State DEC to issue 5,000 extra deer-hunting permits By Adam Bosch Published: 2:00 AM - 11/03/10 State environment regulators will be handing out 5,000 extra deer-hunting permits across the state, including 890 in our region.The state Department of Environmental Conservation said last week it received fewer applications in some regions than expected for permits that allow hunters to harvest female deer. The leftovers will now be sent out randomly to applicants who previously were denied during the application period. Those permits are expected to be sent out this week.Regular deer season opens Nov. 20.abosch@th-record.com

    Garmin(R) Enters the Action Camera Market with Compact, Waterproof, Easy-to-use HD Cameras, VIRB™ and VIRB Elite™   OLATHE, Kan./ August 20, 2013/Business Wire—Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), the global leader in satellite navigation, today announced VIRB, its first true HD 1080p action camera series. From action sports to family vacations, VIRB combines a unique feature set that makes it easier than ever to capture life’s memories. VIRB features a rugged and waterproof (IPX-7) housing, so there is no extra case necessary to withstand the elements. The unique 1.4-inch Chroma™ color display makes setup and playback a breeze and uses minimal power so VIRB can record up to three hours of true HD (1080p) video on one charge. On-board video enhancement features such as digital image stabilization and lens distortion correction ensure that footage recorded with VIRB will look great, even before editing. VIRB can capture high quality still photos while the video camera is recording. VIRB Elite incorporates all these features, plus has built-in WiFi, data sensors and a high-sensitivity GPS. Both VIRB and VIRB Elite feature ANT+™ connectivity for remote control functionality with other Garmin products, and for data transfer with other fitness sensors.   “Action cameras are growing rapidly in popularity, and VIRB has some game-changing key features—like a color display, extended battery life, optional GPS and compatibility with existing Garmin products—that set it apart from other cameras on the market,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin’s vice president of worldwide sales. “Our customers already embrace an active lifestyle, whether they’re hikers, mountain bikers, skiers, trail runners, boaters, or pilots, so a Garmin action camera is a compelling option to them. With GPS and enhanced wireless capabilities in VIRB Elite, users can capture not only what they were doing, but also where they were and how they did it—and then share it with their friends and family.”   VIRB has a sleek, aerodynamic design that makes it fun and simple to record HD video- just move the slider forward to record. The rechargeable lithium-ion battery can record up to three hours of HD (1080p) video with one charge, and can be easily changed on the go. The WideVü lens captures all the action, and the high-resolution Chroma display makes it easy to change menu settings, set-up and playback shots, but has reflective technology so it doesn’t drain the battery. The 1.4-inch screen uses ambient light (instead of a battery-draining backlight) to illuminate the screen and make it easy to see in bright sunlight.   VIRB is durable enough to capture even the most extreme activities right out of the box. With the rugged external housing, VIRB has an IPX-7 waterproof rating (can withstand accidental immersion in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes), so it can record activities like skiing and kayaking without additional protection or fear of damage. An optional dive case is available for deep-sea adventures, as well as a wide variety of other rugged mounts to secure VIRB to handlebars, helmets, surfboards and more. VIRB easily snaps into the mounts, and the teeth linkages tightly secure VIRB in place to prevent drooping and sagging in high vibration environments. There is even an available industry standard mounting adapter, making it easy for existing action camera users to get started with VIRB.   Users don’t have to be professional cinematographers to get great footage with VIRB. Video enhancement features ensure quality footage, even before the editing process begins. The digital image stabilization technology corrects camera shakiness for smoother footage, and the lens distortion correction feature gives users the option to automatically remove the fish-eye look that is common with action cameras. In addition to high quality video, VIRB can take 16 megapixel stills with photo burst and time lapse options. VIRB can even take stills while recording video. VIRB also has a micro HDMI output for convenient video playback and a microSD slot that can hold up to 64GB card (64GB microSD card can hold over seven hours of 1080p video).   