Hiking News - November 2008

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New Regulation for Conservation

Friday, 28 November 2008

To maintain high quality catfish fishing in Alabama, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources' Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division has enacted a new regulation. Only one catfish longer than 34 inches may be harvested each day by an angler. Live blue catfish or flathead catfish longer than 34 inches cannot be transported out of Alabama without approval in writing from the Commi ssioner of Conservation and Natural Resources. This regulation only affects catfish 34 inches or longer.

Fishing for catfish is a popular sport in Alabama. Catfish are abundant in the state, and a number of lakes and rivers are noted for trophy catfish. Alabama does not have a limit on the number of smaller catfish that may be kept. Recreational anglers catch catfish on a variety of baits, and may use a variety of techniques. Alabama's public waters produce good catfish populations that commercial fishermen have enjoyed for many years. Because of the productive nature of Alabama's rivers and lakes, they can support a high level of harvest. However, larger catfish grow relatively slowly, and even in Alabama's productive waters, it takes a number of years to replace a large catfish.

Auburn University researchers under contract with the Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division studied the catfish on Wilson Lake in 2006 and 2007. Researchers determined that blue catfish take 13 years to grow to 34 inches, or about 15 pounds. Flathead catfish take 20 years to reach that size.

The purpose of the new regulation is to protect large, slow-growing catfish. Recreational anglers and some commercial anglers have become efficient at catching large channel catfish, blue catfish and flathead catfish. On July 5, 1996, William McKinley caught a 111-pound blue catfish in Wilson Lake, a world record at the time. A large catfish will feed a number of people, but Department personnel became aware that relatively large numbers of big catfish were being taken from public waters to be sold in neighboring states for commercial pay-to-fish ponds.

The practice became so lucrative that members of the Southern Catfisherman Association brought the issue to the ADCNR Advisory Board and recommended that a size limit be set. Auburn University research showed that a regulation protecting large catfish would be accepted by most anglers. The Advisory Board agreed, and passed the restriction on the harvest of large catfish to ensure that all anglers can enjoy fishing for catfish.

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) 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 Alabama's catfish species and ADCNR, visit www.outdooralabama.com.

Make the Most of Your Deer Hunting Days

Thursday, 27 November 2008

There you are...spending hour upon hour perched high in your treestand. The woods are completely quiet and still. These are the times you long for during hectic workdays. While hoping to see that special deer you can also unwind, sort your thoughts, and simply enjoy peace and quiet. This is what deer hunting is all about, right?

Well, maybe...unless you like to multi-task while in the woods - not the kind of stressful multi-tasking you do everyday in your job, but the kind that results in stress relief. While spending countless hours in the deer stand on those quiet days (especially when deer are not moving), there are several other relaxing activities that can be enjoyed at the same time. Following are a few suggestions to consider:

Photography - How many times have you observed an indescribable sight while sitting motionless in the treestand? A sharp-shinned hawk lighting 10 feet away or, perhaps, an inquisitive fox squirrel climbing the tree to examine your stand merely inches from your feet, or maybe the natural beauty created by a rare Alabama snow event. All of these would make incredible photos and serve as great mementos of your days in the woods. With technological advancements in digital cameras, packing a really small yet powerful camera is easier than ever.

Birdwatching - Many species of birds can be observed while deer hunting. In one morning you might see yellow-bellied sapsuckers, red-bellied woodpeckers, pileated woodpeckers, white-breasted nuthatches, wood thrushes, American robins, blue jays, crows, red-tailed hawks, Cooper's hawks, great blue herons, wood ducks, and countless other species. Some of the smaller birds, such as the sparrows and warblers, are tougher to identify without the aid of a field guide. Because they are usually small, bird identification field guides fit easily in your daypack and make bird watching while in the deer stand fun and informative.

Reading - With life becoming more hectic by the minute, idle times to read novels, outdoor magazines or journals seem to be diminishing to the point of nonexistence. Making room for a book in your daypack is a simple way to catch up on your reading. Stopping between pages to scan the woods before slowly turning the page just might result in spotting that buck slipping through the woods.

Studying - Whether in high school or college, exams regularly compete with hunting. However, it is possible to get both the good grades and the big buck. In preparation for the hunt, go through your class notes and make index cards in a "question on front/answer on back" format. Very little motion is required to flip a note card and you can cover a lot of material during a five-hour hunt when the deer are not cooperating. Besides, there are no phones ringing (assuming you turn off your cell phone), no one stopping by for a visit, and the only interruption would be an approaching deer - which would be a welcomed distraction.

Maintain a Log Book - One of the best tools for success is knowing deer movement patterns on the property you are hunting. The best way to obtain this information is to document what you see during your hunts using a log book. A daily log book should contain stand location, date, time of hunt, number of deer observed, sex ratios, time of individual observations, temperature, estimated wind speed and direction, moon phase, and any other notable occurrences such as coyotes in area, dogs running deer, other hunters in the area, etc. Over the course of a couple of seasons, you can begin to see trends in deer movements correlating with certain weather or environmental conditions and use this information in planning future hunts.

