Hunting Ain't Easy (Mike Costello)

Apologies for the scratchy sound!! 

In Part 2 I talk through hunt days 4 through 7, with a lot of focus on a doe that I watched for nearly 9 hours and then the 7+ hour spot and stalk on a mature buck high up in an alpine basin.

Everything came together in textbook style.  This hunt validated so many lessons from master muley hunters, it was incredible to experience and replay - and this hunt will form the basis for many future adventures I have new levels of confidence in the skills and tactics that helped it yield success. 

Please visit the sponsors below :) 

**

Camp Leland – Tiny Cabin for Big Adventure, surrounded by Stanislaus National Forest at 6300’ elevation this cabin in the woods is your perfect outpost for D6 zone hunting, scouting, hiking, fishing adventure and relaxation. Sleeps 2 to 4, plus offers garage access for vehicles, trailers and toys.

• https://camp_leland.staydirectly.com/
• https://airbnb.com/h/camp-leland

Howl For Wildlife – wildlife and conservation success are deeply intertwined with hunter rights and opportunities. As a community we must advocate for our interests. HOWL together to send messages supporting hunting and balanced wildlife management to the right stakeholders so that we can protect the lifestyle and the wildlife that we love to see on the landscape.

• https://www.howlforwildlife.org

2 Dog Lodge – Camp Connell @ 5000’ – Our cabin in the woods off HWY 4 is the best family-friendly and dog-functional cabin you’ll find. With sleeping arrangements for up to 8 guests (including the sofa bed), easy access, year-round plow service and a fenced yard this cabin in the woods is relaxing, fun and located close to 4-seasons full of mountain adventures.   

• https://airbnb.com/h/2doglodge
• https://2doglodge.staydirectly.com/

Nearly 150 MILLION Americans live within 2 hours of an ocean... so the concept of "hunting the coastal waters" is something that we all need to be aware of and support. Just like hunting, angling opportunity is part of the basic human experience, and as a community we need to be concerned about habitat quality, access and opportunity. 

Nearly 1200 pages of petitions have recently been submitted to the Calif. F&G Commission, most of them attempting to severely limit your opportunity to "hunt coastal waters" in California. Just like protecting the mtn lion hunt in Colorado, we need to become informed, and rally to support angling opportunity when it is arbitrarily threatened. 

Please listen in follow the below links and and help us take action... **We need to stop these MPA expansions and closures in order to maintain angling access and opportunity in our coastal waters** 

- Email the Calif. F&G Commission: fgc@fgc.ca.gov 

- Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Calif. - Action Item

- AllWaters.org - online

- AllWaters.org - Instagram

- Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Calif - IG 

- HOWL for Wildlife - Action Center 

#marine #angling #spearfishing #california #fishing #offshorefishing #surfing #sportfishing #surffishing #hunting #advocacy #backcountryhunters #bha #allwaters

 

Episode 2... Solo show.  FOMO!! I have points that would probably enable me to draw a limited entry tag in a few different zone in CA - but I'm not throwing in for that until I've done the scouting and know where the bucks are! Talking about scouting these X zones this year and the multi-year pursuit that is needed to locate deer in CA.  Scouting, hunting and putting in time in an area you can spend a lot of time in brings familiarity and *hopefully* success! 

 

California hunting, deer hunting, bear hunting, black bear, mule deer, blacktail deer, blackbear, backcountry hunting, habitat management, backpack hunting, bow hunting, archery, conservation, wildlife management

For this episode I had the privilege of sitting down with Preston Taylor to talk about tracking of black bears as a scouting and hunting tactic. Preston is a professional wildlife biologist with a passion for wildlife and gets to spend a lot of time in the woods studying, tracking and observing behavior of numerous game animals. He recently authored the book "Tracking the American Black Bear" ( https://amzn.to/2VNYR5b ) and shares his passion for wildlife tracking, with a specific emphasis on how to interpret and follow bear markings, scat and tracks to get close to black bears in the wilderness.  

We get to touch on some hunting philosophy and policy issues, but really focus on his experiences and how a new bear hunter can build the knowledge and skill set needed to intentionally and successfully hunt California black bears. 

Hunting Ain't Easy on IG: HuntingAintEasy@instagram.com 

Preston Taylor on IG: tracker_longbows@instagram.com 

 

California hunting, deer hunting, bear hunting, black bear, mule deer, blacktail deer, blackbear, backcountry hunting, habitat management, backpack hunting, bow hunting, archery, conservation, wildlife management, tracking, cyber tracker 

As a deer hunter I'm intrigued by opportunities beyond our great state.  Neighboring and nearby Western states offer habitat, terrain, tags and wildlife populations that are uniquely different, and enticing, compared to what we have available. I love big mountain back-country hunting, but the reality is that wilderness beauty and backcountry adventure isn't limited to high-alpine basins. The desert offers a starkly different experience - and there are some big bucks cruising the palo verde and cactus.  In this episode I get to chat with John Stallone of Days in the Wild for a quick podcast call, and to pick his brain on what to look for when it comes to mule-deer rut, habitat and habits in the Southwest corner of AZ. 

If you're heading to AZ or even the southern deserts of California you'll benefit from John's Days in the Wild podcast - he has been sharing stories and experience of coues deer, mule deer, javalina and coyote hunting in AZ for many years! 

A trip to hunt AZ in December or January will sharpen your skills and expand your idea of what "mule deer country" really looks like.  I encourage you to use our CA off-season to explore the southwest, find desert bucks and get some practice stalking these bucks. 

John Stallone - Instagram 

Days in the Wild outfitters - Instagram 

AZGFD online 

Hunting Ain't Easy - Instagram 

HOWL For Wildlife

#Hunting #Conservation #Wildlife #Muledeer #California #Habitat #Blackbear #BearHunting #HSUS #DeerHunting #ElkHunting #Wilderness #Deer #Whitetail #Elk #Blacktail #Advocate #Activist #Howl

There are some things that really piss me off. This Part 2 of 2... 

Charles (Howl For Wildlife) is often on the receiving end of my texts, calls or emails where I'm just a bit triggered by what I consider BS in and around the hunting community. Whether it is legacy NGOs who don't pull their weight, or anti-hunting orgs who corrupt data and manipulate the hunting community.. or actual "hunters" who think hiding our adventure and success is the way to protecting what we love. 

Agree or disagree, let me know.  

Want to get involved and support a media campaign that nurtures support for quality wildlife management and hunting as intrinsic human right? LET US KNOW... Join Howl For Wildlife. 

Hunting is Human 

Hunting Ain't Easy 

Howl for Wildlife 

Take Action Here 

Complaining isn't working, but advocacy will. It's time to lead... It is time to call upon the California Dept of Fish & Wildlife, and the Fish & Game Commission to refresh the 10-year old Wolf Mgmt. Plan, establish a practical and sustainable roadmap to delisting and long-term management of wolves. It is time to identify the risks that subsidized wolves present to human communities, the economy of California and all taxpayers, and to ecosystems wherever wolves live. It is time for the CDFW to present a realistic report on the health of our mule deer, elk and antelope herds in CA, and how do those herds support 3 unmanaged apex predators sustainably? 

https://www.howlforwildlife.org/cawolfplan

HOWL with us. HOWL as one. When we HOWL - our voices are amplified, our message is heard and we can be effective. When we HOWL we can lead dialogue and create positive outcomes that value entire ecosystems, human communities, and wildlife.

