Author: Webmaster

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

Local Pond 09-19-2006 09:07
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – Over 70 Degrees
Whacked one on a local pond yesterday afternoon. Not much moving in the heat of the day.

[Edited By PJ-Perea on 2006-09-19 09:08]

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

House Moves to Extend Critical Wetlands Program 09-19-2006 09:06
– – –
WASHINGTON, Sept. 12, 2006 – In a year when wetland conservation experienced setbacks in the Supreme Court, the U.S. House of Representatives lent a helping hand to conservation by acting to reauthorize the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA). Since 1989, NAWCA has successfully fostered over 3,000 partnerships, both public and private, and have implemented more than 1,500 projects to conserve more than 22 million acres of wetlands and associated habitats for North America’s waterfowl, other migratory birds and wildlife.

“This is great news,” said Ducks Unlimited Executive Vice President Don Young. “All of us benefit from wetlands. Every duck hunter and person interested in the outdoors and water issues should support continuing this incredibly successful wetlands program.”

NAWCA is a landmark investment in wetlands conservation. The proposed reauthorization bill asks for a five-year extension for NAWCA and authorizes up to $375 million in funding during that time. DU governmental affairs staff will work with senators and staff to expedite the passage of the bill through the Senate.

NAWCA projects are funded after assessing their benefit to continent-wide waterfowl conservation in accordance with the North American Waterfowl Management Plan. Since its inception, the partner match has actually been $3 for every $1 in federal money, even though the requirement is only 1-to-1. These partner contributions have totaled more than $2 billion during the past 16 years.

Resources Committee Chairman Richard Pombo (Calif.) and Ranking Member Nick Rahall (W.V.) have been joined by Representatives John D. Dingell (Mich.), Thelma Drake (Va.), Wayne Gilchrest (Md.), Mark Kennedy (Minn.) and Curt Weldon (Pa.) as original co-sponsors of the legislation, which also garnered 13 other sponsors.

“The strong bipartisan support for NAWCA is indicative of the program’s record of achievements and potential for the future,” said Scott Sutherland, director of DU’s governmental affairs office. “We appreciate the leadership by the Resource Committee’s senior members and their introduction of this important bill. We also thank the members of the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission for their continued strong support.”

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

2006-2007 Waterfowl Season Regs 09-05-2006 08:32
– – –
Late-season migratory bird season approved by Natural Resources Board—The S.C. Natural Resources Board, the policy-making body of the S.C. Department of Natural Resources, recently approved the 2006-2007 late-season migratory bird seasons and regulations during its Aug. 18 meeting in Bluffton from a framework set by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Copies of the regulations booklet and migratory bird hunting regulations brochure are available by writing to S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR), PO Box 167, Columbia, SC 29202; or by calling (803) 734-3886 in Columbia. Find out more about hunting season and regulations at http://www.dnr.state.sc.us/regulations.html.

PDF available at http://www.dnr.state.sc.us/regs/MigratoryBird/regulations.html

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

Savannah River 09-05-2006 08:06
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – Over 70 Degrees
9/1 Took two in the morning with my buddy. Saw only six flying. Lots of boats.

Posted By:
J-GREIDER
Guest

Clarks Hill 09-02-2006 07:53
– – –
Hunted yesterday, 9 less long necks on the lake. Didn’t hear any shooting around. Plenty of birds, seen around 200-300?. Have to work this weekend. I’m going to let the amateurs clear from this weekend and hit it hard this week.

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

Waterfowl for Schools 08-29-2006 08:22
– – –
* Frozen, mounted waterfowl needed for DNR Education—The S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) needs mounted waterfowl, or carefully frozen waterfowl, in good mountable condition. Mounts will be loaned to S.C. schools to help students better compete in the Federal Junior Duck Stamp Program. Please contact the DNR Education Staff at (803) 734-3885 or email South Carolina’s Junior Duck Stamp Coordinator Steve Bates at BatesS@dnr.sc.gov for more information. Find out more about the S.C Junior Duck Stamp Program at http://www.jrduckstamp.com/. #06–230

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

Good Luck Friday! 08-29-2006 08:21
– – –

* Early Canada goose season set to open September 1—The S.C. Natural Resources Board set the early 2006-2007 hunting seasons for migratory game birds at its July 21 meeting in Charleston. This included a September 1-30 special season on resident Canada Geese. This is a statewide season, and the daily bag limit for Canada Geese during this early season has been increased to 15 birds. Shooting hours are 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset. The seasons were approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and will be published in the Federal Register. One of the components of the new regulations allows the states to provide expanded hunting methods during the September season, such as use of electronic calls, unplugged shotguns, and expanded shooting hours. These expanded methods have not been evaluated by DNR staff, nor considered by the DNR Board, and WILL NOT be in place this year. #06–229

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

Bird Flu Testing 08-24-2006 13:16
– – –
The public can now view a Web site showing current information about wild
bird sampling for early detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza
(HPAI) in the United States: http://wildlifedisease.nbii.gov/ai/ .
Scientists are now using the newly developed database and Web application
called HEDDS (HPAI Early Detection Data System) to share information on
sample collection sites, bird species sampled, and test results.

The database is available to agencies, organizations, and policymakers
involved in avian influenza monitoring and response. Scientists will use
the data to assess risk and refine monitoring strategies should HPAI be
detected in the United States. Public access is more limited, but shows the
states where samples have been collected and includes numbers of samples
collected from each state.

HEDDS is a product of the federal government’s NBII Wildlife Disease
Information Node (WDIN) housed at the USGS National Wildlife Health Center.
With financial support from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S.
Geological Survey, and U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant
Health Inspection Service, and participation by State wildlife agencies,
universities and nongovernmental organizations, the HEDDS Web site provides
a current picture of where sampling has taken place and the results of
testing.

“HEDDS provides a critical comprehensive view of national sampling
efforts at a time when the demand for this type of information is
increasing, along with the growing interest in HPAI surveillance efforts in
wild birds,” said WDIN Project Leader Joshua Dein.

Between April 1 and August 18, 2006, 9,590 samples from wild birds tested
for avian influenza have been entered into HEDDS. Scientists have tested
over 10,000 wild birds so far. No HPAI H5N1 has been detected to date. The
Eurasian strain of H5N1 avian influenza virus has caused 141 human deaths
elsewhere in the world, as well as the death of millions of domestic and
wild birds. Low-pathogenicity strains of avian influenza are commonly found
in waterfowl and shorebirds; such strains do not cause significant disease
in wild birds or in people.

Many federal, tribal, and state agencies are involved in the U.S.
Government’s national surveillance plan for the potential introduction of
HPAI into the United States from wild birds. Within the federal government,
the Department of the Interior (DOI) has the main responsibility for wild
migratory birds and thus, the primary responsibility for HPAI in wild birds
should these birds be found to be carriers of this disease.

Since the release of the wild bird surveillance plan in March 2006, DOI and
the U.S. Department of Agriculture have worked collaboratively with the
four North American Migratory Bird Flyway Councils (Pacific, Central,
Mississippi, and Atlantic) and many states to develop local and regional
wild bird surveillance plans. As part of the surveillance and early
detection effort, HEDDS will show sample numbers in each state where
testing occurs. Most current testing is in Alaska where many of the wild
bird species targeted for surveillance nest.

Sampling has begun in many of the lower 48 states and will continue as
birds begin migrating south from their northern nesting grounds. Data from
three of the wild bird surveillance plan’s five strategies for early
detection of HPAI are now viewable on HEDDS: sample numbers from (1) live
wild birds tested, (2) subsistence hunter-killed birds, and (3)
investigations of sick and dead wild birds. The other two strategies are:
(4) surveillance of domestic birds as sentinel species; and (5)
environmental sampling of water and wild bird droppings.

The National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII)
is a broad, collaborative program to provide
increased access to data and information on the nation’s biological
resources. The NBII links diverse, high-quality biological databases,
information products, and analytical tools maintained by NBII partners and
other contributors in government agencies, academic institutions,
non-government organizations, and private industry. A fact sheet with more
detailed information about HEDDS is available at
http://wildlifedisease.nbii.gov/ai/HEDDS_FactSheet.pdf

The USGS serves the Nation by providing reliable scientific information to
describe and understand the Earth; minimize loss of life and property from
natural disasters; manage water, biological, energy, and mineral resources;
and enhance and protect our quality of life.

**** www.usgs.gov ****

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

My Backyard 08-24-2006 13:15
– – –
Counted 32 blackfeet on my pond this morning. If I’m lucky I might get 4 or 5 on opening day and never see them again for the rest of the season. I agree it will be tough, but I’ll sure as hell try! 🙂

Posted By:
J-GREIDER
Guest

08-19-2006 04:25
– – –
Anyone have anything up there sleeve for early goose season. It’ll be hard to get a limit this year. They must think we have a serious problem with geese, raising the limit to 15! Or am I just out of my mind thinking the limit was just 5 last year?

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

Rock Hill / Fort Mill Ducks Unlimited Membership Banquet 08-14-2006 09:33
– – –

When: Thursday, September 07, 2006 6:00 p.m.
Event Type: Banquet
Location: Laurel Creek – The Magnolia Room
Contact Name: Drew Winn
Phone: (803)242-9255
Contact Email: winntuck@comporium.net

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

Waterfowl Advisory group meets Aug. 15 at Dennis Wildlife Center 08-11-2006 12:59
– – –
Waterfowl Advisory group meets Aug. 15 at Dennis Wildlife Center—The Waterfowl Advisory Committee to the S.C. Natural Resources Board will meet 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. at the Dennis Wildlife Center in Bonneau. The meeting is open to the public. Anyone with business for the advisory committee, needing the agenda or directions to the meeting place should contact Susan Johnson at the S.C. Department of Natural Resources in Columbia at (803) 734-3889. #06–212

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

Migratory waterfowl group will meet Aug 8 in Columbia 08-04-2006 15:31
– – –
The Migratory Waterfowl Committee will meet 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 8 at the Rembert C. Dennis Building located at 1000 Assembly St. Columbia. The meeting will be held in Room 345 (board room).

The meeting is open to the public. Anyone with business for the advisory committee, needing the agenda or directions to the meeting place should contact Sandra Hartley at the S.C. Department of Natural Resources in Columbia at (803) 734-3838. South Carolina Natural Resources board member Milton Brazell of West Columbia is chairman of the Migratory Waterfowl Committee.

Items scheduled on the agenda for the meeting of the Waterfowl Advisory Committee include:

* Comments
* Old business
Items for board action
* New Business
Ducks Unlimited Canada
Artist commission contract extension status
* Other remarks

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

Early-season migratory bird seasons approved by Natural Resources Board 08-04-2006 15:29
– – –
The S.C. Natural Resources Board recently approved migratory bird hunting seasons for mourning doves, marsh hens (rails), woodcock, snipe, moorhens, purple gallinules, teal and an early season for Canada geese.

The Natural Resources Board set the 2006-2007 hunting seasons for these migratory game birds at its July 21 meeting in Charleston. The seasons must still meet approval by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and be published in the Federal Register in order to become final.

For more information, write to Early-Season Migratory Birds, DNR, PO Box 167, Columbia, SC 29202, call (803) 734-3886 in Columbia. Find out more about hunting season and regulations>>>

The 2006-2007 mourning dove season in South Carolina is Sept. 2-4 (noon until sunset); Sept. 5–Oct. 7; Nov. 18-25; and Dec. 21–Jan. 15. Legal hunting hours for mourning dove season, except for Sept. 2-4, are from 30 minutes before sunrise until sunset. The bag limit is 12 doves per hunter per day.

Hunters are reminded that mourning dove season will open this year on Saturday, Sept. 2. Dove season traditionally opens on either the first Saturday in September or on Labor Day, whichever comes first. Under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, seasons for migratory game birds cannot begin before Sept. 1. This year Sept. 1 is a Friday and the first Saturday of September does not fall until Sept. 2.

An early season for Canada geese will be Sept. 1-30. This season is statewide. Shooting hours are 30 minutes before sunrise until sunset. The daily bag limit for Canada geese during this early season is 15 birds.

The two-part season for marsh hens—including king, clapper, sora and Virginia rails—and common moorhens and purple gallinules will be from Sept. 6-12 and Oct. 6–Dec.7. The daily bag limit for king and/or clapper rails is 15 birds per hunter and moorhens and/or purple gallinules is 15 birds per hunter. The daily limit for sora and/or Virginia rails is 25 birds per hunter. Shooting hours are 30 minutes before sunrise until sunset.

