Cris Draper, Trail Master to the Great Outdoors!

Utah - Sandhill Crane Bird Walk, Saturday, April 3rd 2010

2010-03-04T08:00:00.000-08:00

Join the Wild Bird Center, Division of Wildlife Resources and the Nature Conservancy on a free Bird Walk to see Sandhill Cranes as they migrate to Utah for the spring nesting season. Sandhill Cranes make a spectacular display, as males court females in an elaborate dance with ballet like jumps and pirouettes, all with great trumpeting as they vocalize their excitement for the spring mating season.

We will leave from the Wild Bird Center at 10 a.m., Saturday, April 3rd in a car caravan. Bill Fenimore, expert field birder and author of the Backyard Birds of Utah will lead the Bird Walk with Phil Douglass, Division of Wildlife Resources Outreach Manager. Log onto www.wildbird.com/layton or call 801-525-8400 for more details.

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Utah - Great Sage Grouse Bird Walk

2010-03-04T07:34:00.000-08:00

The Wild Bird Center and the Division of Wildlife Resources will lead a free Bird Walk, Saturday, March 27th to a Greater Sage Grouse lek to view dancing Sage Grouse. Be sure to bring your cameras, as this is a real Disney experience. A lek is a strutting ground where Sage Grouse dance in the spring. Males exhibit, dance and fight with rival males to exert dominance. All of this activity is designed to enable hen Sage Grouse to find a suitable mate.

We will car caravan, leaving from the Layton, Wild Bird Center at 5 a.m., so that we can arrive at the lek before sun up. Bill Fenimore, expert field birder and author of Backyard Birds of Utah will co-lead this walk with Phil Douglass, DWR Northern Region Outreach Manager. The walks are designed for birders at all levels, especially families. Dress for the weather and bring binoculars. The Wild Bird Center is located at the Layton Market Center, 1860 North 1000 West, across from Barnes & Noble. Log onto our web site at www.wildbird.com/layton or Call 801-525-8400 with questions.

Utah - Tundra Swan Day Bird Walk

2010-03-04T07:28:00.000-08:00

The Wild Bird Center will lead a free Bird Walk, Saturday, March 13th to Farmington Bay to view Tundra Swans that are now arriving in Utah on their migration north to the Arctic Tundra. We will car caravan, leaving from the Layton, Wild Bird Center at 10 a.m. The walks are designed for birders at all levels, especially families. Dress for the weather and bring binoculars.

The Wild Bird Center is located at the Layton Market Center, 1860 North 1000 West, across from Barnes & Noble. Log onto our web site at www.wildbird.com/layton or Call 801-525-8400 with questions.

Cottonwood Canyons Foundation Winter Wildlife Tracking class

2009-01-20T07:46:00.000-08:00

Join the Cottonwood Canyons Foundation for a Winter Wildlife Tracking class this weekend with renowned educator and naturalist Bruce Thompson!

WINTER WILDLIFE TRACKING CLASS
1/23/2009 6:00 PM - REI, Salt Lake
1/24/2009 Field Program in the Cottonwood Canyons (specific location TBA)

The vast and ever-present array of wild "signatures" scattered about our local landscapes offer us an underused encyclopedia of behavioral, ecological, and evolutionary information. Through the mind of an animal tracker, we can make discoveries about animal behavior, adaptation, and inter-species relationships. Learn about animals' feet and how they move, when and where they rest, what they eat, and how animals in the wild make a living in their own specific way. Indoor and field sessions focus upon wildlife adaptations, diversity, and sign types complemented by firsthand explorations of the animals' habitats on or off-trail in various uneven terrain. Field session will be done on snowshoes (provided by REI at no extra charge). The class begins in REI's Wasatch room at 6:00pm on Friday, then goes out into the field Saturday morning through afternoon. The field portion will be taught in Big or Little Cottonwood Canyon, exact location(s) will depend on conditions and will be announced during the evening portion of the class. Appropriate footwear, warm clothing, a day pack, lunch, and a filled water bottle will be needed for field sessions. Field guides and cameras welcome. Proceeds benefit the Cottonwood Canyons Foundation.
Cost/Tuition: $60 for REI Members, $65 for non-members.
Registration is Required. To register, please call REI at 486-2100 and ask to speak to the Customer Service department.

The Cottonwood Canyons Foundation offers a winter calendar of activities for all ages including Full Moon Snowshoes, Snowshoe with a Naturalist tours, and Tour with a Ranger nature tours at the Cottonwood Canyons Ski Areas. Visit www.cottonwoodcanyons.org or call 801-466-6411 for more information. We hope you can join us!

Hammerhead Sleds Review www.TrailMasterOutdoors.com

2009-01-08T06:15:00.001-08:00

These awesome new sleds are just the ticket for safe, fast and fun outdoor recreation in winter! Made from light weight aircraft aluminum and poly carbonate plastics they are easy to carry or drag behind you and are a blast to ride! Pick your up today at www.TrailMasterOutdoors.com

HELMETS, SAFETY AND EDUCATION ARE TOPICS OF SNOWMOBILE SAFETY WEEK

2009-01-07T05:47:00.000-08:00

National Snowmobile Safety Week is January 10 through 18. For this eight-day observance, and throughout Utah’s snowmobile season, Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Education Specialist Ann Evans is stressing helmets, safety and education.

“Because of the recent snowstorms, thousands of Utahns are heading to the mountains,” said Evans. “We want everyone to ride safely and know the laws and rules before they go. Be educated and be prepared.” She encourages riders to check avalanche, trail and weather conditions, and share itineraries with family and friends.

Utah law requires youth eight to 15 to complete the Utah State Parks and Recreation Know Before You Go! OHV education course before operating on public lands, roads or trails. Anyone 16 or older must have a valid Utah driver’s license or a safety certificate to operate snowmobiles on public land. It is illegal for any child under age eight to operate an OHV on public land.

All youth under age 18 are required by law to wear a properly fitted and fastened helmet approved by the Department of Transportation. Utah Department of Health (UDOH) and Utah State Parks strongly recommend that all riders wear helmets, especially parents who set an example for children and other riders.

In addition to helmets and education, Evans offers the following safety tips:

- Never ride alone. Always ride with a companion and let others know your plan.

- Watch your fuel supply carefully.

- Check weather reports and avalanche advisories. Be prepared by wearing an avalanche beacon and carrying a shovel and probe.

- Dress for changing weather conditions. Wear layered clothing to adjust for changing conditions.

- Never drink and drive.

- Always wear an approved helmet designed for motorized use. It’s the law for anyone under 18 to wear a helmet at all times. Utah State Parks encourages everyone to wear a helmet.

- Know basic maintenance procedures. Carry spark plugs, drive belts, a tool kit and a survival kit which contains a map, compass, flashlight, extra food, extra clothing, sunglasses, first aid kit, pocket knife, waterproof matches, and candles or fire starters.

For registration materials or more information, call the OHV Information Center at 1-800-OHV-RIDE (1-800-648-7433).

COLD WATER IMMERSION STEPS TO SURVIVAL

2009-01-07T05:46:00.000-08:00

Salt Lake City - As air temperatures drop and ice begins to form on reservoirs, Utah State Parks boating officials remind everyone to be aware of the dangers of sudden winter storms and cold water temperatures.

“You never know when you might end up in the water. Life jackets not only keep you afloat, but provide an extra layer of warmth,” said Assistant Boating Program Manager Chris Haller. “The combination of additional heat and flotation might mean the difference between life and death.”

According to the 1-10-1 Principle, someone in cold water has one minute to get their breathing under control, 10 minutes to have enough strength and dexterity to self-rescue, and up to one hour of consciousness. After this time, survival chances decrease dramatically.

Haller also recommends the following cold water boating safety tips:

- Have a ladder or a method to re-board your boat
- Carry a signaling device, such as a mirror or flare gun
- Carry a cell phone or marine band radio with service where you boat
- Always tell someone your boating plans including where you are going and what time you will return
- Check local weather conditions before heading out
- Carry the proper equipment onboard your boat

For more information, visit stateparks.utah.gov or call (801) 538-BOAT. Wear it Utah!

