8th Street Gang Hunt Club

Got 8SG?

2011-11-27T17:49:00.001-05:00

Got 8SG?

Coming soon..to a truck window near you.

2011-11-23T11:28:00.002-05:00

New 8SG stickers. More european..less 8 ball.

Now using Yeti Coolers..

2011-11-22T10:09:00.001-05:00

Nothing keeps ice longer. Looking forwarding to getting our Yeti Coolers now that we have been asked to help spread the word about the superior ice retention capabilities and unmatched durability of YETI Coolers.

Opening Weekend

2011-11-21T19:45:00.007-05:00

Had a great opener. 4 hunters on the go-devil. 4 limits. 24 ducks and 7 different species. Looking forward to 4 days of ducks later this week.

Hearing before House Natural Resources Committee

2011-11-04T12:12:00.005-04:00

My written testimony can be found here: http://naturalresources.house.gov/UploadedFiles/GutierrezTestimony11.03.11.pdf

The video can be watched here: http://resources.edgeboss.net/wmedia/resources/112/2011_11_03_fwoia.wvx

Secret to good grilling..

2011-09-30T14:09:00.001-04:00

Wood charcoal...

11/12/11

2011-09-25T21:08:00.003-04:00

You will hear about it..if you are invited

History is a great indicator of future performance.

2011-09-08T05:02:00.004-04:00

History is indeed a great indicator of future USFWS actions on the Headwaters refuge. Only 6 of the 28 refuges provide for hunting. Of the ones that do, its limited in the ways you can access it (i.e. limited areas open within the refuge, limited mechanical conveyances, restrictions on days and times of use as well as onerous regulations and restrictions on use which make it difficult if not impossible to really recreate on the area).

Florida National Wildlife Refuges

Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge (No Hunting)
Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge (Limited Hunting)
Caloosahatchee National Wildlife Refuge (No Hunting)
Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge (No Hunting)
Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge (No Hunting)
Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge (No Hunting)
Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge (No Hunting)
Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge (No Hunting)
Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge (No Hunting)
Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge (No Hunting)
Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge (No Hunting)
Island Bay National Wildlife Refuge (No Hunting)
J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge (No Hunting)
Key West National Wildlife Refuge (No Hunting)
Lake Wales Ridge National Wildlife Refuge (No Hunting)
Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge (No Hunting)
Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge (Limited hunting is permitted on the Refuge on a permit basis)
Matlacha Pass National Wildlife Refuge (No Hunting)
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge (Limited hunting is permitted on the refuge on a permit basis in designated areas)
National Key Deer Refuge (No Hunting)
Passage Key National Wildlife Refuge (No Hunting)
Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge (No Hunting)
Pine Island National Wildlife Refuge (No Hunting)
Pinellas National Wildlife Refuge (No Hunting)
St. Johns National Wildlife Refuge (No Hunting)
St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge (Limited Hunting is permitted on the refuge on a permit basis in designated areas)
St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge (Limited Hunting is permitted on the refuge on a permit basis in designated areas)
Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge (Limited Hunting is permitted on a permit basis in designated areas)

Refuge is a Bad Idea..Better Options for Sportsmen

2011-09-07T12:52:00.004-04:00

The Proposed Everglades Headwaters National Wildlife Refuge
A Bad Idea for Florida Sportsmen

Over the past few months there have been ramblings from D.C. and beyond about the need for a National Wildlife Refuge in Florida on approximately 150,000 acres of farm and ranch land between Orlando and Lake Okeechobee. Now a plan has been released.

After a number of scoping meetings throughout the area in question, there seems to be several issues which when mentioned alone cause apprehension, but when combined with the rest of them can only lead folks to say pass on such an expensive undertaking, especially in today's economic climate.

1. Other Options Are Available

Initially, the conservation easements are meant for the large landowners. Without question, once this land is placed under a Federal heading such a refuge, the landowner will in fact lose some control over the property. There are a number of Federal programs that could help these farmers with easements etc. without having to place the property inside the boundaries of a refuge or having it fall under the auspices of the USFWS or the Federal Government and its litany of red tape, bureaucracy and rules.

Under the 1997 Refuge Improvement Act, existing compatible wildlife dependent recreational uses (i.e. hunting etc) shall continue on an interim basis pending the completion of the comprehensive conservation plan for a new refuge. Thus any lands which become part of the refuge would continue be recreated or used in the same manner upon creation, however it would not ensure that it would stay open since that determination gets made in the CCP, subject to NEPA and is also subject to funding limitations. Things such as how the land is used, what practices are used and such simple issues as hunting leases which generate revenue, could be limited, eliminated or affected by such things as NEPA, the Endangered Species Act and other regulations.

2. History of Refuges in Florida

In Florida, there has already been ample opportunities to evaluate access for sportsmen on refuges. Without question, in Florida, the UWFWS has been extremely restrictive when compared to the more hunter friendly Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission. As an example, in Merritt Island, there are limitations on access in several different ways: 1) time and day restrictions (no afternoon hunting, certain days of the week etc.); 2) elimination of and/or limitations on the use of mechanical conveyances within the refuge (no airboats and/or mud motors/longtail engines); and 3) Only small sections the refuge open to hunting. This example is repeated at all the Florida refuges where duck hunting is allowed including Loxahatchee Refuge and Ten Thousand Islands. Some refuges do not permit hunting at all.

The problems are not limited to just duck hunting, but other types of hunting as well. In fact USFWS has refused to allow hunting on the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge just north of Alligator Alley in Collier County (although allowed by law). They have removed Off-Road vehicles for hunting in the Picayune Strand State Forest restoration project and destroyed the true Florida panther with a cross-bred cat that has eliminated the feral hog and is now eliminating the white-tailed deer in the Big Cypress National Preserve to the point that areas for deer hunting have been closed as the problem continues to spread.

3. We Know the Eventual Outcome

Lake Wales Ridge National Wildlife Refuge in Highlands County serves as the best example of what can surely occur if this refuge gets any farther...land that once open is closed. As the Refuge's very own website indicates, its closed to public use. If fact the website states "There is no public access". No hiking, camping, bird watching etc.
http://www.fws.gov/refuges/profiles/index.cfm?id=41577
http://www.fws.gov/refuges/profiles/recEdMore.cfm?ID=41577

This is a small refuge of a few thousand acres which compared to the 150,000 acres of proposed refuge is a nullity, but yet if the USFWS can’t even open this parcel and/or obtain funding for staff etc., how can the public believe a bigger and more costly to maintain project will have better access?

By admission, even if the properties were acquired by USFWS, they would have to be additional funding sources for staff and maintenance. In essence, the property could be acquired and placed into Federal Control, but left closed due to lack of funding for staff, equipment and other necessary items. Moreover, we already know there is already a maintenance backlog for existing properties nationwide.

