Boy Scouts’ 100 Years of Adventure Includes Work for Elk

MISSOULA, Mont. – As the Boy Scouts of America celebrates 100 years of adventure, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation is saluting the youth organization’s historic work in habitat conservation and more recent partnership for elk country.

The Scouting movement was founded Feb. 8, 1910, a date still commemorated as part of Scout Week nationwide. A centennial black-tie gala is slated Feb. 9 in Washington D.C.

“Boy Scouts began as a way to develop character, responsibility, citizenship and personal fitness, and since the very beginning Scout leaders understood that all of those qualities can be cultivated through outdoor activities including wildlife habitat projects,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO. “The cumulative impact of Scouting on conservation in America is immeasurable, and we both congratulate and sincerely thank the millions of young people who’ve been a part of it.”

In 1992, RMEF began a partnership with Boy Scouts when a local troop requested funds to repair a wildlife drinking station in New Mexico. Since then, the partnership has grown to 17 states and over $162,000 in RMEF expenditures for Scout projects, events and activities.

Boy Scouts have used RMEF funding to re-vegetate winter range, restore aspen stands, treat weed infestations, repair and remove fencing, install educational kiosks, and more.

RMEF also has sponsored Boy Scouts attending everything from day camps to week long high adventure bases. In fact, between 2004 and 2009, more than 5,500 Scouts and 225 volunteers trekked across RMEF’s Torstenson Wildlife Center in New Mexico.

The Boy Scouts of America currently boasts 2.8 million young people between the ages of 7 and 20 plus 1.1 million volunteers in more than 290 local councils throughout the U.S. and its territories. For more information, visit www.scouting.org.

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Idaho Groups Sponsor Free Dinner To Educate Public About Diseases Carried By Wolves

FREE DINNER
February 10, 2010
6:00 PM
Washington County Fairgrounds
Cambridge, Idaho

URGENT: Two-Thirds of Idaho Wolf Carcasses Examined Have Thousands of Hydatid Disease Tapeworms. Despite warnings from experts, FWS and IDFG ignored diseases, parasites spread by wolves. These disease can spread to humans! — Wolves are infecting livestock pastures and moose habitat with Neospora Caninum, the parasite that causes abortions in cattle and moose and other members of the deer family (The Outdoorsman Dec 2009).

PLEASE FORWARD TO ANYONE WHO NEEDS TO HEAR THIS INFORMATION. THIS IS AN EMERGENCY!

Guest Speakers:

Ron Gillett – Chairman of the Anti-Wolf Coalition

Wayne Krasselt – Cattle Rancher (will be speaking on the likely Neospora Caninum outbreak in cattle spread from wolves that causes spontaneous abortion in cattle) He will be speaking from his own experience. Wayne lost 100% of his cattle production from suspected infected range pasture in 2009. Wayne is awaiting test results to confirm.

Dr. Rex Rammell – Veterinarian and 2010 Idaho Republican Gubernatorial candidate (The only candidate with the knowledge, will and determination to eradicate this problem in Idaho). Rex will also speaking on other hotbed issues such as NAIS/Premise Identification, states’ rights, nullification of unconstitutional federal mandates, his “Billion Dollar Pledge” to Idaho, and the fight to return control of Idaho’s public lands back to Idaho.

Read more about diseases carried by wolves:
http://mainehuntingtoday.com/bbb/2010/01/06/two-thirds-of-idaho-wolf-carcasses-examined-have-thousands-of-hydatid-disease-tapeworms/

NOTICE: Although this dinner is free, space is limited to 400 so you must pre-register by phone or email. If you register early enough we will mail your tickets to you, otherwise they will be held at the door for you. If you are not pre-registered you will not be admitted unless there are un-issued tickets remaining at the door.

To request tickets by email: rexrammell4governor@gmail.com (Include names, contact info for those attending)

To request tickets by phone: 208-301-2412

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Bidding Now On For 2010 Maine Moose Permit Auction

AUGUSTA – Bids are being accepted for the 2010 Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Moose Permit Auction.

Each year, the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife auctions 10 moose hunting permits and awards them to the highest bidders. Proceeds from the auction go to the Youth Conservation Education Fund, which awards partial scholarships to send Maine boys and girls, ages 10-14, to one week of conservation camp at the Bryant Pond 4-H Camp and Learning Center on Lake Christopher or Greenland Point Center on Long Lake in Princeton.

More than 400 boys and girls were able to attend conservation camp in 2009 because of these scholarships.

