Quail Forever Honors Illinois Chapter with No Child Left Indoors National Award

Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever have honored the chapter recipients of its fifth annual No Child Left Indoors National Awards. The distinction is presented to one Pheasants Forever chapter and one Quail Forever chapter for their efforts in introducing youth to the outdoors and bringing along the next generation of hunters and conservationists. Chapters honored were the High Plains Pheasants Forever chapter, based out of Pine Bluffs, Wyoming, and the Golden Triangle Quail Forever chapter, based out of Quincy, Illinois.

Pheasants Forever’s No Child Left Indoors initiative is the organization’s national effort to engage youngsters in outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing and camping. The No Child Left Indoors National Awards recognize chapters for their youth habitat projects, youth and family community events, and youth outdoor education programs. “These chapters have shown the ultimate commitment to promoting youth activities and getting kids involved in the outdoors,” said Cheryl Riley, Pheasants Forever’s Vice President of Education and Outreach.

Wyoming’s High Plains Pheasants Forever chapter

The High Plains Pheasants Forever chapter is a model youth participation chapter, holding a minimum of one youth event per month throughout the year. In 2011, the chapter’s events helped 700 children participate in outdoor activities. These activities included a visit to Yellowstone National Park, mentored goose hunts, mentored pheasant hunts, an outdoor survival day, and a day dedicated to game processing and storage.

The chapter also hosts “Day in the Wild” for grade school youth (grades K-6^th). At the event, approximately 500 youth are introduced to a wide variety of outdoor activities, skills and programs. At last year’s event, with the financial help of Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, National Wildlife Turkey Federation, the Wildlife Heritage Foundation, and several other organizations and individuals, the chapter provided each attendee with a Wyoming Conservation Stamp. The High Plains Pheasants Forever chapter also serves as the parent chapter for the youth-only Texas Trail Ringnecks Pheasants Forever chapter, further fostering youth in conservation and outdoor education.

Illinois’ Golden Triangle Quail Forever chapter

Less than a year old, the Golden Triangle Quail Forever chapter has hit the ground sprinting. Within five weeks of the chapter’s startup, the first annual chapter banquet had 260 people in attendance and raised nearly $50,000 for wildlife habitat and youth conservation education. The chapter’s commitment to youth programs has already resulted in three wingshooting clinics, a chapter sponsored Scholastic Clay Target Program team, involvement in local hunter safety courses, and a scholarship for youth to attend a special Quail Forever youth camp. The Golden Triangle Quail Forever chapter held multiple youth mentored hunts in 2011, including one specifically for disabled or challenged youth.

In addition to the No Child Left Indoors Award, the Golden Triangle Quail Forever chapter won “Rookie Chapter of the Year” for Illinois. The chapter’s president, Ryan Viehmeyer, was chosen by Field & Stream magazine as a “Hero of Conservation” for his dedication to the chapter’s conservation mission and youth involvement.

For more information regarding Pheasants Forever’s youth programs, please contact Rich Wissink, Pheasants Forever National Youth Programs Specialist, at 715-722-0286 / Email Rich. For all other inquiries, contact Rehan Nana, Pheasants Forever Public Relations Specialist, at 651-209-4973 / Email Rehan.

Pheasants Forever, including its quail conservation division, Quail Forever, is the nation’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to upland habitat conservation. Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever have more than 130,000 members and 700 local chapters across the United States and Canada. Chapters are empowered to determine how 100 percent of their locally raised conservation funds are spent, the only national conservation organization that operates through this truly grassroots structure.

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - Quail Forever Honors Illinois Chapter with No Child Left Indoors National Award

Close Up Video of Two Wolves in Jackson Hole, Wyoming

This video was shot by a Wyoming man as two wolves crossed through a 1-acre lot near his home. His dog can be heard growling at the intruders as they pass by.

