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Today the NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife held a public hearing on their Comprehensive Bear Management Policy and Amendments (CBBMP). On November 15, 2022, the Governor enacted a new Comprehensive Black Bear Management Policy (CBBMP) through emergency rulemaking. An approved CBBMP is required for a bear hunt to occur. The New Jersey Sierra Club opposed the emergency rulemaking and bear hunt and urge the Murphy Administration for stronger non-lethal management efforts. Anjuli Ramos-Busot released the following statement: “The New Jersey Sierra Club strongly urges Governor Murphy to keep his commitment to end black bear hunts and instead continues to use effective non lethal management practices. “We recommend that NJ DEP’s non-lethal management plan include requirements for bear proof containers in bear country and provide financial support for municipalities to pay for them. Human-bear conflicts are greatly influenced by human behaviors associated with food and waste management and the abundance... Read more →

WITH 250 ACTIVE NESTS IDENTIFIED IN 2022 (23/P4) TRENTON – The bald eagle population in New Jersey continues to climb, according to the 2022 New Jersey Bald Eagle Project Report developed by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Fish and Wildlife and the Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey, with 250 active nests identified last year, Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette announced today. The 250 active nests (meaning the nests produced eggs) represent an increase of 28 active nests since 2021. Of those nests, 83 percent were successful and collectively produced 335 offspring. The productivity rate for nests with known outcomes was 1.42 young per nest, which is above the range required to maintain healthy population numbers. “The continued growth of New Jersey’s bald eagle population is an inspiration to all of us and is a direct result of strong environmental protection laws, firm partnerships, innovative scientific techniques... Read more →

DOVER, DELAWARE (JANUARY 17, 2023)(CNBNews)Beach-nesting piping plovers – a federally-listed threatened species and a Delaware state-listed endangered species – experienced modest nesting success in Delaware during 2022, the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announced today. Seven pairs of piping plovers have recorded nesting at The Point at Cape Henlopen State Park and 17 additional nesting pairs were documented at Fowler Beach on Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge, making for a total of 24 nesting pairs – the same number recorded in 2021. Piping plovers produced more fledglings in 2022 than in 2021, successfully raising 34 chicks to their flying age (25 days old). Nesting occurred later than normal, and nest and chick loss were high following several spring storms and higher-than-average predation at Fowler Beach. Delaware documented state-record piping plover nest productivity from 2018 through 2020, but productivity was poor in 2021. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service... Read more →

Coyote Harvest Reporting Required by DNREC Within Next Business Day Additional firearm deer hunting seasons opening in January and the continuing archery deer hunting seasons provide the last chance for hunters to harvest deer during the 2022/23 hunting season, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announced today. Deer hunters are encouraged to harvest does (female deer) during deer hunting seasons to help manage the size and quality of Delaware’s deer population. Deer hunting seasons opening in January: Delaware's deer herd feeds on corn in many parts of the state. As a result, seeing a big buck like this is not unusual. photo credit CNBNewsnet January handgun deer*: Jan. 7, Jan. 9 through 14 (closed Sunday, Jan. 8**) Hunting permitted only south of the C&D Canal January general firearm deer* (also known as the January shotgun season): Jan. 14 through 22, including Sundays January muzzleloader deer: Jan. 23... Read more →

Legislation sponsored by Senator Joe Pennacchio and Senator Ed Durr that would preserve access to any state-owned lake that is open to boats with or without onboard motors was approved by the Senate Environment and Energy Committee. Legislation sponsored by Sen. Joe Pennacchio and Sen. Ed Durr that would preserve access to any state-owned lake that is open to boats was approved in committee. (Pixabay) “There is growing concern about the lack of public boat launches,” noted Pennacchio (R-26). “New Jersey is home to public lakes that are open to bass boats and motorized vessels, but recreational boaters who don’t live on the lake or have private docks find it impossible to get into the water.” The fees recreational fishermen in the state pay for freshwater fishing licenses helps fund the stocking of fish in public lakes. “The absence of public launches in effect creates private lakes,” said Pennacchio. “The... Read more →

New Jersey (December 22, 2022)-- At the same moment Gov. Murphy signed illegal carry-killer legislation into law earlier today, ANJRPC filed an epic federal lawsuit seeking to swiftly and decisively block the blatantly unconstitutional new measure. ANJRPC is also seeking a restraining order to immediately halt the implementation of the new law while the case proceeds. Click here to see a copy of the complaint filed in the case, and to monitor ongoing new case filings as they happen. ANJRPC counsel Dan Schmutter spearheads the lawsuit. The new law flagrantly and intentionally disrupts both the Second Amendment and the U.S. Supreme Court's Bruen decision upholding the right of honest citizens to carry firearms for personal protection. Now that New Jersey can no longer block the issuance of carry permits, the state is trying to change what it means to have a carry permit in the first place. The new law... Read more →

