Alex Cazmay, 9 years old, was playing with her friend Kelly Igoe. Kelly was riding her scooter and when she looked back, saw what she believed was a dog - then realized it was a coyote, and was right by Alex. The animal seemed to come out of nowhere, but was intent on Alex.
Then the animal started biting Alex."It bit me in the butt, then it bit me in the arm and then it bit me (on the hand) and then I had the sense to run inside,” Alex recalled with a half-laugh.
In 2010 Montana adopted a Bighorn Sheep Conservation Strategy. The plan was to transplant bighorn sheep herds, hoping to increase the economy that comes with hunting and animal viewing. The sheep conservation was set to create five sustainable herds throughout the state, and also to help existing herds grow. After research Montana FWP biologists created a list that they brought to commissioners in the Spring of 2011 for some areas that would be most suitable for bighorn sheep herds.
Last year the California Department of Fish and Game offered two random drawings for a deer license, and an elk license. Offering licenses by raffle brought in over $130,000 for the Department and for conservation. This year they are raffling four random drawing chances to win a big game license. This year along with the deer and elk, there is a desert bighorn sheep and pronghorn antelope tag.
Kansas' Secretary of State Kris Kobach is trying to pass a bill that would enable the governor to distribute 12 big-game licenses. These licenses currently go to each commissioner for the Department of Wildlife, where in turn the commissioner usually gives it to a conservation group to auction off. The licenses are special licenses allowing the hunter to hunt either sex deer, whitetail or mule, statewide and in any season.
The Alaska Board of Game has passed two proposals to begin predator control. One of these measures will allow the aerial hunting of wolves on the Kenai Peninsula. By allowing the aerial hunts the board is hoping that less predators will help the moose population recover and grow.
North Carolina hunter Sonny Elam was in Georgia for some deer hunting. On January 12th he was dropped off, and walked a mile into the woods, then climbed up into his tree stand and waited for a deer. Elam had told his ride not to return for him, he was going to wait it out for that deer until dark.
For its inaugural Sandhill Crane season Kentucky had high expectations, a quota of 400 birds. A number they fell far short of, 50 cranes were killed during the 30 day season. This may be an indication that the birds are actually more difficult to hunt than expected.
Carl Lackey is a biologist with the Nevada Department of Wildlife, his specialty; black bears. He has seen a lot and his input is important to the Division of Wildlife when setting the season. This past year Nevada had a black bear season despite criticism. 2012 is set to have a season as well, but with some changes, brought on by residents and hunters.
