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If you have a conversation about wolves, know the facts. Before I give you the facts I would like to show you a sampling of the puppies that now run around in Idaho’s backcountry that weren’t there 15 years ago…….ungulates have no chance.
These things are huge!!!!!
Just a few of the wolves killed this year with the Idaho wolf tag. Wish I could show you a few hundred more pictures. It is just amazing how big they are. Deer, elk, and livestock killing machines. The big question you have to ask yourself is why? These massive wolves are not the native wolf that lived in our area 100 years ago. There was a reason these things where exterminated nationwide. I wonder if our city dwelling tree hugger society that never has left a city really understands the impact of these killing machines. I wonder if a Trantasaurus-Rex was somewhere to be had that they would want to put them back in the wild.
It is just a matter of time before one of our granola loving green peace hikers goes out on a hike and runs into a pack of these killers and becomes part of the food chain. If you are going into the backcountry in Montana, Idaho or Wyoming hiking, game scouting, mushroom hunting, or something else you better start carrying a side arm. Can you even imagine being out by yourself and having 8 to 12 of these monsters surround you! Think about what kind of appetite a dozen of these must have and remember they are the only predator in our nation that kills for fun along with for food. The amount of animals they take are just a partial portion of what they need to eat. When elk are calving they will kill the calves just for fun after they have had all they can eat and leave the rest to rot.
There is a serious problem in Idaho, Montana and Wyoming The rest of the USA doesn’t seem to realize how serious it is. The wolves are becoming more plentiful each year and other wildlife is rapidly disappearing, especially the majestic elk. I’d like to send about 1,000 of these predators to New York City and Washington D.C. to plant in Central Park and the Capitol Mall.
FACTS
WARNING!!! SOME OF THIS IS GRAPHIC
Is this animal cruelty?
How would you feel if this was YOUR best friend?
Documented Wolf Kills
Still on his chain
Average kill rate per wolf per month = 3.05 Elk
36 Elk Per Year/Wolf
2,000 Wolves = 72,000 Elk Per Year
Myth: Wolves only kill the old and weak.
Fact: Wolves will kill any elk when given the chance and focus on elk calves.
Myth: Wolves only kill what they eat.
Fact: Wolves are actually the most wasteful predator in the US and kill for sport.
Myth: Wolves are efficient killers.
Fact: Wolves will eat their prey alive, or worse, eat a portion of the animal and leave it to suffer.
Fawns pulled from their mom’s belly!
Myth: Wolves won’t attack humans.
Fact: Wolves stalked and killed a young man in Saskatchewan in 2005.
Alaska Department of Fish and Game
Wolf hunting had the desired effect -more caribou got a chance to live, according to biologists.
Calf Survival Rates
2008 -39 calves per 100 cows
2007 –1 calf per 100 cows
2006 –1 calf per 100 cows
Myth: Wolves won’t attack humans.
Fact: Documented -Wolves stalked several children near a bus stop in NM!
May 2007 -Two Catron County school children were followed home from the bus stop by 3 wolves.
December 2007 -Glenwood elementary school a wolf was seen on the playground after multiple reports of the animal seen in the town.
Jan 2008 -Wolf kill within 70 yards of a school bus stop in Idaho
Myth: Wolves are good for elk populations.
Fact: US Fish and Wildlife Service Study.
•Elk are the primary prey for wolves, comprising 92 % of kills during the winter.
•Elk decreased significantly from 16,791 in winter 1995 to 8,335 in winter 2004 as the number of wolves
increased.
•Kill rates by wolves in winter are 22 Elk per wolf per year –DOUBLE the rate predicted in the Endangered Species Act (ESA)
•Since 2000, wolves have caused 45% of known deaths (not including human harvests) of radio-collared female elk on the northern range.
•human harvest and winter-kill accounted for 30%
•Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks has reduced antlerless permits by 51 % (2000-2004) and 96% (1995-2005).
Myth: Wolves are good for elk populations.
Fact: Montana State University Study of Yellowstone’s Northern Range.
•Elk numbers 1993 –1995 Averaged between 17,000 and 19,000.
•Wolves Introduced in 1995.
•Elk numbers 2005 –2007 Averaged between 6,700 and 6,300.
A 67% DECREASE IN ELK POPULATIONS
Some pretty sobering facts about the predatory prowess of the wolves especially when they have no control on them, like hunting. The next time some one tells you that the reintroduction and protection of wolves is a good thing you will know the facts.
I apologize for not posting in some time. I have been very busy getting my Facebook business page set up, and updating our web page. However I am doing the research for a article on elk hunting that I hope to publish shortly. Stay tuned!
Predators come quickly to those who see in the dark.
The availability of generation-3 night vision to the public introduces a new twist to the old game of predator hunting. With no lights or shadows to spook the animals, the hunter becomes nothing more than a dark silhouette in the night.
In Part One we discussed the advantages of using Night Vision for coyote hunting and how it has progressed over time. In Part Two we will be discussing some of the equipment that is currently available and some of the ways it is being put to use.
