$11,000 REWARD IN DE BEQUE BIGHORN POACHING CASE

This is the sort of thing that just makes you sick. Another theive at the public trough.

$11,000 REWARD IN DE BEQUE BIGHORN POACHING CASE

DE BEQUE, Colo. – Three energy companies are offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of the person or persons responsible for the poaching of a bighorn sheep ram north of De Beque.

On Friday, Oct. 30, investigators with the Colorado Division of Wildlife were notified that a quarter-curl bighorn ram had been poached on private land. Information from people in the area and evidence collected at the scene indicate that the bighorn sheep ram was likely shot between Sunday, Oct. 25 and Tuesday, Oct. 27 by a single shot to the neck. The poacher made no attempt to salvage meat from the animal or to take the head or horns.

“This is the worst kind of poaching case,” said Albert Romero, District Wildlife Manager for the De Beque district. “It appears that someone just shot and killed this animal for no reason at all.”

Chevron, EnCana and Williams have committed a total of $10,000 to the Division of Wildlife reward fund for information that leads to a conviction in this case. Additionally, Operation Game Thief has offered a $1,000 reward and Colorado’s TIPS program may provide tipsters with a bighorn sheep hunting license in exchange for testimony in the case.

The ram, which was part of the De Beque Canyon bighorn sheep herd, had recently wandered into the Kimball Creek area west of Roan Creek Road (Garfield County Road 204). The ram was frequently seen and photographed by area residents and energy workers who travel the road up Kimball Creek. The ram carcass was discovered on private property owned by Chevron.

Criminal charges in this case could include trespassing, illegal possession of wildlife, waste, felony willful destruction, and hunting in a closed unit. If convicted of all charges, the perpetrator in this case could face up to five years in jail and more than $100,000 in fines. Upon conviction the person would also face suspension of their hunting privileges in Colorado and 30 other states.

Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep are the official state animal of Colorado and they appear on the seal of the Colorado Division of Wildlife.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Operation Game Thief at 877-265-6648. Callers wishing to remain anonymous can qualify for up to $1,000 in reward funds; however tipsters must be willing to testify to qualify for energy company reward funds or TIPS licenses. Operation Game Thief is a program that works with the Division of Wildlife to provide rewards for information in poaching cases. TIPS is a DOW program that provides hunting licenses or preference points for sportsmen who provide information in poaching cases.

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Editor’s note: A Chevron employee snapped a photo of the ram days before it was poached. A copy of the photo is available at http://wildlife.state.co.us/apps/ImageDB/ImageDownload.aspx?ImageId=25530&ImageSize=Print&ImageType=JPG

For more information about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us.

Colorado DOW project notes

The Colorado Division of Wildlife is offering a grant program for funding shooting ranges and shooting areas. An anticipated $500,000 in funding will come from a combination of sportsmen’s licenses and other cash funding along with federal funding. The program is intended for the construction of new ranges and improvement of existing shooting areas. Contact Larry Strohl at 303-291-7346.

Save the chickens.

A program to conserve Colorado’s lesser prairie chickens will include a Nov. 12 workshop at the Division of Wildlife’s Lamar office, 2500 S. Main St. The event runs from 4-8 p.m. Call 719-336-6606.

Special hunt.

The Division of Wildlife and a private landowner in the Meeker area are teaming up to offer a special late-season cow elk hunting opportunity in late November and December. Applications must be received at the Meeker DOW office by 5 p.m. Nov. 9. Applications should be mailed to Bailey Franklin/Special Late Season Hunt, Box 1181, Meeker 81641.

Denver Post

The times they are a changing…

Or so the song goes. Change is not always bad, nor is it always good. So much though that has come about in recent times leaves one to wonder.

From Rules of Engagement that strap our troops ability to fight and win in real war. To undermining the core values of the military. To Chairborne Rangers with stars on their collars, that are political beasts and perfumed princes the leadership is, for the most part, FUBAR…

From an administration that spreads obamanure across the land, supported by those that detest America, private property, and private enterprise. With RINO coconspitators that defile the Constitution and the Bill of Rights seemingly at every opportunity.

To a Supreme Court that ignores the Constitution, and principle of law that they all swore to protect and defend.

