News Release   October 5, 2015 Contact: aseidman@safariclub.org For Immediate Release   Hunters Win in Florida -- Judge Denies Motion to Stop Black Bear Hunt   Safari Club International was pleased to be the only hunting group to assist the State of Florida in protecting the state’s black bear season against a challenge from anti-hunters. On Thursday, October 1, 2015, after a five hour hearing, a Florida state court denied a request filed by Florida group, Speak Up Wekiva, to shut down Florida's first black bear hunt in decades. As a result of the ruling, the hunt is set to commence as planned on October 24th. Deserving most of the credit for the victory are Florida's state attorneys and biologists, who aggressively defended the hunt in court.   SCI assisted in defending the hunt by submitting a powerful amicus brief that explained to the court how stopping the hunt would harm SCI members and the general Florida hunting community. SCI’s brief also provided concrete data from SCI’s past involvement with black bear litigation in New Jersey. The data refuted the Plaintiffs' claims that the hunt would harm Florida's black bear population. An SCI attorney appeared at the hearing to offer assistance as needed. SCI’s local counsel in Florida, attorney Ethan Way – a member of SCI's Tallahassee Chapter – assisted SCI’s in-house litigation attorneys in filing our brief and appearing in court.   SCI is proud to be a part of this latest victory. SCI has a long history of conserving Florida black bears through sustainable use. Almost ten years ago, SCI helped the federal government defend a lawsuit seeking to force a listing of the Florida black bear under the Endangered Species Act, which would have prevented Florida’s current hunt. If anti-hunting groups decide to continue to try to stop the hunt, SCI will continue to help Florida defend against any challenge.                                                                                               * * * *   Safari Club International - First For Hunters is the leader in protecting the freedom to hunt and in promoting wildlife conservation worldwide. SCI's approximately 200 Chapters represent all 50 of the United States as well as 106 other countries. SCI's proactive leadership in a host of cooperative wildlife conservation, outdoor education and humanitarian programs, with the SCI Foundation and other conservation groups, research institutions and government agencies, empowers sportsmen to be contributing community members and participants in sound wildlife management and conservation. Visit the home page www.SafariClub.org, or call (520) 620-1220 for more information.

                                                             Getting Ready for Russia   As some of you may know, I will be heading to Russia the coming September to hunt Huge Brown Bear in Siberia. When Judge Julie Mogenis first invited me to go on this trip I was not sure if I wanted to go. After I hung up the phone, it took me about 20 minutes to realize what a huge mistake I was going to make by not going on this hunt. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I knew that I would regret it if I did not go. So I called the Judge back and told her that I am going to accept her offer to go on this hunt. She filled me in on the dates which will be in early September.   The first thing that I did was to look up what the weather was like in Siberia at that time of year. From what I have found, it should be the same type of climate as in northern Alaska at that time of year. It is suppose to be above freezing and there will be snow on the ground but it is difficult to predict just how much snow there will be. So on a spot and stalk Bear Hunt, I needed to be in shape – which I am not. I have not seen the inside of a gym in 2 years and I am about 20 pounds over weight.   I have to admit, I did procrastinate for about six weeks or so about doing something about my physical condition. Finally, I decided to start hiking the trails by my house. Some parts of the trail were pretty steep and challenging and I thought that it would help to build my stamina and strengthen my legs. The first leg of the trail was a mile and a half. So there and back was a nice 3 mile work out that I could do in under an hour.   I started hiking the trails two to three times a week for the first couple of weeks. It felt pretty good. You know that feeling. The one that feels like you have been sitting on the bench for a long time and then you finally get your chance to get back into the game. Over the next few weeks I kicked up the pace. I was hiking the trails four to five times per week and I added a weighted backpack that I would wear. I would compete with myself to beat the previous day’s time. I could feel my body acclimate to the change and then it happened. My body started to remind me that I was not 20 years old anymore. My knees could not handle the constant pounding that I have been giving them on almost a daily basis. The tendons on my right knee became inflamed and it would cramp up if I left it in the same position for too long. I decided to take some time to let my knee heal but I knew that I would have to find a low impact workout to get into shape and allow my knee to rest.   I joined a gym and consulted with a trainer to figure out the best way prepare for this hunt. To Be Continued.......