The 2007 South Carolina season for woodcock will run Jan. 2-31. Three birds per hunter is the daily limit for woodcock. Shooting hours are 30 minutes before sunrise until sunset.

The 2006-2007 season for common snipe, also called Wilson’s snipe, will be Nov. 14–Feb. 28. The daily bag limit is eight birds. Shooting hours are 30 minutes before sunrise until sunset.

The South Carolina early season for teal will be Sept.22-30. The daily bag limit is four birds. Shooting hours are sunrise until sunset (not 30 minutes before sunrise, as with other migratory bird seasons).
South Carolina migratory bird hunters age 16 and older must have a state hunting license and a free migratory bird permit. Completion of an approved hunter education course is mandatory for resident and nonresident South Carolina hunters born after June 30, 1979, to purchase a license, and voluntary for older and younger hunters.

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

2007 Regs 08-01-2006 11:17
– – –

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Southeast Region E-mail Announcement

Contact: Joshua Winchell, 202/208.5634

On Friday, July 28, 2006, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed
liberal hunting regulations for the upcoming 2006-2007 late waterfowl
seasons due to improved habitat conditions and waterfowl production
estimates. Hunting season lengths will be 60 days in both the Atlantic and
Mississippi Flyways, 74 days in the Central Flyway, and 107 days in the
Pacific Flyway.

“Based on improved breeding habitat conditions and an improved outlook for
production in many breeding areas, the agency adopted the ‘liberal
package,’” said Service Director H. Dale Hall. “Good to excellent
conditions in the northern grasslands and parklands of Manitoba and
Saskatchewan, and above average precipitation in previously dry portions of
Southern Alberta will benefit many prairie-nesting species this year. The
exception is in the Dakotas.”

When compared to last year, there will be an extra hooded merganser in the
daily bag limit in three eastern flyways. The canvasback and pintail daily
bag limit will be one for the entire season. Last year’s reduction in the
daily bag limit to two scaup in the Atlantic, Mississippi and Central
Flyways and three in the Pacific Flyway will remain unchanged.

“The scaup population has experienced a significant long-term decline and
this year’s estimate is the lowest on record,” said Hall. “The Service is
proposing to continue the reduction on the daily bag limit it established
last year in all flyways. We may need to consider additional restrictions
in the future if the trend continues.”

Highlights of the proposed frameworks (states select their season from
within the frameworks or the outer limits of season length, bag limits and
season beginning and ending date) include:

· Hunters in the Atlantic, Mississippi and Central Flyways will be
allowed two hooded mergansers per day; and
· The Central Flyway will initiate a three year evaluation of the
Hunter’s Choice duck bag limit.

“It is also important to consider what hunters think about waterfowl
regulations in developing the season proposals,” said Hall. “Until now,
wildlife managers did not have data to quantify this. Thanks to efforts by
the National Flyway Council and the Wildlife Management Institute and
completion of The National Duck Hunter Survey 2005, that information is
available and was used in development of these frameworks. It will help us
recruit and retain duck hunters and allow managers to fine tune the
regulations process.”

The survey is available at .

The Service also published its proposed early season waterfowl hunting
regulations in Friday’s Federal Register. Under these regulations, the
special September teal season is available between September 1 and
September 30, and may not exceed nine consecutive days in the Atlantic
Flyway and 16 days in the Mississippi and Central Flyways. The daily bag
limit is four teal. The seasons for Canada goose, youth hunting days, sea
ducks, snipe, woodcock, rails, common moorhens and purple gallinules,
sandhill cranes, band-tailed pigeons, mourning doves, white-winged and
white-tipped doves and falconry will continue with little change from last
year.

Both the early and late season waterfowl frameworks appear in the Federal
Register for public comment and on:

.

The early season regulations will post today. The late season posted
Friday.

Audio recording of season highlights is available at
.

Highlights of the proposed late-season frameworks are as follows:

Atlantic Flyway: Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maine, Maryland,
Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina,
Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Vermont, Virginia, and West
Virginia

Ducks: A hunting season is proposed of not more than 60 days between
September 23, 2006, and January 28, 2007. The proposed daily bag limit is
six and may include no more than four mallards (two hens), two wood ducks,
two scaup, two redheads, two hooded mergansers, one black duck, one
pintail, one mottled duck, one fulvous whistling duck, one canvasback, and
four scoters. The season on harlequin ducks is closed.

Geese: For light geese, states would be able to select a 107-day season
between October 1, 2006, and March 10, 2007, with a daily bag limit of 15
geese and no possession limit. For Atlantic Population Canada geese, the
proposed season this year will allow portions of Connecticut,
Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Vermont and New York to hold a
45-day season between October 28, 2006, and January 31, 2007 with a
three-bird daily bag limit. Delaware, Maryland and Virginia (except Back
Bay, Virginia) will be allowed to hold a 45-day season in Atlantic
Population areas between November 15, 2006 and January 31, 2007, with a
two-bird bag limit. Back Bay, Virginia, and the Northeast Hunt Unit of
North Carolina would be able to select a 30-day season between December 25
and January 27, 2007 with a two-bird daily bag and a one-bird per season
respectively. In Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode
Island, and Long Island, New York, a 60-day season on North Atlantic
Population Canada geese is proposed between October 1, 2006, and February
15, 2007, with a three-bird daily bag limit. Special or experimental
seasons and regular seasons to harvest resident and other populations of
migratory Canada geese would be authorized in Connecticut, Florida,
Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina,
Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia.
For Atlantic brant, the season length may be 30 days with a daily bag limit
of two.

Mississippi Flyway: Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky,
Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, and
Wisconsin

Ducks: A hunting season is proposed of not more than 60 days between
September 23, 2006, and January 28, 2007. The proposed daily bag limit is
six and may include no more than four mallards (two hens), three mottled
ducks, two scaup, two wood ducks, two redheads, one black duck, one
pintail, and one canvasback. The proposed daily bag limit of mergansers is
five, only two of which may be hooded mergansers.

Geese: Generally, seasons for Canada geese would be held between September
23, 2006, and January 31, 2007, and vary in length among States and areas,
with daily bag limits varying from one to three. States would be able to
select seasons for light geese not to exceed 107 days with 20 geese daily
between September 23, 2006, and March 10, 2007; for white-fronted geese
this proposed season would not to exceed 72 days with a two-bird daily bag
limit or 86 days with a one-bird daily bag limit between September 23,
2006, and February 8, 2007; and for brant it would not exceed 70 days with
a two-bird daily bag limit or 107 days with a one- bird daily bag limit
between September 23, 2006, and January 31, 2007. There would be no
possession limit for light geese.

Central Flyway: Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota,
Texas, and portions of Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, and Wyoming

Ducks: Duck seasons are proposed to be held between September 23, 2006, and
January 28, 2007. In the High Plains Mallard Management Unit (roughly west
of the 100th Meridian), a 97-day season is proposed. The last 23 days would
be able to start no earlier than December 9, 2006. A 74-day season is
proposed for the remainder of the Central Flyway. This is the first year of
a proposed 3-year evaluation of the Hunter’s Choice duck bag limit in the
Central Flyway. The Hunter’s Choice bag limit is an aggregate bag of which
only one duck from the following may be taken: hen mallard, canvasback,
pintail, or mottled duck. Hunter’s Choice regulations are intended to
reduce the harvest of all the species included in the one-bird bag, while
maintaining full hunting opportunity on abundant species such as drake
mallards.

Five States (North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Kansas, and Texas) have
been randomly assigned to have Hunter’s Choice regulations and the
remaining 5 States (Montana, Nebraska, Colorado, Oklahoma, and New Mexico)
will serve as controls (season within a season regulations for canvasbacks
and pintails) as the evaluation proceeds. The season length would be 74
days. Within the High Plains Mallard Management Unit, an additional 23
days of season would be available, provided that these days are taken
starting no earlier than December 9, 2006. In Montana, Nebraska,
Colorado, Oklahoma, and New Mexico, the daily bag limit shall be 6 ducks,
with species and sex restrictions as follows: mallard – five, no more
than two of which may be females; redhead, scaup, wood duck – two; pintail,
mottled duck, canvasback – one. For pintails and canvasbacks, the season
length would be 39 days, which may be split according to applicable
zones/split duck hunting configurations approved for each state. The
possession limit would be twice the daily bag limit.

In North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Kansas, and Texas, the daily bag
limit would be five ducks, with species and sex restrictions as follows:
scaup, redhead and wood duck – two; only one duck from the following group
– hen mallard, mottled duck, pintail, canvasback. The possession limit
would be twice the daily bag.

Geese: Under the proposal, States may select seasons between September 23,
2006 and February 18, 2007 for dark geese and between September 23, 2006
and March 10, 2007 for light geese. East tier states would be able to
select a 107-day season for Canada geese season with a daily bag limit of
three. For white-fronted geese, states would be able to select either a
72-day season with a daily bag limit of two birds or an 86-day season with
a daily bag limit of one bird. In the West Tier, states may select a
107-day dark- goose season with a daily bag limit of five birds. In the
Western Goose Zone of Texas, the State would be able to select a 95-day
season with a daily bag limit of three dark geese (including no more than
one white-fronted goose). Colorado would be able to select a 95-day season
with an aggregate bag limit of three. For light geese, all states would be
able to select a 107-day season with a daily bag limit of 20 and no
possession limit.

Pacific Flyway: Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah,
Washington, and portions of Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, and Wyoming

Ducks: Under the proposal, states are allowed 107-day season between
September 23, 2006, and January 28, 2007. The proposed daily bag limit is
seven ducks, including no more than two mallard hens, two redheads, three
scaup, one pintail and one canvasback.

Geese: 100-day seasons are proposed for California, Oregon, and
Washington, with outside dates between September 30, 2006, and March 10,
2007. Proposed basic daily bag limits are four light geese and four dark
geese, except in California, Oregon, and Washington, where the dark goose
bag limit does not include brant. 107-day seasons, with outside dates
between September 23, and January 28 would be able to be selected in
Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming.
Proposed basic daily bag limits are four light geese and four dark geese.
Other restrictions vary by State and zone. For brant, the proposed season
lengths are 16 days in Oregon and Washington and 30 days in California,
with a two-bird daily limit. Washington and California would be able to
choose seasons in each of two zones.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the principal Federal agency
responsible for conserving, protecting and enhancing fish, wildlife and
plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American
people. The Service manages the 95-million-acre National Wildlife Refuge
System, which encompasses 542 national wildlife refuges, thousands of small
wetlands and other special management areas. It also operates 69 national
fish hatcheries, 64 fishery resources offices and 81 ecological services
field stations. The agency enforces federal wildlife laws, administers the
Endangered Species Act, manages migratory bird populations, restores
nationally significant fisheries, conserves and restores wildlife habitat
such as wetlands, and helps foreign governments with their conservation
efforts. It also oversees the Federal Aid program, which distributes
hundreds of millions of dollars in excise taxes on fishing and hunting
equipment to state fish and wildlife agencies.

-FWS-

?

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Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

Register now for the upcoming Agroforestry and Wildlife Field Day 07-10-2006 08:28
– – –
Register now for the upcoming Agroforestry and Wildlife Field Day

Representatives from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division, Georgia Forestry Commission, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, University of Georgia and Fort Valley State University will come together to share information with the public at the Agroforestry and Wildlife Field Day on Thursday, Sept. 28 at the University of Georgia Griffin Campus (Griffin, GA).

This all-day event is designed to inform private landowners, hunters and those in the forestry or agribusiness fields about using their land to maximize all aspects of the natural environment.

This Field Day is an exceptional education opportunity for landowners and others as participants will have the opportunity to talk directly to wildlife biologists and other speakers about quality management of various species, ways that wildlife can benefit their land and how the participating agencies can help them better manage their land.

Some of the more than 25 topics to be covered include:

* Wildlife Opening Management
* Managing nuisance wildlife problems in Georgia
* Pond management
* Managing for wild turkeys
* Pinestraw production
* Prescribed burning
* Cost Share Assistance Programs
* Bobwhite Quail habitat management
* Thinning (3rd row vs. 5th row)
* GPS/GIS
* Invasive insects, disease and plants

A complete listing of topics and speakers is available at the AWFD website at
www.caes.uga.edu/events/awfd06/.