Records Pond Fishing Pier Closed for Public Safety Pier to Reopen Upon Completion of New Boat Ramp Construction The Records Pond fishing pier in Laurel in Sussex County has been closed effective immediately for public safety due to warping of the pier’s decking, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announced today. The decking will be replaced in conjunction with the new public boat ramp project at Records Pond to be managed by the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife, with construction expected to start in the summer of 2023. The fishing pier will remain closed until completion of the new boat ramp. Fishing along the shore and along the Records Pond parking lot area will remain open at this time. The tidal fishing pier below the pond dam also remains open. About DNREC The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s... Read more →

The vote may be final, but the final outcome is far from certain. Yesterday, anti-gun Senate Majority Democrats voted 21-16 to advance A.4769 to the Governor’s desk. Anti-gun Gov. Phil Murphy will undoubtedly sign the legislation. However, this latest episode of political theatre is nothing more than disgruntled legislators thumbing their noses at the United States Supreme Court, which reaffirmed the right to concealed carry in this summer’s landmark Bruen decision. Trenton lawmakers wasted a lot of taxpayer time and money with what looks to be a futile attempt to tell SCOTUS to pound sand. Concealed carry is here to stay, and Garden State politicians just haven’t accepted that reality yet. However, Monday’s Senate action moves them one step closer to getting scolded from the court for a second time – more litigation. A.4769 arbitrarily and drastically expands the number of places labeled as “sensitive places” where concealed carry is... Read more →

One year on an ATV trail was filmed in Minnesota by Voyageurs Wolf Project; the video shows the various animals using an ATV trail from July 2021- October 2022 in Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota. It is seven minutes long, but even so, it is a fascinating look at the many wildlife species in that neck of the woods. Pay attention, as there are one species you don't see throughout the year-long plus film. We would be curious to know if anyone can guess what species is missing. Leave your comments below. If you like to watch Funny, Cool and Interesting Videos Get The Video Of The Day Read more →

The New Jersey Senate plans to take a final vote on Monday on legislation that attacks concealed carry and completes weeks of scheming to do an end-run of this summer’s Bruen decision. This brazen act of defiance is almost certain to initiate more litigation, as these lawmakers remain undeterred when it comes to advancing their own political agendas, even if that means ignoring the rule of law and their sworn oaths to defend the Constitution. The Assembly has already passed the companion bill to S.3214. A.4769/S.3214 arbitrarily and drastically expands the number of places labeled as “sensitive places” where concealed carry is prohibited. In addition, the bill: Drastically increases the cost of obtaining permits and credentials. Expands the already-rigorous New Jersey training requirements. Uses social media and online posts as grounds to deny permits. It requires gun owners to acquire insurance, even though it is unknown whether this type of... Read more →

Ysbrand Cosijn / Shutterstock.com (The Center Square) – Pennsylvania’s recent shift of deer season’s start date wasn’t universally loved, but the deer harvest has continued to grow since 2015. The Pennsylvania Game Commission upset a number of hunters in 2019 when it voted to move the start of deer season to the Saturday after Thanksgiving, rather than the Monday after Thanksgiving. Hunters have adjusted, however. About 435,000 deer were harvested in the 2020-21 season, compared to 375,000 in 2018-29 and 316,000 in 2015-16, according to the PGC’s 2021 annual report. “By moving the opening day to Saturday, a weekend day when fewer people are working or going to school and more people have off, hunting on the opening day became a reality for hunters who otherwise would have been shut out,” said PGC Spokesman Travis Lau. A survey conducted on behalf of the PGC of hunters in December 2021, found... Read more →

REQUIRED FOUR-DAY EXTENSION OF BLACK BEAR HUNTING SEASON BEGINS WEDNESDAY, DEC. 14 (22/P46) TRENTON – The Department of Environmental Protection’s New Jersey Fish and Wildlife today announced that the December black bear hunting season will be extended by four days this week per state regulations. The season extension will begin a half-hour prior to sunrise on Wednesday, Dec. 14 and will end a half-hour after sunset on Saturday, Dec. 17. CNBNews graphic file New Jersey’s Game Code requires an extension of up to four days should a minimum goal of 20 percent of the bears tagged this year not be reached by the scheduled close of the regular season. Since the cumulative rate did not reach 20 percent by the end of the hunt on Saturday, December 10, the season must be extended. The number of tagged bears harvested at the close of the regular season was 11 for a... Read more →

