So the American Museum of Fly Fishing seems to have finally come clean on its involvement with Dick Cheney as a speaker for a fundraiser.
Cheney will speak at a museum fundraising event, but not at next week's annual dinner. The AMFF Executive Director Cathy Comar said the event will be sometime in the fall and probably in the Washington, D.C., area.
Read about the announcement as reported in the Rutland (Vt.) Herald.
Fly-fishing and conservation writer Ted Williams broke the story, to the best of my knowledge, in January. Since that time, the museum has either been mum or denied it.
The museum has sullied its reputation with the choice of Cheney as a speaker and has looked silly in trying to deny -- poorly at best -- the news along the way.
I expect to write a lot more on this as time permits.
Friday, February 27, 2009
OutdoorsVT 2-27-09
Hunters and anglers pay the lion's share of the way for wildlife conservation, habitat restoration and access to recreation areas through two federal excise tax programs on sporting equipment and supplies.
The Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act and the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act provide millions of dollars to states every year.
Many of the benefits are appreciated by users groups well beyond hunters and anglers yet little money is put forward to help pay the costs.
Read my take on the subject here.
The Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act and the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act provide millions of dollars to states every year.
Many of the benefits are appreciated by users groups well beyond hunters and anglers yet little money is put forward to help pay the costs.
Read my take on the subject here.
Friday, February 20, 2009
OutdoorsVT 2-20-09
Snowshoeing is growing in popularity every year, which means a lot of people are buying snowshoes.
Snowshoes are made for recreational, backcountry and running uses and each has features that make them slightly different from one another.
I run through the various details about buying snowshoes including sizing, construction and accessories.
Read the full column here.
Snowshoes are made for recreational, backcountry and running uses and each has features that make them slightly different from one another.
I run through the various details about buying snowshoes including sizing, construction and accessories.
Read the full column here.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Jaguar Trapped in Arizona
Sometimes it's better to be lucky than good.
After keeping tabs on a wild jaguar in southeastern Arizona for more than a decade, Arizona Game and Fish officials accidantally capture the big cat Feb. 18 while trying to trap mountain lions and black bears.
During a study to monitor habitat connectivity for cougars and bears, the jaguar was captured southwest of Tuscon, Ariz. It was captured, fitted with a GPS tracking collar and released. The collar will relay the cat's location every three hours allowing biologist to track the animal and learn about it's feeding and traveling habits.
Ironically, more than 10 years ago the department tried to trap a jaguar, after a big cat was accidentally treed and photographed by a mountain lion hunter in 1996. Biologists were unsuccessful but jaguars have been captured on trail cameras many times and tracks found over the last decade.
While not immediately confirmed, the jaguar is believed to be "Macho B" a cat that has been photographed multiple times over the last 13 years.
The trapped cat weighed 118 pounds and appeared to be healthy.
After keeping tabs on a wild jaguar in southeastern Arizona for more than a decade, Arizona Game and Fish officials accidantally capture the big cat Feb. 18 while trying to trap mountain lions and black bears.
During a study to monitor habitat connectivity for cougars and bears, the jaguar was captured southwest of Tuscon, Ariz. It was captured, fitted with a GPS tracking collar and released. The collar will relay the cat's location every three hours allowing biologist to track the animal and learn about it's feeding and traveling habits.
Ironically, more than 10 years ago the department tried to trap a jaguar, after a big cat was accidentally treed and photographed by a mountain lion hunter in 1996. Biologists were unsuccessful but jaguars have been captured on trail cameras many times and tracks found over the last decade.
While not immediately confirmed, the jaguar is believed to be "Macho B" a cat that has been photographed multiple times over the last 13 years.
The trapped cat weighed 118 pounds and appeared to be healthy.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Outdoor Products Recalled
Skis, mountain bike forks and a campstove. All three of these items have been recalled recently after they were found to have dangerous defects.
XBi ALU Skis
About 4,500 pairs of skis made in Italy and distributed by Nordica USA have been recalled because a binding plate can crack or break. No incidents or injuries have been reported.
The skis were sold nationwide from August 2006 to December 2008 and retailed for between $800 and $1,500.