4. Loss of Tax Revenues by the Counties

With the land falling into federal control, there is an absolute loss of tax revenue for the counties and municipalities. Once again, we have history on our side. For example, when the Picayune Strand and Ten Thousand Islands were taken over by the Federal government, Collier County lost tax revenue. To date, the federal government has not fulfilled its promise to reimburse the counties for lost revenue.

5. State is better partner

FWC is a much better steward of these lands as they are local and know the areas. They already do a great job on millions of acres of state lands. The state provides better access, facilities and more recreational opportunities than the USFWS could ever dream of or hope to provide under the best of circumstances.

This is a work in progress and is just a sample of why this isn't all its cracked up to be.

Refuge Press Release

2011-09-07T12:49:00.001-04:00

AMERICA’S GREAT OUTDOORS: Salazar Unveils Proposed Everglades Headwaters National Wildlife Refuge and Conservation Area

September 7, 2011

Contacts:
Adam Fetcher, DOI
(202) 208-6416
adam_fetcher@ios.doi.gov

Stacy Shelton, FWS
(404) 679-7290
stacy_shelton@fws.gov

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — As part of President Obama’s America’s Great Outdoors initiative, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar today formally proposed the establishment of a new national wildlife refuge and conservation area in the Kissimmee River Valley, south of Orlando, Fla., to preserve one of the last remaining grassland and longleaf pine savanna landscapes in eastern North America.

Building on the conservation work of private landowners, state and federal conservation agencies, conservation groups, and the public, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s proposal is a strong example of how conservation partners are working to preserve the area’s rich ranching heritage and way of life, while protecting the headwaters of the Everglades in the Kissimmee River Basin and connecting valuable habitats benefiting the area’s rich fish and wildlife resources.

“We established the America’s Great Outdoors initiative to help support the efforts of local communities, private landowners and other key stakeholders to protect working lands and signature landscapes like the northern Everglades,” Secretary Salazar said. “This initiative honors the stewardship of generations of Florida cattle ranchers and other landowners who understood that we all have a stake in preserving the health of our land, water, and wildlife. This proposal, which will continue to be shaped by the local communities and landowners, will help protect both the ranching traditions in the area and the wildlife that call this area home. The establishment of this refuge promotes one of our key Everglades restoration goals, which is to restore habitat and protect species.”

Two-thirds of the proposed Everglades Headwaters National Wildlife Refuge and Conservation Area, or up to 100,000 acres, would be protected through conservation easements purchased from willing sellers. Private landowners would retain ownership of their land, as well as the right to work the land to raise cattle or crops. The easements would ensure the land could not be developed.

The Service would also purchase up to 50,000 acres outright from willing sellers to create the proposed national wildlife refuge where visitors could hunt, fish, hike and view wildlife. The Service has identified six areas where these refuge lands could potentially be purchased. In some cases, the refuge acquisitions would augment existing conservation lands, such as state parks and wildlife management areas.

Today’s announcement builds on several other key conservation priorities championed by Secretary Salazar as part of the America’s Great Outdoor initiative and developed with the input of private landowners, conservation stakeholders, and state, local and tribal elected officials, including:

· The proposed Dakota Grassland Conservation Area, which will conserve prairie landscapes, wildlife resources and working lands in the Prairie Pothole Region, an area that supports more than half of the nation’s migratory waterfowl;

· The successful community-based conservation initiatives taking place in the Crown of the Continent, a vast and intact landscape that includes portions of northwestern Montana as well as British Columbia and Alberta; and

· The 1-million-acre Flint Hills Legacy Conservation Area in Kansas – the first new unit of the National Wildlife Refuge System established under the Obama administration.

A preliminary proposal for the project was first announced in January 2011. By the end of March, the Service had held four public meetings and received more than 38,000 comments. The public input was used to refine the proposal.

Details of the proposal, including maps, are in a Draft Land Protection Plan and Environmental Assessment that can be viewed at: http://www.fws.gov/southeast/evergladesheadwaters.

During the six-week public review and comment period that ends Oct. 24, 2011, the Service will host two additional public meetings to answer questions and gather comments. The first hour of each meeting will be in an informal open-house format, during which the Service and its partners will present information and answer questions. Following that, the session will be in a formal public hearing format. Speakers will sign up to speak and will be given a specified time limit in which to offer comments.

The public meetings are scheduled for:

1 – 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011
South Florida Community College Theatre for the Performing Arts
600 W. College Drive
Avon Park, FL 33825

1 – 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1, 2011
Osceola Heritage Park
The Exhibition Building – Hall A
1901 Chief Osceola Trail
Kissimmee, FL 34744

Comments may also be submitted in writing to the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Proposed Everglades Headwaters NWR and Conservation Area:

By email to EvergladesHeadwatersProposal@fws.gov;
By mail to P.O. Box 2683, Titusville, FL 32781-2683;
By fax to 321-861-1276.

Time permitting, the Service is also planning to consider requests from organizations for informational presentations held in the local area during the public review and comment period. During these sessions, the Service would be able to share information about the proposed refuge and conservation area, but would be unable to accept verbal public comments at these meetings. However, written comments could be submitted to the Service representative.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov/. Connect with our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/usfwshq/ and www.facebook.com/usfwssoutheast/ follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/usfwshq or www.twitter.com/usfwssoutheast, watch our YouTube Channel at http://www.youtube.com/usfws and download photos from our Flickr page at www.flickr.com/photos/usfwshq/, or www.flickr.com/photos/usfwssoutheast/

###

FWC Applicants--Here is an analysis by Woods 'n Water

2011-08-30T17:18:00.002-04:00

Take a look at who has applied for the vacant FWC commission seat..

http://www.woodsnwater.net/articles/2011/9-september-2011/fwc

Pick up a copy today..

Drilling in the Everglades

2011-08-29T20:03:00.002-04:00

Its a bad idea all around..

http://www.americanindependent.com/191711/group-corrects-bachmann-points-out-there-is-little-to-no-quality-oil-to-drill-for-in-everglades

Everglades Foundation CEO Kirk Fordham says that thousands of hunters and fishermen, as well as 7 million Floridians that rely on the Everglades as a source of drinking water, likely wouldn’t be too excited at the prospect of drilling in the area. #

“NRA card-carrying hunters, fishermen, waterfowlers and other outdoors enthusiasts do not want to see oil drilling in their Everglades wildlife paradise,” says Fordham. “In addition, the Everglades is the source of fresh, clean, drinking water for more than 7 million Floridians. Congresswoman Bachmann needs to understand that oil and drinking water do not mix.”

I could not agree more with that statement.
#

Country living..

2011-08-22T20:52:00.000-04:00

Few more months..

2011-08-18T08:34:00.002-04:00

Just saw this pic on the palm beach post website and got a tear in my eye...duck season is almost here.

Pre-Season Duck Hunting Tips..

2011-08-14T12:03:00.002-04:00

So you are sitting at home in the heat of summer dreaming of some far away marsh with a cool breeze and some ducks cupped and committed. Its never too early to start getting ready for duck season. Here are a few things you can do now to make the work in the Fall easier and less hectic.