By Keith Lockwood, Fisheries Biologist Maryland Department of Natural Resources. The Maryland Chesapeake Bay striped bass season closes at the end of the day on Saturday, December 10, after which striped bass fishing in the Bay and its tributaries will be limited to catch and release. The main stem of the tidal Potomac River will be open to striped bass fishing until December 31, with a two-fish-per-day limit if the fish measure over 20 inches. Fishing in the state waters of the Atlantic Ocean and Coastal Bays remains open, with a 28-inch minimum. A wide range of other opportunities continues, including catfish, freshwater species, and additional trout stocking in December. Forecast Summary: December 7 – December 13: Maryland can expect unstable weather conditions this week with a chance of rain Wednesday, Saturday, Monday, and Tuesday. Expect windy conditions Wednesday and Thursday with 15-20 knot winds and higher gusts. Chesapeake Bay... Read more →

source dodTV Logging Leads To Terry Drury’s 182” Missouri Booner, The Story Of Double Stickers | Deer Season 22 On this episode of Deer Season 22, we’re going back to the state of Missouri for the full story of an incredible buck known as Double Stickers. After 3 years of history, a giant logging operation, and who knows how many hours of working on the farm during the off-season, Old Man Winter develops a plan and finally gets his chance. With the perfect wind, Terry makes his move and the rest is history as they say, closing the chapter on his second biggest buck to date! As always thank you for the continued support; all of us at DOD greatly appreciate it! Terry Drury joins the 100% Wild Podcast to talk about his recent kill! Click the link to watch the podcast and get even more information about the quest... Read more →

Maryland Fishing Report – November 30 Largemouth bass, photo by Nathan Fernandez If you dress warmly there are plenty of fishing opportunities this week. There is good fishing for striped bass along with freshwater species like largemouth bass. Offshore in the Atlantic Ocean, fishing for sea bass is excellent with everyone onboard catching a limit. Forecast Summary: November 30 – December 6: Maryland can expect unstable early December weather conditions this week with a chance of rain Wednesday, Saturday and again on Monday and Tuesday. Expect windy conditions Wednesday and Thursday with 15-20 knot winds and higher gusts. Chesapeake Bay surface water temperatures are hovering in the low 50s with the coolest waters found in the upper Bay and upper Potomac River near the Woodrow Wilson bridge. The warmer Bay waters are found from Gooses Reef south to the mouth of the Potomac River. Maryland river water temperatures are currently... Read more →

Additional Delaware hunting and trapping seasons are set to open in December, including a special antlerless deer season, which opens on Dec. 10 and extends through Dec. 18, and multiple furbearer trapping seasons opening Dec. 1, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announced today. Duck, Canada goose, woodcock, snipe and other hunting seasons also open during the month. Archery and crossbow hunters are reminded that they are not allowed to harvest antlered deer during the special December antlerless deer season. Deer hunting is allowed on all Sundays through Jan. 31, 2023, using only those hunting methods legal for the respective established deer hunting seasons, with additional information available at de.gov/sundayhunt. All deer harvested by hunters must be registered online within 24 hours at de.gov/digitaldnrec or by calling toll free 855-DEL-HUNT (855-335-4868). Successful deer hunters who wish to donate venison to those in need are encouraged to participate... Read more →

TRENTON, New Jersey (Nov. 29, 2022) ─ Today, a coalition of state and national animal protection groups, including the Animal Protection League of New Jersey, the Humane Society of the United States, and Friends of Animals, launched an emergency court challenge to the black bear trophy hunt that is scheduled to begin Dec. 5. The hunt was authorized by the New Jersey Fish and Game Council earlier this month. Hunt clubs nominate six of the Council’s eleven members. The animal groups are challenging the Council’s misuse of an emergency rulemaking loophole to bypass required procedures that guarantee the public the right to weigh in and require the Council to respond to said public comments. Despite having ample time to comply with these procedures, the Council forced through a last-minute emergency rule, leaving the public no time to respond. The lawsuit seeks emergency relief stopping the Dec. 5 hunt. The hunt... Read more →

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announced today that 2023 Delaware State Parks annual passes and surf fishing permits will go on sale starting at 8 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 29. Annual passes and surf fishing permits may be purchased at any state park office Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Passes and permits may also be purchased online at www.destateparks.com/Know/PassesTagsFees, with an estimated timeframe for delivery of three to four weeks. State park offices also will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3, to accommodate holiday shoppers who want to include an annual parks pass or surf fishing permit in their gift-giving. Annual passes and surf fishing permits will not be sold at DNREC’s Dover campus. The surf fishing permit sales cap implemented in 2019 has been removed as part of recently-announced surf fishing program changes to be piloted... Read more →

by Keith Lockwood, the fisheries biologist Maryland Department of Natural Resources Photo by Monty Hawkins Everyone at the Maryland Department of Natural Resources wishes you a pleasant and warm Thanksgiving holiday. More than a few anglers will slip out for a little fishing before the big celebration or on the weekend. There are plenty of exciting fishing opportunities out there this week. Forecast Summary: November 23 – November 29: Conditions will be sunny all week except for Friday through Sunday when there is a chance of rain. Expect windy conditions Friday evening through Monday with winds of 10-20 knots and higher gusts. Chesapeake Bay surface water temperatures are hovering in the low 50s with the coolest waters found in the upper Bay and upper Potomac River near the Woodrow Wilson bridge. The warmer Bay waters are found from Gooses Reef south to the mouth of the Potomac River. Maryland river... Read more →

