FLS Outdoor calendar

Outdoor calendar
The Free Lance-Star - Fredericksburg,VA,USA
Saturday: Fun Shoot to benefit Caroline County Varsity & JV Boys Baseball Teams. Charity Hill Hunting & Shooting Preserve. 9 am--4 pm, $60 for 100 targets ...
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No Kidding, Farmers are cheap and don't waste anything!

It turns out that run-off from land development for housing, roads, stores, factories, and other commercial applications is, Whigham said, "actually more destructive to water quality than agriculture."

Ecologist Strives to Protect, Restore Chesapeake Bay
Wabash College - Crawfordsville,IN,USA
If you think research on the Chesapeake Bay has no connection to the Midwest, Dennis Whigham ’66 says you're wrong. "It’s totally relevant," the Smithsonian ...
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Farmers aren't going to use more than is absolutely needed of anything, the cost are to high and profit margin to low.

On the other hand home owners are not looking at the same volume of material so when they use too much the cost are insignificant monetarily, but devastating for waterways.

Also development closes off the ground with concrete, asphalt, and roof tops. Not to mention all the water absorbing vegetation that is destroyed, so therefore you have tremendous amounts of contaminated runoff flowing into waterways.

Poltics and Environment don't mix

An innovative proposal for raising public money needed to curb polluting runoff into the Chesapeake Bay, which passed the House of Delegates last week 96-41, has been abruptly halted in the Senate. Like other revenue measures, the Green Fund bill is being held hostage by Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller in his campaign for a broader budget package that includes approval for slots.

The bay can't wait
Baltimore Sun - Baltimore,MD,USA
An innovative proposal for raising public money needed to curb polluting runoff into the Chesapeake Bay, which passed the House of Delegates last week 96-41 ...
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Shad Cam

The Shad cam is up...
By Captmikestarrett
A sure sign that life is all a twitter is the shad cam. Capt Mike. http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/fishing/shadcam/