Participants attending AWFD will receive lunch and a program booklet that contains a short synopsis of each presentation. They may choose which presentations to attend and can board trams that will take them to the presentation areas where they will hear lectures and see site and equipment demonstrations. Attendees also will have the opportunity to visit with agency personnel, sponsor personnel and others at an exhibitor booth area.

Those interested in attending are encouraged to pre-register, at a cost of $30 per person, before August 29, 2006 as the cost will rise to $40 per person after this date. Those who pre-register also are assured of receiving an AWFD ball cap.

This event is co-sponsored by the University of Georgia-College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Georgia-Warnell School of Forest and Natural Resources, Georgia Forestry Commission, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Fort Valley State University and WRD.
For more information or to print off a copy of the registration form, visit the AWFD website at www.caes.uga.edu/events/awfd06/.

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

Waterfowl Numbers Up! 07-10-2006 08:25
– – –
Duck Numbers, Habitat Conditions Improve

BISMARCK, N.D.—The water is back and the ducks are back. So says the preliminary 2006 Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey, released this week by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Highlights of the report include:

The May pond count across the traditional survey area was the eighth highest in the 46 years biologists have been tracking ponds.

The total number of breeding ducks stands at 36.2 million, a 14 percent jump from last year and 9 percent higher than the long-term (1955-2006) average.

Breeding populations of redheads, blue-winged teal, green-winged teal, gadwalls, canvasbacks and northern shovelers are among the highest they’ve been in the 52-year history of the survey.

Even the beleaguered pintail took a 32-percent jump from 2005.

“There’s plenty of good news in the B-pop,” says Delta Waterfowl President Rob Olson of the survey, which is conducted jointly by FWS and the Canadian Wildlife Service. “Obviously, we have to be thrilled about the improved habitat conditions and the higher total population,” says Olson.

“Mother Nature has set the table for ducks. With the exception of 1996 and 1997, prairie Canada is the wettest it’s been since the ‘70s, and this is the second year Canada has been wet. If you put enough water on the landscape, ducks should respond.”
Species 2006 2005 % change
from ’05
% change
from LTA

Mallard 7.277 6.755 +8 -3
Gadwall 2.825 2.179 +30 +67
Wigeon 2.171 2.225 -2 -17
Green-winged Teal 2.587 2.157 +20 +39
Blue-winged Teal 5.860 4.586 +28 +30
Shoveler 3.680 3.691 +2 +69
Pintail 3.386 2.561 +32 -18
Redhead .916 .592 +55 +47
Canvasback .691 .521 +33 +23
Scaup 3.247 3.387 -4 -37

The figures support Olson’s optimism. Six of the 10 most popular species surveyed saw their breeding populations approach their all-time highs. Gadwall are up 30 percent from last year and are 67 percent above their long-term average; green-winged teal are up 20 and 39 percent respectively; blue-winged teal were up 28 and 30 percent; northern shoveler climbed 2 percent and 69 percent above their LTA; redheads were up 55 percent and 47 percent, and canvasbacks were up 33 percent for the year and 23 percent from their LTA.

The pintail population of 3.4 million is the highest it’s been since 1997, but remains 18 percent below its LTA.

Scaup continued their downward spiral, slipping another 4 percent to 3.247 million birds, 37 percent below its long-term average. American wigeon also continued to slide, dropping 2 percent to 2.2 million, 17 percent below its long-term average.

Despite all the good news, Olson says he’s somewhat concerned about mallard numbers. “The breeding populations of six species were up 20 to 55 percent from a year ago, which would suggest we had some pretty good production last year. Those species are now far above their long-term averages.

“Yet mallards only rose 8 percent and remain 3 percent below their long-term average. Given the fact that mallards are our most adaptable species, those numbers have to be a concern.”

The biologists who wrote Southern Saskatchewan Breeding Population Survey echoed Olson’s concern. “Surprisingly, our estimate for mallards has not been as quick to respond to the improved habitat in the Parklands,” they wrote. “Mallards typically prefer the Parkland region and in previous wet years we have seen big increases in the population estimates over a short period of time.”

Says Olson, “Since 2004, Saskatchewan has seen an 86 percent increase in wetlands and Alberta is 95 percent wetter, but the mallard breeding populations in those provinces have not responded. The breeding population in Saskatchewan this year remains 12 percent below its long-term average, and the mallard B-pop in Alberta is 18 percent below the LTA.

“Those numbers are cause for concern, and bear watching,” says Olson.

The mallard breeding population on the U.S. side of the PPR is well above its long-term average—92 percent higher for the eastern Dakotas and 35 percent higher in the western Dakotas and Montana, Olson notes.

Unfortunately, moisture conditions on the U.S. side of the Prairie Pothole Region have deteriorated since the survey flights were conducted in May. “Drying conditions could impact production on the U.S. side of the border and put more pressure on Canada, where wetland conditions remain excellent,” Olson says.

Editors: For more information, contact John Devney at 1-888-987-3695.

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

Waterfowl Numbers Up! 07-10-2006 08:12
– – –
Duck Numbers, Habitat Conditions Improve

BISMARCK, N.D.—The water is back and the ducks are back. So says the preliminary 2006 Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey, released this week by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Highlights of the report include:

The May pond count across the traditional survey area was the eighth highest in the 46 years biologists have been tracking ponds.

The total number of breeding ducks stands at 36.2 million, a 14 percent jump from last year and 9 percent higher than the long-term (1955-2006) average.

Breeding populations of redheads, blue-winged teal, green-winged teal, gadwalls, canvasbacks and northern shovelers are among the highest they’ve been in the 52-year history of the survey.

Even the beleaguered pintail took a 32-percent jump from 2005.

“There’s plenty of good news in the B-pop,” says Delta Waterfowl President Rob Olson of the survey, which is conducted jointly by FWS and the Canadian Wildlife Service. “Obviously, we have to be thrilled about the improved habitat conditions and the higher total population,” says Olson.

“Mother Nature has set the table for ducks. With the exception of 1996 and 1997, prairie Canada is the wettest it’s been since the ‘70s, and this is the second year Canada has been wet. If you put enough water on the landscape, ducks should respond.”
Species 2006 2005 % change
from ’05
% change
from LTA

Mallard 7.277 6.755 +8 -3
Gadwall 2.825 2.179 +30 +67
Wigeon 2.171 2.225 -2 -17
Green-winged Teal 2.587 2.157 +20 +39
Blue-winged Teal 5.860 4.586 +28 +30
Shoveler 3.680 3.691 +2 +69
Pintail 3.386 2.561 +32 -18
Redhead .916 .592 +55 +47
Canvasback .691 .521 +33 +23
Scaup 3.247 3.387 -4 -37

The figures support Olson’s optimism. Six of the 10 most popular species surveyed saw their breeding populations approach their all-time highs. Gadwall are up 30 percent from last year and are 67 percent above their long-term average; green-winged teal are up 20 and 39 percent respectively; blue-winged teal were up 28 and 30 percent; northern shoveler climbed 2 percent and 69 percent above their LTA; redheads were up 55 percent and 47 percent, and canvasbacks were up 33 percent for the year and 23 percent from their LTA.

The pintail population of 3.4 million is the highest it’s been since 1997, but remains 18 percent below its LTA.

Scaup continued their downward spiral, slipping another 4 percent to 3.247 million birds, 37 percent below its long-term average. American wigeon also continued to slide, dropping 2 percent to 2.2 million, 17 percent below its long-term average.

Despite all the good news, Olson says he’s somewhat concerned about mallard numbers. “The breeding populations of six species were up 20 to 55 percent from a year ago, which would suggest we had some pretty good production last year. Those species are now far above their long-term averages.

“Yet mallards only rose 8 percent and remain 3 percent below their long-term average. Given the fact that mallards are our most adaptable species, those numbers have to be a concern.”

The biologists who wrote Southern Saskatchewan Breeding Population Survey echoed Olson’s concern. “Surprisingly, our estimate for mallards has not been as quick to respond to the improved habitat in the Parklands,” they wrote. “Mallards typically prefer the Parkland region and in previous wet years we have seen big increases in the population estimates over a short period of time.”

Says Olson, “Since 2004, Saskatchewan has seen an 86 percent increase in wetlands and Alberta is 95 percent wetter, but the mallard breeding populations in those provinces have not responded. The breeding population in Saskatchewan this year remains 12 percent below its long-term average, and the mallard B-pop in Alberta is 18 percent below the LTA.

“Those numbers are cause for concern, and bear watching,” says Olson.

The mallard breeding population on the U.S. side of the PPR is well above its long-term average—92 percent higher for the eastern Dakotas and 35 percent higher in the western Dakotas and Montana, Olson notes.

Unfortunately, moisture conditions on the U.S. side of the Prairie Pothole Region have deteriorated since the survey flights were conducted in May. “Drying conditions could impact production on the U.S. side of the border and put more pressure on Canada, where wetland conditions remain excellent,” Olson says.

Editors: For more information, contact John Devney at 1-888-987-3695.

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

S.C. Wildlife Federation will celebrate 75th anniversary 06-06-2006 10:14
– – –
Join South Carolina Wildlife Federation at the Moore Building on the South Carolina State Fairgrounds for the Wild Summer’s Nite 75th Anniversary Celebration, Auction, & Wild Game Feast on Aug. 5. Doors open at 6 p.m. for food, spirits, and a silent auction, as well as a live auction beginning at 8 p.m. Contact Whitney Griffin at the South Carolina Wildlife Federation via e-mail at whitney@scwf.org or check the South Caroline Wildlife Federation Web site http://www.scwf.org/index.php for more information. The South Carolina Wildlife Federation and the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) have a longtime partnership in wildlife conservation, working jointly on such projects as National Hunting and Fishing Day coming up this Sept. 30.

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

New DU Book Answers Age-Old Questions About Waterfowl and Wetlands 06-06-2006 10:12
– – –
MEMPHIS, Tenn., May 30, 2006 — Where are they going, and where have they been? When it comes to North America’s waterfowl, the answers to these questions can be found in Ducks Unlimited’s new book, Flyways: A Celebration of Waterfowl and Wetlands. This book tells the story of the comings and goings of ducks and geese during their spring and fall migrations along the travel routes in the sky that biologists call flyways. It also offers a glimpse of where the birds are going — that is, in terms of their future, which is inextricably linked to the preservation and perpetuation of the wetland habitat on which they depend for their survival.
“Within the vast geographical regions we call flyways are critical breeding, wintering and migration habitats,” said DU executive vice president Don Young. “The connections between waterfowl and these diverse habitats are at the heart of this book.”
According to Young, the most critical of these areas are highlighted in the book’s sidebars, which were written by Ducks Unlimited biologists. These short articles detail the specific initiatives that DU has launched to conserve, restore and manage important wetlands for North America’s waterfowl. Several of these same initiatives form the basis of DU’s urgent and ambitious Wetlands for Tomorrow campaign.
“The goal of this campaign is to raise awareness and funds to conserve these vital habitats, now under siege, so that future generations can experience the splendors of winged migrations,” said Young.
Flyways was written and photographed by Gary Kramer, who spent a year traveling across the continent with a camera and a notebook to collect material for it. The book’s more than 200 color photographs capture the drama of migration and inspire awe and admiration for waterfowl and the wetlands that they call home.
Flyways is available by calling 800-45-DUCKS or by visiting www.ducks.org/bookstore . The retail price of this soft-cover book (10 x 8½, 136 pages) is $21.95.

With more than a million supporters, Ducks Unlimited is the world’s largest and most effective wetland and waterfowl conservation organization. The United States alone has lost more than half of its original wetlands — nature’s most productive ecosystem – and continues to lose more than 80,000 wetland acres each year.

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

Ducks Unlimited Announces History’s Largest Wetlands Conservation Campaign 06-06-2006 08:45
– – –
MEMPHIS, Tenn., June 5, 2006 – In the race against time to save North America’s wetlands, Ducks Unlimited and its foundation, the Wetlands America Trust, have announced the launch of the largest wetlands conservation campaign in history. The Wetlands for Tomorrow campaign will raise $1.7 billion over the next five years to conserve North America’s wetlands for future generations.

Jim Kennedy, president of Wetlands America Trust and chairman and CEO of Cox Enterprises, Inc., announced the campaign at the 69 th annual Ducks Unlimited convention in Phoenix, Ariz., in front of nearly 1,000 DU members.