In the recent wolf season 166 wolves were taken by Wyoming hunters. However, as this video shows, the wolves haven’t been intimidated all that much.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PFjyTtHu-0

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - Close Up Video of Two Wolves in Jackson Hole, Wyoming

RMEF, Partners Recognize Standout Conservation Pros

Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and U.S. Forest Service employees in four states—Idaho, Montana, New Mexico and Wyoming—have earned recognition for standout work to enhance and conserve habitat for elk and other wildlife.

Each has received a special award from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and their respective agency for conservation efforts in partnership with RMEF.

“These awards are meant to give a pat on the back and a thank-you to some of the finest professionals anywhere in wildlife conservation,” said Blake Henning, vice president of lands and conservation for RMEF. “Together, the BLM, U.S. Forest Service and RMEF are making a real difference in elk country.”

RMEF works with many partners, none more prominent than BLM and the U.S. Forest Service. Lands owned or managed by these federal agencies provide habitat for most elk in the U.S., as well as the most opportunities for elk hunters and other recreationists.

The awards were presented during the annual RMEF convention, called Elk Camp, which ended Feb. 4 in Las Vegas.

Honorees include:

RMEF/BLM Elk Conservation Awards

Partnership Coordination Award

Idaho—Christine Shaver, Idaho BLM office. Shavers was honored for standout national leadership in managing and coordinating grants for habitat stewardship. She oversaw funding and stewardship agreements involving 14 BLM offices in Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon and Wyoming. Through her work, a total of 5,600 acres were enhanced for elk and other wildlife.

Habitat Enhancement Award

New Mexico—BLM Taos Field Office. This entire staff was recognized for outstanding contributions to habitat enhancement in New Mexico. Active with RMEF since 1988, projects have included native seed planting on 1,348 acres in the Ute Mountain area, aspen restoration on the Taos Plateau, Buffalo Pinon water development and many others to benefit elk and other wildlife.

Individual Achievement Award

Wyoming—Jack Mononi, BLM Cody Field Office. Mononi, a range conservationist, was recognized for his achievements in partnership with the RMEF since 1993. He has submitted 30 successful grant proposals over the last 18 years to enhance a combined 20,112 acres of Wyoming elk country. Many of these projects were prescribe burns, noxious weed treatments and water developments.

RMEF/U.S. Forest Service Elk Country Awards

Elk Country Award

Montana—Jane Ingebretson, Swan Lake Ranger District, Flathead National Forest. A wildlife biologist, Ingebretson was recognized for her work in partnership with RMEF since 1995. She has submitted 19 projects, mostly prescribe burns, for RMEF funding. She also has overseen completion of those projects totaling more than 3,500 acres. An additional 1,000 acres in habitat stewardship are expected for completion in 2012.

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - RMEF, Partners Recognize Standout Conservation Pros

Wyoming is No. 1 Fundraising State for RMEF

The state ranked last in total population, Wyoming, has emerged as the No. 1 fundraising state for the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

Over the past six years, Wyoming had consistently finished second to America’s most populous state, California, but the Cowboy State came out on top in 2011.

“Wyomingites are deeply proud of their wild country, their elk herds and their hunting heritage—and they’re clearly willing to invest to keep them all in top shape,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO of RMEF, an international conservation outfit based in Missoula, Mont.

RMEF’s mission is ensuring the future of elk, other wildlife and their habitat. Since launching in 1984, the organization has helped to conserve more than 6 million acres across the continent. In 2012, Wyoming could become the first state to reach 1 million acres of RMEF-funded habitat stewardship and protection projects.

To fuel these efforts, RMEF volunteers host fundraising banquets in cities and towns nationwide, with each event billed as “a good time for a great cause.”

In 2011, Wyoming chapters of RMEF raised $1,388,569, edging second-place California by $10,752.

RMEF volunteers were honored during a rowdy celebration at the RMEF convention and expo, called Elk Camp, which concluded Feb. 4 in Las Vegas.

Allen congratulated the RMEF leadership team in Wyoming including volunteer state chairs Donae Bezanson and Tom Kaness, volunteer regional chair Mike Cuin, and staff regional directors Jill Tonn and Ryan Kaiser.

