The state’s first licensed hunting season for the Burmese python has ended, with a body count of 37.

A state-sanctioned pilot hunting program aimed at determining location and formulating an eradication plan ended Saturday with 37 of the invasive reptiles being killed.

“This was more about finding where they are and seeing if we can contain their expansion,” Scott Hardin, exotic species coordinator for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, told the Miami Herald.

The constrictors can measure 18 feet long and weigh 160 pounds, and wildlife officials say they could number in the tens of thousands in the South Florida region — mostly in the Everglades.

Snake owners who released pythons when they became too large to manage are believed largely responsible for this troubling phenomenon. The snakes, which are reproducing in the wild, have become a threat to native wildlife.

The wildlife commission is collecting data from the snakes killed so far and will expand the hunting program next year. Meanwhile, licensed hunters after other species can continue to kill pythons in designated areas, including parts of the Everglades around Big Cypress National Preserve.

“If you’re in there hunting, and you see a python, you can kill it,”‘ Hardin said.

Hunters have used nets and snares and guns to subdue the reptiles, but all legal hunting methods are allowed, including bang sticks, harpoons and spear guns.

In a letter encouraging the harvesting of pythons, posted on the commission website, Chairman Rodney Barreto wrote, “You can even have some fancy cowboy boots made from python, but I don’t recommend eating the meat because testing revealed high levels of mercury in the meat — levels well above that considered safe to eat.”

Are you looking for a place to talk hunting? A place full of friendly hunters. Than MHT is your place. Come see us soon.
Say Hi to “Rev. Jeff” for me. As moderator Jeff is the last line of defense for the forum. An avid blogger he can be found over at his site as well, The Sacred Hunt

Moses

The link will take you to the MDIFW website…….all you need is proof of previous licensing as the site will specify ….and a credit/debit card.

It may be November….. but there are deer to hunt…….coyotes to shoot, and birds and bunnies to harvest.

See you in the woods!!!!!!

Remington Question Answered – Sort of

The Outdoor and Shooting Wires have received- and verified the accuracy of an internal Remington memorandum that effectively answers most of a question that has been making the rounds of the industry: Is Remington getting into the handgun market?

Short answer, yes.

An “Organizational Announcement” from Chief Marketing Officer Marc Hill to all of Remington’s employees confirmed the existence of a Remington handgun team by naming Tom Taylor to the position of Senior Vice President of Marketing and Product-Handguns.

That’s a definitive answer to the question, and should serve notice to the industry that Remington has no plans to lay off what has been a torrid growth pace over the past year.

To industry folks, Taylor’s also a face both recognized and well-liked.

The affable former Vice-President of Marketing for Smith & Wesson, Taylor has most recently been the Executive Director of the Remington Outdoor Foundation, establishing, as Hill wrote, “the pillars and strategies for its long-term success.” Hill also praised Taylor for his “vast amount of handgun experience” calling him the “ideal person to develop and lead our strategy for this important category.”

Taylor has also continued to be extremely involved and committed to advancing the Honored American Veterans Afield (H.A.V.A.) organization, helping injured servicemen, veterans and their families get back outside. (Note: The organization hosted its largest event to date, the second annual National Family Day last week in San Antonio, Texas).

Prior to Smith & Wesson, Taylor was an executive with Coca-Cola in both sales and marketing.

According to the memorandum, Taylor will transition into his new position over the next sixty days, joining Remington full time on January 4, 2010.

And the Remington handgun strategy?

While attending the Remington 2010 product introductions, I asked the same question of Marc Hill. At that time, he declined comment, but it has been no secret in the industry that Remington has been “shopping” for a handgun company. Several names have been mentioned, but it appears the first product will be “organic” coming from inside Remington, rather than via acquisition.

A 1911 is in first-production testing, and may be ready for introduction at SHOT Show in January. That is a qualified date because the company seems more concerned in making a solid product before introducing it to the consumer public, eschewing other companies’ practice of launching products and making adjustments on the fly.

Remington has been out of the handgun business for decades, but does have a handgun history to call from, should it remain “organic” and reintroduce new versions of older handguns.