Boone and Crockett Club Confirms New World’s Record Elk

2009-01-05T09:56:00.000-08:00

MISSOULA, Mont.—Perhaps the largest elk ever produced in the wild—a Utah bull taken in 2008 by a hunter on public land—has been confirmed as a new World’s Record. The official declaration was made Friday by the Boone and Crockett Club.

A special judges panel determined a final score of 478-5/8 B&C non-typical points, an incredible 93-plus inches above the Boone and Crockett minimum score of 385 for non-typical American elk, and more than 13 inches larger than the previous World’s Record.

It is the only elk on record with a gross score approaching the 500-inch mark, at 499-3/8. Official data dates back to 1830.

The giant bull has 9 points on the left antler and 14 points on the right. The larger antler has a base circumference topping 9 inches.

The Boone and Crockett scoring system, long used to measure the success of wildlife conservation and management programs across North America, rewards antler size and symmetry, but also recognizes nature’s imperfections with non-typical categories for most antlered game. The bull’s final score of 478-5/8 inches includes an amazing 140 inches of abnormal points.

“Along with measurements that honor the quality of the animal, Boone and Crockett Club records also honor fair-chase hunting,” said Eldon Buckner, chairman of the Club’s Records of North American Big Game committee. “Through our entry process, signed affidavits and follow-up interviews with the hunter, his guides, and state and federal officials, we were satisfied that this bull was indeed a wild, free-ranging trophy and that the tenets of fair chase were used in the harvest.”

The hunter, Denny Austad of Ammon, Idaho, hunted the Monroe Mountain District in south-central Utah. Hunting with a self-designed rifle, Austad killed the bull on Sept. 30, 2008. He hunted for 13 days before connecting with the trophy, dubbed “spider bull” for its unique antler configuration.

On behalf of the Boone and Crockett Club, Buckner congratulated Austad and credited his new World’s Record to the tremendous management of habitat and wildlife by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and the Fishlake National Forest.

“Utah’s conservation professionals really deserve a pat on the back, as do the citizens of Utah for their support of their state’s wildlife programs,” said Buckner.

Across North America, ever-improving conservation practices have translated to flourishing big game populations, with balanced age-class and mature, trophy animals. Over the past 30 years, qualifying Boone and Crockett records book entries for American elk have increased 193 percent from a total of 14 in 1977 to 41 in 2007.

Across all categories of native North American big game, the overall trend is even higher with 344 qualifiers in 1977 up to 1,151 in 2007—a 234 percent increase.

The previous World’s Record for non-typical American elk was 465-2/8 B&C points. That bull was found dead, frozen in Upper Arrow Lake, B.C., in 1994, and was entered into Boone and Crockett Club records by the provincial Ministry of Environment on behalf of the citizens of British Columbia.

For hunter-taken non-typical American elk, the previous top bull scored 450-6/8 B&C points, taken in 1998 in Apache County, Ariz., by Alan Hamberlin.

The Boone and Crockett Club also keeps records for Roosevelt’s and Tule elk. World’s Records for these categories are substantially smaller than those for American elk.

National Parks to Allow Right-to-Carry

2008-12-07T09:40:00.001-08:00

The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI), through the National Park Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, has announced the final amended version of its changes to rules on carrying of firearms in national parks and wildlife refuges. DOI's move will restore the rights of law-abiding gun owners who wish to transport and carry firearms for lawful purposes on most DOI lands, and will make federal law consistent with the state law in which these public lands are located. NRA led the effort to amend the existing policy regarding the carrying and transportation of firearms on these federal lands.

American Rivers Releases the Blue Trails Guide to Promote River Recreation and Conservation

2008-11-17T07:45:00.000-08:00

(Washington, DC) – American Rivers today released the Blue Trails Guide, to help promote river recreation and conservation in local communities. Blue trails, the water equivalent to hiking trails, have the potential to stimulate local economies, encourage physical fitness, improve community pride, and make rivers and communities healthier. The Blue Trails Guide is designed to make the process for establishing a successful blue trail easier and more accessible.

The guide, launched today at the 2008 National Trails Symposium in Little Rock and available at www.BlueTrailsGuide.org and www.AmericanRivers.org, provides step-by-step instructions for developing a thriving blue trail. Because a healthy river is necessary for a successful blue trail, the guide includes tips and goals for river conservation. The guide also has practical advice on planning, building, and managing a blue trail for conservation as well as case studies from experienced practitioners across the country.

“The Blue Trails Guide is an excellent resource that will help communities protect and restore their rivers and landscapes through recreation,” said Jamie Mierau, Director of River Protection for American Rivers. Blue trails provide opportunities for economic renewal and growth through jobs and tourism. And, because they can result in healthier rivers, blue trails can increase property values, provide cost effective flood control, and reduce infrastructure costs.

Communities across the country are realizing the conservation benefits of river recreation. The process for developing a blue trail on the Rappahannock River near Fredericksburg, Virginia, for example, began shortly after the Embrey Dam removal in 2004. The initial intent was to offer historic paddling trips along 30-miles of the river. With broad support from the community, the water trail was designated. The excitement for this water trail helped build support for a critical 4,200 acre conservation easement along the river. With more than 1 million people living within 30 miles of the property, these lands faced unprecedented development pressures. The eased lands contain streamside buffers that provide natural protection for Fredericksburg’s water supply and allow people to enjoy the river without fear of encroaching development.

Blue trails also promote healthy living by providing a fun, safe, and inexpensive avenue for regular exercise. And blue trails promote community pride by preserving historic places, connecting us to our heritage, and creating a common ground for social interaction with family and neighbors.

The Blue Trails Guide is designed for anyone interested in creating a blue trail including, but not limited to, recreational enthusiasts, planners, conservation organizations, and local and state governments. Visit www.BlueTrailsGuide.org to learn more.

SOUTHERN UTAH TO HOST LEGENDARY FREERIDE MOUNTAIN BIKING EVENT Red Bull Rampage: The Evolution Returns October 2-5th

2008-09-30T06:54:00.000-07:00

Santa Monica, CA - September 29, 2008 - Red Bull Rampage, the premier freeride mountain biking competition, held annually from 2001 to 2004, is blasting back onto the scene in 2008, bigger and badder than ever before. From October 2-5, Red Bull Rampage: The Evolution will draw the greatest riders in the world to a new venue just outside Virgin, Utah, offering the most challenging terrain mountain bike competition has ever seen.

“It is a tremendous opportunity to have a world class action sports event like the Red Bull Rampage in Utah and help showcase the State's natural beauty to the world,” says Jeff Robbins, President and CEO of the Utah Sports Commission.

MAKING HISTORY
As the new millennium arrived in 2000, a new breed of riders were pushing the frontiers of mountain biking, veering off the established groomed trails to forge first descents down unchartered mountains, similar to backcountry freeskiers. These riders were tackling steep lines and treacherous cliff drops, filming jaw-dropping video parts, and pushing the limits of the sport. With the birth of Red Bull Rampage in 2001, the event gave these pioneering riders a venue to prove that they were among the most skillful riders on the planet - not to mention some of the craziest. Red Bull Rampage immediately became the event that everyone clamored to be at all year; riders from all mountain bike disciplines hoped for an exclusive invite to the event, and the industry held its collective breath every October to see just how far Red Bull Rampage and the riders would push the sport.

After four inspiring and extremely successful years at the same venue, the long search began for a new, even more challenging piece of terrain.
Event organizers scoured the globe from Turkey to China to Mexico and beyond to find the perfect location that could match the sport’s progression. Ironically, after years of searching, it was only 20 miles from the original Red Bull Rampage site that the most ideal land revealed itself - and called for the return of mountain biking’s biggest event. Red Bull Rampage: The Evolution features all-new terrain with bigger man-made elements, and the possibilities are endless.
Robbie Bourdon, who placed third at the 2001 event, knows that the stakes will be raised in 2008. "They're going to bring slopestyle riding and big mountain riding together," he says, "and it's going to turn into the sickest contest ever."

