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LOL, Phil. So Cliff Claven is your mailman also, huh! Either Cliff or Newman on Seinfeld. I sure wish that the IRS knew how to take a joke. They don't seem to buy my rendition of "The check's in the mail", bit. LOL
Yes, when it comes to paying bills or sending money, Christmas is always the one next year. LOL
Colt
ODM, many you must be living right for that thing to pass without you knowing it. Glad to hear things are a-ok and I can only hope for the same result if it happens to me.
Colt...
Moose Watch 2003 Under Way - Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources
09/15/03
The Ministry of Natural Resources is launching Moose Watch, its annual enforcement campaign to prevent moose poaching.
Poaching contributes to a decline in the moose population, which leads to a reduction in allocations of adult moose tags and reduced opportunities for hunters.
"Responsible hunters have helped to make this program a success for the past three years," said Moose Watch enforcement co-ordinator Charlie Todesco. "Hunters are law-abiding and want to do everything they can to help prevent poaching and sustain the resource for future generations."
The slogan for Moose Watch is "We are watching -You should too." Moose Watch encourages hunters and the public to report poaching by calling a confidential special toll-free number, 1-866-34MOOSE (346-6673), as soon as possible so enforcement officers can investigate. The toll-free number will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week from September 15 through December 15, 2003.
Moose Watch is a co-operative effort involving the Ministry of Natural Resources, the OPP and Crime Stoppers. Individuals who wish to remain anonymous can also report suspected illegal activities through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
Hunters and members of the public can pick up free Moose Watch violation reporting cards from Conservation Officers, ministry offices and some licence issuers and retailers.
"We're asking hunters to use these small cards, note the details of any incidents, and then call the Moose Watch line," said Todesco. "Those details could include location, names of people involved, vehicle descriptions and any other information that would be helpful in tracking down moose poachers."
All calls to the reporting line will be passed on to Conservation Officers to investigate.
The Moose Watch program also includes directed enforcement patrols by Conservation Officers, including assistance from aerial services, canine programs and partner police agencies.
Dishonest Nonresident License Buyers Beware - Idaho Department of Fish and Game
09/15/03
With a new computer software cross-checking system shared between the Idaho Transportation Department and the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, fishing and hunting license purchasers who are dishonest in their residency claims may quickly pay the price.
All fishing and hunting licenses purchased within six months of the issue date of a first time Idaho driver license are now sent to the local conservation officer where the license applicant lives. The officer receives an e-mail with the license information to initiate the verification of residency.
Idaho State law requires 6-months continuous domicile in Idaho to be eligible for resident Fish and Game licenses. In addition, applicants who do not submit any driver's license, claiming to be non-drivers, are cross-checked to determine if they possess another state's driver's license.
A recent case near Moscow is clear confirmation of this. After a non-resident couple both purchased a resident sportsmen's pack, the crosscheck could not locate their Idaho driver's licenses. Within hours, Moscow-area Sr. Conservation Officer Clint Rand received an e-mail, and an investigation was initiated. Within 18-hours of the illegal license purchases, Rand contacted the couple and collected both licenses.
IDFG also has additional cross-checking assistance from the Idaho Tax Commission. Although this exchange will be limited only to current filing status such as resident, non-resident or not on file, this information will significantly assist in the apprehension of nonresidents purchasing resident Idaho fishing and hunting licenses.
"These new tools will give officers a big lift in identifying non-residents who try to cheat the State out of revenue," says Rand. "If you violate, you will be contacted."
Anyone with questions regarding residency license requirements is encouraged to contact their nearest IDFG office before purchasing a license.
Hunters Invited to Deer Management Workshops
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
09/15/03
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will host a series of public workshops across the state to discuss proposed changes to deer hunting rules. Workshops will offer hunters and other interested persons opportunities to meet with FWC wildlife biologists and share their thoughts about proposals to increase the quality of Florida’s deer herd by altering antler requirements and bag limits.
Meetings will take place:
Sept. 24, 8 p.m. -- International Game Fish Association Fishing Hall of Fame and Museum, 300 Gulf Stream Way, Dania Beach
Sept. 25, 7 p.m. -- Lake Mirror Auditorium, 121 S. Lake Ave., Lakeland
Sept. 30, 7 p.m. -- Rowan Agricultural Complex (Marion County Extension Service) Auditorium, 2232 N.E. Jacksonville Rd., Ocala
Oct. 1, 7 p.m. -- Columbia County School Board Administrative Complex Auditorium, 372 W. Duval St., Lake City
Oct. 7, 6 p.m. -- Chipola Junior College Arts Center, 3094 Indian Circle, Marianna
Oct. 9, 6 p.m. -- Pensacola Jr. College, Milton Campus, Building 4900, Room 4902, 5988 U.S. Highway 90 West, Milton
Anyone requiring special accommodations to participate in this meeting should notify Cindy Hoffman at (850) 488-6411 at least five calendar days before the meeting.
Yeah, they will but, everyone down here is excited with the team Pop has put together. As we like to say, "Let's Get It On!". LOL I am ready for this season to get going. Most of the camps start tomorrow. All 17 of our guys are in town and most have been here for quite some time. Duncan, Manu, and Tony were all playing in the Olympic qualifying games this summer so they are rarin' to go. It should be a dog fight for the top 5 teams in the West and the Nets and Pistons in the East. The West winner will win it all once again.
Colt...
Hello Outdoorsmen/women. Welcome back from BC, TH. Nice trophy's and I'll put the photos in the iBox shortly.
Hope everyone is having some of this beautiful cool weather with blue skies. Makes one want to stay outside all day and night long. From the looks of the lack of posts on so many of the boards, it looks like everyone is enjoying the Great Outdoors.
This latest cool front blew in lots of Doves from up north. Outside of a couple of very muddy days the bird hunting has been fantastic.
Anyone know how OneBgg and Old Drummerman have been doing? Hope both are doing ok.
Not sure I will have much time to go back over any posts right now so if there are any where one of you is donating money to me for taxes, I'd appreciate it if you'd direct me to that post. I would not want to miss out on giving our government someone else's money. Phil, could you maybe send me a nonrefundable check for a $couple $hundred $grand? Many thanks, buddy.
Ksquared and Justin...I'll also be checking the NCAA board shortly. Doesn't look like anyone is going to go undefeated this season. Lots and lots of upsets so far.
Colt...
I dunno, EZ, it all depends if them old geezers, that some call the Lakers and others call the Fakers, can get out of bed in time for Game Time Tip Off. It's a good thing that Jerry Buss has lots of money because the Ben-Gay and Geritol bill is going to be sky high. lol This season will definitely be a Faker season, if they actually think Old Malone and Headcase Payton will help them beat teams like the Spurs. All I know is our guys chuckle and say they will go EZ on the old guys. Going to be fun watching that many ego's get along for a whole season.
My Preseason Western Conference Rankings:
1)Spurs
2)Mavs
3)Kings
4)Tie between the Lakers and Blazers. It depends on whether the Blazers can acquire someone to help keep Shaq in check to the tune of no more than 25 points and 10 rebounds.
