CANADIAN GUN REGISTRATION PROVES COSTLY
When Canada first announced its gun registration program, many hunters cringed, knowing that the cost would be huge, the inconvenience large, and the results poor. But observers had no idea just how ridiculous this program would become. Latest reports show that the gun registry program in Canada will now cost taxpayers more than $2 billion. Some estimates go as high as $3 billion. Obviously this program is very expensive, and it has proven to be of little use in preventing crime. Considering the original suggested cost presented by the Liberal government of $2 million (do you think they have gone slightly over budget?), don't be surprised if the Conservative party now in control cancels this dismal failure.
MOOSE NUMBERS GO UP AND DOWN
A research study in Vermont, funded in part by the Pope and Young Club, showed that moose numbers in that state rose from about 20 moose in 1960 to 2,500 in 1998. Vermont issued 30 hunting permits in 1993 and 215 in 2000. Not only are moose giving hunters more opportunities, but viewing and photography uses also have risen dramatically.
The longest running predator/prey study ever conducted (48 years) takes place every winter on Isle Royale, a 143,000-acre island in Lake Superior, where moose and wolves have coexisted since the late 1940's. New data from Michigan Technology University shows that moose numbers on Isle Royale are down to 450, the lowest population in 50 years. Preferred moose foods have dwindled, while wolf numbers are holding at 30. Researchers are surprised that the expected decline in wolf numbers has not taken place, but they expect it to happen this year and when it does, habitat and moose should then recover.
PRIONS IN MEAT CAUSE CONCERN
Since our last issue went to press, the hunting world was jolted by the discovery of prions in the leg muscles of deer with chronic wasting disease (CWD). This finding makes some hunters understandably nervous. However, research I reported on in the March/April 2006 issue of Bowhunter strongly suggested that there is a barrier between humans and deer that makes human contamination unlikely. Given that finding, plus the fact that hunters in Colorado and Wyoming have consumed thousands of CWD-positive deer and elk for at least 30 years with no ill affects, means people eating wild meat have no reason to panic. Use care when butchering animals, and keep hunting.
North American Whitetall
North American Whitetail is designed for the serious trophy hunter. It provides authoritative coverage of world-class whitetails, the latest approaches to deer management and advanced hunting techniques.