RISING TO THE CHALLENGE
On a dangerous network of ridges near Zion National Park, riders will have free reign to navigate their descent between a designated starting area and a finish line more than 1,000 vertical feet below. Thursday and Friday are open practice days for the athletes, allowing them to scout their lines, size up the thirty-plus foot gaps and cliff drops, and practice their tricks. On Saturday, each of the 28 invited riders will take two runs; their best single-run scores will determine the top
14 who will advance to Sunday's final. The 14 finalists will run two more descents on Sunday, with their best score determining the overall winner. In addition, the Utah Sports Commission will also present a Red Bull Rampage Best Trick award on Sunday.

PUSHING FORWARD
Competitors will be judged on style, amplitude, fluidity, and difficulty of line, and with a $25,000 prize purse up for grabs, playing it conservative is not a strategy option. Will past champs like Cedric Gracia (France) or Kyle Strait (USA) stand on the podium again, or will a dark horse emerge with new tricks or a gutsy line down the mountain that makes everyone re-think what is possible on a mountain bike?
Regardless of who emerges on top, Red Bull Rampage: The Evolution will once again expand the frontiers of the sport.

************

Red Bull Rampage Retrospective DVD Set Available On iTunes August 24,
2008
For a complete look at all of the history-making action that went down at Red Bull Rampage from 2001 to 2004, check out Freeride Entertainment's "Red Bull Rampage Retrospective" which will be available for download on Apple's iTunes store starting August 24th. Red Bull and VAS Entertainment have combined to offer this incredible five-disc set (plus Freeride's "New World Disorder 8", six discs total) for only $9.99. Don't miss this amazing offer, featuring the absolute best in freeride mountain biking.

About Utah Sports Commission
The Utah Sports Commission is a not-for-profit 501c3 charitable organization governed by an all-volunteer Board of Trustees consisting of statewide sports, business, community, and government leaders. The Sports Commission was created to foster national and international amateur and professional sports competitions to be held in the state of Utah, acting as a catalyst in unifying the states sports community and strengthening Utah's presence in the global sports marketplace. The Sports Commission works closely with communities, sports entities, and organizations to provide event services ranging from the bid process, on-site logistics, volunteer coordination, sponsorships and promotional opportunities and other related services. For more information, visit www.utahsportscommission.com

For more information, please visit www.redbullrampage.com

WOLF CREEK UTAH SUMMER CONCERT SERIES BRINGS COUNTRY MUSIC STAR ERIC HEATHERLY

2008-08-14T06:43:00.000-07:00

EDEN, Utah -- (August 13, 2008) – Music in the Mountains, Wolf Creek Utah’s summer concert series, continues with country music singer-songwriter Eric Heatherly Saturday, Aug. 23. The second annual summer concert series has been a true hit with musical guests The Great Basin Street Band, the Utah Symphony, the Soul Survivors, and pianist Jon Schmidt.
Heatherly, a Fender endorsed guitar slinger, released his debut CD, “Swimming in Champagne,” in 2000. He is young self-taught artist who was influenced early on by country rock acts such as Steve Earle, Foster & Lloyd, Ricky Skaggs, and Lee Roy Parnell. In 2000, Heatherly was signed to Mercury Nashville Records and his debut single was a cover of “Flowers on the Wall”, which ended up being the top number three Country Single of 2000 accompanied by a number one video on the Country Music Channel and on Great American Country TV. Eric has been focusing on his newest release, “The Lower East Side of Life”, which he calls a labor of love with no corporate finger prints on it.
Wrapping up the summer concert series, the Joe Muscolino Band will perform Sept. 6. The band has a wide variety of sounds and sure knows how to throw a party. For over two decades, the Joe Muscolino Band has set the standard for corporate and wedding entertainment along the Wasatch front. Muscolino’s uncanny ability to select and perform music that appeals to multiple generations simultaneously guarantees a great party.
Wolf Creek is committed to keeping their entertainment affordable for all. Admittance to concerts is enjoyed for only $20 per carload.
Wolf Mountain is located at 3567 Nordic Valley Way in Eden, Utah. For a complete list of events and detailed driving instructions, please visit www.wolfcreekutah.com
2008 Music in the Mountains Line Up
Joe Muscolino Band September 6

Safari Club International to Sponsor National Hunting and Fishing Day

2008-05-14T07:50:00.001-07:00

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Safari Club International, a leader in protecting the freedom to hunt and in promoting conservation worldwide, has stepped up as a major sponsor of National Hunting and Fishing Day, the annual celebration of hunters, anglers and conservation.

The 2008 celebration of National Hunting and Fishing Day is set for Sept. 27.

At the urging of the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), Congress formalized National Hunting and Fishing Day in 1971. Presidents from Richard M. Nixon through George W. Bush have officially proclaimed their support, making the annual commemoration one of the most effective grassroots campaigns ever undertaken to promote traditional outdoor sports.

Consistent with its "SCI, First for Hunters" brand, Safari Club International's sponsorship supports the work of its 180 chapters that promote hunting across the country, as well as the educational efforts of Wonders of Wildlife museum, the official home of National Hunting and Fishing Day. The museum is developing communications campaigns, event-planning tips, promotional items and free online (www.nhfday.org) tools to show that conservation succeeds in America only because of hunters, anglers and shooters. In fact, through licenses and excise taxes, these outdoor enthusiasts generate $100,000 every 30 minutes for fish, wildlife and habitat programs.

"We believe the National Hunting and Fishing Day message is bigger than a one-day celebration. Wonders of Wildlife is expanding the celebration throughout the year. The generosity and commitment of SCI, its chapters and members, are key to this goal," said Denise Wagner, national coordinator for Wonders of Wildlife.

SCI President Dennis Anderson, whose history of volunteer leadership includes serving about 3,000 youths annually at the SCI Orange County, Calif., Chapter's Youth Safari Day, said, "There's nothing like seeing a youngster's face light up when they discover these great outdoor sports. National Hunting and Fishing Day celebrations and events nationwide throughout the year help young people get outside, and SCI wants to help them take those next steps toward the pursuit of a rewarding conservation ethic and healthy outdoor lifestyle."

NSSF remains the charter sponsor for National Hunting and Fishing Day. Other sponsors for 2008 include Wonders of Wildlife, Bass Pro Shops, The Sportsman Channel, National Wild Turkey Federation, Realtree, Cabela's, Woolrich, Gunbroker.com, Outdoor Channel and Safari Club International.

Outdoor television personality Michael Waddell is serving as honorary chairman for National Hunting and Fishing Day 2008.

For more information, visit www.nhfday.org

OFF-ROADERS BOOTED FROM ARIZONA MONUMENT DUE TO ABUSES

2008-05-14T07:01:00.001-07:00

Section of Sonoran Desert National Monument Off-Limits to ORVs for Two-Years

Tucson — A large portion of the Sonoran Desert National Monument will be closed to off-road vehicle traffic for two years to help it recover from the environmental toll of growing motorized abuse, according to agency e-mails released today by Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER). This would be the first long-term ORV ban on BLM public lands in Arizona due to natural resource damage.

Under orders to be published this week in the Federal Register, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM), which manages the monument, will declare nearly 55,000 acres (approximately four times the land area of Manhattan) off-limits to all ORV traffic for "up to two years or more, depending on the restoration success," according to the acting monument manager. An estimated 90 miles of ORV routes will also be closed to motorized use. This no-ORV zone lies southeast of the North Maricopa Mountains wilderness.

"BLM is taking a good first step toward protecting the Sonoran Desert National Monument from off-road excess," stated Southwest PEER Director Daniel Patterson, an ecologist who formerly worked with BLM. "It is the first of what likely will be many more ORV bans to shield public lands that cannot handle the growing motorized traffic and are literally being ripped apart."

