blacktailslayer

“Finally .... A Sensible Gun Registration Plan That Will Work Vermont State Rep. Fred Maslack has read the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, as well as Vermont 's own Constitution very carefully, and his strict interpretation of these documents is popping some eyeballs in New England and elsewhere. Maslack recently proposed a bill to register "non-gun-owners" and require them to pay a $500 fee to the state. Thus Vermont would become the first state to require a permit for the luxury of going about unarmed and assess a fee of $500 for the privilege of not owning a gun. Maslack read the "militia" phrase of the Second Amendment as not only affirming the right of the individual citizen to bear arms, but as a clear mandate to do so. He believes that universal gun ownership was advocated by the Framers of the Constitution as an antidote to a "monopoly of force" by the government as well as criminals. Vermont 's constitution states explicitly that "the people have a right to bear arms for the defense of themselves and the State" and those persons who are "conscientiously scrupulous of bearing arms" shall be required to "pay such equivalent." Clearly, says Maslack, Vermonters have a constitutional obligation to arm themselves, so that they are capable of responding to "any situation that may arise." Under the bill, adults who choose not to own a firearm would be required to register their name, address, Social Security Number, and driver's license number with the state. "There is a legitimate government interest in knowing who is not prepared to defend the state should they be asked to do so," Maslack says. Vermont already boasts a high rate of gun ownership along with the least restrictive laws of any state .. it's currently the only state that allows a citizen to carry a concealed firearm without a permit. This combination of plenty of guns and few laws regulating them has resulted in a crime rate that is the third lowest in the nation. " America is at that awkward stage. It's too late to work within the system, but too early to shoot the *******s." This makes sense! There is no reason why gun owners should have to pay taxes to support police protection for people not wanting to own guns. Let them contribute their fair share and pay their own way.” bagel77