The recall includes Nordica ski models: 2006 MACH3POWER; 2007 DOBSPIT; 2007 MACH3POWER; 2007 MACH3; 2007 MACH2; 2007 HELLCAT; 2007 FIREFOX; 2007 DOBPROSL; 2008 FIREFOX; 2008 DOBPROSL; 2008 DOBPROGS. The skis were sold at ski retailers nationwide from August 2006 through December last year.
Consumers should stop using the skis immediately and return them to the retailer for a free replacement of the binding plate.
For more information: Nordica USA at (800) 892-2668 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. EST Monday through Friday, info@nordicausa.com, or www.nordicausa.com.
Marzocchi Mountain Bike Forks
Bicycle forks made by Tenneco-Marzocchi of Bologna, Italy, have been recalled because the fork could become compressed and fail to rebound.
There have been eight reported incidents including one that called injuries.
The recalled forks include certain 2008 model year 888RC3 and 888RC3WC suspensions with date codes beginning with T07D07, T07D08 and T07D09. The forks are white or black with red and black artwork on the legs.
The forks sold nationwide from July 2007 to September 2007 for between $1,000 and $1,700.
Consumers should stop using the forks immediately and return them to the dealer for a free repair.
For more information: Marzocchi at (800) 227-5579 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. PST Monday through Friday, Techinfo@Marzocchiusa.com, or www.marzocchi.com.
Field & Stream Dual Burner Camp Stoves
About 6,700 dual burner camp stoves sold under the Field & Stream brand at Dick's Sporting Goods have been recalled because of burner problems that could cause higher-than-expected flames unexpected ignition. There have been no reported incidents or injuries.
The stoves carry a style number of #CEH00475 and sold for between $100 and $120.
The stoves should not be used and consumers should contact Dick's Sporting Goods for a free repair kit.
For more information: Dick’s Sporting Goods 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST Monday through Friday (888) 837-1380, CampStove@rankam.com, www.dickssportinggoods.com.
XBi ALU Skis
About 4,500 pairs of skis made in Italy and distributed by Nordica USA have been recalled because a binding plate can crack or break. No incidents or injuries have been reported.
The skis were sold nationwide from August 2006 to December 2008 and retailed for between $800 and $1,500.
The recall includes Nordica ski models: 2006 MACH3POWER; 2007 DOBSPIT; 2007 MACH3POWER; 2007 MACH3; 2007 MACH2; 2007 HELLCAT; 2007 FIREFOX; 2007 DOBPROSL; 2008 FIREFOX; 2008 DOBPROSL; 2008 DOBPROGS. The skis were sold at ski retailers nationwide from August 2006 through December last year.
Consumers should stop using the skis immediately and return them to the retailer for a free replacement of the binding plate.
For more information: Nordica USA at (800) 892-2668 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. EST Monday through Friday, info@nordicausa.com, or www.nordicausa.com.
Marzocchi Mountain Bike Forks
Bicycle forks made by Tenneco-Marzocchi of Bologna, Italy, have been recalled because the fork could become compressed and fail to rebound.
There have been eight reported incidents including one that called injuries.
The recalled forks include certain 2008 model year 888RC3 and 888RC3WC suspensions with date codes beginning with T07D07, T07D08 and T07D09. The forks are white or black with red and black artwork on the legs.
The forks sold nationwide from July 2007 to September 2007 for between $1,000 and $1,700.
Consumers should stop using the forks immediately and return them to the dealer for a free repair.
For more information: Marzocchi at (800) 227-5579 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. PST Monday through Friday, Techinfo@Marzocchiusa.com, or www.marzocchi.com.
Field & Stream Dual Burner Camp Stoves
About 6,700 dual burner camp stoves sold under the Field & Stream brand at Dick's Sporting Goods have been recalled because of burner problems that could cause higher-than-expected flames unexpected ignition. There have been no reported incidents or injuries.
The stoves carry a style number of #CEH00475 and sold for between $100 and $120.
The stoves should not be used and consumers should contact Dick's Sporting Goods for a free repair kit.
For more information: Dick’s Sporting Goods 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST Monday through Friday (888) 837-1380, CampStove@rankam.com, www.dickssportinggoods.com.
OutdoorsVT 2-13-09
Man, getting old sucks.
On top of it, I've let myself go and now I find myself way out of shape and it's hurting my outdoor pursuits.
This is mostly about weight as I'm in pretty decent shape considering my size. Well, as good a shape as a guy with a gut my size can be in.