BassFishin.Com Forums - http://www.bassfishin.com/bassfishingforums

DGIF Outdoor Report

Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) Outdoor Report Managing and Conserving Our Wildlife and Natural Resources Wednesday, March 28, 2007 In this issue: Youth-Only Spring Turkey Hunt: Saturday, April 7th Is it a Gobbler or a Hen? How to Tell the Difference Fee Fishing Areas Open April 7th Serial Wild Turkey Poacher Convicted 2007 Wildlife and Boating Regulation Review and Amendment Process People and Partners in the News "ReNew the New" River Clean-up Campaign Eagle Cam Update - Chicks Have Hatched! Youth Writing Contest Extended Great Dismal Swamp Birding Festival: May 11-13th Time to Clean Out Blue Bird Boxes Be Safe... Have Fun! Make Your Spring Gobbler Hunt a Safe One! Wildlife Habitat Improvement Tip "Cleaning Up" the Yard? Create Brush Piles for Critters In Case You Missed It... Trout Heritage Day Virginia Waterfowl Stamp Grant Application Period Open Fulfillment Farms Offers Youth Turkey Hunt April 7th April Fishing Workshop Scheduled in Chesapeake Remember Tax Fund Checkoff Hunting and Fishing Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities Reminder to Buy Hunting and Fishing Licenses Youth-Only Spring Turkey Hunt: Saturday, April 7th The Youth Spring Turkey Hunt on Saturday, April 7, 2007, is open to young people 15 years of age or younger who must be accompanied and directly supervised by an adult hunter. The adult hunter can help with calling birds but can not carry or discharge a firearm. Adult hunters accompanying youth must possess the appropriate hunting licenses. Youth between the age of 12 and 15 must have appropriate hunting licenses. This is a great opportunity for hunters to pass the tradition down to the next generation. Spring Gobbler Season runs from April 14 to May 19 this year in Virginia with a change in hunting hours midway through the season. From April 14 to May 5, turkey hunting will be allowed from one-half hour before sunrise until noon. From May 7 through May 19, turkey hunting will be allowed from one-half hour before sunrise until sunset. Learn more about the Youth Spring Turkey Hunt » Is it a Gobbler or a Hen? The Beard is Not the Best Clue! Although commonly called Spring "Gobbler" Season, the legal description allows that "bearded turkeys only" may be harvested. This is because 10-20 percent of hens may grow beards and could be mistaken for a bearded gobbler. Even though it is legal to harvest a bearded hen, take a good look and determine if your quarry is truly a gobbler. Hens have a fuzzy, blue-gray head - a gobbler's head is red and white. Gobblers will appear black in color while hens will be more brownish due to the buff color tips on the breast feathers. Although harder to see at a distance, only gobblers have leg spurs. Many sportsmen will pass up the hen with a beard to help the population grow a little. Remember as you take youngsters afield with you, always set a good example for safety and ethics. Teaching these hunting heritage traditions to the next generation are the most important lessons we as sportsmen and sportswomen can make. Learn how to tell difference between a gobbler and a hen (PDF) » Fee Fishing Areas Open April 7th - Day Use Permit Required Fee fishing areas at Clinch Mountain, Crooked Creek and Douthat State Park open on the first Saturday of April. This year, that will be April 7. As a reminder to those that frequent these areas, the cost for the one day permit has increased to $6.50. Concessionaires will not be present at Clinch Mountain or Crooked Creek. Anglers will need to purchase the permit through one of the nearly 600 license agents around the state, on the Internet or by phone at 1-866-721-6911. Phone sales are available Monday through Friday during normal business hours (8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.). Permits for Douthat can be purchased at the State Park office. However, especially during opening days, the line for obtaining those licenses can be rather long. The Douthat license can also be purchased at any license agent, on the Internet or via the phone. Serial Wild Turkey Poacher Convicted A tip from a concerned sportsman to VDGIF game wardens has resulted in the largest criminal conviction of illegal wild turkey poaching in the history of the Commonwealth of Virginia. The single defendant in this case, Jason Cook, a former assistant chief of Spotsylvania County Animal Control, was charged with nearly 100 criminal violations related to his illegal turkey poaching activities over the past 15 years. A surveillance operation led to a search warrant for the defendant's residence. The execution of this search warrant included the seizure of 81 wild turkey beards, 17 turkey legs with spurs, 38 additional turkey spurs, 6 sets of turkey tail feathers, and hunting photo albums containing pictures of the defendant posing with illegally shot wild turkey carcasses. The conviction resulted in loss of hunting privileges, jail time, community service and over $10,000 in fines and game restoration costs. For more details, contact Lieutenant Rich Goszka at (540) 899-4169. Don't allow the actions of a few to tarnish the reputation of Virginia's sportsmen and sportswomen! To report a wildlife violation, call 1-800-237-5712 or email WildCrime@dgif.virginia.gov. 2007 Wildlife and Boating Regulation Review and Amendment Process In 2007 the Board of Game and Inland Fisheries is conducting its Periodic Regulation Review and Amendment Process, in which it addresses all regulations administered by VDGIF. Key dates in the process are: March 27. "Staff Preliminary Recommendations" Board meeting. Staff presented its Preliminary Recommendations for regulation amendments. April 10. The Preliminary Recommendations Public Discussion Period opens, to run through June 15. June 5. Board meeting. Preliminary Recommendations Public Discussion Period public comments is accepted. June 15. The preliminary Recommendations Public Discussion Period closes. July 17. "Regulation Proposal" Board meeting. Staff summarizes the public discussion of the Preliminary Recommendations; staff presents its resulting Proposal-Stage Recommendations; the Board solicits and receives public comments on the Proposal-Stage Recommendations; the Board deliberates and votes to propose regulation amendments. July 24. The Proposed Regulations Public Comment Period opens, to run through September 24. September 24. The Proposed Regulations Public Comment Period closes. October 16. "Final Action" Board meeting. Staff presents a summary of the public comments received; Staff presents its Final Recommendations; the Board solicits and hears public comments on the Proposed Regulations and Staff’s Final Recommendations; the Board deliberates and adopts Final Regulation Amendments to take effect January 1, March 1, and July 1, 2008. VDGIF solicits the public's participation in the regulation review process; channels for submitting comments are: Online through the Department's Web site. Email sent to RegComments@dgif.virginia.gov. Mailed letters sent to: Dept. of Game and Inland Fisheries, Attn: Policy Analyst and Regulatory Coordinator, 4016 West Broad Street, Richmond VA 23230. Public comment at Board meetings. On request and subject to their availability, VDGIF staff will meet with constituent groups, local government officials, or other groups in local communities to address specific regulatory issues of interest. Visit the VDGIF regulatory process site for additional details. People and Partners in the News "ReNew The New" River Cleanup Campaign Underway On March 31, 2007, Giles County's litter prevention program will kick off "ReNew The New," a county-wide cleanup campaign involving hundreds of volunteers. The first project, "Ramps and Roads," involves two river guide services: I Canoe-The New and New River's Edge. They will be leading Giles County school buses, filled with Virginia Tech volunteers, to river access sites to clear out debris and litter. Other groups of school children, church and civic clubs will work on Giles County roadways. Bags, vests and gloves will be provided by the county. The hard work will conclude at noon with a picnic and door prizes, all provided by Giles County. The County is installing information kiosks at boat access sites for the Department to post information. They will also be installing trash-pick-up bag dispensers at boat access sites. To volunteer contact the Giles County Public Service Authority at (540) 922-2576 or visit their Web site. Eagle Cam Update - Chicks Have Hatched The three eggs in the eagles' nest featured on the Eagle Cam have hatched! Observers can catch all the activity by way of a Web cam strategically placed in a tree near the eagles' nest located at the Norfolk Botanical Garden. Through a unique partnership with VDGIF, WVEC TV and Norfolk Botanical Garden, the public has a rare opportunity to witness key moments in the life of bald eagles. VDGIF has launched a blog with expert information provided by Watchable Wildlife Biologist Stephen Living. Read the Eagle Cam Blog View the Eagle Cam - LIVE! Youth Writing Contest Deadline Extended The submission deadline for the Virginia Outdoor Writers Association (VOWA) 14th Annual Youth Writing Competition has been extended to April 30, 2007. Normally, the contest deadline is January 31 of each year with the awards presented in March. However, this year the top three Youth Writing Awards will be presented during the Outdoor Writers Association of America Conference being held in Roanoke June 16-19, 2007. The winners will be introduced during a luncheon to about 300 national outdoor writers and editors. In addition, each of the three winners will receive outdoor gear and other prizes valued at several hundred dollars. The goal of the contest is to recognize students in grades 9 through 12 for excellence in communicating their personal experiences in the outdoors. The theme of this year's contest, "My Most Memorable Outdoor Experience," may include an experience by the writer with hunting, fishing, camping, canoeing, hiking, birding or other outdoor activity. Submissions can be made by private, public or home schooled students. For contest rules, guidelines and information visit www.vowa.org. Great Dismal Swamp Birding Festival: May 11-13, 2007 The Inaugural Great Dismal Swamp Birding Festival is scheduled for May 11-13, 2007. This event will celebrate International Migratory Bird day with guided walks, narrated bus tours and family activities - all free. Huge numbers of migrating songbirds move through the swamp at this time of year - and you'll have a chance to experience them! The Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge is a treasure trove of wildlife and a great Virginia experience. This event is co-sponsored by VDGIF, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the City of Suffolk and the Great Dismal Swamp Coalition. Call (757) 986-3705 for information and reservations. Bluebirds are Back! If you haven't already put up your bluebird box, time is of the essence. Male bluebirds have scouted their territories and females are arriving; nesting will begin soon... Learn more about bluebird boxes » Be Safe... Have Fun Make Your Spring