Scent Lok Lawsuit Update http://trmichels.com/ActivatedCarbonScience.htm

Nutrition Info Oregon Coast Range http://ir.library.oregonstate.edu/js...ren_M_1998.pdf Nutrient and Tannin Concentrations of Shrub Leaves in Managed and Unmanaged Forests of the Oregon Coast Range: Implications for Herbivores by Karen M. Lange Blacktail Deer/Wolf Study http://www.llbc.leg.bc.ca/public/pub...echpub_b73.pdf Effect of Wolf control on Black-tailed deer in the Nimpkish Valley on Vancouver Island By: K.T. Atkinson Blacktail Deer Study http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hfd/pubs/Docs/Bro/Bro41.pdf Soils Helping Deer Antler Growth? Here is a little information on soils and how they may help fit together part of the key when determining which new locations to scout and hunt for mature bucks that will reach their genetic potential. Land surface shape and form should be considered into account. This is the slope (degree of incline or decline) and aspect (the compass direction a slope is facing). The slope and aspect of land surface will affect soil temperatures, moisture holding ability, affect rate of erosion, and decide movement of minerals and other particles from one area to another. Vegetation affects soils by supplying organic debris to the soil. Grassland soils can have around twice the amount of organic matter compared to forest soils. The organic matter in grassland soils tend to be more uniformly distributed compared to forest soils. Grassland soils also tend to be less acid than forest soils. The texture of a soil will affect the soil’s cohesiveness, aeration, drainage, and nutrient-holding capability. Here is a little information on soils: Sand: Cohesiveness(Very little), Aeration(Very good), Drainage(Very good), Nutrients(Poor) Silt: Cohesiveness(sticky when wet), Aeration(Average), Drainage(Average), Nutrients(Poor) Clay: Cohesiveness(Very plastic), Aeration(Poor), Drainage(Very poor), Nutrients(High) Loam: Cohesiveness(Good), Aeration(Good), Drainage(Good), Nutrients(Good) Too much rain can lead to the leaching of ions and colloids. These are particles that play a key role in plant nutrition and soil chemistry. Waterlogged soils can cause poor aeration and lower the fertility of soil by lowering the ability to fix nitrogen. Micro flora (algae, fungi, molds, and bacteria) capture atmospheric nitrogen that is vital for plant growth. Looking for types of habitats that include these micro floras; may mean deer are getting better nutrients in their diet and therefore may reach their genetic potential in antler growth. Mycorrhizae are another key component of healthy soils. Mycorrhizae are important for disease suppression, drought protection, improved soil structure, increase leaf chlorophyll levels, and tolerance of nutrient imbalances. Undisturbed areas have plenty of mycorrhizae compared to disturbed sites. Disturbance from heavily compacted sites (such as some logging sites), areas that are treated with chemicals/pesticides, invasion by weeds, erosion, removal of topsoil, and land clearing are places where mycorrhizae are depleted; which causes plants to suffer. Low intense fires can promote herbaceous flora, increase plant nutrients, and help healthy soil microbial systems. A severe/hot fire will do the opposite for a site. Higher pH numbers around 8-14 indicate high levels of basic ions and soil alkalinity; which means low acidity. Colloids in this range will hold most of their mineral nutrients. The chemical environment in an area will determine if soil nutrients will be absorbed by plants. Most farm crops grow better around pH levels 6.5-6.8. Soil erosion and nutrient depletion can be linked to intensive crop production (including tree farms), accelerated erosion, application of pesticides, and the uses of heavy machinery. Before humans took over the land; plants/trees would absorb nutrients from the soil and then would either drop their leaves or die, returning the nutrients back to the earth. So know you know a few new things on what to look for when scouting for new areas to hunt deer. Here again is a short list of what to look for: 1. Clay or Loam soils 2. Neutral or alkaline pH soils 3. Soils with high levels of ions and colloids 4. Soils with high levels of micro flora and mycorrhizae 5. Areas with past low intense fires Here are a few sites to help out in your search for the perfect new deer hunting location: 1. Soil Information: http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/HomePage.htm 2. Soil Map1: http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/a...oilSurvey.aspx 3. Soil Map2: http://www.itc.nl/personal/rossiter/Docs/NRCS/maps.pdf 4. 12 Orders of Soil (goes with #3 & #7): http://soils.usda.gov/technical/soil_orders/ 5. Fire Map1: http://www.inciweb.org/ 6. Fire Map2: http://activefiremaps.fs.fed.us/wms.php 7. Antler Development (3 Keys To Success): http://www.state.tn.us/twra/pdfs/deerantlers.pdf 8. World Soil Resource Map Index: http://soils.usda.gov/use/worldsoils/mapindex/

Here is some more proof the soils help deer: “There is a strip in Central Alabama that runs East to West known as the BLACK BELT. The soil is very rich, crops grow big. Deer benefit in both antler size and body weight. Lease prices are sky high compared to areas outside it.” perchjerker