“I can’t imagine these places going away, and we are not going to let them,” he said. “America’s greatest treasure is the grasslands of the prairies, and wetlands are vital to our existence. I don’t want to have to describe wetlands to my future grandchildren. I want to be able to show them these wonderful places.”

According to Kennedy, DU plays a critical role in protecting wetlands across North America. In his speech, Kennedy said that, “What DU has done in the last 30 years is a miracle.”

However, Kennedy warned the audience that there is much left to be done in the effort to protect these crucial habitats. He asked the audience to stand with him. “The battle is not over,” he said. “This is where we need to make our stand.”

August A. Busch, III, chairman of Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc., stressed the timeliness of DU’s response to the conservation crisis at hand. In a video message, Busch said “We are in a race against time, and the world we share is only given to us in trust for our grandchildren.”

Wetlands for Tomorrow will raise funds for nine initiatives that will help DU restore and manage millions of acres of wetlands. Because these initiatives are specific to certain areas of North America, donors will be able to direct their gifts toward regions and projects in which they have a special interest or about which they are particularly concerned.

According to Don Young, executive vice president of Ducks Unlimited, time and effort are of prime importance. “Every 10 minutes in the United States, an acre of wetlands is lost,” he said. “We must reverse this trend, and with this campaign, we know we can do it.”

Gifts can be made online at www.ducks.org .

With more than a million supporters, Ducks Unlimited is the world’s largest and most effective wetland and waterfowl conservation organization. The United States alone has lost more than half of its original wetlands — nature’s most productive ecosystem – and continues to lose more than 80,000 wetland acres each year.

###

Look for Ducks Unlimited on the World Wide Web at www.ducks.org . Tune into The World of Ducks Unlimited Radio Network and watch Ducks Unlimited Television on the Outdoor Life Network (OLN).

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

Bird Flu Resources 05-18-2006 08:11
– – –
Everything you wanted to know about the bird flu

http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/issues/AvianFlu/WBAvianFlu.htm

[Edited By PJ-Perea on 2006-05-18 08:41]

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

2006 SCDU State Convention a Success! 05-18-2006 08:10
– – –
May 8, 2006 – The 2006 SCDU state convention at Hickory Knob State Park received outstanding reviews by this year’s convention attendees. Located on the quiet shores of Lake Thurmond, the park provided an excellent venue for DU volunteers to gather and celebrate South Carolina’s remarkable success in 2005. And they had cause to celebrate…SCDU is first in the nation in dollar’s raised over the previous year!

The Saturday Night Awards Banquet was attended by over 100 volunteers and guests. This year’s featured guest was renowned artist Ralph McDonald, one of the most popular Ducks Unlimited artists of all time.

A special congratulations goes out to South Carolina’s 2005 Top 100 chapters: Lexington, East of the Cooper, Grand Strand, Columbia, and North Myrtle Beach, who were all recognized for their accomplishments.

Plans are already being made for next year’s convention, so be on the lookout to mark your calendars and make plans to attend! Thanks again, South Carolina volunteers, for all you did to make 2005 a success!

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

Migratory waterfowl group will meet May 16 in Columbia 05-18-2006 08:06
– – –
The Migratory Waterfowl Committee will meet 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 16 at the Rembert C. Dennis Building located at 1000 Assembly St. Columbia. The meeting will be held in Room 345.

The meeting is open to the public. Anyone with business for the advisory committee, needing the agenda or directions to the meeting place should contact Sandra Hartley at the S.C. Department of Natural Resources in Columbia at (803) 734-3838. South Carolina Natural Resources board Milton Brazell of West Columbia is chairman of the Migratory Waterfowl Committee.

Items scheduled on the agenda for the meeting of the Waterfowl Advisory Committee include:

* Comments
* Old business
* Items for board action

* New business
* Artist Commission Contract Committee
* Contract painting background depiction
* Artist commission status
* Status of 2004, 2005 prints
* Update on print sales-distribution of funds

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

Need a motor, boat or ATV? 04-24-2006 10:25
– – –
The S.C. Department of Natural Resources will conduct a public auction of surplus property and equipment on Wednesday, May 17 in West Columbia. The auction of items such as vehicles, boats, outboard motors, all-terrain vehicles and other equipment deemed as surplus will be held at the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Styx Receiving Compound at 2760 Fish Hatchery Road in West Columbia. The auction will begin at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 17. Registration for the auction is May 17 from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. All items may be viewed on preview day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, May 16 at the Styx compound. A list of the items scheduled for auction will be posted on the DNR Web site at http://www.dnr.sc.gov/admin/procure/surplus.html or go to “Doing Business with DNR” on the DNR homepage and click on “Surplus Property.” Some items may be added or removed according to DNR’s needs. For questions regarding the upcoming auction, call (803) 755-1149 in West Columbia.

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

CP-33 Acreage Allocation 04-24-2006 09:29
– – –

As a result of some states requesting additional acreage, the Farm Service Agency made a decision
to reallocate additional acreages to those states with a high landowner demand.

Edgefield, SC (April 08, 2006) – Quail Unlimited has received notice that the Farm Service Agency of the United States Department of Agriculture announced an official reallocation of CP-33 acres. The notice was distributed to county and state agency offices last week. CP-33 is the upland habitat buffer practice of the Conservation Reserve Program that was developed to specifically benefit bobwhite quail and other grassland wildlife species. Quail Unlimited staff was involved in the initial development and recommendations for the specifics of the program at both the national and state levels.

The CP-33 practice has proven very successful in some states, yet landowners in other areas have not taken full advantage of its benefits. Originally, 250,000 acres nationwide were allotted for enrollment in the CP33 practice. An enrollment deadline of December 31, 2007 is the target date for complete enrollment of the practice. As a result of some states requesting additional acreage, the Farm Service Agency made a decision to reallocate additional acreages to those states with a high landowner demand. Therefore, some states were given additional acreage allotments and some states which had not used much of their original acreages were reduced.

States gaining additional acreages were: Illinois (7,500); Kansas (7,500); Maine (400); Missouri (2,600); South Carolina (5,000); and South Dakota (1,000). States losing original allotments include: Alabama (4,400); Colorado (500); Florida (500); Georgia (3000); Louisiana (1,900); New Jersey (400); Okalahoma (7,500); Pennsylvania (1,000); Tennessee (4,300) and West Virginia (500). (See table – http://www.qu.org/crp.cfm)

Landowners interested in enrolling their properties in the CP-33 practice in the above states who now have increased CP-33 acreages should contact their local Farm Services Agency office.

For a complete listing of updated CP-33 acreage allotments; please visit http://www.qu.org. Additional information on the Conservation Reserve Program and the CP33 practice are available on this site as well as instructions to obtain a free CP-33 DVD developed by Mississippi State University.

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

Wingshooter News 04-20-2006 08:27
– – –
Plan and prepare now for fall dove hunting

Now is the time to begin the planning and preparation of fields to attract doves during the upcoming season. The mourning dove is one of the most popular game species in the Southeast, and fall dove shoots are a South Carolina tradition.

Large numbers of doves will feed on waste grains and weed seeds in harvested peanut, corn and wheat fields. Fields can also be planted in millet, sorghum, sesame, corn, sunflowers or other crops and managed specifically for dove hunting. It is legal to plant a field with grains attractive to doves, and harvest or mow all or part of it, or none of it at all, and shoot doves over the area. Dove hunters are reminded that shooting over top-sown grains is not permitted. Well-managed dove fields provide benefits to doves and other wildlife before and after the hunting season.

Landowners interested in dove field recommendations should contact the S.C. Department of Natural Resources Small Game Project at (803) 734-3609 in Columbia, or a DNR regional wildlife biologist. Dove field planting information can also be found on the DNR Web site at (Adobe PDF file which requires the free Adobe Reader to view the file) http://www.dnr.sc.gov/pubs/AttractingDovesLegally.pdf.

Pending approval by the S.C. Natural Resources Board and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2006-07 mourning dove season dates will be Sept. 2-Oct. 7, Nov. 18-25, and Dec. 21-Jan. 15. Afternoon hunting only (noon to sunset) is allowed Sept. 2-4. The bag limit is 12 doves per hunter per day.
Several factors should be considered when planning a dove field. Larger fields are often more attractive than smaller fields. Generally, a dove field should be a minimum of 3 acres in size and should be designed to allow at least 1 acre per hunter. Fields should not be located near busy highways, residential areas, schools, hospitals, or other areas where safety or noise could be a concern. Also, doves are easier to attract if fields are located within an agricultural landscape, rather than within a large block of woodlands.

A single field can be manipulated to attract good numbers of doves through the season by alternating strips of several different crops. For example, browntop millet, which will mature in 60-70 days, will provide food during the early dove season. Dove proso millet will mature in 80-90 days and will be available after the browntop falls. Corn or sunflowers could be planted on remaining strips to provide late-season food sources. Doves prefer small-seeded, black-oil-seed varieties of sunflowers over the larger striped-shell sunflowers.

Dove fields should be planted on dates that allow the seed to mature about two weeks prior to hunting, which allows doves time to locate the food source and become accustomed to feeding in the field. Planted strips within fields should be 30-50 feet wide, and kept as weed-free as possible. Doves have weak feet and will not use a field where they have to scratch and search for food. For this reason, it is best to plant crops in rows to facilitate cultivation. Herbicides labeled for the various plantings are also recommended. Row plantings also make finding downed birds easier. In fields with heavy weed growth, light discing of strips throughout the field will improve the attractiveness of the field to doves by exposing seeds of native weeds and planted crops.

Overshooting will drive doves away from even a high-quality dove field. A field should not be hunted more than once or twice a week, and the birds should be allowed to feed unmolested during the last two hours of daylight. A particular field should be hunted morning or afternoon, not both.

After the close of dove season, fields should not be plowed under. Crop residue as well as associated weed seeds will continue to provide doves and other wildlife with a reliable food source throughout the remainder of winter and early spring.

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

Waterfowl Info 04-20-2006 08:26
– – –
The S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) sets the migratory game bird seasons in South Carolina using the regulatory processes and season frameworks established by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The Charleston scoping session will allow all sportsmen and wildlife managers to have input into future migratory game bird regulation.

Under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Fish and Wildlife Improvement Act, the Secretary of the Interior has the authority to determine whether migratory bird hunting can take place and issue regulations to guide management. Migratory game birds are species designated in conventions between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Japan, and Russia.

The draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement, which will contain management alternatives, will be published for comment next year. The notice of the public scoping process was published in the March 9 volume of the “Federal Register.”

Written comments regarding the Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement scoping are due by May 30 to: Chief, Division of Migratory Bird Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior, MS MBSP-4107-ARLSQ, 1849 C Street, NW, Washington, DC 20240. Alternately, comment may be sent by fax to (703) 358-2217 or by e-mail to huntingseis@fws.gov. All comments received from the initiation of this process on Sept. 8, 2005, (when the Service published a Notice of Intent to prepare a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement) until May 30 will be considered.

For more information on the Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement on migratory bird hunting, visit the Web site: http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/fedreg/MGBHR.HTML.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service regulates the hunting of waterfowl, cranes, rails, snipe and woodcock and doves and pigeons. Regulations governing seasons and limits are created annually since bird populations change from year to year. The annual regulations have been written by the Service each year since 1918. Other regulations, termed “basic” regulations, such as those governing hunting methods, are changed only when a need to do so arises.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the principal federal agency responsible for conserving, protecting and enhancing fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. The Service manages the 95-million-acre National Wildlife Refuge System, which encompasses 545 national wildlife refuges, thousands of small wetlands and other special management areas. It also operates 69 national fish hatcheries, 64 fishery resources offices and 81 ecological services field stations. The agency enforces federal wildlife laws, administers the Endangered Species Act, manages migratory bird populations, restores nationally significant fisheries, conserves and restores wildlife habitat such as wetlands, and helps foreign and Native American tribal governments with their conservation efforts. It also oversees the Federal Assistance program, which distributes hundreds of millions of dollars in excise taxes on fishing and hunting equipment to state fish and wildlife agencies.

