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Cabela’s targeted by national animal rights group

From sources at the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance (USSA), it seems the anti-hunters are up to their old tricks again, misinforming the media and calling on the public for donations to fund their obsession with destroying our national tradition of hunting.
Falling under the wrath of the highly vocal hunting dissidents is none other than Cabela’s, Inc. One of the nation’s largest anti-hunting groups, Defenders of Wildlife, have taken aim at Cabela’s  with a misguided and misleading public relations campaign designed to raise money to fund its efforts against outdoor sports.
According to an action alert posted by anti-hunter Defenders, the group accused Cabela’s of sponsoring three so-called “wolf-killing competitions” in Idaho. The group also attacked Cabela’s for the decision by the local newspaper in Sidney, Neb., to not run an inflammatory ad against Cabela’s, produced by the Defenders. It then went on to solicit funds to run the ad in other papers throughout the state.

The charges by Defenders are grossly misleading. Cabela’s did not sponsor any “wolf-killing” events. Rather, it provided $150 worth of products as a donation to the Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife-Idaho organization.

The group organized and conducted three local predator hunts in 2009. The hunts complied with all state and federal laws. Additionally, all available information indicates no wolves were killed during the hunts.

Cabela’s has been a longtime supporter of legal hunting and fishing and has worked closely with state and federal wildlife agencies to conserve wildlife populations. Cabela’s and the representatives of the company are renowned in the business world as a leader in conservation programs and ethics.

By contrast, Defenders has been one of the leaders in an effort to keep the northern Rocky Mountain wolf population on the Endangered Species List despite the recovery of their population and reasonable management plans designed by state officials.
“Defenders of Wildlife is attempting to tarnish the reputation of one of the most wildlife-conscious companies in the world,” said Bud Pidgeon, USSA president and CEO. “Sportsmen should show their support by visiting a local Cabela’s and let them know that you appreciate their efforts and are not fooled by the antis’ propaganda.”

The USSA is a national association of sportsmen and sportsmen’s organizations protecting the rights of hunters, anglers and trappers in the courts, legislatures, at the ballot, in Congress and through public education programs. For more information about the USSA and its work, call 614-888-4868 or visit its website, www.ussportsmen.org

Canada goose control seminars

Area residents can learn how to legally and effectively control local Canada goose populations at a seminar at the Delaware County Fairground’s Heartland Hall in Muncie, Ind., on March 11, presented by the Department of Natural Resources’ Urban Wildlife Project.
The free program, which runs from 9:30 a.m.-noon, is one of six being presented at different locations around the state in March. Interested landowners, managers of corporate campuses, golf courses or park employees, as well any other interested individuals, are invited. No advance registration is required.

The seminars will cover various aspects of Canada goose management, including relevant laws, basic biology and methods to control goose damage. A demonstration on the proper techniques for egg and nest destruction will follow. Adhering to proper techniques is vital – if eggs are broken or completely removed from nests, the females will just lay another clutch of eggs.

The population of Canada geese in the Mississippi Flyway exceeds 1.5 million birds. Destroying eggs and nests in urban areas is helpful in controlling population numbers in areas where hunting cannot, which can reduce conflicts between people and Canada geese.

Federal rules allow landowners properly registered online at https://epermits.fws.gov/eRCGR/geSI.aspx  to complete Canada goose egg and nest destruction on their own property. Registrants must provide a summary report of their nest destruction activities to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service by Oct. 31. Failure to report can result in privileges being revoked for the forthcoming year.

Three remaining seminars also will be held on March 22 at the Salomon Farm Visitors Center in Fort Wayne; March 23 at the Potato Creek State Park Nature Center near North Liberty; and on March 24 at the Lake County extension office in Crown Point.
All seminars will run from 9:30 a.m. to approximately noon. For further information, call the urban wildlife biologist at 812-334-1137 or e-mail swinks@ dnr.IN.gov

Turkey Hunting 101 workshop

Springtime weather is just around the corner, and turkeys have started to gobble! Come and learn the basics of getting close to a gobbler for hunting or for photography.

From calls to decoys, blinds and equipment, find out what has worked for others. Calling demonstrations and proper usage will be covered by guides and local professionals.

The workshop will not get you your bird, but will increase your chances and knowledge for pursuing the eastern wild turkey. Bring your kids, your grandkids, your neighbor’s kids, and just help get someone excited about the outdoors. Door prizes will be given.
All instruction will be at the O’Bannon Woods State Park Nature Center Hay-press Auditorium; call for registration and details. A full descriptive schedule of the Wyandotte Adventure Outings is available by contacting the interpretive center at 812-738-8234 or by visiting www.interpretiveservices.IN.gov on the Web.

O’Bannon Woods State Park is located 10 miles west of Corydon, Ind., on Highway 462, off State Highway 62.
 
The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of Farm World. Readers with questions or comments may contact Jack Spaulding by e-mail at jackspaulding@hughes.net or by writing to him in care of this publication.

3/17/2010