We, as a nation, are in fact, Balkanized. We are split into factions more so than ever before. More than at the beginning, when only a small percentage of people were pro-revolution, and in favor of splitting from England. More than at the beginning of the War of Northern Aggression. More, by a long shot, than during the nineteen sixties and seventies when a revolution seemed to be imminent to many of us.

Anthony writes for the Examiner an insightful essay series. Check it out, and think about what was written.

Part One

Part Two

Part Three

Part Four

What are we to think and do when confronted by all that is being force fed to us? Further, if it is all so good and righteous then why is it being force upon us? Here, I think that I will paraphrase something that I paraphrased many years ago.

Second Amendment solutions for bureaucratic belligerence and official oppression? Freedom, is found on the edge of a sword, and the muzzle of a gun. Especially when the ballot box only serves to thwart that freedom.

2009 COLORADO WATERFOWL COLLECTOR’S STAMPS

2009 COLORADO WATERFOWL COLLECTOR’S STAMPS AND ART PRINTS NOW AVAILABLE

DENVER, Colo.–With winter nipping at Colorado, skeins of waterfowl are migrating through the state. Along with flocks of other diving ducks, observant hunters and waterfowl enthusiasts may be lucky to discern a handsome black and white diver with a striking yellow eye – the Barrows goldeneye.

The Barrows goldeneye, one of two similar ducks to visit Colorado during migration, is the avian ambassador featured on this year’s Colorado Waterfowl Collector Stamp, which is now available for collectors.

Award-winning Wisconsin wildlife artist Craig Fairbert’s vivid portrait captures a Barrows goldeneye drake and hen resting amid autumn leaves on a mossy rock in fast water. Fairbert’s “Golden Colorado” bested the work of 36 other wildlife artists to secure the highly coveted spot on this year’s stamp.

“The 2009 Colorado Waterfowl Stamp is truly one-of-a-kind,” said Brian Sullivan, DOW wetlands coordinator.  “Hunters and collectors alike will appreciate the amazing detail and design of this year’s stamp. It will make a great addition to anyone’s collection.”

Each year, the Colorado Waterfowl Stamp program holds a contest for original waterfowl artwork to be depicted on the collector waterfowl stamp. Stamps and a print of the stamp are created for sale to waterfowl and wetland enthusiasts, bird watchers, and stamp/collectors. The funds are used for wetland projects that benefit ducks, geese, shorebirds and other wetland-dependent wildlife species.

Since its inception in 1990, the Colorado Waterfowl Stamp program has raised $6.7 million to help restore and protect more than 19,500 acres of critical waterfowl habitat.  Additional funding from Ducks Unlimited and other partners has leveraged stamp resources to improve public waterfowl hunting opportunities and habitat throughout Colorado.  Many habitat improvement projects have been conducted on state wildlife areas.  Historically, some funds have also been used to improve important nesting areas in Canada known to produce the majority of Colorado’s migrant ducks.

“Loss of habitat is the single greatest threat to waterfowl,” said Sullivan.  “Participation in the stamp program by hunters and non-hunters alike is an effective way to contribute to this important conservation effort and ensure the long-term protection of Colorado’s waterfowl and wetland resources.”

All hunters age 16 or older must purchase a Colorado Waterfowl Stamp to hunt waterfowl in Colorado.  The stamp fee is $5 and has not increased since the program’s inception in 1990.  Hunters receive electronic stamps to validate their small game licenses, but they may also request traditional “gum-back” collector stamps, featuring Fairbert’s artwork.  Gum-back stamps will be mailed to hunters upon request. Beginning mid-December 2009, a $2.50 fee will be charged to cover the mailing and processing of the gum-back stamps.

For collectors, the 2009 waterfowl stamp/art print, as well as stamps and art prints from previous years, are available through the Colorado Wildlife Heritage Foundation.  Prints and stamps make great holiday gifts and can be purchased online (www.cwhf.info/shopOnline/index.asp) or by contacting Terrie DeLoria at: (terrie.Deloria@cwhf.info)

For more information about artist Craig Fairbert and to view the 2009 stamp, please visit: http://wildlife.state.co.us/Hunting/Waterfowl/WaterfowlStampProgram/ColoradoWaterfowlStampWinners.htm
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For more information about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us.