My Eastern Conference Rankings:
1)Tie between the Nets and Pistons
2)Po'Dunk High
3)Little Sisters of Mercy Girls Soccer team from Cleveland
4)The Rhode Island CYO 6-8 year old Boys Baseball and Swim team
I think now O'neal wishes he would have come down and visited Pop and Timmy. I've never liked Issiah's cocky attitude but, apparently some of the players liked him. Joe Dumars was the only guy I liked on those old Detroit teams. I hated Lambier and Rodman. That team was nothing but a bunch of back alley thugs. They made the Blazers look like Angels.
I'd put my money on Larry Bird to lead them further into the playoffs. But, the East as a whole is quite a ways off from competing with the West.
Colt
M-M, she met him in that bar around the corner from the courthouse where all the lawyers went each day after trial, for a few wind down drinks. Don't you know that everyone gets better looking at closing time? ROFL
Colt
I think everyone on the planet is bigger than Geraldo. Down here in Texas, he'd be a very small shrimp. I remember seeing that Baywatch episode that he was on. David Hasseloff looked like David Robinson, next to Geraldo. Damn, they sure had some fine looking women on that show. Forget Geraldo. LOL
Colt
I don't know about how tight, but you can't help but like someone who is willing to pay your bills. <g> Omni is da man!
Colt
You betcha. Most of the West is loaded with speed demons. I say, make Karl and shaq's tongues drag the court. LOL Sorry, Omni.
Colt
Well, M-M...Omni is da man. Check with him. LOL e/
Welcome rager. I've followed Edgar Cayce and his life has been fascinating to say the least. People like Edgar Cayce, Albert Einstein, Stephen Hawking, and the like are/were so far out front of their comtemporaries. Always interesting reads.
Colt
I am shocked, Tate. <g> Nope, you are not the only one who reads 'Trashy' novels. I've read my fair share of them too. Just not lately, as I'm trying to clean up my image. Being around guys like Churak, tends to take one to the lower depths of society's morals. LOL
Colt
Not to worry, Churak. I heard today that he is planning on coming out with a picture book version, just for guys like you and me. LOL I just hope he uses a good camera.
Colt
Sara,
Yes it does. I think you'd like it. It delves into TR's innermost thoughts about his life and his family and also includes his family's thoughts about him. It takes you right up to where his youngest son gets killed in the war and Teddy dies just a few months later. If you are interested in reading insightful things that others have either overlooked or passed over, then you'll find this book a nice read. It is shorter than most about TR, but it includes the kind of info you'd appreciate. I don't know if it is still in local bookstores like Barnes and Noble or Borders but, I'm sure Amazon has it or at least a used copy. I'd check with some of the Half Price bookstores in San Francisco if you can't find a new copy.
You come away appreciating TR even more than before.
Colt
Well, NLionGuy, I will keep very positive thoughts about Penn State. I think that by the end of the season, you will be pleasantly surprised.
Colt
Yep, we gotta be able to laugh at ourselves once in a while.
Colt
Squash the Irish Ksquared...
That is the national game of the week on ABC, this Saturday. Hopefully, I can get to watch some of it. We're into our Dove season so I may have to take the generator and a portable tv out into the field. I'll be pulling for Michigan.
If it is only you as a Michigan fan and all the others are ND fans, I'd stay away. LOL That sounds like a "No Win" situation. If Michigan wins they won't like it and if ND wins, you won't like it. OK, all kidding aside...see how you feel Saturday morning. I just know I'd hate to go to a Texas A & M party and be the only Longhorn there. Likely end up with a High Noon Shootout out on Main Street. :>)
Six Shooter Colt
Right, Ksquared...
Most of the Athletic Directors are more corrupt than the coaches. It is a shame that college has become more about Saturday afternoon wins than it is about seeing that students get the education. The new astro turf carpet is just so much more important than finding a cure for cancer or seeing that the computer labs get the latest hardware and software. Or like how a Professor makes in a lifetime, what a Michael Jackson makes on one stupid concert or that Kobe makes in a weeks worth of bball games. This world is twisted when it comes to priorities. I love sports but, it is way down the list as to what is important in life.
Soapbox Colt
Practical Ksquared...
Why did I figure you'd go with the strappin', young, Stud Muffin'!!! LOL
And you say, "My pride would keep my clothes on and make me move faster to keep up... preserves the illusion of youth on my part. "
Yeah, sure, sure, uh huh, right! :>) And I'm Santa Claus who never takes his suit off! HAR! Good luck getting things done up there in the beautiful hills of New Jersey. Getting work done that is. :>)
Really Bad, Bad, Bad Colt
Fun Stuff Ksquared...
My vote for President of the United States in 2004 will go to the candidate who brings back good, clean tv, radio, and music. I am so sick and tired of all the junk coming out of Hollywood today, just as I am with all the talking head idiots that do nothing but, see who can be the loudest and talk over the other. Watching a few of the Lone Ranger episodes last night...the Cavendish Gang, etc. LOL ... was relaxing to say the least. Just like watching shows such as Happy Days. Yes, it is kind of corny but, in a good way. Shows like that which are so pure and simple are better than going to see a shrink. A hell of a lot cheaper, too. LOL
Good ol' Chester...Misterrrr Dillon, Misterrrr Dillon. Having to walk with a limp like that cannot possible be good for one's hips and back. Not in the long run, anyway. I agree that many actors got their start on that show. Every episode has someone who went on to bigger roles in the future.
About Amanda Blake...as a young boy, she was like the woman guys wanted to learn about the birds and bees, from. As to her not aging well, I never saw her after the show stopped airing. Besides, I'm a Texas Gentleman, and ................!!! If I remember correctly, she was a pretty heavy smoker. Smoking and women is not conducive to a beautiful face as they get older. Every older woman I've known who has smoked all their life ends up with more lines on their face than there are fish in the sea. Thankfully, no one in my family smokes. Well other than a good ceeeeegar that my dad, brother and myself have, which is not all that often. Neither my mom, nor our wives allow any smoking inside the house. It has to be done out on the patio, by the pool or out in the field. LOL And even though my mom and our wives are half our size, each can still kick our butts. The motto of Texas is "Don't Mess With Born and Bred Texas Women"! :>)
Colt
Same old Cowboys appear in Parcells' debut
By STEPHEN HAWKINS
AP Sports Writer
September 8, 2003
IRVING, Texas (AP) -- Bill Parcells was back at work early Monday, after hardly any sleep. After the Dallas Cowboys' mistake-filled loss in his first game, the coach had a lot on his mind.
Eight months after Parcells' hiring rekindled enthusiasm for a team with three straight 5-11 seasons, they looked much like the same old Cowboys with sporadic play on both sides of the ball and silly penalties in a 27-13 loss to the Atlanta Falcons.
``I'm just starting this thing. I'm not anywhere other than trying to improve this team,'' Parcells said. ``I know expectations are probably a little higher than reasonable, but that's all right. We have a lot to do and a whole way of doing things to change.''
