The Little Gal becomes a trapper Mia Anstine blogs about her daughter's journey to becoming an outdoorswoman in the mountains of Colorado. In this installment, the Little Gal traps her first raccoon   Read about it at the WON. www.womensoutdoornews.com

Father, son sentenced to prison for rhino horn trafficking A father and son have been sentenced to prison in a rhino horn trafficking case. Above, federal wildlife agents seized more than $2 million in cash, gold bars and precious stones, along with rhino horns, hoofs and other body parts, while breaking up an international smuggling ring in February 2012. (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service / February 23, 2012)   By Victoria Kim May 15, 2013, 4:52 p.m.   Saying she wanted to send a message against the “extremely serious” crime of trafficking in rhinoceros horns, a federal judge on Wednesday sentenced a father and son to nearly four years in prison for selling hundreds of pounds of horns highly prized in Vietnam and China as a cancer cure. Judge Christina Snyder remarked that she had traveled to Africa and personally witnessed the effects of poaching, as she sentenced Vinh Chuong "Jimmy" Kha and Felix Kha to 42 months and 46 months in prison, respectively. The Khas, who prosecutors said “sat at the apex of the rhino horn smuggling pyramid within the United States,” pleaded guilty last year to charges including conspiracy, smuggling, wildlife trafficking, money laundering and tax evasion for their part in the trade. “There are parts of Africa where rhinos are completely gone,” the judge said from the bench. “Lord knows if they’ll ever come back.” Snyder however shaved more than a year off each of the men’s sentences after listening to descriptions of their lives and pleas from their family. An attorney for Jimmy Kha, the 50-year-old father, described how his client fled the communist rule in Vietnam then built a new life in the U.S. by waiting tables and working at swap meets while raising two sons as a single father. The Khas were never in direct contact with poachers and dealt primarily with horns that were decades old that people already had in their homes in the U.S., Evan Freed, the father's attorney, told the judge. “His rationalization was that … what he was doing was not as bad as the actual slaughter of animals,” Freed said. Felix Kha told the judge he stumbled across the horns an auction site while searching for items for his father’s Westminster business, which sells Buddhist and Chinese cultural artifacts. He said he did not realize the sale would be illegal. But prosecutors contended that by creating a market for the horns, the Khas were directly responsible for driving up prices and creating the incentive for poachers to hunt rhinos. They said the period that the Khas were trading in the horns, beginning in 2008, coincided with a dramatic increase of poaching in South Africa. They also noted that the pair indirectly paid a $150,000 bribe to a Vietnamese official who had stopped a shipment of the horns, which can net up to $25,000 a pound. “Even though these defendants didn’t travel to Africa, their fingers might as well have been on the triggers of poachers’ guns,” Asst. U.S. Atty Joseph Johns said. “We may be dealing with this carnage and this slaughter for another decade.” The men were also ordered to pay taxes owed as well as a fine of $10,000 each. The Khas were arrested as a result of Operation Crash, an 18-month investigation into the trafficking of rhino horns that led to arrests in a dozen states. 