“Ever since the auction began, hunters have been very generous in their bids because, I believe, they know this program helps send Maine kids to conservation camp,” said Deputy Commissioner Paul F. Jacques. “We are appreciative of their participation in this program. While successful bidders get a permit, the real winners are the children.”

The Moose Permit Auction was created by the Legislature in 1995 specifically to fund youth conservation education efforts. Ten of this year’s 3,015 allotted moose permits will be auctioned. Last year, close to $100,000 was raised from the auction, and the 10 winners had a 90 percent success rate.

The 10 highest bidders are able to choose their 2010 season hunt dates.

Bids must be submitted to the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife no later than 5 p.m. EDT (Eastern Daylight Time) on February 17, 2010. A non-refundable bid fee of $25 must accompany each bid. A bid packet is available by calling (207) 287-5207.

Submitted bids will be opened Feb 19, and successful bidders will be contacted. If selected, bidders have 30 days to send in the bid payment and select a moose hunting district, hunting week for the permit and permit type. A subpermittee, if desired, must also be selected at this time. The bid amount covers the resident or non-resident moose permit fee, but does not include the resident or non-resident hunting license fee.

The Bryant Pond 4-H Camp and Learning Center and the Greenland Point Center offer five-day residential camps that are designed to teach the boys and girls of Maine the importance of conservation, a respect for the environment and a working knowledge of outdoor skills. Subjects taught at the camp include wildlife identification, introduction to fishing, boating safety, archery, firearms handling, hunter safety, forest conservation and map and compass work.

The two conservation camps currently are accepting applications for this summer’s camp sessions. Partial scholarships are available and distributed on a first come, first serve basis. For information and applications, visit www.extension.umaine.edu/bryantpond/ or www.greenlandpoint.com

And while you are thinking about bidding on one of these permits, visit the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife website and apply for a moose permit to be drawn by lottery in June.

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Handgun Sales Boom at Elk Foundation Fundraisers

MISSOULA, Mont. – Ask an elk hunter about their favorite caliber and you’ll hear nary a peep about the .45 ACP. Venerable handgun round, certainly. Big game round, hardly.
That’s why Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation officials are pleasantly surprised that a Kimber 1911 in .45 ACP emerged as the top-performing firearm at 2009 fundraisers for elk habitat conservation.

The gun, blued with an RMEF logo laser-etched into rosewood grips, was the first-ever 1911 in the organization’s core lineup of firearms for auctions and raffles nationwide.

“Hunting rifles and shotguns are always the centerpiece of our fundraising efforts, but last year we sold 325 of these pistols and generated well over $600,000 gross for elk and other wildlife,” said Steve Decker, vice president of marketing for the Elk Foundation. “At several events this gun sold for more than $5,000, which we certainly never expected.”

Also in 2009, RMEF passed the 5.7 million-acre mark in habitat protected or enhanced for elk and other wildlife, and the 600,000-acre mark in hunting lands opened or secured for the public.

Decker says he’s uncertain whether the Elk Foundation’s 2009 handgun sales were related to the nationwide boom in handgun sales last year, or if the big game hunters who support the organization were simply enthusiastic about the new offering. Either way, the inaugural 1911 was so successful, RMEF will offer a Kimber .45 ACP companion model in stainless steel, with matching logo engraving, in 2010.

All firearm recipients must pass standard background checks.

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Skinny Moose Media At The Las Vegas SHOT Show

This year’s Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade Show (SHOT) in Las Vegas, is being represented by Phillip Loughlin, a.k.a. The Hog Blog. Phil has agreed to represent Skinny Moose Media as well as his own interest while attending the show. He will also be updating all of us with activities, meetings, photos, new products, etc.

His first blog post can be found here and then you can visit his site for frequent updates or go to his home page and click on the “SHOT Show” category found in the right-hand column for access to all his articles.

Skinny Moose Media is proud to have Phil Loughlin representing our industry.

Tom Remington

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Winchester Wins 2010 Cabela Lifetime Business Achievement Award

(Las Vegas) – Winchester Ammunition, one of the world’s most widely recognized and respected names in the shooting industry, has been chosen as the recipient of the 2010 Cabela Lifetime Business Achievement Award. The presentation was made today during a Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade Show (SHOT) reception at the Treasure Island Hotel in Las Vegas.

The award was received by Dick Hammett, President of Winchester Ammunition and was presented by Ed Small, president of Big Rock Sports, Tommy Millner, president of Cabela’s Inc., and Bud Pidgeon, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance (USSA) president.