On Monday, November 21, the full Assembly is expected to vote on A.4769. This legislation started out as a “copy-cat” strategy, mimicking what New York did to lash out at the Supreme Court post-Bruen. The bill arbitrarily and drastically expands the number of places labeled as “sensitive places” where concealed carry is prohibited. Over the last month, the bill has been assigned to multiple committees and amended several times to clean up drafting errors, among other things. Incredibly, this bill is so deeply flawed that all of this time and effort has been spent in vain. Anti-gun Majority Democrats simply deny that the United States Supreme Court affirmed the right to carry. The court spoke resolutely and was unambiguous. Your immediate assistance is needed to help block A.4769 which is unconstitutional and will: Drastically increase the cost of obtaining permits and credentials. Expand the already-rigorous New Jersey training requirements. Use... Read more →

Maryland Fishing Report – November 16 Photo by Travis Long Colder temperatures have anglers bundling up to enjoy the good fishing available for various species still being caught this fall. Anglers can now be dressed in duck hunting garb, gloves, knee boots, or warm clothing. Be prepared and have fun! Forecast Summary: November 16 – November 22: We will experience a sunny, cool week with a low chance of rain. There will be windy conditions through Friday and again Sunday with winds of 15-20 knots with higher gusts. Chesapeake Bay surface water temperatures are holding in the upper 50s and should continue to drop this upcoming week. Maryland rivers are currently running in the upper 40s. As waters cool, resident and juvenile striped bass will continue to follow baitfish and move out of the river mouths towards overwintering areas in deeper, warmer waters of the main Bay such as channel... Read more →

TRENTON, New Jersey (Nov. 15, 2022)─Today, the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife’s Fish and Game Council reinstated its controversial black bear trophy hunt. The emergency rulemaking that the council used circumvents standard procedures requiring appropriate notice of the action to the public and the opportunity for public comment on the proposals. By law it may be used only when the public is facing “imminent peril.” Yet, the public is not in “imminent peril” from black bears and the numbers cited by the DFW to suggest otherwise are misleading. Moreover, the logic behind an emergency opening is flawed, because the science is clear that trophy hunting does not reduce bear conflicts, and in fact, may actually exacerbate human-bear conflicts. According to the state’s own records, between January and October of 2022 bear attacks on humans increased by one, bear attacks on domestic dogs increased by five, and vehicle injuries... Read more →

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control will hold its annual low-digit surf fishing plate auction starting Tuesday, November 22, at 9 a.m., at usgovbid.com. The online auction benefits Delaware State Parks. CNBNews graphic files Between Nov. 22 and Dec. 9, bidders will have the option to bid on 15 tags, including Nos. 32, 58, 143, 226, 355, 488, and on eight “choice” categories, ranging from tags 51 to 9999. For the choice tags, the highest bidder in each range can choose a number within that category if it’s not already sold. The minimum bid for a low-digit surf fishing plate is $250. By state law, surf-fishing tags numbered 1 through 200 are limited to vehicles registered in Delaware. The auction of low-numbered plates was authorized by the Delaware General Assembly in 2015 and allows the DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation to auction low-digit tags to the... Read more →

by Keith Lockwood, fisheries biologist Maryland Department of Natural Resources Kaelyn O’Hop has a good reason to smile as she holds up this great-looking striped bass she caught recently. Photo by Travis Long Chilly nights and pleasant days are heralding late fall, and anglers are trading their lighter clothing for more substantial and warmer attire to enjoy the outdoors and the wonderful fishing opportunities of the season. The University of Maryland Eastern Shore has designed a 15-minute online survey with a goal of reaching at least 1,400 anglers and fish enthusiasts in Maryland. Your input would be valuable to this research effort to better understand recreational fisheries in Maryland. Forecast Summary: November 9 – November 15: There will be a brief stretch of sunny, moderate weather prior to Friday, after which rain and a cold front will dominate the weather for the next week. On Friday we can expect winds... Read more →

Extra Vigilance on Roads Called for as Days Shorten and Deer Become More Active Morning and Evening source CNBNews graphic files Use extra caution on the roads during the deer mating season is the warning to Delaware drivers from the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, the Office of Highway Safety (OHS) within the Department of Safety and Homeland Security and Delaware State Police (DSP). Late October through November is the peak period for deer-related crashes, as that’s when white-tailed deer males (bucks) are in their annual pursuit of females (does) in the First State.That pursuit leads to more deer crossing roadways in the shorter days ahead – especially after the Nov. 6 change from daylight saving time back to Eastern Standard Time. White-tailed deer breed only once a year. The mating season, which carries on from late October sometimes into mid-December, and peaks from Nov. 11 to 20,... Read more →

