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Outdoors

ND coyote catalog connects landowners, hunters

MINOT, N.D. (AP) — In an effort to keep coyote numbers in check, the North Dakota Department of Agriculture and the North Dakota Game and Fish Department have teamed up to produce the Coyote Catalog. The catalog connects landowners who want coyotes removed from their land with hunters and trappers willing to help out. “One of the reasons we started this a few year ago is that livestock producers expressed concern about high coyote numbers,” said Doug Goehring, the state’s Agriculture Commissioner. “The beauty of this is that we play matchmaker. We facilitate a service. If a ...

Commission changes rules, expands mentoring

HARRISBURG — The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners on Tuesday gave preliminary approval to a measure that would simplify requirements to wear fluorescent orange material while hunting. There would be no changes to the requirements that apply in many seasons. And the use of orange will continue to be highly recommended for all seasons, whether required or not. The measure will be brought back to the April meeting for a final vote, and any changes would be put in place for the 2019-20 license year to begin July 1. The proposal would eliminate the requirement to wear ...

Calling champ a humble legend

In 2015, on a stage crowded with extreme talent, extraordinary turkey knowledge and calling experience, Billy Yargus heard his name called as the winner of the National Wild Turkey Federation’s Grand National Calling Champion contest. One of the greatest accomplishments you can achieve as a caller, he had secured the Grand Champion title as he proudly held his trophy with a million dollar smile. I had a chance to interview Billy recently, and what a treat it was. The incredible knowledge he possessed was one thing, but I doubt I’ve ever met a champion of anything that is more ...

ATVs to boost Ozark tourism

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) — Kris Muldoon knows his way around the Ozark National Forest as well as others know their own neighborhoods. Muldoon has been riding ATVs in the Ozarks back country since he was a kid. Now, as president of the Clarksville Johnson County Chamber of Commerce, he wants to share the joy of traveling the remote and rugged two-track routes with other off-road enthusiasts. “Every place has its own beach. Something that other people want to come and see. This is our beach,” Muldoon said to the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette , admiring a wilderness view ...

Shutdown doesn’t impact hatchery

MOUNTAIN HOME, Ark. (AP) — The partial government shutdown didn’t stop personnel at the Norfork National Fish Hatchery from taking care of the fish being raised at the hatchery for eventual release in the tailwaters below Arkansas dams. It’s not the first time personnel with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have worked through a government shutdown. If you were to ask people such as Jon Casey, project leader for the Norfork hatchery, or U.S. Fish and Wildlife spokesperson John Fleming about the politics of shutdowns, they’ll politely tell you they’d rather not speak on ...

Fish commission stresses safety when ice fishing

HARRISBURG — The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission reminds winter anglers to keep safety in mind while enjoying ice fishing. “Ice fishing is a great, inexpensive way to get outdoors in the winter and can produce both large numbers of fish and larger individual fish,” said Andy ...