Conservation: Fish, Wildlife and the Environment

Dumping in the Great Lakes

2006-12-01T03:27:00.000-08:00

Considering the awareness of conservation we supposedly have in the U.S., it is shocking to hear that we still participate in such barbarian acts as dumping masses of our waste into one of our greatest natural wonders: the Great Lakes.

The overflow of sewage ends up in drinking supplies and shuts down beaches because of risk of bacterial contamination.

How disgusting is that?

Not only does this ruin the water for humans, but it ruins the habitats of many fish and animals that thrive in and around the Great Lakes.

The problem seems to be stemming from outdated sewage systems in many of the old northern cities. Maybe it is time for the government to start putting money back into the environment by updating these sewage systems.

Plus, why wasn’t this done long ago?

Exotic hunting in Florida

2006-11-28T00:48:00.000-08:00

Feeling a little left out this hunting season after hearing from my friends and family in the Midwest talking about the deer they harvested, I decided to look into hunting something I have never hunted before.

Florida is typically known as “the fishing capital of the world,” but it seems to hold its own in the hunting community as well.

A simple Google search will return a number of outfitters and guides that can take you to animals found only in foreign countries.

Now of course you can hunt a multitude of domestic game as well, but being able to hunt African game right here in the states is a awesome opportunity.

If you’re looking to hunt something different, keep Florida on your list of hunting destinations. Right now I can’t afford to hunt African game, but I am making plans to go on a hog hunt in the spring.

Donate excess deer meat

2006-11-20T16:56:00.000-08:00

If you’re a hunter and you don’t like the taste of deer meat or just don’t want the meat consuming your entire freezer, meat donation programs, such as Hunters Sharing the Harvest, are an excellent way to provide deer meat to the hungry.

A number of states, including Missouri and Pennsylvania, often times are overpopulated with deer, allowing hunters to harvest multiple deer.

I remember years where I purchased as many as four tags for one season in Missouri. Unfortunately for me, I didn’t kill a single deer that season.

Deer meat is nutritious and depending on your taste buds, it’s also delicious. So if you are lucky enough to shoot more than one deer, consider donating.

Many states offer these programs, and if you are interested in donating you should contact your local conservation department or ask your butcher about donating.

Homosexual animals?

2006-11-16T20:44:00.000-08:00

Does anyone actually believe that homosexuality exists outside of human society?

Ok, ok so maybe that was a rhetorical question. Maybe a better one would be: How in the world is money being spent on studying homosexuality throughout the animal kingdom?

Obviously someone buys into it considering the University of Oslo’s Natural History Museum opened a whole exhibit, called “Against Nature?” on the subject.

I’m guessing some scientists are just running out of good ideas, so they must have resorted to oddity to gain interest and the almighty grant money.

How can anyone suggest that animals have any concept of sexuality or sexual pleasure?

I’ve seen my male beagle get humped by other male dogs, and I have seen him sniff other male dog’s genitals. Does that make him a homosexual? These notions of animal homosexuality just seem plain ridiculous. And I can’t believe anyone buys into it.

Norway kills whales too

2006-11-14T02:14:00.000-08:00

A couple of weeks ago I wrote about Iceland resuming the killing of whales in the waters surrounding their country.

I, being obviously uninformed, thought this was something new and bizarre. But it looks as though I was wrong.

Norway has actually been hunting minke whales since 1993. People are worked up over Iceland killing a few whales, while the whale hunters in Norway are upset because they were only able to harvest 546.

Now I’m sure some of the explanation can be found in the types of whales that are being hunted, fin whales versus minke whales. But doesn’t it seem strange that Iceland is portrayed and uncouth and barbaric when really whale hunting has been going on all this time?

I don’t know the answers to the whale hunting issue. I’m not a scientist, and I don’t know the true number of whales. But maybe we need to open our eyes before we jump to conclusions on this whale hunting issue. Because frankly, unless someone is willing to start a war over it, I don’t think these countries are going to stop.

Hunting season set to open

2006-11-10T07:22:00.000-08:00

With today being the last day until gun season opens in many areas, hunters across the nation will be preparing for the hunt.