Gobbler Hunt a Safe One! To ensure a safe and enjoyable day afield, VDGIF recommends the following guidelines for Spring Gobbler hunting: Because a gobbler's head is distinguished by its bold white, blue and red colors, NEVER wear white, blue or red clothing - not even socks or undershirts - because a flash of white could be mistaken for a turkey. Even a red bandana or blue snack food wrapper could be misread in the woods during turkey season. Never shoot at a sound or movement. Wait until you have a good, clean shot at a legal bird. Never move, wave or make turkey sounds to alert another hunter of your presence. Instead, call out in a loud voice and remain hidden, until the other hunter acknowledges your presence. When you harvest a gobbler, carry it out of the woods draped in blaze orange. Otherwise, another hunter might just see the bird and not you. Get more tips on how to stay safe during your Spring Gobbler hunt! » Wildlife Habitat Improvement Tip "Cleaning up" the Yard? Create Brush Piles for Critters You can provide important cover for birds, mammals, and other wildlife species by creating brush piles from your yard debris, such as pruned branches or downed limbs. Also, don't remove leaves! Keep leaf litter intact as a ground cover, where possible, and allow the natural decomposition process to occur. Leaves provide a home for many insects that feed other animals in the food web. Learn more » In Case You Missed It... Editor's note: As our subscriptions have grown to over 8,000 and new readers continue to sign up, we realize that some of our seasonal features are important and timely enough to bear repeating. So you can easily note repeated items we have added this section, "In case you missed it..." Trout Heritage Day - April 7, 2007 On Saturday, April 7, 2007, VDGIF will host its annual Trout Heritage Day. A group of 16 waters will be freshly stocked with trout to allow trout anglers and communities to plan activities around a known stocking date. The Department has worked with the U.S. Forest Service, local communities and private landowners to provide this opportunity. During the previous Trout Heritage Days, anglers reported success on most waters and were pleased with the angling opportunity provided. On April 7, fishing begins at 9 a.m. View a list of the waters included in the Trout Heritage Day program for 2007 » Virginia Migratory Waterfowl Conservation Stamp Grant Application Period Open VDGIF is soliciting applications for the 2007 Migratory Waterfowl Conservation Stamp grant cycle. This grant is open to non-profit organizations for cooperative waterfowl habitat improvement projects in Virginia. There are two grant application windows. Grant applications are due on March 30, 2007, and June 29, 2007, before 5:00 p.m. Successful applicants will be notified within 30 days of the submission deadlines. Application and instructions Questions should be e-mailed to WaterfowlStampGrants@dgif.virginia.gov Fulfillment Farms Offers Youth Turkey Hunt April 7 A special opportunity for young turkey hunters is being offered by The Virginia Wildlife Foundation at Fulfillment Farms in Albemarle County on April 7. Details and registration information can be found at www.vawildlife.org or by calling at (434) 286-2656. Fishing Workshop for Beginners Scheduled in Chesapeake Do you want to learn to fish? The VDGIF Outdoor Education Program is hosting a Fishing Workshop at Oak Grove Lake Park in Chesapeake on Saturday, April 28, 2007. This is a freshwater fishing workshop for beginners. The lake is reported to have plenty of bass and bluegill, so it should be a lot of fun. The cost is $15. Tell a friend and make it a family outing to remember! Information and Registration Form (PDF) Still Working On Your Taxes? Remember when you complete your Virginia state income tax form, you can support wildlife by simply marking the Nongame Wildlife Program checkoff box and filling in the amount of your donation. Your contribution will help support essential research and management of native birds, fish, and other nongame wildlife. Spring Hunting and Fishing Events Offered for Persons with Disabilities Virginia Wheelin' Sportsmen and VDGIF have seven hunting and fishing outings for April and May for persons with disabilities. Applications for these hunting or fishing opportunities are available online at www.vanwtf.com. All of the events are free and open to anyone with a disability. Participants are responsible for having all required Virginia hunting and fishing licenses. See the Upcoming Events section for dates and locations. The application deadline is April 1st. For more information, or to get an application by mail, please contact, Robin Clark at (434) 979-6154, or via email weeeelz@aol.com. Reminder to Buy Hunting and Fishing Licenses Most licenses now sold by the VDGIF are valid for one year from the date of purchase with two exceptions: the Deer, Bear, Turkey license and the National Forest Permit. VDGIF operates a Customer Service Center to assist purchasers of hunting and fishing licenses. Representatives are available 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays, to answer your questions about the appropriate licenses you need for your hunting or fishing outing and to re-issue a lost license. You can purchase licenses online, by telephone toll free at (866) 721-6911, or direct from hundreds of local license agents. Help Spread the News! We hope you enjoy the new, electronic Outdoor Report and invite you to share this information with your friends and colleagues. Simply visit the Department's Web site and click on the Outdoor Report link to subscribe. New editions are sent directly to your email address every two weeks. Stay informed on issues and opportunities about Virginia's outdoors! In upcoming issues of the new Outdoor Report, look for: Leave Fawns Alone Shad Cam Free Freshwater Fishing Days: June 1-3, 2007 BE WILD, VIRGINIA! The Dunlin by Spike Knuth The term "shorebird" is mostly used in reference to sandpipers, plovers, turnstones, willets, dowitchers and the like; birds that live along sandy, muddy shores. Dunlins winter farther north than most shorebirds. Even on cold, icy days in winter, waterfowl hunters will commonly see these small shorebirds on the marsh mudflats. Dunlins have been called by a variety of names, including black-bellied sandpiper, red-backed dunlin, brant bird, and winter snipe. They measure 8½ to 9 inches and have a fairly large, long, curved bill for its size. They are relatively short-legged and short-necked, giving it a hunch backed appearance. Like many other shorebirds, dunlins fly in tight, compact flocks, flying almost as one with great precision in twisting, rising, turning, circling flight without getting in each other’s way. When the flock lands, they scatter as they set down allowing room for each, folding their wings in unison and becoming statue-still for a brief period. In flight their wings show a distinct, narrow white line and a grayish breast band. Dunlins arrive to Virginia mainly in the fall and the bulk of them remain into the spring, inhabiting beaches, sand bars, tidal flats of bays and rivers and mudflats of marshes. They feed by probing for small mollusks, crustaceans, worms, sand fleas and other aquatic invertebrates. Come spring dunlin fly to their northern breeding grounds in the Arctic tundra. They will pair off and begin nesting on the ground near hummocks, grass tufts, small stunted shrubs and trees, near small pools. Four greenish-brown eggs are laid, which will hatch in about 22 days. · · · This section of each issue of the Outdoor Report features one of the 925 animals that have been identified in Virginia's Wildlife Action Plan whose existence is at risk. Think you can't make a difference? You can! Be wild and work with your local officials and in your local communities to conserve Virginia's wildlife resources. Find out how you can help and join our team! Learn more about the Virginia Wildlife Action Plan » UPCOMING EVENTS April 2007 7 Youth Spring Turkey Hunt (statewide) 7 Trout Heritage Day 7 Youth Turkey Hunt, Fulfillment Farms, Albemarle. Visit vawildlife.org or call (434) 286-2656 for information. 10-12 Environment Virginia Conference, Lexington (VMI) 13-14 Hunter Education Instructors Advanced Training, Holiday Lake. If you are interested in becoming a Hunter Education volunteer, please email Sgt. David Dodson. 21-22 Annual Fly Fishing Festival South River, Waynesboro 21 Covey Kids Event: Educational Workshop, Quail Unlimited, White Oak Preserve, Clarksville. Call (434) 374-2025 for information. 20-21 Butch Trinca Memorial Spring Gobbler Hunt - Central Virginia Chapter, Charlottesville 28 New Kent Forestry Center Spring Gobbler Hunt I, Providence Forge 28 James River Chapter NWTF Spring Gobbler Hunt, Bedford May 2007 5 Virginia Wheelin' Sportsmen Spring Gobbler Hunt, Buckingham County 6 Virginia Wheelin' Sportsmen Trout Rodeo, Broadway 11-13 Great Dismal Swamp Birding Festival (PDF). Call (757) 986-3705. 12 New Kent Forestry Center Spring Gobbler Hunt II, Providence Forge 18-20 Mountain Lake Migratory Birding Festival June 2007 1-3 Free Freshwater Fishing Days 5 Board of Game and Inland Fisheries Meeting, Richmond 16-20 Outdoor Writers Association of America 80th Annual Conference, Roanoke MAKE IT A FAMILY ADVENTURE! The Department offers numerous hunting, fishing, and outdoor education programs designed for families, women, beginners and seasoned outdoor enthusiasts. Hunter Education classes Outdoor Education events Boating Education classes LOOKING FOR A PLACE TO HUNT OR FISH? Visit Find Game, the Department's award-winning online public hunting lands locator! For persons with disabilities: a calendar of hunting, fishing, and skill-building events, as well as areas designed for access to persons with disabilities can be found on the Department's online events calendar, accessible fishing areas page, as well as the VANWTF site. Find out where to fish, fishing access, and much more at the Department's Web site. QUICK GLANCE AT HUNTING SEASONS For a quick reference to the season dates for hunting and trapping for all game species visit our online quick reference or refer to page 77 of the 2006-07 Hunting & Trapping Regulations Digest. March 2007 31 Urban Archery Season Closes April 2007 7 Youth Spring Turkey Hunt 14-May 5 Spring Gobbler Season (Hours: one-half hour before sunrise to noon) May 2007 7-19 Spring Gobbler Season (Hours: one-half hour before sunrise to sunset) June 2007 2-23 New Squirrel Season on selected VDGIF Wildlife Management Areas Please consider contributing to Hunters for the Hungry through the $2 check-off when purchasing a license, or at any time through our online Outdoor Catalog. REPORT WILDLIFE VIOLATIONS To report a wildlife violation, call 1-800-237-5712, or email WildCrime@dgif.virginia.gov. FOR AN EMERGENCY SITUATION, contact the local game warden immediately through the local sheriff's office or police department. Don't allow the actions of a few to tarnish the reputation of Virginia's sportsmen and sportswomen! NATURE TIPS: "SIGNS OF SPRING" Dogwood and redbud blooming Hawk migration along Blue Ridge Gobblers gobbling Hummingbirds return Lady slippers, trout lily, dwarf crested iris bloom

