Global - International Hunting and Fishing News and Press Releases

• Live Wildlife Safari WebCam from Africa -- You are watching a waterhole named "Pete's Pond". Many different types of wildlife come to Pete's Pond including elephant, impala, lions, warthogs, eland and baboons to name a few. Pete's Pond is located in the Mashatu Game Reserve in Botswana, Africa. This is a live video camera with sound. At night floodlights will come on automatically. continue »

• 'Leffe the moose man' promises elk intimacy? -- continue »

• Hunters Say Protecting Species Could Hurt Them -- WASHINGTON (CN) - Safari Club International claims federal protections for three species of African antelope is having a "detrimental effect" on their conservation. Listing the species prohibits buying and trading the animals for captive-breeding programs, which raise them for hunting, the Safari Club says. continue »

• Fall's coolness opens hunting, fishing? -- The birds don't always cooperate, but that's just hunting. continue »

• Hounds 'chase fox on to railway'? -- continue »

• Rhino hunting ban 'could increase poaching'? -- continue »

• Goose and dove now, archery antlerless deer next? -- continue »

• Outdoors: Many bears there to be hunted during this early season? -- Bear season opens today through Sept. 24 for permitted hunters. A second season runs Nov. 7 through Nov. 26. Most bears are taken during the early season, primarily by rifle hunters. continue »

• Pennsylvania Game Commission to Hold State Game Land Tours For Public? -- HARRISBURG, Pa., Sept. 6, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As part of the Pennsylvania Game Commission's efforts to highlight its ongoing habitat improvement initiatives, the public is invited to take part in upcoming tours of several State Game Lands between Sept. 18 and Oct. 16. All tours are free. continue »

• Eric Sharp: Warm weather ruins opening day of goose hunting season? -- "We saw birds on the water in a bunch of places and feeding on golf courses where they had ponds 20 feet away. But we didn't see a single flock of geese coming back to the water from feeding sites. continue »

• It's hunting season again? -- Now that dove season is here, many of us are making plans for the fall hunting seasons. In Texas and much of the country, the opening day cook out with family and friends is as much as part of the overall hunting experience as shooting doves. continue »

• Elk Hunting Season Begins? -- The numbers are drawn and a few lucky outdoor enthusiasts are enjoying a chance to hunt elk. The first elk hunting season was last week. Another round opens up September 23rd through the 26th. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources says the first season is split into a pair of segments to control the number of animals heading to areas where they are becoming a nuisance.

• DNR wants hunting land? -- SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is looking for landowners willing to roll out the welcome mat for young turkey hunters and others seeking opportunities for outdoors recreation. continue »

• Duck hunting plan not a problem; hogs not so much -- Ducks and hogs are a bizarre mix, but that was the theme when the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Commission met Wednesday and Thursday in Kingsport. continue »

• Dove hunting season begins Sept. 1 -- Dove hunting season opens Sept. 1, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. This season presents good opportunities to take young hunters out into the field. Doves may be hunted statewide from Sept. 1 - Oct. 30, except no hunting is allowed on state and federal refuges and sanctuaries. The aggregate bag and possession limits for mourning, white-winged and Eurasian collared-doves are 15 and 30, respectively. Also, Eurasian collared-doves may be hunted Oct. 31 - Aug. 31, 2012. The bag and possession limits are 15 and 30, respectively. continue »

• Colorado Parks and Wildlife: Common hunting violations can be costly -- “Hunters are reminded that not only can they be fined for violations, they can also lose their hunting privileges in Colorado and the 34 other states that cooperatively participate in a wildlife compact agreement.” continue »

• Northwest Colorado: The state’s premier hunting destination -- Craig, the seat of giant Moffat County, continues to be ranked as one of the top destinations in the country for outdoorsmen. It’s easy to see why. The city is surrounded by public lands and private ranches, all nestled into terrain perfect for hunting. Historic downtown offers boutique shopping and dining, but the city also has a Murdoch’s, Walmart and two large grocery stores to help equip your party for the backcountry. continue »