Unfortunately, I still have not found a way to hunt in Florida that doesn't cost a fair amount of money. But in reality that is probably a good thing.

Wildlife management areas, such as the ones in Florida, are an excellent way to give people a chance to hunt, even if they don't own property to hunt on.

However, being a poor college student I can't afford to put any money up to hunt or fish, so I only do what I can do on the cheap.

But if you are hunting tomorrow, remember to only use unscented soaps and wash your hunting clothes with a detergent that is odor free.

Scent can mean the difference between a quick productive season, or a long unproductive one.

Fishing Blues

2006-11-06T17:59:00.000-08:00

As I gaze at my fishing poles in the corner and my tackle box collecting dust, I am already longing for spring fishing.

Sure I live in Florida, the fishing capital of the world, where the weather usually stays decent enough to fish all year, and don’t forget our friends up north who seem to love the cooler weather for walleye, trout and salmon. But to me, nothing seems to compare to the rush of spring and summer fishing.

So what should we out-of-work fishermen do in our down time? Well I suppose we could catch up on all those chores that got put off because of those weekend-long fishing trips, or we could do something productive like learning how to be a better angler for the spring.

During the summer the tackle shops are packed with people, and an angler can be hard pressed to find time to fully research fish species and new fishing locations. Take this time to talk with local experts, rent videos and do online research about fish species and fishing structure.

And don’t forget to give the tools of the trade some attention, so they work when you pick them up in the spring.

Firearm Safety

2006-11-02T20:03:00.000-08:00

With the general gun season getting ready to open in areas across the Midwest and South, it’s time to discuss some important safety tips regarding firearms.

Hunters need to take the time to mentally prepare themselves to handle a firearm in the woods.

First, don’t load your firearm until you’re ready to hunt. Leave the gun unloaded while in the car, climbing into a tree stand or walking through dense woods.

Second, always be aware of your surroundings. Typically, there are many more hunters in the woods during gun season. You should always know of any other hunters in the area, and be mindful of them before you fire.

Third, calm yourself. I missed the biggest buck I have ever seen because I didn’t take the time to take a deep breath before firing. A calm, well-placed shot will save you embarrassment and guarantee a quick kill.

Finally, and this should go without saying, wear your hunting orange.

Saving the planet is that easy?

2006-10-30T17:49:00.000-08:00

Thank God I live in the U.S.

The top article on Google News the last time I looked was this rant by a European about 10 steps to save the planet. The headline sounded like something right out of any of the various health and glamour magazines that swarm around the front of supermarkets.

Only I think the articles in “Make Me Look Sexy Weekly” would make more sense.

What I fail to understand is why some people write the sorts of things they know are impossible in the real world. For instance, the articled called for a ban on “the sale of incandescent light bulbs, patio heaters, garden floodlights and other wasteful and unnecessary technologies.”

It went on to say something about needing to “redeploy” money used for nuclear missiles to energy production and distribution.

I’m not saying that these are horrible or evil, just unreasonable. Maybe our friends across the Atlantic need to take some time to hone their talents, and come up with some ideas we can get behind.

WWF a bit overzealous

2006-10-26T23:04:00.000-07:00

Could someone put some tape over the World Wildlife Fund’s big mouth?

I hate to cut the WWF down, and anyone who has read my previous posts would know that I typically value the WWF’s opinion. But I think enough is enough.

According to the WWF if we do not reform our wasteful ways, by 2050 we’ll need two mother earths to provide enough resources to satisfy the rate of consumption.

Although they may be partially right and they have some paperwork to back up their theories, I think they’re jumping to some strong conclusions with their predictions.

Considering we haven’t even discovered all of the earth’s natural resources, how can the WWF say so definitively that the earth will run out by 2050 or 3050 for that matter?

I understand the WWF means well and wants to keep people mindful so that they can practice good conservation, but give me a break. I think they use these sensational topics just to facilitate some sort of mass panic among strict conservationists.

Iceland kills whale

2006-10-23T19:07:00.000-07:00

After passing a fake resolution with Japan and Norway at an International Whaling Commission meeting, Iceland made a shocking move by allowing fisherman to kill a fin whale.