Maryland Fishing Report – November 2 November 2, 2022 Photo by Rich Watts There is a wide variety of fishing opportunities this week for Maryland anglers. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has stocked trout in many put-and-take waters, including ponds that are ideal for our younger anglers. Striped bass fishing is at its zenith in the Chesapeake Bay, and extra-large crabs are being caught in the Bay and tidal rivers. Forecast Summary: November 2 – November 8: The first full week of November will provide sunny, moderate weather with warming temperatures through the week. Chesapeake Bay surface water temperatures are holding in the low 60s and should remain stable this upcoming week. Maryland rivers are holding in the mid-50s. Bay waters are well mixed from surface to bottom resulting in good oxygen conditions and uniform temperatures throughout the water column. This will result in fish being able to move... Read more →

The proverbial can was kicked down the road again in Trenton last week. In recent years, most Democrats have had a habit of introducing anti-gun legislation so poorly drafted that chaos ensues. Last week was no exception; this is only the latest dysfunction among anti-gun Democrat politicians. Their attempt to completely thwart concealed carry in New Jersey by labeling nearly everywhere a “sensitive place” hit a snag. A.4769 was scheduled to vote on the Assembly floor last Thursday, but the legislation never actually came up for a vote. Presumably, they were missing votes. Despite the hiccup, Assembly leadership made public comments indicating that the bill would eventually come up again. Last Thursday, the Senate Law & Public Safety Committee was busy hacking up their work after they read our alert pointing out the fatal flaws in the bill. S.3214 has been amended. The original account banned more than just firearms... Read more →

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announced today changes are to be piloted for the 2023 surf fishing permit program after record interest in the program in 2022. One of the biggest changes will be the elimination of a cap in effect since 2019 on the number of permits sold annually. The DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation will replace the cap for 2023 with a technology-based reservation system for managing capacity on summer weekends, when the state’s surf fishing beaches are in highest demand. Last spring, the Division of Parks and Recreation initiated a comprehensive review of the program in response to unprecedented permit sales for the 2022 season – including the opening day for sales, when the online permitting system was temporarily overwhelmed and surf fishing permits sold out in just a few hours. The historic sales volume peaked at 742 permits being issued per... Read more →

October 19, 2022 Maryland’s youth hunters, veterans, and military personnel will be afforded a unique opportunity to experience Maryland’s tradition of waterfowl hunting on two special hunt days: Nov. 5, 2022 and Feb. 4, 2023. On these two days, hunting for ducks, geese, and coots on public and private lands in Maryland will be offered exclusively to eligible hunters 16 years of age or younger, military veterans of any age as defined in section 101 of title 38, United States Code, and members of the Armed Forces on active duty, including members of the National Guard and Reserves on active duty (other than for training). “The Department is pleased to offer these special hunting days,” said Wildlife and Heritage Director Paul Peditto. “Their placement on the calendar, one early in the hunting season and one late, gives our more experienced hunters an excellent opportunity to teach waterfowling skills to these... Read more →

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reminds hunters that squirrel, rabbit, fall turkey, and other seasons are either underway or set to open in the coming weeks. Hunters are also reminded that changes have been made to ruffed grouse and bobwhite quail seasons. “During this time of year, Maryland offers many other excellent opportunities to get afield and make memories,” Wildlife and Heritage Service Director Paul Peditto said. “Small game hunting is ideal for new hunters or anyone that enjoys a more active style of hunting.” Squirrel season opened September 3 with a bag limit of six per day. Squirrels are abundant throughout Maryland, especially where mast-producing trees such as oaks are present. Rabbit season begins on November 5 with a bag limit of four per day. Both of these seasons are open until February 28. For hunters in Garrett, Allegany, and Washington counties, the fall turkey hunting season will... Read more →

Youth and Non-ambulatory Deer Hunt Set for Nov. 5 and 6; All Deer Hunters Encouraged to Harvest Does to Help Manage Deer Herd Additional Delaware hunting seasons are set to open in November, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announced today – including the popular November general firearm deer season, also known as “November shotgun season,” which opens Nov. 11 and extends through Nov. 20, as well as the special deer hunt open to only youth and non-ambulatory hunters on Saturday, Nov. 5 and Sunday, Nov. 6. Duck, Canada goose and other hunting seasons are to open later in the month. Deer hunters are encouraged to harvest does (female deer) during deer hunting seasons to help manage the size and quality of Delaware’s deer population. Deer hunting is allowed on all Sundays through Jan. 31, 2023, using only those hunting methods legal for the respective established deer... Read more →

DNREC Expanding Elevated Vistas to Provide Opportunities to View Wildlife in Coastal Wetlands and Adjoining Uplands Wildlife viewing is quickly becoming a favorite outdoor activity, attracting both Delaware residents and visitors who want to enjoy the splendor of the First State’s outdoor natural spaces. The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control provides numerous outdoor recreation opportunities on public lands, including elevated wildlife-viewing structures on several state wildlife areas managed by the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife. Since 2013, the Division of Fish and Wildlife has focused on expanding outdoor recreation opportunities in state wildlife areas. With planning and public input, new wildlife-viewing structures have been constructed in the Augustine Wildlife Area near Port Penn and the Little Creek Wildlife Area east of Dover, with additional wildlife-viewing structures planned for the Ted Harvey Conservation Area near Bowers Beach and the Milford Neck Wildlife Area east of Milford. The... Read more →