• Rhino hunting ban considered -- Briefing the media in Pretoria on what she called "the ongoing scourge in rhino poaching", she said her department was also examining the possibility of de-horning rhino. "Currently, the provincial conservation authorities issue permits for the sport hunting of rhino, and an unfortunate challenge we are facing, in terms of the permitting of rhino hunting, is the abuse of the system by unscrupulous individuals. continue »

• Texans are ready to hunt feral hogs from helicopters -- "Pork choppers," Texas' newest weapon in the war on feral hogs, will take to the skies Thursday when it becomes legal for hunters to buy seats on hog-hunting helicopters and gun down as many pigs as they can put in their sights. continue »

• Birds of a feather --One of the falcon’s greatest skills is their ability to fly fast and swoop down on their prey. “Falcons are the purest for speed,” Schumacher said. “Everything about them, from the set of their wings to how they cut through the air, everything is built for speed.” Despite all these abilities and strengths, however, nature can still be cruel. “Eight out of ten raptors don’t make it through their first harsh winter,” she said. “Nature only wants the best of the best.” continue »

• Safety is always a primary concern when hunting -- With deer season running through Jan. 1, some safety reminders are in order: -- Be sure your firearm is unloaded when you are transporting it in your vehicle or while walking to your stand. Keep the safety on for extra measure. -- Leave the gun safety on until you are ready to shoot. (If you should drop your gun, the safety will offer some protection.) -- It is wise to wear a visible hat, coat or vest of international-orange color while hunts for deer are in progress. Even wildlife photographers and other nature enthusiasts should use common sense and elect to wear a hat, coat or vest in hunter orange. -- Don't shoot in the direction of rustling bushes or rattling leaves. Shoot only when you actually see a deer within range. Be sure of your target. -- When hunting with a club or group, stay on your stand until a previously agreed upon time. Don't lose patience and wander around - you may be mistaken for a deer. -- Remember, rifle bullets, buck shot and arrows travel a long distance through a field or in the forest. So, you need to know the territory and know if there are homes, schools or businesses that could possibly be struck by ammunition that misses its intended target. The coming weeks will be very busy for hunters, who must remain aware there will be other outdoor enthusiasts. Use common sense in any situation. Please. continue »

• Hunting season opens Monday, new rules in place --Georgia hunters preparing to head into the woods must abide by new regulations, including rules regarding use of bait in various parts of the state, reports Georgia Public Broadcasting. Monday is the beginning of squirrel hunting season in Georgia. Bird, deer, and bear hunters start hunting in September and October. continue »

• Special drawing for hunting permits set --HURSON -- A special drawing will be at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Osborn MetroPark, 3910 Perkins Ave., for permits to hunt the area during the special teal/early goose and the regular waterfowl seasons. Registration will be from 5 to 6:20 p.m. continue »

• Debate over dove hunting rules arises again -- DES MOINES - The emotionally charged issue of hunting mourning doves in Iowa is slated to come before state lawmakers again when a legislative panel considers a Natural Resources Commission proposed rule that would ban lead shot when the state opens a dove season in September. At issue is a rule unanimously approved by the commission that would prohibit Iowa dove hunters from using lead shot when Iowa opens a dove-hunting season next month - a controversial proposal that has drawn opposition from some hunters, state lawmakers and Gov. Terry Branstad. The state's first mourning dove season since 1918 will allow hunters to take up to 15 birds a day for a 70-day period beginning Sept. 1. continue »

• Time to sign up for youth dove hunting--season begins Sept. 3 --And Alabama's Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is offering 30 public dove hunts especially for young hunters this fall. Advance registration is required for the hunts, and every hunter must be accompanied by an adult. Registration begins Monday. There are hunts on public lands this year in Colbert, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone and Walker counties in the northwest; call the Tanner office at 256-353-2634 to register. In the northeast, Calhoun, Dekalb, Jackson, Marshall, Talladega and Tallapoosa counties have hunts; call the Jacksonville office at 256-435-5422. ADCNR offices in Northport, Enterprise and Spanish Fort handle hunts in the southern half of the state; check www.outdooralabama.com for details. continue »