From 1963 until 1998, the XP-100 was a solid member of the Remington product family. In fact, it is widely credited as having been the gun that started the sport of varmint shooting, and served as the initial platform for the .221 Fireball cartridge.

The Remington Model 51. Could this small pocket pistol be part of Remington’s re-entry into handguns?
From 1918 until the early 1930s, Remington also produced a pocket pistol designed by John Pedersen.
Available in .32ACP and .380 ACP calibers, the small, reliable Model 51 might be a candidate for a revival – especially if it were lightened by the use of polymers and/or new metal technologies not available during its original production gun. Only about 65,000 of the Model 51s were produced, but they remain a gun with a small, but strong following. Less than an inch thick, with a 3-1/4 inch barrel inside a frame 6-5/8 inches long, the hesitation locked, detachable, single-stack semi-auto might be significantly “amped up” with new technologies and ammunition.

One fan of the Model 51: General George Patton. As an interesting historical footnote, the U.S. Navy recommended adopting the Model 51 – if it were made in .45 caliber.

In that variant, it was known as the Model 53, and was regarded as being smaller, lighter, more accurate, and more controllable than the M1911.

And revolvers? Yep, the Remington & Son percussions in .36 (Navy) and .44 (Army) calibers were used in the American Civil War from 1862 forward. It was primarily carried by Union solders, and actually preferred over the standard issue Colt Army Model 1860 by those who could afford it. It’s primary advantages were said to be its durability and the ability to quickly swap-out cylinders, significantly speeding up reloads.

Today, Uberti and Pietta New Army replicas are nearly identical to Remington-Beals design, and are favorites among cowboy action shooters who like the period-accurate “cartridge conversion” – as did the real cowboys of that period.

At this point, what Remington will introduce-or acquire- will remain a topic of conversation with both consumers and industry members wondering if they might find their products in the gunsights of a company that has shown no reluctance to either introduce products – or acquire other companies.

And as any marketer will tell you, “buzz” is important.

Whatever happens, we’ll keep you posted.

–Jim Shepherd

I’ld Like to thank The Shooting Wire for this information……..thanks.

I am subscribed to a multitude of email services and Ezines. One of the best is The Shooting Wire. Like The Fishing Wire, it is full of Industry news and facts. The following article appeared in it back in October. I just thought I should share it with you. The link listed below will take you directly to the source quoted. ( I will always list the sources of all quoted material, so you can verify my information.)

The Shooting Wire

Rent from Within

Editor’s Note: Today’s feature by Paul Markel touches on a subject that many in the industry would prefer to ignore: the schism between hunters and modern rifle enthusiasts.

I
Paul Markel © 2009

“It’s just a piece of machinery. They all look the same. There’s no pride in craftsmanship.” remarked a noted outdoor writer and famed hunter during a recent industry event. A second like-minded individual responded, “Sure they’re fine for shooting varmints or prairie dogs, but this craze will come to an end soon.” Naturally, they were discussing the Stoner-based self-loading rifle in its many forms.

For more than a decade I have listened as shooting sports “purists” have denigrated and apologized for the “evil” black rifle. Not so long ago I was standing in a gun shop when one of the regulars remarked that “I can see banning some kinds of gun, I mean what does anyone need one of those for anyway?” He gestured in disgust at a couple of semi-automatic carbines on the shelf.

Most of us have read the editorials in the outdoor sports magazines, this editor or that will belittle the black rifle “fad”. At best they will concede that some people might find a use for one, but not I. By the end of the written sermon they have firmly emplaced themselves on the moral high ground bidding others to follow in their lofty steps.

I’ve been in the industry for two decades and have present during these gatherings of purists where the Stoner design is ridiculed and belittled. I’ve sat quietly as those present responded “Hear, hear” and “Good show old boy.”

On the other hand, I have also attended innumerable training courses and events where those in attendance used their Stoner-based rifles. Not a single time during a meal break or post-shooting socializing did anyone in the group bring up the outdated and antiquated single-shot, falling block rifle. Never once did one of these folks disparage the $5000 over-under shotgun as a complete waste of money and resources. I cannot recall an instance where an AR-15 owner has told me that he resented those who stalked and killed antelope just for sport.