Sportsmen Split on Western Wolf Issue Posted 18 Nov 20:40 by donna@southwickassociates.com FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla. — Reintroduced wolves have exceeded expectations about adapting to their western environs and many states are seeking authority to manage packs within their boundaries. As a result, the wolf issue is one of the most controversial topics throughout the Rockies where gray wolves now roam. Among those stakeholder groups attempting to be heard on the matter—state and federal legislators, animal rights activists, ranchers and sportsmen—America’s hunters have as much to gain or lose as anybody. However, when asked by HunterSurvey.com and AnglerSurvey.com what they thought about the issue, it is clear that even among our nation’s sportsmen, there remains some uncertainty as to how best to proceed. Asked if they believe western gray wolf populations are recovered and should be removed from the Endangered Species List, well over half of the respondents—57.1 percent—said “yes,” while only 6.7 percent said “no.” As many as 36.1 percent of the respondents said they “do not know.” At a rate of more than 2 to 1, however, sportsmen are concerned that growing wolf populations are having a harmful impact on elk, moose and deer populations within their range. More than 68 percent believe wolves are negatively affecting ungulate species, while 33.7 percent think the affects of more wolves are actually beneficial. Nearly the same amount of survey participants, 62.2 percent, as those who believe wolves are harming other wildlife populations say they would be more likely to vote for a candidate if they supported giving states primary management authority over wolf populations. Thirty-four percent said they weren’t sure if it would influence their vote or said the topic was too complicated to say how they would vote based on the issue. Only 3.7 percent said they would be less likely to vote for a candidate who supported state management authority. “Future management of gray wolf populations is an extremely sensitive subject, particularly in the West where it most immediately affects the people and animals that live there,” said Rob Southwick, president of Southwick Associates, which designs and conducts the surveys at HunterSurvey.com and AnglerSurvey.com. “The results of the survey suggest a need for more clear-cut information be made available to the public regarding the current status of the gray wolf in the region and how it is impacting other game species.” One thing respondents seem more united on is their distrust of the motivations behind animal welfare groups’ opposition to delisting the gray wolf or turning over management authority to the states. Only 16.1 percent believe these groups are acting out of genuine concern for conserving and restoring wolf populations, while many more (65 percent) believe they are acting out of an interest to limit hunting opportunities and (38.7 percent) as a means to boost membership and donations. Comments submitted by survey respondents supported these beliefs with many suggesting animal rights groups will say or do anything they can to put a stop to hunting in any form.

THANK YOU Veterans by Mia Anstine I woke up this morning and contemplated a new blog post. As I sat here, sipping my coffee, I remembered why I started writing my blog, and who I started writing for. I began my blog to share stories. I shared those stories with my grandpa. As I wrote, I was talking to him. I [...] Read more of this post

State wildlife officials say a six-month effort to remove wolves considered dangerous has succeeded, with 10 of the animals killed in the Anchorage area. ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — State wildlife officials say a six-month effort to remove wolves considered dangerous has succeeded, with 10 of the animals killed in the Anchorage area. Mark Burch of the Alaska Fish and Game Department estimated that four wolves remain in the area, after one died in a collision with a car that was not connected to the predator-control effort. "We believe we've mitigated the risk,'' Burch told the Anchorage Daily News. "We're not trying to eradicate wolves. We're trying to reduce the risk.'' Fish and Game officials and wildlife officers said the control efforts are necessary because of a pattern of increasingly bold wolf behavior. Last November, a man walking his dogs on base was