He added, “We can’t say ‘thank you’ enough to the volunteers and RMEF members and partners in Wyoming, California and around the country. We have fun with competition between the states, but the fact is, conservation today depends our cumulative effort.”

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - Wyoming is No. 1 Fundraising State for RMEF

Mule Deer Foundation Seeking Regional Directors for Colorado and Wyoming

Salt Lake City, Utah – The Mule Deer Foundation (MDF), one of the key conservation groups in North America, is currently accepting applications for Regional Director positions in Colorado and Wyoming.

There are currently eight active MDF chapters in Colorado and nine in Wyoming. These are mule deer states with hundreds of volunteers already working to conserve habitat and the hunting heritage.

MDF is looking for Regional Directors who can successfully work with local volunteers to hold fundraising events that will help support the MDF mission. Regional Directors are responsible for forming and retaining MDF chapter committees, as well as enlisting new members and volunteers. They must also support national convention efforts. Other duties include preparation of annual fundraising income projections and operating expense budgets, as well as coordinating and recommending specific conservation projects for MDF funding. A solid working knowledge of mule deer, black-tailed deer and their habitat is required.

Regional Directors represent MDF in their respective states and must maintain liaison and professional visibility with state and federal wildlife agencies, university wildlife departments, non-governmental conservation organizations, sportsmen’s groups, local media and outfitter/guide associations.

Extensive travel is required, and applicants should reside in the state for which they are applying.

MDF will be accepting applications until October 31, 2011. Submit resume’s to Marty Holmes, Director of Field Operations, at marty@muledeer.org.

About MDF

The Mule Deer Foundation is one of the key conservation groups in North America working to restore, improve and protect mule deer, black-tailed deer and their habitat. With a focus on science and program efficiency, MDF has raised millions of dollars and put countless hours on the ground for mission-critical projects. MDF acknowledges regulated hunting as a viable management component and is committed to recruitment and retention of youth into the shooting sports and conservation. Get involved at www.muledeer.org or call 1-888-375-DEER.

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - Mule Deer Foundation Seeking Regional Directors for Colorado and Wyoming

Mule Deer Foundation Connects with Youth at Wyoming Expo

Casper, Wyo. – Mule Deer Foundation (MDF) staff and volunteers assisted at the recent Wyoming Hunting and Fishing Heritage Expo (Expo) in Casper, Wyo. Final numbers are not in yet, but an estimated 14,000 people attended, with about 8,000 being school-aged children.

MDF’s Youth Programs Coordinator Jon Zinnel said, “The MDF-sponsored rifle and shotgun ranges at the Expo gave young people the opportunity to learn how to handle a firearm. All of the instructors made sure the kids fully understood the aspects of firearms and range safety before participating. Students were taught the proper and safe way to handle, aim and fire the guns. This program was consistent with MDF’s M.U.L.E.Y. mission, which is to safely introduce youth to shooting sports, ensuring the sport’s continued growth.”

MDF Corporate Partners also helped. ATK Federal Ammunition provided shotshells and rimfire ammunition for the MDF shooting ranges, and Crosman Corporation donated 10,000 pellets for the indoor air rifle range. Together, MDF and its partners helped introduce students to the outdoors and let them know where to get involved with other on-going shooting, hunting and conservation programs.

The Expo, hosted by the Wyoming Game and Fish Dept., is a statewide annual event open to the public. It provides learning and participation opportunities that emphasize the relevance of wildlife and habitat management, as well as ethical behavior and stewardship of the outdoors.

Zinnel concluded, “The Expo was just a great event. We not only influenced thousands of youth with shooting sports, but we also gained exposure and a foothold in the state of Wyoming with our M.U.L.E.Y. youth program. The Expo was very well put together, and we look forward to participating again next year.”

About MDF and the M.U.L.E.Y. Program

The Mule Deer Foundation is one of the key conservation groups in North America working to restore, improve and protect mule deer, black-tailed deer and their habitat. With a focus on science and program efficiency, MDF has raised millions of dollars and put countless man-hours on the ground for mission-critical projects. MDF acknowledges regulated hunting as a viable management component and is committed to recruitment and retention of youth into the shooting sports and conservation. Get involved at www.muledeer.org or call 1-888-375-DEER.