While not being specific, Parcells made it clear Monday that there were several things that disappointed him.
Parcells said mistakes were made on ``some pretty elementary stuff'' that had been worked on since he arrived, some players not performing as well as he expected and penalties that wiped out more than 60 yards in gains, including a 48-yard pass to the Atlanta 8.
``Some of the things we did were really not acceptable, so we have to try to work hard to make sure they don't happen again,'' Parcells said. ``It might take awhile. I don't know.''
Parcells didn't plan to say much to his players. He didn't have to.
``We've known from Day One that he's talked about not making mistakes. He's ingrained that in us,'' tight end Dan Campbell said. ``That is what's so sickening about it. We know we can't afford to have the penalties and turnovers. If there wasn't enough emphasis already, I'm sure there will be more.''
There could also be personnel changes before next Monday night when the Cowboys play at the New York Giants, the first of two straight opponents Parcells previously coached.
While there were no roster moves Monday, Parcells has repeatedly said that the bottom part of his 53-man roster could change throughout the season.
Running back Adrian Murrell, who played for Parcells with the Jets, was among the final cuts for Dallas. Cornerback Ray Crockett, a starter on Denver's back-to-back Super Bowl championship teams, is also available.
Kicker Billy Cundiff still had his job even after missing a 33-yard field goal and having an extra point blocked when his kick was too low. Cundiff made just 12-of-19 field goals (63 percent) as a rookie last season.
``Well, you want to look at it and say that's one game and it's one kick or two kicks. So that's why I'm going to look at it that way,'' Parcells said. ``I know what his record was last year. Obviously he needs to improve on that, but I think you have to give him a chance to do that. So I'll do it.''
The Cowboys led Atlanta 7-3 at halftime after missed scoring opportunities on their last two first-half drives. Quincy Carter's ill-advised pass was intercepted at the 23 and Cundiff's missed kick came 16 seconds before halftime.
Parcells said Carter, who also had a fumble, made some outstanding throws. Carter was 15-of-32 for a career-best 268 yards.
While Carter would like to have a couple of plays back, he wasn't interested in judging his performance. He was ready to move forward, and didn't expect much different from Parcells.
``I expect the same coach. Coach Parcells hasn't changed,'' Carter said. ``Even when we've played well in games, Coach hasn't let up. He's hard-nosed. We're going to work hard.''
Next year, Parcells' way will be the only way
By Dan Pompei - SportingNews.com
That was Bill Parcells working the Cowboys' sideline at Texas Stadium last Sunday, an open flame in a hayloft. There he was, glaring straight ahead, hands on hips after a missed extra-point attempt. There he was, scolding quarterback Quincy Carter about making "impulse decisions." There he was, shaking his head over a defensive breakdown.
Parcells' players fit him like his 12th-grade jeans. So starting next year, expect the Cowboys to be tailored to their coach. Parcells' most significant achievement in 2003 might be building a case for tearing apart the roster in the offseason-and rebuilding it the Parcells way.
With the way the NFL has evolved, flexibility is an asset in a head coach. Usually, Parcells is as flexible ideologically as he appears to be physically-and this is not a man you want to see try to touch his toes.
In his defense, Parcells won nine games in 1997 with his first Jets team, which was not in his image. He also bent enough in New England to build his offense around a young quarterback with a big arm after Drew Bledsoe fell into his lap. But Parcells, who has achieved greatness through rigidity, prefers to do it the way he knows that works.
His way might not have worked if he had become coach of the Buccaneers before the 2002 season, however. You can make a pretty strong argument that Tampa Bay would not have won the Super Bowl under Parcells instead of Jon Gruden. In fact, sources say Parcells was talking about trading defensive tackle Warren Sapp for Jets running back Curtis Martin if Parcells had taken the job. Parcells wanted a bigger, stronger defensive front and a more reliable running back.
Of course the Cowboys' talent doesn't compare with the Bucs' talent in any area, so they are more ripe for change. But so far, like Gruden in Tampa Bay, Parcells has kept the best part of his new team-the defense-intact. He retained coordinator Mike Zimmer and his system.
But everybody knows this isn't Parcells' style of defense. He has shown a preference for a 3-4 front. He likes big, stout linemen who can thrive in a two-gap system and hold the point of attack. He likes linebackers who can take on guards. With the Cowboys, he's stuck with small, quick one-gap linemen and linebackers who like to run around in space. His last defensive line with the Jets weighed 10 pounds per man more than his line with the Cowboys. His last group of linebackers in New York averaged 15 pounds more than his Cowboys 'backers.
In their 27-13 opening day victory, the Falcons took advantage of the Cowboys' speed and pursuit by rolling quarterback Doug Johnson right and having him throw back to his left to tight end Alge Crumpler, who was all alone and scored on a 41-yard touchdown. The play might not have worked against the style of defense Parcells prefers.
The makeup of the offensive line also isn't Parcells' ideal. He prefers athletic blockers and "hates fat, sloppy offensive linemen," in the words of one former associate. Parcells' offensive line with the Cowboys averages 328 pounds. His last offensive line with the Jets averaged 305.
Parcells passed on the opportunity to acquire a veteran caretaker-type quarterback like Neil O'Donnell, but he probably won't next year. Quincy Carter doesn't fit the Parcells blueprint. If a quarterback doesn't take care of the ball, or if he makes poor decisions under pressure, he will not last with Parcells.
If Parcells were a judge, Carter would be on probation. Parcells did compliment Carter for wisely getting rid of the ball at various times against the Falcons. But when asked what he liked about Carter's overall play, Parcells said, "Not a lot." Carter fumbled a handoff for a 14-yard loss. Later, he tried to run with only one hand on the ball and fumbled, setting up a Falcons touchdown. On another play, Carter found himself caught between scrambling and trying to salvage a throw, and the result was an interception. "Either tuck it and run it, or throw it away," Parcells said.
Carter, whose feet might be his best quality, had only four rushes against Atlanta. "If Quincy decides to run a lot, his mobility will get him in the doghouse," says ESPN analyst and former Parcells guy Bryan Cox. "He says, ‘Quarterbacks get paid to pass; running backs get paid to run.' "
Parcells isn't looking for flash from his running backs. He's looking for durability, endurance and the ability to hit the right hole and pick up blitzes. And above all else, NO FUMBLES. Anything else is sprinkles on the sundae.
Whether he can get that from Troy Hambrick or any of the other Cowboys backs is questionable. Heck, Emmitt Smith was better suited for the role than any of these guys. Even though third-down back Aveion Cason had a 63-yard touchdown run against Atlanta, Parcells said he was "not exactly" pleased with Cason's play. "There were some things you didn't see that I saw," he said.
The Cowboys won't look much like Parcells' old Giants teams when he comes home to Giants Stadium on Monday. But they will the next time Dallas plays the Giants in Jersey.
Senior writer Dan Pompei covers the NFL for Sporting News. Email him at pompei@sportingnews.com.