Located between Phoenix and Tucson, the nearly half-million acre Sonoran Desert National Monument includes some of the most scenic and biologically rich desert lands in North America. The Monument has also seen an exponential increase in ORV traffic that, by BLM's own admission, is beyond its ability to effectively manage. Damage to its lands has reached the point where, last year, agency officials suggested a monument-wide prohibition on ORV use.

Unfortunately, the deteriorating situation at the Sonoran Desert National Monument is becoming prevalent on public lands across the West. Beyond the environmental toll, off-road vehicles are now, by far, the number one law enforcement problem on federal lands in the Southwest, according to agency statistics compiled by PEER. Increasingly, agencies such as the BLM and U.S. Forest Service are overwhelmed by the sheer number of off-roaders, widespread disregard for agency route restrictions and the enormous, cumulative damage inflicted on the landscapes.

For the Sonoran Desert National Monument, the length of the ORV-ban and the restoration criteria will be much scrutinized. The Federal Register notice will spell out those terms and go into effect 30 days later, sometime in mid-June.

"This protective order is long overdue, and two years will likely not be enough time to heal the land from the extensive ORV damage." added Patterson. "This is a good move, but BLM must do more to truly manage the Sonoran Desert and other monuments for conservation, rather than for how much abuse they can withstand."

###

See the e-mails outlining the closure order

http://www.peer.org/docs/az/08_13_5_monument_closure_emails.pdf

Look at a map of the no-ORV zone

http://www.peer.org/docs/az/08_13_5_monument_closure_map.pdf

Learn more about the deteriorating conditions on the SDNM leading to the closure

http://www.peer.org/news/news_id.php?row_id=953

Look at the growing toll ORVs are inflicting on our landscapes

http://www.peer.org/campaigns/publiclands/orv/index.php

HOT Catches from the IGFA

2008-05-12T07:20:00.001-07:00

HOT Catches from the IGFA

May 2008

By Pete Johnson, Johnson Communications – IGFA PR counsel

From across the globe the International Game Fish Association's world records department receives nearly a hundred submissions each month. Here are highlights of selected documented fish catches from IGFA world records coordinator Rebecca Wright who provided the following information on these 12 recent submissions now before the world records review committee:

Two years ago Dr. Martin Arostegui of Coral Gables, Fla., USA, set a new record off Key West, Fla., by catching and releasing a lemon shark, the heaviest fish documented on a fly rod. That heaviest-fish-on-fly-record might be broken by Rick Gunion, Village of Palmetto Bay, Fla., USA, who also landed a shark, a tiger (Galeocerdo cuvier), on March 28, weighing 222.26 kg (490 lb 0 oz) on 8 kg (16 lb) tippet. Gunion was guided by Brett Dudas while fishing Mantinilla Shoal, Bahamas. He used an orange streamer for bait and took 40 minutes to bring the shark under control. Gunion, like Arostegui, has numerous world records for various shark species on fly. If his documentation is approved, it would also break the men's tippet record for a 196 lb 6 oz, tiger caught near Flamingo, Fla., by Pat Ford in March 1999.

Judith E. White, of Grand Haven, Mich., USA, guided by Capt. Chris Morrison, landed a blacktip shark (Carcharhinus limbatus) on March 30, weighing 3.18 kg (7 lb 0 oz) using cut bait on 6 kg (12 lb) class line. Taking four minutes to land she made the catch while fishing Marathon, Florida, USA, and now may be among the first to fill the women's line class record section for the recently added new species to the IGFA World Record Game Fishes book.

Another new species added this year to the World Record Game Fishes book is the hickory shad (Alosa mediocris) and young angler John William Winstead, of Kill Devil Hills, N.C. USA is one of the first to catch one for a pending IGFA record. His catch was made on March 28 using a Nungesser shad spoon for bait, while fishing the Roanoke River in N.C., The fish weighed .62 kg (1 lb 6 oz) and the young man is waiting to hear if he's the first to make his mark for a new male junior class record.

A new all-tackle species for the IGFA record book was caught by Ayaka Kosuge, of Miura-Shi, Kanagawa, Japan, who guided by Katsu Yonamine, landed a coastal trevally, (Carangoides caetuleopinnatus) on March 5, weighing 1.05 kg (2 lb 5 oz). Fishing off Ginanzaki, Japan, Kosuge used a VR speed jig for bait taking just five minutes to bring the fish in.

Fishing the Rio Negro, in Colombia, Medellin angler Alejandro Linares, landed a sardinata (Brycon whitei) on March 22, weighing 4.08 kg (9 lb 0 oz) for a pending IGFA All-Tackle class record. It took him 15 minutes to land the fish using an in-line spinner for bait. The old record caught in Venezuela last year is 4 lb 4 oz in.

George Bogen of Los Angeles, Calif., USA, guided by Modesto Miranda, landed a gulf coney (Epinephalus acanthistius) on March 15 while fishing Mexico's San Jose Del Cabo. The fish, a member of the grouper family, weighed 5.78 kg (12 lb 12 oz) and was submitted for an IGFA All-Tackle class record. Bogen was using frozen squid for bait and it took him six minutes to land. The current record is 11 lb 12 oz caught two years ago in the same waters of Mexico.

Escaping the still frigid weather of her home in Bozeman, Mont. USA, fly angler Dotty Ballantyne, chose Andros Island, Bahamas to chase her next potential IGFA world record. Guided by Steven Adderly, she landed a whaler shark (Carcharhinidae family) on April 4, weighing 11.11 kg (24 lb 8 oz) on 4 kg (8 lb) class tippet. She used a red/white baitfish fly to entice the fish which followed with a 20 minute fight. The current women's record for the species is 16 lb 8 oz caught off Strangers Cay, Bahamas last June.

Junior angler Heather Michell Harkavy, Coral Springs, Fla., USA fishing off Flamingo, Fla., and using cut bait, landed a cobia (Rachycentron canadum) weighing 29.94 kg (66 lb 0 oz). Guided by Capt. Jay Wright Jr., she's hoping the April 20 catch breaks the current female junior class record of 65 lb 4 oz, caught on Chesapeake Bay, Va., USA in 2002.

A new IGFA All-Tackle species submission was made by Mauro Sergio Preuss, Curitiba-Pr, Brazil, who landed a chicote surubim (Sorubimichthys) August 20, 2007. The fish weighed 6.28 kg (13 lb 13 oz) and was caught while Preuss was fishing the Araguia River, Brazil.

Fly-fishing Uraima Falls in Venezuela, Miami, Florida USA's Eduardo Aristeguieta, guided by Guerrero Marino, landed a payara (Hydrolicus scomberoides) on April 19, weighing 7.71 kg (17 lb 0 oz). He was using a FPF blue mackerel fly on 10 kg (20 lb) class tippet and took 15 minutes to reel the payara in. He's hoping to beat the old record of 14 lb 0 oz, recorded Feb. 2001 also at the same falls.

Ninth annual IGFA Offshore World Championship attracts 63 teams

2008-05-12T07:10:00.001-07:00

For Immediate Release:

27 countries from six continents in Cabo for prestigious catch-and-release tournament

CABO SAN LUCAS, Mexico ---
Sixty-three boats with teams of anglers are set to blast away from the mouth of the Cabo San Lucas harbor early Monday morning signifying the start of the four-day IGFA Offshore World Championship, throughout the week of May 11 – 16.

"We have representation of teams from 27 countries on six continents," said tournament director Mike Myatt as he and Alberto Trevino the Secretaria de Turismo de Baja California Sur, welcomed the international anglers to the premier fishing location. Considered the most prestigious catch-and-release billfishing tournament in the world, the event also draws the single largest contingent of international teams ever to compete in a fishing competition.