Sign on to the HOWL letter today. Take Action here --> https://www.howlforwildlife.org/take_action 

Sign on to the HOWL letter today. Take Action. Call upon the Commission and CDFW to proactively lead California out of this crisis. https://www.howlforwildlife.org/cawolfplan 

***

#greywolf #wolf #wolves #california #wildlifemanagement #wildlifeconservation #conservation #ecosystems #predatorhunting #predatormanagement #elk #muledeer #tuleelk #antelope #hunting #sustainability #wildharvest #californiahunting #howlforwildlife 

Dan Ryan is an avid hunter and outdoorsman with a profession that allows him to get to know land and habitat all over California.  In this 2 part podcast Dan and I get down to talking about 6 of the most popular and accessible "draw zones" which require a Premium tag for archery, rifle/general or muzzleloader hunt opportunities. Any hunter with 3 to 17 points in California is probably considering hunting or scouting these zones as they offer diverse terrain, high quality hunts and the potential for a truly great California buck. 

You can reach out to Dan directly via the Bureau of Land Mgmt, in the Susanville CA office: 530-249-8559 or Email dryan@blm.gov  

California Big Game Draw resources are found in the Big Game Digest... we have until June 2nd to put in for the draw, so it's time to study and make some choices. 

Follow Hunting Ain't Easy on Instagram 

Want to protect hunting rights, opportunity and support quality wildlife mgmt across all states and all species - follow HOWL For Wildlife! 

 

#Hunting #MuleDeer #California #Bear #Deer #Conservation #Wildlife

Our first guest on Hunting Ain't Easy is Kevin Vella, the Pacific Region Biologist for the National Wild Turkey Federation.  We cover 3 sections of discussion in this episode: 1) NWTF work in CA and how habitat mgmt for turkeys helps wildlife diversity and our big game populations 2) Insights into our allies and agencies such as CDFW, F&G Commission and where laws, rules and regulations come from.  3) our first "how would you hunt this" segment!  

Listen in and take some notes because Kevin drops some great knowledge that can benefit any CA hunter.  

While you're at it, check out https://www.nwtfcalifornia.com/ and drop your $35 to join their conservation efforts, you'll get a $25 coupon code in return, so net costs are just $10!.  Not a turkey hunter, no problem - NWTF is going great work in prime deer habitat so the herds and hunting improve too. 

 

California hunting, deer hunting, bear hunting, black bear, mule deer, blacktail deer, blackbear, backcountry hunting, habitat management, backpack hunting, bow hunting, archery, conservation, wildlife management

This is an opportunity to proactively influence a management plan document that will impact bear hunting and ecosystem management for the next 10+ years!  The Calif. Dept of Fish & Wildlife has provided a (draft) 2024 Black Bear Conservation Plan for public review and input. 

Here at HOWL we have developed no less than 78 comments, questions and recommendations for this plan. 

In this episode of @huntingainteasy I break down the core issues related to the Black Bear Conservation Plan and call upon you for fast-action to add your voice, add your HOWL so that the CDFW knows how passionate our community is about Black Bear Conservation and the use of hunting as tool which benefits bears, ungulates and humans! 

Listen. Share. Take ACTION at www.howlforwildlife.org  starting Wednesday 6/12! 

Resources and links: 

HOWL @ IG

HOWL for Wildlife website 

CDFW Black Bear Conservation Plan 

**

#california #bearhunting #blackbear #conservation #predatorhunting #predatormanagement #bearconservation #wildlifemanagement #deerhunting #elkhunting #muledeer #blacktaildeer #bear 

In the 2nd of several parts of our black bear series I get to spend some time with Seth Watts.  Seth runs the "Black_Bear_Pursuit" IG page and has been bit hard by the black bear hunting and scouting bug.  His IG page is one of the best out there for black bears, with some outstanding trailcam locations, some highly entertaining bears show up on his cams and they hang around long enough for us all to learn a few things. 

Seth's bear scouting and hunting is not in what most people would consider typical "ideal black bear" habitat - which just shows how much we have to learn about bears.  His prime spots range from 1500-5500 elevation typically and he sees more bears down low in late season.  We get into his approach to scouting, finding sign and habitat these bears frequent, and how he sets his cameras up to learn as much as possible. 

If there's anything you should do after this episode it's 1) consider lower elevation black bear habitat if you can find water, food and cover that bear love and 2) follow Seth @ Black_Bear_Pursuit on IG. You'll be inspired and entertained by the content he is sharing. 

 

California hunting, deer hunting, bear hunting, black bear, mule deer, blacktail deer, blackbear, backcountry hunting, habitat management, backpack hunting, bow hunting, archery, conservation, wildlife management

This episode is specific to some planning I'm doing around the 8/18/21 Fish & Game Commission meeting. While the specific date will eventually pass, the content and reason for this episode is timeless and we will do this again - so please listen up. 

 

8/18 is the next Calif. Fish & Game Commission meeting. There's nothing super controversial on the agenda, so it's an ideal time for hunters who want to become educated and active, to see, learn and join the process. 

Kevin Vella (NWTF) and I will host a pre-game planning session on Monday 8/18 so to help educate everyone on how these meetings work, what to expect, what not to expect and how we will join the meeting and participate. The best part about this is that we can introduce ourselves in public comment, let the Commission know that the hunting community is part of the "social" and the "science" that they need to balance. 

If you want to join us for this meeting or future pre-meeting prep sessions just message me on IG  instagram.com/HuntingAintEasy 

Commission meeting schedule and agenda are here: https://fgc.ca.gov/Meetings/2021

 

California hunting, deer hunting, bear hunting, black bear, mule deer, blacktail deer, blackbear, backcountry hunting, habitat management, backpack hunting, bow hunting, archery, conservation, wildlife management

Get involved and help us WIN - let's bring back the use of HOUNDS

- for bears, support AB 1038

- for mountain lions, support SB 818 

**

Headwaters Retreat - follow along and let me know if you want to reserve some time at the camp! 

AirBnb Link: http://airbnb.com/h/headwaters-retreat

Headwaters Retreat - Facebook 

Headwaters Retreat - Instagram

 

In this short episode I give a quick recap of the August California Fish & Game Commission meeting, where a small group of citizen hunters without any official affiliation spoke during Public Comments. It is unusual for the hunting community to join these meetings to speak of their personal interests and priorities related to hunting. The Commission expressed appreciation and welcomed our presence, and our contribution. 

Looking ahead the F&G Commission's Wildlife Resource Committee will meet on 9/16. This is an important committee and meeting for big game hunters to be familiar with, and to engage on a regular basis.  The WRC is where mammal hunting regs, habitat priorities and fire/drought resilience plans are created. 

I will host 2 pre-WRC meetings to help hunters new to the F&G Commission process, where we will discuss how public comments work and how new regulations can be supported, opposed or created by citizen input. 

The Hunting Ain't Easy meeting-prep sessions will be shared on my instagram @ www.instagram.com/huntingainteasy

- Message me there if you'd like to join the calls and learn more about hunter advocacy, engagement and dialogue with the F&G Commission. 

https://fgc.ca.gov/Meetings/2021 

https://fgc.ca.gov/Regulations/Submit-Comments

https://fgc.ca.gov/Regulations 

 

HOWL For Wildlife

#Hunting #Conservation #Wildlife #Muledeer #California #Habitat #Blackbear #BearHunting #HSUS #DeerHunting #ElkHunting #Wilderness #Deer #Whitetail #Elk #Blacktail #Advocate #Activist #Howl

California hunting, deer hunting, bear hunting, black bear, mule deer, blacktail deer, blackbear, backcountry hunting, habitat management, backpack hunting, bow hunting, archery. 

 

On Jan 11th and 12th there is a Wildlife Resource Committee meeting that needs you.  How can you contribute? Email before Jan 5th. Attend in person (Sacramento).  Attend via zoom! 