The Addiction Series: Getting ready for Wild Turkey

Yes, I know. It’s Big Game season across much of the land. Not to mention upland bird and waterfowl seasons are, or are beginning to get going depending on where you are located.

This is, however, the time to not only think about spring Turkey hunting, but to prep for it. Thinking Colorado, and probably elsewhere. This is the time of year when you will most probably be meeting farmers and ranchers. In the coffee shops and stores as you go about your pursuit of Deer, Elk, Pheasant,and quail. Should you come upon a person that has tumbled their load of hay on a back country road? Pull over, and give them a hand getting it back onto their trailer or truck. It’s a great way to get information on local animals, and just might open a door to huntable land.

I have written elsewhere on this blog about Bosque Del Oso SWA, and places that are close to Denver where birds can be found. Guess what? From the confluence of Clear Creek and the South Platte River near Commerce City all the way to the border there are what are probably the thickest populations of Rio Grande Turkey’s in the state. The stretch between Commerce City and Fort Lupton being exceptional habitat. Getting permission to hunt though, is often the toughest part of the hunt. Get permission before you apply for a limited license. That’s where pre-planning,and getting to know the locals comes in. What follows is a video of Wild Turkey’s in similar riparian habitat courtesy of the Colorado Division of Wildlife. Enjoy!

HERE

A few changes being made here

Due to a few people that have no business being near a keyboard of any kind and much less the Internet I have made the decision to go to comment moderation. To my regular posters, once approved to make things easier, then you may comment directly.

Ruger 10/22 fans: More bang for the buck!

It’s not often that I endorse a product or service but that is precisely what this will be. If you are anti-gun or have something against the Ruger© 10 / 22 Rifles, the most popular rim fire rifle in the world then stop reading.

I recently purchased a 10/22 rifle for my better half, as she had expressed an interest in learning to shoot. She had attended two “Becoming An Outdoors Woman” clinics that were offered by the Colorado Division of Wildlife. They may have created an addict because we are now getting her a Remington 870 Shotgun as well.

I have taught so many people to shoot over the years that I have learned a few things about doing that. One of the biggest is that trying to teach someone with inferior tools just results in utter disappointment, and frustration. For the student as well as the instructor, and that friend, is not a good thing.

Please don’t misunderstand me. The 10/22 is one of the absolute best semi-auto rifles that exist in whatever configuration. However, my better half, is an Engineer, and (sighs) a perfectionist to say the least. Ruger, like all the manufacturers have to live in a world filled with lawsuits and political correctness. What that translates into is a trigger near eight pounds, which was rough, gritty, and not at all acceptable. The magazine release was rough to use as well, and the Bolt Release was a nightmare to get working properly, if it would work at all. Still, I had high hopes…

I topped it off with a good but inexpensive scope. Finally found some 22 Long Rifle ammunition, and off to the range I went after using a BSA brand Bore sighting tool.

I initially did a “200 inch zero,” and things looked pretty good. Then I moved out to about twenty-five feet, and put ten rounds into about a dime sized group. I thought, alright, I must have pulled a few. It happens to the best of us sometimes after all. I put up another target and put five rounds down the spout. Four o’clock on the Nine Ring and not much over a quarter inch. Not bad, not bad at all. Considering the solid lead ammo that I was forced to use due to the nation wide ammunition shortage. 10/22’s are notorious for liking jacketed ammunition. But, still I wasn’t all that un-pleased.

About then I decided to do a bore swab and then switch over to the single box of Mini-Mag© ammunition that I had been able to purchase. I moved to the classic fifty-foot range that NRA Rim-fire Three position Matches are shot at.

The cleaning was a nightmare but using Hoppe’s Elite the fouling from the Remington solid lead ammunition finally cleared the lands and grooves. I checked the tightness of the rings on the scope and the main stock bolt as well as the barrel band screw. Yes, both needed a little bit of help. That’s the way things are with new rifles so I didn’t have a worry in the world beyond the looming thunderheads rolling in from the Big Horns.