VIRB Elite incorporates all these features, as well as high-sensitivity GPS, accelerometer, altimeter and WiFi. WiFi capabilities allow users to connect to the free mobile applications for iPhone and Android. VIRB Elite comes equipped with specific activity profiles so users can track location, speed, elevation, heart rate (monitor sold separately) and more while recording. This data can be reviewed right on the device, or can be embedded into their video during the editing process.   Additionally, in Ski Mode, the VIRB Elite is able to recognize the difference between going down the mountain and going up the ski lift. In this setting, VIRB Elite automatically turns on and starts recording when going down the mountain, and then goes into standby mode once on the ski lift. This mode saves battery and memory space, and keeps the user from forgetting to record when going down the mountain. This allows VIRB Elite to record all the action while users focus on their activity.   VIRB allows many current Garmin customers to take advantage of the Garmin ecosystem. In addition to the optional accessory remote (available January 2014), the Edge(R) 810, f?nix™, quatix™, Oregon(R) 600 series, and many more can control VIRB allowing users to start and stop recording and take stills right on the device through ANT+ wireless communication (for the full list of device compatibility, visit garmin.com/virb).  Also through ANT+, users are able to control several connected VIRB devices. Just move the slider forward to record on the master device, and all the other connected VIRB devices will record as well. VIRB Elite is compatible with other sensors with ANT+ connectivity such as the heart rate monitor, cadence sensor and tempe™ temperature sensor. This data can then be embedded into the video during the editing process, or viewed on the display of VIRB Elite.   To complement VIRB Elite, Garmin is launching a mobile application for preview, playback and remote functionality, along with a free desktop software application to edit and upload VIRB and VIRB Elite videos. With this software, users can easily edit their footage and embed sensor data in the video, then share with family and friends or upload to social media sites such as YouTube, Facebook and Instagram.   VIRB and VIRB Elite will be widely available for purchase in September 2013. VIRB MRP is  $299.99, and VIRB Elite MRP is $399.99. VIRB is the latest solution from Garmin’s outdoor segment, which focuses on developing technologies and innovations to enhance users’ outdoor experiences. Whether it’s golfing, hiking, hunting or geocaching, Garmin outdoor devices are becoming essential tools for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels. For more information about Garmin’s other outdoor products and services, go to garmin.com/outdoors, garmin.blogs.com and twitter.com/garmin.     About Garmin International Inc.Garmin International Inc. is a subsidiary of Garmin Ltd. (Nasdaq: GRMN), the global leader in satellite navigation. Since 1989, this group of companies has designed, manufactured, marketed and sold navigation, communication and information devices and applications – most of which are enabled by GPS technology. Garmin’s products serve automotive, mobile, wireless, outdoor recreation, marine, aviation, and OEM applications. Garmin Ltd. is incorporated in Switzerland, and its principal subsidiaries are located in the United States, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit Garmin's virtual pressroom at www.garmin.com/pressroom or contact the Media Relations department at 913-397-8200. Garmin, Edge and Oregon are registered trademarks and VIRB, ANT+, tempe, quatix, and f?nix are trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries.     All other brands, product names, company names, trademarks and service marks are the properties of their respective owners. All rights reserved.   Notice on Forward-Looking Statements: This release includes forward-looking statements regarding Garmin Ltd. and its business. Such statements are based on management’s current expectations.  The forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this release may not occur and actual results could differ materially as a result of known and unknown risk factors and uncertainties affecting Garmin, including, but not limited to, the risk factors listed in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, filed by Garmin with the Securities and Exchange Commission (Commission file number 0-31983).  A copy of such Form 10-K is available at www.garmin.com/aboutGarmin/invRelations/finReports.html.  No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed.  Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and Garmin undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.   FCC Notice: VIRB has not been authorized as required by the rules of the Federal Communications Commission. These devices are not, and may not be, offered for sale or lease, or sold or leased, until authorization is obtained.    