Species like this northern pike caught at Deep Creek Lake by Angela Pitzer are active. Photo by Duffey Pitzer Anglers are bundling up and enjoying fall fishing at its finest out on the Chesapeake Bay and in Maryland’s freshwater locations, which offer a variety of species. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources fall trout stocking program is in full swing. DNR and the Maryland Sport Fisheries Advisory Commission are proud to announce Captain Bruno M. Vasta and the late Jim Gracie each as recipients of the Maryland Sport Fisheries Achievement Awards for 2022. Forecast Summary: October 19 – October 25: Chesapeake Bay surface water temperatures have dropped to the low 60s and should continue cooling all week. Maryland rivers are currently running in the mid 50s. Bay waters have mixed from surface to bottom resulting in good oxygen conditions and uniform water temperatures throughout the water column. This will result... Read more →

Samuel Stebbins, 24/7 Wall St. via The Center Square Gun ownership has been a staple of traditional American life since the inception of the country, and even long before then. Some Americans use guns only to go hunting, for sport, or for home protection, but there are many gun enthusiasts who embrace the Second Amendment and load up on as many firearms as they can. Whether it is one gun or 20, selling guns in the United States is a lucrative business. CNBNews graphic file The National Shooting Sports Foundation estimates that Americans bought roughly 18.5 million firearms in 2021, the second most ever in a year and down only slightly from the record-high 21 million in 2020. With these back-to-back years of historic gun sales, someone is profiting big, including some states. Both directly and indirectly, the firearms sector accounts for a total of 5,174 jobs in New Jersey... Read more →

John Vayda caught the new state record Hybrid Striped Bass in Monskville Reservoir on October 9, 2022. The fish weighed 16 pounds, 10 ounces, and measured 31 inches in length with a girth of 23 inches. It replaces Bill Schmidt’s 1999 record hybrid that weighed 16 pounds, 4 ounces. The fish was most likely from a small New Jersey Fish and Wildlife stocking back in May of 2017. Congratulations Mr. Vayda on this terrific catch! NJ Record Fish Program NJ Record Freshwater Fish List NJ Record Saltwater Fish List NJ Record Spearfishing List Read more →

October 12, 2022 Corey Brummel caught this 36-inch Northern snakehead in Higgins Meal Pond. Photo by Corey Brummel Anglers returned to fishing with some relatively warm and sunny weather following the previous week’s storm. Across the state, cooling water temperatures should cause both freshwater and saltwater fish to feed more aggressively prior to the winter months. Many boats are seeking striped bass on the Bay, fall trout stocking is underway, and the invasive Northern snakehead continues to provide action. Forecast Summary: October 12 – October 18: Chesapeake Bay surface water temperatures have dropped to the low 60s and should continue cooling all week. Maryland rivers are currently running in the mid 50s. Due to the cooled waters and windy conditions this past week, turnover has occurred, and the Bay waters have mixed from surface to bottom resulting in good oxygen conditions and uniform water temperatures throughout the water column. This... Read more →

CNBNews graphic file MONDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2022 SUPPORT NRA-ILA Pennsylvania Lt. Governor John Fetterman (D), the Democrat nominee for the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Senator Pat Toomey’s (R) retirement, has had several statements from earlier this year brought back into the light. They come from when Fetterman spoke at an anti-gun event in April hosted by Giffords, an organization dedicated to banning semiautomatic firearms and standard magazines, among other restrictions on the Second Amendment. View Related Articles At the end of September, FOX News reported on Fetterman attacking NRA members at the Giffords event. “That is the lunatic fringe of gun ownership,” the candidate said while discussing NRA. Besides his disparaging comment about NRA’s 5 million members, Fetterman made several other statements regarding firearms. He mentioned several times that he supports ending the filibuster so that anti-gun legislation can be forced through the Senate. He also stated that he... Read more →

Source NRA-ILA Today it’s often difficult to determine when the mainstream media is being deliberately deceptive or is just incompetent. Whatever the case may be, they are routinely wrong. View Related Articles Take for instance a recent ABC News headline reporting that the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives’ (ATF) bump-stock ban: Supreme Court upholds bump stock ban in big win for gun safety advocates The Supreme Court did no such thing. CNBNews graphic file In December 2018, the ATF published a final rule amending the code of federal regulations to declare that items colloquially known as bump-stocks fall under the definition of “machineguns” as defined in the National Firearm Act. As these items were not registered prior to when the federal government froze the sale of new machineguns in 1986, the rule made bump-stocks contraband. Gun rights proponents across the country took exception... Read more →