What's in play? Well here's the Agenda

- Petition 2021-017: 2nd bear tag, new premium hunts statewide, modernized Big Game draw system

- Bear mgmt plan update: we must be listening and contributing to this today. 

- Elk mgmt plan update: new zones, more tags, improved opportunity! 

One click to send your support for our HOWL petition... "vote - send - share". 

Got questions... hit me up via Instagram @HuntingAintEasy let's talk! 

Habitat matters. 

Nothing else matters about wildlife populations and management if the underlying habitat isn't robust and healthy.  On the bet that enhancing and restoring the forest and riparian areas of a chunk of burned land can add value and improve things for mule deer and other critters, I just bought myself a habitat project! 

Listen in and follow along... as this multi-year project is just getting started! 

"Plumas Headwaters Retreat" on IG

HOWL for Wildlife online 

Camp Leland - Tiny Cabin for Big Adventures @ 6300' 

2 Dog Lodge - Camp Connell @ 5000' 

 

#conservation #habitat #dixiefire #timberstandimprovement #riparianhabitat #fireremediation #muledeer 

For Part 5 of our Black Bear hunting series we feature a great conversation with Brian Kyncy ( https://kyncyguideservice.com) a guide, hunter and fisherman with over 4 decades of experience in the woods of Northern California. Brian is passionate about bears and all their crazy quirks, possibly because he was charged by a black bear way back when he was just 11 years old.  In spite of having the opportunity to hunt with hounds taken away over a decade ago, Kyncy Guide Service continues to bring clients into the woods to find mature bears, slowly, quietly and effectively by patterning them around food, water and cover that bears stick to. During our call he shares stories and tactics that are sure to entertain you while putting some new tools into your how-to-hunt kit. We get into wallows, water, bear senses (the nose knows!) stand and ambush hunting techniques and how to tune into some of the critters that'll alert you to predators when they come into your stand area. 

Check out Brian and his family on IG @ www.instagram.com/KyncyGuideService and feel free to hit him up if you want some insights to finding NorCal black bears. 

Follow Hunting Ain't Easy podcast on Instagram www.instagram.com/HuntingAintEasy 

 

California hunting, deer hunting, bear hunting, black bear, mule deer, blacktail deer, blackbear, backcountry hunting, habitat management, backpack hunting, bow hunting, archery, conservation, wildlife management

 

The team over at Vantage Point Archery reached out to talk shop and we went down all the rabbit holes. Listen along as we discuss the importance of advocacy, HOWL for Wildlife, archery and of course their lineup of premium American made broadheads.  Are you a hand-gunner? You'll want to learn about the new compensator from Vantage Point Armory!! 

Click through, comment, follow and engage! 

Vantage Point Archery - IG

Vantage Point Archery - online

HOWL for Wildlife - your fast & effective hunter advocacy portal 

Camp Leland - D6 Zone Adventure Cabin

2 Dog Lodge - Camp Connell, D5 Zone 

Coloradans for Responsible Wildlife Mgmt 

#archery #vantagepoint #americanmade #hunting #bowhunting #howlforwildlife #conservation #deerhunting #bearhunting #muledeer #2A #handgun #broadheads

Part 2 of 2.

Dan Ryan is an avid hunter and outdoorsman with a profession that allows him to get to know land and habitat all over California.  In this 2 part podcast Dan and I get down to talking about 6 of the most popular and accessible "draw zones" which require a Premium tag for archery, rifle/general or muzzleloader hunt opportunities. Any hunter with 3 to 17 points in California is probably considering hunting or scouting these zones as they offer diverse terrain, high quality hunts and the potential for a truly great California buck. 

You can reach out to Dan directly via the Bureau of Land Mgmt, in the Susanville CA office: 530-249-8559 or Email dryan@blm.gov  

California Big Game Draw resources are found in the Big Game Digest... we have until June 2nd to put in for the draw, so it's time to study and make some choices. 

Follow Hunting Ain't Easy on Instagram 

Want to protect hunting rights, opportunity and support quality wildlife mgmt across all states and all species - follow HOWL For Wildlife! 

 

#Hunting #MuleDeer #California #Bear #Deer #Conservation #Wildlife

Charles Whitwam and I jam on the issues, problems and outright threats embedded in SB856. This California legislation has some shiny and attractive bait to attract hunters' attention, but the boring sections of the Senate Bill are NOT GOOD for California hunters, outdoors enthusiasts, farmers and ranchers. OPPOSE SB856. 

Links: 

Take Action @ HOWL

HOWL on Instagram

Hunting Ain't Easy on Instagram

Calif. F&G Meeting - Guard the Gate and support bear hunting 

 

Quick recap on the Oct. meeting of the Calif. Fish & Game Commission discussing a proposed regulatory change to provide Elk, Deer, Sheep and Antelope hunters some recourse when public land closures impact their hunts. This is a big move from CDFW and F&G to both acknowledge an issue impacting thousands of hunters, and then to move forward with long-term regulatory changes which impact affected hunters in a positive way. 

This is a short episode, but there is a lot of material that you should review - become informed and communicate to F&G what you think about these regulatory changes.  Finally - thank Backcountry Hunters, California Deer Association, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and Wild Sheep Foundation for their support of these regulatory changes. 

Call to action: read the proposed regulations and let Fish & Game know what you think. If you're in support, they need to know. If you are not in support, they need to know!  EMAIL Fish & Game Commission. 

Calif. Fish & Game Commission

Notice of Proposed Changes (11/2/21)

Proposed Changes to Regulations – Tag returns and point & fee refunds

Hunting Ain’t Easy – Instagram

HOWL For Wildlife

#Hunting #Conservation #Wildlife #Muledeer #California #Habitat #Blackbear #BearHunting #HSUS #DeerHunting #ElkHunting #Wilderness #Deer #Whitetail #Elk #Blacktail #Advocate #Activist #Howl

Buck down!! I should be on cloud 9, stoked, yeah? 

I can no longer say I'm 5 seasons in without a buck down.  Many lessons learned this year, especially as I'm finding the difference between "trail cam" scouting and hunt scouting. They're not the same. Trail cams yield good intel and huge amounts of data, fun pictures and a decent idea of what wildlife is in the area. However a number of hunt experiences have shown me that the time it takes to place and retrieve trail cams might be better spent actually scouting for deer with the same techniques you use to hunt. I break some of the intel that went into the successful hunt down, and then I get into some details of the hunt that leave me dissatisfied, even disappointed. 

Just goes to show, that even when a great buck walks right in front of you, there's luck, skill and patience that need to come into play - otherwise Hunting Ain't Easy. 

More stories and pics online @ www.instagram.com/HuntingAintEasy

Hit me up with your thoughts, questions, comments.  

HOWL For Wildlife

#Hunting #Conservation #Wildlife #Muledeer #California #Habitat #Blackbear #BearHunting #HSUS #DeerHunting #ElkHunting #Wilderness #Deer #Whitetail #Elk #Blacktail #Advocate #Activist #Howl

California hunting, deer hunting, bear hunting, black bear, mule deer, blacktail deer, blackbear, backcountry hunting, habitat management, backpack hunting. 

 

2022 was a tough year for my hunting - not so much because of critters, or weather, or mountain conditions.  Work, family, priorities, decisions and distractions made time in the wilderness short - but it was SWEET.  

This podcast features my mountain musings, as I recap each day on the mountain and share thoughts as the hunt evolved.  I got to ride out a nice little snow/wind/rain storm, saw a lot of deer and put a bear in my sights too! 

Follow along and hope you enjoy the stories. 

IG: https://www.instagram.com/huntingainteasy  

HOWL for Wildlife: https://www.howlforwildlife.org/  

AB1038 brings hounds back to the bear woods in CA, and it gives the Commission and Dept the tools needed for effective black bear management, increased harvest where warranted and more effective conflict reduction. 