Ranking the quarterbacks
By The War Room - SportingNews.com
The War Room's top-ranked quarterback prospect for the 2004 draft is Miami (Ohio) junior Ben Roethlisberger. The rest of TWR's top 10 entering this season:
2. Eli Manning, Sr., Mississippi, 6-4, 218, 4.85 40-yard dash. A son of Archie and brother of Peyton, Eli certainly has the gene pool. He isn't as smart a player as Peyton, but he's a better athlete and a more vocal leader. He should be a first-round pick.
3. J.P. Losman, Sr., Tulane, 6-21Ú2, 212, 4.80. He could be a little bit overrated at this point after the National Scouting Bureau ranked him as its top quarterback prospect, but he has the size, arm strength and accuracy to be a first-round pick. He's somewhat unpolished and needs to have a strong senior season.
4. Andrew Walter, Jr., Arizona State, 6-5, 219, N/A. Walter exploded onto the national scene in '02 with 3,877 yards and 28 touchdowns. If he strings together successful seasons, he could be a first-round selection as an underclassman entry in '04.
5. Cody Pickett, Sr., Washington, 6-31Ú2, 220, 4.78. Pickett has good size and athleticism and is tough and competitive. He has terrific arm strength and continues to improve his accuracy and ability to read defenses, but he still is erratic. He has the physical tools to be drafted early on Day 1.
6. John Navarre, Sr., Michigan, 6-51Ú2, 235, 5.30. Like former Wolverines Elvis Grbac and Todd Collins, Navarre is a tall, well-built pocket passer. He's relatively unathletic and must become more consistent in his decision-making, but he has the size and arm strength to be a first-rounder.
7. David Greene, Jr., Georgia, 6-21Ú2, 222, N/A. Greene can be very effective, but he loses the strike zone too often. More impressive are his leadership and his ability to run an offense. With D.J. Shockley breathing down his neck in Athens, Greene may choose to leave early and could be a mid-round steal, much like Tom Brady was for the Patriots.
8. Jared Lorenzen, Sr., Kentucky, 6-3, 285, 5.12. Lorenzen is an overweight, erratic passer with a big-time arm and good upside if he becomes more consistent during his senior season and gets into better shape after the season. Teams will shy away from drafting Lorenzen before the fourth round because of his lack of self-discipline.
9. Luke McCown, Sr., Louisiana Tech, 6-312, 202, 4.75. The four-year starter has all the physical tools of an NFL starter but must be much more consistent. Also, his college offensive scheme can deceive fans into thinking he is a better prospect than he really is. McCown could sneak into the middle rounds.
10. Matt Schaub, Sr., Virginia, 6-5, 244, 4.98. Schaub has terrific size and is intelligent, accurate and competitive, but he lacks great arm strength and is a below-average athlete; he'll drop to the later rounds of the draft. Schaub would fit nicely in a West Coast offense, but he probably won't ever be more than a backup in the NFL.
The War Room, a team of football scouts headed by Gary Horton, analyzes NFL and college players, coaches and teams exclusively for Sporting News.
Sunday's NFL Capsules
September 8, 2003
Dennis Erickson was nervous before his first game as coach of the San Francisco 49ers. There was no need to worry.
San Francisco beat Chicago 49-7 Sunday in the season opener for its most lopsided victory since 1989. Erickson and Steve Mariucci were the only coaches to win in their debuts with their new teams. Cincinnati's Marvin Lewis, Dallas' Bill Parcells and Jacksonville's Jack Del Rio lost.
Erickson took over for Mariucci, who joined the Detroit Lions after getting fired in San Francisco.
``To be honest, you can't ask for a better start,'' Erickson said. ``We blitzed a lot, we came after them ... and everybody did their job. It was a great team effort.''
Jeff Garcia passed for 229 yards and two touchdowns, and Garrison Hearst caught a TD pass and rushed for another score. Ahmed Plummer returned an interception 68 yards for a score, and Terrell Owens caught seven passes for 112 yards.
Mariucci, who also had a big win as the Lions beat Arizona 42-24, has created excitement after returning to his home state. Detroit was 5-27 under Marty Mornhinweg for the worst two-year mark in team history.
``This is the beginning of what I have spent the last seven months waiting for,'' Mariucci said. ``It's great to be home.''
Joey Harrington was 17-of-30 for 195 yards, four touchdowns and no turnovers. Rookie Charles Rogers had four receptions for 38 yards and twoscores.
Falcons 27, Cowboys 13
At Irving, Texas, Doug Johnson threw two third-quarter touchdown passes to lead the Falcons over Bill Parcells and the Cowboys.
Johnson, filling in for the injured Michael Vick, drove the Falcons to 17 unanswered points, then responded to a late Dallas touchdown with a 1-yard plunge.
He finished 16-of-27 for 228 yards with one interception, while Troy Hambrick had 53 yards on 14 carries in his debut as Emmitt Smith'sreplacement.
Titans 25, Raiders 20
At Nashville, Tenn., Steve McNair threw two touchdown passes and punter Craig Hentrich kicked three field goals. Hentrich was doing double duty because Joe Nedney sprained his right knee on the kickoff after making a 50-yard field goal.
It was a messy opener that doubled as a rematch of last season's AFC championship game. The teams combined to commit 28 penalties for 284 yards, but it was the Raiders who hurt themselves over and over. Their share was 17 for173.
Panthers 24, Jaguars 23
At Charlotte, N.C., Jake Delhomme threw a 12-yard touchdown pass to Ricky Proehl on fourth-and-11 with 16 seconds remaining.
Delhomme replaced an ineffective Rodney Peete at the start of the second half and rallied Carolina with three touchdown passes. Seth Marler attempted a55-yard field goal as time expired, but Mike Minter blocked it.
Broncos 30, Bengals 10
At Cincinnati, Clinton Portis ran for 120 yards and two first-half touchdowns.
Broncos quarterback Jake Plummer had a shaky start, throwing three interceptions and was 12-of-25 for 115 yards. Jon Kitna was 10-of-20 for 86 yards in the first three quarters, and finished with two interceptions, twofumbles and four sacks.
Texans 21, Dolphins 20
At Davie, Fla., Kris Brown kicked his fifth field goal, a 35-yarder with 25 seconds left, as the second-year Texans gave the Dolphins an 0-1 record for the first time in 12 years.
Houston's David Carr went 17-of-31 for 266 yards, including a 78-yard touchdown to Corey Bradford. The Texans limited Ricky Williams to 69 yards rushing and forced the game's only three turnovers, including an interceptionby Marcus Coleman that set up the winning score.
Seahawks 27, Saints 10
At Seattle, Matt Hasselbeck threw two touchdown passes and Shaun Alexander ran for 108 yards and scored twice.
Seattle scored 21 straight points in the second quarter, reaching the end zone on each of their possessions. Deuce McAllister had 99 yards rushing on 22 carries and Aaron Brooks was 29-of-47 for 274 yards with one interception forthe Saints.
Giants 23, Rams 13
At East Rutherford, N.J., Kurt Warner had six fumbles and was sacked six times, then went to the hospital after the game with a concussion.
New York forced four turnovers, and each started a drive that led to points.
