Argentinian-Style Grilled Elk Backstrap with Chimichurri Sauce Recipe

 

New “Partner with a Payer” Video Highlights Important Collaboration with Archery Manufacturers and Wildlife Agencies

NSSF^®, The Firearm Industry Trade Association, in partnership with TenPoint Archery, Archery Trade Association, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, has released another film in the “Partner with a Payer^®” series—a collection of videos highlighting the importance of wildlife conservation and management. The Partner with a Payer Program connects the dots from how excise tax dollars are generated to how they are used to sustain healthy wildlife populations.

https://youtu.be/4Y1mCr8Kcoo

The latest video, “Conservation Success at the Crossroads of Collaboration,” highlights the work being done to continue providing public access to target ranges, hunting opportunities and other outdoor experiences within the United States.

Funding Conservation: A Collective Effort

In the heart of collaborative efforts between firearm industry leaders, archery manufacturers, and wildlife conservation agencies lies an important component for hunters and target shooters alike – the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act, also known as the Pittman-Robertson Act. This act mandates excise taxes, a financial contribution by firearm and ammunition manufacturers on their products, as well as archery equipment manufacturers, to fund wildlife conservation and management programs across the United States. Representatives from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, National Shooting Sports Foundation, Archery Trade Association and USFWS came together to tour the TenPoint Archery Facility, where they learned what it takes to generate the excise tax revenues supporting wildlife populations across the country. Throughout the tour, state and federal agency staff discussed specific projects and key instances where funds provided opportunities for the public to hunt, target shoot and enjoy the diverse wildlife in the United States. [caption id="attachment_53686" align="aligncenter" width="550"] Excise taxes fund wildlife research for the sustainable maintenance of healthy wildlife populations.[/caption] The excise taxes established under the Pittman-Robertson Act have been a driving force, contributing over $16.4 billion (over $25 billion adjusted for inflation) to individual states. In this video, Peter Novotny, Deputy Chief of the Ohio Division of Wildlife, highlights how these funds, combined with hunting and fishing license dollars, fund essential wildlife research. This research enables a deeper understanding of how wildlife populations adapt to a changing environment, ultimately leading to the maintenance of healthy and sustainable populations.

The Ripple Effect for Hunters and Shooters

For hunters and target shooters, the implications of excise taxes are far-reaching. The funds derived from these taxes play an important role in maintaining shooting ranges, archery facilities, and wildlife habitats, ensuring a rich and diverse outdoor experience. The collaborative efforts between industry leaders, state agencies, and federal organizations exemplify the commitment to sustaining the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation. [caption id="attachment_53687" align="aligncenter" width="550"] “We feel comfortable and confident that the excise tax dollars are helping keep healthy deer herds out there across the United States,” said Phil Bednar, President and CEO of TenPoint Crossbows.[/caption] As hunters and target shooters, your passion and participation directly contribute to the preservation of the outdoor experiences you cherish. These excise taxes not only support wildlife conservation but also create a legacy of responsible and sustainable outdoor recreation for generations to come. Understanding and appreciating this cycle of giving back ensures that the great outdoors remains accessible for all. More info and resources at https://www.nssf.org/partner-with-payer/ See other Partner with a Payer Videos: https://www.letsgohunting.org/resources/articles/game-birds/osprey-restoration-understanding-excise-taxes-wildlife-conservation/ https://www.letsgohunting.org/resources/articles/explore-hunting/how-do-excise-taxes-benefit-hunter-education-clark-county-shooting-complex/

 

Summer offers unique advantages and opportunities for successful hog hunting.

As the temperatures rise and nature awakens in vibrant hues, hunters across the USA eagerly gear up for an exhilarating adventure: summer hog hunting. With the sun shining high and foliage in full bloom, the summer season offers unique advantages and opportunities for those seeking the thrill of the chase. From the increased activity of hogs to the improved visibility in dense vegetation, summer hog hunting presents a promising and exciting experience for hunters. In this article, we will delve into the reasons why summer is an excellent time to embark on hog hunting expeditions, exploring the behavioral patterns of hogs, favorable hunting conditions, and the conservation impact of this pursuit. So grab your gear, prepare for the heat, and get ready to embrace the excitement of summer hog hunting.

5 Advantages of Summer hog hunting

 

1. Predictable Behavior

Firstly, during the summer months, hogs tend to exhibit specific behaviors that make them more predictable and accessible to hunters. They are actively searching for food and water sources, which increases their movement and visibility. Hogs rely heavily on water sources during the summer, making watering holes and areas near rivers or ponds prime locations for hunting. This predictable behavior allows hunters to set up ambush points strategically and increase their chances of encountering hogs.

2. Natural Camouflage

Moreover, the dense vegetation and abundant cover during summer provide excellent opportunities for hunters to approach hogs without being detected. The foliage in full bloom offers natural camouflage, making it easier for hunters to stalk their prey or set up blinds in areas with high hog activity. This advantage allows hunters to get closer to their targets and take accurate shots.

3. Longer Days

Additionally, the longer daylight hours in summer provide hunters with extended opportunities to be out in the field. With more time available, hunters can patiently wait for the perfect shot and thoroughly scout areas for hog signs. The longer days also allow for more hunting strategies, including night hunting, which can be particularly effective during the summer when hogs tend to be more active during cooler evenings.