NUMBER OF U.S. HUNTERS GREATER THAN EXPECTEDPosted 01 Nov 14:16 by donna@southwickassociates.comFernandina Beach, Fla. – A new study funded by the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) and carried out by Southwick Associates has found that the pool of American hunters is much larger than previously thought. This discovery can lead to major conservation and economic benefits.  If many “casual hunters” (hunters that do not purchase a hunting license on an annual basis) can be converted into annual license buyers, a major benefit would be realized. This report estimates that 21.8 million Americans hunted at least once over the past five years. Previous estimates have shown over 14 million youth and adults hunt each year, but not all hunters take to the field every year. Conducted in partnership with 17 state wildlife agencies, the study assessed license sales patterns and found that 78 percent of the U.S. hunters who bought a license in a given year also purchased one again the following year. By examining purchasing patterns over multiple years, it was determined that for every two hunters in the field this year, one is taking the year off. “Considering hunters’ contribute over $1 billion every year to wildlife conservation via licenses and excise taxes, if half of the hunters who lapsed this year actually bought a license, conservation dollars would have increased by $97 million,” reported Rob Southwick, President of Southwick Associates. “This estimate doesn’t even include the extra dollars possible from increased hunters’ excise taxes. Considering the limited government dollars allocated for wildlife and the tremendous impact hunters provide to rural communities, increased efforts to boost hunter numbers would make smart conservation and economic sense.” The NSSF study monitored license-buying patterns over multiple years, producing results for various segments of hunters, and described the lifestyles, habits and demographics of various segments of the hunting community. “We know there are many types of hunters with a wide range of interests. This study reveals who our hunters are beyond the usual demographic descriptions. We now have a better idea of hunters’ regional purchasing habits, recreational choices and overall lifestyle preferences,” said Jim Curcuruto, Director of Research and Analysis for NSSF.  “The results will be used to strengthen existing hunting participation programs and develop new programs designed to convert the casual hunter into an annual license buyer.  Savvy industry marketing and communications professionals will use these data to enhance their advertising efforts.” said Curcuruto.

A lot of hunters build their rut-time strategies on long-held, but faulty beliefs. To fill your tag this November, first you'll want to separate fact from fiction. 10 Rut Lies Debunked By Doug Howlett     Belief: The peak of the rut is the best time to hunt. Reality Check: As far as I'm concerned, the peak of the rut actually kind of sucks. It's the pre-rut, that week to 10 days before the rut peaks, that most hunters think of when they describe deer charging around the woods like crazy in search of estrus does and getting careless. And that is when you want to be on a stand as much as you possibly can. While you will still find some decent bucks roaming about in search of a hot doe during the peak, the big boys will be on lockdown at that point, typically already with a doe ready to be bred and not moving unless she does. Belief: It's too hot for deer to rut. Reality Check: While a good blast of cold will usually put deer on their feet more during the day as the rut kicks in and consecutive days of soaring mercury can make it appear to shut down, the truth is, deer in a particular area are going to breed at roughly the same time every year regardless of what the weatherman delivers. Biologist after biologist will confirm this. Hot weather may force rut-weary bucks to chase and seek more at night than during the day, meaning hunters won't see them moving as much and mistake the lack of activity for a shut-down rut, but the fact remains: It's still going on. Hot weather won't force the rut to start weeks later or, as I've heard some hunters suggest, not take place at all any more than prematurely cold weather would kick in the rut a week or more early. If you have a good feel for when the rut typically kicks in year after year, that's when you want to be on a stand, regardless of what the weather is doing. Belief: The full moon affects the timing of the rut. Reality Check: Here's another one that almost every hunter has a theory on, but again, the science just isn't there to support it. Famed wildlife biologist Mick Hellickson says that while a number of hunters and scientists have examined the issue, no definitive relationship has been found between the moon and the timing of the rut. That doesn't mean a full moon doesn't affect deer activity in general. M.A.D. Calls founder and outdoor television producer Mark Drury says that while he can't say why, he has