Nope, can’t recall a single instance of that occurring. Conversely, I have lost count of the times I have been present in a group of sportsman and outdoor types and the subject of the self-loading, gas-operated rifle has come up. It seems to be a favorite pass time for upland game and big game hunters, trap and skeet shooters, and conservationist types to bash and belittle those that would purposely own and shoot the AR platform.

No, I am not painting all hunters and birders with a broad brush. Before you get your panties in a wad be honest with yourself. How many times have you kibitzed with your buddies at the trap range and heard someone reference Stoner rifles as “assault weapons”? When was the last time you attended a benefit for the conservation of ducks, pheasant, whitetail, elk, (insert game preservation society here) and someone at your table made a snide remark about “black rifles”? Be truthful, have you heard that guy spout off about how he can understand banning some kinds of gun? Did you say anything or just nod your head?

Folks, human beings have been having this argument since the dawn of mankind. Flintlock purists saw no sporting value in those new fangled percussion cap guns. U.S. Army troops were saddled with muzzle-loading muskets when cartridge firing, repeating rifles were available. Who would ever need to shoot that fast? Many argued.

At the turn of the century soldiers and peace officers carried single-action revolvers because the semi-automatic pistols couldn’t be relied upon and were untested. While we are on the subject, how many purists who see no craftsmanship or pride of ownership in a Stoner rifle would say the same thing about the Model 1911A1 pistol and its myriad clones? That pistol started life as a mass produced, faceless piece of machinery.

Purists have a real problem with the “mad rush”, as one outdoor writer described it, of Americans to purchase 100% made in the USA black rifles. Those same folks see no problem buying a Krieghoff, Perazzi, Benelli, or Beretta and sending the profits back to the Old Country.

What these well intentioned, often very intelligent, folks are afflicted with is the “Reasonable Disease”. If we are only reasonable and meet the other side halfway then they will be reasonable too. I have a news flash for you purist, anti-Stoner folks. The other side doesn’t like you either. They will happily step over your body to get to the rest of us.

We all want to be reasonable. Just think how wonderful our world would be John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington could have been more reasonable and met the British Monarchy halfway. Being reasonable has taken us the edge of the abyss in these United States. I dare say that the founding fathers would scarcely recognize what we have become.

The bedrock foundation of the Constitution, the document that was forged after our forefathers pledged their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor, is at this moment being trampled. It has been used as a doormat for incoming congressmen, senators, and yes, even the current occupant of the Oval Office.

This did not happen overnight. We, the good citizens of the United States, have handed over our freedoms under the guise of being reasonable. We have been promised if we will only give a little that the enemies of freedom will be satisfied. They will not be satisfied. Their rotten guts are never full. Consumed by greed for power they take a bit more and a bit more. Can you placate a lion by letting him eat only your foot?

My friends, and we still can be friends, the question is not about whether the “black rifle” is good for the shooting sports industry. It is not whether the Stoner design has a place on the hunting field. The question is will we stand united to protect our freedoms from an ever encroaching enemy. Will we squabble with each other over aesthetics and operating systems or will we lock arms and say “No More!”?

Though it will pain your eyes to read and your ears to hear, the United States Constitution, at the moment the supreme law of the land, does not grant you a “right” to hunt, shooting sporting clays, compete in bull’s eye matches or any sport. You hunt only as a privilege of the state. That privilege is not in any way guaranteed.

For those purists in the audience, those who look upon the Stoner design with disgust and distaste, I challenge you to take a moment to reflect. Wade past the emotion and prejudice you have harbored deep down. Be intellectually honest with yourself for a moment.

At this point in history we are in a more precarious position than we ever have been. Either we will unite and demand that our elected public servants adhere to the principles of our founding fathers and the U.S. Constitution or we will fall in the abyss of never ending government intrusion, regulation, and slavery to a system we neither understand nor recognize.

You see, the Stoner designed, gas-operated, self-loading rifle is more that just a machine. There is a definite pride of ownership, the pride that comes from the realization that you are a citizen not a servant. The lawful possession of the black rifle means that you are still a free man in a world where the free man is an endangered species.