“It is one thing to be recognized for high quality products,” said Hammett. “But it is truly an honor to be recognized for our work in protecting conservation. We look forward to continuing this legacy with company’s such as Cabela’s and groups such as the USSA.”

The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance and its Outdoor Business Council created the award in 2006 to honor the Cabela family’s dedication to protecting outdoor sports, including hunting, fishing, and trapping. It is presented to companies that demonstrate the same passion and commitment to protecting America’s outdoor heritage as the Cabelas.

“This is our way of honoring the Cabela family and other leaders such as Winchester in the outdoor business community for their efforts to defend our rights,” said Pidgeon.

Winchester, founded in 1866, is one of the nation’s largest and oldest producers of ammunition. For more than 140 years, the name “Winchester” has come to mean many things to many people. To most folks it’s meant ammunition and the Gun that Won the West. For many others, however, it also rekindles images of fine hand tools and cutlery, fishing tackle and flashlights.

For years Winchester Ammunition has proven a dedicated supporter of conservation. Its support of USSA’s Outdoor Business Council, a coalition of businesses dedicated to protecting outdoor traditions, has made a large impact on hunting and shooting programs from coast to coast. Winchester has also been a key supporter of the Trailblazer Adventure Program, which has introduced over 900,000 youth and their families to outdoor pursuits such as hunting, fishing, trapping and shooting, since its inception in 2001.

Click here to watch a video describing the Cabela Lifetime Business Achievement Award and the history of Winchester Ammunition.

Cabela’s, known as the World’s Foremost Outfitter, has grown and prospered from simple beginnings to become the world’s largest direct marketer, and a leading specialty retailer, of hunting, fishing, camping and related outdoor merchandise.

For more information about Winchester Ammunition, visit www.winchester.com.

The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance is a national association of sportsmen and sportsmen’s organizations that protects the rights of hunters, anglers and trappers in the courts, legislatures, at the ballot, in Congress and through public education programs. For more information about the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance and its work, call (614) 888-4868 or visit its website, www.ussportsmen.org.

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Northern Maine Deer Population Topic of Public Informational Meeting

Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Commissioner Roland “Danny” Martin will conduct a public informational meeting on the northern Maine deer population and other wildlife-related issues on Thursday, Jan. 28, 2010.

The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at the Fort Kent Town Office.

State Sen. Troy Jackson, who asked Commissioner Martin to set up the public informational hearing, will be attending.

IF&W Regional Wildlife Biologist Richard Hoppe and other staff also will attend.

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Bob Romano Will Be Signing Books At Marlboro Fishing Show

Bob Romano, author, outdoor writer and contributing writer to Maine Fishing Today and other Skinny Moose Media online publications, will be attending the Marlboro Mass. Fly-Fishing Show to sign newly released books.

“I’ll be at the Marlboro fly-fishing show all three days – Jan. 15th, 16th and 17th signing my new novel, “North of Easie” and book of essays, “Shadows in the Stream”, both about fly fishing in western Maine. I’ll be at the Angling Bookstore all three days and folks can stop by and say hi, talk about fishing in western Maine.”

So, if you’re planning to attend the show, make sure to stop by and visit Bob and pick up one of his books.

Tom Remington

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Jackman Maine Coyote Tournament

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MidwayUSA Steps Up Support for Elk Foundation

MISSOULA, Mont. – MidwayUSA, a catalog and Internet retailer with “Just About Everything for Shooting, Reloading, Gunsmithing and Hunting,” is stepping up its support for conservation as the newest major sponsor of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation 2010 convention.

The RMEF Elk Camp & Hunting, Fishing and Outdoor Expo is slated for March 4-7, 2010, at the Reno/Sparks Convention Center in Reno, Nev.

The annual event is a primary fundraiser for the RMEF mission to ensure the future of elk, other wildlife and their habitat. MidwayUSA will present the convention’s “Grand Banquet Saturday” on March 6, including the night’s featured performance by country music star Sara Evans.

“Larry Potterfield and the entire staff at MidwayUSA continue to demonstrate a deep commitment to conservation and America’s hunting heritage. We’re very grateful for their partnership,” said Steve Decker, director of field programs for the Elk Foundation.

MidwayUSA also is the presenting sponsor of the RMEF TV show, Elk Chronicles.

