Monday, August 24, 2009

Florida Matters: CWD in Florida, Pythons on License, Youngest Grand Slam

.
A few" Odds and Ends" this morning.


The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has not found any evidence of chronic wasting disease (CWD) after extensive testing of the state's white-tailed deer population.

"While we can never say that Florida is entirely free of the disease without testing every deer, this sample size gives us confidence that if CWD is present in Florida, it is at low levels," Dr. Mark Cunningham, FWC's wildlife veterinarian, said. "However, even low numbers of CWD-positive deer would be cause for concern, so we plan to continue testing for the foreseeable future."


"We're asking hunters to report any sightings of sick or emaciated deer, or deer dead of unknown causes," Cunningham said. "If you see such a deer, call toll-free 866-CWD-WATCH (293-9282). Please do not handle the deer. Wildlife biologists will respond, and if necessary, collect deer tissue for testing. It's important to contact us as soon as possible, because sample collection must take place within 48 hours of a deer's death to yield reliable results."



I knew that sooner or later they would put the pythons on license. Now my question is how long before someone outfits for "Burmese as Long as a Bus!"

"The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and Big Cypress National Preserve will implement a program to reduce the number of Burmese pythons in the wild in Florida. Beginning August 29, the FWC and Big Cypress will enlist the help of licensed hunters on specific wildlife management areas in South Florida."


"It is only natural that we enlist the aid of hunters," said Rodney Barreto, FWC chairman. "Historically, hunters have played a great role with wildlife conservation in this country, and they know the land and have a vested interest in conserving native habitat and game species."


A great family story

"At age 7, Adriana Armstrong may be the youngest girl to harvest the grand slam of turkeys. Her older sister, 11-year old Alli, also scored a grand slam in the spring of 2009. Although many hunters strive to achieve this coveted milestone, the two Illinois siblings are believed to be the youngest grand-slam-sister-team on record."

"The National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) identifies the grand slam of turkey hunting as harvesting an Eastern, Rio Grande, Merriam’s and Oscelos (Florida) birds. The NWTF awarded the girl’s accomplishments with official certificates and pins. Adriana is believed to be the youngest girl to complete a grand slam."

The day is just starting! Lots to do so keep on the lookout for further posts!

Albert

2 comments:

native said...

About the Pythons Albert,
Did we "Not" learn anything by California listing the Wild Hog as a big game animal, and then requiring us to purchase tags for them?

When the wild hog was considered just a varmint, the numbers remained tolerable and balanced.

Now, we have every Tom, Dick and Harry planting the damed things where there were previously none just to make a quick buck.
And today, the whole State is overrun with them!

Anonymous said...

I agree with Native, the snakes should be classified as "shoot on sight" vermin. That being said, what's your favorite snake slayer? I would opt for an 870 with a 18" cylinder bore and #2 to #6 shot.