Outdoor News Daily

The State Mosquito Management Program today announced that a resident of Bridgeport tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV) infection. This is the second Connecticut resident identified with WNV infection this season. A Sherman resident, reported previously, became ill during the third week of June.

The Bridgeport resident is over 80 years of age, and became ill during the second week of August with encephalitis, which is an inflammation of the brain. The illness was characterized by fever and confusion. The person is recovering but remains hospitalized. A blood sample tested positive for WNV antibodies. Since June 24, WNV-positive mosquitoes have been trapped repeatedly in Bridgeport.
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Colorado’s dove season opens statewide on Monday, September 1. Dove hunters should be aware of the following information before entering the field this season:

Mourning Dove Banding Program

Earlier this summer, the DOW and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service banded over 700 mourning doves across Colorado. Doves were trapped, fitted with aluminum, individually numbered leg bands and then released. This effort is part of a nationwide program to help biologists determine annual survival rates, harvest rates and distribution of the harvest as well as refine techniques for future dove-banding programs. Hunters may encounter doves banded by other states as well.
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Would you like to experience the sound of a bull elk bugling or see a cow elk keeping a watchful eye on her calf?

If so, the Arizona Game and Fish Department and Mormon Lake Lodge invite you to attend an elk viewing workshop on Sept. 6. The workshop includes a presentation, a field trip to watch elk in their natural habitat, and a free barbecue sponsored by Mormon Lake Lodge.

Mormon Lake is unique as it is only one of two natural lakes found in Arizona (the other is Stoneman Lake). During the early fall, hundreds of elk can be observed at the site and along Lake Mary Road.
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The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) announces that the Marengo Public Shooting Range will open on Sept. 4. A ceremonial first shot will open the range at 10 a.m. that day. The range was established by the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division of the ADCNR through a partnership with the Marengo County Commission. It is located at 17366 County Road 44 in Linden, Ala.

The range includes a covered shooting line with a 25-yard pistol and rifle range, 100-yard rifle range and a shotgun area. The range will be open seven days a week during daylight hours only. Shooting range users who are Alabama residents between the ages of 16 and 64 must possess a valid hunting license or a wildlife heritage license. State regulations require shooters to use a paper target that is attached to a target frame at 25 or 100 yards.
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CAPE GIRARDEAU — A rare snake has surfaced in southeastern Missouri, giving Show-Me State herpetologists confirmation that the species still exists here.

Natural History Biologist Bob Gillespie reported the discovery of a northern scarlet snake (Cemophora coccinea copei) July 31. Prior to the most recent discovery, only five scarlet snakes had been documented in Missouri. State Herpetologist Jeff Briggler said the find resulted partly from luck and partly from scientific curiosity.

“Bob Gillespie and Brandon Blechle put out a few drift fences to see what herps they could find,” said Briggler. “It was a lucky catch.”
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