No matter what other interests you enjoy, multi-tasking while hunting can prove to be one of the most rewarding ways to spend your time in the deer stand. For more information, contact Jud Easterwood, Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, 234 County Road 141, Hollywood, AL 35752.

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.

Tourism in Your Own Backyard

Wednesday, 26 November 2008

Phoenix, Arizona - Are you looking for a special holiday gift for an entire family? Do you need a gift that lasts all year long and provides an educational experience but also a day in the sun for a long hike, family picnic, or nature program? The Arizona State Parks Annual Pass is the perfect solution for your entire clan and it is only $50!!

Go to the State Parks website for gift-giv ing ideas and at the same time show your support for your State Parks system by getting an Annual Pass. There are many things to choose from on the site including; Arizona State Trails guides, nature books, clothing, hats and hiking sticks.

Visit Arizona's historical and cultural parks, or enjoy many recreational places year-round. The Annual Pass is an economical way to travel and explore 27 extraordinary State Parks. The Pass offers day-use privileges, and some restrictions may apply for special events.

The Standard Day-Use Annual Pass (Cost: $50) allows entrance to Arizona State Parks for the day for up to four adults and children. The pass is good for one year from date of purchase. The Standard Day-Use Entrance Pass is good for the family's non-camping day-use and includes all the Parks except Colorado River Parks on weekends and holidays. A Premium Annual Day-Use Pass is $125 and adds those weekends in parks along the Colorado River. At Kartchner Caverns State Park, the pass is good for the entrance to experience the Discovery Center, picnicking and trails but does not apply toward the two cave tours opportunities. Kartchner Caverns State Park offers gift certificates for cave tours, another idea for Christmas gift giving. Special programs within the parks may have special related fees not covered by this entrance pass, however most of the nature walks and interpretive programs are included in the day-use pass.

Natural gifts are colorful blooming cactus on a mountainside, paddling across Fool Hollow Lake or hiking to the top of Picacho Peak. At Arizona State Parks visitors will find camping, fishing, hiking, interpretive environmental programs, moonlight star gazing walks, horseback riding, historic reenactments and many great sites for family picnicking. Gift recipients can make plans for a guided pontoon boat tours at Sonoita Creek Natural Area and fishing and water skiing tournaments year round at Lake Havasu and Lyman Lake State Parks. In April, Oracle Environmental Education Center, Boyce Thompson Arboretum, Red Rock and Catalina celebrate Earth Day with special events and programs for families with children. Dead Horse Ranch State Park provides adventures and learning opportunities during the annual "Verde Valley Birding & Nature Festival" and "Verde River Days" events.

In Arizona, as in other states, celebrating our culture means celebrating our history. The State Parks provide wonderful annual events for history buffs to explore Arizona's past. The influence of the U.S. Army on the settling of Arizona is remembered during Fort Verde State Historic Park's and Camp Verde's annual "Fort Verde Days." In March Picacho Peak State Park holds a weekend long "Civil War in the Southwest" reenactment program that brings in visitors from around the states. Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park rustles up family fun in mid-January during the "Gathering of the Gunfighters." In February, Yuma Quartermaster Depot and Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Parks team up with the town of Yuma to celebrate "Yuma Crossing Day." Arizona State Historic Parks offer living history programs, events, exhibits, interpretive programs, and special activities in conjunction with their communities.

Whether you plan to celebrate Arizona's culture and history, or enjoy the changing seasons, giving an Annual Pass to Arizona State Parks is a holiday gift that lasts all year long. You can order passes by mail, purchase at the State Parks main headquarters in Phoenix or at any of the State Parks. The gift catalog items can be purchased through our main office. For more information visit azstateparks.com or call (602) 542-4174 or listen to an audio update at http://azstateparks.com/audio_update/mp3/Gift_Shop_Multi.mp3.

For information about Arizona State Parks call (602) 542-4174 (outside of the Phoenix metro area call toll-free (800) 285-3703) or visit the website at www.azstateparks.com.

Unique Spa Vacation for the Holiday Season

Tuesday, 25 November 2008

Devon Hiking Spa's December spa week is unlike any other health spa experience. It provides participants with practical, take-home tools that last long after the holidays are over.

The company, operated by registered dietitian Devon Metz, runs five-night "spa weeks" out of Loews Ventana Canyon Resort in Tucson, Arizona. Its next spa week, December 14-19, falls right in the middle of th e holidays, a tough time for those trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

"We are not your typical health spa", says Metz. "Our pragmatic approach involves eating at restaurants, where participants learn to navigate menus and make choices that are both healthful and satisfying." Metz believes highly restrictive, low calorie diets are counterproductive. "About 95% of people who lose weight on restrictive diets regain the weight within two to three years,” she says. “Our goal is to help people make gradual changes they can stick with for the rest of their lives."

The program also focuses on fitness activities that can be continued at home. Participants wear pedometers to track their daily steps and learn simple strength training exercises using only portable resistance training bands.

After participating in the program, Ellen McGann, a banking executive from Chicago, said "The week exceeded my expectations. I loved the daily schedule and the great practical information I took home with me. My husband and I tend to go out to dinner a lot, so I taught him everything I learned and he has lost about 15 pounds."

