listed above.

A better idea, according to partners in the Ohio Clean Marinas Program, is to use some recommended best management practices when refueling a boat that will help prevent fuel spills at boat docks and launch ramps.

Gasoline and diesel may be spilled during refueling when a backsplash of boat fuel becomes expelled from a gas tank filler tube or through a vent fitting. Spills of this type harm aquatic life, create a safety hazard, waste money and can result in cosmetic damage to boat hulls and decks.

The use of portable containers that typically are filled at a land-based gas station that offers lower fuel prices when compared to an on-water marine dock, may lead to minor fuel spills into the water that creates a potential fire hazard when boats are refueled near or on the water. State and federal laws restrict the manner in which oil and fuel may be dispensed into a portable container and into a watercraft fuel tank. Many of these same laws and protocols also guide reporting requirements when spills occur on or near the water.

The Ohio Clean Marinas Program offers these refueling tips that help keep waterways clean and safe for humans as well as animals and aquatic inhabitants:

• Fill boat fuel tanks to no more than 90 percent capacity, especially in summer as fuel drawn from cool underground storage tanks will expand as it warms up aboard your vessel. If your vessel is equipped with a power ventilation system, turn it on for at least four minutes after fueling and before starting your engine to remove gas vapors in the bilge.

• Rather than filling your boat fuel tank upon returning to port, wait and fill it just before leaving on your next trip. This practice will reduce spills due to thermal expansion because the fuel will be used before it has a chance to warm up.

• Fill portable tanks on shore where spills are less likely to occur and easier to clean up. Slow down at the beginning and end of fueling to reduce spills

• Place an approved fuel absorption pad, fuel bib or protective container over the fuel filler opening or under the fuel vent to collect accidental overflow. Be sure to properly dispose of these absorption pads when used.

For additional tips and best management practices involving boat refueling, bilge maintenance, the disposal of oil and fuel absorbent materials, emissions control and use of preventive equipment, go online to the Ohio Clean Marinas Program web page at www.ohioseagrant.osu.edu/cleanboaters

The Ohio Clean Marinas Program and Clean Boater Program is a proactive partnership among the Ohio Sea Grant College Program, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) and their boating partners designed to encourage marinas and boaters to use simple, innovative solutions to keep Ohio’s coastal and inland waterway resources clean.

On June 7, at 7 a.m., NRP charged Dolan Lee Hurley, 67, of Cambridge, Md., with failure to tag striped bass within 200 yards of his pound net. While patrolling the area of Cooks point in the Choptank River, officers boarded a commercial fishing vessel, stopped over 1,000 yards from the pound net, and located 500 pounds of untagged stripped bass.

On June 7, at 7:45 a.m., NRP charged Robert Hodge Newberry, 52, of Crumpton, Md., with possessing undersize striped bass, fishing for striped bass without a commercial hook and line allocation card and possessing untagged commercially caught striped bass. While patrolling the area of the Chesapeake Bay near Sharps Island, officers boarded the commercial fishing vessel Open Ticket and located13 untagged striped bass and two undersize striped bass.

Both men are scheduled for trial August 17 in the District Court of Maryland for Dorchester County.

Contact:
Sgt. A.A. Windemuth
410-260-8850 office
410-713-8449 cell
awindemuth@dnr.state.md.us

The DPMS Outbreak: Omega 4 is a theme-based fun shoot with multiple stages based on the scenario, “An outbreak of the undead in Minnesota is bringing citizens and military personnel alike to a gun club on the outskirts of a small town to quell the uprising of evil.”

Basic shooter registration includes 6 stage tickets and registration for the prize table. Very Important Zombie-slayer (VIZ) registration includes an unlimited stages wristband, event t-shirt and registration for the prize table. Additional stage tickets can be purchased the day of the shoot.

The event is being held at the Ahlman’s Guns Range in Morristown, MN on July 9, 2011 and registration is required by July 1, 2011.

For more information about the Outbreak: Omega 4 fun shoot, to view stage descriptions or to register for the event, please visit www.outbreakomega.com.

About DPMS Firearms
DPMS Firearms, LLC, is an industry leader in providing quality AR-style rifles, components and accessories. No other company offers more styles or configurations of AR rifles. DPMS provides choices for high-power and small-bore shooters by offering rifles and assemblies chambered in 204 Urge, 223 Remington, 5.56×45 NATO, 243Winchester, 260 Remington, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.8×43 SPC, 30 Remington AR, 308 Winchester and 338 Federal. More information about the company can be found at www.dpmsinc.com.

Contact:
Jessica Kallam (800) 243-9700 ext. 8578 (Press only)

This joint project between the Idaho Department of Transportation (ITD), Idaho Department of Fish & Game (IDFG), and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) will combine observations collected the old fashioned way through the tracking efforts of volunteers with highly specific data collected via radio collars tied into Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites. This information will be combined with images and information inputted by the general public onto the Internet to help better understand wildlife behavior around roadways and identify landscape features that create successful or unsuccessful crossing points along Highway 20 in Island Park.