This is a nationwide call to action - because a win in California is a win for everyone! Time to step in and help here... this will be a long campaign where we are approaching the 2nd gate, of about 7 if we are to take this all the way. 

Every inch of progress is a win, and gets us closer to the next steps for improved wildlife management in California. 

Take Action: https://www.howlforwildlife.org/cabearab1038 

Join the HOWL Pack: https://www.howlforwildlife.org/memberships 

Share this BLOG about bears. https://www.howlforwildlife.org/why_california_needs_better_bear_management

 

#bearhunting #blackbear #wildlifemanagement #conservation #californiahunting #blacktaildeer #muledeer #elk #rockymountainelk #bears #wildlife #wildlifeconservation #ecosystems #sustainable #wildharvest #hunting #deerhunting #elkhunting #predatormanagement #predators 

We're back!!! 

2022 and 2023 have been tough on the podcasting schedule, but this hunt is a perfect reboot for the podcast and will lead into several hunting stories, and advocacy topics that hunters here in CA need to stay engaged on. 

In this episode I share a little background about my new "Sponsors"... (HA!)  "2 Dog Lodge" and "Camp Leland".  As always I also encourage you to click over to HOWL for Wildlife - and take action! 

**

Camp Leland – Tiny Cabin for Big Adventure, surrounded by Stanislaus National Forest at 6300’ elevation this cabin in the woods is your perfect outpost for D6 zone hunting, scouting, hiking, fishing adventure and relaxation. Sleeps 2 to 4, plus offers garage access for vehicles, trailers and toys.

• https://camp_leland.staydirectly.com/
• https://airbnb.com/h/camp-leland

Howl For Wildlife – wildlife and conservation success are deeply intertwined with hunter rights and opportunities. As a community we must advocate for our interests. HOWL together to send messages supporting hunting and balanced wildlife management to the right stakeholders so that we can protect the lifestyle and the wildlife that we love to see on the landscape.

• https://www.howlforwildlife.org

2 Dog Lodge – Camp Connell @ 5000’ – Our cabin in the woods off HWY 4 is the best family-friendly and dog-functional cabin you’ll find. With sleeping arrangements for up to 8 guests (including the sofa bed), easy access, year-round plow service and a fenced yard this cabin in the woods is relaxing, fun and located close to 4-seasons full of mountain adventures.   

• https://airbnb.com/h/2doglodge
• https://2doglodge.staydirectly.com/

There are some things that really piss me off. This Part 1 of 2... 

Charles (Howl For Wildlife) is often on the receiving end of my texts, calls or emails where I'm just a bit triggered by what I consider BS in and around the hunting community. Whether it is legacy NGOs who don't pull their weight, or anti-hunting orgs who corrupt data and manipulate the hunting community.. or actual "hunters" who think hiding our adventure and success is the way to protecting what we love. 

Agree or disagree, let me know.  

Want to get involved and support a media campaign that nurtures support for quality wildlife management and hunting as intrinsic human right? LET US KNOW... Join Howl For Wildlife. 

Hunting is Human 

Hunting Ain't Easy 

Howl for Wildlife 

Take Action Here 

In our first syndicated HOWLCAST Update of 2024 we focus on two of the hotspots that need nationwide attention and support from the hunting and outdoors community: Washington State and Colorado. Because the anti-hunting industry uses their nationwide fundraising, legal and political power to attack at the local and state level, it has become crystal clear that hunters, anglers and supporters of true wildlife conservation need to rally together. The threats that face WA and CO this year can and will surface in dozens of other states - either by forcing changes to predator management, methods of take, taking away trapping or removing your ability to hunt/trail/track/retrieve game with sporting dogs & hounds.    HOWLCAST and HOWL For Wildlife is a resource for our community. In line with the conversation in this Feb. 2024 update, please follow and share the following online resources and social media:    HOWL for Wildlife - join and take action with us.   Save The Hunt Colorado - follow, share and donate today.  Howl - on Instagram Coloradans for Responsible Wildlife Mgmt - on Instagram    ** Looking for a GREAT 4-season adventure cabin in the Sierra Nevada?  Check out "2 Dog Lodge" and "Camp Leland". Both of these dog-friendly cabins offer year-round access and are within minutes of some excellent deer and bear hunting habitat.  Bring the family and enjoy some mountain time, or use the cabins for base-camping while you're chasing critters during the day.    #Colorado #Washington #trophyhunting #wolves #mountainlion #California #hunting #elk #elkhunting #deerhunting #muledeer #bear #bearhunting #blackbear #advocacy #wildlife #conservation 

Use these links to follow along: 

- WATERFOWL Recommendations

- BIG GAME Hunt Recommendations

- Email Support and feedback by end of day 12/9: fgc@fgc.ca.gov

- HOWL for Wildlife... JOIN THE PACK! 

- Message me on IG for Q&A - HuntingAintEasy 

Quick summary... CDFW is bringing regulations update package for Commission review and discussion (and decision!). It all adds up to more hunting opportunity, science-based wildlife mgmt decisions. Let's rally some support for this work, while we lean into the other hot topics that are coming up in 2025. 

 

The Wildlife Resource Committee meeting with the F&G Commission and CDFW this week brought out the WORST in the anti-hunters, and they showed up in numbers.  The hunting community didn't show up in the numbers we hoped, but our voices are unique, diverse and respectful - which means we are heard much better by the Dept and F&G.  Meeting Documents linked here. 

This 1-hour discussion is a recap of the highs and lows of the WRC meeting, with some commentary on our NEED to show up (here and with F&G) and the NEED to share our hunting stories and values with people who are in the non-hunting camp. If we don't define the conversation, words and values of hunting - then the crazed looney-tunes anti-hunters will define us, and that is not good for hunting, conservation or wildlife. 

Biggest Wins: the Dept will bring to rulemaking new regs to close the loophole that enables individual hunters to pull high-point value tags every year, without ever fully going "to the back of the line".  "the Grandma loophole will be closed - and our Big Game Draw will be better, more equitable and fairer because of it. 

Please consider following or bookmarking these pages: 

www.instagram.com/huntingainteasy 

www.instagram.com/howlforwildlife.org 

www.howlforwildlife.org 

https://fgc.ca.gov/Meetings/2023 (2023 Fish & Game meetings in CA)

 

Calif. end of season mule deer hunting... chasing the buck after a cold and snowy fall storm, hoping to catch them on the way towards their migration routes. I talk about some of my winter gear setup, the mental break that I had and subsequent "quit" on the hunt. Some thoughts about staying in the game instead of giving myself an "out" from the grind of wind, snow and cold. 

Let me know your thoughts @ Instagram "HuntingAintEasy" 

#muledeer #californiahunting #backcountryhunting #nationalforest #deerhunting #muledeercountry #muledeerhunting #publiclandhunting 

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Camp Leland – Tiny Cabin for Big Adventure, surrounded by Stanislaus National Forest at 6300’ elevation this cabin in the woods is your perfect outpost for D6 zone hunting, scouting, hiking, fishing adventure and relaxation. Sleeps 2 to 4, plus offers garage access for vehicles, trailers and toys.

• https://camp_leland.staydirectly.com/
• https://airbnb.com/h/camp-leland

Howl For Wildlife – wildlife and conservation success are deeply intertwined with hunter rights and opportunities. As a community we must advocate for our interests. HOWL together to send messages supporting hunting and balanced wildlife management to the right stakeholders so that we can protect the lifestyle and the wildlife that we love to see on the landscape.

