A federal judge in San Diego has dismissed the publicity stunt, er, lawsuit filed by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), claiming orca whales at SeaWorld are deprived of their rights under the U.S. Constitution. "As 'slavery' and 'involuntary servitude' are uniquely human activities, as those terms have been historically and contemporaneously applied, there is simply no basis to construe the Thirteenth Amendment as applying to non-humans," U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Miller wrote in his ruling. AP.
February 09, 2012
Ft. Snelling Rifle Squad will keep its 1903 Springfields
The U.S. Army has reversed an earlier directive and the Fort Snelling Memorial Rifle Squad will keep its favored 1903 Springfield bolt-action rifles it uses for military burials, instead of replacing them with M-1 Garands. "(Springfields) sound the best," said squad member Bill Nelson. "M-1s, they have a mellower sound. And we think it's really a nice tribute to our veterans that we are having the honors for that they go out in style and class." AP.
Illinois DNR pulls plug on its monthly magazine
Outdoor Illinois, the monthly publication of the state Department of Natural Resources with a circulation of 26,000, will print its final issue in March, a victim of budgetary cuts. "Sad news to share with Outdoor Illinois readers today," reads a post on the magazine's Facebook page. "As most of you are aware, declining revenues and massive budget shortfalls have had a deep impact on state operations." Springfield Journal- Register.
Idaho right-to-hunt amendment goes to Senate
A measure that would permit Idaho voters to decide on a Consititutional Amendment to protect hunting, fishing and trapping for future generatons has passed committee and heads to the full Senate for approval. Twin Falls Times-News.
Boston suburbanites besieged by coyotes
In the Boston suburbs, where coyote sightings and attacks on pets are on the upswing, residents are urging town officials to take steps to control the population. Last month in Haverhill, a coyote bit a 9-year-old girl, and last week in Wellesley, coyotes attacked two dogs in separate events, killing one just outside its owner’s house. Boston Globe.
Bold Boulder coyotes shot after jogger is bitten
Open Space rangers in Boulder, Colo. killed two aggreesive coyotes on Sunday after one jogger was bitten and anonther animal showed no fear of humans. "Historically, coyotes were shot at," said Jennifer Churchill, a spokeswoman for Colorado Parks and Wildlife. "Now people don't scare them off, and we're creating really nice habitat for them through irrigation. We're making them too comfortable." Boulder Daily Camera.
February 08, 2012
Georgia Southern U to build elite shooting ed center
With the aid of a $3.3 million grant obtained by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Georgia Southern University, located in Stateboro, announced this week plans to construct an elite, state-of-the-art archery and indoor shooting range facility, scheduled to open in September 2013.
SD lawmakers consider open season on muskrats
A measure to permit South Dakotans to shoot and kill problematic muskrats has garnered support from the Aberdeen News editorial department, but is being opposed by the state Game, Fish and Parks Department and the South Dakota Trappers Association.
February 07, 2012
Court rules Sequoia horse trips violate Wilderness Act
A federal court in California recently took up the case of the use of stock animals in wilderness areas of Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks, and agreed with the High Sierra Hiker's Association that the National Park Service violated The Wilderness Act by failing to study the necessity of commercial pack trips in the parks. National Parks Traveler.
Big Bend mountain lion attacks 6-year-old
A 6-year-old boy sustained non life-threatening injuries including scrapes and puncture wounds to his face when attacked by a mountain lion while hiking in Big Bend National Park with his family Sunday. "We're lucky he's walking away with scars and it didn't get him by the neck," said the boy's father, Jason Hobbs. Houston Chronicle and CBS News.
Repeal of Virginia's one-gun-a-month law goes to Governor
In what is being called one of the most significant changes in Virginia's gun laws in 20 years, the state Senate on Monday voted 21-19 to allow the purchase of more than one handgun a month. The measure to repeal the one-gun-a-month law now heads to Gov. Bob McDonnell, who has indicated he would sign it. Richmond Times-Dispatch.
February 06, 2012
Whale blubbering PETA has its day in court
Hearing arguments in a case filed by the animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) in San Diego Monday, U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Miller seemed unpursuaded that SeaWorld's orca whales are held as slaves and their confinement violates the U.S. Constitution. "There are boundaries to legitimate constitutional debate," said SeaWorld lawyer Theodore Shaw. "And PETA's complaint has crossed those boundaries." Judge Miller said a ruling would be forthcoming. UT San Diego.