The mission of MDF’s M.U.L.E.Y. (Mindful, Understanding, Legal and Ethical Youth) program is to safely introduce youth to shooting sports, ensuring the sport’s continued growth. The M.U.L.E.Y. program is funded by Larry and Brenda Potterfield and the MidwayUSA Foundation. Visit the M.U.L.E.Y. Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/mdfyouth.

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - Mule Deer Foundation Connects with Youth at Wyoming Expo

Mule Deer Foundation Chapters Sponsoring Big Buck Contests in Wyoming

ROCK SPRINGS,Wyo.– For the seventh year in a row, the Mule Deer Foundation’s (MDF) Muley Fanatic Chapter inRock Springs,Wyo., is helping sponsor a “Monster Buck Contest” for mule deer taken in the state during the 2011 hunting season. Prizes include rifles, shoulder mounts, and more.

This year the “Monster Buck Contest” will have five divisions: Ladies, Men, Youth, Archery and Antler Trash. Entry is free, and the contest will run from Sept. 1 through Oct. 31. Winners will be announced on Nov. 2, 2011. For more information visit www.muledeer.org or contact Josh Coursey at 307-352-6500.

In addition to MDF, sponsors for theRock Springscontest include Wyoming Trucks, Castle Rock Archery, Infinity Power & Controls, Baas Taxidermy, Back Country Taxidermy, Trailhead Guns, Harris Taxidermy, and others.

Another “Big Buck Contest” is being sponsored by MDF’s Thunder Basin Chapter out ofGillette,Wyo., in conjunction with Rusty Bell Taxidermy. Qualified entries can be any 2011 legally harvestedWyomingwhitetail or mule deer.

Prizes for the Gillette contest will include a shoulder mount by Rusty Bell Taxidermy, binoculars and a knife. The contest is open toWyomingresident or non-resident hunters. A $20 entry fee is required per division and must be received by Sept. 30, 2011. Scoring will be done at various Gillette locations on Oct. 22, Nov. 26, or by appointment by Dec. 7, 2011.

For an entry form and additional information visit www.muledeer.org or contact Kim Hansel at 307-689-2506.

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - Mule Deer Foundation Chapters Sponsoring Big Buck Contests in Wyoming

WSF Chapters and Affiliates Join Together in Denver for Wild Sheep

Wild Sheep Foundation (WSF) WORLD HEADQUARTERS-Cody, Wyoming USA – June 29, 2011. More than sixty delegates from eighteen WSF Chapter and Affiliates plus representatives from state and federal wildlife and resource agencies assembled June 10-12, 2011 in Denver, Colorado to work together for wild sheep, their habitat, their wild sheep hunters and wild sheep enthusiasts, and to coordinate their wild sheep advocacy efforts at the Chapter & Affiliate Summit IV meeting, hosted by WSF and the Rocky Mountain Bighorn Society (RMBS).

In May 2008, the Wild Sheep Foundation brought its chapters to the Cody headquarters to work towards establishing better communication and cooperation, with an overall objective to improve effectiveness in the Foundation’s purpose of “Putting & Keeping Sheep On the Mountain™.” The process coined “One Tent – One Campfire” by WSF President & CEO, Gray N. Thornton, improved intra-chapter communication, cooperation, issue and policy development and coordination between the Wild Sheep Foundation chapter community. After a second WSF chapter-only meeting in summer 2009, WSF Affiliates were invited to participate in the first WSF Chapter and Affiliate Summit meeting hosted by WSF Alberta Chapter in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada in June 2010, The 4th Chapter and Affiliate Summit hosted by RMBS in Denver proved equally productive, bringing even more wild sheep advocates to the table to discuss issues, challenges, and opportunities facing wild sheep, their regional organizations, fundraising, governance, marketing and communications.