1. Re-Rig the Decoys.
Spend a few hours in the garage out of the heat and check those decoys. Make sure your weights didn't fall off last season. Shorten up the decoy line..you probably don't need as much line as you think. Better yet, re-rig with some Tanglefree line and weights.

If you wait till right before the season, you will get overwhelmed with other stuff and forget. While you are at it, put them on the lawn and give them a good rinse and brighten them up with some armour all.

2. Buy a comfortable PFD.
With the summer upon on, there are some great deals on comfortable PFDs like sospenders or other types of wearable PFDs that will save your life. The horseshoe orange ones are great when you need to have them onboard but are not as comfortable when you need to wear them. Try Bass Pro or Gander Mountain during their preseason sales, but don't forget checking Ebay or The Sportsman's Guide.

3. Pattern your shotgun now.
Spend time at the range shooting 5 stand or skeet. Try every choke you have and get an idea of what works good in different situations. One day you may be hunting a small shallow pond where ducks with decoys with ease and require close shots and open chokes. Some places may require tighter chokes for longer passing shots. A little time figuring this out now makes the opening better and will lead to better shooting if you know your range.

4. Find a hunting buddy now.
Make plans now to hunt with people during the season. Plan who you want to hunt with and when. Not too specific but a list of folks that wanna hunt with you is great to have handy...especially when you need someone at the last minute because your regular buddy gets food poisoning.

5. Order your new gear now.
Don’t procrastinate. Shipments can be delayed. Sizes could be off. Don't be worrying about whether stuff will arrive before the opener. http://www.mossyoak.com/ http://www.mossyoak.com/

6. Grow the sport.
Make plans to take at least one new person to the marsh this year. We all need to help our sport grow. Maybe you have someone who says they want to duck hunt but never have. Make arrangements now to hunt with that person so they can get their “ducks in a row”..i.e. buy a license, get hunter education completed and get ready gear wise.

7. Make a checklist.
Its a good idea no matter how long you have been hunting to make a checklist of stuff you need in the duck blind. If you are like me, some things like flashlights and knives are used for other hunts (i.e. deer, turkeys etc.) Make sure you have everything you need to have in your blind bag so that you aren't left in the dark or without the basics on opening day. When you rush to get everything together at the last minute, you will forget something..its guaranteed.

8. Start scouting.
Scout for new areas in the marsh. You can even scout using Google Earth from the comfort of your house. Never too early to find ducky areas near you.

Great Video and Article on Youth Gator Hunt

2011-08-07T11:31:00.002-04:00

Now this is some great publicity and PR for FSCA. Kudos to FWC and FSCA on this great event.

BOLO Stolen 35hp MudBuddy HyperDrive

2011-07-09T13:28:00.003-04:00

Be on the lookout for a 35 hp Mudbuddy Hyperdrive mud motor. someone stole it from a good friend of mine in Lauderdale near 595 and 441/ New River . it has manual trim and no Mercury switch and a melted wiring harness. If you see it or have info let us know.

Big Cypress Volunteer Opportunity

2011-07-07T13:39:00.000-04:00

Big Cypress Volunteer Opportunity

Environmental Education Assistant
Education and Outreach Programs

Big Cypress National Preserve is seeking volunteers from the local area to
work one to four days per week from mid October to mid April assisting in
the Preserve’s Environmental Education and Outreach Programs.

Volunteers are needed to work with the S.W.A.M.P. (Swamp Water and Me
Program) a curriculum based program with 6th grade students and their
teachers from Collier County public and private schools. Volunteers assist
the Education Rangers with group management and safety of 12-15 students
during field trips to the preserve. This involves hiking into a cypress
strand, prairie and pineland with the students and helping them with field
experiments, data collection and other activities such as radio telemetry,
dip netting and water quality testing. While the hiking is not long in
distance it can be physically demanding as it involves walking through knee
to thigh deep water, heat and humidity, mosquitoes, long periods of
standing and uneven footing. A normal Environmental Education day is from
9:30 – 3:30.

Volunteers also assist staff with housekeeping duties of the education
center, preparations for the arrival of the students, maintenance of
equipment and supplies, cleaning and restocking backpacks and field gear
and trail maintenance. On days that no field trips are scheduled the
volunteers may assist with special events, festivals, teacher workshops,
special projects or requested interpretive outreach programs. These
outreach programs may include wet walks, canoe trips, bike trips and
boardwalk tours.

The duty station is the Environmental Education Center located on Birdon
Road, which will require personal vehicles to be driven the 2.5 miles from
hwy 41along a gravel road to the education center. Volunteers will use a
government vehicle to get to special events and outreach programs.

Volunteers must enjoy working outside, have experience working with
children, knowledge of natural science, good communication skills,
flexibility, good physical condition and most of all have enthusiasm!

How to Apply: Send resume including references to: Lisa Andrews,
Outreach/Education Specialist, Big Cypress National Preserve 33100 Tamiami
Trail E., Ochopee, FL 34141; call Lisa 239-695-1164; or e-mail
lisa_andrews@nps.gov

For more details on the preserve visit the Big Cypress National Preserve
Web site www.nps.gov/bicy

New Calender Feature on Forum

2011-07-07T12:15:00.002-04:00

Stay up to date with all the important meetings and events in South Florida's Sportsman Community. If you have something let us know so we can spread the word and or attend. There may even be some cookouts at duck camp..only if you are nice though.

Crab Trap Removal Event at Alabama Jacks on July 10th at 7am

2011-07-01T07:36:00.000-04:00

The Broward Airboat Club is working with Miami-Dade County DERM July 10th to do a derelict crab trap removal project in Biscayne Bay. We are meeting at Alabama Jack's on Card Sound Road at 7am on the 10th. Its being done during the crab trap closure season so any traps will be pulled etc.

Its not just limited to folks with airboats but also anyone with small boats/skiffs etc.

Great Video on Gun Control.

2011-05-04T13:00:00.000-04:00

NEW STA INFO--report is also on the forum

2011-04-21T17:24:00.003-04:00

STA Info for 2011-2012 Season

hog hunting with the boys...

2011-04-17T01:20:00.008-04:00

Bass Fishing in the Everglades

2011-03-26T19:25:00.003-04:00

Remington/Mossy Oak

2011-03-25T12:58:00.001-04:00

If anyone is thinking of getting a new gun, let me know. Through Mossy Oak & Remington I have special rebate cards for big rebates on new guns and ammo for next season. Just comment and Ill get them to you or see me here locally. Thanks.

Hunting Osceolas in Central Florida

2011-03-19T22:33:00.003-04:00

Great Turkey Season so far..

Its turkey season...

2011-03-06T20:01:00.001-05:00

Already started scouting? Looking forward to the opener in Central Florida.

The 8th Street Gang Hunt Club is now part of ECC

2011-03-04T17:11:00.006-05:00

The 8th Street Gang Hunt Club is now part of the Everglades Coordinating Council ("ECC"). The ECC is a consortium of over 17 South Florida sportsmen & conservation organizations involved in a plethora of issues related to the Everglades ecosystem, from its headwaters in the Northern Kissimmee Valley where a new national wildlife refuge has being proposed, all the way south to the reefs in the Florida Keys.

