Idaho Offers Reward For Geese Poachers

Two southeast Idaho residents have donated $1,000 in reward money to Citizens Against Poaching in an effort to draw out information regarding the recent wasting of 46 geese in Soda Springs.

Greg Maag of Pocatello and Wayne Taysom of McCammon stepped forward with their donations after learning of the incident.

“This time of year we too often see the heinous, illegal acts that people commit against our wildlife resource, and then we are quickly reminded of how wonderful people in southeast Idaho are when two individuals like Maag and Taysom selflessly step forward to help,” said Jennifer Jackson, regional conservation educator for Fish and Game’s southeast region.

On October 5, 46 geese were found in three Dumpsters along East 1st South near City Park in Soda Springs. The geese had apparently been shot on October 4.

The geese were most likely shot over decoys in grain fields or from boats on or around Blackfoot Reservoir, though the exact location is unknown. Officials suspect that several people were involved.

After an investigation, Fish and Game officers determined that the geese were unsalvageable.

Landowners who had requests from large parties for permission to hunt over the weekend are encouraged to provide any information.

Anyone with information about this incident may contact Conservation Officer Brandon Chamberlin at 339-3520 or the Fish and Game regional office at 232-4703. Or call the Citizens Against Poaching hotline at 1-800-632-5999; callers may remain anonymous.

Obama’s Environmental Promises

Barack Obama’s stunning win in the 2008 Presidential Election has signified a new turn in the face of Environmental initiatives.   These ititiatives and promises range from fighting global warming, to protecting our national park heritage.

From the start, political pundits and the people alike, began discussing who would be involved in a Presidency that has promised some radical initiatives and plans for our nation’s future.  U.S. News and World Report has went out on a limb and taken a long, hard look at some of the candidates that may be involved in a more environentally friendly, action oriented presidency.  These range from former vice-president Al Gore to some litle known, but highly effective personnel that may be worth taking a second look at.

To catch some of the names and initiatives being discussed with a Barack Obama presidency, be sure to check out U.S. News and World Report’s article “How Obama Will Tackle The Environment“.

Maine’s Salmon Getting ‘Endangered’ Listing?

Maine’s Atlantic Salmon population has been decreasing in significant numbers over the last few years.  A new initiative to get maine’s Atlantic salmon listed as endangered has sparked many of the same debates that surround wildlife in other corridors of our country.  The pros and cons of such a listing were recently aired out in the first of two meetings between the federal government and Maine residence.

The areas being discussed for protection include three rivers that are known to support the paper and pulp industry of Maine. Advocates from Maine’s paper and pulp industry say that an endangered listing could force them out of business, while proponents for the listing say that the Atlantic salmon species has reached a critical point of survival.  Fishermen, while not siding with one side or the other, say that a lesser control of listing the species as ‘threatened’ may be a better option for all involved.

A second meeting will be taking place on this issue where those that attended the first are hoping for a better turnout and more input from the public.  For more information on this issue and follow-up updates, please visit the Foster’s Daily Democrat.

Tough Break

By Lucas Will

I ruined 2 digital cameras this past summer.  Granted, they weren’t the industries leading models, but they were still nice, functional cameras worth a few pennies.  Worse yet, one of them wasn’t mine.

During a two-week trip paddling the wilderness lakes and rivers of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area in Northern Minnesota, my camera went down.  In my defense, I knowingly did nothing wrong.

At some point, the dry box that I kept it in obtained some moisture, either from dew or possibly a splash of water.  Not realizing this I continued to store the camera in the box, sealing it tight when not in use.  One morning as I went to snap a frame of my crusty eyed brother emerging from our tent, its functioning went awry.

Read more

Toxic Algae Killing Dogs?

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has issued a warning to hunters and dog owners regarding a toxic form of algae that has killed three dogs across the state.   With the advent of duck hunting season in Wisconsin, this warning is being sent out towards all hunters and dog owners who may not know of the danger.  The Wisconsin DNR mentions that if the water looks green do not go in or around it and keep your pets and hunting dogs a safe distance away.

To read more about this notice from the Wisconsin DNR, be sure to read this article which explains more details.