Hunting

MA hunting contest ban is latest “societal” quagmire — Furbearer Conservation

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Popularity Contest: MA hunting contest ban is latest “societal” quagmire — Furbearer Conservation

On the surface, the ban seems like a step forward; removing the competitive nature of “sport hunting” (quotes intended), changing harvest reporting requirements for fox and coyote, and even featuring a wanton waste clause - because what ethical hunter is going to argue with a wanton waste rule, right?

I’m not so quick to give a tip of the hat. In fact, MassWildlife gets the slow clap for what seems like yet another politically-charged knee-jerk reaction to hollow virtue signaling.

But hold off on lighting those torches and burning me at the stake like some devilish fur-harvesting heathen. You may be asking, how can one promote conservation, regulated management, AND poo poo MassWildlife’s decision to give up their rook in today’s “conservation versus preservation” chess match with a hunting contest ban?

Coywolves are Taking Over Eastern North America | Smart News | Smithsonian Magazine

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Coywolves are Taking Over Eastern North America | Smart News | Smithsonian Magazine

The hybrid, or Canis latrans var., is about 55 pounds heavier than pure coyotes, with longer legs, a larger jaw, smaller ears and a bushier tail. It is part eastern wolf, part wester wolf, western coyote and with some dog (large breeds like Doberman Pinschers and German Shepherds), reports The Economist. Coywolves today are on average a quarter wolf and a tenth dog.

Texas is Losing the Fight Against Feral Hogs – The Truth About Guns

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More Hunters Wanted: Texas is Losing the Fight Against Feral Hogs – The Truth About Guns

Even though hunters and trappers are killing approximately 30 percent of the hog population in Texas annually, hog numbers are still growing by about 20 percent each year. Biologists and wildlife managers estimate that 70 percent of the hogs in the state will have to be killed annually just to maintain current population levels and even more must be taken to actually reduce their numbers.

You read that right: 7 out of every 10 hogs in the state must be killed just to keep their numbers where they are now.

So why are wild hog populations experiencing such explosive growth in this portion of the United States?

The main reason is that hogs breed almost as fast as rabbits. They become sexually mature before they are a year old and can produce as many as three litters of 6 to 8 piglets every year.

Another reason they are difficult to control is because feral pigs are very intelligent and resilient animals. They quickly respond to hunting and trapping pressure by changing their habits or just leaving the area for greener pastures when things get too hot.

Since they are known to roam over extremely long distances in search of food, this makes long-term hog control measures difficult and complicated.

America’s Wildlife Values Research TeamColorado State University – Fish and Wildlife Agency Culture Survey Data for NYS Division of Fish and Wildlife

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America’s Wildlife Values Research TeamColorado State University – Fish and Wildlife Agency Culture Survey Data for NYS Division of Fish and Wildlife

 

As part of the America’s Wildlife Values Project, NYS Division of Fish and Wildlife participated in a survey of agency culture that measured employees’ perspectives on fish and wildlife management and the culture of your agency.