You can find more information about ECC and its member organizations on their new website: http://www.evergladescoordinatingcouncil.com You can also look for them & follow on facebook by clicking here.

Avery Boat Blind

2011-02-13T18:01:00.002-05:00

Another season has come to an end and the Avery Boat Blind went through without a hitch. Its been 11 years now and only had to replace the blind material once. Removed the blind the afternoon and put the material in storage. Boat is now ready for fishing or just running around the Glades.

Stop the Federal Refuge

2011-02-11T16:27:00.002-05:00

Its no secret that the USFWS at least here in Florida restricts access by sportsmen and recreationalists on its vast wildlife refuges. As an example, the Loxahatchee refuge in western Broward/Palm Beach County only allows hunting on 1/3 of the entire refuge. The areas where sportsmen are allowed to access is further limited in the days of the week and time access is permitted. When you get to the area you can hunt, on the correct day and at the correct time, you are further restricted in the boat you can use as airboats and mudmotors are not permitted while simple outboards that use water to cool hot engines are allowed. Airboat use goes back decades to even before the refuge was established. This is just one example and the other refuges follow the same type of restrictions. Some like the Lake Wales Ridge Refuge is about 2,000 acres which is entirely closed to public use...even hikers and bird watchers.

Ribs on the Wood Smoker for the Super Bowl...

2011-02-07T11:19:00.003-05:00

Hunt on MLK Day in the Glades

2011-02-02T20:57:00.001-05:00

Another great season...

2011-01-30T17:08:00.003-05:00

As we close another South Florida duck season, I have a few thoughts on the last 60 days. I think the highlight was definitely my first Redhead which is headed to the taxidermist and will end up on my office wall. Overall I didn't hunt as many days as in year's past due to trips out of town and work. The quality of the hunts were better overall as far as comraderie. Less STA hunts. I rediscovered Lake Okeechobee. Most importantly we ended up enjoying our new duck camp outside Clewiston and it will now be a year round haunt now. The grand finale was last night with stewed blackbelly duck legs with ham hocks and smoked sausage. It was fall off the bone goodness.

Its whats for dinner...

2011-01-28T16:06:00.002-05:00

Blackbelly Duck Leg Potage with white rice and red wine. This is the menu for Saturday at Duck Camp. Looking forward to it.

Tanglefree Weights

2011-01-17T20:22:00.002-05:00

After 3 days of duck hunting this long weekend in the Everglades, there is 1 thing I am so glad I did. That is switch to the Tanglefree Torpedo/submarine style 4oz anchors. Compared to the strap style weights, these don't pick up all the grass and moss type stuff found in the glades. When picking up dekes, their sleek smooth lines just come out of the water clean and easy to store. Im replacing the rest of my weights with these when I get a chance.

Give a kid a Flip in a duck blind

2011-01-16T14:21:00.001-05:00

and this happens..

Glades kind of morning

2011-01-16T13:57:00.002-05:00

No limit but a few birds. Will be back out in am for the National Duck Hunter's Holiday before heading to work.

If you havnt become a member

2011-01-14T22:05:00.002-05:00

of the gang's new web forum, just follow the link on the top right of the home page on http://www.8streetgang.com

Spread the word. Click Here

Stopping Wilderness Designation on Federal Lands/Parks

2011-01-07T11:36:00.001-05:00

This video gives you a good primer of the issues involved and why its not a good idea here in Florida or throughout this great land.

Christmas came early

2010-12-20T11:17:00.002-05:00

My sister surprised me this weekend and dropped off this Wood Smoker in my yard. Was putting the boat in the yard and just ran into it. Cant wait to try it.

Taking care of business..

2010-12-04T17:51:00.003-05:00

JP and I tagged along with the Tanner Boys for a Youth Hog Hunt at Dinner Island WMA. We were limited out by 8am. Way to go guys..

New Forum

2010-11-30T12:09:00.003-05:00

Its new and uncensored. Post your questions, thoughts, ideas. Still trying to integrate into the blog but below is the link for now.

http://8streetgang.freesmfhosting.com/index.php

a free south florida duck forum..imagine that.

TMG/Fellsmere Farms

2010-11-29T17:03:00.002-05:00

Had some great reports from central florida about ducks. TMG and Fellsmere Farms to be specific. Hope they make it down to South Florida. Glades are holding birds but they are scattered. Have to scout to find them and be in the right place.

Bergeron up for 2011 Budweiser Conservationist of the Year

2010-11-29T14:50:00.001-05:00

South Florida's own Ronnie Bergeron, FWC Commissioner and fellow Gladesman, is a finalist in the prestigious 2011 Budweiser Conservationist of the Year Award. He has consistently worked to preserve a healthy Everglades ecosystem and the right of you and your children to use and enjoy it. Please take a moment to demonstrate your appreciation for his work on your behalf. The hyperlink below will take you to the Budweiser web site. After affirming your age, click on "vote" and cast your vote for Ronnie Bergeron.

_____

FWC Commissioner Alligator Ron Bergeron

Selected as national finalist for

2011 Budweiser Conservationist

Of the Year

This honor is for individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the outdoors and conservation. The winner selects a conservation organization to receive a $50,000 grant from Budweiser and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.

Voting is ONLY open until Dec. 17th at www.budweiser.com .Click on “vote” link on the home page and select Ron Bergeron.

This honor would be a testament to his passion for preserving
the Florida Everglades and the wildlife for future generations.

Some videos

2010-11-21T21:44:00.001-05:00

I didnt get a chance to video as much as I wanted to but here is a taste of some of the retrieving that Maxx did this weekend.

Saturday's Opener

2010-11-21T19:08:00.003-05:00

Started the season with a bang of sorts. My first ever Redhead on Maxx's first retrieve. Not a bad opener at all!!

Opening Day

2010-11-21T18:46:00.002-05:00

I will post pics and videos shortly but this afternoon we were grabbing some food in clewiston and started talking to a fellow hunter who said "are you with the 8th Street Gang". Tano said yes and the guy said Ive read some of your posts by the guy on American Waterfowlers. Maybe he was confused but the description of the guy and the name & occupation was way off. Accept no imitations or substitutes. You can count us on less than 2 full hands...

Season's Greetings from the 8th Street Gang

2010-11-18T22:27:00.000-05:00

New Lake Crib..

2010-11-03T20:11:00.002-04:00

Close to Lake Okeechobee. Quiet Secluded 5 Acres in the woods with a pond. Can't wait for opening weekend.

STA permits – Outdoors – Sun-Sentinel

2010-10-22T09:23:00.000-04:00

STA permits – Outdoors – Sun-Sentinel

Good to see Steve with a new Blog..

More Free Open Duck Hunting in Central Florida

2010-10-18T14:40:00.002-04:00

Fellsmere Area 1 Public Small Game Area in Indian River County. No Lines, no permits, no waiting... 4100 acres...