As I sit here this morning facing another "hump" day, my thoughts drift to the fall of the smells, the challenges of the upcoming hunting season and often wonder what it would be like to hunt for a living? Would I get tired of getting up before daylight, go sit in a stand no matter what the weather (unless its raining like crazy) or super windy.  Would the thrill of taking bucks of "wallhanger" class get old? Would that adrenaline rush when you see a deer go away? I personally think it wouldnt, just for the fact that no matter how many times I see deer, I still get excited, and still appriciate everthing that I have when I am out there! I think a career in the outdoor industry couldnt get any better, but I often wonder exactly how you make a living doing somehting like that? How do the superstars of the industry make it work? I know these are completly random thoughts but I have found myself considering something like this when I finally retire from Uncle Sam's Air Force. Have any of you considered anything like this, and if so, how do you go about finding a place to start?  I cant thank Chris enough for giving me a chance as a Pro Staff member, that in itself is a pretty good foundation!

To: ALL MEDIA For immediate release   February 5, 2015   U.S. Sens. Murkowski, Heinrich Introduce New Bipartisan Sportsmen's Act of 2015 NEWTOWN, Conn. - The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), the trade association for the firearms, ammunition, hunting and shooting sports industries, today is pleased to note that U.S. Sens. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) have introduced the Bipartisan Sportsmen's Act of 2015.   The Bipartisan Sportsmen's Act of 2015 is a package of pro-sportsmen's legislation designed to safeguard and promote America's hunting and fishing traditions and to enhance the role of hunters, anglers and shooters as America's preeminent supporters of wildlife conservation. In keeping with a longstanding tradition of bipartisanship on sportsmen's issues, the legislation enjoys strong support from both sides of the political aisle with Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus (CSC) Co-Chairs U.S. Sens. Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Joe Manchin (D-W.V.) and CSC Vice-Chairs U.S. Sens. Deb Fischer (R-NE) and Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.) serving as original co-sponsors.   "Being from Alaska, I'm lucky. Our hunting and fishing is top-notch. We learn to love the 'great outdoors' very early on in the Last Frontier. We know how to enjoy it today, and we're committed to making sure that future generations have the same great opportunities," said Sen. Murkowski. "The bipartisan legislation we introduced today will help ensure that our grandchildren have the same opportunities to hunt and fish as we did growing up."   Sen. Heinrich added, "The number one issue for sportsmen and women across the country is access. This widely supported, bipartisan bill will open more areas to hunting and fishing and grow America's thriving outdoor recreation economy. Hunters and anglers alone spend more than $465 million per year in New Mexico, and outdoor recreation as a whole is directly responsible for 68,000 jobs in our state. As an avid hunter myself, I remain deeply committed to preserving our outdoor heritage and treasured public lands for future generations to enjoy."   "The Bipartisan Sportsmen's Act of 2015 is made up of several bills that will help ensure our outdoor traditions are preserved, protected and promoted, said Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF Senior Vice President and General Counsel. This legislation addresses some of the top concerns of American hunters and recreational shooters. Its passage would be a significant accomplishment for the sportsmen's community and for America. We are grateful to Senators Murkowski and Heinrich for their bipartisan leadership on this important legislation and are looking forward to passage early in the 114th Congress."   Priorities addressed in the Bipartisan Sportsmen's Act include: protecting the traditional use of lead ammunition and fishing tackle by American hunters and anglers, the removal of impediments to the use of Pittman-Robertson funds for shooting ranges and a significant number of provisions to enhance and expand hunting, shooting and fishing access on lands administered by the Departments of the Interior and Agriculture.   About NSSF The National Shooting Sports Foundation is the trade association for the firearms industry. Its mission is to promote, protect and preserve hunting and the shooting sports. Formed in 1961, NSSF has a membership of more than 11,000 manufacturers, distributors, firearms retailers, shooting ranges, sportsmen's organizations and publishers. For more information, visit nssf.org.

I know I know, its only January and I am already thinking about Spring Turkey season, Ive got a chance to hunt a place that hasnt been turkey hunted in several years! I am one excited dude!! I will be calling for a friends neice, she hunts but has never turkey hunted before, so Im really excited about it! I want to try to get her a good bird and then I would like to try to get a good one as well! How many of you guys hunt turkeys? Do you have a favorite call you use? I use a box and a slate call, Ive tried using a mouth call, but all I sound like is a dying cat! LOL I hope you guys are enjoying the off season so far!! Got lots to do before the weather changes and gets a bit warmer, then its time to chase turkeys and go hit the flats for some specks!!