The event included a kick-off social and networking opportunity Friday evening sponsored by Washington WSF, Wild Sheep Society of British Columbia, WSF Alberta, Wyoming WSF and Brenton and Tammy Scott. The all-day Saturday Summit meeting sponsored by California WSF, Nevada Bighorns Unlimited, and the Wild Sheep Foundation featured informative presentations by Larry Jacobs and George Houston of Oregon FNAWS who spoke on their chapter’s model of bighorn sheep advocacy on the Payette National Forest, a US Forest Service overview and bighorn/domestic sheep interaction and status on USFS lands by USFS Region 2 Biologist and Full Curl Coordinator Melanie Woolever, an overview on bighorn and domestic sheep status on Bureau of Land Management lands by BLM Idaho State Biologist Tom Rinkes, and an overview of bighorns in Colorado by Division of Wildlife Biologist Janet George and RMBS President Robert Ong. Following an afternoon of open forum and organizational presentations led by WSF President Gray Thornton, and WSF Conservation Director Kevin Hurley, delegates departed by bus for a pregame social and dinner sponsored by New Mexico WSF, Rocky Mountain Bighorn Society, Utah FNAWS, Eastern WSF and Montana WSF, then enjoyed the mile high evening at Coors Field watching the Rockies play the Dodgers.

A Sunday field excursion to Colorado Division of Wildlife’s disease research facility near Fort Collins and bighorn sheep disease research program overview by facility director CDoW’s Dr. Mike Miller rounded out a productive and informative weekend. WSF salutes the Chapter & Affiliate Summit IV host the Rocky Mountain Bighorn Society and its fine members, and all Chapter and Affiliate event sponsors who helped ensure the event was a success.

Plans are already underway for the Wild Sheep Foundation’s Chapter & Affiliate Summit V scheduled for June, 2012 in/around Lewiston, Idaho, in conjunction with the annual Hell’s Canyon Bighorn Days hosted by Idaho WSF, Washington WSF and Oregon FNAWS.

The Wild Sheep Foundation, formerly the Foundation for North American Wild Sheep, was founded in 1977 by sheep and mountain hunting enthusiasts and conservationists. With a membership of more than 6,000 worldwide and a chapter network in North America, WSF is the premier advocate for wild sheep, wild goats, other mountain wildlife, and their habitat. Since forming in 1977, the Wild Sheep Foundation has raised and expended more than $85 million on conservation, education and mission advocacy programs in North America, Europe and Asia. During the July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011 fiscal year, WSF raised and put on the ground more than $3.2 million in mission programs benefitting wild sheep, other mountain wildlife, their habitat and those who hunt and enjoy them.

For more information on WSF, the January 18-21, 2012 annual convention in Reno, Nevada, WSF’s many conservation and education programs, or to join as a member, please visit www.wildsheepfoundation.org or contact WSF at 720 Allen Avenue, Cody, Wyoming 82414 USA. Telephone 307-527-6261. Email info@wildsheepfoundation.org. Follow us on Facebook™ at Facebook.com/wild sheep foundation.

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - WSF Chapters and Affiliates Join Together in Denver for Wild Sheep

Sportsman Channel Now Available in HD on Optimum TV Systems in Colorado, Montana, Wyoming and Utah

New Berlin, WI – Sportsman Channel (www.thesportsmanchannel.com), the leader in outdoor TV for the American Sportsman, announces that Optimum TV in Colorado, Montana, Wyoming and Utah has begun a phased-in rollout of Sportsman HD, and the network is now available in the Family Package in these markets. Optimum TV, part of Cablevision Systems Corporation (NYSE: CVC), serves more than 300,000 customers in these four western states.