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Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries
4010 West Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia 23230
(804) 367-1000 - www.dgif.virginia.gov

Help Mayor of Saxis

Chesapeake Bay fishing village amid a disappearing act
WVEC.com (subscription) - Norfolk,VA,USA
This historic fishing village on Virginia's Eastern Shore, which juts like a sore thumb into the Pocomoke Sound and Chesapeake Bay, is fading away. ...
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Trout Hotspots in Virginia

Trout Hotspots in Virginia
Virginia Game and Fish Magazine - VA,USA
But there is something different about a trout -- something primitive, pure, and even poetic. One of the strongest months for trout fishing in Virginia is ...
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Shed Hunting Article

Good Article on Shed Hunting

link

Fishing report from The Pilot online

Hot catching: Fishing action is heating up with the weather, especially on freshwater fronts.

Bass are becoming more active as they roam shorelines in pre-spawn mode. Look for largemouth along elongated points that drop into deep water and along deeper shorelines with plenty of cover.

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This arguably is the best time to catch crappie and perch. Action should be very good over the next several days in reservoirs, streams and private ponds.

Yellow perch have been plentiful in the Northwest River, where Bob Lee of Portsmouth caught fish of 1 pound, 5 ounces and 1-3. Roger Armentrout of Portsmouth had a 1-4.

Saltwater striped bass have been migrating north along the coast and into the Chesapeake Bay to begin their run to spawning grounds. Catch-and-release action has been especially good around the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel and around Bluefish Rock, off the southern tip of Hampton. Some fish also are being found along the edges of the channel running under the high-rise spans of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel.

Wreck anglers are finding good numbers of tautog inshore, and offshore deep-droppers are filling their coolers with sea bass. Tilefish also are available at deep-water wrecks, where spiny dogfish sharks are abundant.

Anglers should not turn down the opportunity to take home a few smallish sharks. Gut and bleed fish after catching them, and keep them heavily iced before cutting the thickest parts of the fish into steaks. Season the meat, dip it in melted butter and cook on the grill for some excellent eating.

Commercial netters are finding good numbers of croaker and gray trout. With higher water temperatures, rod-and-reelers should be able to hook up with a few, especially around the Hampton Roads and Monitor-Merrimac bridge-tunnel spans.

Puppy drum numbers are decent in Rudee Inlet, where anglers also can expect to find a few speckled and gray trout when waters warm a little more.