Countries and territories represented include teams from Angola, Australia, the Bahamas, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada, Costa Rica, Croatia, Grenada, Guatemala,
Italy, Jamaica,
Kenya,
Mexico, New Zealand, Panama,
Papua New Guinea,
Portugal,
Puerto Rico, St. Lucia, Spain,
Sultanate of Oman, Trinidad & Tobago, Turks and Caicos, the United States, Vanuatu and Venezuela. Many of the teams in the ninth annual tournament will be represented by anglers from a number of additional countries.

The U.S. has 14 teams signed on. Both Mexico and Brazil are represented by five teams each; Italy and Angola each have four.

The teams previously qualified by winning one of 130 IGFA sanctioned tournaments held in 38 countries worldwide during 2007. It's the seventh straight year Cabo San Lucas has been chosen as the championship location.

They'll fish for marlin, sailfish and other billfish species with the top team winning engraved watches along with trophies and merchandise. Awards are presented through to the third place finishing team. The final results will be made on Friday at noon PDT.

At the IGFA OWC last year, a team representing its win in Spain's Marina Rubicon Marlin Cup 2006 tournament leaped from the middle of the 62 boat field to a dramatic win by one release fish over a team from Cabo San Lucas. It was the second straight year that a team, on the final day of the four day competition, had an amazing 10 releases of striped marlin to win the championship. Using circle hooks, a total of 335 marlin were caught and safely released alongside the teams' boats.

At a kickoff party Sunday at the Hotel Finisterra, each team participated in a drawing for their four different boats --- ones they hope will guide them daily to multiple bill fish releases. All of the boats are captained by local Cabo guides.

Partners and sponsors for the IGFA Offshore World Championship are Secretaria de Turismo de Baja California Sur, Costa Del Mar, Hotel Finisterra, Guy Harvey Inc., Shimano, Picante Sport Fishing and Yacht Sales, Cabo Yachts, K D & G Sea Life Masterpieces, Hook & Tackle, Momoi Hi-Catch, Murray Products, AFTCO BlueWater, Bodo Muche, Minerva's Baja Tackle, Señor Greenberg's, IWS Scales, King Sailfish Mounts, Pompanette, Pisces Sportfishing, Corona and Modelo S.A DE C.V. Mexico, Don Tyson, Trans Cabo, Eagle Claw, MoldCraft Products, Inc. and API Dock.

Each morning the daily results along with photos of the previous day's round will be posted on the IGFA's home page at www.igfa.org . A list of registered teams can also be found on the web site under the fishing tab on the home page by clicking "tournaments."

Next year, to begin the event's 10^th anniversary, the tournament welcomes the Bonnier Marine Group which will join the IGFA to manage the world championship which began in 2000.

Founded in 1939 the IGFA is a not-for-profit organization committed to the conservation of game fish and promotion of responsible, ethical angling practices through science, education, rule making and record keeping. IGFA members are located in over 125 countries and territories. The IGFA welcomes visitors to its 60,000-square-foot interactive Fishing Hall of Fame and Museum in Dania Beach, Florida.

###

Advance sent May 10, 2008

Contact: Pete Johnson, Johnson Communications, Inc.

Scottsdale, Ariz. 85267

480-951-3654 (ph) 480-951-0040 (fax)

JohnsonCom@aol.com (e-mail)

Driving in deer country—five tips to keep you safe

2008-03-01T05:32:00.000-08:00

You may have seen them in Utah this winter: deer, moose and herds of elk nipping at salt-covered grass near the side of a road.

Most of the animals you saw were probably alive. But a fair number were probably dead, killed by vehicles flying down the road.

"Roadsides attract big game animals because they're plowed and salted," says Anis Aoude, big game coordinator for the Division of Wildlife Resources.

"The plowing exposes the grass and other vegetation to the sun. That allows it to 'green-up' quicker than the other vegetation in the area. And the minerals in the salt are also something the animals want."

Deer, moose and elk are usually cautious near roads during the day. But as soon as the sun goes down, everything changes.

"The headlights of the vehicles blind the animals, and they can't see the cars," Aoude says. "They can see the headlights, but they don't know there's a vehicle attached to them."

Aoude provides the following tips to keep both you and the animals safe:

Slow down.
Put your cell phone down, keep your eyes open and be alert.
Instead of looking only straight ahead, scan the side of the road as you drive. "By the time the animals are in front of you, it's too late," Aoude says.
If you're traveling at night, keep your headlights on high beam as much as possible.
Watch for deer crossing signs. They'll alert you to areas that have high numbers of deer, moose and elk.

For more information, call the nearest Division of Wildlife Resources or the DWR's Salt Lake City office at (801) 538-4700.

Elk Callers from Five States Win World Titles

2008-02-27T15:15:00.001-08:00

MISSOULA, Mont.—New world champion elk callers from California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada and Washington were crowned during the weekend in Reno.

Competition was held in six divisions as part of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation’s 24th Annual Elk Camp & Hunting, Fishing and Outdoor Expo. The event was held for the third straight year at the Reno/Sparks Convention Center. Next year the championships will move to Fort Worth, Texas.

The RMEF Dickies/CamoWest World Elk Calling Championships began with preliminary rounds on Friday. Top callers advanced to final rounds on Saturday.

More than 50 callers from 10 states competed.

In the event, callers have 30-45 seconds to mimic cow elk sounds, followed by bull sounds. Professional-level competitors are required to make specific calls such as barks, whistles and screaming bugles. Most callers blow across a latex reed placed inside the mouth. In the natural-voice division, however, no calling devices are allowed. A variety of plastic tubes are used like megaphones, giving the sounds realistic resonance. Judges score each competitor.

Winners received prizes and cash ranging from $500 to $2,500.

RESULTS

PeeWee Division
1. Schafer Bungay, Kalispell, Mont.
2. Gavin McKitrick, McAllister, Mont.
3. Tawny Bungay, Kalispell, Mont.

Youth Division
1. Gregory Hubbell Jr., Belmont, Calif.
2. Patrick Whitaker, Lebanon, Ore.
3. Ross LeValley, Hotchkiss, Colo.

Voice Division
1. Michael James Hatten, Elko, Nev.
2. Isaac Jacobsen, Boise, Idaho
3. Kyle Tanner, West Yellowstone, Mont.

Women’s Division
1. Misty Waggener, Sandpoint, Idaho
2. Deb Bungay, Kalispell, Mont.
3. Bobbi Alwine, Muleno, Colo.

Men’s Division
1. Greg Hubbell, Belmont, Calif.
2. Dirk Durham, Moscow, Idaho
3. Thomas Diesing, Loveland, Colo.

Professional Division
1. Joel Turner, Eatonville, Wash.
2. Al Morris, Springville, Utah
3. J.R. Keller, Delta, Colo

See Hundreds of Tundra Swans

2008-02-22T07:57:00.000-08:00

Tundra Swan Day - March 8

The Division of Wildlife Resources will host its annual Tundra Swan Day on March 8. Admission is free.

Viewing will take place at three sites -- the Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area west of Farmington, the Salt Creek WMA west of Corinne and the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge west of Brigham City.

Farmington Bay and Salt Creek

Viewing at the Farmington Bay and Salt Creek WMAs runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

DWR biologists and volunteer naturalists will have spotting scopes set up so you can get a close look at the swans. They’ll also provide parabolic dishes you can use to get a crystal-clear listen to the unique sounds the swans make.

At the Farmington Bay WMA, you can also hop into a van for a “behind the gates” tour. These free tours will take you to parts of the WMA that are normally closed this time of the year.

Bear River

Viewing at the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge runs from sunrise to sunset. You can see swans from your vehicle as you drive along the refuge’s auto-tour route.

Before heading to the refuge, stop by its Wildlife Education Center at
2155 W. Forest St. in Brigham City for maps and information. The center is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

To reach the center, exit I-15 at Exit 363. After you’ve exited the freeway, turn west. The center is about one block west of the freeway.

For more information about Tundra Swan Day, call the DWR’s Northern Region office at (801) 476-2740 or the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge at (435) 723-5887.