observed a definite increase in deer movement on both sides of a full moon. He says afternoon hunts are a top bet during the 10 days leading up to a full moon, then mornings appear to be best in the 10 days after a full moon. For my own part, I like midday hunts when a moon is full, choosing to sit a stand back in the woods, preferably along an edge of old-growth and new-growth stands of timber. Belief: Hang your stand over a fresh scrape, and odds are good you'll kill a buck coming to check it. Reality Check: I've seen guys scout the woods, find a single big, fresh scrape and hang their stand 20 yards away, positive the big boy is going to pop by to check it that evening or the next morning. And sure, it does happen, but not regularly. Odds are that when the buck does show, it will be in the dark. In fact, one Georgia study found that 85 percent of buck visits to active scrapes two to three weeks prior to the rut occurred at night, and as many as 50 percent of the bucks only visited a scrape once and were not seen again. Rather than focus on a single scrape (and definitely not a single rub), look for areas where there are a number of scrapes and a good line of clean rubs indicating frequent buck traffic. Hang a trail cam near the biggest, freshest scrape; analyze the photos to determine what time and which bucks visit it; look at an aerial photo of the surrounding land and figure out where to set up ambushes along funnels and well-worn deer trails that lead into the area. Focus on rub lines and scrapes made in thick cover and near a good bedding area; they are more likely to be visited during shooting hours. Put less emphasis on scrapes along field edges and more on trails entering the open areas. Belief: Big scrapes and rubs are made by big deer. Reality Check: The truth is, a scrape as big around as a truck tire could've been made by a hopped-up six-pointer just as well as it could be made by a 12-pointer. Different bucks will visit and scrape in the same spot, which can make it larger over time. On the other hand, rubs on really big trees are a fair indication that they were made by a large buck. Again, focus on areas with multiple big scrapes and big rubs either in a cluster, indicating a possible staging area before the buck moves off to feed or look for does in the evening, or in a discernible line, indicating the direction of travel of the bucks rubbing in the area.   Belief: Rutting activity is constant during the rut. Reality Check: While we'd love to trust in a magic switch, triggered by the shortening day, that sets all bucks in motion to breed and thus start rutting over the same span of time, the truth is that the rut progresses much like the crowd in a college bar gathers during Dollar Draft night. At the bar, you have your handful of young, eager male students who show up well before the women in order to capitalize on the special pricing. Over a short time, the crowd grows, with the co-eds eagerly socializing and the cooler, more dialed-in dudes (usually already with their girl in tow) showing up to hang out and make an appearance. And then, as the night winds down, the bouncers almost always have to force out the door a small band of stragglers who don't want the night to end. Deer are the same, with some bucks chasing and some does going into estrus earlier, while the bulk of the deer will begin breeding activity days, even weeks later, with most of them overlapping each other until the activity begins to die out. Think of it as a bell curve, and if you plan on taking vacation days, you want to pinpoint when the top of the curve will take place so you are in the woods at that time. As for the second rut that occurs roughly a month after the first--well, that's more like the after-hours club for those who didn't quite get enough earlier. And just like the after-hours club, it's usually hard to find and in most places not really worth the effort. Belief: The rut makes big deer careless. I don't have to be as cautious. Reality Check: I've seen hunters who were diligent about controlling scent and taking all kinds of precautions to minimize their presence in the woods during bow season abandon those same worries once gun season (and usually the rut) came into full swing. Their reasoning: I can shoot farther, and the deer are running around and not paying attention to anything but chasing does. It's true, bucks do get more reckless and are more apt to make a mistake pursuing does in brood daylight, but remember, big deer didn't get that way by being stupid. Their nose is still always on alert, as are their eyes, for anything out of place. Those does that are nearby also act as sentries and are usually the first to detect something, since they're leading the boys around. Don't leave anything to chance. Maintain your regimen of keeping still, quiet and scent-free at all times during deer season. Belief: Heavy antlers and the deepest-sounding grunt tubes will attract the biggest deer. Reality Check: I hear this from a lot of well-known hunters who work in the hunting industry