4. Improved Visibility

Another advantage of hunting hogs in the summer is the increased visibility and tracking capabilities. With foliage at its peak, sightlines become clearer, enabling hunters to spot hogs from a distance. This improved visibility also makes hog tracks and signs more visible, aiding in tracking their movements. Dry ground conditions during summer facilitate tracking as well, as footprints and disturbances are more easily identifiable.

5. Critical for Conservation

Summer is a critical time for hog population control. Feral hog populations tend to experience rapid growth during this season due to favorable breeding conditions and increased food availability. By actively hunting hogs during the summer, hunters contribute to managing these populations and minimizing the damage they cause to agricultural lands and native ecosystems. Collaborative efforts between hunters, landowners, and wildlife management agencies play a crucial role in ensuring effective hog population control and habitat preservation.

Summer Safety Considerations

It is essential for hunters to consider the safety aspects of summer hunting. Managing heat-related risks and staying hydrated is crucial, especially during hot summer days. Wearing appropriate clothing to combat the heat and protecting oneself from potential encounters with venomous snakes, which are more active during the summer, should be prioritized. Summer is a time when snakes are more active, especially in areas with dense vegetation. By staying vigilant, wearing appropriate footwear, and being knowledgeable about local snake species and their habitats, hunters can minimize the risk of snake bites and ensure their safety during summer hog hunting expeditions.

Give Summer Hog Hunting a Try

Summer hog hunting in the USA offers an exciting and rewarding experience for hunters. Seize the opportunities that this season presents. Embrace the challenges, but always prioritize safety. Stay hydrated, protect yourself from the heat, and be mindful of the presence of venomous snakes. By doing so, you'll ensure a rewarding and secure hunting experience. Remember, hunting is not just about the thrill of the chase, but also about our responsibility as stewards of the land. By participating in summer hog hunting, we actively contribute to population control and the preservation of our agricultural lands and ecosystems. Let us carry forward our hunting traditions with a deep respect for nature and a commitment to conservation. So, gather your gear, share your knowledge with fellow hunters, and lead by example.

You shot your deer, but it took off. Now what? Follow these 10 tracking tips to recover your deer and make your hunt a success.

By Bryce M. Towsley [caption id="attachment_51384" align="aligncenter" width="650"] Very rarely do deer "drop in their tracks" at the shot. Once you make your shot, stay focused on the deer noting where it was when you fired and the direction it took off in.[/caption] Despite what we may see on television, deer usually do not drop in their tracks at the shot. Sometimes, too, “stuff” happens and the shot is less than perfect. That’s when you have to unleash your tracking skills and go find them. Here are 10 tried-and-true tracking tips that have served me well over the years in finding deer after the shot.

1. Stay Focused

After the shot, stay as calm as you can and stay focused on the deer. Watch it as long as you can then listen even longer. Often you will hear the deer long after you can’t see it anymore. Before you leave your stand, pick a clear landmark where you last saw the deer and another where you last heard the deer. Also, pick a landmark noting where the deer was when you shot. Have these landmarks firmly in your mind before you exit yours stand. If you have a compass, take a bearing to each of these locations. Snap a few photos with your cell phone or use a small notepad to note the locations or draw yourself a little schematic that shows these three key landmarks. [caption id="attachment_51385" align="aligncenter" width="650"] Before you leave your stand, use your phone to take a photo of where the deer was standing when you shot and the landmark where you last saw the deer before it disappeared.[/caption] Go to where you last saw the deer and look for blood and tracks. Remember to look on the bushes as well as on the ground for blood. If you fail to find any, go to spot where you shot the deer and search for blood and/or hair. If you still don’t find a blood trail of any kind, go back to your stand and double check to make sure you were looking in the right places. Next, start where you last saw the deer and walk to the location where you last heard the deer. Watch for blood and other sign along the way. Sometimes it takes a while for the blood trail to start.

2. First Blood

When you find blood, note its location. Is it high up on the bushes and far out from the trail? That might indicate arterial spurting. Does it seem to be in the center of the tracks, even though you took a broadside shot? That might be lung blood leaking out of the nose and mouth. Is the blood in the track? Maybe it’s running down the leg. Is there green gunk on the ground with a little blood? That’s a gut shot. Resist the tendency to keep tracking that deer. Leave quietly and come back in the morning, or at least six hours later. A gut shot deer will lie down very quickly and if you leave it alone, it will die in that bed. Usually it will be relatively close to where you shot it. But if you keep pushing and jump the deer, they can turn into the Terminator, unable or unwilling to die and they can run for miles. [caption id="attachment_51386" align="aligncenter" width="650"] When looking for a blood trail, heavy signs higher up on bushes or spurts off the trail may indicate arterial bleeding, which means you should find your deer shortly.[/caption] Did you find pieces of bone? Trust me, it’s not ribs as so many people think; 95% of the time it is pieces of leg bone. You may get that deer, but it’s not going to be easy. A lot of blood at the start that turns into a few drips and then stops in a ¼ mile or so, is usually a low hit in the brisket. You are in for a long day with that deer. With a leg or brisket hit, the deer is very mobile and will keep moving if pushed. If you can get some help, it’s best to place hunters along the escape routes and hope the deer comes by as you track the blood.

3. Mark the Way