No fear of humans..

2010-10-17T17:29:00.003-04:00

This gator was at the ramp this am. Looks like someone has been feeding it. Absolutely no fear of humans.

Watefowling in Arizona

2010-10-13T10:57:00.001-04:00

While on my business trip to Arizona, I swung by a Dick's Sporting Goods in Tuscon. Didnt even see duck loads. Never saw a lake nor did I see any ducks. Lots of predator habitat. Coyotes and Javenlina hunting next time I am in town.

Updating the Blog from 35k feet

2010-10-11T18:24:00.002-04:00

On way to the west coast for work. Hope to do some new stuff with the blog while in the air.

October Tips...Just over a month away.

2010-10-11T16:26:00.001-04:00

So you read my last 8 tips from the 8 a few months ago. Now what. Here we are a few weeks away from the Florida opener and hopefully you are already thinking about it. Here are a few more ideas which maybe you have not considered.

Plan the season. Yes issues come up along the way but I grab a calender and start checking stuff off and crossing days off. Look for holidays when you can get in the field. Look for dates when you absolutely wont be able to hunt because some old buddy is getting married. Don’t forget to consider any days your wife is off and you can get away during the week. Even if on vacation, Ive been known to throw in a duck hunt close to my inlaws on thanksgiving morning or whenever I can get away for a few hours. You may have some hunts already scheduled..Calender those and set aside the time. Get time off in advance if u need to leave town for a hunt. Call in or set aside that vacation day now.

I mentioned this before. Make plans now to hunt with people during the season. Its never to early. Nothing worse than the season to end in 60 days and you regret that you didn't get to hunt with someone. How many times you say to someone “lets get together for a hunt next year”. Well that time is now.

So you took my advice and ordered your gear. Well look at the stuff again and see if you need anything else. If you are like me you get regular catalogs. New stuff is always coming out. With an upgraded mud motor this season I need some stuff that I didn't need with my other rig.

Its a good idea no matter how long you have been hunting to make a checklist of stuff you need in the duck blind. This is a work in progress that get changed constantly. If you are like me, some things like flashlights and knives are used for other hunts (i.e. deer, turkeys etc.) Make sure you have everything you need to have in your blind bag so that you aren't left in the dark or without the basics on opening day. When you rush to get everything together at the last minute, you will forget something..its guaranteed.

Scout for new areas in the marsh. This never stops. Water levels change. Areas get opened and closed. Vegetation grows. Access increased decreases or changes. You are only as good as your last scouting trip.Of course you can scout using Google Earth from the comfort of your house but nothing beats your own eyes and Google Earth unfortunately wont tell you how deep the water is. Maybe u have an airboat and wade hunt...it does you know good to find an area to hunt on google earth when you get there its 5 ft deep and the water is over your waders.

Remember that its better to be hunting somewhere than nowhere...

The re-powered African Queen..

2010-10-04T17:25:00.004-04:00

my duck hunting boat is ready to roll. Took her out for a spin yesterday and she moves like she hasn't before. It puts on quite the show as well...may as well be a water cannon off the back.

Putnam Endorsement by UWF

2010-10-04T13:59:00.001-04:00

Adam Putnam endorsed by United Waterfowlers – Florida, Inc.
October 4, 2010

Sportsmen rally for Putnam’s campaign for Commissioner of Agriculture

Bartow, Fla. – The start of hunting season brought more support for Adam Putnam with United Waterfowlers – Florida, Inc. (UW-F) announcing their official endorsement of his campaign for Commissioner of Agriculture.

“As an organization whose founding principles include the promotion of conservation and enhancement of Florida’s natural resources, as well as the preservation of waterfowling heritage for future generations of Floridians, we believe that Adam is the right person to lead the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. We value and trust Adam’s real world experience as a native Floridian, Congressman and as a fellow sportsman,” said UW-F Vice President of Legislative Affairs, Jorge P. Gutierrez, Jr.

UW-F is the voice for the state’s waterfowlers, concentrating on the improvement of hunting opportunities for all Floridians.

“I would like to thank United Waterfowlers – Florida for its endorsement of my campaign for Commissioner of Agriculture. It is an honor to have the support of my fellow sportsmen. Since my dad first taught me how to hunt and fish, I have spent much of my life enjoying the many activities available to sportsmen throughout Florida. As Commissioner, I look forward to expanding access to hunting, fishing, horseback riding and off highway vehicles on public lands to ensure all Floridians have the ability to enjoy these opportunities,” Putnam said.

For more information about Adam Putnam’s campaign for Commissioner of Agriculture or his stance on important sportsmen issues, visit www.adamputnam.com, or follow him on Facebook, www.facebook.com/adamputnam, and Twitter, @adamputnam.

Dove season starts saturday.

2010-09-30T17:52:00.003-04:00

Looking forward to my Lab Maxx's debut this year. It wont be Argentina but should be a great time.

The Gutierrez guy in the paper...again!!

2010-09-30T09:09:00.001-04:00

Poor Sue Cocking..outdoor writer for the Miami Herald. Her quest for the mighty Permit on Fly continues. I wish her well.

Posted on Thu, Sep. 30, 2010
Catching permit on fly confounding

By SUSAN COCKING
scocking@MiamiHerald.com

SUE COCKING / MIAMI HERALD STAFF
Permit, like the one being held by captain Carl Ball, can be tough to land because it will use its body like a sea anchor when you are trying to reel it in
There once was a villain in a 1960s cartoon who, when his plans for evil-doings were thwarted, repeatedly intoned: ``Curses. Foiled again.''
That pretty much sums up the latest chapter in my multiyear campaign to catch and release a permit using a fly rod on the flats. Going in, I knew this would be difficult, but had no idea it would turn into the marine equivalent of the Hundred Years War.

For those who don't fish for permit, it really is a ``rock star'' among game fish, as Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission chairman Rodney Barreto recently said. This silvery yellow, oval-shaped fish with a scythe-like black tail can be found on reefs, wrecks and flats throughout South Florida and the Caribbean. Reaching weights in excess of 50 pounds, it is fairly easy to hook using live crabs, jigs or flies in deep water but can be difficult to land.

FISH-WISE TACTICS

That's because it is not afraid of a strong current and uses its garbage-can-lid-like body as a kind of sea anchor when you are trying to reel it in. When that tactic doesn't work, the permit often dives into whatever underwater structure is nearby to break your line. So, managing to boat one of these bulldogs is an accomplishment -- even in deep water. I once caught a 29-pounder on 20-pound-tippet fly rod on an 80-foot-deep wreck north of Key West that took me nearly an hour to land.

It was exhausting.

But trying to fool a permit in two feet of clear water into eating what looks like Salvador Dali's 3-D rendition of a crustacean is beyond difficult. As numerous flats guides have told me -- most recently captain John O'Hearn of Big Pine Key -- you can do everything right, but they still won't eat it.