Watching and listening on your own

If you can’t attend the March 8 event, some great opportunities are available to watch and listen to swans on your own.

The Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge is one of the best. You can see hundreds of swans along the refuge’s auto tour loop. The 12-mile loop will take you across most of the refuge that’s open to the public.

The Ogden Bay WMA also provides two good spots to see and listen to swans.

One of those spots is the parking area at 5500 W. in Hooper. The parking area is at the end of 5500 W., about one mile north of 4000 S.

The other spot is the parking area at 7500 W. in West Warren. The parking area is at the end of 7500 W., about one mile south of 12th Street (SR-39).

The migration of swans through Utah should peak within the next three weeks. Thousands of swans will be in Utah then.

Junior Ranger Essay Contest Announced Winner to Receive Family Vacation and Other Prizes

2008-02-17T09:20:00.000-08:00

The winner of this year’s 2008 Junior Ranger essay contest will receive an all expense paid family vacation to one of the country’s most remarkable national parks and a starring role in an electronic field trip seen by millions of school children across the country.

The essay contest is open to children between 9 and 12 years old. Each person must express his or her thoughts on “What can you do now to turn over a new leaf for the environment and help preserve our national parks?”

National Park Service Director Mary A. Bomar, First Lady Laura Bush, and National Park Foundation President and CEO Vin Cipolla announced the details of this year’s contest during a recent visit to Everglades National Park in Florida. A group of local 5th graders joined them to help plant native trees in a park restoration project prior to the announcement. “Children throughout the country, like those here today, are more interested and involved in environmental issues than ever before,” said Bomar. “They can make a difference, both now and in the future, on the impact of humans on the land. I can’t wait to hear all of the wonderful ideas that will come from this essay contest.”

The grand prize winner will receive a trip for four to Everglades National Park where he or she will appear in an electronic field trip about invasive species in national parks. The prize includes round trip air transportation, car rental, hotel accommodations, meal expenses, a $1,000 Macy’s shopping spree, and an America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands Pass.

Essays must be 500 words or less and received on-line or by mail by March 14, 2008. Each entry will be judged on originality, clarity, and understanding of the issue. Additional contest information is available at www.nps.gov.

Winter Feeding Program Draws Support, Warning from Elk Foundation

2008-02-17T08:44:00.000-08:00

MISSOULA, Mont.—Responding to an emergency declaration by the Colorado Division of Wildlife, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation is sending funds to help feed thousands of elk, deer and antelope starving in deep-snow conditions.

But the Elk Foundation’s financial support comes with a warning about severe winterkill as a symptom of an even more debilitating disease—habitat loss.

“Artificially feeding elk is a poor substitute for protecting their native habitat,” said Jack Blackwell, vice president of lands and conservation for the Elk Foundation. “In general, some winter mortality is normal. It’s nature’s way of balancing herds with their habitat. But when too much winter range is lost to urban development or invasive weeds, a harsh winter can be a catastrophic reminder of our obligation to conserve land.”

Colorado’s wildlife habitat is being lost at alarming rates as cities sprawl and ranchettes consume open spaces long used by wintering elk.

“If we don’t act urgently to protect habitat, especially Colorado’s winter range, eventually the balance will tip so far against wildlife that severe winterkill will become the norm, not the exception,” predicted Blackwell.

Biologists say Colorado is experiencing brutal weather in many areas, with Gunnison Basin listed as the worst. Snowpack levels are among highest ever recorded with many weeks of winter remaining. At the same time, nighttime temperatures are falling as low as 35 degrees below zero.

Pronghorn antelope and mule deer are hardest hit. Emergency feeding is underway for approximately 6,500 deer and 500 antelope at 105 locations on federal and private lands.

About 2,500 elk are being fed weed-free hay dropped from helicopters. Though elk are faring better than deer and antelope, some biologists worry about fewer births and greater calf mortality next spring.

PICABO’S SKI CHALLENGE 2008

2008-01-15T09:19:00.000-08:00

Benefiting Victims of Child Abuse

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (January 14, 2008) - Olympic Gold Medalist Picabo Street is hosting the fourth annual Picabo’s Ski Challenge, an amateur ski race and après ski party to raise awareness and support for victims of child abuse. The event takes place at Park City Mountain Resort on Sunday, January 20, 2008, and all proceeds support National Children’s Alliance and Children’s Advocacy Centers nationwide.

Held during the opening weekend of the Sundance Film Festival, corporations and individuals will sponsor race teams from across the country that compete to raise money and awareness for abused children. Each race team is captained by a celebrity, sports figure or dignitary. As part of the festivities, select sponsors will have the chance of a lifetime to participate in “First Tracks,” skiing with Picabo Street and other world-champion skiers before the resort opens on Saturday, January 19th and Sunday, January 20th. Corporate and individual donors are also invited to attend a VIP reception dinner including a live and silent auction the evening of Saturday, January 19th at Deer Valley Resort. Live auction items include: Four Seasons Paris package, E! Entertainment experience with Giuliana DePandi, Access Hollywood experience with Billy Bush, Las Vegas NASCAR giveaway, Korbel California Winery package, and private ski lessons with Picabo Street, among many other great prizes.

The ski race will be held at Park City Mountain Resort’s Eagle Race Arena, located at the base of the Eagle Lift. Full mountain access lift tickets will be provided to all participants. Each race team is made up of four individuals and handicaps will be provided based on skill. Snowboarders are welcome. The luncheon and après ski party will be held in a private hospitality tent located at the base of the racecourse. The schedule is as follows:

• 7:00 am: “First Tracks” Skiing
• 10:30 am: Race Begins
• 1:30 pm: Tented Luncheon and Après Ski Party
• 3:00 pm: Awards Ceremony and Closing

Celebrities confirmed to date include: Picabo Street (Olympic Gold Medalist and Host), Bill Rancic (“The Apprentice” Winner and Co-host), Billy Bush (Access Hollywood Correspondent), Kate Walsh (Actress), Giuliana DePandi (E! Entertainment Correspondent), Dakota Fanning (Actress), Lisa Ling (Actress/Writer), Kristen Bell (Actress), Stephen Colletti (Actor), Audrina Patridge (Actress), James Eckhouse (Actor) and Nickolai Stoilov (Actor).

Corporations supporting the Picabo Ski Challenge include: Park City Mountain Resort, Korbel California Champagne, Sara Lee, Nike, KSL-5 (NBC), KSL Newsradio, FM 100 and 103.5 Arrow, Idearc Media (publisher of Verizon Yellow Pages and superpages.com), Zermatt Resort & Spa, Volkl, Bolle, Intermountain Healthcare, America First Credit Union, Energy Solutions and R & O Construction.

Participation in Picabo’s Ski Challenge is tax deductible. All proceeds will benefit National Children’s Alliance and over 600 Children’s Advocacy Centers nationwide. Children’s Advocacy Centers are changing the way America’s communities intervene in cases of child abuse one community at a time. For more information or if you are interested in participating or making a donation, please contact Marcie Mason at (801) 718-7887 or picaboskichallenge@yahoo.com

Special Holiday Offers from Cabelas!

2007-11-07T12:20:00.000-08:00

GRAB THESE LIMITED TIME HOLIDAY OFFERS FROM OUR FRIENDS AT CABELA'S!

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How do I get a tick out without brwaking it in half?

2007-04-02T09:47:00.000-07:00

This was sent in my a vist of the web site. I hope it helps as ticks can be a real pain.

“I had a pediatrician tell me what she believes is the best way to remove a tick. This is great, because it works in those places where it's some times difficult to get to with tweezers: between toes, in the middle of a head full of dark hair, etc.

Apply a glob of liquid soap to a cotton ball. Cover the tick with the soap-soaked cotton ball and swab it for a few seconds (15-20),the tick will come out on it's own and be stuck to the cotton ball when you lift it away.