• Tompkins: Truth behind a misguided myth -- State doesn't misuse funds from license sales to hunters, anglers - Texas hunters and anglers begin a pair of annual rituals Monday ­­- purchasing new hunting/fishing licenses and grumbling about how the state "steals" part of that license revenue. There's no way around the first part of the ritual; all current Texas hunting licenses and most fishing licenses expire Aug. 31, and new 2011-12 licenses, which become available for purchase Monday, are required on Sept. 1. But that second ritual is a bit of misguided, or at least misdirected, animosity arising from the license-buying public's understandable misunderstanding of the Byzantine budget maneuvers the Texas Legislature uses to produce its constitutionally mandated balanced budget. The common belief is that part of the approximately $90 million Texas hunters and anglers pay annually for the more than 2 million licenses is siphoned out of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department coffers and used to finance unrelated state programs. continue »

• New Season of Hunting & Fishing: Important TPWD Information - Texas --With licenses for fishing and hunting expiring August 31, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department offers information about renewal, hunter’s education, hunting requirements, and drawings Texas Big Time Hunts and lifetime license. Hunting, Fishing Licenses sold online Aug. 15 Current year Texas hunting and fishing licenses (except year-to-date fishing licenses) expire August 31, and new licenses for 2011-2012 will go on sale Monday, August 15. continue »

• Hunting down an Arms Trade Treaty --Canada has never been a strong supporter of international efforts to negotiate an effective Arms Trade Treaty. But in mid-July, it reversed its previous low-key but constructive role at the United Nations ATT preparatory meetings to become a potential treaty spoiler. All indications point to this change of heart arising from the domestic gun lobby's influence on Canadian foreign policy. After years of preparation, member states of the United Nations will devote a month in the summer of 2012 to negotiating a global ATT to establish effective standards to regulate the international arms trade. With an estimated 740,000 annual deaths worldwide from armed conflicts and criminal violence, most states agree the treaty cannot come too soon. continue »

• Q: - I have a question about a new broadhead I've found and whether I can use them to hunt big game in California. They are sold in 100 grains, have a 1-inch cutting diameter and are advertised to fly very accurately. If the blades are made of razor wire, does this make them illegal? If the blades bend and flex when pushed through a hole, are they then illegal? Should the test be done with a metal sheet or wood? --A: To be legal in California, broadheads must meet certain criteria specified in the Mammal Hunting Regulations booklet (Section 354). Retired Capt. Phil Nelms of the Department of Fish and Game, said that hunting big game, broadhead-type blade attached to arrows and crossbow bolts that are too small to create a »-inch hole cannot be used. The 1-inch cutting diameter you mention sounds promising. The real test, though, is exactly what it does when it starts to penetrate. It's reasonable to assume it holds its shape. But before you spend a lot of money, you should get one and see if it passes the test. Razor wire blades do not make it illegal. The standard established in the regulations specify that the head "not pass through a hole 7/8-inch in diameter." The regulation does not specify the material containing the hole. However, in the Fish and Game Academy, game wardens are taught to use a piece of paper to measure the hole. You should use the same. If the arrowhead passes through the hole without cutting the paper, it is too small and is not legal. To put it another way, if the arrowhead cannot be passed through the hole without cutting the paper, it is legal. continue »

• Make sure your mussels aren't toxic -- Mussels can be taken year-round but health warning quarantines are in effect. The California Department of Public Health monitors and quarantines the take of mussels for human consumption to prevent cases of paralytic shellfish poisoning and domoic acid poisoning. The quarantine is usually in effect from May through October. For updated information on quarantines and naturally occurring shellfish toxins, call the California Department of Public Health's Shellfish Biotoxin Information Line at (510) 412-4643 or toll-free at (800) 553-4133. continue »

• Gun Watch is the number one site for shotguns for sale -- As a pursuit, hunting and shooting is a popular choice amongst many for a variety of reasons. Whether as part of a sport based recreational activity or for culling purposes, the fact remains that the one required element is a relevant gun, to utilise. The problem for many is how to purchase the required tools, such as shotguns as well as rifles, from a renowned and respected resource which offers a huge selection in one location. This is where the online resource Gun Watch, is able to provide an effective solution. Gun Watch is an impressive online resource, housing a huge collection of guns for sale, from affordable air rifles to gleaming hand crafted shotguns, meaning that there is something for everyone. continue »