• https://www.howlforwildlife.org

2 Dog Lodge – Camp Connell @ 5000’ – Our cabin in the woods off HWY 4 is the best family-friendly and dog-functional cabin you’ll find. With sleeping arrangements for up to 8 guests (including the sofa bed), easy access, year-round plow service and a fenced yard this cabin in the woods is relaxing, fun and located close to 4-seasons full of mountain adventures.   

• https://airbnb.com/h/2doglodge
• https://2doglodge.staydirectly.com/

For this episode I talk with Devin O'dea from the California chapter of the Backcountry Hunters and Anglers. While BHA is known to stir controversy and division at the national level, the work they're doing in CA is worth a good look and I believe deserves the support of the California hunting community. You don't have to be a member of the BHA to follow the work they do and put your voice behind the public land hunting initiatives they support. Better yet, if you're in the Southern California area there's a good chance their boots-on-the-ground effort to inventory and renovate hundreds of guzzlers could directly benefit your hunting. 

Give this a listen and get to know the local efforts that affect California hunters. 

California Chapter of the BHA

California State Game Refuges

National Wildlife Refuges in California

HR972 TEXT

BHA Blog covering HR972

BHA and TRCP authored report on hunting access on National Wildlife Refuges

BHA Opposition to 2021 bear hunting ban legislation

 

California hunting, deer hunting, bear hunting, black bear, mule deer, blacktail deer, blackbear, backcountry hunting, habitat management, backpack hunting, bow hunting, archery, conservation, wildlife management

Kicking off the Bear series I sit down with Jonathan Fusaro. He's a wildlife biologist, hunter and former researcher for the California Dept of Fish & Wildlife.  Jonathan's focus of study has been the Eastern Sierra Nevada region (Mono County and nearby zones including X8, X9a/b, X10 and X12.  We discuss some of his published work as well as some bear population surveys in CA which have not yet been published, then get into the habits and habitat and population estimates for these "east side" bears. Jonathan describes how he would approach hunting the high alpine zone just east of Yosemite in X12 as well as where he would look for bears feeding on pinon nuts in the late season. 

The bear hunt opportunity in the eastern Sierra zone is incredible, with healthy and growing populations and relatively low hunter pressure or harvest. If you're seeking a wild and scenic bear hunt in some of the most spectacular mountain or high desert habitat consider a trip to this area.  

 

California hunting, deer hunting, bear hunting, black bear, mule deer, blacktail deer, blackbear, backcountry hunting, habitat management, backpack hunting, bow hunting, archery, conservation, wildlife management

 

No matter what the game is you're chasing, your overall fitness is going to limit you or it will power you.  Fitness is a year-round pursuit, just like hunting. There's scouting seasons, planning seasons and hunting seasons.  Keeping your body in mountain ready condition requires seasons for building strength, seasons for building endurance, and seasons for performing. No matter what season you're in, the fuel you put into your body will affect the outcome.  Food, water, nutrients, supplements need to be sync'd to your training plan and your goals. 

I got to spend some time with Kyle Alton to chat about hunting, and fueling the body for optimal performance. Kyle is an experienced hunter and personal trainer (10+ years), and he's merging these passions with a food/nutrition/fueling coaching program to help hunters achieve their goals and maintain the edge that good fueling can provide. 

Find Kyle on instagram @ Fuel the  Hunt 

Thanks again for your support, feedback and engagement with the Hunting Ain't Easy Podcast! 

mountain fitness / wilderness athlete / hike to hunt / train to hunt / fuel the hunt / food is fuel / muledeer / black bear / elk hunting / 

Wouldn’t it be great if the hunting community had a single platform where we could voice our support for conservation, wildlife management through hunting, and hunting rights & opportunities? What if there was a place where we could #GuardTheGate?

Heck yes!! Charles Whitwam has created HOWL For Wildlife to do exactly that. Charles is a hunter and guide, a wildlife advocate and conservationist. You may know him as ShadowTrekker Adventures.

I sit down with Charles to learn about HOWL, his inspiration and goals for the site. We talk about our need to energize and transform the communications power of the 15 MILLION hunters in the US. We talk about the outright lies and misrepresentation of facts that anti-hunters use to manipulate people’s emotions and actions.

Friends – go to HOWL and check it out. Take Action, Share the Site with fellow hunters and your non-hunting friends who value balanced wildlife mgmt..

Hit me up at HuntingAintEasy to follow along, comment or ask questions.

#Hunting #Conservation #Wildlife #Muledeer #California #Habitat #Blackbear #BearHunting #HSUS #PETA #HumanSociety #Wilderness #Deer #Whitetail #Elk #Blacktail #AnimalRights #Advocate #Activist #Howl #Ecology #AZGFD #CDFW #FishandGame #Colorado #Arizona #Washington #Oregon #Idaho #Utah #Montana #Wyoming #Regulations

Putting a cap on the Bear Series I go solo on the podcast, the same way I hunt! In this episode I touch on how I approach purchasing new equipment and gear, get into the ups and downs of self-learned lessons of archery and bow hunting and I share a handful of bear and deer encounters that took place over a 3 weekends of the 2020 archery season.  

Check out some of pics of the skull, and a quick video of the bear before I nocked an arrow, at www.instagram.com/huntingainteasy 

Are you ready to hunt bears?? They're plentiful in CA, and the meat is fantastic if you take care of it after harvest - go for it!! 

Learn more about bear zones & seasons in CA online @ https://wildlife.ca.gov/Hunting/Bear 

Archery bear season in all bear zones opens August 21, 2021, and runs through September 12, 2021.

General bear season opens concurrently with general deer season in the A, B, C, D, X8, X9A, X9B, X10 and X12 deer hunting zones and extends through December 26, 2021. For zones X1 through X7b, the general bear season begins October 9, 2021, and extends through December 26, 2021.

General bear season closes on December 26, 2021, or earlier, if the Department determines that 1,700 bears have been reported taken. This includes bears harvested during the archery season.

 

California hunting, deer hunting, bear hunting, black bear, mule deer, blacktail deer, blackbear, backcountry hunting, habitat management, backpack hunting, bow hunting, archery. 

The California black bear series continues (part 3 of 6)! I got to sit down and talk with Joe Kondelis of the Western Bear Foundation. For nearly 15 years Western Bear Foundation has been an active conservation org working to preserve, protect and support healthy black bear populations and the opportunity to hunt them. They're close to the issues of human/bear conflict, and the impacts that are taking place as unhunted apex predators (G-bears) expand their habit and exceed population targets. Joe has committed much of his life's work to being passionate about black bears and the issues that relate to their success on the landscape, and our opportunity to hunt them.  

Joe's experience with Western Bear Foundation connects to many of the lessons we can learn and apply here in the state of California as the hunting community comes together to become the thought, science and policy leader for issues that impact wildlife populations and hunting opportunity. 

Check out Western Bear Foundation and for just $30 join the roster of supporters as success in their mission will ultimately help CA black bear populations and hunting.  https://www.westernbearfoundation.org/  https://www.instagram.com/westernbearfoundation  

 

California hunting, deer hunting, bear hunting, black bear, mule deer, blacktail deer, blackbear, backcountry hunting, habitat management, backpack hunting, bow hunting, archery, conservation, wildlife management

"The steal our tag funds and squander them away on BS that does nothing for wildlife!!!!" 

This is THE rant we hear too often... but is it true?  Listen in on this episode where Mike talks with the #1 expert on big game hunting regulatory process and topics in Calif. He's a hunter and has been working as a lobbyist to represent hunters and conservation groups in Calif. for many years. Listen in and tell me what you think. 

ALSO: coming up in 2024 and 2025... expect new bear and deer mgmt plans. These are going to be EPIC projects that will certainly spur some big debate, but should advance wildlife management AND balance opportunity with sustainable populations of the critters we love. 