So the bucks are finally on the move in South Alabama. We have been finding some rutting activity here at home. A buck finally showed up in the yard and made his presence know by tearing several limbs from one of our precious magnolia trees. It's funny how we travel all over hunting and the deer mock us by ravaging the yard at night. Chase, my nephew has been inviting Emily and I up to his dog hunting club. Emily can now call each dog by name and knows every club members name and what type vehicle they drive.Joe and Blake rode up and hunted with us Saturday and it was funny listening to Blake and Emily discuss the happenings. Our group saw several deer and one member killed an 8 pt. On Sunday evening 15 year old Matthew Hrabovsky went on his first deer hunting trip with us. Matthew has plenty of shooting experience and he put on a fine display of marksmanship in our yard. We set up a target and let him shoot the 17 to get a feel for using a scope before hunting. He got to see a few does on the food plot and a small buck chasing them close to dark. We really enjoyed the hunt with Matthew. A good friend, Rej Jones killed a fine buck in Butler Alabama on a private lease. He shot the deer at around 200 yards. The big 10 point was chasing a doe on a power line and Rej had to yell to get the deer to stop for the kill shot. Great job Rej on the buck and thanks for sharing the pictures.           Shelby Byrd South Alabama

Merry Christmas everyone!! Just curious what is on everyones Christmas lists?? I didnt ask for much this year...tried to play it a little more conservative! HA!! No, honestly wasnt much on mine, Just a new Double tree stand, and a I already got an early gift to ourselves...a new TV for our garage! We entertain alot so we needed a bigger TV so that we can watch football!! Other than that, I didnt ask for much!! Lets hear what you all ask the jolly man in the red suit for!!

In Major Setback for Anti-Hunting Efforts; FWS Rejects Attempts to Stop Lion Hunting For Immediate Release:   October 27, 2014 Washington, D.C. -- Today, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) rejected the claim that the African lion merited listing as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act. After a long and comprehensive review of the species status, which included information from the foremost lion researchers in the world, the FWS concluded that the African lion simply is not on the brink of extinction and did not merit listing as an endangered species.   The FWS concluded “[s]port-hunting was not found to be a threat to the species at this time.” This conclusion is a blow to the anti-hunting rhetoric put forward by organizations such as the Humane Society of the United States and International Fund for Animal Welfare. The FWS's conclusion contradicts the assertions made by these anti-hunting organizations in the petition they filed with FWS to have the lion listed as endangered. The on the ground facts and the science simply did not support their position.   “By rejecting an endangered listing, the FWS has officially recognized the reality that the African lions are not actually on the brink of extinction. More important, today’s decision will likely help further the cooperative efforts of the African nations, and the many organizations and individuals who are working to study and ensure lion populations are sustainable today and into the future.” said Safari Club International Foundation (SCI Foundation) President Joe Hosmer. “Given the outstanding efforts of African governments in creating and maintaining protected strongholds for a large majority of the lion population, it is doubtful that the Service will be able to defend its conclusion that the lion is threatened with extinction in the foreseeable future.”   “The simple fact is the majority of lions live in protected areas. Efforts like that of the SCI Foundation play a critical role in assisting African range states utilizing best management efforts to ensure the lion has a bright future, not glossy advertisements and hyperbole. We will work with SCI Foundation to ensure the FWS is accountable to the facts and the law going forward,” said David Bernhardt, former Solicitor of the Department of the Interior. The U.S. FWS will now collect comments from the public in response to their proposed new regulations. Conservationists around the world should be encouraged to participate in the public comment period. As the regulatory proposal moves forward, we can expect the anti-hunting and animal rights organizations to continue their calls to ignore the on the ground reality and to push for an endangered determination, which Safari Club International (SCI) and SCI Foundation will oppose.   "SCI raised over $1 million for SCI Foundation to combat the listing of the African lion as endangered. We will continue to ensure funding is available for science-based conservation of the African lion in the future,” said SCI President Craig Kauffman. “SCI is proud of our Foundation which has won this battle against anti-hunting activists.   As the FWS moves forward, the concerns of American voters must be addressed. Eighty percent (80%) of voters agree that while we care about the future of the African lion, there are higher priorities that need to be addressed in the United States.* The FWS should focus on those species found here, that the government actually has the ability to manage.   While voters recognize the importance of protecting endangered species through science based management, 81% of voters want the FWS to focus its efforts and taxpayers dollars on protecting domestic species. And for those non-domestic species, two-thirds of voters agree that we should be working under international treaties to ensure protection and global cooperation. Voters clearly want the U.S. government to work within existing international agreements instead of squandering precious resources by implementing unnecessary regulations of foreign species.   * Current Lion Facts: 1. Recent comprehensive studies of the conservation status of the African lion conclude that there are between 32,000 and 35,000 lions living in the wild in Africa. 2. According to Riggio et al. 2012, a significant 24,000 lions, which is at least 68% of the estimated total population, live in what the study terms “strongholds.” “Strongholds” are areas that are legally protected as lion habitat or where hunting is managed and that meet “the necessary requirements for [the] long-term viability” of the lion populations living there. There are at least 10 such “strongholds” in Africa, covering an area almost as large as the United States east of the Mississippi River. Riggio affirms with science that lion populations living in these areas are “large, stable, and well protected,” and the populations are therefore “likely to persist into the foreseeable future.” 3. SCI Foundation has invested hundreds of thousands of dollars into the development of regional and national science-based lion management plans across east and southern Africa. 4. For twelve years, SCI Foundation has supported the African Wildlife Consultative Forum, where the African lion has been a leading conservation issue, with a total investment approaching US $750,000.   * The Tarrance Group was commissioned by the Safari Club International Foundation to conduct a telephone survey with N=1,013 registered likely voters nationally. Live interviews were conducted April 28-30, 2013. Respondents were selected at random and were part of a fully representative sample reflective of the latest voter registration figures. A random sample of this type is likely to yield a margin of error of + 3.1% with a 95% confidence level. ###   MEDIA CONTACT: Media@safariclub.org   Safari Club International – First For Hunters is the leader in protecting the freedom to hunt and in promoting wildlife conservation worldwide. SCI’s approximately 200 Chapters represent all 50 of the United States as well as 106 other countries. SCI’s proactive leadership in a host of cooperative wildlife conservation, outdoor education and humanitarian programs, with the SCI Foundation and other conservation groups, research institutions and government agencies, empowers sportsmen to be contributing community members and participants in sound wildlife management and conservation. Visit the home page http://www.safariclub.org or call (520) 620-1220 for more information. Safari Club International Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that funds and directs worldwide programs dedicated to wildlife conservation and outdoor education. Any contribution may tax deductible under Internal Revenue Code section 170(c) as a charitable contribution to the extent permitted by law. Tax deductible amount of gift is reduced by the “Fair market Value” of any goods, services, or advantages that a sponsor receives for the donation. EIN #86-0292099