Target Number One was a U.S. Army fifty foot qualification Small Bore Rifle Target. Ammunition was CCI Brand© Target and plinking Forty grain ammunition at a rated 1235 Feet Per-Second. I put five down the spout from a rest at the upper Zeroing Bull’s-eye. Fairly tight group centered on the three ring at the six o’clock. Adjusted and fired another five round set, and they were on the nine ring at ‘noon! The groups were so tight that I wondered if I had completely missed two of the shots! Then I shot the Bull’s…

One through ten. I was not a happy camper. Anyone can blow a shot at anytime. That is why it is called marksmanship after all. Let’s just say that if I would have been shooting for qualification any Range Officer worth the title would have pulled me from the line. Sheer fact is, he / she would have been more than justified. I was pretty shaken… I gathered up all the toys, and headed home.

I fired up the Internet and looked around for clues. I was in a near frantic state when? Lo, and behold! Yahoo Instant Messenger popped up. It was Brother Bear! We talked, actually typed, and started going over things. I had the rifle in my hands as we checked things over. I had already scrubbed the barrel, and looked at the muzzle thinking I needed the thing re-crowned. Good grief! Things were loose, and torqued in a way that so that a lot went cock-eyed once things, such as the barrel got hot!

Two days later I headed back out to the range. Things were better. At fifty feet all the bullets dropped into the seven ring or better. Can you say “Sharpshooter?” Yes, you could, but neither bear nor I was satisfied. We talked, and decided that that God Awful trigger had to be a big part of the lack of consistency. Like most people that enjoy the shooting sports I am more than willing to blame myself for any performance failure well before I will lay blame to the tool in my hands. The least of all when it comes to Ruger© firearms entire product line of excellence, in producing rifles, shotguns, and yes, pistols as well.

Where do we go from there? Well? Brother Bear told me to send him the trigger action, as a swap. He worked his magic on a trigger group that he had and sent that to me. The results were almost beyond belief!

The Bolt release actually works as it should! The trigger is smooth as a new born baby’s butt. The magazine drops like it is supposed to. And the groups are now working on one hundred yards. Not to mention that the bolt hold open feature, actually does work!

Having talked or otherwise contacted some very respected and qualified gunsmiths I wholly support, and recommend StalkingBearArms© if you, like myself, and so many others absolutely love shooting the Ruger 10/22.

It is rumored, by the way, that he works similar miracles on Remington 870© Shotguns (12 gauge only). We shall soon see!

Neil Stalkingbeabear is the “Owner” Of “Hunters Central” at Yahoo Groups. Please stop by for a chat.

If you are interested in having this Best for the buck upgrade applied to your 10/22 contact Neil at StalkingBear.Arms@yahoo.com for the particulars. Prices start at $80 including return shipping.

Independence Institute: Newsletter

From the bastion of freedom and free markets in Golden, Colorado!

Save The Date: Can you believe it, the Independence Institute turns 25 years young this year!! So save the date and book your seats now for our 25th Annual Founders’ Night Dinner with keynote speaker P.J. O’Rourke…it’s going to be huge! That’s Thursday, November 19th at the Infinity Park International Ballroom in Glendale, CO. Details and RSVP info here. Or you can call Mary at (303) 279-6536, or email her at mary@i2i.org. Hurry, this event is filling up fast.

He’s Not My Doctor! Remember those anti-Bush bumper stickers that read, “He’s not my President”? Well, I am pleased to announce that we at the Independence Institute recently debuted our new awesomely awesome “He’s Not My Doctor” bumper stickers. If you’d like to show the world that Obama is not your doctor, email Mary MacFarlane at mary@i2i.org and send her your name, address, and primary email account, and we’ll send you a brand spanking new bumper sticker – free of charge! PS – Due to the overwhelming demand, please limit your requests to just 2 per household. Thanks!

Free Our Health Care: Our brilliant Health Care Policy Center director Linda Gorman alerted me to a couple great health care links. First, we have the Free Our Health Care Now online petition, that some 732,000-plus people have already signed. Let’s help spread the word to our elected officials that we do not want a government takeover of our health care. As much as some may want to see doctor’s offices resembling the DMV, I prefer that didn’t happen.

Second, we’ve got the Conservatives for Patient’s Rights website, which has a large amount of important links and resources.

And of course don’t forget our Patient Power Now blog, written mostly by health care policy analyst Brian Schwartz, with special guest appearances by Linda Gorman herself. Be sure to check out the John Goodman Health Policy Blog, where Linda is a featured writer.