Halfback Tiki Barber, who dislocated a finger in the first quarter, led the Giants with 146 yards rushing on 24 carries. Warner finished 34-for-54 for 342yards.
Bills 31, Patriots 0
At Orchard Park, N.Y., Drew Bledsoe engineered scoring drives of 80 and 90 yards on his first two possessions and threw for 230 yards against his former team.
Bledsoe and safety Lawyer Milloy savored the win. The Bills snagged Milloy, a four-time Pro Bowl selection, on Wednesday after the Patriots released him for salary cap reasons.
Vikings 30, Packers 25
At Green Bay, Wis., Randy Moss caught nine passes for 150 yards and a touchdown as the Vikings won in front of a record crowd of 70,505 at remodeled Lambeau Field.
The Vikings forced four turnovers, including three interceptions by Brett Favre, who hadn't been picked off that many times in the first half since 1995.
Chiefs 27, Chargers 14
At Kansas City, Mo., Priest Holmes showed no ill effects of hip surgery, running for two touchdowns and 159 total yards in the first half.
Steelers 34, Ravens 15
At Pittsburgh, Tommy Maddox threw three touchdowns passes and Pittsburgh roughed up Baltimore rookie quarterback Kyle Boller in his NFL debut.
Colts 9, Browns 6
At Cleveland, Mike Vanderjagt kicked a 45-yard field goal with 1 second left.
Peyton Manning threw two interceptions in the first half and didn't look sharp until late. Marvin Harrison had nine catches for 44 yards.
Few surprises to Green, Chiefs in 27-14 victory over Chargers
ADAM TEICHER
The Kansas City Star
With every off-season weight he would lift, with every free-agent defender the Chiefs would sign, quarterback Trent Green's vision for the 2003 season would come more into focus.
That vision looked a lot like Sunday's 27-14 season-opening victory over San Diego at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs dominated the Chargers from the start, running out to a 24-0 halftime lead before faltering ever so slightly.
Green didn't picture the faltering part. Otherwise, the Chiefs were everything he hoped and more. The Chiefs, who led the NFL in scoring last season, picked up right where they left off offensively.
"We've been talking all along during training camp how good everything's been from a timing standpoint," Green said. "Having everybody back on offense, we've just been clicking. That was evident in the first half.
"You'd like to think you're going to execute that way on the first drive and in the first half. But you never really know until you get out there, especially since San Diego is so new on defense. For the most part, (the Chargers) did a good job. But we were really clicking in the first half."
In Green's off-season vision, he was both handing and passing the ball to a healthy and productive Priest Holmes, the Holmes of old. That part, too, was remarkably accurate.
Holmes, who received a $35 million contract extension this week, erased any lingering doubts about his health or ability to earn that money by getting the ball five times on the Chiefs' opening drive and scoring a touchdown on a 24-yard run.
"It's nice to see him put everything to rest," Green said. "Everybody saw him break tackles, saw him make guys miss in the open field. When he needed a burst, he got the burst to get around the corner."
The remainder of the offense was in step with Holmes the rest of the half. The Chiefs scored on four of their first five possessions as Green effectively picked apart a Chargers secondary filled with youth and decimated by injuries.
The Chiefs managed only a field goal in the second half, which troubled Green. But the revamped defense was impressive as well. The Chiefs showed some pass-rush prowess, as new acquisition Vonnie Holliday had three sacks, and they also limited Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson, who was second in the league in rushing last year, to 34 yards in 13 carries.
Green wasn't the only one impressed with the combined performance. All during a productive training camp and preseason, the Chiefs carried a quiet assurance that they were building to this level of play.
"I've been very confident," coach Dick Vermeil said. "I watched my coaches coach, and I've looked at the talent level. I see how they work. I feel the chemistry. I expected them to play very well."
The Chiefs allowed just 49 first-half yards. Four of San Diego's six third-down plays in the first half needed 18 or more yards to get the first down.
Defensive coordinator Greg Robinson was barely audible after the game. That's familiar for Robinson, who last year was frequently hoarse after games from screaming.
This year, it was from exhortation.
"This is the kind of statement we were hoping to make," Robinson said. "This was about what I was hoping to see. We had it from all the units. The line kept getting in there, and the linebackers kept making plays and the secondary kept making plays. It was good, sound defense."
Holliday had his three sacks, becoming the first Chief to compile that many in three seasons. Safeties Greg Wesley and Shaunard Harts had interceptions, Jerome Woods dropped a third and linebacker Shawn Barber broke up a pair of passes, one that would have gone for a touchdown.
"Why wouldn't we play like this?" Barber said. "It's the same way we practice. (Greg Wesley) gets an interception. Well, he gets one every other day in practice. I get my hands on a ball every day in practice. (Jerome Woods) gets his hands on a ball every day at practice. Vonnie gets pressure every day. Everything we did today we did in practice.
"We looked under every stone. There was no way we were going to let this team come in and surprise us. We must have practiced against every play they've run for the last five or six years."
Holliday got his first sack early, dragging down quarterback Drew Brees on the Chargers' fourth play. Barber said Brees, who picked apart the Chiefs three times in the last two seasons, was never the same.
"No matter what you say as a quarterback, that messes up your mental clock," Barber said. "It messes up your timing. Your play clock is going to go a little bit faster the rest of the game."
Looking back at your own risk
By JIM LITKE
AP Sports Columnist
September 8, 2003
Smart people in the NFL should know better than to ask, ``What have you done for me yesterday?''
More than any other game, fortunes rise and fall in pro football at an increasingly dizzy pace. A franchise reminds fans of that fact at its own risk.
That was the downside to scheduling a celebration at halftime, the way the Packers did Sunday in Green Bay. Whatever goodwill it buys a team to commemorate a glorious tradition or rededicate a shrine like Lambeau Field -- and Green Bay did both -- evaporates faster than sweat when there's little worth celebrating by game's end.
The Packers and their fans had good reason to expect better. They were 8-0 at home during the regular season last year and 21-3 there during coach Mike Sherman's tenure. But if anybody needed reminding of how fast fate switches sides in today's NFL, there was the tableau of Packers quarterback Brett Favre in the closing seconds of the first half, just after throwing the third of four interceptions, squeezing his own helmet in frustration with both hands.
Whether it was because of a bad read by Favre, or a wrong turn by Green Bay receiver Donald Driver at the end of his route, the quarterback many still consider the best in the game threw a spiral to wide-open Minnesota cornerback Brian Williams like he was the intended target all along.
Favre is still dangerous enough to win games by himself. That's why all the coy talk about retiring sounds foolish. But he isn't as good as he was just a few short years ago -- good enough to make a good team great -- and the difference between perception and reality turns out to be a costly one.
Favre never ducks criticism when it's deserved and he called the loss ``as ugly as it gets.''
Not long after, he added, ``As upset as I am and as this team is, we can do like we did in the first half or we can play the rest of the season like we did in the second half.''
In New York, another quarterback casting envious glances at his past was treated to an equally rude awakening.