briefly surrounded by four wolves. The predators also treed two female runners with a dog for about two hours nearly a year ago. "It's not common for wolves to become aggressive toward people, but when they do, it's a public safety issue,'' Burch said. "While wolf attacks on humans are rare, this lack of fear and aggression is the kind of behavior seen by wolves that have attacked people in the past — so we are doing what we can to minimize the risks.'' Others think the fears are overblown. Gary Gustafson, chairman of Chugach State Park Citizens' Advisory Board, has criticized the fish and game department for nearly wiping out the wolf population in a portion of the half-million-acre park. "I'm not a biologist in any way, shape or form,'' Gustafson said. "But what's troublesome to us is that the department has decided one size fits all and that the plan is to exterminate all wolves.'' Pete Panarese, another member of the board and a former state parks deputy director, agreed. "If somebody sees a wolf and it just looks at them and doesn't run away, is that grounds to shoot the wolf?'' he asked. "Sometimes wolves, when they show up, they're checking something out to see if it will go away. "They're predators, looking at you to see what you're going to do. A very small number of them keep pushing the envelope.'' Food, trash, unsecured dog food and habitation to humans tends to draw them in, Panarese added. Burch said that though the winter-long control effort is over, Fish and Game employees can still kill wolves they deem dangerous. "It's the same judgment that's involved with dealing with moose, bears and wolves on a daily basis,'' he said. "The public accepts the judgment of professionals on matters like this that involve public safety.'' State wildlife officials say a six-month effort to remove wolves considered dangerous has succeeded, with 10 of the animals killed in the Anchorage area.   ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — State wildlife officials say a six-month effort to remove wolves considered dangerous has succeeded, with 10 of the animals killed in the Anchorage area. Mark Burch of the Alaska Fish and Game Department estimated that four wolves remain in the area, after one died in a collision with a car that was not connected to the predator-control effort. "We believe we've mitigated the risk,'' Burch told the Anchorage Daily News. "We're not trying to eradicate wolves. We're trying to reduce the risk.'' Fish and Game officials and wildlife officers said the control efforts are necessary because of a pattern of increasingly bold wolf behavior. Last November, a man walking his dogs on base was briefly surrounded by four wolves. The predators also treed two female runners with a dog for about two hours nearly a year ago. "It's not common for wolves to become aggressive toward people, but when they do, it's a public safety issue,'' Burch said. "While wolf attacks on humans are rare, this lack of fear and aggression is the kind of behavior seen by wolves that have attacked people in the past — so we are doing what we can to minimize the risks.'' Others think the fears are overblown. Gary Gustafson, chairman of Chugach State Park Citizens' Advisory Board, has criticized the fish and game department for nearly wiping out the wolf population in a portion of the half-million-acre park. "I'm not a biologist in any way, shape or form,'' Gustafson said. "But what's troublesome to us is that the department has decided one size fits all and that the plan is to exterminate all wolves.'' Pete Panarese, another member of the board and a former state parks deputy director, agreed. "If somebody sees a wolf and it just looks at them and doesn't run away, is that grounds to shoot the wolf?'' he asked. "Sometimes wolves, when they show up, they're checking something out to see if it will go away. "They're predators, looking at you to see what you're going to do. A very small number of them keep pushing the envelope.'' Food, trash, unsecured dog food and habitation to humans tends to draw them in, Panarese added. Burch said that though the winter-long control effort is over, Fish and Game employees can still kill wolves they deem dangerous. "It's the same judgment that's involved with dealing with moose, bears and wolves on a daily basis,'' he said. "The public accepts the judgment of professionals on matters like this that involve public safety.''