Harrisburg, PA -(Ammoland.com)- With small-game hunting seasons set to kick off this weekend, Pennsylvania’s state game lands are being stocked with pheasants in a year what Game Commission officials describe as an excellent year for pheasant production. Nearly 220,000 pheasants will be produced this year by the Game Commission’s game farms to be stocked on game lands and other public lands to provide hunting opportunities for Pennsylvania hunters. About 17,000 pheasants were released ahead of the weeklong junior-only season, which ended Oct. 18, and beginning this week, there will be several consecutive weekly releases of pheasants, as well as a late-season release of hen pheasants. In all, 103,540 roosters and 82,190 hens have been allocated for release statewide ahead of and within the early small-game season, with an additional 6,620 hens allocated for release for the late season. The best pheasant-hunting habitat and hunter access occur on more than 230 tracts of state game lands and other public lands under cooperative management with the Game Commission, and about 75 percent of the pheasants are stocked there. The remaining 25 percent are released on private lands enrolled in the Game Commission’s Hunter Access Program. But Robert C. Boyd, who oversees the Game Commission’s pheasant propagation program, said a yet undetermined number of surplus birds also will be released this year, driving the total number released toward 220,000.   “This has been a very good year for pheasant production, and it’s Pennsylvania’s pheasant hunters who will reap the rewards,” said Boyd, who heads the Wildlife Services Division, within the Game Commission’s Bureau of Wildlife Management. “Our survey work has shown that Pennsylvania’s hunters strongly support our pheasant propagation program and the hunting opportunities it provides and this should be a banner year for pheasant hunting.”   Pennsylvania’s small-game season, which includes pheasant and rabbit seasons, kicks off on Saturday. Saturday also marks the opener for fox, raccoon and bobwhite quail hunting, and the trapping seasons for foxes, raccoons, coyotes, opossums, striped skunks and weasels kick off on Sunday. Meanwhile, seasons for squirrels and ruffed grouse, as well as the archery deer season have already begun. And the fall turkey season opener in many Wildlife Management Units begins Nov. 1. It’s that magical time of year when all of Pennsylvania’s hunters and trappers have something to get excited about, said Game Commission Executive Director R. Matthew Hough.   “By this weekend, prime time for Pennsylvania hunting will have certainly arrived,” Hough said. “At no other time of year do so many opportunities await hunters and trappers, and I hope they make the time to get out there and enjoy all that fall has to offer.”   Hough said pheasant hunting is a great way to introduce young people to hunting. Through stocking efforts, many birds await hunters, and the hunts often are action-packed. Game Commissioner James J. Delaney Jr., who represents several northeastern counties on the Board of Game Commissioners, said the opening of the small-game season is something to which avid bird hunters like himself look forward for most of the year. “It doesn’t get any better than spending a day hunting pheasants with your trusty bird dog, and I’d encourage any hunter to give it a try,” Delaney said. “Tracts all across Pennsylvania hold numbers of pheasants just waiting to be flushed. It’s exciting just thinking about it.”   A wealth of information on ring-necked pheasants, the Game Commission’s pheasant management program, and stockings statewide can be found at the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s website by placing the cursor over the “Hunt/Trap” tab, then selecting “Hunting,” then “Ring-necked Pheasant.” The general pheasant hunting season closes on Nov. 29, and the late season opens on Dec. 15. Only roosters may be hunted in many WMUs, check Page 20 of the 2014-15 Pennsylvania Hunting & Trapping Digest for details. The digest is issued to all hunters at the times they buy their licenses, and also is available online through the Game Commission’s home page. Hunters also should note that pheasant hunting is closed in all Wild Pheasant Recovery Areas, where the Game Commission is attempting to restore self-sustaining wild pheasant populations. Maps of Wild Pheasant Recovery Areas begin on Page 21 of the digest. As of this release, all hunting and trapping activity remained closed on all lands public and private within Price, Barrett and Paradise townships, Monroe County, due to the ongoing search for a fugitive wanted in the ambush-shooting death of a state trooper. Information on the closures will be updated regularly at the Game Commission’s website. About the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) The Pennsylvania Game Commission is legally mandated to manage wildlife for the benefit of all Pennsylvanians, as well as all wildlife and the habitat that supports their existence. Pennsylvania’s Constitution and Game and Wildlife Code direct the Game Commission to protect, manage, and preserve wildlife and their habitat within the Commonwealth for the benefit of all people, including generations yet to come. Based on this direction, the Game Commission adopted the mission statement “to manage all wild birds, wild mammals, and their habitats for current and future generations.” Read more: http://www.ammoland.com/2014/10/pennsylvania-game-commission-to-release-nearly-220000-pheasants/#ixzz3GzqEr8C9 Under Creative Commons License: Attribution Follow us: @Ammoland on Twitter | Ammoland on Facebook