and hunt so many quality places that they can be choosy and seek only the biggest deer a property has to offer. While every one of us who deer hunts would love to kill a record-book buck, I'm willing to bet that there's just as many who would be happy to kill an eight- or 10-pointer in the 130s or even 120s, particularly when in many places the odds of killing something much larger may not be good all season. For bucks like this, super-deep grunts and heavy, smashing antlers can intimidate as much as entice. I've seen bucks that looked big enough to whip anything in the woods turn tail and run at the first crash of antlers. To be sure, you want to challenge big bucks--enter the octagon, so to speak--but you want to sound like you can be whipped, too. Be big, but not too big. Think more Clint Eastwood than Kimbo Slice. Belief: That big buck you scouted on your land in September will definitely be around when the rut rolls in. Reality Check: A buck's summer range can differ drastically as the rut kicks in, expanding from an average of 600 acres to as much as 4,000, with some radio-collared bucks roaming an average of 10 miles a day--most of it at night. That means if you're hunting a 200-acre tract, the whopper you saw in your September soybean field could be well off your land for much of the rut. Some reasons for this dispersal include where a buck lines up in the order of dominance, food and the number of does in an area. This is probably the best argument for maintaining quality food plots. By doing so, you'll keep does on the land, and the bucks will be right there with them. Want some good news? Bucks will range from other properties onto yours as well. If you start catching a sudden influx of never-before-seen bucks on your trail cameras or observing them in the field, get in the woods, because it is game on. Belief: Hunting pressure during the rut will make it almost impossible to kill a nice deer. Reality Check: It seems in most places that just as the rut is kicking in, gun seasons open up, too, bringing a sudden influx of hunters into the woods. If you hunt a lease with other hunters or with a club, you know what I mean. The three or four guys who had the place to themselves in October are now fighting to get to the hot spots before another dozen guys and gals do. But don't let this pressure discourage you. Use it to your advantage, as all of these pumpkin-colored folks walking about are sure to push some big boys from hiding at any time of the day. Identify where most of your fellow hunters like to hunt--many will hit the same stands day in and day out--and figure out from which direction and at what time they generally approach. Then position yourself along likely escape routes and funnels with heavy cover, and be there before and after the other hunters typically move. Hunting pressure can actually be a good thing at a time when an abundance of shooting would otherwise force racked monsters to sit tight until dark.

Happy Labor Day everyone from Clear Value Deals!!! To show how much we appreciate all of your service to this country we are giving away $500 of coupons to you America's backbone! To claim your coupon code please go towww.clearvaluedeals.com and enter the code: "LABOR" at time of checkout and receive $5 off entire order! Hurry though there are only 100 coupon codes available!

Happy Labor Day everyone from Clear Value Deals!!! To show how much we appreciate all of your service to this country we are giving away $500 of coupons to you America's backbone! To claim your coupon code please go towww.clearvaluedeals.com and enter the code: "LABOR" at time of checkout and receive $5 off entire order! Hurry though there are only 100 coupon codes available!

ZEISS Extends Offer for Free Custom Ballistic Turret With Purchase of Select CONQUEST HD5 Riflescopes     NORTH CHESTERFIELD, Va. (October 1, 2013) – Carl Zeiss Sports Optics, the world's leading manufacturer of high performance sports optics is extending its ZEISS/Kenton Industries Custom Turret Promotion: Purchase a new CONQUEST HD5 Riflescope, “The Worlds Most Advanced SuperZoom” and receive your choice of either a LR Hunter or Speed Dial Custom Kenton Turret, calibrated for your specific load.     Eligible models for this offer include the CONQUEST HD5 3-15x42 #20 reticle with Lockable Target Turret, and the CONQUEST HD5 5-25x50 #20 reticle with Lockable Target Turret. The retail value of this free custom elevation turret is $125.00.    "As shooting equipment technology becomes more advanced, ZEISS is offering superior solutions to increase accuracy at longer ranges," said Mike Jensen, President of Carl Zeiss Sports OpticsUSA. “With our custom turret system, you just need to set the dial to the number 4 for 400 yards and you’re done. No complicated math, and no color codes to compensate for the bullet drop.”   The numbered markings on the custom turret by Kenton Industries are easy to read and intuitive. According to Jensen, this system is simply the best solution for all mid- to long-range shooters.  