Resources: 

Hunting Ain't Easy - like, follow & share! 

HOWL for Wildlife - join, take action and win for hunting and wildlife conservation! 

CDFW - Big Game Mgmt Account 

CDFW - SHARE program 

California Fish & Game Commission Calendar - get involved! 

Cabins in the woods... "2 Dog Lodge" and "Camp Leland" 

 

#california #wildlife #conservation #hunting #deerhunting #bearhunting #citizenadvocacy #blackbear #muledeer #elkhunting #blacktaildeer #californiahunting #howl #howlforwildlife 

 

10 days of backcountry, DIY, OTC, solo, public land, archery, mule deer hunting - turned into 6 days of adventure! Ok what can we add in to make it more difficult: wildfire smoke, haze & a drought year? In this episode I piece together 7 segments recorded while on the hunt in the central Sierra Nevada, chasing mule deer bucks. The mountains dished up all the expected mental and physical challenges, plus a few surprises - a badger, a peregrine falcon in full dive, and a honey-blonde bear at sunset! Listen in as I share some of the ups and downs of this hunt.  Seriously I was lucky to get this hunt in as 9 of California's National Forests were closed during the first week of archery, and within days of getting back from this hunt ALL of the NF land in CA was closed down. 

Images from this hunt and more @ www.instagram.com/HuntingAintEasy 

HOWL For Wildlife

#Hunting #Conservation #Wildlife #Muledeer #California #Habitat #Blackbear #BearHunting #HSUS #DeerHunting #ElkHunting #Wilderness #Deer #Whitetail #Elk #Blacktail #Advocate #Activist #Howl

 

California hunting, deer hunting, bear hunting, black bear, mule deer, blacktail deer, blackbear, backcountry hunting, habitat management, backpack hunting, bow hunting, archery. 

The attacks from a global anti-hunting (anti-human) industry are ever present. They have incrementally shifted minds and hearts by defining words while our community was not looking. Now we must enter the arena, fight to share our stories, values and the success of hunting as a sustainable tool for wildlife success and conservation. 

In this episode: 

- Winning the minds of non-hunters

- Don't call them animal rights activists 

- Consumptive and non-consumptive users have the same goals. 

How to engage and participate as a hunter-advocate - go to HOWL for Wildlife

Looking for an amazing cabin to explore, relax and have fun in the Sierra Nevada... check out "2 Dog Lodge" and "Camp Leland". 

Want to support hunting rights in Colorado in 2024... donate to Coloradans for Responsible Wildlife Mgmt. 

 

#trophyhunting #hunting #conservation #colorado #deerhunting #bearhunting #mountainlion #animalrights #wildlife #howlforwildlife 

 

Listen. Share. Discuss. and Support!!

It's not often the hunting community can get behind hunting regulation changes with enthusiasm, but I bring you this podcast with hope and genuine optimism.  For most of the last few decades it seems as though California has not evolved hunting regulations, seasons, administrative practices, tag allocations or wildlife management in a way that supports hunters or hunting opportunity. Other western states are far more creative, proactive and progressive - and both the hunters and wildlife in those states can benefit. 

This episode we get into 2 specific items on the 12/15/21 Fish & Game Commission meeting agenda. 

Item #13 - is the CDFW proposed regulatory change related to tag returns, point reinstatement and refunds, in response to widespread public lands closures. 

Item #15 - features a HUGE petition for regulatory, administrative, tag allocation and season changes or creation which will spur a ton of debate and hopefully be a new beginning for how CDFW approaches problem solving, hunter opportunity. 

Listen. Learn. Share. Comment - via email or via the public comments opportunities during the 12/15 meeting. 

***Most importantly: we need to support the Item #15 petition being "referred for additional review and consideration" so that CDFW, Dan, biologists and the hunting public can continue working on the ideas presented to craft changes that may go into effect over the next 1-5 years. 

If you want the Petition documents sent via email - drop me a DM at www.instagram.com/huntingainteasy and I'll send them your way.  

HOWL For Wildlife

#Hunting #Conservation #Wildlife #Muledeer #California #Habitat #Blackbear #BearHunting #HSUS #DeerHunting #ElkHunting #Wilderness #Deer #Whitetail #Elk #Blacktail #Advocate #Activist #Howl

Join HOWL's Jan 28th "Wolf Lessons Learned" Townhall featuring Justin Webb (Foundation for Wildlife Mgmt) and Jess Johnson (Wyoming Wildlife Federation)....  MEMBERS ONLY so join today! 

Wolves are here, and they're not going away. Planting flags of extreme support, or extreme opposition, only guarantees a long fight, unresolved conflict, and more work for lawyers.  So... how do we bring stakeholders together to build effective, sustainable and adaptive mechanisms which can drive success for everyone?? We need to start talking, working together, finding shared goals and building towards those objectives. 

Is California on the way to an ecosystem crisis, with more wolves than native and wild habitat can support? 

Does the 9-10 year old Wolf Mgmt Plan need an update, before we are in crisis mode? 

Listen in to this first of several discussions about the complex and too-often, too-emotional topic of wolves.  John Marchwick (California Wolf Watch) and I have a productive discussion, minus the hyperbole and hysterics. 

HOWL For Wildlife - JOIN

California Wolf Watch - Facebook 

CDFW / California Dept of Fish & Wildlife - Wolf Mgmt. 

HOWL for Wildlife - Instagram 

**

#California #wolves #wolf #whaleback #hunting #wildlife #conservation #endangeredspeciesact #wolfrecovery #wildlifemanagement #predator #predatormanagement #wildlifeconservation #elk #muledeer #howlforwildlife 

 

Please... Listen and Share 

Malcolm Brooks is the uncle of Taylen and Wyatt Brooks, the young men who were enjoying a day of shed hunting, scouting and outdoors recreation when they were attacked by a mountain lion. Malcolm shares the story of the attack, and wildlife management policies gone wrong here in California, in a newly published New York Times Magazine article (Jan 2025). 

NYT Magazine Article

Malcolm Brooks - Substack

HOWL for Wildlife - Join the Pack 

**

#mountainlion #predators #hunting #california #wildlife #wildlifeconservation #predatorhunting #wildlifemanagement #predatormanagement #coexist #livingwithlions #mountainlionfoundation #cdfw #fishandwildlife #advocacy #malcolmbrooks #colorado #antihunting 

Welcome to Hunting Ain't Easy... listen, share & take action here! . https://www.howlforwildlife.org/cacoyote 

The backstory on this issue is shared via Chriss Bowles (California Bowmen Hunters) and Charles & Mike (HOWL). Bottom line is that bad optics and complete lack of context has some folks at the F&G Commission thinking that coyote (nongame species) need special regulations developed for hunting.  Whooaaaaa nooooo they do not. Not when we have limited resources, limited time, limited staff and there's huge pressing issues such as bear, deer, elk, bobcat and wolf management plan updates! 

Mad thanks to the Bowmen Hunters in California. They're involved at the front lines right alongside HOWL for Wildlife! 

Even if you're not in California you can HELP us get in front of this issue. We need to stop it, right in its tracks... there's other work to do.  Take Action. Share the podcast and the Action to your community. Advocacy works, and your voice is needed. 

HOWL Pack Membership 

California Bowmen Hunters - check them out

HOWL Action Center 

***

#coyote #hunting #california #predatorhunting #predatormanagement #ranching #livestock #depredation #predatorcontrol #coyotehunting #conservation #wildlifemanagement #wildlifeconservation #wildlife #advocacy #howlforwildlife #woolgrowers #cattle #sheep #californiacattle #lamb 

The Hunting Ain’t Easy podcast brings listeners of all skill levels and experience stories, knowledge and perspective to make them better hunters and more active conservationists. Based in and focused on public land hunting opportunity and issues in California the undeniable fact is that... hunting ain’t easy. 

