Kill it and grill it

Michigan's Free Fishing Weekend Slated for June 7-8
http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-10371_10402-193058--,00.html

Michigan's annual Summer Free Fishing Weekend has been scheduled for June 7-8, the Department of Natural Resources announced today. For these two days only, residents and non-residents alike can fish without purchasing a fishing license, though all other regulations that govern fishing in Michigan still apply.
Michigan has offered a Free Fishing Weekend since 1986 as a way to promote the state's diverse natural resources. With more than 3,000 miles of Great Lakes shoreline, 11,037 inland lakes and more than 36,000 miles of rivers and streams, Michigan's freshwater angling opportunities are among the best in the nation.
"Fishing is a great way to connect with nature," said Department of Natural Resources Director Becky Humphries. "I encourage Michigan residents and visitors to get out and discover the many rewards associated with fishing."
"Free Fishing Weekend is an especially good time for experienced anglers to take a youngster or a friend out for that first fishing experience," Humphries continued. "Mentoring others helps ensure Michigan's conservation heritage will be passed along to future generations."
A number of state parks will hold special events in conjunction with Free Fishing Weekend. For a list of events, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.

Letter Exposes Animal Rights Agenda of HSUS to Feds
http://www.ussportsmen.org/Read1.cfm?ID=2297&programdocs=AH

   The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance (USSA) has demanded that a USDA website correctly identify the world’s largest anti-hunting organization as an animal rights lobbying organization.
The USSA sent a letter to the USDA explaining that the Humane Society of the United States’ “primary purpose is to advocate for sensible public policies” and not provide direct services to shelter, rescue or provide any direct services for animals in need. The USDA website inaccurately portrays it as a “shelter, rescue and welfare organization”.
   HSUS supports an active lobbying campaign and actively lobbies against hunting. According to the Senate Office of Public Records, HSUS has spent up to $80,000 in a 6-month period on lobbying activities.
Despite its name, it is not in business to operate animal shelters or rescue facilities.
The USDA listings under “Shelters, Rescue and Welfare Organizations” are designed to be a resource for pet owners.
   According to the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance, any reference to the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) as an animal welfare group, as opposed to correctly designating it an animal rights lobbying organization, gives undeserved credibility to the organization.
   “We sent this letter to the department because it is well past the time for the public to be made aware of what the HSUS is all about and that isn’t going to happen if it keeps getting credit it doesn’t deserve,” said Rick Story, senior vice president of the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance (USSA). “The letter succinctly points out that the HSUS falls under the heading of animal rights lobbying group and why it should be referred to as such. The HSUS has a full animal rights agenda and wants to end all ownership and use of animals, no matter how responsible.”cont.

DNR Seeks Input on Requests for Changes in Salmon Daily Bag Limits
http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-10371_10402-190877--,00.html

   The Department of Natural Resources today announced that Fisheries Division is seeking public input on a draft proposal to increase the daily bag limit for Chinook salmon and Coho salmon to five fish per day. If adopted, the regulation would apply on all Great Lakes and rivers.
   The regulations currently in place for trout and salmon in all waters of the State set the daily bag limit at five fish in any combination but no more than three of any one species, except that up to five pink salmon may be harvested. The proposed change would increase the harvest limit for Chinook salmon and Coho salmon to five daily in combination or for either species. The DNR does not believe that any increase to the daily bag limit for these two species would be biologically harmful. Bag limits for all other species of trout and salmon would remain unchanged.
   The current regulations for salmon have been in place since 1989. Prior to 1989, the daily limit was five fish in any combination for all trout and salmon species except lake trout. The limit was changed due to bacterial kidney disease decimating Chinook populations in the late 1980s, and anglers voicing the opinion that three fish of any species was a reasonable daily harvest. cont.