Soils Helping Deer Antler Growth? Here is a little information on soils and how they may help fit together part of the key when determining which new locations to scout and hunt for mature bucks that will reach their genetic potential. Land surface shape and form should be considered into account. This is the slope (degree of incline or decline) and aspect (the compass direction a slope is facing). The slope and aspect of land surface will affect soil temperatures, moisture holding ability, affect rate of erosion, and decide movement of minerals and other particles from one area to another. Vegetation affects soils by supplying organic debris to the soil. Grassland soils can have around twice the amount of organic matter compared to forest soils. The organic matter in grassland soils tend to be more uniformly distributed compared to forest soils. Grassland soils also tend to be less acid than forest soils. The texture of a soil will affect the soil’s cohesiveness, aeration, drainage, and nutrient-holding capability. Here is a little information on soils: Sand: Cohesiveness(Very little), Aeration(Very good), Drainage(Very good), Nutrients(Poor) Silt: Cohesiveness(sticky when wet), Aeration(Average), Drainage(Average), Nutrients(Poor) Clay: Cohesiveness(Very plastic), Aeration(Poor), Drainage(Very poor), Nutrients(High) Loam: Cohesiveness(Good), Aeration(Good), Drainage(Good), Nutrients(Good) Too much rain can lead to the leaching of ions and colloids. These are particles that play a key role in plant nutrition and soil chemistry. Waterlogged soils can cause poor aeration and lower the fertility of soil by lowering the ability to fix nitrogen. Micro flora (algae, fungi, molds, and bacteria) capture atmospheric nitrogen that is vital for plant growth. Looking for types of habitats that include these micro floras; may mean deer are getting better nutrients in their diet and therefore may reach their genetic potential in antler growth. Mycorrhizae are another key component of healthy soils. Mycorrhizae are important for disease suppression, drought protection, improved soil structure, increase leaf chlorophyll levels, and tolerance of nutrient imbalances. Undisturbed areas have plenty of mycorrhizae compared to disturbed sites. Disturbance from heavily compacted sites (such as some logging sites), areas that are treated with chemicals/pesticides, invasion by weeds, erosion, removal of topsoil, and land clearing are places where mycorrhizae are depleted; which causes plants to suffer. Low intense fires can promote herbaceous flora, increase plant nutrients, and help healthy soil microbial systems. A severe/hot fire will do the opposite for a site. Higher pH numbers around 8-14 indicate high levels of basic ions and soil alkalinity; which means low acidity. Colloids in this range will hold most of their mineral nutrients. The chemical environment in an area will determine if soil nutrients will be absorbed by plants. Most farm crops grow better around pH levels 6.5-6.8. Soil erosion and nutrient depletion can be linked to intensive crop production (including tree farms), accelerated erosion, application of pesticides, and the uses of heavy machinery. Before humans took over the land; plants/trees would absorb nutrients from the soil and then would either drop their leaves or die, returning the nutrients back to the earth. So know you know a few new things on what to look for when scouting for new areas to hunt deer. Here again is a short list of what to look for: 1. Clay or Loam soils 2. Neutral or alkaline pH soils 3. Soils with high levels of ions and colloids 4. Soils with high levels of micro flora and mycorrhizae 5. Areas with past low intense fires Here are a few sites to help out in your search for the perfect new deer hunting location: 1. Soil Information: http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/HomePage.htm 2. Soil Map1: http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/WebSoilSurvey.aspx 3. Soil Map2: http://www.itc.nl/personal/rossiter/Docs/NRCS/maps.pdf 4. 12 Orders of Soil (goes with #3 & #7): http://soils.usda.gov/technical/soil_orders/ 5. Fire Map1: http://www.inciweb.org/ 6. Fire Map2: http://activefiremaps.fs.fed.us/wms.php 7. Antler Development (3 Keys To Success): http://www.state.tn.us/twra/pdfs/deerantlers.pdf 8. World Soil Resource Map Index: http://soils.usda.gov/use/worldsoils/mapindex/

http://www.petakillsanimals.com/arti...fm?article=154 Help fight against PETA.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33509516/ns/world_news-americas/

http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/article/20091011/COLUMNISTS02/910110314/1004/RSS04/Outdoors--States-consider-banning-deer-scents-due-to-health-risks

http://www.hoyt.com/videos/index.php?c=All+Videos&v=11

"""New DNA evidence reveals that coyotes have bred with wolves in the the northeastern United States, turning mice-eating coyotes into much larger animals with a hunger for big prey, such as deer.""" link to msnbc story.. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32976657/ns/technology_and_science-science/ns/technology_and_science-science/from/ET

"""New DNA evidence reveals that coyotes have bred with wolves in the the northeastern United States, turning mice-eating coyotes into much larger animals with a hunger for big prey, such as deer.""" link to msnbc story.. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32976657/ns/technology_and_science-science/ns/technology_and_science-science/from/ET

Has anyone read page 5 in the new "Oregon Hunter" magazine? It says,"animal rights organizatons angry with Oregon's newly drafted cougar management plan are working on a five-year campaign for a total ban on cougar hunting in Oregon." Any info on what OHA plans to do?