'Bloomberg Gun Giveaway' to taunt N.Y. Mayor

"The best way to get guns off the street and criminals off the street is to lock 'em up," Hill said. "They seem to want to pick on an old stereotype: It's so easy to get a gun in Virginia and run it up to New York. When quite honestly, you can break into a house anywhere and get anything you like."

Bloomberg's face is on a poster taped to a shotgun rack at Bob Moates, under the words "Here are our worst enemy." Sarah Brady of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence and Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle are also pictured, though Bloomberg's face is circled in bright pink highlighter.

The winner will receive a Para-Ordnance handgun worth around $900.

Longtime customer Scott Cashion, 31, of Chesterfield, said he has earned six or seven tickets — and may end up with more to get back at Bloomberg.

"I bought some kind of for spite," he said while looking over a stack of ammunition. "What he's doing is wrong."

The winner of the contest at Old Dominion Guns and Tackle will get a Browning Varmint Stalker rifle, also worth about $900.

"I've been in business 27 years and I've probably had the best February I've ever had," store owner Dennis Alverson said. "Nobody's got a great likeness for Bloomberg in this area."

Link Here

Hunters declining species in VA

Hunters: A declining species in Virginia

State's numbers reflect a cultural shift under way nationwide

By Nick Miroff
The Washington Post

There's a declining species in the woods of the Old Dominion, a blaze-orange, two-legged, gun-toting creature under threat from every new subdivision and Nintendophile teen-ager: the Virginia hunter.

Link here

NRA Convention

Link Here

St. Louis 07

Still confused? Here's link between lawns, bay

Still confused? Here's link between lawns, bay

RICHARD NUNNALLY

GARDENING Q&A

Saturday, March 24, 2007

Q. I'm confused. I've been watching the local commercials that say spring
lawn fertilizer will kill all our blue crabs. Yet, one day this week, a garden expert on the "Today" show recommended fertilizing lawns at this time of the year to stimulate lush growth. Whom should I believe?

A. What a great question. My first reaction is that local recommendations are generally more appropriate for local situations.

For some 30 years, I have recommended fall fertilization for cool-season grass in central Virginia.

My recommendations are based on research from Virginia Tech and other leading land grant universities, including Penn State, Cornell and Ohio State.

Their research shows that fescue stores more food and builds healthier roots when fertilized in fall rather than spring. As a result, more of the fertilizer is used by the plant.

What's wrong with spring fertilizer? Nothing, if you're growing warm-season grass such as Bermuda and zoysia. But most lawns in central Virginia are fescue.

Any homeowner knows that if you don't do anything to your lawn in spring, it will start greening up with the first warm days in April. And not long after that, you'll be forced to start your weekly mowing.

Too much spring fertilizer can stimulate excess growth, and the environmental concern is that rain increases the chances that fertilizer will run off into ditches, streams, creeks and rivers.

If you live in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, that runoff might eventually get into the bay.

How does fertilizing a lawn in the Richmond area affect blue crabs in the Chesapeake Bay? The short answer is through nonpoint source pollution. Nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus that leach or run off our soils and eventually make it to the bay stimulate growth of algae. That algae clouds the water surface, preventing valuable light from reaching the bottom.

Without light, our aquatic grasses die out. Those grasses are critical to the survival of the blue crab. They provide the crabs with a place to feed and hide from predators. As our aquatic grasses decline, so does the blue crab population.

If you're concerned about the bay or your local water resources, such as Swift Creek Reservoir and the James River, consider fall fertilization of your lawns.

Orvis

Orvis Funds Conservation Grants: Application Deadline April 16
By Tom Chandler
In a stunning example of what happens when a fly fishing company actually reaches out to the blogosphere, we’re happy to tell the world that Orvis is once again funding Conservation Grants. You have a conservation project? ...
Trout Underground Fly Fish Blog - http://troutunderground.com

CBF Action Alert

Dear Tom, We have a critical opportunity to clean up Virginia’s rivers, streams, and the Chesapeake Bay, and reach our goal of getting the Bay off the Environmental Protection Agency's "dirty waters" list by 2010, but we need your help right now to make it happen. Here’s the story: Right now, the federal Farm Bill is being reauthorized by Congress, something that only happens every five years. Why is this important to the Chesapeake Bay? Runoff from urban, suburban, and agricultural land is a significant source of pollution. By boosting conservation funding in the Farm Bill, Congress can help reduce this pollution and help fulfill the federal government's commitment to the Bay. In the past, Virginia’s farmers haven’t gotten their fair share of the Farm Bill. All of us pay when farmers can't afford to implement proven conservation techniques. The Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) is working to fix that by increasing conservation funding in order to improve the health of Virginia’s waterways. It’s a win-win for everyone. It’s good for the economy, good for the farmers, and will help preserve our natural heritage for future generations. Here’s what you can do: Visit www.cbf.org/farmbillaction, fill in your contact information, and someone from CBF will get back to you in the next few days and let you know how you can help. We’re also asking Virginians to write or call their member of Congress, write a letter to the editor of their local newspaper, or sign on to a newspaper ad or petition--real simple things that can make a big difference. Thanks so much. The Farm Bill can be a win-win for the Bay and for farmers. With your help we can make it happen! Sincerely, Ann Jennings Virginia State Office, Executive Director

Ice Storm Closes Parkway

Part of parkway reopens
Lynchburg News and Advance - Lynchburg,VA,USA
Still closed is a 32-mile stretch from Virginia 130 in Amherst County to Virginia 603 in Nelson County. Bruce Bytnar, a parkway district ranger, ...
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Shed Hunting

If you've never been hunting for shed antlers before nows the time to go.

Finding sheds can be almost as fun as seeing a trophy buck. One thing for sure, when you find a good shed your guaranteed that buck is still around for next years hunt.

And it's good exercise, and a good time to scout before the turkey hunters, bugs and undergrowth come out.

Edges of fields, bedding areas and trails are all good locations to hunt for them. But the fun part is finding them where you don't expect to. Especially those big racks!

So get some exercise and some post season scouting in and maybe you'll get lucky and find a big one.