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

USDA Wildlife Grant 03-29-2006 13:33
– – –
USDA Provides Up to $1.7 Million for Fish and Wildlife Habitat Improvements
Grants will develop and evaluate technology to improve fish and wildlife habitat

COLUMBIA, March 29, 2006—U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Chief Bruce Knight today announced that up to $1.7 million will be available through competitive grants to develop and evaluate technological tools for fish and wildlife habitat improvements. Proposals are due by April 27, 2006.
Individual grants will range from $10,000 to $200,000. Selected applicants may receive up to 50 percent of the project cost. Applicants must provide nonfederal matching funds for at least 50 percent of the project cost, up to half which may come from in-kind contributions. An exception allows for limited resource and beginning farmers and ranchers, tribes, and community-based organizations to obtain up to 75 percent of project matching funds from in-kind contributions. State and local governments, federally recognized tribes, and non-governmental organizations, including colleges and universities, are encouraged to apply.
Project proposals should explain how the applicant plans to develop, test, implement and transfer innovative solutions that benefit fish and wildlife on cropland, grassland, forestland, rangeland, riparian areas, wetlands, streams, rivers, vernal pools and areas where farmland and urban land meet. Projects can be single or multi-purpose and can run from one to three years. They must address the following natural resource concerns on working agricultural land:
-effects of buffers, field borders and riparian areas on fish and wildlife;
-improvements to wetland restoration and management practices;
-grassland establishment and management for wildlife;
-evaluation of fisheries habitat, stream restoration and management;
-use of electronic technology, including Geographic Information Systems, to measure fish and wildlife response to conservation practices; and;
-improvements of fish and wildlife management systems for limited resource and beginning farmers and ranchers and Native American tribes.
For more information, please visit the grants.gov Web site at http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?mode=VIEW&oppId=8643 and click on “Full Announcement.”

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

Waterfowl Hunters Encouraged to Comment On Migratory Bird Hunting 03-23-2006 15:39
– – –
MEMPHIS, Tenn., March 23, 2006 – Duck and goose hunters have a great opportunity to let the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) know what they think about migratory bird management in the United States. During the next 34 days, USFWS will hold 12 public meetings around the country to hear what you have to say. It’s all part of a process that will result in drafting a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) on the hunting of migratory birds.

The SEIS will consider a range of management alternatives for addressing sport hunting of migratory birds under the authority of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. You can also send comments directly to the USFWS.

Under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Fish and Wildlife Improvement Act, the secretary of the interior has the authority to determine whether migratory bird hunting can take place and issue regulations to guide management.

Ducks Unlimited, a world leader in wetland and waterfowl conservation, supports sustainable use and harvest of renewable resources based on sound science. We support migratory bird hunting, when conducted in an ethical and sustainable manner, as a legitimate and acceptable use of a renewable resource and encourage our supporters to make comments to the USFWS in support of migratory bird hunting.

The SEIS will update the 1975 EIS and 1988 SEIS for issuing annual hunting regulations.

Written comments from the public are due by May 30, 2006. Send comments to: Chief, Division of Migratory Bird Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior, MS MBSP-4107-ARLSQ, 1849 C Street, NW, Washington, DC 20240. Or fax your comments to (703) 358-2217 or e-mail huntingseis@fws.gov.

For more information, please see http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/fedreg/MGBHR.HTML

The 12 public meetings are listed below.

March 24, 2006: Columbus , Ohio, at the Hyatt Regency Columbus, 350 North High Street; 1 p.m.

March 28, 2006: Memphis , Tenn., at the Holiday Inn Select Downtown, 160 Union Avenue; 7 p.m.

March 30, 2006: Rosenburg , Texas, at the Texas Agricultural Extension Service Education Center, 1402 Band Road, Suite 100, Highway 36; 7 p.m.

April 5, 2006: Anchorage , Alaska, at the Howard Johnson Motel, 239 North 4th Avenue; 7 p.m.

April 6, 2006: Denver, Colo., at the Colorado Department of Wildlife, Northeast Region Service Center, Hunter Education Building, 6060 Broadway; 7 p.m.

April 10, 2006: Hadley , Mass., at the Northeast Regional Office of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 300 Westgate Center Drive; 7 p.m.

April 12, 2006: Charleston, S. C., at the Fort Johnson Marine Laboratory, 217 Fort Johnson Road, James Island; 7 p.m.

April 19, 2006: Fargo , N. D., at the Best Western Doublewood Inn, 3333 13th Avenue South; 7 p.m.

April 20, 2006: Bloomington , Minnesota, at the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge Visitors Center, 3815 East 80th Street; 7 p.m.

April 24, 2006: Salt Lake City , Utah, at the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, 1594 West North Temple; 7 p.m.

April 26, 2006: Arlington , Virginia, at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 4401 North Fairfax Drive, Room 200; 1 p.m.

April 26, 2006: Sacramento, California, at the California Department of Fish and Game, Auditorium, Resource Building, 1416 Ninth Street; 7 p.m.

With more than a million supporters, Ducks Unlimited is the world’s largest and most effective wetland and waterfowl conservation organization. The United States alone has lost more than half of its original wetlands — nature’s most productive ecosystem – and continues to lose more than 100,000 wetland acres each year.

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

Irmo Spring Banquet 03-13-2006 09:31
– – –
Irmo Spring Banquet
Date: March 30, 2006
Location: Saluda Shoals Park – River Center
Event Type:
Banquet
Contact: Scott McWatty
Phone: 803 361-5963
Email: smcwatty@sc.rr.com

Doors open at 6:00pm
Advance Tickets:
$40.00 Single
$60.00 Couple
$250.00 Sponsor Single
$275.00 Sponsor Couple
$25.00 Greenwing

Tickets at the Door:
$45.00 Single
$70.00 Couple
$250.00 Sponsor Single
$275.00 Sponsor Couple
$25.00 Greenwing

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

Clemson Ducks Unlimited Banquet 03-13-2006 09:29
– – –
Date: March 16, 2006
Location: Clemson University Outdoor Laboratory – Camp Hope
Event Type:
Banquet
Contact: Oscar McCurry
Phone: 864-225-8704
Email: oscarshomeoffice@earthlink.net

Doors open at 6:00pm Advance Tickets Single $40.00 Couple $60.00 Sponsor Single $250.00 Sponsor Couple $275.00 Greenwing $25.00 Tickets at the Door Single $45.00 Couple $70.00 Sponsor Single $250.00 Sponsor Couple $275.00 Greenwing $25.00

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

South Carolina’s P.O.W.E.R. for Wildlife Youth Grant Program 03-09-2006 12:34
– – –
Grants Available to Fund Youth Environmental Awareness Projects
Applications due May 1, 2006

March 7, 2006, Columbia, SC– South Carolina’s P.O.W.E.R. (Protecting Our Wildlife at Every Right of Way) for Wildlife Youth Grant Program was created to encourage and enhance natural resources education for South Carolina’s young adults. The POWER for Wildlife Steering Committee plans to award grants up to $2,000 to promote, enhance, or assist with environmental education programs for youth. The grants are not for individual students; rather they are intended for programs that teach environmental awareness to youth.
Applications must be received by close of business on May 1, 2006. The application can be downloaded at http://www.sc.nrcs.usda.gov/lowcountry_rcd.html . Mail applications to Steve Edwards, Lowcountry RC&D, Colleton County Human Services Center, 219 South Lemacks Street, Walterboro, SC, 29488. You may also receive an application by calling (843) 549-5596, or call your local Soil and Water Conservation District Office.
POWER for Wildlife is a program that offers landowners technical and financial assistance to create and maintain wildlife habitat beneath electrical transmission lines. The program is a statewide partnership effort administered by the SC RC&D (Resource Conservation and Development) Council and funded by electric power companies and electric cooperatives.
The POWER for Wildlife Youth Grant Program was created in 2004 as an effort to encourage environmental education and to enhance programs and projects that teach youth the importance of natural resources.
The P.O.W.E.R. for Wildlife Youth Grant Program hopes to award grants each year with funds generated from the P.O.W.E.R. for Wildlife Seed Program to entities that encourage natural resources education for children.

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

Palmetto Classic 03-09-2006 12:30
– – –
South Carolina’s 22nd Annual

Premier Hunting, Fishing, and Outdoors Show!

March 24, 25 & 26, 2006

State Fairgrounds

Admission: $6 Adults, $5 Seniors, Kids 10 and under FREE!

(Bring 5 cans of non-perishable food for Harvest Hope and receive $1 off admission)

Over 300 Exhibitors with products with latest technology in:

* Fishing tackle, rods and reels;
* Hunting supplies, tree stands, camouflage and archery equipment
* Boats and marine equipment and electronics
* 4 wheelers and supplies

The Palmetto Sportsmen’s Classic is a hunting, fishing and outdoor show emphasizing free events for the family:

The following events are free after paid admission:

* SwampMaster Alligator Show – Jeff Quattrocchi – Nutt Arena
* Twiggy – The Water Skiing Squirrel – Nutt Arena
* Joe Kelly’s North American Wildlife Collection and his Southern Whitetail Collection in Moore Building
* Okefenokee Joe – Ruff Building
* Roark Ferguson – Ruff Building
* Bass Tub – Nutt Arena
* Archery Contest – Sponsored by Palmetto Archery Federation and Lake Marion Archery Club
* BUCKMASTERS National Archery Competition – Hampton Building
* Seminars on hunting and fishing – Moore Building
* SC Reel Kids Fishing Pond – Outside
* TOMO air riffle and electronic shooting ranges – Outside
* SC Two Man Duck Calling Contest – Outside
* Third Annual Goose Calling Contest – Outside
* SC Native Amphibians and Reptiles – Ruff Building
* SC Bass Federation Kids Casting Competition – Outside
* Deer Rack Scoring – Moore Building
* Kids Educational Center – Ruff Building

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

Ducks Unlimited / Southeastern Wildlife Exposition Oyster Roast 02-17-2006 08:07
– – –

2006 Ducks Unlimited / Southeastern Wildlife Exposition Oyster Roast – February 17

This is one you don’t want to miss!

The annual Ducks Unlimited / Southeastern Wildlife Exposition Oyster Roast is scheduled for Friday, February 17, 2006 at the Charleston Visitor’s Center Bus Shed. Doors open at 6pm. Don’t miss this chance to be a part of one of the most outstanding DU events in the country!

Tickets are on sale now at a special early bird rate and can be purchased over the phone by calling 843-216-1491 or by visiting our On-line Ticket Purchasing Website. Tickets are $40 per person if purchased before February 10 and $50 per person if purchased after February 10. Your ticket includes all-you-can eat oysters and an assortment of other foods, open bar, a membership to Ducks Unlimited and the opportunity to participate in this event’s unique auctions and raffles.

***Important Notice: February 14, 2006 – From this point tickets will no longer be mailed to event attendees. Due to time constraints all tickets purchased between Monday, February 13 and Friday, February 17 must be picked up at the Ducks Unlimited booth in the Conservation Village at Marion Square or at the door Friday evening at will call. Additional tickets will be for sale on Friday evening at the door.

For years the Ducks Unlimited / Southeastern Wildlife Exposition Oyster Roast has been a tremendous success. In fact, this is one of the only events of its kind that is recognized as an official part of the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition. Crowds of well over 1000 people with many different interests come to enjoy an evening filled with fun and excitement. This year’s auctions, both live and silent, feature original artwork and carvings from artists across the country, as well as trips of all kinds and some of the most exclusive Ducks Unlimited merchandise that you won’t find anywhere else! We also have a live band for entertainment and some of the best food that Charleston has to offer. So if you’re from the Charleston area and looking to join in the festivities, or from out-of-town and interested in being a part of the biggest Friday night event of the weekend, get your tickets and plan to join us for the 2006 Ducks Unlimited / Southeastern Wildlife Exposition Oyster Roast!

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

Wingshooter News 02-17-2006 08:04
– – –
Wild quail management seminars set March 9-11

Bobwhite quail populations in South Carolina and the Southeast have been declining steadily over the past 50 years due to land use change and reduction in suitable habitat. The 19th Annual Wild Quail Management Seminars, sponsored by the S.C. Department of Natural Resources and the S.C. State Committee of Quail Unlimited, are designed to instruct landowners and land managers in the proper techniques of creating habitat that will support native populations of bobwhite quail.

Two seminars will be conducted over a three-day period, March 9-11, at the Webb Wildlife Center in Hampton County. The registration fee is $75 and includes meals, overnight accommodations and seminar materials. Space is limited, so register early to reserve a slot in one of the two sessions. For more information write: Quail Management Seminars, DNR, PO Box 167, Columbia, SC 29202, call the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Small Game Project in Columbia at (803) 734-4306, or e-mail barnesj@dnr.sc.gov.

