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ALL HUNTING BIG GAME CONSERVATION NEWS

Chronic Wasting Disease in NC

Chronic Wasting Disease threatens deer populations.

Chronic Wasting Disease Continues to Spread in Southeast

North Carolina becomes the latest state to detect CWD in its deer population.
Sport Hawk | 4.4.2022

The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission announced in March the first case of Chronic Wasting Disease in its white-tailed deer population. North Carolina is now the 29th state to report at least one infection of CWD and immediately took steps to implement its CWD Response Plan, which wildlife officials say has been decades in the making. To date, there are no confirmed cases of CWD transmission from cervids (deer, elk, moose) to humans. However, several studies on primates raise concerns that it might be possible, though seemingly unlikely. Hunters in all states with CWD are encouraged to have their deer tested prior to consumption, which not only ensures food safety but also helps biologist identify and manage the scope of the outbreak.

Staff photo

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ALL FISHING FLY FISHING NEWS SALTWATER WAYPOINTS

Bahamas Travel Warning! U.S. Advises Caution

Bahamas bonefishing scene off of Andros Island.

U.S. Issues Bahamas Travel Warning

Effective February 25, 2019, the U.S. State Department issued a Level 2 Travel Advisory to the Bahamas. Here’s the latest status.
Sport Hawk | 4.18.2022

The Bahamas has generated its share of angling controversy over the last decade, particularly with the adoption of new fishing regulations that some view as misguided and detrimental to the very communities they were intended to help. The rules were change in early 2017, only to be reportedly suspended the following spring, creating continued confusion among U.S. fisherman about what’s allowed and how to stay legal.

If that wasn’t enough to dampen the spirit of Bahamas-bound anglers, on February 25, 2019, the U.S. State Department issued a Level 2 Travel Advisory stating that “Violent crime, such as burglaries, armed robberies, and sexual assault, is common, even during the day and in tourist areas.” The warning stems primarily from incidents on Nassau and Grand Bahama, but it’s not the kind of P.R. the country needs to maintain its reputation as the laid-back and sunny “Bonefish Capital of the World.”

(Update: This warning was still in effect as of April 18, 2022.)

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NEWS

Man kills wildcat. Says he’s more of a dog person.

shirtless man in hospital with bloody scratches on face after wildcat attack.

Man kills wildcat with bare hands. Admits he’s more of a dog person.

Colorado trail runner Travis Kauffman went tooth and claw with one of the West’s top predators.
Sport Hawk | 2.22.19

Anyone who spends significant time in wild places will eventually ask the question: “What if..?”

What if I come face-to-face with a grizzly bear? What if that alligator continues to close the distance to my canoe? What if I’m suddenly not at the top of the food chain?

For Colorado jogger Travis Kauffman, that question answered itself when he was attacked by a juvenile mountain lion (estimated at 35 to 40 pounds) during a February 4, 2019 trail run. Speaking to Colorado Parks and Wildlife earlier this month, the 31-year old athlete described what it was like to go mano a gato with a live cougar. In a related press conference, Kauffman admitted that he actually is more of a dog person.

Categories
ALL HUNTING BIG GAME CONSERVATION NEWS

Chronic Wasting Disease State by State

A map of chronic wasting disease incidence by state
Chronic Wasting Disease is now present in 23 states. The 100% fatal neurological disorder affects whitetails, mule deer, elk, and moose. It is not known whether CWD can be transmitted to humans.
A map of chronic wasting disease incidence by state
Chronic Wasting Disease is now present in 23 states. The 100% fatal neurological disorder affects whitetails, mule deer, elk, and moose. It is not known whether CWD can be transmitted to humans.
A map of chronic wasting disease incidence by state
Chronic Wasting Disease is now present in 23 states. The 100% fatal neurological disorder affects whitetails, mule deer, elk, and moose. It is not known whether CWD can be transmitted to humans.

Chronic Wasting Disease State by State

Out-of-state hunt planning now includes a different kind of map work—understanding the CWD landscape.
Sport Hawk | 1.4.2019

As the season for submitting out-of-state license applications approaches, DIY big game hunters are faced with an even more serious issue than questions of herd densities, license fees, and success rates. Traveling sportsmen may want to assess the health of the cervid population itself. As reported in Outdoor Life and other outlets earlier this year, CWD remains on the march. Currently, 23 states have confirmed incidence of the 100%-fatal neurological disorder in wild cervid populations, which can affect white-tailed and mule deer as well as elk and moose. Sportsmen who are considering an out-of-state hunt, or those who just want to assess the threat in their own region, can find state-by-state maps, FAQs, best-practices for field dressing, butchering and testing, along with other valuable insights at the Chronic Wasting Disease Alliance website.