CBF

March 2007

Write Governor Kaine Today Ensure that citizens continue to have a strong voice in environmental decisions in Virginia by taking action now. CBF Defends Right to Sue Polluters CBF argued before the Virginia Supreme Court this month, defending its right to challenge Virginia pollution permits in court. Mud Busters Team Grows There are nearly 60 mud busters throughout the watershed monitoring runoff. As the rainy season begins, more are needed. Join today! Partnership Keys Legislative Win Thanks to the hard work of CBF staff, trustees, Action Network members, and key partner groups, $250 million in sewage funding is now secure. Cleaning the Bay for 18 Years Steve Pahno is proof that long term commitments toward improving the environment are still possible. Volunteer tree planting March 24th. Rappahannock River Refuge, VA Volunteer shell bagging March 27th. Gloucester, VA. Save the Bay breakfast April 14th. Hampton, VA. Canoe Discovery Trip April 14th. Virginia Beach, VA Full calendar of events Give a gift that's good for the environment! Have a tree planted in honor, celebration, or memorial of a loved one. CBF to partner with Starbucks in the Mid-Atlantic region. www.cbf.org/ | Unsubscribe Philip Merrill Environmental Center 6 Herndon Avenue Annapolis, MD 21403 © Copyright 2006 Chesapeake Bay Foundation All rights reserved.

Virginia Fly Fishing Festival, April 21,22

Two days of Fly Fishing in Beautiful Waynesboro, VA.

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Top ten things to carry in your fishing vest

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Have a Question for Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne?

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Great Book

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Good Read

Louv's decree: Youths need to learn to love the outdoors
Richmond Times Dispatch, VA - 11 hours ago
"Not all fishing is good and not all hunting is good, in terms of how it's done and in terms of respect for the resource," he said. ...

Nature author headlines VMI April symposium
Staunton News Leader, VA - 4 hours ago
"Fewer children are hunting or fishing with their parents," he added. "We need traditions like these to bind our generations. ...