“Properties that consistently carry medium- to high-density wild quail populations are actively managed to provide quail with all the habitat components necessary throughout the year,” said Judy Barnes, DNR small game biologist. “These seminars are designed to improve quail habitat management skills, and the information is presented so that anyone with an interest can implement these practices on their property.”

Field demonstrations and classroom instruction will focus on habitat practices including firebreak establishment, prescribed burning, timber management, brush control, discing for natural foods and supplemental food patch plantings. Presentations will be given on wild quail natural history, biology, diseases and parasites, predation and other factors that may be contributing to the population decline. An update on current research will also be presented. Speakers will include wildlife and forestry professionals from state and federal agencies.
About 700 people have attended the seminar since its inception in 1987. These sportsmen and sportswomen have positively affected thousands of acres across South Carolina by applying basic techniques to improve habitat on their lands.

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

Junio Duck Stamp Contest Winner 02-17-2006 08:02
– – –
The SC Dept of Natural Resources held its 12th Annual SC Junior Duck Stamp Contest earlier in the month and Anastasia Timina (Age 14) won Best of Show. She also won the Best of Show last year at only age 13. Her entry will travel to Washington, DC to compete in the National Jr. Duck Stamp Competition.

Posted By:
J-GREIDER
Guest

Monticello Res. 02-08-2006 11:09
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 35-40 Degrees
Went scouting on Monday. Plenty of local geese around. Went hunting this am. Only saw 11 geese. Managed to cut 2. Guess I will go Sat for a Grand Finale.

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

Edgefield co. Youth Hunt 02-07-2006 08:31
– – –
2 kids 1 wood duck. Lots of birds flying Saturday!

Posted By:
relliott9204
Guest

Pee Dee River 01-31-2006 15:30
Cloudy, Light Rain & Drizzle – 50-60 Degrees
Last day of the season 1-29-06. Saw a big flock of Canadians early and a couple of Mallards. Just trying to drift into a some woodies. No kills but had a good time cooking spicy deer sausage and enjoying the outdoors.

Posted By:
WidgeonMan
WFC Sponsor

Dar Co 01-26-2006 13:37
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 25-30 Degrees – Open Water
1 gun= 1 Woodie

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

SCWA Events 01-26-2006 10:05
– – –
1/28/06 Clarendon Conservation Dinner
National Guard Armory

2/3/06 Pee Dee/Marlboro Conservation Dinner – Community Center

2/4/06 Francis Marion Conservation Dinner – Fair Grounds

2/18/06 Sportsmans Ball – Duck Shuck –
Outfitter Exhibit – Auctions

3/9/06 CSRA Conservation Dinner –
N. Augusta Community Center
4/29/06 Four Holes – Edisto Conservation
Dinner – Utophia Club

Visit http://www.scwa.org/main_events.html for more info

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

Pamletto Sportsmen’s Classic, March 24-26, Columbia 01-23-2006 12:35
– – –
Palmetto Sportsmen’s Classic set for March 24-26 in Columbia

The 22nd Annual Palmetto Sportsmen’s Classic will be held at the State Fairgrounds in Columbia March 24-26. Doors will be open from noon to 8 p.m. Friday, March 24; from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, March 25; and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, March 26.

New and returning major attractions for 2006 are “Twiggy-The Water Skiing Squirrel,” “The SwampMaster” Alligator Show, Okefenokee Joe, Roark Ferguson and Joe Kelly’s display of North American Wildlife Collection and Southern Whitetail Collection. Also in 2006, the Palmetto Sportsmen’s Classic will feature its first archery contest where participants may bring their own bow and arrows and compete in an archery contest sponsored by the Palmetto Archery Federation and the Lake Marion Archery Club.

For more information on the Palmetto Sportsmen’s Classic, call the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Columbia office at (803) 734-4008 or visit the Palmetto Sportsmen’s Classic Web site at www.psclassic.com.

Admission to the 2006 Palmetto Sportsmen’s Classic is $6, and parking is $1. Seniors 60 and over get in for $5 while children 10 and under are admitted free. Visitors bringing five canned-food items for Harvest Hope Food Bank receive $1 off admission. Hours are noon to 8 p.m. Friday, March 24; from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

The DNR’s education staff and volunteers will be on hand to help kids catch a catfish at the highly popular SC Reel Kids Fishing Pond. “Kids can fish for free and sign up to join SC Reel Kids, an educational incentive program that teaches angling, ethics and aquatic resources,” said BeBe Harrison, DNR aquatic education coordinator. “Not only will they have fun fishing at the Classic, we’ll give them a photo of their catch and more to take home. If they are already a ‘Reel Kid’ and bring their license by the Reel Kids booth, they will receive a special prize.”

Classic-goers will find more than 300 exhibitors on site with the latest fishing, hunting and outdoor equipment for show and sale. Several free events include special seminars on deer hunting by South Carolina’s own Joe Kelly, snakes by Okefenokee Joe, and a unique reptile exhibit in the Ruff Building; DNR’s Take One Make One trailer-based D.A.R.T. shooting range; Bass Tub fishing technique demonstrations; a national Buckmasters indoor archery competition.

The Palmetto Sportsmen’s Classic is sponsored by the S.C. Department of Natural Resources, Harry Hampton Memorial Wildlife Fund, South Carolina Wildlife magazine, WIS-TV, WCOS-FM Radio, Professional Printers and Bob Redfern’s Outdoor Magazine. The Hampton Fund uses proceeds to fund natural resources conservation projects in South Carolina. Examples include programs such as Hooked on Fishing, Not on Drugs; Operation Game Thief; Project WILD and the Becoming an Outdoors-Woman program. The Palmetto Sportsmen’s Classic has raised thousands of dollars over the years to benefit education and outreach programs throughout the state.

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

Thurmond Lake & local ponds 01-23-2006 10:16
Cloudy, Light Rain & Drizzle – 50-60 Degrees
Geese and a number of bufflehead were up an flying (geese late–buffs early). My buddies took two geese late morning. I pretty much went birdwatching over the weekend. Warm weather–but at least the rain and bass tournament moved the birds around a little. Local ponds (if you can find one that hasn’t been shot up) saw the usual wood duck action. Some of the dried up holes filled up with the weekend rain and provided some new spots to feed & hunt.

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

Free Wood Duck Box Plans from SCDNR 01-16-2006 15:03
– – –
Wood duck box plans now on SCDNR website

The wood duck is the most important species to South Carolina waterfowl enthusiasts and is the only duck for which we can effectively manage production habitat throughout all geographic regions of the State. Construction of nest boxes and erection of nest box units can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience for anyone interested in a hands-on waterfowl conservation project.

The best time to erect nest boxes is December through February. Find out more information on the construction of wood duck boxes by going to the S.C. Department of Natural Resources website http://www.dnr.sc.gov/wildlife/waterfowl/woodduck/index.html. You can also write to Walt Rhodes, project supervisor of the Wood Duck Nest Box Project, Santee Coastal Reserve, P.O. Box 37, McClellanville, S.C. 29458 or call (843) 546-8665.

Start with a few boxes initially and increase as local populations grow remembering not to over-saturate. It may take several years before the first box is used, or it may be used immediately. It is best to erect nest boxes in the shallow, permanent water of a marsh or pond having a good mix of open water and emergent plant cover.

Do not build or erect a wood duck nest box unless it will be protected from predators and placed in or adjacent to a suitable permanent water site. Poorly erected and seldom maintained nest boxes only invite wood ducks away from secretive natural cavities to where predators will destroy eggs, kill the nesting hen or both. The all-important conical guard placed below the nest box will protect it from climbing racoons, rat snakes and other predators.

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

Youth Waterfowl Hunt 01-16-2006 15:01
– – –
Youth Waterfowl Days are set in state Feb. 4-5

Young waterfowl hunters across the state can enjoy special days in the field Saturday, Feb. 4 and Sunday, Feb. 5 by participating in Youth Waterfowl Days on private lands and on some S.C. Department of Natural Resources Waterfowl Management Areas.

Hunters 15 years of age or younger may hunt ducks and Canada geese Saturday, Feb. 4 and Sunday, Feb. 5 when accompanied by an adult at least 18 years of age on private lands or an adult at least 21 years of age on state Wildlife Management Areas. The adult cannot carry a firearm or hunt. For more information on Youth Waterfowl Days, call the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Columbia office at (803) 734-3886.

“Youth waterfowl days provide the opportunity for young people to be introduced to waterfowl hunting in a positive manner.” said Derrell Shipes, chief of special projects, research and survey for DNR. “These dates also provide adults the opportunity to take young people afield to teach them more about the tradition of waterfowling in a setting where youth hunters are the priority of the day.”

The legal waterfowl daily bag limit for each young hunter participating during Youth Waterfowl Days must not include more than six ducks of which the following internal limits also apply: two wood ducks, two redheads, one pintail, one canvasback, one black-bellied whistling duck, two scaup, four mallards (not to include more than one female mallard or one black duck or one mottled duck). Five mergansers (not to include more than one hooded merganser) also may be taken in addition to the regular limit of six ducks. Youth hunters also may take 15 coots daily and 15 blue or snow geese in addition to the duck limit.

A combined total of five Canada and white-fronted geese (no more than two white-fronted geese) may be taken by each young hunter during Youth Waterfowl Days, but the exclusion zone where taking Canada Geese is prohibited includes all of Clarendon County, that portion of Orangeburg County north of SC 6 and that portion of Berkeley County north of SC 45 from the Orangeburg County line to the junction of SC 45 and state road S-8-31, and that portion west of the Santee Dam.

The possession of lead shot while waterfowl hunting is prohibited; nontoxic shot (steel, bismuth-tin or other federally approved shot) is required for all waterfowl hunting including during Youth Waterfowl Days. No shot smaller than No. 2 or larger than F-shot is allowed for goose hunting. Shooting hours during Youth Waterfowl Days will be from 30 minutes before official sunrise until sunset.

“We want to encourage adults who love and enjoy waterfowl hunting to take young people out on the specially scheduled dates,” said Breck Carmichael, DNR deputy director for wildlife and freshwater fisheries. “We hope landowners who own waterfowl habitat will support this initiative and allow youngsters the opportunity to hunt ducks and geese on their properties. Those who embrace the tradition of waterfowl hunting should be willing to pass this legacy on to future generations.”

Many DNR Wildlife Management Areas will be open for public hunting on Saturday, Feb. 4 for Youth Waterfowl Days (DNR Waterfowl Management Areas are not open on Sundays). Waterfowl Management Areas that are open Saturday mornings during the regular waterfowl season will be open for Youth Waterfowl Day on Saturday, Feb. 4. These Waterfowl

Management Areas include:

* Beidler Impoundment WMA in Sumter County
* Dunaway WMA in Union County
* Duncan Creek WMA in Laurens County
* Hatchery WMA in Berkeley County
* Enoree River WMA in Newberry County
* Marsh WMA in Marion County
* Monticello Reservoir WMA in Fairfield County
* Moultrie WMA in Berkeley County
* Parr Reservoir WMA in Fairfield County
* Potato Creek WMA in Clarendon County
* Russell Creek WMA in McCormick County
* Turtle Island WMA in Jasper County
* Tyger River WMA in Union County
* Samson Island Unit of Bear Island WMA in Colleton County
* Wee Tee WMA in Williamsburg County
* Hickory Top WMA in Clarendon County
* Hickory Top Greentree Reservoir in Clarendon County

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

Edgefield Co. Ponds 01-16-2006 15:01
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 50-60 Degrees
Local hunters punched a few mallards and woodies on private ponds and a few bonus geese. All local birds. Nothing new coming in from up north.

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

Thurmond Lake 01-16-2006 14:59
Sunny & Clear, High Winds – 50-60 Degrees
My buddies braved the wind and waves last Saturday and hunted an island in Thurmond. Shot a couple of buffs and two blackfeet that mad the mistake of trying to land when they were picking up dekes.

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

Post & Courier Article on Migrating Ducks 01-12-2006 11:39
– – –
A bird’s-eye view of Bull’s Island

BY CHRIS DIXON
The Post and Courier

Chris Crolley has seen scores of birds in his life, but this season the Bull’s Island ferry operator and Cape Romain naturalist has been impressed by the ducks and other winged creatures wintering on the Charleston County island …

View rest of story at
http://www.charleston.net/stories/default_pf.aspx?newsID=62713

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

Aiken Co. Ponds 01-12-2006 11:33
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 60-65 Degrees
Punched a lone goose at local pond. Friends hunting in Edgefield & McCormick private ponds not seeing anything new. A few woodies here and there. Still too warm for any new birds.