October 5, 2022 This group of happy anglers each caught a striped bass prior to the big storm. Photo by Travis Long Welcome to the great month of “Rocktober!” The recent wind and rain from the remnants of Hurricane Ian has created difficult conditions, but the weather should be improving soon. Anglers saw some exciting fishing action prior to the storm and are anticipating some good fishing in the coming days. Across the state, cooling water temperatures should cause both freshwater and saltwater fish to feed more aggressively prior to the winter months. Forecast Summary: October 5 – October 11: Following some warmer conditions on Thursday and Friday, weather conditions this week will be cool and dry. The changing weather patterns will result in windy conditions on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, with winds 10 to 20 knots and gusts. Chesapeake Bay surface water temperatures have dropped to the mid 60s... Read more →

CNBNewsnet photo The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reminds hunters that squirrel, rabbit, fall turkey, and other seasons are either underway or set to open in the coming weeks. Hunters are also reminded that changes have been made to ruffed grouse and bobwhite quail seasons. “During this time of year, Maryland offers many other excellent opportunities to get afield and make memories,” Wildlife and Heritage Service Director Paul Peditto said. “Small game hunting is ideal for new hunters or anyone that enjoys a more active style of hunting.” Squirrel season opened September 3 with a bag limit of six per day. Squirrels are abundant throughout Maryland, especially where mast-producing trees such as oaks are present. Rabbit season begins on November 5 with a bag limit of four per day. Both of these seasons are open until February 28. For hunters in Garrett, Allegany, and Washington counties, the fall turkey hunting... Read more →

First Segment of Season Starts October 20 Photo by Reinhardt Sahmel The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced that the first segment of Maryland’s muzzleloader deer season runs from Oct. 20-22 statewide. Hunters in Region B — the state’s central, southern, and eastern regions — can also use muzzleloaders from Oct. 24-29 for antlerless deer only. The popular season typically coincides with pleasant fall weather and is one of many deer hunting opportunities offered in the state. “The October muzzleloader hunting season is a great way to enjoy time outside during one of the most beautiful times of the year,” Wildlife and Heritage Service Director Paul Peditto said. “Beyond that, it also provides us with our first look at the health and status of our deer herd for the year.” For the 2022-23 season, the statewide bag limit for white-tailed bucks is set at two deer. Maryland hunters in Region... Read more →

Youth Waterfowl Hunt to Occur Oct. 15; Hunters Reminded That Deer Hunting is Allowed on All Sundays Through Jan. 31, 2023 Additional Delaware hunting seasons are set to open in October, including various deer firearm seasons, duck, snow goose and other migratory game birds – as well as the one-day youth-only waterfowl hunt on Saturday, Oct. 15, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announced today. Deer hunting is allowed on all Sundays through Jan. 31, 2023, using only those hunting methods legal for the respective established deer hunting seasons, with additional information available at de.gov/sundayhunt. Hunting season dates and hunting hours for seasons opening in October: Snow goose: Oct. 1 through Jan. 31, 2023; Feb. 4, 2023 (½-hour before sunrise to sunset) Antlerless deer: Oct. 1 through 2, 17, 21 through 24 and 28 through 31, including Sundays (½- hour before sunrise to ½-hour after sunset) Muzzleloader... Read more →

Two accomplished artists have again won top honors in Delaware’s Waterfowl Stamp and Trout Stamp art contests, the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announced today. Best in Show in the DNREC-sponsored contests went to a painting of a wood duck in a bottomland swamp by Richard Clifton of Milford, Del., which will grace the 2023/24 Delaware Waterfowl Stamp, and to a painting of a brown trout by Jeffrey Klinefelter of Etna Green, Ind., to be featured on the 2023 Delaware Trout Stamp. The annual stamp art competition drew 13 entries for the 2023/24 Delaware Waterfowl Stamp and 12 entries for the 2023 Trout Stamp. The Waterfowl Stamp contest specified that submitted artwork must include the motif of a wood duck in a bottomland swamp. Trout Stamp artwork entries could depict a rainbow, brown or brook trout. As the 2023/24 Delaware Waterfowl Stamp winner, Clifton receives a $2,500 cash... Read more →

NJOEM AND NJDEP MARK HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS MONTH BY URGING THE PUBLIC TO PLAN FOR INCREASING STORM THREATS CAUSED BY CLIMATE CHANGE TRENTON – As the state marks Hurricane Preparedness month and the peak of hurricane season, New Jersey State Police Superintendent and State Director of Emergency Management Patrick J. Callahan and New Jersey Commissioner of Environmental Protection Shawn M. LaTourette today reminded the public about the vital importance of being prepared as the risks from these powerful storms increase as a result of climate change. “As we approach the 10-year anniversary of Superstorm Sandy and peak hurricane season begins, it is important to remember that preparedness is everyone’s responsibility, including those with special needs,” said Colonel Callahan. “Please make time with your family and significant others to assess your current preparedness plans, whether you need to shelter-in-place or evacuate. You can start by building an emergency kit, packing a family... Read more →