Media Day 2013 – Mia at the range by Mia Anstine Brutal. That is how I would describe Media Day yesterday. Range day was, as always, run professionally and the suppliers were great. The weather just wasn't cooperative. I hear it was 32 degrees, but the wind howled so it felt like -30. I did get a little shooting time in between the times of shivering [...] Read more of this post

By Chris Avena   There was a time when the Rhino roamed the plains of Africa in vast numbers. However, since the 1970’s, the worlds rhino population has been reduced by approximately 90% due to poaching. Poachers would hunt the rhino just for their horn. There is no scientific evidence that the rhino horn has any medical properties, and yet, poachers still hunt them for their horn illegally. The value of one horn is equal to approximately fifty U.S. Dollars. Even though the rhino’s horn could be removed without harming the animal, they are still slaughtered.   Today, there are less than twenty thousand rhino that roam the plains. With the help of our conservation efforts, those numbers are steadily increasing. This past week, I had the distinct pleasure of hunting with the World Wild Adventure Team. Our destination – South Africa. This particular hunt really did peak my interest. We would be hunting a White Rhino. This was number one on my Big Five hunting list. This hunt would be a bit different than most. This was to be a “Green Hunt”. It would have all of the thrill and excitement of a big game hunt, but instead of using a 375 H & H, I would be hunting this great beast with a tranquilizer gun. The fact is, green hunting requires more skill and precision than hunting with a rifle because the animal must be shot at a much closer range. The darted animals can become very unpredictable. The animal could bolt or it could charge. The tranquilizer gun does not have immediate results like a conventional rifle which leaves a large margin of uncertainty.   After twenty hours of traveling, we finally arrived at Tam Safari’s. Our PH for this trip would be Stephan Tam, a young, confident and very competent professional. I must admit, I was a bit nervous to hunt my first Big Five animal, but all of that would change. We got settled in at the lodge and the hunt would begin the next morning. I was up before sunrise. I was overwhelmed with excitement. I watched the sun come up and I was in awe of just how beautiful it was. We discussed our strategy over breakfast and we set out about eight in the morning. The trackers were out about an hour before us looking for signs of rhino. Around mid day the trackers spotted a rhino going down into a creek bed. We carefully followed over the rocky terrain and down into the creek bed. It was a bit unnerving wading through the high reeds of the creek bed because rhino were not the only big game in the area. There are Lion and Cape Buffalo which are just as aggressive and just as dangerous. We followed the trail out of the creek bed and into the thick brush. My view was obscured by the thick thorny brush that adorns the plains. Our PH, Stephen was on point  and he silently moved us within thirty yards of this six thousand pound colossus. As I cleared the brush, the rhino came into view. My heart skipped a beat when I realized that not more than eighteen yards away were TWO huge rhino’s. There is a certain degree of uncertainty of how a rhino will react when it is shot with a tranquilizer. However, when two rhino’s travel together the risk factor increases considerably. Stephan’s calm demeanor put me at ease while we got set to take the shot. I raised the tranquilizer gun and took careful aim right behind its shoulder. Stephan whispered “Take em when you are ready”. I squeezed off a round and watched as the tranquilizer dart hit home. The time factor fort he tranquilizer to take full effect is approximately fifteen minutes. Fortunately, both rhino’s bolted in the same direction away from our hunting party.   The two rhino’s ran for about a mile with our trackers in hot pursuit. We caught up with them in the truck only to come upon a very dangerous situation. The drug was starting to take effect on the darted rhino, however, his companion was not going to leave his side. With time at the essence, we needed to separate the two as quickly as possible. We tried to scare off the second rhino by beeping the trucks horn but it only seemed to agitate him. The rhino began to charge the truck. Only stopping yards from hitting us on three separate attempts. The situation was dicey to say the least. With the clock ticking, we finally scared off the second rhino. We had to work quickly and efficiently to collect the DNA samples. The veterinarian drew a vile of blood while I took some hair samples and blood swatches. With our main task completed we still had a little time for our recap for World Wild Adventures and snap a few pictures for prosperity.   The DNA samples will be sent to James Derr PHD, the director of the DNA technologies laboratory at Texas A&M University. Doctor Derr supplied us with the DNA kits so we would be able to log the DNA from the rhino into their global data base. We have a responsibility as hunters to assist with the conservation efforts so animals such as the rhino will continue to flourish in the wild for years to come. If this DNA kit were to become standard issue when you applied for your hunting license, we would be able to log in and track a vast variety of species through out the world rather quickly. With this in place, we would have the ability to track various herds from all parts of the globe from one year to the next.

By BDN staff reports  SANFORD, Maine — A 44-year-old Sanford man was shot while hunting Monday near Hollis, the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife has reported. According to MDIF&W, Mark Lemieux, 44, of Sanford suffered injuries to his legs, chest, head and face. The gunshot was fired by his uncle, Gerard Lemieux, 69, of Gorham, according to Maine Warden Service Lt. Adam Gormely. Mark Lemieux was treated and then released from Goodall Hospital in Sanford. The incident is under investigation by the Maine Warden Service. Monday is the first day of spring wild turkey hunting season for residents and nonresidents with a license and a permit. The season runs through June 4 in Wildlife Management Districts 7, 10 through 26, and 28, a large portion of the state excluding northern Aroostook County.