Fund Launched to Combat Largest Anti-Hunting Group
http://www.ussportsmen.org/Read1.cfm?ID=2293&programdocs=AH

The nation’s leading advocate of sportsmen’s rights is announcing the creation of a fund with the sole purpose of combating the world’s number-one anti-hunting organization.
Money collected by the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance (USSA) through the new Sportsmen Against HSUS fund will be used in the continuing battle against the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and its animal rights campaign.
The Sportsmen Against HSUS fund is designed to:

* mount a national campaign which will focus on educating the media, elected officials, the public, sportsmen and the many others targeted by the animal rights group, and
* fund the campaigns that combat the public policy threats initiated and supported by the HSUS. The HSUS lobbying machine claims to have played a role in getting 86 different state laws passed in 2007 alone. The group also filed more than a dozen new lawsuits in 2007.
Wayne Pacelle, who claims to be a vegan, and is an anti-hunting advocate and president and CEO of HSUS, recently said, “Let's raise at least $10,000 right now, with $5,000 to go to pets who are the victims of foreclosures and an additional $5,000 to fight the horrible wildlife abuses that the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance loves.” cont.

Animal Rights Group Dupes Donors Into Believing It Takes Care of Animals
http://www.ussportsmen.org/Read1.cfm?ID=2290&programdocs=AH

When regional retailer, Meijer, received pressure from sportsmen to sever ties with the animal rights extremists in the Humane Society of the Unites States (HSUS), some questioned why the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance (USSA) acted to oppose the partnership.
“Most people simply don’t know that the HSUS is actually an animal rights organization that is opposed to any use of animals for the benefit of humans,” said USSA president and CEO Bud Pidgeon. “The public deserves to know the hidden agenda behind this is to deceive them.”
On April 24, 2008, HSUS, the world’s largest animal rights organization, announced a partnership with Meijer, a regional discount retail chain to raise $5,000 for the organization’s fund to address the purported problem of abandoned pets as a result of the national home foreclosure crisis.
The USSA, a national organization founded to protect the rights of sportsmen, responded with an alert asking hunters to contact the retailer to protest the partnership. Meijer quickly responded by canceling the arrangement. Since that time, some animal welfare activists have questioned why USSA would oppose a partnership alleged to benefit pets.
The Washington DC-based HSUS, raised $100 million dollars according to its 2006 IRS filing. Despite a name that seems tailor made to animal shelters, HSUS is in fact an animal rights organization. Its main function is to change laws that permit Americans to gain any benefit from animals. It advocates for restrictions on livestock farmers, bans on life-saving medical research performed on animals and opposes zoos, circuses and rodeos. Of course HSUS also opposes hunting. The HSUS does not operate or represent the local dog and cat shelters that exist across the United States. cont.

Animal Rights Coalition Sues Over Wolf Delisting
http://www.ussportsmen.org/Read.cfm?ID=2288

On April 28, a coalition of 12 animal rights groups filed a lawsuit against the federal government in an attempt to have the northern Rocky Mountain gray wolf placed back on the endangered list.
   The northern Rocky Mountain gray wolf was officially removed from the federal endangered species list on Friday, March 28 after the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) determined that federal recovery efforts have been successful and the animals no longer belong on the endangered list. Shortly after the Endangered Species Act (ESA) delisting took place, the coalition announced that it would be filing a lawsuit.
The coalition, including the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), Defenders of Wildlife, Sierra Club and Natural Resources Defense Council, among others, is challenging the USFWS decision to remove the wolf from the federal list of endangered species.
   If successful, this lawsuit brought by anti-hunters will make it virtually impossible to remove recovered wildlife populations from the federal endangered list. Obstructing delistings will also prevent states from resuming control of healthy wildlife populations.
   Because of the delisting, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming have now taken control of continued conservation management for the northern Rocky Mountain gray wolf.
   The group has also asked for an immediate court injunction to stop state management of wolves and return federal protection to the species while the lawsuit is pending.
This case will be heard in the U.S. District Court for the District of Montana by U.S. District Judge Donald Molloy. No hearing has been scheduled at this time.
   “According to the federal government, these wolf populations have recovered and it is time for states to resume control of their wildlife resource,” said U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation (USSAF) Senior Vice President Rick Story. “The goal of the animal rights plaintiffs is not species recovery, it is to force a hands-off approach for all animals, and they see the ESA as a tool they can use in their battle.”
   Sportsmen support the delisting of the specific wolf populations. They want the states to resume management control of the animals, and establish regulations that will allow them to protect their property, including hunting dogs, from wolf attacks.
   The USFWS contends that the ESA has been effective, this population of wolves is not endangered or threatened, and authority to manage wolves should now be returned to the states. For the past several years, the recovery goals for the wolf population in this area have been exceeded. Wildlife officials say the population is increasing by 24 percent annually.
   According to the USFWS, there are currently more than 1,500 wolves and at least 100 breeding pairs in Idaho, Montana and Wyoming. Under the terms of the delisting, the three states and the USFWS will work together to monitor the wolf population for the next five years. If annual reports and USFWS analysis show recovery levels dropping to threatened or endangered levels, the population could once again be listed under the ESA.
The USFWS designated all of Montana, Idaho and Wyoming, the eastern third of Washington and Oregon and a small corner of north-central Utah as the northern Rocky Mountain wolf District Population Segment (DPS) as part of the delisting.
   The gray wolves of the Western Great Lakes DPS were delisted in 2007. The population of gray wolves in the southwestern United States remains federally listed as endangered.
This is just one of many lawsuits brought by the anti’s to manipulate the ESA to eliminate hunting.