• State taking bear hunt applications --ANNAPOLIS — The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is accepting applications for an October black bear hunt. The department will take applications through Sept. 2 to participate in a lottery to receive hunting permits. DNR will issue 260 permits, with a quota of 55 to 80 bears. The hunt is scheduled Oct. 24-29, but will close when the quota is reached. DNR officials say applicants have a good chance of being selected, with about one in 15 receiving a permit. Hunters can apply online through Sept. 2, while phone applications will be accepted Aug. 22-26 between 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. continue »

• Southeast Texan targets his craft as a gunsmith -- Ken Lloyd has a resume like no other. It's made from steel and black walnut. It's straight as an arrow and its .45-70 round travels exponentially faster, truer and deadlier than any shaft an archer ever loosed. continue »

• 6th Annual Gunsmith Career Fair Dates Set By Brownells --Brownells has announced that the 6th Annual Gunsmith Career Fair will be held April 27 and 28, 2012 at the Des Moines Marriott Downtown in Des Moines, Iowa. The industry-exclusive event is expected to draw more than 175 attendees and 35 employers. continue »

• A howling good time in Algonquin --At Ontario's Algonquin Park, visitors can get a chance to communicate directly with these fascinating animals by joining a Public Wolf Howl on Thursday nights in August. "The Public Wolf Howl program started back in 1963 as part of a research tool to find packs of wolves," Rick Stronks, Algonquin's chief park naturalist, explains. "You have to remember that in the 1960s wolves were still considered to be vermin, so it was not something that we thought would be successful." continue »

• Doe hunting only set for much of fall --A new deer hunting season is coming this fall for about two-thirds of Arkansas. It is causing a double-take among some hunters, and yes, there will be some disagreement. continue »

• South African soldiers battle rhino poachers in Kruger --KRUGER NATIONAL PARK, South Africa — The soldiers sleep in tents, hidden from roaming lions by a blind, and protected by high-powered rifles that also ward off the even more dangerous threat of poachers. In April, South African soldiers were deployed in Kruger National Park to safeguard the border with Mozambique, where heavily armed and highly organised poachers have driven the slaughter of rhinos to record levels to feed an Asian black market for traditional medicine. "It's not just a poacher coming in and he's hunting for meat, or he comes in with his snares or he comes in with his darts to hunt with a hunting rifle," said Ken Maggs, a top environmental crimes investigator in the park. continue »

• Beating the heat -- Luke Clayton - PLAN A SUMMER HOG HUNT - Contrary to what some folks believe, hogs can be hunted for meat during the summer months but, a bit of planning is necessary. That planning usually includes an ice cooler large enough to handle the meat and plenty of ice to chill it quickly. I always head out on a night hog hunt with plenty of ice in the cooler. If a hog is harvested, I’m ready. If the porkers elude me for the night, I have plenty of ice cold water to keep myself hydrated! If I’m hunting a ranch with a walk-in cooler; problem solved! continue »

• Hunters make plans for dove, teal seasons --By Chris Smith - The wing-shooter has some important dates approaching and plans are already being made for many. The upcoming dove season is always a great time to get out with family and friends. Of course, the early Teal season is also a great way to spend a September morning. continue »

• Essay could win eight youth a fully guided, videotaped crossbow hunt --By ART HOLDEN-Daily Record Outdoor Editor It's great to put that big buck up on the wall, take a picture of the trophy bass, or revel in the amazing colors of your harvested wood duck. But, the true beauty of being a sportsman is passing on that hunting and fishing tradition. That's exactly what Hillcrest Lumber in Apple Creek, and the East Central Ohio Branch of the Quality Deer Management Association wants to do on Oct. 15. continue »