This technique has worked every time I've used it (and that was frequently), and it's much less traumatic for the patient and easier for me. Unless someone is allergic to soap, I can't see that this would be damaging in any way. I even had my doctor's wife call me for advice because she had one stuck to her back and she couldn't reach it with tweezers. She used this method and immediately called me back to say, "It worked!"

Rock Chuck @ Uncle Bob's

2007-01-12T18:42:00.001-08:00

A friend of mine shared his rock chuck carnage clip with me and I thought you might get a kick out of it! Fun stuff.

Grafton Ghost Town in Southern Utah

2007-01-12T07:31:00.001-08:00


The ghost town of Grafton Utah. This famous ghost town is one of the most photographed ghost town sites in Utah and has been featured in many films.

Hiking the Black Hole in Southern Utah by Lake Powell

2007-01-04T07:10:00.000-08:00

A trip down the Black Hole in White Canyon, a famous slot canyon in Southern Utah by Lake Powell. We took a group of friends on a day hike through the canyon known for its famous views and deep slot canyons. But beware, this can be a VERY DANGEROUS HIKE! CHECK WEATHER CONDITIONS AS YOU DO NOT WANT TO GET CAUGHT IN A FLASH FLOOD. With that said, this was one of the best hike I have recently done. The day was around 104 degrees, but the water was still around the 50's. This footage was also used in a Discovery Channel special feature.

Happy New Year

2007-01-01T08:57:00.000-08:00

Well, we all made it! Well I am assuming you did as well if you are reading this post. 2006 was quite the year. As I reflect back on the successes and failure of this year, I look ofrward to 2007 with a fresh start.

I did not get out hunting as much as I would have liked this year, but the time I did get to go out, I learned some valuable lesson for the upcoming seasons. My passion is mule deer hunting. Being raised out here in Utah gave me a lvoe for these beautiful animals from a very young age. I have made a life long quest to persue and protect these incredible creatures. I have been luck enough to harvest two true trophies which are proudly hanging in my front room, with a muzzle loader and look forward to many more opportunities to get out and hunt them.

In 2000, I picked up my first bow and put the old 54 caliber Great Plains Rifle in the cabinet and it has pretty much stayed there ever since. Bow hunting has now become my prefered weapon of choice, and although the learning curve is great, I have found new enjoyment in getting out and truly enjoying the hunt again. It has opened up a year long challenge now to tune, refine, perfect and improve my equipment and skill level. It has been a blast!

If you are interested, here is my equipment list:

Bow - Whisper Creek Innovator Pro, left handed with a 32 1/2" draw, set at 65 lbs
Sights - Trueglo 5 pin set up
Quiver - Truglo Detachable
Arrows - Carbon Express, Teminator Hunters
Broadheads - Steelforce 125 Gr
Arrow Rest - Whisper Bisket QS
Release - Scott Archery

These are in testing now and under review. I hunted this set up last fall and only got one shot off at a buck.. and missed at about 35 yards. Tougyh shot. The buck entered my tree stand area on a trott and never slowed down. I got one breif opportunity, took the chance... and missed, arrowing slightly over his shoulders and burying the arrow in the snow behind him.

I am also reading many great books on the topic of tuning the equipment and honing in my skills and will be sharing more information on them this year.

Thanks for tuning in and bookmark this page now for more great adventures in the back country with the Trail Master!

Wakeboarding Stunts and Tricks at Lake Powell Utah

2007-01-01T08:49:00.001-08:00


Wake boarding at Lake Powell with the Pro's. These guys know what they are doing so do not attempt this without training. The narrow canyons of Lake Powell offers some great opportunities for wakeboarders to get AIR! This awesome footage shows just how incredible this sport has become.

Utah Convention Tags Issue Comments

2006-12-29T19:04:00.000-08:00

I received the below e-mail today from Dave Clemens of LaGrande, Oregon, concerning the upcoming Hunting Expo to be held in Utah and the allotted hunting tags that have been set aside for this event. Although I agree with some of the points in Dave's e-mail, I also see the benefits of this event and would welcome YOUR comments on the topic. Please read Dave's e-mail.

To Utah,

Utah residents should have equal claim to the wildlife that roam the public lands of their state. The opportunities to receive a tag should be equal and not stacked against money or accumulated preference points. Young hunters just reaching the age of application will most likely never receive a quality tag as the max pool is so heavily filled with their seniors. The only state that still offers a fair opportunity for all is Idaho. Hurray for them! No person or organized governing body has the right to sell our wildlife. It should be managed to provide a quality (not necessarily trophy opportunity) for the largest amount of hunters, at the most reasonable price possible, without exhausting the quality of the resource. I do not have a problem with limited tags to provide a mature animal harvest or even some trophy opportunities, but the chance to draw each year should be equal for all. Convention tags, governors tags, lottery tags, auction tags, or whatever you want to call them should be abolished and all tags then are brought to the public through an equal draw system. Non residents should be allowed to compete for a small portion of the tags but here again on an equal basis with no stacking the odds with money or points. All we hear about is "how government mismanages money." The lame idea that wildlife programs have to be funded through high priced tag sales is just another admittance that they still can't manage. Utah evaluate your morals, pull your heads out, place a value on people not money, and bring back what made hunting one of the most wholesome activities we have.

Sincerely, Dave Clemens

LaGrande, Oregon

Utah faces some very difficult challenges on managing the wildlife that I do not personally feel the impact has been felt in other States such as urban sprawl eating up winter range and habitat faster than animals can adjust, heavy winter kills in past years and devastation of sagebrush habitat that traditionally the deer and other wildlife thrived on, among many others. I feel the Utah DWR has done a good job of managing the wildlife in Utah and although I hate to see these tags going out through this event in some ways, I hope the promises that have been made by the Utah DWR on what will be done with this money prove to be true, as they have in the past on similar tags raised funds.

This event will hopefully be a spring board to groups like the RMEF and MDF, Duck Unlimited, NTF and others to bind together and work towards more common goals, and the fund generated will hit the ground running for the wildlife in Utah.

I welcome your comments.

The ATK Mule Deer - True Trophy Mule Deer!

2006-12-29T17:06:00.001-08:00

This mule deer, often called the ATK buck for where he spent most of his life (Alliant Tech (ATK) on the west side of the Salt Lake City valley gave me a rare opportunity to capture a few minutes of video. This awesome buck was watched for years by many hunters but I do not believe the buck was ever hunted as he spent his life on private property where hunting is not allowed. He was recently killed (Nov. 11, 2006) by a car as he left the property and crossed a busy highway.

He was rough scored by a guy from Sportmen's Warehouse at a screaming scored of 225! He was recovered by the Utah DWR and his antlers as currently in the evidence room of the DWR. Let's hope he got a few does during the rut and spread a few of his great genes!

Trail Master Outdoors Waterfowl Hunting

2006-12-28T08:25:00.001-08:00


An afternoon of duck hunting along the Bear River Bird Refuge in Northern Utah. Cris Draper, the Trail Master, and his Son take a trip with friends, Bill, Billy and Shane doing a little duck hunting in Northern Utah.

Winter weather headed our way!

2006-12-15T08:02:00.000-08:00

Morning folks!

Well this morning brings winter upon us once again. Although if you where to look at the ole temperature gauge and then just head out the door, you would be in for a little shock. The wind is howling and you can feel the change in the air. Are you ready?

We often take our lives into our hand without even realizing we are this time of year. A simple trip across town, or into a even slightly remote area this time of year can have deadly results. Doing the research I do for the radio show each week and receiving the new wire updates and new release I do, I hear all to often of the trip gone bad. An innocent outing that "unexpectedly" goes wrong.

I think the first thing that happens wrong often is "unexpected". Should we ever take the chance that many often do to seek the experience in the outdoors we love and crave so much? My opinion, heck yes! I am not a person to just throw caution to the wind and go off half cocked, but I am also not apt to just sit on the couch and let the World roll by. I feel there are many thing we can do to take much of the "unexpected", out of our outdoor adventures.