Iceland is planning on allowing eight more fin whales to be killed.

The killing comes as a shock to conservationist around the world, considering the fin whale is still on the International Conservation Union’s “red list.” It is also in direct violation of a worldwide moratorium that came into force in 1985 that bans the killing of whales.

Honestly I couldn’t believe my eyes when I read the headline. But apparently Iceland believes the fin whale population has grown large enough in the waters surrounding Iceland to begin harvesting the whales.

So what should the rest of the world do, fine them? Pull a U.N. move and sanction them?

Before we condemn Iceland, maybe we should consider the possibility that they could be right.

We need to realize that this part of their heritage and seek to find the truth about the whale numbers before we pass our judgment and enforce our justice on them.

U.S. stays off contamination list

2006-10-20T02:58:00.000-07:00

A recent list of the top 10 most polluted places on Earth failed to name any U.S. cities.

So maybe we’re not that bad after all. Blacksmith Institute credited the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act and Superfund law with keeping U.S. cities off the list.

Blacksmith Director Richard Fuller said Pittsburgh would most likely have made the list 20 to 30 years ago.

Norilsk, Russia and Kabwe, Zambia made the list as two of the most polluted places. Contamination in those areas stems from heavy metals such as copper, nickel and lead.

The Blacksmith Institute wants to make a point about how many people, especially children, are dieing from the high contamination levels.

Don’t forget it wasn’t so long ago that the U.S. had vast contamination problems in the meat processing and steel plants.

I think we can all be a little more thankful now for the technology and environmentally conscious people we have in this country. Although the environmental preaching gets a little old sometimes, lists like this prove why we need the policies and laws that have made our cities clean.

Midwest: Home of Big Bucks

2006-10-16T17:00:00.000-07:00

With archery season for whitetail deer well under way, the Midwest keeps to its reputation for holding big bucks.

Ohio in particular has attracted attention over the past few years, and this year Ohio hunter Jonathon Schmucker killed a trophy buck on opening day of archery season in Adams County.

Why does the Midwest harbor so many big bucks?

Well, the Midwest contains prime habitats for not only strong buck populations but also for trophy bucks.

The deer thrive on the vast farmlands and rolling hills because of the food provided by the vast vegetation and crops typical of the Midwest. The minerals found in the water and soil provide for larger bucks with massive antlers.

Whitetails also thrive because of the dense woods and other facets of the habitat that provide for proper shelter and protection.

If you’re looking for a trophy whitetail and your hunting spot just isn’t cutting it, look to outfitters in the Midwest to guide you to that monster whitetail.

Think you have a trophy?

Do Your Fishing Homework

2006-10-12T22:52:00.000-07:00

Checking a fishing report can mean the difference between a great time or a waste of time and money.

I’m making a trip to Tampa this weekend, and I’m planning on waking up early on Saturday for a great day of fishing – hopefully.

But you can often take the “hopefully” out of your fishing plans by checking the fishing reports for the area you’re area. I’m keeping the hopefully for now because the reports show the fishing to be a bit spotty in the Tampa area.

Anglers in Florida widely use the Chevy Florida Fishing Report for information on the hot spots around the state. Florida anglers can also access the “Fishing 4cast” provided by the Florida Sportsman.

Also, don’t forget to ask around at a local bait shop. You should look for a friendly, well-informed employee or owner that you can bounce questions off of before making that trip.

Always check around, even professionals need a little help. And remember, a poorly informed fisherman just throws money into a giant piggy bank known as the fishing hole.

Amazon FOR SALE?

2006-10-09T18:19:00.000-07:00

In a ploy to save the Amazon rain forest, Frank Field, a former British government official, and Johan Eliasch, a millionaire businessman, are attempting to sell chunks of the Amazon basin to the public.

Field dreamed up the idea called Cool Earth after reading an article about Eliasch buying property in the Amazon rain forest.

Although this seems like a giant step for conservation, I believe it to be nothing more than a publicity stunt.

Don’t expect to log on and buy part of the Amazon like you would log on eBay and buy a fishing lure. The logging companies that use the Amazon aren’t likely to just roll over and sell their livelihoods.

