Gerry Bethge

Mink Attack

GerryBethge — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 11:06:40 -0400

Thousands of minks are marauding through the Brandenburg countryside, killing chickens and woodland creatures after suspected animal activists released thousands from a fur farm.

Police said they are still searching for those responsible for the break-in at the farm in Frankenförde, which resulted in the release of 4,000 minks last Sunday evening.

New Michigan Record Buck?

GerryBethge — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 10:48:11 -0400

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This buck was reportedly found dead by a lady while walking her dog in southern MI, near Clinton in the area of M-52. She apparently called a friend to come and get it out of there before it would start stinking—she did not even notice whether it was a buck or doe. Just wanted it away from her yard.

It's Classic VanDam

GerryBethge — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 15:59:08 -0500

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While the National Wild Turkey Federation was crowning their champion, BASS was doing the same. However, instead of a newcomer hoisting the trophy, BASS handed out their top honor to a three-time champ.

Indeed, Kevin VanDam targeting an area of Alabama's Lay Lake called Beeswax Creek for three straight days, totaled 51 pounds, 6 ounces of bass to take the Bassmaster Classic. VanDam says he caught seven fish off a single stump. His lure of choice was a Strike King Red Eye shad in gold and gold/sexy-shad colors.

Tons of Squid, Lots of Questions

GerryBethge — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 10:25:19 -0500

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As we mentioned on OutdoorLife.com last week, the invasion of giant squid continues unabated off the coast of California and scores of anglers are getting in on the action.

Fighting Purrs

EricAichele — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 11:56:48 -0500

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I was admittedly skeptical when Harold Knight and David Hale first introduced the Fighting Purrs back in the early ’90s. Even thought I'd read (and edited) innumerable stories on the calling system, personal success was long in coming. In fact, I pretty much scared off every gobbler I tried it on. Just when I was about to banish the Fighting Purrs from my hunting vest forever, I got a front-row seat to some real fighting purrs from some real turkeys.

15 Signs of Spring

GerryBethge — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 16:29:49 -0500

With parts of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic buried under 1 1/2 to 3-feet of snow, everyone can likely use some wishful thinking, so here it is our: 15 Signs of Spring

Coyote Contest Time

GerryBethge — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 09:39:18 -0500

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President's Weekend is fast approaching and with it, two of the biggest coyote-hunting contests in the Northeast.

The 2010 Mosquito Creek Sportsmen's Association Coyote Hunt is slated for Feb. 19 to 21. A registration fee of $10 is required, but $8 of each fee is paid out to successful hunters. Joushua Simcisko claimed a check of $7,600 in last year's contest with his 50.95 pound dog. There were 3,800 registered coyote hunters last year. Thursday, February 18 is the last day to register. For more information, call 814-263-4510 or 814-263-4991.

The End of Jersey Sharking?

GerryBethge — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 15:57:12 -0500

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From APP.com...

New Jersey fishermen could see a shutdown of the summer shark fishery - and the suspension of big-money shark fishing tournaments - because a two-year-old revision of the state's marine fishing regulations was not approved before former governor Jon Corzine left office, industry advocates say.

Florida Fish Kill Disaster

GerryBethge — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 11:55:31 -0500

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The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has issued an emergency executive order which extends the closed harvest seasons for snook statewide and establishes temporary statewide closed harvest seasons for bonefish and tarpon.

Record cold temperatures across the lower half of the state hammered the populations of these economically important species. The temporary closed seasons provide time for the FWC to evaluate the impacts to fish populations that occurred because of the recent prolonged cold weather in Florida. FWC officials reiterate that anglers can still practice catch and release fishing for these species. However, many anglers are voluntarily choosing to keep pressure off the species entirely.

Expelled After Hunting

GerryBethge — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 16:36:56 -0500

From News 10 in Sacramento :

WILLOWS, CA - A 17-year-old Willows student will have the National Rifle Association behind him when he appeals his expulsion from school for having a shotgun in his pick-up truck.

Like many youngsters his age, Gary Tudesko likes to hunt. "I hunt ducks, geese, all types of waterfowl," said Tudesko.

But last October, his recreational pursuits landed him in trouble at Willows High School.

"I went hunting before school, me and my friend, and I didn't want to be late so I parked off campus at my school," Tudesko said.

Tudesko was in class when he was called to the principal's office. He soon learned why.