Fish Kill Investigation

DEQ

Burn Management

Fort AP Hill schedules burn
WDBJ7.com - Roanoke,VA,USA
FREDERICKSBURG, Va. Fort AP Hill officials will burn about 20-thousand acres at the Army base during the next few weeks as part their land-management plan ...
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Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Outdoor Report Managing and Conserving Our Wildlife and Natural Resources Wednesday, March 14, 2007 In this issue: Kid's Day Trout Fishing in Madison This Weekend! Bear, Deer, Turkey Harvest Data Announced Hunters for the Hungry Receives Record Breaking Donations CWD Not Found in Virginia Spring Gobbler Forecast Varies Across Regions People and Partners in the News Wildlife Center Has Record Year for Aiding Wildlife Virginia Migratory Waterfowl Stamp Grant Applications Period Open Fulfillment Farms Offers Youth Turkey Hunt April 7 April Fishing Workshop Scheduled in Chesapeake In Case You Missed It... General Assembly Legislation Update Remember Tax Refund Checkoff Wheelin' Sportsmen Add Spring Turkey Hunt and Fishing Rodeo Reminder to Buy Hunting and Fishing Licenses Be Safe... Have Fun Take a Kid Spring Gobbler Hunting! Gobbler or Hen? How to Tell the Difference Heed "Red Flag" Wildfire Warnings Kid's Day Trout Fishing in Madison This Weekend! The annual Kid's Day Trout Fishing event is this Saturday, March 17th on the Robinson River in Madison County where Routes 600 and 643 cross, near the village of Syria. The event is exclusively for children age 12 and under and will start at 9:00 a.m. This is a joint effort of Graves Mountain Lodge, Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) and the Rapidan Chapter of Trout Unlimited. Contact Graves Mountain Lodge at (540) 923-4231 for information. This is a great way to celebrate spring with family and friends - take the kids fishing! 2006-2007 Bear, Deer, Turkey Harvest Data Announced Hunters experienced another successful hunting season in 2006. Wildlife biologists with VDGIF have compiled preliminary figures for bear, deer, and turkey harvests for the 2006-2007 fall seasons. Wildlife Division Director Bob Duncan commented, "Overall, there were no surprises. Bear numbers continue to trend upwards as the bear population continues to grow. At 223,198 the deer harvest was higher than the 10 year average but not as high as the record of 235,944 set in 2003-2004. The fall turkey harvest is down which is not surprising given poor reproduction since 2001 due to a number of factors." The extended deer season in certain Northern Virginia counties was successful in increasing harvest to help manage the deer population. 2006-07 Deer Harvest Summary Complete Deer Kill Data (1947-2006) 2006-07 Black Bear Harvest Summary 2006-07 Fall Turkey Harvest Summary Deer, Bear and Turkey Harvest (Two Year Comparison) (PDF) Hunters for the Hungry Receives Record Breaking Donations - Tops the Three Million Pound Mark The generous hunters of Virginia donated 356,054 pounds of venison in 2006, exceeding last year’s record-breaking total by 16,000 pounds. Since the founding of the program in 1991, by the late David Horne, total distribution now exceeds three million pounds of donated venison. Over 12 million servings of nutritious venison have now reached the plates of the less fortunate. Current Hunters for the Hungry director and long-time employee Laura Newell-Furniss noted, "I think all of us are impressed and pleased with the generosity of Virginia hunters and the financial contributors which have allowed this program to grow into such a success." She continued, "Founder, David Horne, was a caring and intelligent man who, through his work with a nationwide produce salvage program, recognized the need food banks had for lean protein. Being a hunter himself, he also knew that the hunters of Virginia needed to harvest more deer than their families could use to keep the deer herd in proper balance. Being an excellent problem solver, David put these two facts together – the need for the meat, and a vast renewable natural resource and created a charity, which, at the time of his death in 2002, had grown into the largest effort of its kind in the country. We can all be thankful that this wonderful man put his caring and skills together to benefit those in need throughout the Commonwealth." Donations of funds are still needed to pay the costs for processing deer harvested during the extended deer season. Please consider contributing to Hunters for the Hungry through the $2 check-off when purchasing a license, or at any time through our online Outdoor Catalog. To learn how you can help, visit www.h4hungry.org or call toll free (800) 352-4868. CWD Not Found in Virginia After extensive testing, the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries has not found any evidence of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in Virginia's white-tailed deer population. In 2006, over 800 samples were collected from white-tailed deer throughout the state. Approximately 500 samples were collected from the active surveillance area, which includes the western and northern parts of Shenandoah, Frederick, Clarke and Loudoun Counties, the area of Virginia closest to where CWD has been detected in West Virginia. Read more » Spring Gobbler Forecast Varies Across Regions Turkey population levels are near record highs for Virginia. Last year 17,195 gobblers were taken in the spring season. Youth hunters took 341 birds on the special youth season hunt. Due to cold rainy springs, reproduction has been down over the past two years. Wildlife biologists do not expect a significant change in the spring gobbler harvest this year. VDGIF Wild Turkey Project Leader Gary Norman noted, "Weather always plays an important role in the spring harvest as good gobbling generally requires good weather conditions. The Department encourages hunters to be safe and identify your target during the spring gobbler season." Only bearded turkeys are legal during the spring season. Hunters can take advantage of all-day hunting during the last two weeks of the season. Afternoon hunting is timed to minimize the incidental kill of female turkeys, which should be nesting at this time. VDGIF annually conducts a survey of spring gobbler hunters. Interested hunters are encouraged to contact Gary Norman at Gary.Norman@dgif.virginia.gov to participate in the survey or call (540) 248-9389. People and Partners in the News More Than 2,300 Animals Admitted to Wildlife Center During 2006 The Wildlife Center of Virginia, an internationally acclaimed teaching and research hospital for wildlife and conservation medicine located in Waynesboro, admitted a total of 2,354 animals for treatment during 2006 - injured, ailing, and orphaned wildlife from all across Virginia. The Center holds state and federal permits that allow them to possess, treat and release wildlife. As expected, the 2006 total included many common species: 392 Eastern Cottontail Rabbits; 203 Eastern Gray Squirrels; 170 Virginia Opossums; 103 American Robins; and 101 White-tailed Deer. The Center's President and Co-Founder, Ed Clark, noted that a number of threatened species, or species designated by the VDGIF as species of special concern in the state's Wildlife Action Plan were also admitted for treatment, including 29 Bald Eagles - a single-year record for the Center; two Barn Owls; two Peregrine Falcons; a Northern Harrier; and a Golden-crowned Kinglet. View a complete list of 2006 animals by species. The Center will be celebrating its 25th anniversary in November with a gala fundraising event. For more information on the Center visit www.wildlifecenter.org. Virginia Migratory Waterfowl Conservation Stamp Grant Application Period Open VDGIF is soliciting applications for the 2007 Migratory Waterfowl Conservation Stamp grant cycle. This grant is open to non-profit organizations for cooperative waterfowl habitat improvement projects in Virginia. There are two grant application windows. Grant applications are due on March 30, 2007, and June 29, 2007, before 5:00 p.m. Successful applicants will be notified within 30 days of the submission deadlines. Application and instructions Questions should be e-mailed to WaterfowlStampGrants@dgif.virginia.gov Fulfillment Farms Offers Youth Turkey Hunt April 7 A special opportunity for young turkey hunters is being offered by The Virginia Wildlife Foundation at Fulfillment Farms in Albemarle County on April 7. Details and registration information can be found at www.vawildlife.org or by calling at (434) 286-2656. Fishing Workshop for Beginners Scheduled in Chesapeake Do you want to learn to fish? The VDGIF Outdoor Education Program is hosting a Fishing Workshop at Oak Grove Lake Park in Chesapeake on Saturday, April 28, 2007. This is a freshwater fishing workshop for beginners. The lake is reported to have plenty of bass and bluegill, so it should be a lot of fun. The cost is $15. Tell a friend and make it a family outing to remember! Information and Registration Form (PDF) In Case You Missed It... Editor's note: As our subscriptions have grown to over 8,000 and new readers continue to sign up, we realize that some of our seasonal features are important and timely enough to bear repeating. So you can easily note repeated items we have