However, there are legions of anecdotes of anglers who did everything wrong -- and still caught the permit. I could cheerfully throttle the guy who let his crab fly dangle overboard while he was eating lunch -- only to have the permit make his limp fly its lunch. Another angler on my hit list was chasing tarpon on the flats with an obscenely large and garish red-and-white streamer when he happened upon a permit instead. He cast his fly to the permit, which gobbled it enthusiastically.

I should be so lucky.

The closest I have come to besting a shallow-water permit was a very large and stupid fish that ate a crab fly that I dropped into a sandy hole in the Marquesas, then broke off when the fly line wrapped around a bow ring eye for the boat's trailer hook. On another trip to Biscayne Bay, a permit seemed to gulp my fly -- then regurgitate it before I could set the hook. And that's it.

NO SUCCESS ANYWHERE

I have fished for permit on the flats of South Florida, Belize, Mexico and Honduras and nearly all of them behave the same way -- they either totally ignore the fly (no matter what it looks like) or sidle over to look at it, occasionally track it, then refuse to eat it.

My most recent three-day campaign on the flats near Key West and the Middle Keys a couple of weeks ago ended the same way as all the others: crummy weather, some bad casts, repeated refusals and no permit. I did, however, manage one small bonefish on fly rod -- not much consolation.

After complaining about my failure on Facebook, I received a novel suggestion from accomplished hunter/angler Jorge Gutierrez: consult a Santeria priest to eliminate the permit curse.

Not a bad idea -- and the resulting chicken feathers could be used to tie some more permit flies.

© 2010 Miami Herald Media Company. All Rights Reserved.
http://www.miamiherald.com

Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/09/30/v-print/1849622/catching-permit-on-fly-confounding.html#ixzz111BIvAHe

Selling my go-devil engine

2010-09-20T10:44:00.003-04:00

Im upgrading to a bigger engine and selling the longtail. If you are interested, just check out the craigslist ad.

http://miami.craigslist.org/mdc/boa/1963564581.html

Maxx and I watching Goose Hunting on TV

2010-09-03T20:32:00.001-04:00

I think he cant wait till hunting season either...

Best of the Blogs in Miami Herald

2010-08-30T09:30:00.002-04:00

We made the Miami Herald today. An old blog post on hunting safety was listed as part of the herald's best of the blogs on page 2 of the local section.

Click here for the link

Dog Training with my daughter..

2010-08-26T20:18:00.002-04:00

Worked with the dog this evening. Kudos to my daughter on the great camera work with the blackberry.

Hampton Chain of Friends Sweepstakes

2010-08-25T13:10:00.003-04:00

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Hampton Hotels. All opinions are 100% mine.

Just came across this contest thru Hampton Hotels. The grand prize winner will receive a free stay for themselves and 100 of their friends at a Hampton for one weekend. The winner will also receive $5000 to help pay the tax for the weekend! Imagine all the things you could do. I’d be glad not to worry about the people you don’t know in the pool or making too much noise in the room. Maybe the old people hogging up all the oj at the breakfast downstairs. No need to wait around for a pool chair since everyone you know will be your friend. Who is gonna complain. The biggest problem you will have that weekend is figuring out dinner arrangements. Can you imagine the call to the restaurant.”table for 120”

If it were me, I'd throw a party in the pool. If it were close to the hunting areas, everyone could have a good time before the hunt the next day.

You are talking about alot of rooms so everyone in the address book would get an invite. You can't win if you don't enter.

The sweepstakes is open to everyone, not just those that are Hilton Honors members or those that have previously stayed at a Hampton.

Hampton Chain of Friends Sweepstakes

Max Running Doubles in the Yard..

2010-08-18T21:19:00.000-04:00

C'mon Hunting Season...

2010-08-15T18:23:00.000-04:00

Say hello to Maxx..

2010-08-13T22:15:00.002-04:00

Hunting with the Gang at a marsh near you...

Win an Everglades Duck Hunt.. Follow @8SGHC on Twitter

2010-07-25T21:37:00.004-04:00

So the summer is ending. Kids will be back to school in a few weeks. Heck..here in South Florida Archery Season opens on July 31st. I've been thinking of ways to increase visibility of the blog and get more followers etc.

Some of my internet buddies say to run a contest. Well here it is. Its real simple. Just do the following:

1. Follow @8SGHC on Twitter.

2. Simply tweet “Just entered to win an Everglades Duck Hunt with the Gang. Just follow @8SGHC and retweet. http://www.8streetgang.com”

Thats it. No forms. No suggestions. Contest ends on September 15th. We will pick a winner at random from all entries. Winner will get an everglades duck hunt for divers with the gang including our world famous breakfast. Winner has to provide own transportation to South Florida, all equipment and comply with all state hunting laws etc.

So there you go. Join Twitter. Follow the gang and you may be hunting the Glades this Fall with the gang.

STA Blind?

2010-07-21T11:49:00.003-04:00

Wonder how good they would work on some dry ground at the STAs...

Very interesting...

Must Buy For Fall

2010-07-15T21:58:00.003-04:00

Every year there are a bunch of new and improved ideas for waterfowlers. Some are gimmicks, others make a huge difference. The one thing Im looking forward to getting this year is a new side opening gun case. No more rusty barrels when u leave the gun in the case longer than a day. No worrying about damp gun cases after a saturday hunt. Tanglefree has a great one in all types of Mossy Oak patterns.

8 from the 8

2010-07-14T23:31:00.001-04:00

Eight Summer Tips from The 8th Street Gang

So you are sitting at home in the heat of summer dreaming of some far away marsh with a cool breeze and some ducks cupped and committed. Its never too early to start getting ready for duck season. Here are a few things you can do now to make the work in the Fall easier and less hectic.

1. Re-Rig the Decoys.
Spend a few hours in the garage out of the heat and check those decoys. Make sure your weights didn't fall off last season. Shorten up the decoy line..you probably don't need as much line as you think. Better yet, re-rig with some Tanglefree line and weights. If you wait till right before the season, you will get overwhelmed with other stuff and forget. While you are at it, put them on the lawn and give them a good rinse and brighten them up with some armour all.

2. Buy a comfortable PFD.
With the summer upon on, there are some great deals on comfortable PFDs like sospenders or other types of wearable PFDs that will save your life. The horseshoe orange ones are great when you need to have them onboard but are not as comfortable when you need to wear them. Try Bass Pro or Gander Mountain during their preseason sales, but don't forget checking Ebay or The Sportsman's Guide.

3. Pattern your shotgun now.
Spend time at the range shooting 5 stand or skeet. Try every choke you have and get an idea of what works good in different situations. One day you may be hunting a small shallow pond where ducks with decoys with ease and require close shots and open chokes. Some places may require tighter chokes for longer passing shots. A little time figuring this out now makes the opening better and will lead to better shooting if you know your range.

4. Find a hunting buddy now.
Make plans now to hunt with people during the season. Plan who you want to hunt with and when. Not too specific but a list of folks that wanna hunt with you is great to have handy...especially when you need someone at the last minute because your regular buddy gets food poisoning.