There are many sensible and prudent precautions we can take before taking on back country adventure.

I think first and foremost, prepare for the unexpected!

I NEVER leave my home without some type of medical/survival kit packed somewhere among my gear. Even if I am going out for a little exercise in my home town. I simple kit packed in a fanny pack or light weight hydration pack is a MUST!

Pack enough to make it through one night, with a NOT MATTER WHAT COULD HAPPEN mentality being your motivator when building this kit. (I will be following up this post with some resources, links to article and making additional posts in the future with tips and techniques I use so stick around!)

Pack this kit adequately. If you are around town or in your car, speaking of your car.. which should have it's own kit packed and stored in your vehicle as a permanent addition just like your spare tire, we have all heard the horror stories of a person on a local drive ending up in an extreme situation of survival. If you are heading out for a day trip into the back country, pack for the trip. Make sure you have the essentials to SURVIVE THE UNEXPECTED! A simple fall or slip on a slippery rock can change your entire "expected" plans. PACK FOR IT!

Build your confidence that you will survive the unexpected by maintaining the mental state that, YOU NEED TO REMAIN CALM AND YOU WILL SURVIVE! Preparing mentally by doing simple things like preparing a survival situation kit, will prepare you to think about the possibility the the unexpected may happen.

Make sure you have a plan before you go. This means mentally prepare, let other people know about your plans, even if it is just a friend or family member, make sure someone is in contact with you, or checking up on you occasionally. No one wants someone looking over their shoulder and always asking "where you going?", but think about it... Heading out for an adventure and not letting SOMEONE know when you should be back, where you are going, and letting them know if your plans change, could make the difference between maybe hours or days before some looks for you if the unexpected survival situation HAPPENS!

More coming soon!

Resources to get you started:

Seven Primitive Survival Shelters That Could Save Your Life

Snow Caves

Ok, Let's get this party started!

2006-12-14T09:29:00.000-08:00

Hey Folks,

Ok, I am going to try and start make a serious effort to make regular and worth while personal posts here on the blog to share a little of the back end of daily life in a wanna-be-/pretty successful radio host, web designer, author, co host, voice talent, product testing mandman's life.

For those that do not know me, WELCOME! For those that do... well, thanks for stopping past and supporting me, even if I might not deserve it. :)

A little background on me for those interested, can be found here. http://www.utahoutdoors.com/radio/cris.html

And there is more information than I care to often think about available about me by searching out my birth name, or somewhere along the adopted on the Internet Highway tag name of, The Trail Master.

Needless to say, I spend a lot of time here in Cyber World and really enjoy the time I do spend working on web sites for myself and clients. The itnernet has become a very powerful and important part of our lives and for me and many others, a great escape and research tool for outdoor recreational activities.

Enough about this for now, it's the Holiday Season and I want to say... MERRY CHRISTMAS in a good old fashioned AMERICAN WAY! Happy Holidays is nice and maybe considered more "correct" these days, but you know what? To heck with correct, I say my heart says MERRY CHRISTMAS!

I hope the love of the season is felt in your heart throughout the next few weeks.

And speaking of Christmas? Got your shopping done???

Many great Cyber Deals are still out there to be had and shipped before Christmas so let me share a few.

A shamelss plug here for myself first.
Remember www.TrailMasterOutdoors.com for that hard to find outdoor gift at great prices.

TEVA has some great last minute deals at:
Shop Teva's Gift Center for the perfect gift solution. Shop by price, sport, gender or style!
Teva Gift Cards - always the perfect fit! Traditional or email gift cards available.

ZAPPO's Has FREE SHIPPING on many items

And who doesn't want a new Messanger Bag this Season?

Ok, I'm out!
Cya on the Trail.
Cris

NEW YEAR'S & RUBY'S INN BIRTHDAY PARTY

2006-12-01T20:07:00.000-08:00

Dates Available:
December 29, 2006 - January 2, 2007

NEW YEARS PARTY AND DANCE IS SATURDAY NIGHT!

Package Information:
* Any TWO consecutive nights stay in one of our superior accommodations of your choice
* Entrance Pass to the New Years / Rubys Inn Birthday Party
o PARTY AND DANCE IS SATURDAY NIGHT!
o Family Oriented Activities
o Kids Activities
o Dance with Live Band featuring "Most Wanted"
* One FREE Copy of The Bryce Canyon Auto and Hiking Guide
Rates: *Call for exact rates (1-866-866-6616) or complete an on-line reservation form and ask for the New Years Party package.
(Reservation Required)
(Based On Availability)
Some Close-Out Dates May Apply
Choice of Accommodations:
Standard Room with Two Queen Beds
Poolside in the main lodge with Hydro-massage tub, Two Queen Beds Poolside in the main lodge King Spa (Two Adults Only) Two King Beds - View Room. Family Suites
Meal Options:
Ruby's Restaurant Open 6:30 am to 9:00 pm Located on Premises
http://rubysinn.com/value.html

Project WILD Reaches One Million Teachers

2006-10-13T20:08:00.000-07:00

Wildlife agencies across the country are celebrating the fact that one million educators have gone wild!

State wildlife agencies are the primary sponsors of Project WILD, an education program established in 1983 that teaches children about wildlife and wildlife conservation. In 2006, the agencies achieved a remarkable milestone-one million educators across the United States have completed the Project WILD training since the program began.

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (UDWR) was one of the first agencies in the country to get involved in Project WILD and has offered the training since 1983. Since that time, more than 12,000 educators in Utah have completed the training.

Research conducted on a national level shows that educators trained in Project WILD reach an average of 88 students per year, so thousands and thousands of students in Utah are learning about wildlife and wildlife conservation through Project WILD lessons every year, says Diana Vos, Project WILD coordinator for the UDWR. Project WILD materials capitalize on the natural interest children and adults have in wildlife, providing exciting hands-on activities that enhance student learning in all subject and skill areas.

To expand the program's effectiveness in Utah, Vos trains groups of volunteer Project WILD trainers called facilitators. It's estimated that this nationwide network of Project WILD facilitators has presented between 66,000 and 100,000 educator workshops in the past 23 years, Vos says.

In addition to traditional schools and universities, facilitators host trainings at nature and community centers, Boys and Girls Clubs, zoos, museums, aquariums, outdoor schools, and even 4-H and scout facilities.

Educators who complete Utah*s 10-hour Project WILD training receive a copy of the award-winning Project WILD curricula and a wealth of additional supplemental materials.

Educators leave the training with a renewed appreciation for wildlife and are excited about how they*ll be able to share that appreciation with the kids in their classrooms, Vos says. Many of the teachers have told me that the training was much more than what they had expected, and they wish they had taken it sooner.

Vos says at a time when educators are working hard to comply with the mandates of the federal No Child Left Behind Act, Project WILD offers activities and materials that incorporate proven effective educational practices.

Project WILD makes learning relevant to students, incorporates problem-based learning, uses multiple contexts to teach concepts and engages students with real world examples,* Vos says. Since 1983, more than 40 studies have been conducted on Project WILD activities, materials and its professional development offerings. Findings from these studies have been very positive.

Vos says Utah's goal is to have "No child left unWILD!"

Established in 1983, Project WILD is the nation's longest standing wildlife education program and is distributed nationwide by the Council for Environmental Education (CEE) through partnerships with state wildlife agencies. CEE is a national non-profit environmental education organization, founded in 1970 and based in Houston, Texas.

Project WILD was honored at the White House in 1991 as one of the first recipients of the Gold Medal of Education and Communication in the President*s Environment and Conservation Challenge Award program.

You can learn more about Utah's Project WILD program and its professional development trainings by visiting wildlife.utah.gov/projectwild on the Web.

###

Contact: Diana Vos, Utah Project WILD Coordinator (801) 538-4719 or dianavos@utah.gov or Bill Andrews, Project WILD National Director (530) 668-8626 or billacee@aol.com

Howdy World!

2005-07-15T21:38:00.000-07:00

Just checkin!