The Outdoor Pressroom

S. Arizona rock climber dies from hundreds of bee stings

Tucson rock climber Steven Johnson, 55, who was found suspended from anchors off a sheer cliff near Mt. Hopkins in Santa Cruz County, died as a result of “mass envenomation” resulting from hundreds of bee stings, said Dr. Gregory Hess, chief medical examiner. Johnson’s dog, which also was attacked by bees, was found dead on top of the ridge that Johnson was rappelling. Arizona Daily Star.

Florida scientists confirm new black bass species

Scientists with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) have uncovered a new species of black bass in the southeastern United States and have have proposed naming it the Choctaw bass. Very similar in appearance to the spotted bass, the physical differences between the two species are not easily seen with the naked eye, one reason they had never before been distinguished despite decades of bass studies in the region. FWC.

In 7 months, 6,000+ coyotes qualify for $50 Utah bounty

In the seven months since Utah’s Division of Wildlife Resources launched its $50 coyote bounty program, more than 6,000 dead coyotes have been redeemed for payment. John Shivik, DWR mammals coordinator, says the agency has been “collecting what looks like it will be excellent data to help us evaluate how effective our efforts are.” KSL.

Post hunt, Wisconsin wolf number down just slightly

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources reports its 2013 wolf count indicated a minimum of 809 to 834 wolves statewide, including 215 packs and 15 lone wolves, compared to 815 to 880, including 213 packs and 20 lone wolves counted in 2012. Last fall, hunters and trappers took 117 wolves statewide. Sam Cook in the Duluth News Tribune.

Ohio city reduces deer-cull cost to 'only' $132K

The city of Solon, Ohio, which has steadfastly ignored the success other cities in the state have experienced from utilizing bowhunters to cull troublesome urban deer, spent $132,719 on USDA sharpshooters and related expenses to have around 200 deer culled this past winter. It was around $50,000 LESS than was spent on the previous year's cull. SolonPatch.com.

TWRA won't enforce Corps' tailwater fishing ban

Following last week's announcement by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers that it intends to move forward with its controversial ban on fishing from boats both above and below Cumberland River watershed dams, Ed Carter, executive director of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, was quick to announce TWRA would not enforce the restriction. AP.

Kentucky sells record $7M in fishing, hunting licenses in April

The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources reports it sold more than $7 million in hunting and fishing licenses in April – an all-time record for the month. "We broke the previous record for the month of April by $140,000," said agency Budget Director Scott King. "It's also $800,000 more than our average for April." KDFWR.

Feds reinstate 6-year-old Jr. Duck Stamp winner

In a reversal of action taken last week, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has reinstated Madison Grimm, 6, as the winner of the 2013 Federal Junior Duck Stamp Contest. The service earlier disqualified the youngster for using a graphite transfer technique (tracing), a process that is evidently common in the genre. In a statement, the agency said "the decision to reinstate Grimm’s work was made in recognition of the fact that her work was judged the winner during a fair and open public contest."

Aflatoxin prompts stores to pull deer feed from shelves

Rural King stores across the Central U.S. have removed the wildlife feed, Deer Corn from shelves after some of the product showed contamination from aflatoxins, substances produced by molds that grow on grain, which are also are a potential human carcinogen. The product was first collected and analyzed in Indiana by the Office of Indiana State Chemist, based at Purdue University. Indiana News Center.

Eagle Scout, honor student expelled for shotgun in car

Cole Withrow, a senior at Princeton High School in Johnston County, NC, was expelled and charged with a felony Monday after admitting he accidentally left a shotgun in his locked car. When he arrived at school and realized his mistake, he promptly called his mother, which is when his private conversation was overheard by the administration and the police were notified. Now friends and supporters are rallying in his defense. Global Dispatch and Red Alert Politics.

Ohio CCW permits spike in first quarter

The 37,761 concealed-carry gun permits issued in Ohio in the first three months of 2013 were nearly double the number issued in the same period last year, Attorney General Mike DeWine reported yesterday. There were 31,407 new licenses and 6,354 renewal licenses issued between Jan. 1 and March 31, compared to 16,823 in the first quarter of 2012 and 64,650 new licenses issued for all of last year. Columbus Dispatch.

Orvis acquires Scientific Angler, Ross Reel

The Orvis Company, Inc., has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the Scientific Anglers and Ross Reels businesses from 3M (NYSE: MMM). Upon completion of the transaction, Orvis plans to continue to operate the Midland, MI based-businessindependently under the Scientific Anglers brand. Ross Reels will also continue to operate independently under its brand name from its Montrose, CO headquarters. StreetInsider.com.

Cabela's hosts shotgun, (bow, pistol & camo) wedding

Darrell and Ariel Colson of Tunbridge, Maine, decided the next best place to get married than the hunting woods was the Cabela's mega-store in Scarborough. The bride's white dress was accented with a camouflage overlay, the groom wore a camo-patterned tuxedo and baseball cap, and the ring bearer carried the bands down the aisle on a camo fishing pole. Valley News.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks split

In a cermony held yesterday, Montana Gov. Steve Bullock signed into law a measure that split the state's Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commission's duties and created a five-member Montana State Parks and Recreation Board. The re-named Fish and Wildlife Commission will continue to oversee issues related to fish and wildlife. AP.

Washington state enacts emergency wolf-kill rule

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) on Friday enacted an emergency rule to permit ranchers, farmers, and other pet and livestock owners in the eastern third of the state to kill a wolf that is attacking their animals. The action followed a request from 10 state legislators who urged the commission and the department to use their rulemaking authority to address the concerns of residents whose communities are most affected by wolf recovery. WDFW.