Last February, IDFG placed GPS collars on 30 cow elk and 26 cow moose. Data collection has been ongoing to see where these collared animals move back and forth across the highway. Volunteers have patrolled the route to see what animals have been killed and where animals that may have been uncollared crossed the road as well.

According to University of Montana graduate student Nick Sharp, “The goal of this project is to not just indentify where animals cross the highway, but the quality of the crossings. We want to learn what makes a good place to cross versus a place where animals end up as roadkills and automobiles are damaged.” The study will also hopefully provide more insight how various species react to the noise and movement of traffic.

While state agencies and a private wildlife organization are using a variety of methods to collect the majority of the information on this project, the public has an important role it can play. According to Sharp, “Thanks to the new wildlife reporting website and the new smart phone technology, images collected by the public of wildlife killed on the highway and live animals moving nearby can be included in the project as well.” The latest generation of “smart” cell phones is able to automatically record the location of pictures and transmit the information onto a specially designed website.

The newly created Idaho Fish and Wildlife Information System (IFWIS) website is available for the public to enter information about roadkills or sightings of live wildlife and upload GPS location tagged pictures. This information will add another layer of citizen science to that tracking information already being collected by the Idaho Master Naturalists, a cadre of dedicated volunteers trained to assist in multiple facets of the project.

“Every year there are over 30 collisions between wildlife and vehicles in this section of Highway 20,” says Sharp. “This information collected during this joint project will be extremely valuable to managers trying to determine ways to improve human and wildlife safety not just along Highway 20, but elsewhere.”

To enter information and pictures about wildlife along Highway 20 create a free IFWIS account at: http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/ifwis

Contact:
Gregg Losinski at 208-390-0635 for information

On May 24, 2011, Saraland and Alabama Marine Police investigators recovered two stolen Yamaha WaveRunners from Young’s Towing on Shelton Beach Road, in Saraland. Another WaveRunner was recovered nearby in a rural area of Eight Mile, Ala. on Sunday, May 29. The three personal watercrafts, valued at more than $28,000, were taken from Rabbit Creek in late April through early May. On June 2, Saraland, Mobile, and Alabama Marine Police investigators recovered a number of other stolen items from Young’s Towing. These items had been taken from docks and piers in the Dog River area.

Steven Arthur Young, 34, and Keith Colby Stockman, 19, both of Saraland, were arrested on three counts each of Theft of Property I, and one count each for Obscuring the Identification of a Vehicle, all felonies. A 20-foot Shamrock center console boat was used to commit the thefts, and a tip from an alert citizen traced the boat to Young. Other items recovered included an ATV stolen from Saraland, and a Kabota tractor taken from Meaher State Park in Spanish Fort. More arrests are expected as the investigation progresses.

Anyone with information about the thefts or stolen property, some of which may have been sold on Craig’s List, is asked to call the Alabama Marine Police Division, 888-903-2583; or Mobile Police, 251-208-2580.

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through five divisions: Marine Police, Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. To learn more about ADCNR, visit www.outdooralabama.com .

Contact:
Lt. Alex Smith (888) 903-2583

Katie Harris was on fire for the entire match taking 1st Place overall for both the Lady’s and Junior’s divisions of Tactical-Optics. Kurt Miller (872.521) left the competition behind winning 1st overall in the Tactical-Irons Division. Team Benelli shooters, Rob Romero (692.35) took 4th overall, Jeremy Parker (659.84) took 6th overall, and Ben Fortin (588.71) took 8th overall in the Tactical-Optics Division. In the Heavy Metal Optics Division Team Benelli shooters, Jeff Cramblit (761.07) took 2nd overall and Jansen Jones (488.13) took 4th overall.

Coming up next on the 3-Gun Nation (3GN) Tour is the challenging MGM Ironman, June 5-11 in Parma, Idaho. 3GN Points are at stake along with a 3GN Shoot-Off event with a $5,000 payout. Ironman will be the fifth of ten 3GN Tour events this season.

For the latest news and product information visit www.benelliusa.com

Contact:
Joe Coogan
Brand Marketing Manager
(301) 747-9919
jcoogan@benelliusa.com

Cristie Gates
Media and Exhibits Manager
(301) 747-9925
cgates@benelliusa.com

“This is a unique opportunity to shoot in both low light and no light scenarios and to my knowledge, no one has ever attempted it at a major 3 gun match.” Said Kent Thomas, Director of Marketing for Crimson Trace. “The new Lightguard was developed specifically for target engagement in across-the-room situations and our MVF-600 IR laser is currently in the hands of US Special Forces troops, so shooters will have the best tools available in the match.”

Crimson Trace has a 15 year history of serving its customers with the best of US-made defensive tools, first with the award-winning Lasergrip™ instinctively activated laser sight and now with the Lightguard 100 lumen white light for Glock, S&W and Springfield handguns.

For information regarding the NW Multigun Championship, contact Doug Hartley or Scott Hawkins at nwmultigun@aol.com For information regarding Crimson Trace products, contact Iain Harrison.

Contact:
Iain Harrison
(503) 754-4117
(cell) 800-442-2406 ext 1305
iainh@crimsontrace.com