Here is some good information I found on another hunting forum. “If you put pee in the bucks scrape you are submiting to him if you put buck urine .If you make one off to the side about 10 yards away you are telling that buck you are not submitting to him that you are showing that you are wanting to challenge him . That is what you want to do and So when you put Buck urine in your mock scrape you want to do it early morning while its dark and then When you get out of your Stand in the evening late. . By doing this you are telling the buck that you (the buck ) are Freshing up your scrape at those hours so it keeps him from hanging around while or atleast checking the scrape during the middle of the day when your not hunting. If you do it early or late you have a much better chance that the buck will show up in the morning to see who is challenging him in his area. . I hope this helps and good luck. It works i have done it for years and Killed many buck checking my mock scrape. Dont forget to put some buck uring on the over hanging branch. If you have seen a buck licking a over hanging branch this is because when they pee on there Tarsal glands they will lick them to get the scent on there mouth and will lick the over hanging branch to put that same scent on it .” boarman1 Stonycreek Whitetails Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 139 Mock Scrapes... “This is a good topic guys and a topic that discusses the very foundation of scent marking and communications of the buck. As far as "scientific data" well lets just say we are not lab coat guys but rather roll up the "camo sleeves" and try it ourselves kind of guys. I don't know if any of you remember a website we built several years ago called Deer101.com? We had live streaming video from an undisclosed location that was available on the site 24 hours a day. We utilized infrared technology that would allow us and the audience to view the deer activity even in the total darkness of night. It was during these observations where the behavior of the buck making a scrape, urinating in it, then the licking urine from his tarsals, chewing the licking branch and then ultimately rubbing his forehead and preorbitals on that branch. At first this behavior went virtually unnoticed but then we realized what was actually taking place. As the buck urinated on his tarsals the urine would run down his legs, puddle under his feet and as he would continue to move his feet while rubbing his tarsals he was actually swishing his feet in the puddle of urine - hence the purpose of making scent trails. Just as you or I jumping out of the shower before drying off, as the buck/doe walks off after performing a rub urination the urine drips off and makes a scent trail - just as we leave a water trail when we jump out of the shower and walk to the other side of the bathroom to get a towel. This is why I feel utilizing fresh urine to make scent trails is so important. It is natural occurrence that is the basis to why I believe a buck often runs with his nose close to the ground. He is basically bird-dogging a trail of urine from a doe or other buck. Lets take it a step further and look at what happens when a buck makes his scrape. After the buck urinates in his scrape he often times will lick the urine from his tarsals and the inside of his legs. Then he goes and chews/licks on the licking branch - basically transferring the urine from his legs/tarsals/mouth to the branch. We have all seen trail cam pics of buck rubbing their forehead and preorbital glands on the licking branch but, I feel there is more to it then just "working the licking branch". I feel it is a another way for a buck to use his urine to scent mark the rubs he makes. After all, when was the last time you seen a buck **** his leg and "pee" on a tree? One other thing I would like to point out concerning placing buck urine in a natural scrape. Boarman1 is right on in his advice regarding "submission" and here is why I feel this way. All year long I am able to observe the hierarchy of the deer we raise. It is clearly evident who the boss is, who wants to be boss and who is submissive - as far as the buck are concerned. I don't know why it is, but every year the dominant buck will make a scrape by the watering trough. The buck that have submitted all year long will also "work that scrape" and urinate in it as well. However, the #2 dominant buck, the buck that has always stood his ground and challenged the #1 dominant buck, would walk up to the scrape, smell it and then walk off about 15-25 yards and make his own scrape - a challenging scrape, if you will. Then he would walk several yards and aggressively begin to rub his antlers on the fence posts - a rub!! It didn't dawn on me at first what was actually taking place until one day I was in the woods hunting and I notice an area with 2-3 scrapes and several rubs. I realized at that moment "the sign" or "message" the buck were telling each other. This was an area where two dominant buck are challenging each other, just as the area by the watering trough at my facility. I started paying closer attention to the buck at our facility and would watch the submissive buck continually urinate in both scrapes made by the dominant buck but have never witnessed either of dominant buck urinate in the others scrape. With this, I strongly feel that when we place buck urine in a natural scrape we are actually submitting rather than challenging. Why would a dominant buck concern himself or get excited about another buck that has submitted to him? Just something to think about.. We are continuing to observe, learn and share the findings on the behaviors of the buck. Hopefully this information will help someone else realize what is taking place, at least what I think is taking place, in those pocket areas of the woods where several scrapes and rubs are located. I think we have a long way to go in order to fully understand the whitetail deer, but it sure is fun and exciting trying to figure it all out. Good luck and happy hunting, Stony” Cheers, Adam Raymond