We should appreciate the thought for the protection of wildlife and the environment, but I don’t think the mass selling of the Amazon rain forest is the answer. Unless Cool Earth plans on making some sort of binding contract with its clients, they can’t control what the buyers do with the land anyway. For all we know the buyers will sell the land to other loggers for a profit.

Considering the multitude of environmental concerns, we need more realistic conservation efforts.

Be Wary of Chronic Wasting Disease

2006-10-05T20:58:00.000-07:00

Recent developments concerning chronic wasting disease in deer suggest that the disease may be spread through saliva.

Although there is no documentation showing that CWD can be spread to humans, hunters need to take precaution when handling a deer that appears infected.

What to look for:

Deer that stand or walk abnormally.
Deer that drool excessively.
Deer that appear overly thin.

If you do handle a deer that appears infected, use protective gloves and wash thoroughly anything that touches the deer.

The World Health Organization recommends not consuming any part of an animal that appears infected.

But if you do decide to consume the meat, remove the meat from the bone, and advise your meat processor that the deer may be infected. Never consume any of the vital organs or any part of the nervous system.

If you see an animal in the woods this fall that appears infected, notify your local conservation agent.

Man's Best Friend

2006-10-02T17:38:00.000-07:00

When picking a hunting dog, shopping can make all the difference.

First, consider what types of game you are going to be hunting. If you hunt only one type of game then the choice should be reasonably simple (i.e., a bird hunter buys a lab). But when hunting multiple types of game seek a versatile dog. Many times a small breed can be excellent in hunting multiple species.

Second, don’t take the owners word that the pup will grow to be a good hunting companion. Ask to see the parents, and research the breed so that you are able to recognize flaws common with a given breed. Look to buy a pup that comes from a line of hunting dogs.

Third, try to buy a pup that is 8-10 weeks old. The earlier you begin training your pup the better. Loyalty is essential with hunting dogs, so it is important to establish an early, strong bond.

Finally, have patience. If you take the time to find the right dog, you will be rewarded with a great companion.

Commerical Fishing

2006-09-28T20:34:00.000-07:00

If I was a fish in the eastern part of the Atlantic Ocean, I think I would start swimming west.

The World Wildlife Fund is encouraging European governments to take action against wasteful fishing by commercial fishermen in the waters around Europe.

The WWF’s report said that nearly a third of Atlantic bluefin tuna catches come from illegal fishing, often by EU fleets.

I think Europe needs to take a lesson from the U.S. on this one. While Europe is destroying their diverse fish population and committing numerous ecological sins, we have states like California that are doing more to protect fish habitats, even if it makes commercial fishermen’s jobs a little harder.

In recent years aquaculture has become a solution to the commercial fishing problem. Aquaculture provides fresh, delicious seafood without taking the fish from their habitat. Using controlled farming methods, aquaculture is providing a wonderful alternative to commercial fishing and keeping more sport fish in the water.

Deer Hunting Season

2006-09-25T18:49:00.000-07:00

It’s once again reached that time that many sportsmen wait all year for: deer hunting season.

Unfortunately, deer season can spell frustration or disaster for landowners and hunters.
Trespassers and unsafe hunters cause numerous accidents each year, not to mention the lowest of the low -- deer poachers.

I’m originally from Missouri where deer season is basically a holiday. However, I’ve heard various stories of poaching that will make any responsible hunter furious. I’ve also encountered trespassers on several occasions, which can really make you wonder about your safety in the woods.

The problem is most hunting is done on private property so there is rarely a chance for conservation officers to monitor poaching and trespassing. That means it’s up to the rest of us to look out for not only our safety, but for the well being of landowners and the deer.

However, if you have never hunted deer and are considering it, don’t let this scare you. Deer hunting can be a great opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. But I do encourage you to look at a number of resources to learn about deer and their habits. Also, make sure that you comply with your state’s hunting laws. Most state government Web sites provide all the information you need to comply with hunting laws.

Global Warming, What's All The Hype?

2006-09-22T05:57:00.000-07:00

If I see one more global warming article I think I’m going to be sick.

When I read the articles, I find myself asking if the topic of global warming is becoming far too politicized and commercialized.