5. Order your new gear now.
Don’t procrastinate. Shipments can be delayed. Sizes could be off. Don't be worrying about whether stuff will arrive before the opener.

6. Grow the sport.
Make plans to take at least one new person to the marsh this year. We all need to help our sport grow. Maybe you have someone who says they want to duck hunt but never have. Make arrangements now to hunt with that person so they can get their “ducks in a row”..i.e. buy a license, get hunter education completed and get ready gear wise.

7. Make a checklist.
Its a good idea no matter how long you have been hunting to make a checklist of stuff you need in the duck blind. If you are like me, some things like flashlights and knives are used for other hunts (i.e. deer, turkeys etc.) Make sure you have everything you need to have in your blind bag so that you aren't left in the dark or without the basics on opening day. When you rush to get everything together at the last minute, you will forget something..its guaranteed.

8. Start scouting.
Scout for new areas in the marsh. You can even scout using Google Earth from the comfort of your house. Never too early to find ducky areas near you.

New Website for Tanglefree

2010-07-14T22:42:00.002-04:00

Tanglefree just redid their website. Check it out at www.tanglefree.com

Ustream..

2010-07-07T21:00:00.002-04:00

Signed the gang up for an account on USTREAM.tv. Lets you broadcast live over the internet. Perhaps a weekly show on Sunday or Monday Nights may be in the works via webcam.. I say why not.

Nobody sends a thank you like Congress..

2010-06-25T14:08:00.003-04:00

Thanks from Congress

Everglades: Monster Snakes

2010-06-23T22:13:00.001-04:00

http://www.thisamericanland.org/video.html?data=xml/newreleases1.xml&flvID=1

Video was posted earlier but now available on the american land website...

New Tool..Swiss Army Knife

2010-06-23T20:47:00.007-04:00

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Victorinox Swiss Army. All opinions are 100% mine.

So the other day we took the airboat out in the Everglades. Took a nice ride through the sawgrass to see some nature and wilderness just a stone's throw from South Florida. Yes just west of Miami there exists another world..one where a swiss army knife can be real handy.

When we got back to the ramp after riding around for a few hours, we realized that the tail lights on the airboat trailer were out and needed replacement. I have forgotten to pack my toolkit and remembered that I have my new Swiss Army knife which included a Phillips head screw driver. Quickly and easily I removed the covers of the taillights and replaced the bulbs without an issue. Quite the gadget to have in the duck blind or on the boat or just in the truck when life throws you a curve ball. It has everything you would need in a pinch to get you back on the road or running again. Ive posted on this blog a short video my son took while we were taking care of the problem. Its a real life situation...not a dramatization. See you in the marsh..

I have even added a video of what happened so you can see for yourself what happened.

Buy yours here...

Dual Pro X

Facebook fan page

Share the adventure...

Tanglefree

2010-06-23T19:11:00.006-04:00

The Gang is proud to announce that this Fall we will be using Tanglefree gear in the field. We've worked out a prostaff relationship with Tanglefree to use the gear here in South Florida. Tanglefree...the line connecting tradition to innovation since 1972 will be used on all the Gang's decoys this Fall. Especially when using airboats or go-devils, we need decoys with good lines and held in bags so they dont get tossed around, lost or thrown out the boat. We will also be using their newest professional series decoys perfect for South Florida Duck Hunting, Specifically we will be using the green and blue wing teals, widgeons, pintails and lots of coots for those STA hunts.

Our most excited item are the easy side opening floating gun cases which are easy to dry after a day out in the marsh. No more rusted guns after a few hours in a wet case.

Remember.."Its better to be hunting somewhere than nowhere"

Gang at Lime

2010-06-18T14:16:00.002-04:00

They named a menu item after us..

Gator Permits are out...

2010-06-18T11:38:00.000-04:00

We got some. Can't wait..

Big Cypress...

2010-06-16T23:58:00.001-04:00

Big Cypress Press Release
June ORV Advisory Committee Meeting

The Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) Advisory Committee (ORVAC) will meet at the Big
Cypress Swamp Welcome Center, 33000 Tamiami Trail East, Ochopee, FL 34141
from 3:30 to 8:00 p.m., on Tuesday, June 22.

For more details about the ORVAC, meeting agendas and minutes, or to submit
agenda items visit -
http://www.nps.gov/bicy/parkmgmt/orv-advisory-committee.htm. Comments and
requests may also be submitted in writing to - Superintendent, Big Cypress
National Preserve, 33100 Tamiami Trail East, Ochopee, FL 34141, Attn: ORV
Advisory Committee.

Superintendent Pedro Ramos also announced the appointment of Mr. Brad
Cornell and Mr. Jorge Gutierrez to the advisory committee.

"I am also pleased to announce that Mr. Cornell and Mr. Gutierrez have
been appointed by Secretary Salazar to join the committee." stated Ramos,
"They will work closely with the current members to assist Big Cypress
National Preserve with the implementation of the ORV Management Plan in the
Original Preserve."

Mr. Cornell is currently employed by Audubon of Florida/ Collier County
Audubon as Policy Associate and for many years has shown tremendous
interest in the Preserve and the NPS mission. Mr. Cornell is known as an
advocate for effective natural resource protection and restoration policies
for the four-county Southwest Florida region.

Mr. Gutierrez joined the firm Gonzalez and Garcia and in 2009 opened the
firm's new Miami office. In addition to practicing law, Mr. Gutierrez is
passionate about the outdoors and is known to be an avid sportsman and
conservationist with interests in wildlife management and access issues
pertaining to public lands. He recently testified before Congress on these
matters. Mr. Gutierrez has assisted the Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Commission with technical assistance and comes to us well recommended by
FWC Chairman Barreto and Director Wiley.

The ORV Advisory Committee was established pursuant to the Preserve's 2000
Recreational Off-road Vehicle Management Plan and the Federal Advisory
Committee Act of 1972 to examine issues and make recommendations regarding
the management of ORVs within the Preserve.

The establishment of the Committee fulfills the National Park Service's
policy of civic engagement. It is envisioned that the committee will
strengthen the relationship that the NPS has with its partners and
communities. The Committee will be comprised of individuals that represent
(1) Sportsmen / ORV users; (2) landowners; (3) academia; (4) environmental
advocates; (5) the State government, and (6) Tribal Governments.

Bob DeGross
Big Cypress National Preserve
Chief of Interpretation and Public Affairs

33100 Tamiami Trail East
Ochopee, FL 34141
239-695-1107 office; 239-695-2259 fax

The National Park Service cares for special places saved by the American
people so that all may experience our heritage.
Experience Your America!

The Gang is going Tanglefree...

2010-06-15T15:34:00.002-04:00

Stay tuned for new info on the Gang's new products for the Fall Duck season.

Time to re-rig some decoys...

Memorial Day in the Everglades

2010-05-31T18:39:00.001-04:00

Latest Python Story

2010-05-26T00:06:00.002-04:00

Saved the best for last. This is a video segment from the This American Land series that will appear online in the next few weeks as well as on various PBS affiliates throughout the US and well as online via Yahoo Video.