It doesn't stop my outdoor pursuits. I still hit the trail, but there's no denying I could go faster and farther if I wasn't lugging along the extra poundage.
I'm getting old. When I was hauling around 225 pounds at 30, it wasn't as big a deal. But I'll be 42 in a month and 225 is a long-gone fond memory.
So I've decided to do something about it.
Follow my efforts to get in shape at www.fitoutdoors.blogspot.com/.
And read the rest of my column about being fat and broke here.
Read all about my upcoming effort to get fit for the outdoors here.
On top of it, I've let myself go and now I find myself way out of shape and it's hurting my outdoor pursuits.
This is mostly about weight as I'm in pretty decent shape considering my size. Well, as good a shape as a guy with a gut my size can be in.
It doesn't stop my outdoor pursuits. I still hit the trail, but there's no denying I could go faster and farther if I wasn't lugging along the extra poundage.
I'm getting old. When I was hauling around 225 pounds at 30, it wasn't as big a deal. But I'll be 42 in a month and 225 is a long-gone fond memory.
So I've decided to do something about it.
Follow my efforts to get in shape at www.fitoutdoors.blogspot.com/.
And read the rest of my column about being fat and broke here.
Read all about my upcoming effort to get fit for the outdoors here.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Outdoor Expo Grinds to a Close
Toyota Eastern Fishing & Outdoor Exposition ground to a halt after four days in Worcester, Mass. It was a four-day outdoor smorgasborg offering knowledge, entertainment and good old-fashioned American capitalism.
There were many highlights, but for me, it was the people that will prove to be the highlights over time. I was able to meet and have conversations with some really nice and knowledgeable folks during the two days I was there.
Make yourself a promise of attending next year. Mark your calendar now and start checking the Web site toward the end of 2009 for the 2010 Eastern Fishing & Outdoor Exposition.
There were many highlights, but for me, it was the people that will prove to be the highlights over time. I was able to meet and have conversations with some really nice and knowledgeable folks during the two days I was there.
Make yourself a promise of attending next year. Mark your calendar now and start checking the Web site toward the end of 2009 for the 2010 Eastern Fishing & Outdoor Exposition.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Fishing & Outdoor Expo
Man, this thing is everything I hoped it would be.
The Toyota Eastern Fishing & Outdoor Exposition completed its third (of four) day today. It was my first day here and I'm worn out. I'm also buzzing after a day of looking at trophy animals and outdoor gear, watching seminars and talking about hunting, fishing, boating, camping and general outdoor fun all day.
I met a lot of great people and made many great contacts that will be paying off down the road in terms of articles and better knowledge. I already have books in hand for review and a line on another. I've come across a great turkey hunting product I plan on writing about this spring and made contact with a guy making his own fishing lures for a variety of freshwater fish I expect to be hooking up with in the future in some regard.
The great thing is that I only scratched the surface. I have a full day tomorrow still before returning home Monday with a bag full of literature and notes.
Stay tuned.
The Toyota Eastern Fishing & Outdoor Exposition completed its third (of four) day today. It was my first day here and I'm worn out. I'm also buzzing after a day of looking at trophy animals and outdoor gear, watching seminars and talking about hunting, fishing, boating, camping and general outdoor fun all day.
I met a lot of great people and made many great contacts that will be paying off down the road in terms of articles and better knowledge. I already have books in hand for review and a line on another. I've come across a great turkey hunting product I plan on writing about this spring and made contact with a guy making his own fishing lures for a variety of freshwater fish I expect to be hooking up with in the future in some regard.
The great thing is that I only scratched the surface. I have a full day tomorrow still before returning home Monday with a bag full of literature and notes.
Stay tuned.
Friday, February 6, 2009
OutdoorsVT 2-6-09
All over the Green Mountain State, winter events are in full swing.
From winter carnivals and festivals to ice-fishing competitions, snowshoeing and animal tracking.
It's an outdoor paradise here year-round, but the winter activity is quite varied.
So, layer up the clothing, find the hat, gloves, scarf and waterproof boots and hit a few of these events.
Read the column here.
From winter carnivals and festivals to ice-fishing competitions, snowshoeing and animal tracking.
It's an outdoor paradise here year-round, but the winter activity is quite varied.
So, layer up the clothing, find the hat, gloves, scarf and waterproof boots and hit a few of these events.