“We are proud that Optimum TV chose to put Sportsman Channel in its Family package in some of the most sportsmen-rich areas of the country, offering their customers more access to the only network exclusively focused on hunting, shooting and fishing,” said Gavin Harvey, CEO, Sportsman Channel. “Additionally, the roll-out of Sportsman HD will provide many of Optimum TV’s customers with the ultimate ‘you are there’ viewing experience. Sportsman Channel HD lets viewers feel like they are experiencing the outdoors right beside our series’ hosts.” During the third quarter, dubbed “The Season of the American Sportsman,” Sportsman Channel is premiering 25 original primetime series and airing 75 original episode debuts. On June 27, the network introduced viewers to four new programming blocks designed to address the broad interests of today’s Sportsman. In the fall, new original programming will include the premiere of Beau Knows Outdoors with Beau Turner, son of media mogul Ted Turner.

Earlier this year, Sportsman Channel launched in standard-definition on Cablevision’s iO TV.

About Sportsman Channel: Launched in 2003, Sportsman Channel is the only television and digital media company fully devoted to the more than 82 million sportsmen in the United States, delivering entertaining and educational programming focused exclusively on hunting, shooting and fishing activities. Sportsman Channel is now available in HD, check with your local cable or satellite provider. Acquired by InterMedia Outdoors Holdings in 2006, Sportsman Channel reaches 27 million U.S. television households and is a part of the nation’s largest multimedia company targeted exclusively to serving the information and entertainment needs of outdoors enthusiasts. Visit www.thesportsmanchannel.com, follow on Twitter, @SPORTSMANchnl (www.twitter.com/ SPORTSMANchnl), become a Fan on Facebook, www.facebook.com/sportsmanchannel and download Sportsman App at www.itunes.com/appstore

Contact:
Mark Braff, Braff Communications, mbraff@braffcommunications.com, 201-612-0707

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - Sportsman Channel Now Available in HD on Optimum TV Systems in Colorado, Montana, Wyoming and Utah

Hi Mountain Jerky Gun Now Available Separately

RIVERTON, Wyo. (June 20, 2011) – Originally offered as part of its popular Jerky Master package, the Hi Mountain Seasonings Jerky Gun is now available as an individual item. The easy-to-use Jerky Gun allows you to make ground-meat jerky, sticks or breakfast sausages with any of Hi Mountain Seasonings’ 19 Jerky Cure & Seasonings kits, 12 Snackin’ Sticks flavors and three mouth-watering breakfast sausage seasonings.

Making jerky, meat sticks or breakfast sausages from ground meat is simplified with Hi Mountain’s Jerky Gun. Simply fill the tube with the seasoned and cured meat; select one of three interchangeable nozzles for strips, sticks or sausage links; and squeeze the trigger. All parts are dishwasher safe, so clean up is a snap. The individual Jerky Gun with three nozzles included retails for $19.95.

For those that would like a more elaborate set up, Hi Mountain still offers the Jerky Master which comes complete with the Jerky Gun, two nozzles for strips or sticks, an industrial-grade jerky screen and two of the fabulous Hi Mountain Jerky Cure and Seasonings. This kit retails for $36.99.

Whether you are looking for individual items for making jerky or you are looking for a kit with everything you need, Hi Mountain Seasonings has what you need to make delicious homemade jerky every time.

Hi Mountain’s entire line of products, cooking tips, instructional videos, and recipes are also available at www.himtnjerky.com, and the products can be found at high-quality sporting goods stores, farm and ranch stores and your local grocery stores.

Located in the heart of Wyoming, Hi Mountain Seasonings was founded in 1991. It is the premier manufacturer of kits for homemade jerky and sausage. Hi Mountain Seasonings has successfully captured distinct, traditional Western flavors in its Jerky Cure & Seasonings, Western Style Seasonings, Bacon cures and other products that make up the unique line of gourmet Western seasonings. In 2011, Hi Mountain Seasonings introduced a line of delicious freeze-dried Camping Meals. For additional information, write: Hi Mountain Seasonings, 1000 College View Drive, Riverton, WY 82501; call toll-free 1-800-829-2285; or visit the company website at www.himtnjerky.com.

Contact:

Karen Lutto 830-755-4308 karen@hunteroc.com

Kimi Herndon 804-346-4309 kimi@hunteroc.com

 

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - Hi Mountain Jerky Gun Now Available Separately

« Previous Page — Next Page »