Bill in Congress Would Prohibit Most Trapping in Wildlife Refuges 10/16/09 A new bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives would ban the use of the most common type of trap used to control predator populations within the National Wildlife Refuge System. HR 3710, introduced by Representative Nita Lowey (D- NY), would make it illegal to use any trap that will “kill or capture wildlife by physically restraining any part of the animal” within the Refuge system. This definition of banned traps include the most common types, such as Conibear-style traps and foothold traps, that are used to control both predator and nuisance populations. For a first offense, the bill orders a civil fine of up to $500 for each proscribed trap used or possessed. For subsequent offenses, a person in violation faces fines up to $1000 for each trap used or possessed as well as imprisonment for up to 180 days. Additionally, all such traps would be forfeited. Similar bills have been introduced in the last several years but have never moved forward. “Trapping is universally regarded by the wildlife management community as an invaluable tool to control predators and furbearers,” stated Bud Pidgeon, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance president and CEO. “The USSA will be working to kill this bill should it gain any traction.”

I live in Albany and if you are unable to make it to the Bow Rack in Eugene to sign the petition; feel free to send me a PM and we can meet.

I have emailed several archery clubs around Oregon. I just got the .pdf petition form from the Bow Rack. Just email or call the numbers here on the thread and you all can receive the .pdf form to print out the petition. Then you can help by gathering signatures. It is that easy. I was thinking about calling different sporting good stories and see if they would allow me to sit out by their front doors to gather signatures. Good luck to everyone that helps.

California ammo bill AB962 PASSED AB962 passed out of the Senate Friday and was voted on and passed by the house on Saturday! This bill is now headed to the Governors desk for his consideration. The bill has been amended but still requires buyers of handgun ammo to be fingerprinted at time of sale and a purchase form filled out which will be retained by DOJ thus creating a database of handgun owners. The bill also bans all mail order purchases of all ammo. Please contact Governor Schwarzenegger at 916-445-2841 or E-mail him at http://gov.ca.gov/interact and respectfully ask he not sign this bill into law.

Send emails to [email protected] if you are interested in helping. His cell is 541-778- 7069. Please call or email him so he can get petitions out. We need 20-100 people willing to get any amount of signatures you can get. The more signatures we get the better. He will need your address and phone number. Please don't expect everyone else to help out on this. We need your help.

Jess Messner is in the process of getting the "cougar with dogs" law on the next ballot. He is need of some help. He can be reached at his office in Redmond (541)923-1309

Petition for Amending Measure 18 !!!!! We finally have a legal documented petition out to help amend measure 18. We have been collecting signitures at The Bow Rack to help get the ball rolling. It is to amend the portion for using dogs for hunting cats. This is what the petition looks like. Please sign one wherever you can find it. For more info. You can get ahold of..... Jess Messner Statement of Sponsorship for State Initiative Petition Signature Sheet Text of Prospective Initiative Petition must be stapled to this form at all times. Do not sign if text is not stapled to this sheet. Some circulators for this petition are being paid. It is unlawful to sign a petition more than one time. This is a state petition. Signers of this page must be active registered voters in the State of Oregon. Notice: All white petition sheets are being circulated by volunteers, who are not being paid to gather signatures. To the Secretary of State of Oregon, We, the undersigned voters, sponsor the attached initiative petition. We have not previously signed a statement of sponsorship signature sheet for this state initiative measure. Signers must initial any changes that they or the circulator make to their printed name, residence address or date they signed the petition signature date signed mm/dd/yy print name residence address street, city, zip code 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 circulator certification This certification must be signed by the circulator! You should not collect any additional signatures on this sheet once you have signed and dated the certification! I hereby certify that I witnessed the signing of the signature sheet by each individual whose signature appears on the signature sheet, and I believe each person is a qualified voter in the State of Oregon. (ORS 250.045) I also hereby certify that compensation I received, if any, was not based on the number of signatures obtained for this petition. circulator signature date signed mm/dd/yy printed name of circulator circulator’s address street, city, zip code SEL 318 rev 01/08 ORS 250.045 sheet number OUR STATE NEEDS THIS TO GO THROUGH!! If you want the .pdf file for the petition so you can put them out somewhere let me know by emailing us at [email protected] We would like to see them on the counter of as many places as possible.