Easy or not, hunting in California offers rewarding and fun experiences chasing some of the most iconic big game species in North America.  We believe that hunting in the Golden State can only get better if more people participate, appreciate or at least understand the positive role of hunting in our wildlands

Find our pictures and stories on Instagram @ www.instagram.com/huntingainteasy 

 

California hunting, deer hunting, bear hunting, black bear, mule deer, blacktail deer, blackbear, backcountry hunting, habitat management, backpack hunting, bow hunting, archery, conservation, wildlife management

Leading into the California D-zone general season opener I ventured into the backcountry for a day of scouting and then what could have been up to 3 days hunting.  Thursday night hike in, a day of scouting, glassing and checking cameras on Friday and then a solid hunt day on Saturday - with several "first time ever" events that made it a uniquely special day. 

I'll say this... Hunting (still) Ain't Easy, no matter how much success you're having, public land "OTC" hunts take work, dedication, time and some luck to bring it all together. 

Did this hunt go the way it did because of luck, because of accumulated knowledge, skills learned through hard (losses) lessons in the mountains?  Probably all of the above. 

Check out the pics at IG: www.instagram.com/huntingainteasy 

HOWL For Wildlife

#Hunting #Conservation #Wildlife #Muledeer #California #Habitat #Blackbear #BearHunting #HSUS #DeerHunting #ElkHunting #Wilderness #Deer #Whitetail #Elk #Blacktail #Advocate #Activist #Howl

California hunting, deer hunting, bear hunting, black bear, mule deer, blacktail deer, blackbear, backcountry hunting, habitat management, backpack hunting. 

CA deer season is coming in hot and we're all getting the itch to glass up bucks in the high-country! Doug Dreher is one of the most consistent (and persistent!) hunters in California. He's a self professed DiY, public land, OTC DZone hunter, and a weekend warrior on 9 out of 10 hunts! He generously shares his scouting and hunting on Instagram (www.instagram.com/the_sierra_stalker).  We chat about Doug's approach to scouting throughout the summer and early archery seasons, and we dig into his perspective on buck habits as the summer turns into fall.  

Doug shared a GREAT story about his 2019 hunt - not just the fact that he and his buddy Kirk knock down a DOUBLE on opening day as a September snow storm is rolling in - but also the backstory about this little honey hole where he found the bucks.  Based on Doug's experience, don't forget to pack your KARMA when heading into the deer woods. 

Follow the podcast on www.instagram.com/HuntingAintEasy

HOWL For Wildlife

#Hunting #Conservation #Wildlife #Muledeer #California #Habitat #Blackbear #BearHunting #HSUS #DeerHunting #ElkHunting #Wilderness #Deer #Whitetail #Elk #Blacktail #Advocate #Activist #Howl

California hunting, deer hunting, bear hunting, black bear, mule deer, blacktail deer, blackbear, backcountry hunting, habitat management, backpack hunting, bow hunting, archery, conservation, wildlife management 

Non-hunters, anti-hunters and species-preservationists... can those of us who VALUE resource for successful wildlife management rely on any of these groups for support and alignment?  Anti-hunters: no, we cannot. They would rather critters and habit fail, than have hunters participate in success for wild-life. Species-preservationist: no again. They don't believe humans are part of the natural world and deny any role hunters can/should play which interacts with wildlife. 

Non-hunters: yes, we can align values with this group.  I believe that absolutely, 100%, the hunting community MUST gain do better to communicate with our non-hunting friends, neighbors, coworkers and family.  We will never "recruit, retain, reactivate" our way to a majority position in states like WA, CA, OR and maybe even AZ.  The anti-hunting orgs do massive fundraising from West/East coast metropolitan areas, because the population there is disconnected from hunters and wildlife mgmt issues.  

We must take over the arena of ideas, dialogue and leadership in wildlife mgmt and hunting - and that means sharing our realness, personalizing and normalizing hunting in the minds of non-hunters. 

I believe this conversation with a non-hunter is interesting to you, and opens the door to more of your stories being shared broadly, even where you're not sure they'll be supported. 

https://huntingainteasy.podbean.com/ 

www.instagram.com/huntingainteasy   

www.instagram.com/howl_org 

www.howlforwildlife.org 

Join HOWL for this Virtual Townhall Event: Wolves, Lessons for California 

HOWL for Wildlife welcomes Justin Webb (Executive Director of the Foundation for Wildlife Management) and Jessi Johnson (Government Affairs Director, Wyoming Wildlife Federation.)

Wolves are on the cusp of exponential population growth in California. The known wolf population nearly doubled in California in 2024 and is now reaching past 70 animals, with 9 packs acknowledged and several additional "areas of wolf activity" identified. California could trend towards 300+ wolves in CA by 2027. Wolf numbers may grow faster than management practices and policies can evolve, and a wildlife and ecosystem crisis could be the result. 

This Townhall will be a forum to learn from experts who know their way around wolf issues - including policy and practices of management. This is the beginning of several deep dives into one of the most contentious and complex wildlife issues we have in California, and really throughout North America. 

Our goal at HOWL is to build deeper education into this topic, and broaden support for successful adaptive management which supports both wild and human ecosystems. The wolf management plans for California are nearly 10 years old and need to be updated. Wolf numbers may soon warrant a delisting from "endangered status", or at least down-listing in California. Plan updates and ESA/CESA changes will surely take 1-2 years to complete, during which time the wolf population in CA could grow 3-5x from current numbers. The time to start discussions that lead to plan updates is now. 

After RSVP you'll receive an email with an link to the HOWL membership page and to the CDFW Gray Wolf information page. This is a members only event, please join HOWL for Wildlife.  

We look forward to sharing this conversation with you, and look forward to working as a community for the success of wild ecosystems!

**

#wolves #wolf #graywolf #hunting #california #conservation #wildlife #wildlifeconservation #wildlifemanagement #livestock #ranching #elkhunting #bearhunting #muledeer #deerhunting #howl #howlpack #wolfpack #howlforwildlife #colorado #oregon #washington 

This conversation is in regards to the 6/19 Commission meeting.  Join the meeting via ZOOM if you can... hunters' voices are NEEDED in this forum. 

Short notice but dig in and listen if you can. The Commission is proposing "Emergency Regulations" in response to 2 detections of CWD (Chronic Wasting Disease) in CA. 

I want the Commission and Dept. to treat other known and pre-existing "existential threats" to deer herd success with equal response. Where is the concern for deer herds being decimated by unmanaged apex predators statewide?  

And IF this is a crisis... why are we only focusing on the few zones where we know CWD exists? What about the rest of the state? 

Finally, the Dept is proposing "mandatory testing" without any indication of penalty for non-compliance and without significant resources in place to support the hunter sample turn-ins.  The dept is not ready to execute a good plan, and the Commission should be taking a higher level view of overall deer herd health, success and start implementing policy across the entire ecosystem. 

CWD Proposal Document 

Commission Meeting Agenda for 6/19  w/Zoom link

Complete set of Meeting Documents 

 

Ok so I'm hijacking the podcast platform to get a Zoom recording out so that more hunters can get a sense of what the upcoming Wildlife Resource Committee meeting (9/16/21) is all about.  I'm hosting these pre-meeting calls to help hunters learn about the rule making process, and how to get involved and informed so that hunters can have a stronger voice, and become the leaders of wildlife mgmt dialogue in CA. 

Drop me a DM at Instagram ( www.instagram.com/HuntingAintEasy ) if you want me to send you some of the resources for this 9/16 meeting and to learn about future opportunities to learn and get involved. 

