Outdoor News Daily

Archive for February 14th, 2010

River Otters Returning to Texas Waterways

Sunday, February 14th, 2010 Posted in Assorted Outdoors | No Comments »

Sightings of the elusive Texas river otter have increased, some in unexpected places, according to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Biologist Gary Calkins. Otters have been spotted much farther west than expected, and even as far north as Wichita Falls. "There were sightings in Gonzales, that was kind of a surprise," said Calkins, who leads TPWD’s tri-annual effort to survey rivers and monitor otter population trends. "But the real westerly sightings, those stick out in my mind." Calkins started receiving reports of otter sightings after two Passport to Texas radio broadcasts about his otter research aired last year. The biologist owes the sightings to more eyes looking and increased public interest rather than any significant change in the state otter population. Passport to Texas is TPWD’s radio series of 90-second weekday feature ... Read more..

Wild Pig Sightings Must Be Reported In North Dakota

Sunday, February 14th, 2010 Posted in Wild Animal News | No Comments »

Landowners who know or suspect that feral swine are on their property must notify the State Board of Animal Health immediately. Greg Link, assistant chief of wildlife for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, said a new state law requires landowners to help the BOAH control or eradicate feral swine. “We’ve had a few situations that have come up recently in which individuals saw wild pigs on their property, or on property they were hunting, yet did not report it to the BOAH,” Link said. “There will be serious consequences if feral pigs establish a permanent population in the state.” Feral pigs threaten domestic livestock, crops, public safety, natural habitat and wildlife. Link said they often split into separate groups once their numbers reach a certain threshold. “They are very hardy ... Read more..

Spring Black Bear Hunting Begins April 15

Sunday, February 14th, 2010 Posted in Hunting News | No Comments »

Montana’s spring black bear season doesn’t begin until April 15, but hunters will be able to access the 2010 black bear hunting regulations on the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Web site at fwp.mt.gov beginning Feb. 25. Licenses purchased after April 15 may only be purchased over the counter at a Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks office and can not be used for five days after the purchase. Bear hunters must have successfully completed FWP’s bear ID training at least once in order to purchase a black bear license. Read more..

Salato Wildlife Education Center Re-opens Feb. 16

Sunday, February 14th, 2010 Posted in Assorted Outdoors | No Comments »

The Salato Wildlife Education Center in Frankfort will re-open for the season beginning Tuesday, Feb. 16. We invite you to come out and join us as we resume regular business hours. Also, be sure to check out our upcoming spring programs. The Salato Center has a variety of native animals for people to see, including a black bear, bobcats, elk, deer, bison, eagles, snakes and fish. The center has numerous indoor exhibits and miles of hiking trails open to the public. Fishing is available at two lakes. While some programs may require a registration fee, general admission to the Salato Center is free. Read more..