Finally, to our grand purists, look down from your moral high ground and see this. The black rifle is a living symbol. It is a symbol not of varmint hunting but of freedom. It is the black rifle that will preserve your privilege to practice the shooting sport of your choice. Embrace this self-loading, gas-operated machine. If the black rifle is lost your nation, all that you hold dear, and your freedom will surely follow.

Paul Markel © 2009

Markel is a former United State Marine and Peace Officer. He is currently a full-time Small Arms and Tactics instructor for the U.S. Miltary. Mr. Markel has been writing for the outdoor/firearms world for two decades with hundreds of articles in print.

*************************************************************

I would like to thank The Shooting Wire for the use of this article. Use the link above to subscribe to The Shooting Wire.

Was over to the MDIFW site today reading some reports and wondering how Augusta was doing. Couldn’t really tell much about the “effectiveness” of current government so I read some more stuff.

Predation Report

Now take your time going through that……pretty interesting facts and such. Anybody want a new career as an ADC Agent/ProHunter????

The thing that I found most interesting was that the consensus of opinion was that bears were killing 50% to 60% of all fawns taken by predators. I would of thought maybe 25%…….not 60%. Coyotes topping the list and bobcat factored in as well.

I won’t say more……makes for some dry reading but well worth the effort.

Still time to voice an opinion!!!!!!

Agency: Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife

Rule Title or Subject: Moose Hunting

Concise Summary: The Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife is proposing to adopt a rule establishing the number of moose hunting permits to be issued for the 2010 season. Permits will be issued for bulls, antlerless and any-moose. Permits are allocated according to Wildlife Management District as follows:

WMD 1 – 120 bulls / 20 antlerless WMD 12 – 35 bulls / 20 antlerless
WMD 2 – 125 bulls/ 125 antlerless WMD 13 — 35 bulls / 10 antlerless
WMD 3 – 200 bulls / 290 antlerless WMD 14 – 35 bulls
WMD 4 – 255 bulls WMD 15 – 25 any-moose*
WMD 5 – 125 bulls WMD 16 – 20 any-moose*
WMD 6 – 220 bulls / 280 antlerless WMD 17 – 30 bulls / 30 antlerless
WMD 7 – 125 bulls WMD 18 – 70 bulls / 20 antlerless
WMD 8 – 235 bulls WMD 19 – 80 bulls / 20 antlerless
WMD 9 – 70 bulls / 10 antlerless WMD 23 – 45 any-moose*
WMD 10 – 100 bulls / 10 antlerless WMD 26 – 45 any-moose*
WMD 11 – 160 bulls / 120 antlerless WMD 27 – 25 bulls
WMD 28 – 35 bulls
TOTAL: 2,080 bulls/955 antlerless/135 any-moose

In WMDs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 11 and 19 the season will begin on the Monday following the close of the bear baiting season and remain open for 6 days and in WMDs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 27, and 28 the season will begin on the second Monday of October and remain open for 6 days.

*In WMDs 15, 16, 23 and 26, the season begins the 4th Monday preceding Thanksgiving to the Saturday following Thanksgiving; the Saturday preceding the first day of this season is open for the hunting of moose by permit holders who are residents of this State only. The term “any-moose” means a moose of either sex. Persons hunting moose during this season must comply with the same hunter orange requirements as deer hunters. The legal hunting hours will be from ½ hour before sunrise to ½ hour after sunset.
This Rule Will__ Will Not_X_ Have a Fiscal Impact on Municipalities.

Statutory Authority: 12 MRSA Section 11551

Public Hearing: November 12, 2009 @ 6:30 p.m. – Dept. of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Region D Headquarters, 18 Village Street, Greenville, ME.

Deadline for Comments: November 23, 2009

Agency Contact Person: Andrea L. Erskine

Agency Name: Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife

Address: #41 SHS – 284 State Street, Augusta, ME 04333-0041

E-Mail: andrea.erskine@maine.gov

Telephone: (207) 287-5201 or by FAX to 207-287-6395

Camospace Referral Program

I invite all of you to join me on Camospace………SHARE THE WILD!!!!!!! (Click the referral link above.)

Awesome trophy killed on November 9th 2009.

To read more go here: Moose Droppings

Awesome story…….go read it on another of our Skinnymoose Blogs.

ANTI-VEGETARIAN PROPOGANDA!!!!