New Legislation Will Protect Recreational Hunting and Fishing on Federal Land (Columbus) – Two bills introduced by Senator Lisa Murkowski (R- AK) and U.S. Representative Dan Boren (D- OK) will protect recreational hunting, fishing and shooting on land administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Forest Service. Backed by the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance (USSA), HR 3749 and the Senate legislation are companion bills collectively known as the Recreational Fishing and Hunting Heritage and Opportunities Act. They will prevent situations from emerging where public land is closed arbitrarily for hunting, fishing and shooting, mandating that such closures be done through a reasonable and transparent process. Specifically, both bills would ensure that: Federal public land managers with the U.S. Forest Service and BLM provide for the use of and access to public lands for hunting, fishing and shooting, An “open until closed” policy is established for the lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service and the BLM unless public and Congressional notification is given, Land managers are urged to lease land for shooting ranges by having the lessee offer suitable assurances to remediate leased lands at the termination of the lease, thus remedying concerns expressed in the past by the BLM over damage to land used for shooting, Skilled volunteers be used on federal public lands not open to hunting when wildlife management requires the culling of animal populations, Congress receives an annual report detailing any closures of land to fishing, hunting, or shooting and the reasons for the closures. “Both bills will guarantee that access for America’s sportsmen to prime public land won’t arbitrarily be denied,” states USSA President and CEO, Bud Pidgeon. “The USSA wholeheartedly supports these bills and urges sportsmen everywhere to contact you members of Congress and urge them to sign on.” Cosponsors of the Senate legislation are Senators Mike Crapo (R- ID) and Ben Nelson (D- NE). Cosponsors of HR 3749 are Representatives Marsha Blackburn (R- TN), Kevin Brady (R- TX), Ginny Brown-Waite (R- FL), Paul C. Broun (R- GA), Dan Burton (R- IN), Bill Cassidy (R- LA), Kathleen Dahlkemper (D- PA), John D. Dingell (D- MI), Brad Ellsworth (D- IN), Ron Kind (D- WI), Larry Kissell (D- NC), John Kline (R- MN), Donald Manzullo (R- IL), Thaddeus G. McCotter (R- MI), Jeff Miller (R- FL), Thomas Perriello (D- VA), Ciro D. Rodriguez (D- TX), Mike Rogers (R- AL), Mike Ross (D- AR), Paul Ryan (R- WI), James F. Sensenbrenner Jr. (R- WI), Heath Shuler (D- NC), Bill Shuster (R- PA), Michael K. Simpson (R- ID) and Zach Wamp (R- TN). Other organizations supporting both bills include the National Rifle Association, Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, American Sportfishing Association, and Safari Club International. The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance is a national association of sportsmen and sportsmen’s organizations that protects the rights of hunters, anglers and trappers in the courts, legislatures, at the ballot, in Congress and through public education programs.

http://www.or.nrcs.usda.gov/Snow/maps/oregon_sitemap.html

Clients, Family, & Friends, I refuse to forward emails and normally delete forwarded emails without reading them due to potential computer viruses. However, I believe this one is important enough to pass along as an original email to you. Please highlight and delete everyone's email address before forwarding this to your contacts. This was sent to every Outfitter in Idaho by the president of the Idaho Outfitter & Guide Association, Grant Simonds. We desperately need to hunt wolves this year. This one Judge in MT could prevent that (even here in Idaho) with a single stroke of a pen - just like last year. We should have been hunting these devastating killers as early as 2005 when their population were first exceeded the federal requirements for reintroduction to be considered successful. Ridgerunner Outfitters LLC Kamiah, ID Go to the link at the bottom of this e-mail, and go to Missoula's ABC affiliate's website...and vote for going ahead with the wolf hunt as planned. The poll can be found about half-way down the page. Do it today...do it now...and let's send Judge Malloy a message. Originally, we were LOOSING. I just voted - YES! And after my vote, the poll standings showed that 69% are in favor. Let's boost it up even higher. Subject: Wolf survey! Need Help! KPAX is running a survey to see if people support a wolf hunting season. Please click the link go to the bottom of the page and vote yes we need a hunting season. Although not policy setting it does send a message to Molloy (district judge that will rule on the issue). http://www.kpax.com/ Send this to other hunters who want to stop the wolves from slaughtering our elk and other big game. Grant Simonds Executive Director Idaho Outfitters and Guides Association P.O. Box 95 Boise, ID 83701 IOGA office 208.342.1438; fax 208.338.7830 Home office 208.343.9548 or 336.3014; fax 208.344.8194 Cell 208.867.2138