The hunting community can become a powerful voice and leader for improved wildlife management, and to protect and enhance our hunting opportunities - but it'll requires each of us being informed, and participating.  

9/16 WRC Meeting Agenda

9/16 WRC Meeting Documents 

HOWL For Wildlife

#Hunting #Conservation #Wildlife #Muledeer #California #Habitat #Blackbear #BearHunting #HSUS #DeerHunting #ElkHunting #Wilderness #Deer #Whitetail #Elk #Blacktail #Advocate #Activist #Howl

California hunting, deer hunting, bear hunting, black bear, mule deer, blacktail deer, blackbear, backcountry hunting, habitat management, backpack hunting. 

From the shot to the pot, California black bears offer more than a great hunt! Meat care is of utmost importance when it comes to closing out your successful hunt, and then enjoying the harvest in the weeks and months after killing. For many experienced hunters bear meat is the #1 protein for the entire family.  Yet too many people say that bear meat is stinky and gamey and gross. How is this? It all comes down to meat care, and starts with skin off, guts out, 4 quarters broken down and the meat cooled down ASAP.

Thanks to Brian Kyncy of Kyncy Guide Service for hanging on with me to talk about the importance of meat care after a successful bear hunt. 

Resources:

Randy Newberg demonstrates the gutless method

Brian Call on bear meat care, field to table

 

California hunting, deer hunting, bear hunting, black bear, mule deer, blacktail deer, blackbear, backcountry hunting, habitat management, backpack hunting, bow hunting, archery, conservation, wildlife management

Nearly 150 MILLION Americans live within 2 hours of an ocean... so the concept of "hunting the coastal waters" is something that we all need to be aware of and support. Just like hunting, angling opportunity is part of the basic human experience, and as a community we need to be concerned about habitat quality, access and opportunity. 

Nearly 1200 pages of petitions have recently been submitted to the Calif. F&G Commission, most of them attempting to severely limit your opportunity to "hunt coastal waters" in California. Just like protecting the mtn lion hunt in Colorado, we need to become informed, and rally to support angling opportunity when it is arbitrarily threatened. 

Please listen in follow the below links and and help us take action... **We need to stop these MPA expansions and closures in order to maintain angling access and opportunity in our coastal waters** 

- Email the Calif. F&G Commission: fgc@fgc.ca.gov 

- Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Calif. - Action Item

- AllWaters.org - online

- AllWaters.org - Instagram

- Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Calif - IG 

- HOWL for Wildlife - Action Center 

#marine #angling #spearfishing #california #fishing #offshorefishing #surfing #sportfishing #surffishing #hunting #advocacy #backcountryhunters #bha #allwaters #howlforwildlife

 

 

 

 

With the CA big game draw complete there's a whole lot of chatter online about how messed up CA is. Some of this sentiment is accurate, some of it is simply uninformed - but all of it does NOTHING when vented and then forgotten. In this episode I present a few of my ideas for policy changes that'll improve our opportunities over the next few years. 

I have a feeling these ideas will be met with some disagreement. Bring it on. The end goal is more and better wildlife populations that lead to more & better big-game hunting opportunities. 

 

California hunting, deer hunting, bear hunting, black bear, mule deer, blacktail deer, blackbear, backcountry hunting, habitat management, backpack hunting, bow hunting, archery, conservation, wildlife management

After I broke my bow sight on a recent backcountry hunt, one of my first thoughts was "Mark is gonna tell me that this wouldn't happen if my bow didn't have a sight on it"! Ughh... and he did say that! Mark Sasser and I get to chat about trad-bow (aka t-rad-bow, or traditional bow hunting) life and hunting - how these simple bows create a more complex shooting and hunting experience. Mark has taken nearly a dozen bucks in CA with a traditional bow, 7 of them at less than 15 yards! So not only does trad-bow hunting require more time slinging arrows to become one with the tool in hand, but it requires a hunter to get really close.  

Is trad bow life for you? Give this a listen and maybe you'll be inspired to check it out! 

Mark Sasser www.instagram.com/california_tradbow_hunter

https://www.bwanabows.com

www.instagram.com/cbh.saa.big.game.club 

HOWL For Wildlife

#Hunting #Conservation #Wildlife #Muledeer #California #Habitat #Blackbear #BearHunting #HSUS #DeerHunting #ElkHunting #Wilderness #Deer #Whitetail #Elk #Blacktail #Advocate #Activist #Howl

California hunting, deer hunting, bear hunting, black bear, mule deer, blacktail deer, blackbear, backcountry hunting, habitat management, backpack hunting, bow hunting, traditional archery, trad bow. 

It's been TOO MANY WEEKS since the last podcast. I've had more ideas and conversations rattling around in my head than I can count, and I should've captured those and shared them. Spring and early summer were consumed with all-the-things we try to balance and stay sane: work, family, scouting, a 9-day spring bear hunt, checking and setting trail cameras in 7 different backcountry areas! 

Follow along in this podcast as I share my trail-camera journey, from 1 area in a single zone to 7 different areas across 5 different zones in CA.  I've officially maxed out my trail camera scouting capacity. 

Next up I'll do my best to share the Oregon spring bear hunt, some of my CA deer season strategies and trail camera updates as I check on the cameras in areas I will hunt this fall! 

Become an advocate for hunting and conservation @ HOWL for Wildlife ! 

HuntingAintEasy @ Instagram 

Hey friends, yes the CDFW and Fish & Game Commission is listening. We have a new Elk Biologist taking the lead and progressive NEW opportunities to hunt elk are coming our way.  3 new elk zones, modified seasons, increased bull and anterless tags - improving opportunities to hunt Tule Elk, Roosevelt Elk and Rocky Mountain Elk in California? 

How does our hunting community support and guide this across the line for a real win?? 

1) Get informed... check out the links here. 

- Dec. F&G Meeting Video 

- Dec. F&G Commission Elk Report 

2) Get active... join HOWL for Wildlife and become a voice of support!! CA F&G Commission and CDFW are listening, and hunter-advocates are becoming the leaders when it comes to conservation discussions. Join us! 

3) Send comments and then attend Jan. 11-12th Wildlife Resource Committee meeting. We need to guide the WRC to support 2021-017; support a 2nd bear tag as part of the 2023 Bear Mgmt Plan; support new Premium deer hunts!  

Once in many years CA gets the kind of storm that pushes migratory deer out of the high country before the end of the season, and thousands of hunters race to the hills trying to figure out where these bucks will be as they parade down from loft 10k foot basins to their 3500-4500' wintering grounds.  Oct. 2021 dealt us one such storm, with "the most precipitation ever recorded in a 24 hour period" for most of the state, followed by 2-3 feet of snow in the high elevations!  

So when I headed out to hunt west-slope mule deer (blacktail hybrid deer by some people's standards) I wanted to test some theories as much as I wanted to hunt.  Do the old codger bucks stay up high "until they're pushing snow with their chest", or does the entire herd drop elevation and start munching on acorns in the foothills?  

This episode recaps my 4 day hunt in CA central Sierra, part high country, part middle-elevation forest... and as always I got some adventurous scouting in that will add layers of fun and new terrain to future hunts. Migration trails, predator tracks and some very fresh buck sign was found. 

Check out some of the pics @ www.instagram.com/HuntingAintEasy

The rest of 2021 has more hunting in store though ~ 1 CA bear tag and 1 AZ archery tag in my pocket.  The hunts continue. 

California hunting, deer hunting, bear hunting, black bear, mule deer, blacktail deer, blackbear, backcountry hunting, habitat management, backpack hunting. 

HOWL For Wildlife

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