NRA-ILA source On September 9, the International Organization for Standardization (“ISO“) announced that it would create a new Merchant Category Code (“MCC”) specific to firearm and ammunition retailers. MCCs are the codes that payment processing networks (like Visa, MasterCard, and American Express) use to categorize various transactions. This is the system that allows various credit cards to offer different benefits for certain categories of purchases or to charge different fees for those same categories. In June, Amalgamated Bank petitioned the ISO to create a new firearm-specific MCC. This was the second such petition after the ISO denied an identical petition last year. The petition was supported by, among others, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), New York Mayor Eric Adams, and the anti-gun groups Giffords and Guns Down America. The petition, at least initially, seemed to lack the support of Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. If fully implemented by the various payment... Read more →

Cherry Hill – formerly of Lumberton and Moorestown, NJ. passed on September 14, 2022. Age 83. Born in Camden, NJ he was the son of the late Arthur R. and Martha (Johnson) Sullivan. Bob spent the second half of his youth in Hainesport graduating from Rancocas Valley Regional High School. Soon after he honored his country by serving in the U.S. Airforce. Although he did decide to leave the service in his own unique way. He later worked for Nash Cohen, Jaynes Motor Freight and SP Richards where he retired in 2003 with over forty years of service as a truck driver. He loved being a truck driver and never-ever would have wanted to be behind a desk. In his early youth, Bob loved driving down the shore through the NJ Pine Barrens ending up at The Dunes or other music and dance venue with friends. Boy, the stories he... Read more →

President Biden Continues Railing Against the Second Amendment SUPPORT NRA-ILA On August 30, President Biden emerged from about three weeks of vacation to start what appears to be a full transition from leading the country (if you could call it that) to a dedicated campaign mode. The sparsely attended appearance in Wilkes-Barre, PA was touted as a promotion for Biden’s “Safer America Plan,” but was really just another opportunity for the president to rail against NRA, Republicans, law-abiding gun owners, semi-automatic firearms, and the Second Amendment. Biden’s meandering, at times confusing delivery was what you would expect. He told a bunch of stories about himself and others, although they all seemed a bit too contrived, and impossible to verify. But he also told many lies, and made a few gaffes. Again, what you’d expect. He brought up his long-stated goal of banning semi-automatic firearms, saying, “I’m determined to ban (so-called)... Read more →

Maryland Fishing Report – September 14 Angler Nochienna Agubuzo caught a 31-inch northern snakehead in the Anacostia River at Bladensburg Waterfront Park, Prince George’s County. Photo courtesy Nochienna Agubuzo As we move through September, the thrill of beautiful weather beckons everyone to get outside. There are lots of fishing opportunities to be found this week in Maryland waters, from the western mountains to the Atlantic coast, and everywhere in between. Forecast Summary: September 14 – September 20: Warming weather is predicted all this week with daytime temperatures around the mid to upper 80s. Expect calm winds less than 10 knots with a low chance of rain all week. Chesapeake Bay surface water temperatures dropped to about 78 degrees. Maryland rivers are currently running in the mid to low 70s. If you are seeking areas with cooler waters, fish the surface early in the day, or fish deeper waters or upwind... Read more →

image courtesy of Kris Hazelton Kris Hazelton published this incredible rescue of a Bull Elk in Colorado that got caught in wire mesh fencing. Today, Sept. 13, 2022 on our way to work we spotted this beautiful bull elk all tangled in wire mesh fencing. The fencing was not only caught in his antlers but also trailing behind him, causing his hooves to get caught in the wire as he tried to walk. Colorado Parks and Wildlife and Estes Park Police Dept. were notified and police officers and auxiliary members kept tabs on the animal’s location until help could arrive with emergency equipment to help this distressed bull. CPW arrived and assessed the situation and decided to drug immobilize the bull so they could free him of this awful entanglement. It took a few minutes for the tranquilizer to take effect but once he was down and the Colorado Parks and... Read more →

Delaware Natural Resources Police State Park officers arrested 48-year-old Donald R. Quill Jr. of Newark, Del. on a charge of driving under the influence (DUI) and additional traffic violations Thursday evening after he drove his vehicle into the ocean on Cape Henlopen. CNBNews graphic file At approximately 7:20 p.m., on Sept. 8, officers responded to Cape Henlopen State Park’s Navy Beach following a report of a water rescue in progress. Witnesses called 911 after seeing a vehicle driven into the surf. Bystanders quickly entered the water and helped the driver from the vehicle and onto shore. During the Natural Resources Police investigation, officers observed that Quill displayed signs of impairment. He was then transported to Rehoboth Police Department for further investigation, where he was charged with DUI, a misdemeanor, and inattentive driving and operating a motor vehicle on closed Delaware State Parks areas, both traffic violations. Quill was video-arraigned at... Read more →