Clients, Family, & Friends, I refuse to forward emails and normally delete forwarded emails without reading them due to potential computer viruses. However, I believe this one is important enough to pass along as an original email to you. Please highlight and delete everyone's email address before forwarding this to your contacts. This was sent to every Outfitter in Idaho by the president of the Idaho Outfitter & Guide Association, Grant Simonds. We desperately need to hunt wolves this year. This one Judge in MT could prevent that (even here in Idaho) with a single stroke of a pen - just like last year. We should have been hunting these devastating killers as early as 2005 when their population were first exceeded the federal requirements for reintroduction to be considered successful. Ridgerunner Outfitters LLC Kamiah, ID Go to the link at the bottom of this e-mail, and go to Missoula's ABC affiliate's website...and vote for going ahead with the wolf hunt as planned. The poll can be found about half-way down the page. Do it today...do it now...and let's send Judge Malloy a message. Originally, we were LOOSING. I just voted - YES! And after my vote, the poll standings showed that 69% are in favor. Let's boost it up even higher. Subject: Wolf survey! Need Help! KPAX is running a survey to see if people support a wolf hunting season. Please click the link go to the bottom of the page and vote yes we need a hunting season. Although not policy setting it does send a message to Molloy (district judge that will rule on the issue). http://www.kpax.com/ Send this to other hunters who want to stop the wolves from slaughtering our elk and other big game. Grant Simonds Executive Director Idaho Outfitters and Guides Association P.O. Box 95 Boise, ID 83701 IOGA office 208.342.1438; fax 208.338.7830 Home office 208.343.9548 or 336.3014; fax 208.344.8194 Cell 208.867.2138

These questions mainly are for people who hunt on public or timber company land. It could apply for private land that does not have food plots. I understand food plots can help deer reach their max potential in antler growth. I was just wondering how much research if any has been done on public or timber company land. I have a question about the browse/feed in the areas everyone has hunted deer. Have you ever researched or talked with anyone if the browse is high in lignin, cutin, phenols, or tannins? They all reduce the digestibility and quality of browse for many herbivores. Do you find areas that not only have good deer genetics and high abundance of browse, but also managed land that provides high-quality browse resources that are low in lignin, cutin, phenols, and tannins? A hunter would not only want to hunt in an area with great genetics and abundant browse, but with good quality browse as well. Here is another question I have, but still need to research more myself. I'm not sure if this is true or not, but would like to find out if my theory works for deer health and antler growth. Do you choose areas to hunt that have an abundance of hardwoods? I would think if a person could find a location with plenty of hardwoods at the tops are nearly the tops of ridges and hill/mountains; the quality of browse may go up with the leaf litter putting nitrogen back into the ground. Having hardwoods higher on ridges and hills would allow the nitrogen to run down and recycle back into the environment; causing browse quality to go up. I would assume areas with high intense logging like a timber company would have less nitrogen in their land and lower quality of feed. Timber companies will spray and try to prevent hardwoods from over taking their fir trees. Harvest units will be cleared leaving only brush piles. All the NW rain then will wash large amounts of nitrogen in the soil down any type of slope in the land. This in turn will leave the land with very little nitrogen and poor quality of browse for deer. I would then believe that large amounts of browse would not make up for very poor quality browse when it comes to antler growth. What are some of everyone’s thoughts and any experiences with quality of browse affecting antler growth compared to abundance of browse and genetics