Kurt Warner was coming off a season when he saw just enough action to get tagged with an 0-6 record and the blame for the splintering of a Rams team that once had the word ``dynasty'' pasted all over it. Since breaking his right pinkie in a loss to Dallas last September, everything from his faith to the zip left in his throwing arm has been questioned. When his wife, Brenda, heard that discussion being aired on a talk-radio show last fall in St. Louis, she called the station to defend her man. Naturally, it only made matters worse.
Warner's performance -- ``This is the best my arm has felt in years,'' he announced on the eve of his sixth season -- was supposed to still the debate. Instead, the Giants cranked up the volume and ripped off the knob by sacking Warner six times and causing him to cough up the same number of fumbles in a 23-13 New York win.
Adding injury to insult, Warner suffered a concussion and was scheduled to be hospitalized overnight. St. Louis coach Mike Martz speculated the decisive blow came in the first quarter, when Warner fumbled in his own end zone, handing the Giants a touchdown.
``He didn't seem the same after that,'' Martz said. ``A lot of times he didn't seem to understand the plays we were calling from the sidelines.''
In the case of running back Emmitt Smith, that might not have made a difference. He picked up just four yards in his first five carries after moving from Dallas to Arizona, and the rest of his day running behind the Cardinals offensive line didn't go much better.
Smith totaled 64 yards on 13 carries. That pushed his career rushing record to 17,226 yards, but did precious little to soothe his bruised ego after a 42-24 beating by the Lions.
Coaches weren't immune from those kinds of hits, either.
New England's Bill Belichick unloaded quarterback Drew Bledsoe 18 months ago and released four-time Pro Bowl safety Lawyer Milloy just five days earlier, convinced that their best days were behind them. Both landed in Buffalo and they combined Sunday to stick it to Belichick and the Patriots 31-0.
When asked about a sideline discussion the two shared once the outcome was no longer in doubt, Bledsoe explained there are times when revisiting the not-so-distant past is irresistible.
``We were talking about,'' he said with a wink, ``what you probably think we were talking about.''
Jim Litke is a national sports columnist for The Associated Press. Write to him at jlitke(at)ap.org
Archery Deer Season Opens September 13th
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
09/08/03
Wisconsin’s 2003 early archery deer hunting season opens one half hour before sunrise Saturday, Sept. 13, with the regular early season running through Nov. 20. The late archery deer season runs Dec. 1 through Jan. 3, 2004.
Hunters planning to hunt in deer management units (DMUs) designated as Zone T or within chronic wasting disease (CWD) management zones need to be aware of special regulations for these zones. New this year, all deer hunting regulations are included in a separate hunting regulations brochure that is available at any license vendor, Department of Natural Resources service center, or on the DNR Web site.
At this time there is not a prohibition against baiting deer in Wisconsin going into the opening of the archery season.
“We’re encouraging hunters not to bait deer statewide and especially in the CWD management zones in an effort to help control the spread of CWD in the state,” said Tom Hauge, director of the DNR wildlife management program.
“The available science, field research and the professional opinions of dozens of nationally recognized animal health experts all support banning baiting and feeding as a means to limit spread of CWD,” added Hauge. “Baiting and feeding can help CWD spread and get established by artificially congregating animals. The stakes are high and the deck is stacked in favor of disease. In the wild, once a disease starts to spread, it’s tough to put the brakes on. We need to apply all the measures we can to have a chance of beating CWD.”
Additionally, Hauge said, hunters need to stay abreast for changes to the current situation, as it is possible that additional baiting regulations could be approved prior to opening weekend.
Baiting is the practice of putting out some type of food source in an area being hunted to attract deer. Prior to the discovery of CWD in Wisconsin, regulations allowed hunters to place up to 10 gallons of bait in an area being hunted, with certain other restrictions. Following the discovery of CWD, the NRB approved a temporary ban that prohibited both baiting and feeding deer statewide in Wisconsin. The temporary ban expired April 30, 2003. The NRB is seeking approval of long-term ban, but legislative committees have rejected a statewide ban. In the absence of any new temporary or long-term rules, the regulations for baiting and feeding rules reverted back to what they were prior to the discovery of CWD in the state.
Deer herd remains above goal in most of the state
State wildlife biologists estimate the state’s deer herd is approximately 1.4 million animals, which continues to be above the pre-hunt population goal of 1.1 million. Efforts to reduce the deer population closer to goal will continue this year, with 47 deer management units designated as Zone T units. Archery and gun hunters may use their licenses to shoot either an antlered or antlerless deer in these units, they receive one additional antlerless only permit that can be used in any Zone T unit, and bonus antlerless permits are available for purchase in these units ($12 resident, $20 non-resident).
Archery Harvest in all Zone T units is restricted to antlerless deer from Oct. 30 – Nov. 2. Archery harvest in Zone T units south of Hwy. 8 is also restricted to antlerless deer from Dec. 11 - 14. Zone T units north of Hwy. 8 will not participate in the December firearm hunt. Normal archery rules and regulations apply to these units.
Special regulations for chronic wasting disease management area
Deer management units, including state park units, located in the Chronic Wasting Disease Herd Reduction and Intensive Harvest Zones will again have special regulations for the 2003 season. These units will have extended archery and gun seasons and an earn-a-buck season structure. The earn-a-buck structure requires a hunter to harvest an antlerless deer before they are legally eligible to harvest an antlered buck. In the CWD units hunters will again be eligible to harvest a buck for each antlerless deer they shoot. Hunters planning on hunting one of the CWD Zones should review the 2003 Wisconsin Deer Hunting Regulations for specific details on hunting dates, rules and zone boundaries.
Mandatory Check-out in Kaibab
Arizona Game and Fish Commission
09/08/03
Successful Kaibab archery deer hunters now have mandatory check out at the Jacob Lake Check Station and must have an archery deer stamp affixed to their licenses.
This year there is also something else new – Arizona Game and Fish Department biologists will be collecting tissue samples from deer harvested on the Kaibab to test for chronic wasting disease as part of the state’s early-detection program.
Chronic wasting disease, which most people call CWD, is not currently found in Arizona. It has been discovered in the adjoining states of Colorado, New Mexico and Utah. Once contracted, it is 100-percent fatal to deer and elk.
“We are collecting tissue samples from deer harvested in various areas of the state as part of an early-detection program here,” says Shelli Dubay, a Game and Fish Department biologist.
Off-Road Vehicle Use Prohibited in Four Counties on BLM Land
New Mexico Department of Game and Fish
09/08/03
It is unlawful to drive off of an established road for any purpose on Bureau of Land Management property in Do–a Ana, Luna, Hidalgo and Grant counties. Although the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish allows sportsmen to drive off road to retrieve downed game, off-road vehicle travel for any purpose is prohibited on BLM lands in those counties, said Bureau of Land Management law enforcement officer, Jeff Adams.
Many people do not realize it is unlawful to drive off-road to retrieve downed game in these counties, he said. The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Rules and Information booklets do not supercede the Code of Federal Regulation. Anyone found driving off-road on BLM lands in Do–a Ana, Luna, Hidalgo or Grant counties will be issued a citation and fined $150.