Read the column here.
Heading to Worcester, Mass.
As soon as I can get away from the office today (and go home and pack) I'm hitting the road for Worcester, Mass., for the 33rd annual Toyota Eastern Fishing & Outdoor Exposition.
The Worcester show is one of three the group is putting on. Although each has a slightly different focus, they all feature impressive lineups. See www.sportshows.com/ for more about the upcoming show in Suffern, N.Y., March 5-8 as well as the details about this weekend's show. A saltwater show is scheduled for March 20-22 in New Jersey.
This weekend's four-day event is chock full of top-notch seminars, acres of displays, and what sounds like a impressive slate of fun demonstrations.
Some of the outdoor industry's biggest names will be teaching their skills. From the bass-fishing world Kevin Van Dam, Mike Iaconelli and Ish Monroe will be on hand. Greg Ritz, host of Thompson Center Arms Game Trails TV show will talk about hunting white-tailed deer; Shane Benoit, Vermont's own famous trophy whitetail deer hunter; and New England legend Stu Bristol will talk about turkey hunting and using a GPS unit to improve your hunting success.
Among the other events, some of the highlights are easy to pick out in advance. Others will likely be a surprise.
There will also be a 40-foot mobile fish tank that doubles as a water dog jumping and retrieving platform, as well as a display and activities by the Maine Primitive School, dangerous reptiles of the world, a bird of prey display and presentations.
If that's not enough, there will be more than 350 exhibitors displaying their wares, trips, guiding services and others to take in.
Can't wait. I'll let you know how it goes and what I find.
The Worcester show is one of three the group is putting on. Although each has a slightly different focus, they all feature impressive lineups. See www.sportshows.com/ for more about the upcoming show in Suffern, N.Y., March 5-8 as well as the details about this weekend's show. A saltwater show is scheduled for March 20-22 in New Jersey.
This weekend's four-day event is chock full of top-notch seminars, acres of displays, and what sounds like a impressive slate of fun demonstrations.
Some of the outdoor industry's biggest names will be teaching their skills. From the bass-fishing world Kevin Van Dam, Mike Iaconelli and Ish Monroe will be on hand. Greg Ritz, host of Thompson Center Arms Game Trails TV show will talk about hunting white-tailed deer; Shane Benoit, Vermont's own famous trophy whitetail deer hunter; and New England legend Stu Bristol will talk about turkey hunting and using a GPS unit to improve your hunting success.
Among the other events, some of the highlights are easy to pick out in advance. Others will likely be a surprise.
There will also be a 40-foot mobile fish tank that doubles as a water dog jumping and retrieving platform, as well as a display and activities by the Maine Primitive School, dangerous reptiles of the world, a bird of prey display and presentations.
If that's not enough, there will be more than 350 exhibitors displaying their wares, trips, guiding services and others to take in.
Can't wait. I'll let you know how it goes and what I find.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Women Outdoor Media Association launched
A new group has formed aimed at outdoor women communicators and professionals.
The Women's Outdoor Media Association launched Jan. 17 at the National Shooting Sports Foundation's annual Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trades Show in Orlando, Fla.
This is what the group says about itself on its Web site:
The Women's Outdoor Media Association launched Jan. 17 at the National Shooting Sports Foundation's annual Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trades Show in Orlando, Fla.
This is what the group says about itself on its Web site:
"The intention is to complement other media organizations. The difference is that the focus of The WOMA is on what women are doing, and what is being done for them, in the outdoor areas of shooting sports, hunting and fishing."
Involving more women is an important part of growing the ranks of outdoor enthusiasts and only by helping women feel welcome will that happen. Hopefully, this organization will bring more women into the fold, and as a result, their daughters down the road.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Aldo Leopold's Shack Made a Landmark
Aldo Leopold, the father of modern scientific conservation, has had his Wisconsin shack named a National Historic Landmark.
Former Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne made the designation before he left office in December.
Leopold is largely given credit for his contribution to conservation through his leadership and his thoughtful essays in "A Sand County Almanac."
Leopold died at 61 in 1948 just before the book was published.
Former Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne made the designation before he left office in December.
Leopold is largely given credit for his contribution to conservation through his leadership and his thoughtful essays in "A Sand County Almanac."
Leopold died at 61 in 1948 just before the book was published.
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