Wolves in the eastern United States are hybrids of gray wolves and coyotes, while the region's coyotes actually are wolf-coyote-dog hybrids.   ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — Wolves in the eastern United States are hybrids of gray wolves and coyotes, while the region's coyotes actually are wolf-coyote-dog hybrids, according to a new genetic study that is adding fuel to a longstanding debate over the origins of two endangered species. The study is unlikely to impact the management of the endangered red wolf in North Carolina and the eastern Canadian wolf in Ontario, but it offers fresh insight into their genetic makeup and concludes that those wolves are hybrids that developed over the last few hundred years. Some scientists have argued that the red wolf, Canis rufus, and the eastern Canadian wolf, Canis lycaon, evolved from an ancient eastern wolf species distinct from the larger gray wolf, Canis lupus, that is found in western North America. Wolf experts who adhere to that theory say the new study is interesting but falls short of proving anything. They say it doesn't explain why hybrids appear only in some places and note that western wolves don't hybridize with coyotes but often kill them. In the study, published online earlier this month in the peer-reviewed journal Genome Research, 16 researchers from around the globe led by Robert Wayne of the University of California-Los Angeles, used information from the dog genome — the animal's entire genetic code — to survey the genetic diversity in dogs, wolves and coyotes. It was the most detailed genetic study of any wild vertebrate species to date, using molecular genetic techniques to look at over 48,000 markers throughout the full genome, said Roland Kays, curator of mammals at the New York State Museum and a co-author. In a previous study of the dog genome published last year in the journal Nature, a Wayne-led international team of scientists reported that domestic dogs likely originated in the Middle East and shared more genetic similarity with Middle Eastern gray wolves than any other wolf population. The recent study showed a gradient of hybridization in wolves. In the West, wolves were pure wolf, while in the western Great Lakes, they averaged 85 percent wolf and 15 percent coyote. Wolves in Algonquin Park in eastern Ontario averaged 58 percent wolf. The red wolf in North Carolina, which has been the subject of extensive preservation and restoration efforts, was found to be 24 percent wolf and 76 percent coyote. Northeastern coyotes, which only colonized the region in the past 60 years, were found to be 82 percent coyote, 9 percent dog and 9 percent wolf. In a study co-authored by Kays last year in the journal Biology Letters, museum specimens and genetic samples were used to show that coyotes migrating eastward bred with wolves to evolve into a larger form that has become the top predator in the Northeast, filling a niche left when native eastern wolves were hunted out of existence. The hybridization allowed coyotes to evolve from the scrawny mouse-eaters of western grasslands to robust deer-hunters in eastern forests. The genetic techniques used in the recent study allowed researchers to estimate that hybridization, in most cases, happened when humans were hunting eastern wolves to extinction, Kays said. "The few remaining animals could find no proper mates so took the best option they could get,'' Kays said. L. David Mech, senior research scientist at the U.S. Geological Survey's Northern Prairie Research Center in St. Paul, Minn., and founder of the International Wolf Center in Ely, Minn., is skeptical of the theory that eastern wolves are hybrids. "How do you reconcile this with the fact that gray wolves typically don't breed with coyotes, but kill them?'' Mech said. "We have no records in the West of wolves hybridizing with coyotes, even in areas where single wolves looking for mates have dispersed into the middle of coyote country.'' Mech also questioned whether the study tested enough Canadian and North Carolina wolves and whether those specimens were true representatives of those populations. Although 48,000 genetic markers sounds like a lot, it's actually a relatively small part of the entire genetic code, Mech said. So the evidence of a unique eastern wolf ancestor could simply be in another part of the code that wasn't analyzed, he said. Several researchers who consider the eastern wolf species separate from the gray wolf weighed in recently in an online discussion of the new study. Brent Patterson, a genetics researcher at Trent University in Peterborough, Ontario, called the study "an important step forward.'' But until more samples are analyzed, the hypothesis that a North American wolf evolved independently from the gray wolf was still viable, he said. "It's an academic issue,'' Mech said. "It's nice to know what the origins are from the standpoint of curiosity, but from a conservation standpoint, it shouldn't make any difference.'' David Rabon, coordinator of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Red Wolf Recovery Program in North Carolina, said the federal agency has taken the position that the red wolf is a unique species that warrants protection. The new study, while interesting, won't likely change management decisions, he said.

Happy Father’s Day! by Mia Anstine We've all got one. Some of you are one. Some have lost one. I find myself in the latter this year. I can not say it has been easy to find myself with out someone to make a plan with this year, but I do have lots of memories of the years past and of [...] Read more of this post