EHD Suspected in Whitetail Deaths
Ohio Department of Natural Resources
09/08/03
State wildlife officials reported today a localized outbreak of what is suspected to be a common white-tailed deer disease in Clermont and Brown counties. Approximately 100 deer may have been affected by the outbreak.
Officials with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife have sent samples to be analyzed by the Ohio Department of Agriculture's Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory in Reynoldsburg. It is speculated that epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) is the source of the illnesses.
State wildlife officials stress to those planning on hunting in these areas this fall that although this disease does not affect humans nor impact the safety of consumed deer, hunters should report deer that appear to be sick or diseased to their local wildlife officer. Deer that appear unhealthy should not as a rule be taken for human food. State animal health officials stressed that the outbreak is not related to Chronic Wasting Disease.
White-tailed deer contract epizootic hemorrhagic disease from the bite of gnats which live near water. The onset of cold weather suppresses the disease and frosts drive the gnats into winter inactivity.
The disease is not spread from deer to deer or from deer to humans. Once infected, deer show symptoms within five to 10 days. Infected deer initially lose appetite and fear of man, grow progressively weaker, often salivate excessively and become unconscious. Many deer die within 36 hours of the onset of symptoms. According to the University of Georgia's annual Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, epizootic hemorrhagic disease is the most common ailment affecting deer in the Eastern United States. This disease occurs annually in deer herds across North America. Outbreaks of the disease have occurred in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia.
Last year there was an outbreak in Gallia, Meigs, and Vinton counties. Suspected cases occurred in Ohio in Greene County in 1997 and in Muskingum County in 1980. The disease is common in portions of the northern Great Plains and the Southeastern United States. It was first identified in 1955 in New Jersey.
White-tailed deer, mule deer, elk, bighorn sheep and pronghorn antelope are susceptible to epizootic hemorrhagic disease. Domestic cattle and other livestock are generally not at risk. Livestock owners finding animals with similar symptoms are advised to contact their veterinarians.
Hunters Heading Out of State Reminded of CWD Precautions
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
09/08/03
Washington residents heading out of state to hunt deer and elk in areas affected by chronic wasting disease (CWD) are reminded to have their game processed before bringing it back home.
As they did last year, state wildlife managers are urging the precaution to reduce the risk of introducing CWD into this state.
Specifically, hunters are advised to have their out-of-state deer or elk carcasses boned out, cut and wrapped before bringing the game back home. Hides and antlers may be brought back to the state, but hides must be scraped clean of tissue and if the antlers are attached to the skull plate, the skull plate should be thoroughly cleaned of tissue.
“We look to hunters to work with us in the effort to keep chronic wasting disease out of this state,” said Dave Ware, game manager for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). He noted that each year tens of thousands of Washingtonians head out of state to hunt. Besides the precautions for out-of-state game, hunter cooperation is vital in state efforts to monitor native deer and elk for the disease, Ware noted. Since no live-animal test is feasible at this time, WDFW collects tissue samples from hunter-harvested animals for CWD testing. This fall, some 1,000 deer and elk will be sampled. Already, WDFW has tested 1,557 deer and elk for CWD in the past two years, with 898 samples taken last year and 659 collected in 2001. All the samples tested negative for the disease.
Chronic wasting disease so far has not been detected in Washington, Oregon or Idaho. However, a dozen other states, including Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, South Dakota, Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, and Utah and the Canadian provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan, have found the disease in free-ranging or farmed whitetail deer, mule deer or elk.
Washington is considered a low-risk state for chronic wasting disease because the state is geographically removed from areas where the disease has been detected and because game farming was banned here a decade ago. Although scientists do not fully understand how chronic wasting disease is transmitted, it is believed the transport of animals for game farming may have played a role in spreading the disease in other states. Chronic wasting disease, a disease of the central nervous system which causes deer and elk to waste away and eventually die, is believed to be caused by an abnormal prion protein. There is no known vaccine or cure.
The disease is a form of transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE). Other TSEs include bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), also known as mad cow disease, in cattle, scrapie in domestic sheep and goats and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in humans. Currently, there is no documented evidence of humans contracting a TSE disease from eating the meat of infected deer or elk.
For more information on chronic wasting disease and WDFW's monitoring efforts check the department's website at http://www.wa.gov/wdfw/wlm/cwd/index.htm on the Internet.
Game Commission Advises on Anterless Deer Licenses
Pennsylvania Game Commission
09/08/03
The Pennsylvania Game Commission today reminded hunters to be patient while waiting for their antlerless deer license applications to be filled by county treasurers.
Concern about the new licensing process began to increase in the past week when some hunters who applied for licenses in a Wildlife Management Unit (WMU) received them and others did not. But the uneven delivery of licenses to hunters is a product of the new antlerless license issuance system.
"In previous years, all hunters who applied to a county typically received their licenses at the same time, because one county treasurer handled all of the applications," explained Game Commission Executive Director Vern Ross. "This year, because licenses for WMUs are being distributed by treasurers from four or more counties, some hunters have already received their antlerless licenses and others are waiting.
"County treasurers have until Sept. 15 to mail antlerless licenses to hunters and until Oct. 1 to mail first and second round unsold licenses. The reasons vary as to why some county treasurers process applications quicker than others. It can range from manpower and limited licenses to process to some that wait for checks to clear. But the bottom line is that there's no reason to worry if you have not yet received your antlerless license. And, remember, it may be a couple more weeks until you do."
Hunters are reminded that they can check the status of their application if they paid with a personal check by reviewing their bank account. If a hunter's check has cleared, he or she will receive a license.
As of Sept. 2, 10 Wildlife Management Units had sold their entire allocation of licenses and two others had less than 500 licenses remaining.
"We anticipate another three or four WMUs could close this week," said Carl Roe, Game Commission Bureau of Administrative Services director. "If your application is returned and stamped 'Box Closed,' it means that the Game Commission is no longer accepting applications for the WMU that you applied to because the allocation for that WMU has been exhausted."
In addition, of the 973,000 antlerless deer licenses originally allocated to county treasurers, 93,071 licenses remained as of Sept. 2. Following is a listing of the antlerless deer licenses available by WMU (along with the initial allocation for each WMU): WMU 1A, 2,404 (44,000); WMU 2A, 6,401 (45,000); WMU 2B, 21,758 (45,000); WMU 2E, 474 (29,000); WMU 3B, 1,851 (45,000); WMU 3D, 6,518 (50,000); WMU 4C, 88 (46,000); WMU 4E, 2,846 (38,000); WMU 5A, 6,136 (28,000); WMU 5B, 12,365 (60,000); WMU 5C, 18,776 (66,000); and WMU 5D, 13,454 (20,000).
Those WMUs sold out include: WMU 1B; WMU 2C; WMU 2D; WMU 2F; WMU 2G; WMU 3A; WMU 3C; WMU 4A; WMU 4B; and WMU 4D.