The new CONQUEST HD5 Riflescopes with 5x SuperZoom provide maximum brightness, image quality and field of view at an incredible value compared to other premium riflescopes.  Now ZEISS adds the convenience of a standard “no-hold-over“ PLEX reticle with the Kenton custom target turret for an extremely accurate and robust long-range shooting setup.   To receive a free ZEISS/Kenton Custom Ballistic Turret, the qualifying CONQUEST HD5 Riflescopes must be purchased from an authorized ZEISS dealer before December 31, 2013. Complete offer details and order forms can be found at www.kentonindustries.com or at www.zeiss.com/sports.   To be eligible for the promotional offer, customers must return the completed order form with proof of purchase.  Once approved, the custom turret will be shipped within 2-3 weeks. The order form requires typical ballistic information such as cartridge, ammunition type (factory made or handloaded), bullet weight, zero-in-range, etc. This offer is valid forU.S.customers only.   For more information on ZEISS products visit www.zeiss.com/sports or join the company’s official Facebook page at facebook.com/CarlZeissHuntingUS.   About Kenton Industries   Since 2002, Kenton Industries has been dedicated to providing the very best bullet drop compensators, riflescopes and accessories to marksmen and hunters all around the world.  All of Kenton’s patented knobs are made by dedicated craftsman in Moorpark, California, U.S.A. Kenton Industries has partnered with ZEISS and other riflescope manufacturers to ensure that all custom manufactured knobs meet their exacting specifications of quality and performance for a complete “drop-in” solution.  Kenton Industries custom knobs are field proven worldwide, under all conditions, from the Great Plains to the Rocky Mountains, and from the African Savannah to the deserts of theMiddle East.   About Carl Zeiss Sports Optics   Carl Zeiss Sports Optics is a leading, international provider of premium sports optics and part of the Consumer Optics Group of Carl Zeiss. Carl Zeiss Sports Optics, LLC is responsible for sales, marketing and distribution of its state-of-the-art binoculars, spotting scopes, riflescopes and laser rangefinders throughout theUnited States andCanada. Carl Zeiss Sports Optics’ North American headquarters is located inNorth Chesterfield,Va.   About Carl Zeiss Group   The Carl Zeiss Group is an international leader in the fields of optics and optoelectronics. In fiscal year 2011-2012 the company's approximately 24,000 employees generated revenue of nearly 4.2 billion euros. In the markets for Industrial Solutions, Research Solutions, Medical Technology and Consumer Optics, Carl Zeiss has contributed to technological progress for more than 160 years and enhances the quality of life of many people around the globe.   The Carl Zeiss Group develops and produces planetariums, eyeglass lenses, camera and cine lenses and binoculars as well as solutions for biomedical research, medical technology and the semiconductor, automotive and mechanical engineering industries. Carl Zeiss is present in more than 40 countries around the globe with about 40 production facilities, over 50 sales and service locations and service locations and approximately 20 research and development sites. Carl Zeiss AG is fully owned by the Carl Zeiss Stiftung (Carl Zeiss Foundation). Founded in 1846 in Jena, the company is headquartered in Oberkochen, Germany.   Contact for media and press relations:   Joel Harris Carl Zeiss Sports Optics Phone: (804) 425-8466 Email: joel.harris@zeiss.com www.zeiss.com/press www.zeiss.com/sports www.facebook.com/CarlZeissHuntingUS                                                                          

Understanding Buck Rubs Hunters have long used the size, location and number of buck rubs to select hunting locations and to help understand how bucks move throughout their property. by Brian Murphy The Study The study was spearheaded by wildlife consultant Bryan Kinkel on a 488-acre property in west-central Tennessee. The property is best described as a Ridge and Valley system featuring long, narrow, hardwood ridges separated by steep, narrow valleys containing food plots and old fields. The study took place over a 10-year period from the winter of 1995 to the winter of 2004. The first step of the project involved classifying the habitat into one of several categories. The defining lines between categories were classified as habitat edges. To produce rub sampling areas, long transit lines were randomly placed across the landscape. Rub data were collected by walking each transit line and recording the number of rubs within 10 meters of the transit line. Each rub was classified by the habitat type in which it was located and the distance of the rub to the nearest habitat edge was recorded. All sampling was conducted in late winter after the majority of rubbing had concluded. It's All About Edge The results of the study revealed strong relationships between habitat edges and rub densities. Kinkel's research revealed that the highest