“Dad taught me to hunt and fish and I’ve had a lifelong passion for the outdoors since,” said Larry Potterfield, founder and CEO of MidwayUSA. “Brenda and I have been fortunate enough to spend time in elk country and we are excited to do what we can to support the mission of RMEF.”

For more info about MidwayUSA, visit www.midwayusa.com or call 1-800-243-3220.

The RMEF Elk Camp & Hunting, Fishing and Outdoor Expo will feature elk hunting seminars, displays of record elk, kids’ activities, auctions and an exhibit hall filled with art, gear, firearms and outfitted hunting and fishing opportunities. It’s all a showcase for one of the nation’s premier conservation organizations – RMEF recently topped 5.6 million acres of elk habitat conserved or enhanced.

For details, visit www.rmef.org.

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Ft. Hood Soldier’s Dream to Come True, Elk Hunters Vow

MISSOULA, Mont. – U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Patrick Zeigler, shot four times at Fort Hood, Tex., on Nov. 5, dreams of recovering well enough to go elk hunting someday.

That wish has become a welcome command for a battalion of hunters eager to help.

The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, an organization made up primarily of hunters focused on conserving habitat for elk and other wildlife, has adopted Zeigler as one of its own. Members have vowed to make the soldier’s dream come true, as well as support him through the grueling rehab and surgeries that stand between him and his first adventure in elk country.

“When I told Patrick about the offer to go elk hunting, it was one of the few times I’ve seen his eyes light up since he’s been in the hospital. He loves to hunt and fish and be outdoors. He always wanted to hunt elk but never had a chance. Now, that experience is one of the things he’s driving for,” said Zeigler’s father, Pat, a career serviceman now standing vigil by his son’s side.

Zeigler, 28, was wounded when a gunman opened fire inside a crowded processing center at the Texas military base. Thirteen people were killed and more than 30 others wounded before police shot and apprehended the accused shooter. Some of the survivors remain in critical condition, including Zeigler who still has bullets lodged in his head, shoulder and hip. A fourth bullet passed through his forearm. He is paralyzed on his left side and has begun treatment at a facility in Austin, Tex.

A graduate of Florida State University, volunteer fireman in his hometown and husband to be, Zeigler served two combat tours in Iraq. He had just been selected for officer candidate school before finding himself in the wrong place at the wrong time at Fort Hood.

In the days after the shooting, Zeigler told a chaplain of his elk-hunting dream. The chaplain contacted Jim Zumbo, an outdoor writer and former RMEF board member devoted to providing hunting experiences for military heroes. Zumbo, in turn, called RMEF President and CEO David Allen.

“When I heard Patrick’s story, I knew our members would jump at the chance to help this guy. As soon as he’s able to go, we have a donated elk hunt waiting for him,” said Allen. “I’m humbled at the sacrifices that Patrick and his family have made, and pleased that we can offer him something meaningful to help him through a difficult time.”

Allen added, “We are not going to let Patrick and others be forgotten after the news and headlines go away. He deserves better. We want to be a part of his recovery as well as his life.”

RMEF members are offering moral support to Zeigler via Christmas cards, letters, small gifts and donations to a trust fund.

Although RMEF members are communicating directly with the Zeigler family, other supporters can get involved through Operation AC, a group that compiles and ships supplies, cards and letters to soldiers, including families affected by the Fort Hood shooting. Send to Ft. Hood, Injured c/o OPAC, 560 Peoples Plaza #121, Newark, DE 19702. More info at www.operationac.com or frankie@operationac.com.

The Zeigler family has set up a trust fund at a hometown bank. Send to SSG Zeigler, Patrick Trust Account, American National Bank of Texas, 5809 Wesley St., Greenville, TX 75402; (903) 455-7592.

Zeigler’s friends launched a web site, www.healpatrickzeigler.com, for additional info.

Allen has invited Zeigler to the annual RMEF convention in Reno in March, and is hoping the soldier is “well enough to attend and get to know his new elk hunting family.”

Learn more at www.rmef.org.

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December 7, 1941 – Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker, members of the Senate and the House of Representatives:

Yesterday, December 7, 1941 – a date which will live in infamy – the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.

The United States was at peace with that nation, and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with its government and its Emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific.

Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in the American island of Oahu, the Japanese Ambassador to the United States and his colleague delivered to our Secretary of State a formal reply to a recent American message. And, while this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or of armed attack.

It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time the Japanese Government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.

The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian Islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. I regret to tell you that very many American lives have been lost. In addition, American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.