Hunters are reminded to double-check that they have selected the appropriate pre-printed mailing label for the WMU they are interested in hunting. In addition, make sure that you make your check or money order payable to "County Treasurer." Some hunters have had applications refused for inadequate postage and placed in a "Dead Letter File." Hunters can check to see if their application is in the agency's Dead Letter File by calling the License Division toll-free at 1-877-331-GAME (1-877-331-4263) during business hours of 7:45 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Autumn Draws Hunters to State Parks
South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks
09/08/03
Game, Fish and Parks officials are reminding hunters that many camping opportunities exist in South Dakota’s state parks this upcoming hunting season.
"Many fall hunters are discovering that state parks offer an inexpensive place to stay while hunting in the area," says Emilie Miller, information specialist with the Division of Parks and Recreation. "Camping cabins are especially favored among non-residents and residents without motorhomes."
Camping cabins are found at 27 state parks and recreation areas across the state. Each of the one-room, log-style cabins have heating, air-conditioning and electricity. Furnishings include a set of bunk beds, double bed, table and benches. Linens are not included.
After Labor Day, most campgrounds offer first-come, first-served camping. Cabins are reservable year-round. For arrivals before Sept. 30, reservations can be made online at http://www.campsd.com or by calling 1-800-710-CAMP (2267). After Oct. 1, call the park directly.
Firearms are allowed in most state parks Oct. 1 to April 30. Special regulations apply in some parks. See the 2003 Hunting Handbook for specific regulations. Park entrance licenses are required year-round at designated fee areas.
Youth Waterfowl Day is Saturday, September 20
Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife
09/08/03
Maine's 2003 Youth Waterfowl Hunt is Saturday, September 20. This one-day, kids-only hunt is a great opportunity to introduce young people to waterfowl hunting. The weather is warm, the ducks are abundant, the chance for success is excellent, and the focus is on the kids. Participants must be 10-15 years old, possess a junior hunting license (no stamps are required for junior hunters), and be accompanied by an adult who is at least 18 years old. The adult must be the parent or guardian, or a parent- or guardian-approved person who either holds a valid Maine hunting license or has successfully completed a hunter safety course.
Hunting opportunities for young hunters on this special one-day hunt generally are the same as last year. Shooting hours are from one-half hour before sunrise to sunset. The daily limits on ducks, mergansers and coots are the same as during the regular duck season, except that 1 black duck may be taken. A junior hunter may kill up to 4 regular ducks (dabblers and divers); special restrictions on some of the more commonly-encountered species follow: the daily limit of 4 may not include more than 1 black duck, 2 wood ducks, or 2 female mallards (4 mallards total).
In addition to the daily limit of 4 ducks, 2 teal (blue-winged or green-winged) may be taken. The daily limit on mergansers is 5 of which only 1 may be a hooded merganser; and 5 coots may be taken. The daily limit on Canada geese is 4. See the 2003 Maine Migratory Game Bird Hunting Schedule for complete details on daily bag limits, as well as other waterfowl hunting regulations. The Migratory Game Bird Hunting Schedule is available from license vendors or on the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife website: .
Tips for an enjoyable hunt
Junior hunters and their adult mentors can do several things to increase their chances of an enjoyable experience on their Youth Waterfowl Hunt. As in all types of hunting, pre-season preparation is key. Practice safe gun handling and work on shotgunning skills. Preseason scouting will help in deciding on which wetland to hunt and will provide opportunity to practice waterfowl identification skills. Many books on bird identification, including several field guides (Peterson's series, National Geographic, Audubon, etc), are available at libraries and book stores, and U.S. Geological Survey's Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center has the excellent pamphlet, Ducks in the Distance, on their website: .
Where to hunt
The waters and wetlands that provide good duck hunting during the regular season in October will be good choices for the youth hunt in September. Ducks currently are abundant on most emergent marshes and swamps, and along oak-lined streams where they are feeding on this year's abundant acorn crop. Hunters at a loss for specific ideas may consider one of the excellent state-owned Wildlife Management Areas (see MDIFW's website) or National Wildlife Refuges (stop at the appropriate Refuge office for information on permitted activities).
Placing the blind
Several factors should be considered when deciding exactly where to hunt within a wetland. Your blind may be natural marsh vegetation, a camouflaged boat, or a camouflaged platform, but it is important that the junior hunter have solid footing for safe shooting, and an unobstructed view of incoming ducks. Be sure to set up so that the morning sun will rise behind you; this will keep your face in the shadows (making you less visible to the ducks) and the sun's glare out of your eyes. If the wind is blowing, it's best to have it at your back, as waterfowl prefer to land while facing into the wind (hence they will approach from the direction you are facing). Choose a site with some open water on which to place decoys - a couple to a dozen decoys will suffice - and surrounding vegetation that is not so dense that it will hinder dispatching and retrieving any downed ducks.
When to go
Ducks are most active just before and just after dawn, and there is a second peak of activity at dusk. The best time to hunt ducks is at first light, which entails setting up in the pre-dawn darkness. During mid-day, ducks may be successfully hunted by jump-shooting from a canoe.
Keep it fun
Bring plenty of snacks and drinks
Dress appropriately for the weather
Bring a camera to record memories on film
Know when to call it a day
Outdoors Woman Workshop September 26th-28th
Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks
09/08/03
The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks has announced that there are still openings for the Sept. 26-28 Becoming An Outdoors Woman (BOW) workshop at Rock Springs Ranch, near Junction City.
This workshop is designed to meet the interests of modern-day women, which are often more diverse than those of their Victorian ancestors. Women today are as likely to watch and play basketball and other sports as are men. This is becoming increasingly true in the outdoor sports. However, many women who might be interested in hunting, fishing, or the many other activities nature has to offer just don't know where to begin. The BOW program is designed to fill this need.
At the BOW workshop, women learn to "do it themselves," from baiting a hook to building a campfire. Whatever her outdoor interests, the BOW workshop allows the active woman to explore her own potential and meet her own challenges. BOW provides the skills to conquer these tasks - and many naturalist activities, as well.
The workshop will be held in an relaxed environment, using a format that is almost exclusively hands-on. Seminars will help participants become familiar with equipment and all details of each activity, including technique, safety, care, and ethical use.
Experts in every area will be on hand to help participants, who will choose from more than 40 different activities, including hunting, fishing, wild game cooking, float tubing, archery, stream ecology, canoeing, natural history, backpacking, and camping.
The workshop is designed for women 18 years or older, costs $180, and will include six meals, two nights' lodging, supplies, and use of equipment. A limited number of scholarships are available. For Becoming an Outdoors Woman registration material and information, contact Bev Aldrich at (620) 672-5911 or email BevA@wp.state.ks.us.
Warren Zevon Photos
Warren Zevon (news), the singer known for such hits as 'Werewolves of London,' died Sept. 7 at his home in West Hollywood after a battle with cancer, his record company said September 8, 2003. Zevon, 56, who was diagnosed with terminal cancer a year ago and was only expected to live about three months, completed his last recording 'The Wind' and lived to see it debut at No. 16 on the Billboard album charts -- his best record launch in years. (undated file photos, Artemis Records via Reuters)