The program, limited to 15 participants, appeals to people who want to get in shape, improve their eating habits, lose weight, prioritize their health and wellness, or simply enjoy a stress-free vacation. Since participants arrive and depart on set dates, they experience the entire program as a group. The small group size fosters a fun, supportive environment, allows for plenty of individual attention, and is excellent for solo travelers.

Each five-night program costs $2,900 per person double occupancy, but Devon Hiking Spa is offering a $600 discount on the December 14-19 week if booked by December 5. The price includes five nights lodging, meals and snacks, two spa services, fitness classes, guided hikes, and take-home tools for those interested in incorporating healthy eating and exercise into their daily lives. For information and to register, visit http://www.DevonHikingSpa.com.

Source: www.prlog.org

Deer Management Through Culling

Monday, 24 November 2008

By Chris Cook (Wildlife Biologist, Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries)

The deer hunting public's interest in deer management increases each year. This is evident by the countless magazine articles and television shows that discuss topics related to deer management. The need for an increased doe kill, protection of young bucks, and improved deer habitat are detailed ex tensively. Many deer hunters grasped these concepts and implemented each on their hunting properties. They improved the habitat on their property, as well as the quality of the deer herd. Their deer herds are balanced with the habitat, the buck age structure is much improved, and the adult sex ratio is well balanced. Many groups are completely satisfied with their progress, while some groups want to go further.

One of the main reasons for dissatisfaction with a deer management program is the size or shape of the antlers on the bucks observed and killed each year. Bucks tha do not possess what are deemed "normal" antlers are judged inferior by many deer hunters and managers. In their opinion, any buck that does not meet a specific minimum for antler size must surely be genetically inferior since they are subjected to the same environmental and habitat conditions as bucks with bigger, better-formed antlers. Removing these deer as "culls" to improve the herds' antler genetics is the next logical step in many of these hunters' and managers' minds. Before proceeding, they should stop and ask two questions: "Are the problem antler traits genetically caused?" and "Will culling correct the problem?" The answers to both questions are difficult, if not impossible, to answer in most situations.

Determining the cause of a free-ranging buck's antler abnormality or deficiency by looking at the live deer on the hoof is practically impossible. Deer are subjected every day of their lives to many things with the potential to impact antler development. Injuries, drought and poor quality habitat all can cause a buck's antler to develop abnormally. Many of these factors are uncontrollable by the deer manager or hunter. For these reasons, most bucks, especially 2½-year-old and younger deer, should be given the benefit of the doubt in regards to lower quality or abnormal antlers in most situations.

Injuries to the deer's body, the growing antler, or the antler pedicle usually are the main culprits. Some injuries, such as injuries to the body, typically cause antler abnormalities in the year immediately following the injury. Given time, the buck will heal and usually grows a more typical set of antlers in subsequent years. The same thing applies to most growing antler injuries as well. Antlers grown in years following this type of injury generally return to their usual conformation.

Some types of injuries, such as injuries to the antler pedicle, can cause malformed antlers every year following the injury. Trauma from fighting or antler rubbing can damage the pedicle. This alone may not cause an abnormal antler growth, but in some cases, an abscess will develop at the point of an injury around the antler base. The abscess often causes more significant damage to the pedicle and, in turn, causes abnormal antler growth in subsequent years.

Some deer researchers feel pedicle injuries associated with an abscess is the most likely cause of the "spike on one side" bucks some hunters observe in the field. These deer usually are adult bucks (2½ years old or older) and have a "normal" antler with three, four, five or more points and an "abnormal" antler, which is usually a long spike or main beam with one short tine. Nothing is wrong with the bucks.

Another argument against culling bucks is the lack of understanding about white-tailed deer antler genetics. White-tailed deer genetics, including antler genetics, are poorly understood. As for the trait of antler development, what is known is the dam provides as much or more genetic influence for antler development as does the sire. If it is possible to impact a free-ranging deer herd's antler genetics by removing specific deer, one would also have to identify and remove the doe that produced the cull buck in question. Additionally, one would have to believe that it is possible to quickly change thousands of years of genetic development with a rifle and bow. It simply doesn't work that way.

Most "culling" experts tend to target bucks with unbalanced or abnormally shaped antlers rather than bucks with smaller, well-formed antlers. The unbalanced or abnormally shaped-antlered bucks are labeled "genetically inferior" or "limited potential" bucks, although their antler abnormalities may have nothing to do with genetics. On the other hand, most well formed but smaller antlered bucks are judged to be young, but with good potential. Unfortunately, this is completely wrong in many instances. Some of the "genetically inferior" or "limited potential" bucks are just young and need time to overcome injuries or a slow start in life. Conversely, many of the well-formed, smaller antlered bucks judged to be young are actually average 3½-years-old or older bucks that have grown their best antlers.

Causes of abnormal antlers in white-tailed deer are numerous. Unfortunately, nearly none of the causes can be identified by simply observing bucks in the field. This, however, does not prevent many deer hunters and managers from making misguided management decisions in the name of "culling." In nearly all situations, the effort expended on trying to improve the genetics of a deer herd would be better spent on practices that can return tangible results, such as habitat improvement and shooting antlerless deer.

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.

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