I recently came across a couple of articles that led me to feel this way. One article discussed how “British business mogul Richard Branson…pledged to invest nearly $3 billion over the next decade to combat global warming and promote alternative energy.”

Another article was about California suing major automobile makers, including General Motors Corp. and Ford Motor Co., over damages caused by greenhouse gases emitted by automobiles. They are claiming the gases have affected the health of Californians and the environment.

But not everyone is so quick to jump on the bandwagon. There are people out there that still disagree with the arguments surrounding global warming and its effects. Some argue that the media are simply sensationalizing the subject and not looking at global warming from a scientific point of view.

I don’t think we can deny that global warming is occurring, but I do agree that the subject is sensationalized. But we do need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and seek reasonable ways to reduce global warming.

Exciting Finds In The South Pacific

2006-09-18T22:11:00.000-07:00

The findings of new fish, shrimp and coral species in the South Pacific off the coast of New Guinea are truly exciting, but who is going to preserve this wonder of biodiversity?

MSNBC.com ran an online article Monday about the findings. The article offers some amazing videos of a couple of the newly discovered species.

It is sometimes strange to think that after all the advances in technology that there are still uncovered mysteries.

Two of the new fish found are a part of a shark family known for occasionally using their front fins to crawl across the ocean floor.

The area also contains more coral species than the Great Barrier Reef, which is significantly larger than this area off of New Guinea.

The article addresses the risk to the marine life in the area because of people fishing with cyanide and dynamite, not to mention commercial fishing and poor water quality “from mining and logging in Papua province.”

It’s a shame that ground-breaking discoveries like these have to be over shadowed by people who seem to look at profit before conservation, as if their wallet matters more than the vast knowledge we can gain from studying these creatures.

Fortunately for the world, the Indonesian government, which controls the Papua province, is responding to the finds and will most likely expand its protection over this area, according to the article.

Endangered Species: Bengal Tigers

2006-09-14T21:00:00.000-07:00

I wrote an article over the summer about two Bengal tigers owned by Carl Bovard. I was lucky enough to develop a bit of a friendship with him and his tigers: Bali and Amira.

Carl takes the big cats to schools and various events to educate people about endangered species, while offering a unique chance to see tigers outside of a zoo. If you happen to be in St. Augustine, Fla. this weekend, Carl will be doing photographs with the tigers outside of Wing gift shop.

Bali and Amira are sisters. Carl adopted them because Bail has an eye condition that makes her unable to be adopted by a zoo. Not wanting the two tigers to be separated he adopted them both.

Seeing the tigers first hand certainly puts the endangered species issue right in your lap. Children typically respond well to helping endangered species, and it’s time we all share their enthusiasm to protect endangered species before they are extinct.

For instance, tiger habitats are diminishing and without help tigers will continue to fight for their existence, and they may eventually lose.

For more information on the tigers and Single Vision, visit his Web site.

2006-09-11T15:07:00.000-07:00

For my first post I would like to discuss a topic that makes my blood pressure rise and is always worth discussing when considering conservation: poaching.

I want to look specifically at the poaching of fish. Unfortunately, the poaching of fish occurs all year long in Florida, where I live.

I fish at least once a month from the piers near Tampa Bay. I’m what you might call “addicted” to fishing. And when you fish as often as I do, you are bound to see poaching of some sort. I don’t know how many times I have been fishing on a Saturday morning and seen people walking off with sheepshead, spanish mackerel and mangrove snapper that are well under the legal limit.

Although I don’t typically fish for grouper, I have heard many disturbing stories about people who keep undersized fish or keep more than their limit. The St. Petersburg Times published an article online at the beginning of August that discussed the poaching of grouper by hired captains.

But of course the poaching isn’t bound to Florida waters. PhysOrg.com ran a story from The Associated Press about the re-emergence of sturgeon in the Great Lakes. The article addresses how pollution and poaching are a threat to the small sturgeon population. But once again because sturgeon are a desirable fish like grouper, many people ignore what is best for the environment and selfishly take fish that should be released.

Poaching is destroying our fish population. If you don’t know the regulations, check them before hitting the water.