Ohio Television Stations Refuse to Run PETA’s KKK Ad
http://www.ussportsmen.org/Read.cfm?ID=2279

Sandusky and Cleveland, Ohio-area television networks and cable stations have refused to broadcast a People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) advertisement featuring the Ku Klux Klan (KKK).
The commercial shows a KKK member attending an American Kennel Club (AKC) meeting. A PETA official says it is meant to show similarities between the two organizations and that “the AKC is a shameless promotion of pure bloodlines and against mixed breeding.”
According to the PETA official, the advertisement in question has run in other areas, including on stations in the New York City area during the Westminster Dog Show.

DNR Offers Fly Fishing Workshop for Women
http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-10371_10402-192414--,00.html

The Department of Natural Resources Becoming an Outdoors-Woman program today announced a few slots remain for a fly fishing workshop for women 18 and older, June 6-8, at the Pere Marquette River Lodge near Baldwin.
Activities begin with a meet-the-guides party Friday night. Saturday morning instruction includes in-depth information on equipment, aquatic habitat, "match the hatch" and fly casting. Plenty of time also will be allowed for actual fishing on the river. Saturday night activities include fly-tying instruction.
"The guides at the Orvis-endorsed Pere Marquette River Lodge are some of the finest in the business," said Lynn Marla, DNR BOW coordinator. "This is one workshop you will not want to miss."
The $360 registration fee includes first-class accommodations, all meals and instruction. All fishing equipment and waders will be provided, but women are encouraged to bring their own equipment if they have it. The registration form is available online at www.michigan.gov/bow. For more information, contact Lynn Marla, marlal@michigan.gov or call (517) 241-2225.

Reward Offered for Information in Bald Eagle Shooting Case in Menominee County
http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-10371_10402-192329--,00.html

   The Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are investigating the shooting of a bald eagle that was discovered dead in a field just north of Bartoszek Road in Harris Township in Menominee County on April 21.
   A reward of up to $2,000 is being offered for information which leads to the conviction of the person or persons responsible for shooting the eagle.
   Bald eagles first received federal and state protection in Michigan in 1940 and 1954, respectively. They continue to be protected by the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act, the Federal Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, and the Michigan Endangered Species Protection law. Under these laws, a person may not kill, harass, disturb or otherwise harm bald eagles.
   Bald eagles, the national emblem, are one of two species of eagles found in the United States. The image of the bald eagle has had great significance in the formation of the U.S.
   Anyone with information concerning the shooting of the bald eagle is asked to contact the Department of Natural Resources Marquette Operations Service Center at 906-228-6561, Special Agent Jim Fuller with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at 989-686-4578 or the DNR's Report All Poaching (RAP) hotline at 800-292-7800.