rub densities (27.9 rubs per acre) occurred within a narrow strip within 5 meters of habitat edges. Rub densities declined with distance from habitat edges, with the strips 5 to 10 meters from habitat edges averaging 17.0 rubs per acre and the strips 10 to 20 meters from habitat edges averaging 7.7 rubs per acre. The "edge effect" appeared to end approximately 20 meters from habitat edges, as rub densities averaged 1.8 rubs per acre beyond this distance. In addition to habitat edges, other linear features such as roads and creeks were analyzed (see Figure 1). Both roads and creeks displayed some "edge effect," but not nearly as strong as habitat edges, with the exception of old, abandoned log-skidder trails. Rub densities averaged 12.4 rubs per acre within 5 meters of these trails and 5.5 rubs per acre within 5 to 10 meters of these trails. The data also suggested that the less a road is used and maintained by people, the more often it is incorporated into a buck's travel patterns. However, no matter the habitat type, rub densities were much higher within 20 meters of the outer edge of each habitat type or near linear features such as skidder trails. In fact, some habitat types displayed nearly 15-fold increases in rub densities in the 20-meter zone bordering the outer edge of the habitat or paralleling other linear features (see Figure 2). This suggests bucks are using these habitat edges as travel corridors or concentrated activity areas. Topography and Deer Rubs   The influence of topography on buck rubbing also was examined. Kinkel and his research team classified the study area into one of five categories: Hillsides, Ridges, Valleys, Primary Points and Secondary Points. The tops of ridgelines and level upland plateau regions were classified as Ridges. Narrow valleys or level bottomland areas were classified as Valleys. The slopes off ridgelines or plateaus to where valleys or bottomlands began were classified as Hillsides. However, two types of slopes received unique classifications. Topographic points that were terminal ends of ridgelines were classified as Primary Points, and small topographic points that descended from the side of a ridgelines or upland plateau areas were classified as Secondary Points (refer to the map on this page). When the researchers analyzed the relationship between rub densities and topography they found that two terrain features—Valleys and Secondary Points—displayed significantly higher rub densities. Both had rub densities 250 to 300 percent higher than the other three topographic features. While unsure exactly why these features were used so heavily, they discovered a strong correlation between good cover and rub densities associated with valleys. Where valleys contained good cover, rub densities were high. However where valley cover was lacking, such as in open hardwood forests, rub densities were low. In fact, cover habitat located in valleys and bottomlands displayed considerably higher rub densities than the same habitat located on other topographic features. They speculated that the reason Secondary Points were used more for buck rubbing activity likely was due to bucks using these slowly descending points as "ramps" for easy access between valleys and uplands. When the effects of 20-meter "edge zones" were analyzed for topography, all topographic features displayed large increases in rub densities. The already higher rub densities for Secondary Points and Valleys were increased dramatically when edge zones were present (refer to Figure 3). Hunting Implications As bowhunters, you realize that hunting the edges of large food sources such as food plots or stands of oak trees can be frustrating because deer can enter or exit these areas at numerous points out of bow range. However, using the results of this study to fine-tune your hunting setups can greatly increase your odds of hanging a tag on a mature buck this fall. According to Kinkel, "One of the best hunting locations is a valley or bottomland food source with habitat edges running from adjacent uplands down descending secondary points and intersecting with the food source. Hunting habitat edges that run from thick cover in valleys/bottomlands up the spine of secondary points to a ridge-top/upland food plot also can be very productive. And, don't overlook those seldom-used, unmaintained roads." In addition to helping locate the best hunting locations on a property, the results of this study also can be used to better distribute hunting pressure. A common mistake by hunters is over-hunting a handful of areas while avoiding others altogether. Savvy hunters realize that mature bucks are extremely sensitive to hunting pressure and will quickly learn to avoid those locations during daylight hours. Identifying numerous hot spots scattered throughout the property can greatly increase hunting success. Thankfully, armed with the latest "Whitetail Science," researchers and hunters alike continue to learn more about North America's most-hunted and most-important game animal—the white-tailed deer.