added this section, "In case you missed it..." to the Outdoor Report. General Assembly Completes Passage of Legislation There has been a lot of legislative action this year on issues that may affect you as an outdoor enthusiast, landowner, or concerned citizen. View bills related to the Department's mission that were passed by lawmakers and await the Governor's signature Still Working On Your Taxes? Remember when you complete your Virginia state income tax form, you can support wildlife by simply marking the Nongame Wildlife Program checkoff box and filling in the amount of your donation. Your contribution will help support essential research and management of native birds, fish, and other nongame wildlife. Additional Spring Hunting and Fishing Events Offered for Sportsmen with Disabilities Virginia Wheelin' Sportsmen and VDGIF have added two new outings for April and May to the five previously announced in the last edition of the Outdoor Report. If you have a disability and would like to apply for these hunting or fishing opportunities, applications are available online at www.vanwtf.com. All of the events are free and open to anyone with a disability. Participants are responsible for having all required Virginia hunting and fishing licenses. See the Upcoming Events section for dates and locations. The application deadline is April 1st. For more information, or to get an application by mail, please contact, Robin Clark at (434) 979-6154, or via email weeeelz@aol.com. Reminder to Buy Hunting and Fishing Licenses Most licenses now sold by the VDGIF are valid for one year from the date of purchase with two exceptions: the Deer, Bear, Turkey license and the National Forest Permit. VDGIF operates a Customer Service Center to assist purchasers of hunting and fishing licenses. Representatives are available 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays, to answer your questions about the appropriate licenses you need for your hunting or fishing outing and to re-issue a lost license. You can purchase licenses online, by telephone toll free at (866) 721-6911, or direct from hundreds of local license agents. Help Spread the News! We hope you enjoy the new, electronic Outdoor Report and invite you to share this information with your friends and colleagues. Simply visit the Department's Web site and click on the Outdoor Report link to subscribe. New editions are sent directly to your email address every two weeks. Stay informed on issues and opportunities about Virginia's outdoors! Be Safe... Have Fun Planning to Take a Youngster on a Spring Gobbler Hunt? Schedule a Hunter Education Class Now! Now is the time to enroll in a Hunter Education Class for spring gobbler season. Class schedules are available on the Department's Web site. Hunter Education is mandatory for all hunters age 12 and older. Don't forget about the special Youth Spring Turkey Hunt that will take place on April 7th for youth age 15 and under. Youth hunters between the ages of 12-15 must have appropriate valid hunting licenses. Hunters under the age of 12 are not required to have a license, but must be accompanied by a licensed adult. See the Department's Web site or Hunting & Trapping in Virginia Regulations and Information digest for more information on Hunter Education requirements. The youth turkey hunt is a great way for an experienced hunter to introduce a youngster to the great outdoors. Is it a Gobbler or a Hen? The Beard is Not the Best Clue! This fact sheet will help you tell the difference! (PDF) Sportsmen Help Prevent Wild Fires - Heed "Red Flag" Warnings March winds may be great for flying kites, but gusty winds and dry forest conditions can quickly spread a small ember into a raging wildfire destroying the landscape and endangering lives and property. Hunters, hikers, campers and anglers, please remember the Virginia 4:00 PM Burning Law is in effect from February 15 - April 30. Any outdoor burning, including campfires, is banned before 4:00 p.m. As you go afield, check weather forecasts for "red flag" warnings which warn of dangerous winds and subsequent bans on any outdoor burning until dangerous conditions are alleviated by rain. For more information, see the Virginia Department of Forestry's Frequently Asked Questions: Can I Burn?. In upcoming issues of the new Outdoor Report, look for: Spring turkey hunting tips Avoid handling baby wildlife Eagle Cam update BE WILD, VIRGINIA! Bald Eagle by Spike Knuth This large raptor, with the long broad wings, is a bird of coastlines, lakeshores, large rivers and tidal rivers. They rely on the diverse food supply that waterways offer, especially fish. While they are mainly carrion eaters, they will occasionally pluck their own fish meal from the surface. An early nester, nests are usually located high in a loblolly pine or cypress, sometimes over 100 feet up! They use the same nests year after year, adding new sticks, vines and aquatic vegetation. Some nests are about 15 feet deep, and 9 feet across. They only use the shallow platform atop the huge nest, which may weigh thousands of pounds! Eagles mate for life but will find a new mate if one dies. Two eggs are normally laid in mid-January to March, and in 30 to 38 days the young hatch. They acquire full plumage, and fledge in 9 to14 weeks. It takes thee years for the young birds to reach adult plumage. The first and second year young are mostly dirty brown and gray in color on the outside. Adult birds have the distinctive white heads and tails, dark brown bodies, and a yellow bill and feet. Females are larger than the males, but the young are often larger than the adults with wingspans a foot or so longer! Eagles are nearly non-migratory. Northern breeders move south only when the waters freeze over, shutting off their food supply. Southern breeders may actually move north for the summer after breeding season. · · · This section of each issue of the Outdoor Report features one of the 925 animals that have been identified in Virginia's Wildlife Action Plan whose existence is at risk. Think you can't make a difference? You can! Be wild and work with your local officials and in your local communities to conserve Virginia's wildlife resources. Find out how you can help and join our team! Learn more about the Virginia Wildlife Action Plan » UPCOMING EVENTS March 2007 10-11, 17-18 Highland Maple Festival, Highland County 16-18 Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) (PDF), Holiday Lake 17 Kid's Day Trout Fishing, Robinson River, Madison County. Exclusively for children 12 and under, starts at 9 a.m. Contact Graves Mountain Lodge at (540) 923-4231 for information. 27 Board of Game and Inland Fisheries Meeting, Richmond April 2007 7 Youth Spring Turkey Hunt (statewide) 7 Trout Heritage Day 7 Youth Turkey Hunt, Fulfillment Farms, Albemarle. Visit vawildlife.org or call (434) 286-2656 for information. 10-12 Environment Virginia Conference, Lexington (VMI) 13-14 Hunter Education Instructors Advanced Training, Holiday Lake. If you are interested in becoming a Hunter Education volunteer, please email Sgt. David Dodson. 21 Covey Kids Event: Educational Workshop, Quail Unlimited, White Oak Preserve, Clarksville. Call (434) 374-2025 for information. 20-21 Butch Trinca Memorial Spring Gobbler Hunt - Central Virginia Chapter, Charlottesville 28 New Kent Forestry Center Spring Gobbler Hunt I, Providence Forge 28 James River Chapter NWTF Spring Gobbler Hunt, Bedford May 2007 5 Virginia Wheelin' Sportsmen Spring Gobbler Hunt, Buckingham County 6 Virginia Wheelin' Sportsmen Trout Rodeo, Broadway 11-13 Great Dismal Swamp Birding Festival. Call (757) 986-3705. 12 New Kent Forestry Center Spring Gobbler Hunt II, Providence Forge 19-21 Mountain Lake Migratory Birding Festival June 2007 5 Board of Game and Inland Fisheries Meeting, Richmond MAKE IT A FAMILY ADVENTURE! The Department offers numerous hunting, fishing, and outdoor education programs designed for families, women, beginners and seasoned outdoor enthusiasts. Hunter Education classes Outdoor Education events Boating Education classes LOOKING FOR A PLACE TO HUNT OR FISH? Visit Find Game, the Department's award-winning online public hunting lands locator! A calendar of hunts and skill-building events designed for persons with disabilities can be found on the Department's online events calendar or at vanwtf.com. Find accessible fishing areas. QUICK GLANCE AT HUNTING SEASONS For a quick reference to the season dates for hunting and trapping for all game species visit our online quick reference or refer to page 77 of the 2006-07 Hunting & Trapping Regulations Digest. April 2007 7 Youth Spring Turkey Hunt 14-May 5 Spring Gobbler Season (Hours: one-half hour before sunrise to noon) May 2007 7-19 Spring Gobbler Season (Hours: one-half hour before sunrise to sunset) Please consider contributing to Hunters for the Hungry through the $2 check-off when purchasing a license, or at any time through our online Outdoor Catalog. REPORT WILDLIFE VIOLATIONS To report a wildlife violation, call 1-800-237-5712, or email WildCrime@dgif.virginia.gov. FOR AN EMERGENCY SITUATION, contact the local game warden immediately through the local sheriff's office or police department. Don't allow the actions of a few to tarnish the reputation of Virginia's sportsmen and sportswomen!