DNR Announces Reopening of All State Forest Campgrounds
http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-10371_10402-191843--,00.html

   The Department of Natural Resources today announced the reopening of all temporarily closed state forest campgrounds for the 2008 camping season.
   With the recent Legislative approval to restore $500,000 of General Fund appropriation to the Recreation and Trail Program, DNR Director Rebecca Humphries has authorized a land use order, effective May 12, removing 20 state forest campgrounds from their temporarily closed status.
   DNR staff is quickly working to open all state forest campgrounds for the 2008 camping season. Depending on local weather conditions, campgrounds typically open by mid-May. Some state forest campgrounds will require maintenance repairs to the water wells during the month of May.
   The 143 state forest campgrounds with over 3,000 campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. These rustic campgrounds have from five to 50 campsites, vault toilets and hand water pumps. They are found throughout the 3.5 million acres of state forests and most are located on a lake or river. State forest campgrounds are not on the DNR's campground reservation system.
   The campgrounds to be reopened are listed below. For specific campground availability and information, please call the nearest Operations Service Center, or refer to the department Web site at www.michigan.gov/dnr, and click on the Recreation, Camping and Boating menu. cont.

Michigan State Parks and Recreation Areas Offering Free Camper Storage to Save on Fuel
http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-10371_10402-191736--,00.html

   The Department of Natural Resources today announced a new program this camping season that will offer campers the opportunity to save on fuel costs by temporarily storing their camping trailer or recreational vehicle at specified state parks or recreation areas in-between their camping stays. Storage of the camping units will be free, but is limited to 15 days at a time.
   "We know that higher fuel prices may make it challenging for some of our campers to 'GO-Get Outdoors' often this summer to enjoy their favorite state park or recreation area campground," said Ron Olson, chief of the DNR Parks and Recreation Division. "This program will allow campers to save approximately 30 percent on fuel by leaving their camping trailer, motor home, or boat and trailer up north rather than driving it back and forth from home."
   Campers wishing to take advantage of this offer will need to show proof of a recent (within one week) camping stay at a Michigan state park or recreation area campgrounds. For more information about this opportunity to save on fuel costs and on state parks and recreation areas that are offering temporary storage this camping season, contact the Parks and Recreation Division office at (517) 373-9900, or visit the Web site www.michigan.gov/camperstorage.

Camping reservations can be by calling 800-44-PARKS (72757), or online at www.midnrreservations.com.

All motor vehicles entering a state park or recreation area must display a Motor Vehicle Permit, available for purchase at the park entrance. Cost is $24 for a resident annual and $6 for a resident daily. A nonresident annual is $29 and a nonresident daily is $8.

DNR Considers Increase in Lines Allowed for Fishing
http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-10371_10402-190879--,00.html

   The Department of Natural Resources today announced that its Fisheries Division is seeking public input on a draft proposal to increase the number of lines (rods) allowed for use while fishing. If adopted, the regulation would apply on all Great Lakes and inland waters.
   Currently, recreational anglers are limited to two single lines or two single rods and lines while fishing. One exception exists that allows anglers trolling for trout or salmon in the Upper Great Lakes to use three lines. The regulation change under consideration is to allow anglers the use of three lines statewide.
   The existing regulations have been in place for more than 80 years. The DNR views this proposal as an opportunity to increase angler satisfaction by allowing additional effort, without harming the resource.
"It is highly unlikely that a change in the regulation to allow three lines per angler statewide will have any adverse biological consequences for the state's fishery resources, although we do have some concerns related to ice fishing," said DNR Fisheries Division Chief Kelley Smith. "Currently three lines are allowed on the Great Lakes while trolling for trout and salmon, so the new proposal would simplify our regulations from an enforcement perspective."
   DNR staff have identified limited areas where an increase in the number of lines may present difficulties, namely piers and during ice fishing.
"Because this is not a biological issue regarding potential threats to overharvesting populations of fish, this really comes down to social issues and perspectives," said Jim Dexter, DNR Lake Michigan Basin coordinator. "Some anglers may be able to manage three lines quite efficiently and harvest their limit faster, but others may find trying to manage three lines difficult."
   A "Frequently Asked Questions" (FAQ) list has been posted to the DNR Web site and is available at www.michigan.gov/dnrfishing under the Fishing menu. The angling community is invited to access this document and send email comments on the proposal by June 13 to DNR-Fish-3lines@michigan.gov. For those who do not have internet access a copy of the FAQ can be obtained by calling one of the contacts listed.