Posted By:
WidgeonMan
WFC Sponsor

DarCo 01-09-2006 13:24
Mostly Cloudy, No Precipitation – 50-60 Degrees
Saw a few woodies in a beaver swamp. Not much happening.

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

Thurmond Lake 01-04-2006 10:46
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 50-60 Degrees
Too warm–a couple of divers (jacks) and the same two mallards that have avoided being shot all season is all that they are seeing on the big water. I might try the backwaters of the Savannah next week when it is supposed to cool down.

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

Canned Duck Hunts SC 01-04-2006 10:37
– – –
Interesting article publisehd by The State on SC canned duck hunts posted at

http://www.thestate.com/mld/thestate/13505096.htm?template=contentModules/printstory.jsp

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

Coastal NC, Pamlico Sound & Lake Mattamuskeet 01-03-2006 08:03
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 45-50 Degrees
Went North to hunt for swans, sea ducks, puddle ducks and divers. Hunted and stayed with some great people around Lake Mattamuskeet. Punched my first tundra swan, thanks to Terry R. and spent the rest of the week shooting ringnecks, bluebills, wood ducks, wigeons, buffleheads and a surf scoter. Great hunting overall, incredibly beautiful country.

Special thanks to Terry R., Joe P. and family (Theresa and Sophia), Jimmy, John H., Ryan T and the Mrs. Leona P. for taking me in on short notice.

Posted By:
Drake26
Guest

Upstate 01-03-2006 07:00
Cloudy, Occassional Rain Showers – 45-50 Degrees
Hunted three days over the new year holiday.
Fri. 12/30 got shut out only killed a Gadwall drake
Sat. 12/31 2 guns killed 7, got my mallard limit with my buddy close behind
Mon. 1/2 2 guns killed 7, I killed 2 mall. drakes, 1 spoon, 1GWT, the other gun killed 3 mallards.

All in all we had a good weekend.

Posted By:
Drake26
Guest

Upstate, Private 12-27-2005 06:52
– – –
Friday 12/23 2 guys killed 7 2 woodies the rest were trash ducks
Mon. 12/26 2 guys killed 6, 4 mallard drakes and 2 hens.

Posted By:
J-GREIDER
Guest

central/s. Illinois 12-25-2005 16:35
– – –
Just got back home from a week trip to Il. on friday late. Had to work Christmas eve, Christmas, and day after. Now I have another week off. After seeing more ducks/geese then ever up there. Looks like I will be heading back to Il. to hunt tuesday through the new year.

12/23/05- 2 boats, 6 guys, 21 mallards
definatley worth going back!

Merry Christmas and have a Happy New Year

Posted By:
Drake26
Guest

Upstate, Public 12-22-2005 14:07
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 50-60 Degrees
Went scouting on some public land today and saw a pile of ducks.

200+ mallards
1 pintail drake
3 dozen GWT
3 dozen Ringnecks
2 dozen mergs and buffs
2 or 3 gadwalls
And 30+ sandhill cranes, yes sandhill cranes, not sure if you can kill them in SC, but they are here. I couldn’t believe my eyes, I watched them for 30+ minutes. They came within 40 yards of me, coulda blistered ’em.

Posted By:
Drake26
Guest

Upstate 12-21-2005 14:32
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 40-45 Degrees
Saw a lot of ducks today. This year is only getting better.

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

SW Local Ponds 12-21-2005 08:55
– – –
Action has slowed considerably since the opener. Local birds are avoiding the ponds where they’ve seen a lot of artillery fire. I noted the first pair of buffleheads on my pond in my backyard. I guess we’ve hit peak migration in SC.

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

Bridwatching Christmas 2005 12-17-2005 19:00
– – –
Get in the holiday spirit with Christmas bird counts
Tired of fighting crowds at the mall? Want to see a real partridge in a pear tree? Join thousands of other volunteers in the National Audubon Society’s longest-running wintertime tradition, the 106th annual Christmas Bird Count.

“Christmas Bird Counts are a good way for beginners to learn birdwatching from experienced birders,” said Laurel Barnhill, wildlife biologist with the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Wildlife Section. “Anyone interested in birds can participate. The most important thing is having eyes out in the field. Even people who are feeder watchers within the count area can participate.”

South Carolina’s Christmas bird counters are among the more than 50,000 volunteers participating in the National Audubon Society’s 106th Christmas Bird Count Dec. 14 – Jan. 5, the world’s largest volunteer survey of its type. This marks the 106th anniversary since 27 conservationists decided to protest the traditional bird shoot, and instead of killing birds with guns, they counted them on Christmas Day 1900. The event originated as a protest to the traditional holiday “side hunt” in which teams competed to see who could shoot the most birds and animals in one day.

For further information on bird counts in your area, visit the National Audubon Society’s Christmas Bird Count Web site at http://www.audubon.org/bird/cbc/; check the Carolina Bird Club Web site at http://carolinabirdclub.org/christmas_counts.html; or call the DNR at (803) 734-3886 in Columbia.

This year, nearly 2,000 individual counts are scheduled to take place throughout the Americas. The data, 100 percent volunteer generated, have become a crucial part of the federal government’s natural history monitoring database. During Christmas Bird Counts, all birds within a 7.5-mile radius are identified by species and counted during a 24-hour period. Most counts begin at 7 or 8 a.m. and last the entire day, but participants can leave at their convenience if they make prior arrangements with the trip leader. Barnhill advises bringing a lunch and drink since many bird counts are conducted in rural areas. Dress for the weather.

Count participants are asked to pay a $5 fee to defray costs of the program; observers 18 years of age and under count for free. Count results and participants’ names will be published by the National Audubon Society. A list of the counts, and contacts for more information, includes:

2005-2006 South Carolina-area Christmas Bird Counts

Saturday, Dec. 17 COLUMBIA, Robin Carter, (803) 782-8820, rcarter@sc.rr.com
Saturday, Dec. 17 AUGUSTA, GA., Anne Waters, (706) 793-2788, birdannelady@earthlink.net
Saturday, Dec. 17 CLEMSON, Drew Lanham, (864) 656-7294, lanhamj@clemson.edu

Sunday, Dec. 18 CONGAREE SWAMP, Robin Carter, (803) 782-8820, rcarter@sc.rr.com
Sunday, Dec. 18 MCCLELLANVILLE, Nathan Dias, (843) 607-0105, offshorebirder@yahoo.com
Sunday, Dec. 18 PEE DEE/FLORENCE, David McLean and Calvin Clyde, (843) 853-7084, (843) 669-7836, dcmclean@gmail.com

Monday, Dec. 19 YORK/ROCK HILL, Bill Hilton Jr., (803) 684-5852, Hilton@hiltonpond.org

Saturday, Dec. 24 AIKEN, Calvin Zippler, (803) 642-2264, zipplerc@bellsouth.net

Thursday, Dec. 29 LITCHFIELD/PAWLEYS ISLAND, Jack Peachey, (843) 347-5810, ppaw@sccoast.net
Thursday, Dec. 29 SPARTANBURG, Lyle Campbell, (864) 585-1228, lcampbell@uscupstate.edu

Saturday, Dec. 31 SANTEE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE, Lex Glover, (803) 438-9855, bglvr@clemson.edu
Saturday, Dec. 31 NORTH GREENVILLE, J.B. Hines, (864) 706-8421, jbhines3@chesnet.net

Sunday, Jan. 1 CHARLESTON, Burton Moore, (843) 853-1100, bmoore@audubonart.com
Sunday, Jan. 1 SAVANNAH, GA., Dorothy Bambach, (912) 598-3764, dotbam@bellsouth.net
Sunday, Jan. 1 ACE BASIN, Pete Laurie, (843) 559-2046, farmall41@aol.com

Tuesday, Jan. 3 LAKE WATEREE, Donna Slyce, (803) 951-7122, dslyce@alltel.net

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

Local Ponds Edgefield & McCormick 12-16-2005 13:37
– – –
Most pond shooters saw some early action from wood ducks, not much in terms of new birds beyond the woodies and local geese.

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

Thurmond Lake 12-16-2005 13:36
Sunny & Clear, Morning Fog – 35-40 Degrees
My buddies hunted the channel and saw very few birds except very early. A few coves were banging away, but most boats had limited shooting.

Posted By:
jct
Guest

12-13-2005 10:45
– – –
any report from the cooper river? Santee delta?

Posted By:
Drake26
Guest

Upstate 12-06-2005 12:44
Sunny & Clear, Morning Fog – 45-50 Degrees
Saw a lot of new ducks today. Can’t wait till the season reopens.

Saw high numbers of mallards.
Saw 200 GWT this morning
4 Bull sprigs
2 Blacks
40 Gadwalls
24 Widgeons.

All these ducks have recently moved here in the last 3 days!

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

DU Events 12-01-2005 20:02
– – –
Lexington Wild Game Dinner
Date: December 1, 2005
Location: Lexington
Event Type: Dinner
Contact: G.A. Weathersby
Phone: 803-238-1758

East Cooper Membership Banquet
Date: December 2, 2005
Location: Mt. Pleasant
Event Type: Banquet
Contact: Mark Hartley
Phone: 843-224-5142

Columbia Chapter
Date: December 5, 2005
Location:
Event Type: Greenwing
Contact: Bill Short
Phone: 803-542-7823

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

Wingshooter News 11-30-2005 14:34
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Wild Quail Management Seminars March 9-11, 2006

Bobwhite quail populations in South Carolina and the Southeast have been declining steadily over the past 50 years due to land use change and reduction in suitable habitat. The 19th Annual Wild Quail Management Seminars, sponsored by the S.C. Department of Natural Resources and the S.C. State Committee of Quail Unlimited, are designed to instruct landowners and land managers in the proper techniques of creating habitat that will support native populations of bobwhite quail.

Two seminars will be conducted over a three-day period, March 9-11, 2006, at the Webb Wildlife Center in Hampton County. The registration fee is $75 and includes meals, overnight accommodations and seminar materials. Space is limited, so register early to reserve a slot in one of the two sessions. For more information write: Quail Management Seminars, DNR, PO Box 167, Columbia, SC 29202, call the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Small Game Project in Columbia at (803) 734-4306, or e-mail barnesj@dnr.sc.gov.

“Properties that consistently carry medium- to high-density wild quail populations are actively managed to provide quail with all the habitat components necessary throughout the year,” said Judy Barnes, DNR small game biologist. “These seminars are designed to improve quail habitat management skills, and the information is presented so that anyone with an interest can implement these practices on their property.”

Field demonstrations and classroom instruction will focus on habitat practices including firebreak establishment, prescribed burning, timber management, brush control, discing for natural foods and supplemental food patch plantings. Presentations will be given on wild quail natural history, biology, diseases and parasites, predation and other factors that may be contributing to the population decline. An update on current research will also be presented. Speakers will include wildlife and forestry professionals from state and federal agencies.

About 700 people have attended the seminar since its inception in 1987. These sportsmen and sportswomen have positively affected thousands of acres across South Carolina by applying basic techniques to improve habitat on their lands.

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

Savannh River and Backwaters 11-30-2005 08:22
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 50-60 Degrees
Based on what I’ve gathered from my buddies the GA side of the river seemed to be holding more mallards and woodies. SC Thurmond hunters saw few birds over opening weekend mostly ringnecks, a few mallards, woodies and wigeons. Geese were not nearly as numerous compared to early season numbers—we must of whacked them pretty good early on. Overall, the opener was slow with a few exceptional pockets of birds in local ponds and backwaters.

Posted By:
Chevelle
Supporting Member

11-29-2005 20:55
Mostly Cloudy, No Precipitation – 30-34 Degrees – Open Water
To all Waterfowlers back in SC…I am in Ontario for the week and I can tell you that thousands are pouring out.

Posted By:
Drake26
Guest

Upstate 11-29-2005 15:27
Cloudy, Occassional Rain Showers – 45-50 Degrees
Hunting 3 days during the Thanksgiving Season
Killed 12 ducks
6 Mall Drakes, 2 hens
3 Wood duck drakes
1 Gadwall Hen

All and All the opener was my best, but I did kill a few more to close out the first split! Can’t wait till the cold hits in late Dec., Early Jan.

