Field Notes

If the fish aren’t biting, most anglers change lures, change spots, or go home. One Greensboro, Georgia man decided to take more drastic measures last weekend when he supposedly shot another angler who was keeping fish away from his lines.

On May 19, 86-year-old John Burke Yearwood shot Craig Barnett, who, with his friend, Matthew Ferman, was fishing the Oconee River during a bass tournament. According to Sheriff Chris Houston, witnesses said Barnett and Ferman were “rushing up and down the narrow river,” causing “big splashes” and “violent waters.” Allegedly Barnett’s boat behavior was “muddying the waters,” and when that happens, “the fish don’t bite.”

Yearwood fired three shots from a rifle: two to warn the men away from his lines, and a third that hit Barnett in the arm. Yearwood was jailed on assault charges but released quickly on bond, according to Houston, because he was neither a threat to witnesses in the case nor likely to leave the jurisdiction. The sheriff said this type of behavior is uncommon in this town, which is “usually very quiet.”
--Elizabeth Cutler

What’s the problem with legislators pushing bills that affect hunting? They’re politicians who put their political futures ahead of wildlife welfare, says Chambersburg, PA, Public Opinion guest essayist Stanley Rice.

Proposals to allow baiting for deer, to end the doe season, to allow in-line muzzleloaders during flintlock season, and more are all politically motivated, he argues: “After all, they wouldn't want validated science to get in the way of votes and some cash for the next election cycle.”

Check out the full article, then tell us what you think.

It was a busy week for bears, with stories such as:

--A senior woman fends off black bear with a stick.
--A pet retriever distracts charging grizzly while owner escapes.
--A wildlife photographer is mauled by grizzly—for the second time.

According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s latest estimates, there are now 9,789 breeding pairs of bald eagles in the lower 48, the highest number since World War II.

Here’s the breakdown of the top 3 states:

--Minnesota: 1,312 pairs
--Florida: 1,133 pairs
--Wisconsin: 1,065 pairs

For years now, Maine has denied hunting and fishing—as well as motor vehicle—licenses to parents who skip out on their child support payments. Now the state wants to go farther. From an Associated Press story on WMTW.com:

The House of Representatives has endorsed a bill to allow the revocation of snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle registration from a person who has been certified as failing to comply with a child support order.

What do you think?

A lot of people think of virgin birth as a once-in-a-millennium sort of thing, if that. But it’s not as uncommon as you may think, according to this Florida Sun Sentinel story:

A hammerhead shark captured in Florida Bay gave birth without sex, according to scientists who said they used genetic analysis to account for the mysterious appearance of a pup in a tank of female sharks.

The phenomenon, known among biologists as a "virgin birth," had been observed before among some snakes, lizards and birds, but never a shark, the scientists say.

Wal-Mart takes a lot of heat, but you have to admit the superstore carries everything you could possibly need. I mean, where else are you going to go to get a badger? Read it here.

From The FanHouse:

Last week [Washington Redskins’ running back Clinton] Portis said Falcons quarterback Michael Vick did nothing wrong even if allegations that he organized a dog fighting ring are true. Then Portis, via the Redskins' web site, issued a statement saying he doesn't condone dog fighting.

Tonight Portis appeared on NFL Network to expand on his thoughts about dog fighting. Although he did reiterate that he wasn't condoning dog fighting, he added, "I think there's bigger issues in the world and in life than what Michael Vick's doing on his own property," and then said, "Hunting is legal."

Lets see, dog fighting is a vicious, depraved competition that barbarians bet on. Hunting is the most sophisticated, honest way to eat. Do you see any connection?

Earlier this week, we posted a link to a story about Montana rancher David Lee, who will open his 30,000 acres to returning wounded soldiers for archery hunts this fall. But he’s not the only Big Sky-state sportsman sharing the outdoors to give back to the troops. Check out this excellent story in the Helena Independent Record:

"Trips like this allow you to realize that what happened in the past…," [wounded vet Dave] Folkerts paused to collect his thoughts.

"The first year I went through a lot of depression," he continued, wiggling his fingers. "Then I realized that I'd be stuck with this for the rest of my life. You can't change what happened. Now I know I love living life."

So how much would you pay for a 50-year-old, 10,000-pound arch made of 2,000 elk antlers. Well, At Saturday’s Boy Scout Antler Auction, Jackson, WY, businessman Jerry Johnson paid $51,000. Good deal? Read it here.