• The squirrel hunting season opens Aug. 1 and runs through Jan. 31 --LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission says the state's squirrel hunting season opens Aug. 1 and runs through Jan. 31. The daily bag limit is seven squirrels, and the possession limit is 28. The commission experts say squirrels dine primarily on the nuts of oaks, hickories and walnuts. They eat other nuts and fruit when preferred foods are not available. Hunting permits can be bought online at OutdoorNebraska.org. OutdoorNebraska.org »

• Hunting License Lottery Coming Soon --Monday, July 25, 2011 - 6:32 AM If you are a Hancock County land owner or resident and you like to hunt, an important meeting is coming up regarding hunting in two public parks. The Hancock County Park District will hold its annual "Hunting with Permission" lottery August 4th. The event distributes a limited number of hunting licenses for use in the Litzenberg Memorial Woods west of Findlay on U.S. 224 and for the Bright Farm Conservation area off of Ohio 568. The meeting will be held at the activities barn on the Litzenberg property at 7 p.m. There are a few new rules for hunters and trappers this season. People can now register for any and all eligible categories and can be drawn in all categories too. All trails at the Litzenberg Center will be closed for safety reasons during hunting season for both hikers and people on horseback. The no leg hold trap rule has been eliminated. continue »

• Maharaja's Rolls under the hammer --A Rolls-Royce custom built for a tiger-hunting Indian maharaja is expected to sell for more than £600,000 at auction next month. The 1925 New Phantom was fitted with a safe, a mounted double-barrelled shotgun, searchlights and a machine gun on a trailer. continue »

• Rhino horn 'kingpin' Lemtongthai in South African court --There has been a sharp increase in rhino killings in recent years to fuel the demand in Asia, where it is used in traditional medicine. More than 300 rhinos were killed in South Africa last year. continue »

• Boating safety for dogs --For the right dog, a boating adventure is a dream come true. It's like a rolled-down car window times 12, with great scenery, good company and fresh air for added pleasure. continue »

• Wyoming, Montana working toward joining Idaho in wolf hunt --WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT — Idaho announced it's wolf management plans — including trapping — last week. Montana officials plan to address hunting and management proposals this week. Wyoming continues to be a step out of sync, although that may be changing. continue »

• HUNTERS - GET IN SHAPE NOW! --We are right smack in the middle of summer right now and hunting seasons seem far, far away. Yes the deer, elk, and antelope application period has just gone by and dove season will be here September 1, before we realize it. For those who hunt out of state, you probably got your applications in way back last spring and maybe already have confirmation on drawing a permit by now! It's time to be thinking about getting the ole body in shape. continue »

• Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division Celebrates A Century Of Conservation --SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. --(Ammoland.com)- July 11 marks 100 years of conservation in Georgia, where outdoor recreation packs a $3 billion-plus economic punch each year and biological diversity ranks among the richest in the U.S. A century ago, concerns about declining wildlife populations fueled a national conservation movement. Georgia lawmakers responded by approving legislation on July 11, 1911, to create the state’s first wildlife agency. continue »

• Pennsylvania License Buyers Experience Disruption on Sunday -- HARRISBURG, Pa., July 11, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Pennsylvania Game Commission officials today announced the technical problems that disrupted hunting license sales statewide for 10 hours on Sunday, July 10, have been resolved. Thousands of hunters were inconvenienced. continue »

• Now its wild boars --First it was wolves in Switzerland and France, then a grizzly bear in Italy and now wild boars are causing disruption in Austria. Not in The Alps but rather the luxury suburbs of Vienna. continue »

• Pronghorn population declines in ND --North Dakota Game and Fish Department biologists recently completed the 2011 pronghorn population survey, which revealed the statewide population is 30 percent lower than last year. Therefore, the Game and Fish Department is recommending the pronghorn hunting season remain closed in 2011. continue »

• Guide and outfitter written exam in ND on Aug. 20 --The next guide and outfitter written examination is Aug. 20 at 1 p.m. at the North Dakota Game and Fish Department office in Bismarck. The test is given periodically to anyone interested in becoming a hunting guide or outfitter in the state. continue »

• Ottawa to provinces: Feel free to create your own long-gun registries --MONTREAL—The federal government says it would welcome proposals from any province wishing to set up its own long-gun registry if the Canadian program is eventually abolished. continue »