Posted By:
Drake26
Guest

Upstate 11-25-2005 07:18
Sunny & Clear, High Winds – 35-40 Degrees
The opener was great. I limited out with 4 mallard drakes, 1 wood duck drake, and 1 gadwall hen. Saw a lot of ducks everywhere. Wood duck numbers are tremendous along with mallards and teal. Good luck for the remainder of the weekend.

Posted By:
J-GREIDER
Guest

Broad River 11-24-2005 07:03
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Saw a few ducks. Zero shot. Mostly Woody’s, R-neck’s, and teal. Two flocks of honkytonkbadonkydonks. Scraped a double out of one flock. Back home by 11:00. Working today, but will be back at it in the a.m.

Jon

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

Savannah River 11-23-2005 22:46
Sunny & Clear, Morning Fog – 45-50 Degrees
Hunted SC opener. Whiffed on 3 passers (wood ducks that had the afterburners lit). Very few ducks seen after initial shots at 6:36 most other hunters shot ringnecks, a few wood ducks, a handful of mallards and only one hunter managed to get a couple of geese on the river on my stretch. Pretty slow opener. Nice weather, but it was over by 7:00 am.Everyone was very cordial in the morning— a nice break from some of the poor conduct I grew used to in Illinois (fist fights at the ramp, skybusting on other guys swinging birds, guys setting up within 100 yards of your spread…etc)

Posted By:
Drake26
Guest

Upstate 11-22-2005 13:17
Cloudy, High Winds – 45-50 Degrees
Went scouting today.
High numbers of mallards and woodies.
Doz. Blacks
5Doz. GWT
Doz. Widgeons
6 Spoons
My newest sighting was about 2 dozen grey ducks.

Good luck on the opener tommorow. Hopefully I will have some pictures next Mon. or Tues.

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

Scouting Savannah River 11-22-2005 09:33
Cloudy, Light Rain & Drizzle – 50-60 Degrees
Did not see much at sundown last night driving along the river. A few geese here and there and some woodies. Good luck on the opener tomorrow. Hunt safe!

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

25 Years Of Duck Stamps Help Waterfowl From S.C. To Canada 11-18-2005 13:49
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South Carolina’s 25th anniversary duck stamp this season features a pair of canvasback ducks flying over the ocean by wildlife artist Rodney Huckaby of Simpsonville. It is the 25th edition of conservation stamp and art print that has helped the Palmetto State make continued progress in waterfowl habitat conservation, as well as support breeding habitat restoration in Canada.

This year 2005 also marks the 100th anniversary of game and fish law enforcement in the Palmetto State.

Huckaby’s painting of a pair of canvasback ducks flying over the ocean with a shrimp boat pulling its trawl nets in the background was judged the winner of South Carolina’s 25th annual State Duck Stamp Contest by members of the S.C.

Migratory Waterfowl Committee. The stamp competition is a program of the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The winning artwork is featured on the 2005-2006 S.C. Migratory Waterfowl and Hunting Stamp currently on sale. For more information on the duck stamp program, visit www.dnr.sc.gov/wildlife/stamps/index.html.

It has been almost 25 years since the first South Carolina duck stamp-a pair of wood ducks painted by artist Lee LeBlanc-went on sale in July 1981, and the limited edition art prints for 1981-82 literally sold out that year as they did the next season with a pair of mallards by Bob Binks. Two other top-selling prints in the 24 year history of the S.C. duck stamp program are the 1988-89 painting of a Boykin spaniel with wigeon by Jim Killen and the 1991-92 painting of a black lab with pintails, also by Killen

New state migratory waterfowl stamps, often called duck stamps, go on sale each July 1 for the upcoming season and cost $5.50 each. Stamps are available from most retail businesses that sell hunting and fishing licenses or directly from the S.C. Department of Natural Resources. Collectors should purchase stamps from the DNR. South Carolina duck hunters age 16 and older are required to have the state waterfowl stamp in their possession while hunting. Duck hunters purchase about 24,000 stamps each year, and collectors buy another 5,000 stamps. For more information contact Adrian Rivera in DNR licensing at (803) 734-3824 in Columbia.

Funds from stamp sales are by law used strictly within South Carolina, which includes the cost of stamp production, and “those migratory waterfowl projects specified by the S.C. Natural Resources Board for the development, protection and propagation of waterfowl in the state. None of such funds shall be expended for administrative salaries.”

Funds derived from the sale of art prints and related artwork is used as specified in state law. The committee administers and promotes the sale of prints, stamps and related articles. The amount needed to make up 50 percent of the total from stamp and print sales is transferred to the DNR for use in its specified projects. The remainder of funds derived by the sale of prints and related articles is disbursed to a nonprofit organization for the development of waterfowl propagation projects within Canada. The projects must specifically provide waterfowl for the Atlantic Flyway and must be able to demonstrate evidence that the projects are acceptable to the appropriate governmental agencies having jurisdiction over the project areas.
Since 1962 a portion of the revenues from nonresident hunting licenses has helped to fund waterfowl conservation projects within South Carolina and in Canada. One dollar from each annual nonresident hunting license and 50 cents from each temporary nonresident hunting license is used by DNR for propagation, management and control of ducks and geese in the state. A like portion of such license fees is contributed by DNR to proper agencies in Canada for propagation, management and control of ducks and geese.

DNR Director John Frampton said: “South Carolina has enjoyed a long history of working with Ducks Unlimited both in providing funds for improvement of breeding habitat in Canada but also in acquiring and enhancing habitat n South Carolina through the MARSH (Matching Aid to Restore States Habitat) program and in other major conservation efforts such as the ACE basin project. Through the MARSH program the state was able to purchase two notable waterfowl areas in Colleton County: the 987-acre Cut plantation in 1989 and the 696-acre Springfield in 1987. We also work with Ducks Unlimited in Canada as they strategically locate high quality sites having significant potential to improve waterfowl production habitat benefiting species of importance to South Carolina.”

The statewide Wood Duck Nest Box project for construction and distribution of nest box units to requesting landowners began in 1982. The project was renamed in 2004 to the Governor’s Wood Duck Project, and rejuvenated by private funding. Since 1982 30,032 nest box units have been issued to 4,059 cooperators. The project provides nest boxes, poles and predator guards to landowners having suitable wood duck production and brood-rearing habitat. Cooperators voluntarily submit data on nesting activity each year.

Since the first duck stamp prints were sold South Carolina has averaged $85,000 annually in stamp print revenues to the conservation of waterfowl breeding habitat in Canada which have included wetland restoration projects and land securement initiatives that benefit breeding and staging waterfowl species known to be important to the South Carolina harvest. The total S.C. duck stamp print revenues going to Canada, including a portion of non-resident hunting license revenues, amount to $2,036,671.

In fiscal year 2004-05 alone DNR contributions from print sales to Ducks Unlimited of Canada totaled $52,096 in US dollars, which “leveraged” an additional $156,288 from Ducks Unlimited Inc., plus $659,471 from Canadian government sources. This multiple matching of funds accumulated a total of $867,855, resulting in a ratio of almost 16:1 on DNR’s contribution. In FY 2004-05 Ducks Unlimited of Canada invested a total of $6,226,212 in habitat conservation.

Since the first South Carolina duck stamps were sold to hunters and collectors in 1981, a total of $3.6 million has been raised to fund in-state waterfowl conservation projects and habitat purchases. In the first 24 years of the duck stamp program annual collections have ranged from a high of $269,635 in 1990-91 to a low of $142,758 in 2001-02.

“As a result of the availability of state duck stamp funds we are better able to manage important DNR waterfowl projects and do things like treat infestations of aquatic nuisance weeds in waterfowl areas,” Frampton said. “We have been able to purchase and maintain agricultural equipment used on waterfowl management areas. And, we have been able to purchase additional waterfowl habitat.

“The South Carolina Wood Duck Nesting Box program, which began one year following the initiation of the duck stamp program, is perhaps the flagship of duck stamp funding,” Frampton said. “It is the most successful such program in the United States. In the past 23 years just over 30,000 boxes have been provided to some 4,000 cooperating landowners.”

The nine-member S.C. Migratory Waterfowl Committee, created by state law in 1981, has the responsibility for selecting the design used on annual migratory waterfowl stamps and prints and administration of art print sales. A contest to select the stamp design is held each year and is open to any artist with United States citizenship. The waterfowl committee by law is composed of three ex-officio members-a designee from Ducks Unlimited of South Carolina, a designee from the S.C. Waterfowl Association, and the chairman of the S.C. Natural Resources Board-and six appointed members-two members appointed by S.C. House of Representatives, two members appointed by the S.C. Senate, and two members appointed by the Governor.

Milton L. Brazell of West Columbia currently serves as chairman of the S.C. Migratory Waterfowl Committee and Joe S. Johnson of York is vice-chair. Other members are: Danny Stone or Georgetown; Thomas Towns Jr. of Conway; Wes Fowler of Florence; Thomas L. Wilcox of Greenville; Mario P. Insabella of Spartanburg, with Ducks Unlimited; Bobby Creech of Charleston, with the S.C. Waterfowl Association; and Michael G. McShane of Johns Island, chairman of the S.C. Natural Resources board.

Posted By:
Drake26
Guest

Upstate 11-08-2005 06:56
Mostly Cloudy, No Precipitation – Over 70 Degrees
Last night was the best I’ve seen all year!
Lots and Lots of mallards and woodducks!
4 Widgeons
8 black ducks
8 Ringnecks
1 Redhead, he must be lost
2-3 dozen GWT
4 Coots, Ha! Ha! Stupid birds
Most of the ducks coming in late, after legal shooting, excepts for a few mallards.

Waiting for the cold!!!

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

Scouting Savannah Riv. Area Midlands/ 11-07-2005 19:51
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Lots of local geese moving up to 9:00 AM. Lots of local wood ducks but nothing else except for a few teal moving in the mix. Sounds like there are some other ducks upstate. Thanks Drake26!

[Edited By PJ-Perea on 2005-11-07 19:52]

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

New Waterfowl Guide Helps Identify Ducks 11-07-2005 19:49
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Differences in size, shape, plumage patterns and colors, wing beat, flocking behavior, voice, and habitat all help to distinguish one duck species from another, but knowing what to look for can be a challenge.

A new free waterfowl identification pocket guide will help hunters recognize birds on the wing, and it emphasizes their fall and winter plumage patterns as well as size, shape and flight characteristics.
“Ducks at a Distance” is now available free from the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) at http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/birds/duckdist/duckdist.htm.

You can also request a copy free of charge by calling Stephanie Thompson in the Columbia DNR office at (803) 734-4001 or writing to Ducks at a Distance, DNR, PO Box 167, Columbia, SC 29202.

Hunters can contribute to their own sport by not firing at those species that are protected. It can also add to their daily limit by knowing when extra birds of certain species can be taken legally.

Duck season in South Carolina begins Nov. 23. The daily bag limit is six total, not to include more than two wood ducks, two redheads, one fulvous tree duck, one black-bellied whistling duck, two scaup, four mallards (not to include more than one female mallard or one black duck or one mottled duck). Find out more about duck season and regulations at http://www.dnr.sc.gov/regs/pdf/MigratoryBirdRegs.pdf.

South Carolina waterfowl hunters 16 and older are required by state law to obtain a state migratory waterfowl stamp at a cost of $5.50 and a free Harvest Information Program (HIP) migratory bird permit. The stamp must be validated

with the hunter’s signature on the front. Both the stamp and HIP permit must be in the hunter’s possession while hunting or transporting legal waterfowl. Licenses now available by phone 24 hours a day 1-888-434-7472.

This edition of “Ducks at a Distance” is a cooperative effort by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Southwest Natural and Cultural Heritage Association. It is published by Outdoor Empire Publishing Inc. of Seattle, Wash.

The artwork of Robert “Bob” W. Hines (1912-94), of Columbus, Ohio, is featured in the guide. Over the years his work has appeared in many government-published books, pamphlets and posters and in national magazines such as Sports Afield and The New Yorker.

Posted By:
Drake26
Guest

Upstate 11-07-2005 13:19
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 60-65 Degrees
Went scouting yesterday, saw four dozen woodies, 10 greenheads, 4 blacks, 6 bluewings, 6 greenwings, and 1 immature pintail drake, Yes a pintail drake this early, also saw some spoons and other crap ducks.

Can’t wait till the 23rd

Hoping for rain and cold weather!!