The Outdoor Pressroom

Supreme Court to hear Chicago handgun case

The U.S. Supreme Court today announced it will hear the case brought by the NRA and others challenging the city of Chicago's long-running ban on individual handgun ownership. At issue is whether the constitutional right to bear arms also applies to states and cities. A ruling is expected by summer 2010. The LA Times.

Fish fry: Woman eats ex's goldfish in jewelry spat

Just call it the Outdoor Pressroom Catch o' the Day. Police in Pasadena, Texas say a woman who was angry that her former common-law husband took back jewelry he'd given her swiped his seven goldfish in retaliation. When authorities arrived at the woman's apartment, she'd fried them all and had already consumed three. The Houston Chronicle.

Agreement reached to remove 4 Klamath dams

In what is being touted as the world's largest dam-removal project, a tentative agreement was reached Tuesday between 28 parties to remove four mid-sized dams on the Klamath River in an effort to restore a 300-mile migratory route for California's beleaguered salmon. The San Francisco Chronicle.

Idaho wolf count at 15, new zones to open this week

With 15 wolves taken by hunters during the first month of Idaho's season, the number could increase significantly as the remaining eight of 12 wolf zones open Thursday. "I don't see 220 coming really soon," said Ed Mitchell, spokesman for Idaho Fish and Game. "But it will be interesting to see what happens when the other big game hunts open." The Idaho Mtn Express.

Buck crashes into hair salon, without appointment

A young whitetail buck crashed through the front window of an upscale Philadelphia-area spa and hair salon Monday, scattering nearly 50 stylists and customers while it sparred with its own image in a large interior mirror. One stylist and a passing mail carrier were able to place a towel over the buck's eyes and lead it outside to safety. In the Bucks County Courier Times.

Johnny Morris: Angler first

USA Today reports it "took an army of company assistants and no small amount of arm-twisting" to get Bass Pro Shops founder and CEO Johnny Morris to agree to, and follow through on, giving his first national media interview in more than 12 years. Don't know who Uncle Buck was? Learn that and probably more you didn't know about Morris.

Colo. woman uses pillow to chase bear from bedroom

Sally Rebehn said she thought it was the family dog that followed her into her bedroom last week before she realized it was an adult black bear. “I grabbed a decorative pillow and threw it at her and she turned around and left,” she said. Authorities with the Colorado Division of Wildlife later trapped and euthanized the female and its three cubs. In The Vail Daily.

Matched set of 1851 Colts auction for $130,000

A matched set of engraved Colt 1851 Navy revolvers with monogrammed ivory grips that originally belonged to a Watertown, NY Civil War colonel sold at auction in Anaheim, Calif for $130,000. The guns belonged to Sharlene Perez's late husband, and she'd hoped they might fetch $20K or thereabouts. The LA Times.

7-foot gator caught at Florida elementary school

The report of a 7- to 8-foot alligator on the grounds of Lake Park Elementary School in Naples, Fla. promted a fast reaction from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. "The trapper arrived very quickly and was able secure the alligator before any children arrived," said principal Tamie Stewart. The Naples News.

'Cougarmania' sweeps W. Minnesota

Following last week's confirmation of a vehicle-killed mountain lion south of Bemidji, Minn., the MDNR is fielding predictable criticism and accusations it has suppressed knowledge of a "breeding cougar population" in the state. “We anticipated that,” said Park Rapids DNR wildlife officer Rob Radasco. In the Morris Sun Tribune.

Gander Mountain plans to cease public status

Outdoor gear retailer Gander Mountain Co. has announced its intent to cease its status as a public company. Under terms of the buyout, holders of less than 30,000 shares would get $5.15 each, a 35% premium to Friday's closing price. Owners of more than 30,000 shares will maintain their current stakes. Gander Mtn. press release and Wall Street Journal.

Electric 'welcome mat' gives bears a shock

After bears broke into his outdoor freezer several times this summer, Aspen, Colo. bakery owner Bill Dinsmoor solved the problem by installing an electrified mat in front of the walk-in door. It's effective on bear paws but wearing shoes acts as insulation. “If I was barefoot or peed on it, I'd get shocked,” Dinsmoor said. Aspen Times.

W. Virginia tops in deer/vehicle collisions

For the third straight year, data compiled by State Farm Insurance indicates that drivers in West Virginia have the greatest likelihood of hitting a deer with their vehicle—a one-in-39 chance and an increase from last year's one-in-45 odds. Michigan came in second with odds of one in 78. More at my Slugs & Plugs blog.

Montana's Granny Trout teaches river etiquette

A new "Respect Your Rivers" campaign from the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Department features mascot Granny Trout to spread the word about fishing etiquette and river protocol. Why Granny Trout? "For some reason we landed on your grandmother. You want to do right by your grandmother," says ad agency spokesman David Thompson. In The Missoulian.

Ag lobbyist: it's time to get tough

A leading animal agriculture industry lobbyist says farmers and ranchers are losing ground to HSUS, PETA, Consumers Union and the Center For Food Safety. "These groups demand the abandonment of technology that keeps you profitable and on the farm," said Steve Kopperud of Policy Directions, Inc. High Plains/Midwest Ag Journal. Hat Tip to The Westerner.