For anyone that’s thinking about using Gen1Night Vision for hunting. If your not hunting on the snow you will have to have an external light source like an inferred illuminator. I have found that this spooks coyotes over the years not all of them but still some of them. So if its in your budget hold onto your money and save for a GEN3. I’m certain that in most cases your not going to be happy with GEN1 and the money will be lost.
One method is to use a hand held monocular for spotting the incoming coyotes on a lanyard This allows you to drop the hand held in an instant and get your eye into the mounted rifle scope for the shot.
Head mounted monocular, looks like a cyborg.
Another method that some prefer is to have head gear to use with the mono until the coyote is spotted then flip the mono up and go to the scope. Another variation of this is to use quick releases and snap the mono off the head gear and attach it to the rifle. Just for the record all of the different generations of Night Visions available on the market are totally different technologies and the price for them is represented.
One of the more versatile systems are the monoculars. Some such as the ATN NVM14 the ATN 6015 and the ATN PVS14, not only can be used as a monocular but have accessories that turn them into a goggle or a weapon sight and come in a wide variety of generations. They range from $299.00 to $5,199.00 depending on what you want.
There are also weapon sights. These are not as versatile as the monoculars but if you want a scope mounted on your rifle this may be the way to go. ATN has a nice selection ranging from the Guardian to the Night Arrow or the very versatile Mars series. Depending on the generation they range from $399.00 to $4,999.00.
Then there are the Day/Night systems. This is an attachment for a Daytime Riflescope with 1x Magnification that converts a scope into a high-quality very accurate Night Vision Weapon Sight.
The unit mounts in front of a Daytime Scope. Re-zeroing of the scope is not required. They also come standard with 7/8″ weaver mount. There is also an adapter for ARMS quick release mount available, optional Ring Adapters allow you to mount the unit onto the objective of the Day Scope (25…62mm diameter). An IR Illuminator can be mounted onto an optional Picatinny Rail. This ingenious setup allows the shooter to go from day to night in less then 30 seconds without tools, without changes in eye relief and remain zeroed all around the clock. The ATN PS22 or PS40 have a variety of generations and kits which include daytime scopes available These range from $1,799.00 to $7,399.00 depending on what you order.
Night-vision optics are expensive by my standards. The generation-3 scope can cost up to $5,000. The brackets, scope mounts and infrared device (torch) can add another $500 per unit.
Some professional hunters need more range of vision than night optics can provide. They often shoot larger caliber rifles and they opt for night-vision devices that utilize thermal imaging.
Thermal devices capture the heat provided by animals and other objects. They give the hunter a level of detail sufficient to distinguish between coyotes, deer and hogs out to half a mile. These devices can cost in excess of $20,000. They are for the rich, or for those professionals who do this for a living and can recapture the expense through contracting to rid farmers of the destructive animals.
Night-optic devices are not for everyone. The initial outlay of cash can be enormous, and the maintenance can be expensive. Beyond that — and by far the most important, to my thinking — is the ability to take those wise and hard to get coyotes. The decision is yours. Should you invest in night optics? It depends on your goals and how serious you are.
With night-vision optics, they will come faster, closer and with far more frequency than with any other method. As a friend of mine says, “Hunt hard — shoot straight — kill clean — and apologize to no one.”
Predators come quickly to those who see in the dark.
Knowing predators are more nocturnal than not, it is time to began to explore night hunting. Over the last 30 years the spread of the coyotes became unstoppable. Today, there is a coyote population in 48 of our states. Being prolific and adaptable, they are here to stay.
Savvy hunters knew coyotes were most active and more aggressive at night. In the beginning hunters began to use long-range spotlights. Success skyrocketed, but something was still missing. The bright light had a tendency to spook coyotes, especially if there were trees nearby to cause the light to cast a shadow. The addition of a red lens allowed the coyotes to come closer because coyotes are colorblind, and the red light, to the yodel dog, appears black.
The availability of generation-3 night vision to the public introduces a new twist to the old game of predator hunting. With no lights or shadows to spook the animals, the hunter becomes nothing more than a dark silhouette in the night.
Today we have sophisticated equipment, along with flat-shooting rifles and excellent scopes that allow the predator caller to bring in coyotes and bag them at astounding ranges. Still there are those coyotes that just won’t answer in the daytime. This is where night vision comes in. The availability of generation-3 night vision to the public introduces a new twist to the old game of predator hunting. With no lights or shadows to spook the animals, the hunter becomes nothing more than a dark silhouette in the night.
This is brought home by a story told by Emory Josey. His dear friend and hunting buddy, A.J. Niette, is obsessed with predator calling, especially the coyote. One night he phoned, and his enthusiasm was on an extreme high.
“You gotta come down tomorrow night and hunt with me. I have been playing with something new for several weeks, and it’s beyond your imagination,” he said. “Just be here at 8:30 in the evening.”
He met up with A.J. in Taylor County, and as soon as it was dark, they carefully unlocked the gate that opened up into a 4,000-acre cattle ranch. Testing the wind, they walked 300 yards to the west with the slight breeze in their faces. After quietly setting up the equipment A.J. placed the digital caller 50 yards to the north between them and a 20-acre wooded area. They were in the middle of a huge cow pasture where the cattle had eaten the grass down to a bare 6 inches. They were feeling a bit naked since there was nothing to hide behind or in front of.