Must Hear Podcast: Over at ivoices.org Jon Caldara sits down with Dave Kopel to discuss free speechand some of the historical limiters to speech, leading all the way to McCain-Feingold of present day. There is a new challenge to McCain-Feingold headed to the courts. How does Dave think it will turn out? Give a listen here.

Must See TV: Want to know who’s up and who’s down in Colorado’s political races? How about the ongoing efforts to close a state budget gap? Denver Post reporter Lynn Bartels and Tim Hoover join host Jon Caldara for an end of summer wrap up of state polics and the budget debate. Tune in this Friday night at 8:30 pm to KBDI Channel 12; repeated the following Monday afternoon at 1:30 p.m..

Perspective: Ben DeGrow from the Education Policy Center thinks northeast Denver’s demand for more schools deserves some outside the box solutions. Check out his latest, “Stapleton School Shortage Needs Creative Thinking.”

Until next week…

Straight on

Jon Caldara

www.independenceinstitute.org

UNCOMPAHGRE PLATEAU MOUNTAIN LION RESEARCH AREA MEETINGS

In addition to this there is a very good course at the DOW about Mountain Lions. See link at the end;

MONTROSE, Colo.– The Colorado Division of Wildlife will be holding meetings to discuss the upcoming lion hunting season in the research area on the south end of the Uncompahgre Plateau in portions of Game Management Units (GMUs) 61, 62, and 70.

Discussion will include quotas, season dates, a permit system for the research area and how hunters can participate in the research effort.  As time allows, biologists will discuss lion management outside of the research area.

The meetings are aimed at mountain lion hunters.  General lion information will not be discussed.  Mountain lion hunters are invited to ask questions and discuss issues with DOW staff.

The first meeting will be at 7 p.m., Sept. 16 at the Delta Montrose Electric Association building in Montrose, 11925 6300 Rd.  The second meeting will be at 7 p.m., Sept. 17 at the Redvale Community Center in Redvale.

For more information, especially if you cannot attend the meeting, contact Brad Banulis or Ken Logan at the Montrose DOW office at (970)252-6000.

For more information about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us.

HOTCHKISS MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO POACHING DEER AND SELLING MEAT

HOTCHKISS, Colo.–A tip from an observant citizen resulted in a felony conviction for a Hotchkiss poacher who offered big-game meat for sale in classified advertisements published in a local newspaper earlier this year.

Cody Hopkins, 23, pleaded guilty to illegal sale of wildlife, illegal possession of a deer and hunting deer without a license in Colorado District Court in Delta on July 27, 2009. Hopkins was given a one-year deferred sentence and fined $2,002.50.

A hearing examiner for the Colorado Wildlife Commission will also review the facts of the case. As a result, Hopkins may face a suspension of his hunting and fishing privileges in Colorado and 30 other states.

Hopkins was originally charged with four felonies. In addition to a conviction on the felony count of illegal sale of wildlife, Hopkins was convicted of one misdemeanor count of illegal take of a deer and one misdemeanor count of hunting deer without a license.

The investigation into Hopkins’ activities began in late January, when the Colorado Division of Wildlife received a call through Operation Game Thief from a concerned citizen who saw a classified ad in the High Country Shopper offering big-game meat for sale.

DOW investigators called the number in February and arranged to meet Hopkins in Hotchkiss where Hopkins sold about 50 pounds of meat to an undercover officer. At the meeting, Hopkins told investigators that the package included deer meat and meat from a cow elk that had been killed the previous weekend.  Hopkins also sold deer and elk meat to undercover investigators on a couple of other occasions.

Hopkins was arrested in April.

Doug Homan, district wildlife officer in Hotchkiss, said that the crimes might have gone unnoticed if not for the concerned citizen.

“We can never emphasize enough how much we rely on citizens to help us by reporting suspected crimes against wildlife,” Homan said. “People who take wildlife illegally are stealing from licensed sportsmen and women and from all the citizens of Colorado.”

Suspected wildlife crimes can be reported to Operation Game Thief at 1-877-265-6648. Tips can be given anonymously and rewards are often provided for information leading to convictions.

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For more information about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us.