Yesterday the Japanese Government also launched an attack against Malaya.
Last night Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong.
Last night Japanese forces attacked Guam.
Last night Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands.
Last night the Japanese attacked Wake Island.
And this morning the Japanese attacked Midway Island.

Japan has therefore undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday and today speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our nation.

As Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense, that always will our whole nation remember the character of the onslaught against us.

No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people, in their righteous might, will win through to absolute victory.

I believe that I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost but will make it very certain that this form of treachery shall never again endanger us.

Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory and our interests are in grave danger.

With confidence in our armed forces, with the unbounding determination of our people, we will gain the inevitable triumph. So help us God.

I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, December 7, 1941, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire.

Franklin D. Roosevelt – December 8, 1941

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A Celebration Of Rocky Freda’s Life – A Benefit Party For Lisa Freda

*Attention: Note change of date from Dec. 16 to the 17th*

Wednesday, December 17, 2009
6:00 – 10:00 P.M.
At the Matterhorn Ski Bar – Sunday River

Suggested donation at the door:
$10.00 individual adult
$5.00 for children under age 12
RSVP by Friday, December 11
Call 207-824-6836 (Leave message with # of people)

Food, beverage, music; Live and Silent auctions.
Organizers are soliciting help with donations of food, beverages and items for the auctions.

Call Roger at 207-824-6836 or email rb@matterhornskibar.com

You can print out the form at this link, and mail it to the address listed on the form.

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What’s Wrong With This Photo?

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Calling All Screamers: Enter the Super Bowl of Elk Calling

MISSOULA, Mont. ?If you?re a screamer, bugler, grunter or chuckler, you may have what it takes to win the Super Bowl of elk calling, March 4-7, 2010, in Reno, Nev.

Competition is open to the public in the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation/Leupold 2010 World Elk Calling Championships. The event will be held as part of the annual RMEF Elk Camp & Hunting, Fishing and Outdoor Expo at the Reno/Sparks Convention Center.

Featured in recent years by The New York Times and CBS Sunday Morning, the competition will return to Reno following a 2009 stint in Fort Worth, Texas.

?We?re searching for the world?s best elk callers and we think Reno may be the place to find them,? said Beth Shipley, RMEF special events director, who has been involved with the World Elk Calling Championships for 15 years. ?No experience is necessary to enter and compete in the prelims, although many serious callers have already qualified for the finals by competing in regional competitions held around the country over the past several months. So, if you?re thinking of entering, start practicing now!?

An RMEF video featuring the natural elk sounds that competitors will be asked to mimic is at www.rmef.org/NewsandMedia/Videos/BullElkSounds.htm.

Competitors must be registered by 5:00 p.m. on Thurs., March 4. Registration forms and rules are available at www.rmef.org.

Entry fees are $10 for Pee Wee (age 10 and under) and Youth (age 11-17) divisions, $35 for Natural Voice (no calling devices allowed), Women?s and Men?s, and $100 for Professional (sponsored competitors). Entry fees also provide contest participants with admission to the expo.

Cash and prizes will be awarded for first- through third-place in all six divisions.

Preliminary rounds of competition begin Fri., March 6, at 9:00 a.m. Finals begin Sat., March 7, at 9:00 a.m., followed by awards and crowning of 2010 world champions.

Judges include naturalists, hunters and former elk calling champions.

A just-for-fun team competition also will be held. Up to three callers can work together in a comedy skit simulating interactions between bulls, cows and calves. Winners are chosen by the audience. There is no registration fee for the team event.

Spectator seating for the elk calling championships is included with daily admission to the expo: $12 per person or $25 per family, and free for kids 5 and under.

Along with the RMEF/Leupold 2010 World Elk Calling Championships, the expo will fill the Reno/Sparks Convention Center with elk hunting seminars, displays of record elk, kids? activities, auctions and an exhibit hall filled with art, gear, firearms and outfitted hunting and fishing opportunities. It?s all a showcase and fundraiser for one of the nation?s premier conservation organizations. The Elk Foundation recently topped 5.6 million acres of elk habitat conserved or enhanced.

Show hours: Thurs., March 4, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Fri., March 5, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Sat., March 6, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; and Sun., March 7, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:
Snowy peaks, dark timber basins and grassy meadows. RMEF is leading an elk country initiative that has conserved or enhanced habitat on over 5.6 million acres?a land area equivalent to a swath three miles wide and stretching along the entire Continental Divide from Canada to Mexico. RMEF also works to open, secure and improve public access for hunting, fishing and other recreation. Get involved at www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.

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