Unexpectedly, a coyote serenade began with at least four dogs howling, barking and yipping. Ordinarily, that would have been a welcome sound, but the song was much too close. Those dogs were within 200 yards, and the sound was coming from the wooded area. They feared they had been busted before even getting started. Surely those coyotes knew they were there.
A.J. punched the remote and the digital caller offered the coyotes a pup distress sound.
“Two o’clock, two coyotes coming hard,” A.J whispered.
Emory panned to the right and picked up the coyotes in the scope’s soft-green glow. The female was lagging behind at 200 yards, which is typical, while the male trotted brazenly forward at less then 100 yards. When he gave out a “woof,” they both stopped. The female was broadside.
He settled the crosshairs on her shoulder and squeezed. When you have multiple coyotes approaching, it is best to take the longer shot first. The female collapsed as he turned his attention to the male. He turned to run, but another bark from Emory stopped him. He, too, turned broadside, and a second later he was dead.
On the next setup, within five minutes a female came within 30 yards and another coyote stood barking 100 yards away. Why the increased success? They were using night-vision equipment. There were no visible (to the coyotes) lights to spook them. There were no shadows cast by the trees. To the coyotes, they were camouflaged silhouettes in the darkness.
A sucessful nights hunt!
Night vision has been around for a long time, used mostly by the military. Generation-1 night vision goes as far back as World War I. Generation-2 was used in Vietnam. Generation-3 and 4 is now available.
Every savvy hunter knows the range of a rifle. The notes taken while scouting should also show the allowable field of fire at each setup. Day or night, a bullet intended for a coyote at 150 yards can easily ricochet and do irreversible damage a mile or more away. Full-metal-jacket ammunition should never be used. It not only is inadequate for making a clean kill, it is far more likely to ricochet.
Generation-1 night optics has been around for decades. These devices weren’t even close to the capability of the latest generation-3. Even then you had no problem identifying your target. The new equipment allows positive identification of targets out to several hundred yards. You must be absolutely sure you are squeezing the trigger on a coyote. With generation-3 night vision, you can count the feet on a coyote at 200 yards, and believe me you can call them much closer when you don’t have bright lights glaring in their eyes.
Night vision is the coming thing in hunting coyotes in open spaces. It has no place in close quarters. It is only for areas where you can see everything for long distances.
With night-vision optics, they will come faster, closer and with far more frequency than with any other method. As a friend of mine says, “Hunt hard — shoot straight — kill clean — and apologize to no one.”
Watch for PART TWO. June 23. All about the equipment available and how to put it to use!
Night Vision: How Snakes Get A Clear Picture of Prey
Night vision devices detect infrared light. It turns out so do some snakes!
Two groups of snakes, pit vipers and boids (a family that includes boa constrictors) sport a pit organ on either side of their heads. Stretched across each pencil-eraser-size cavity is a membrane that can detect infrared light—which is heat—emitted by nearby prey. Scientists have known that pit vipers utilize these organs similar to the way a pinhole camera works.
Without a trip to an eye doctor, some snakes have developed their own vision-correcting devices. Scientists have discovered how pit vipers can turn blurry blobs into useful images with striking clarity.
Turns out it’s all in their tiny minds.
The “pithole” acts like a lens, forcing light from the source to form a tiny point on the membrane—the camera’s film. By focusing the light to such a tiny point, pinhole cameras can produce crisp images.
“So to get a clear image you would need a pinhole camera with a really small hole,” explained Leo van Hemmen, a physicist at the Technical University of Munich in Germany.
But an aperture so tiny would never let in enough infrared waves, which have a much lower frequency than visible light, to stimulate the membrane. The tiny aperture “means a small amount of energy per second, far too small to excite even sensitive [infrared] detectors in the pit membrane,” van Hemmen explained.
The pit openings of the snake are too large, therefore, to produce crisp images.
Using a computer model, van Hemmen’s team found that some snakes rely on a network of neurons in their brains to bring a blurry image into view. The brain network serves effectively as corrective lenses, the study indicates.
The image shows a figure as captured by a snake’s pit organ. When Sichert and colleagues applied their algorithm (similar to calculations in a snake’s brain), they reconstructed the image of a rabbit at right. (The illustration is based on a photo and does not correspond to a realistic thermal profile.) Image credit: Sichert, Andreas, et al.
The model showed that an infrared signal from each of the membrane’s heat receptors triggers a neuron to fire. This firing rate varies with respect to input from the other receptors. By fine-tuning how the approximately 2,000 heat receptors interact, van Hemmen’s team created strike-worthy images. [Please See Example].
Sharp images are crucial for a hungry snake “if it wants to hit a point source, say, a small mouse at a distance of 1 meter [3 feet],” van Hemmen told LiveScience.
None of this is overly complex, either. Snakes have small brains, so the researchers kept their computer model simple, concluding that “even a crude network dramatically improves infrared imaging.”