Bear swipes pillows, bedding for den beneath cabin
While checking their seasonal cabin on Montana's Gerogetown Lake, owner Judy Wing's family first thought the place had been burglarized when they found items missing from a bedroom. When they investigated a pillow stuffed into the cabin's crawlspace, they discovered a 200-pound black bear had settled in for the winter, finding comfort among the sheets and pillows. "So far, the bear is ahead in this game," said Wing. Montana Standard.
Bar on ice serves thirsty Minnesota anglers
Two important Minnesota winter traditions—drinking and fishing—can be found at a new establishment dong a brisk business since opening last month on Lake Lida. "People are usually wall-to-wall on the weekends," said Chris Haugen, co-owner of The Ice Hole bar. Would you like a shot with that yellow perch? Minnesota Public Radio and KSAX.
Sen. Manchin to NPS: Hunting must be protected
Joe Manchin, former governor and current U.S. Senator from West Virginia, said Friday he will refuse to support the proposed High Allegheny National Park if it eliminates hunting opportunies for constituents. Manchin said he wants the National Park Service to guarantee in writing that hunting, fishing, and trapping will continue in all parts of the Park Service unit should any of the land being studied qualify for NPS designation. WV Outdoor News.
February 05, 2012
FWS: Wolves not coming to Colorado refuges
Following a mini uproar when the concept of using wolves to control elk in three Colorado National Wildlife Refuges received a one-sentence mention in its 13-page document reviewing public comments on a proposed management plan, the U.S. Fish and Wildllfe Service has laid the idea to rest. "The service in fact has no plans and no intent to reintroduce wolves in the Valley," wrote Steve Guertin, FWS regional director, in a Friday email. Pueblo Chieftain.
February 03, 2012
Fracking hypocrites? Sierra Club took $26M from natural gas
The Sierra Club has admitted accepting $26 million from one of the country's largest natural gas companies from 2007 to 2010, while it was ratcheting up efforts to put coal companies out of business. Michael Brune, who became executive director in 2010, said this week the group's earlier stance on natural gas has been reversed because of concerns about hydraulic fracturing, or fracking. Politico.
Zero tolerance exemption sought for WV school's 'Patriot'
Companion measures introduced in the West Virginia House and Senate this year seek to grant an exemption to the state's "Safe Schools Act" to permit Parkersburg South High School's "Patriot" mascot the right to bear arms at sporting and other school-related events in the state. An historic, muzzleloading firearm has carried by the school's mascot for 45 years. Charleston Daily Mail and Parkersburg News and Sentinel.
Sunday hunting bills pulled in Virginia House
Measures before the Virginia House of Delegates to permit Sunday hunting on private land were pulled before committee hearings this week, after supporters questioned if the bills had any chance of passage in the legislative body. However, SB464, a Sunday hunting bill that passed the Senate in January, will soon move to the House for action. Still, supporters are not optimistic. Lee Tolliver in the Virginian-Pilot.
Quick action by game wardens may have saved hunters
The arrest of a suspected arsonist and the quick action of California Department of Fish and Game wardens may have saved the lives of waterfowl hunters at Imperial County's Wister Wildlife Area on Saturday. Wardens detained Jacob Thogmartin, 26, just as a grass fire erupted behind him, subsequently evacuating hunters who were in the path of the fire that consumed about 650 acres. Ramona Sentinel and Pete Thomas Outdoors.
Dispute over TV host's tapes, debt heads to court
A dispute over the ownership of debt and videotapes left by the late Michigan Outdoors TV show host Fred Trost is headed to U.S. District Court in Grand Rapids, where his widow, Sherry Trost, has filed a federal lawsuit against his son Zachary Trost, and his wife. In 1992, Trost was on the losing end of a $4 million defamation judgment involving a Michigan-based deer scent company. Grand Rapids Press, with a hat tip to Glen at Thinking Afield.
February 02, 2012
Indiana Senate President snubs preserve hunting bill
After passing the Indiana House of Representatives earlier this week, a bill that would legitimize existing fenced hunting preserves and set guidelines for the practice has been declared officially "dead" by Senate President Pro-Tem David Long, who said he will not let the bill move out of committee for further action. Ft. Wayne Jopurnal-Gazette.
UT gridiron competitor hounded by torn ACL
After a dismal collegiate football season, it's not unusual for a team with a losing record to be pretty banged-up by the time January arrives. For the 5-7 University of Tennessee Volunteers, even its mascot, Smokey the bluetick coonhound, struggled though the final games with a knee injury. And last week, Smokey underwent post-season surgery to repair a partially torn anterior cruciate ligament at UT Veterinary Medical Center.
