Month: December 2010

World Record Elk from Idaho!

Many hunters head to the mountains of the western states in late summer and early fall of each year looking for a giant bull elk. Hunting elk is challenging because of the terrain in which these animals inhabit. Although many hunters end their hunt empty handed, other elk hunters take home a nice bull or even a cow and some very good eating. However, the hunter in these photos got more than just a nice bull, he shot what looks to be the new World Record Elk!

The big elk was shot in Idaho and after looking at these photos I must say this animal is very, very impressive. I myself have never been elk hunting, but have been wanting to get up into Colorado or Wyoming sometime soon. Looks like Idaho is a pretty good option, too! Here is what I got in an email: Continue reading World Record Elk from Idaho!

Habitat Management on Crop Lands

Wintering waterfowl such as ducks and geese go hand-in-hand with agricultural fields. Crop fields such as corn, milo, and soybeans provide great wildlife habitat for waterfowl and landowners should implement habitat management to not only provide areas for winter-stressed birds to go, but also provide recreational activities and possibly even another form of income. Many wildlife professionals know that winter flooding of ag fields is beneficial for migrating wildlife, but the impacts to the farmer were unknown. That is why a four year research project was developed to study the impacts of ag field habitat management on crops. Here is what the study found:

Winter flooding did not affect crop production in the seasons following flooding even though the fields provided great duck habitat during the winter. Crop yields did not differ among flooded and nonflooded fields. In fact, yields from flooded fields were slightly greater than county-wide averages in the years during the study. Could this be because of natural fertilizers ducks and geese deposited while on site? Continue reading Habitat Management on Crop Lands

Texas Master Naturalist Training Classes

The Texas Master Naturalist program currently has 42 chapters located across the state and aims to develop a corps of well-informed citizen volunteers who educate local communities about the wildlife management and the importance of our natural resources. Nineteen chapters of the Texas Master Naturalist program are conducting 2011 spring training classes for volunteers wanting to learn about natural resource, conservation and habitat management.

The main qualification needed to become a Certified Texas Master Naturalist is an interest in learning and playing an active part in habitat conservation and education. Volunteers will receive a minimum of 40 hours training from educators and specialists from places such as universities, natural resource agencies, nature centers and museums. Training topics include interpretation and management of natural resources, ecological concepts, eco-regions in Texas and natural systems management. If you appreciate the outdoors, wildlife, and native plants then you will enjoy these classes! Continue reading Texas Master Naturalist Training Classes