SHOT Show – Franchi Affinity by Mia Anstine Hank & I attended SHOT Show last winter in Las Vegas, Nevada. It is an outstanding show with so many exhibitors, it is always exciting to see. My most memorable experience of the trip was the day prior to the show when we went to Media Day at the Range. This is a National Shooting [...] Read more of this post

NJ's bear hunt: Hunters kill 264 bears on first day of controversial NJ hunt By ROB JENNNIGS • STAFF WRITER • December 6, 2010  FREDON — Joan Robillard of Boonton was waiting in line Monday to have the bear she shot dead several hours earlier in Montville weighed and registered.    Entering the Whittingham Wildlife Management Area check station shortly after 1 p.m., she and her son, Eddie, were jeered by two dozen protesters who gathered for the first day of New Jersey's first bear hunt in five years.  Protesters, including Ken Vassilatos of Pine Bush, N.Y., were chanting "stop the slaughter" as hunters pulled up in their pickup trucks, with State Police erecting barriers to keep both sides apart. One man was arrested shortly after noon, several hours into the six-day hunt, after police said he breached the barricade, state Division of Fish and Wildlife Assistant Director Larry Herrighty said. By that point, at least a dozen bears had been brought to the check station, one of three in Sussex — the heart of bear country — set up for the hunt. Overall, 264 bears had been killed.  Robillard, who used a Remington 1100 20-gauge slug to kill the bear at 8:35 a.m., echoed the sentiments of several other hunters on Monday — that hunting was part of their heritage and a worthy tradition.  "I've hunted since I was 15," she said.  Protesters took a different view. Angi Metler of Vernon, a critic of the state's last two bear hunts in 2003 and 2005, charged that the public safety rationale used to justify the hunt was manufactured. "This is a massacre that is based on lies," she said. "This is simply a trophy hunt. It's not about population reduction and it's not about reducing nuisance complaints." Herrighty disagreed. "This isn't a trophy hunt. It is a management hunt," Herrighty said.  Herrighty, who was working in Fredon on Monday, estimated that anywhere from 500 to 700 bears would be killed by the end of the hunt. That would represent a small but still significant portion of the bear population. Prior to the hunt, the state Department of Environmental Protection estimated there were 3,400 bears in northwestern New Jersey. According to the DEP, bear complaints involving a threat to safety or property have more than doubled since 2007 — after dropping by 40 following the 2003 hunt and by 15 percent after the 2005 hunt.  New Jersey originally ended bear hunting in the early 1970s when the population was nearing extinction. In Fredon, Anthony Lingenfelter of Howell recorded the first dead bruin — a 327.5-pound, 7-year-old male — on Monday. Joined by his father, also named Anthony, he woke up at 3:15 a.m. for the two-hour drive and brought down the bear at 7:10 a.m. Lingenfelter said he would bring the carcass to the butcher for food, with the hide and head going to the taxidermist. "I grew up in a hunting family," Lingenfelter said, adding, "It's been passed down from generation to generation."  He said it was the first time he had killed a bear. Though only one arrest was reported by midday, tensions between hunters and protesters were evident. Two hunters, upon arriving in Fredon with dead bears, said they did not want to be named for fear of retaliation.  A man from Lake Hopatcong who gave his name as "Bill" said he was concerned the publicity could hurt his insurance business. Another hunter, "Mike," was making a video of protesters who were making a video of him.  In addition to criticizing hunters, protesters were also targeting Gov. Chris Christie for allowing the hunt to proceed.  "Gov. Christie, stop the hunt," was chanted again and again by demonstrators lining the road leading to the entrance.  Claudia Emerson, a bear hunt protester who lives in West New York, said she opposed the previous two hunts in 2003 and 2005 and that the reasons behind her objections hadn't diminished.  "It's not necessary," she said of the hunt.  As in 2003 and 2005, this week's bear hunt is limited to north of Route 78 and west of Route 287, including portions of Morris, Sussex and Warren counties