                                          2013 Year in Review   2013 was an eventful year for myself, SeeMeHunt.com and the World Wild Adventure Team. SeeMeHunt.com has hit some new Milestones with our membership enrollment as well as activity to our ever growing social network for hunters. In July, the World Wild Adventure team took our act on the road. We attended the iCast fishing show in Las Vegas. We were able to partner up with Garmin and Native Outfitters for product sponsorship. While we were in Vegas, we paid a visit to our friends at Flightlinez to Zipline our way through Bootleg Canyon. It was an amazing way to combine a work trip with another adrenaline surging adventure. It was a fun bonding experience for the whole Adventure team   This past October, I took my first Bear ever. It was even sweeter that I was able to take it with my Bow. I do have to say that it was a beautiful shot on a moving animal. In November I attended the Hunt for Hope. The Hunt for Hope grants terminally ill children the opportunity to go on an amazing hunting weekend at the Lone Star Ranch. I consider myself very fortunate to be able to participate. We were able to teach these incredible children how to shoot and hunt. It was a successful weekend for everyone. All of the children filled their tags and all of us had the time of our lives. We did get to hunt some wild hogs while we were there. I took a wild hog with my bow, then everyone had the opportunity to hunt them with the dogs. Once the dogs had the hogs at bey, we had to finish them off with a very large knife. Hunting with a knife was another first for me. The hunt was fast, furious and  a truly exhilarating experience.  Another first was filled with heart pumping excitement, I was able to go up in a helicopter and hunt the wild hogs from the air. Words can not describe the thrill watching a pack of wild hogs on the move while you try to zero in on them from above.    I did not fill my deer tag this season. It was not for lack of opportunity. I just did not see what I wanted. Over all, I would have to say that this was one of my favorite hunting seasons. I hunted quite a bit this season and there was a lot of first time experiences that filled my bucket list. I can only hope that 2014 exceeds my expectations like this year has.