Afternoon ride in the Glades

2010-05-23T21:20:00.006-04:00

Took the airboats out this afternoon for a quick trip. Little windy but beautiful.

The South Florida Python Problem..in one sentence

2010-05-22T11:06:00.001-04:00

Within the confines of Everglades National Park and the surrounding areas, there currently exists a herpetological Club Med where Burmese Pythons and other invasive reptiles simply eat, procreate and prey on native as well as over 67 threatened or endangered species without any natural enemies whatsoever.

Any questions?

Testimony before Congress on 3/23/10

2010-05-21T00:42:00.004-04:00

I recently received the complete audio file from my testimony before the Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands and the Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, Oceans and Wildlife on Natural Resources, U.S. House of Representatives

I have cut the 3 hr hearing down to just my 6 minutes of oral testimony so that you don't have to listen to the whole thing...

Another 10 minutes of Questions and Answers with some of the congressmen is below...

Sportsmen for Putnam

2010-05-20T14:04:00.001-04:00

http://adamputnam.com/sportsmen-for-putnam/

We support Adam Putnam..

Gator Permits

2010-05-19T17:52:00.003-04:00

First round of permits are already in the bag. They get announced shortly. If you are interested in a Gator Hunt with the gang, send us a message.

8th Street Gang at a glance

2010-05-16T00:42:00.001-04:00

How time flies...Put this video together which consists of a lot of good times over almost the past decade.

Wind Wind Wind

2010-05-15T13:13:00.002-04:00

No fishing this weekend. Even on a 28foot open fishmen, 20knt winds and 5 ft seas is no fun. Lots to do anyways. Ended up working some this am to catch up and get ahead for next week.

Not blogging enough..

2010-05-13T23:39:00.002-04:00

That is what I have been told. Well the fact is I have been busy. Its not hunting season so not really much going on recreationally. Trying to keep the pedal to the metal so that when Fall comes around things can happen. Gator Season will be here before you know it.

Channel One/CBS News

2010-05-06T07:38:00.002-04:00

Made French TV--France 2

2010-04-08T19:38:00.001-04:00

The Big 35..

2010-04-05T13:41:00.001-04:00

Celebrated with a crawfish and shrimp boil and a case of Abita...

In Miami Herald today..

2010-03-24T13:25:00.000-04:00

The Miami Herald
Posted on Wed, Mar. 24, 2010
Everglades python deaths fuel debate over snake-control plans

BY CURTIS MORGAN
cmorgan@MiamiHerald.com
Though a cold spell killed many Burmese python in Everglades National Park, some snakes survived seemingly unaffected. This 15-foot-plus female was captured March 19, 2010 in the midst of a "mating ball,'' a group of snakes gathered together for breeding. Three other males, one with a radio transmitter inserted by biologists, were caught along with her on a tree island in the middle of a sawgrass prairie.
JAMES BRADFORD / PHOTO BY JAMES BRADFORD
Though a cold spell killed many Burmese python in Everglades National Park, some snakes survived seemingly unaffected. This 15-foot-plus female was captured March 19, 2010 in the midst of a "mating ball,'' a group of snakes gathered together for breeding. Three other males, one with a radio transmitter inserted by biologists, were caught along with her on a tree island in the middle of a sawgrass prairie.
Winter walloped the Burmese python, but not enough to wipe out the most infamous invader of the Everglades, scientists and wildlife managers told a congressional panel assessing efforts to control the exotic snakes.

The Tuesday hearing put some of the first hard numbers on the staggering death toll from a historic cold snap -- nine of 10 pythons equipped with radio tracers in Everglades National Park died, according to one yet-to-be published study.

It also cranked up the heat on a simmering battle over a controversial federal proposal to ban the interstate sale and import of large constrictors. Breeders contend the measure would destroy a $1 billion industry and thousands of jobs.

Shawn Heflick, a conservation biologist from Palm Bay and science advisor to a trade group called the U.S. Association of Reptile Keepers, said a cold-weather toll he estimated at 70 to 80 percent proved that federal risk assessments suggesting the snake could spread to other states were overblown.

``This population of pythons cannot expand outside of Florida,'' he said. ``This is a Florida problem, not a federal problem.''

At least there was no dispute about the Florida part.

Frank Mazzotti, a University of Florida wildlife ecologist who led an assessment of cold effects on pythons in the Everglades, said enough survived to ensure the Burmese wasn't going to disappear from the comfy, subtropical confines of South Florida -- despite cold snaps and intensive eradication efforts.

Nine of the 10 radio-tagged snakes died, including all eight females, but field surveys for several weeks following the cold snap found higher survival rates -- nearly 60 percent of 99 snakes spotted by Mazzotti's team of researchers were alive.

With his study pending publication in an academic journal, Mazzotti -- reached after the hearing -- said he could not discuss the findings in detail, but said it was clear the cold had seriously knocked back a population of big snakes conservatively estimated in the thousands.

MANY DEAD

``What we can say is that a lot of pythons died and there are way less out there now,'' he said.

Without expanded efforts to control them, he said, the snakes are likely to rebound in coming years. Only last week, his researchers documented a rare sighting showing that some of the survivors are well enough to engage in the propagation business.

On a tree island a mile from the Pahayokee boardwalk, Mike Rochford and two other team members discovered a 15-foot-plus female, one of the largest captured in the park, and three males entwined in a pulsing ``mating ball.'' The biological details are best left at, ``What happens in Pahayokee, stays in Pahayokee.''

Beyond South Florida, however, the cold kill has given critics of a federal crackdown on the reptile breeding trade plenty of ammunition.

They argue it exposed flaws in a risk assessment by the U.S. Geological Survey suggesting that the Burmese python, and several others, could potentially spread into other southern and Southwestern states.

Heflick, an advocate for domestic breeders, warned that banning interstate sales was overkill that could worsen the problem. Owners of colorful varieties, some worth thousands of dollars, would suddenly have worthless snakes, he said.

``Alarmingly, many of the millions of now legal snakes could be released in retaliation or in anger and a sense of betrayal from the government,'' he said.

HUNTERS URGED

Jorge P. Gutierrez Jr., a Miami attorney and airboater, urged the panel to open Everglades National Park to hunters, who he said could help control the snake.

Mazzotti and other scientists, as well as federal parks and wildlife managers, warned it is premature to use one cold snap to dismiss the threat of the Burmese and other constrictors that the U.S. Department of Interior is proposing to add to a federal blacklist of ``injurious'' species.

Phyllis Windle, a senior invasive species scientist with the Union of Concerned Scientists, said the country needs to overhaul its entire system for dealing with the python and other invasive species, which she called the ``least recognized and most poorly addressed environmental threat of our time.''

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Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/03/23/v-print/1544261/glades-python-deaths-fuel-debate.html#ixzz0j7FcpiW7

Committee on Natural Resources

2010-03-24T10:25:00.000-04:00

Committee on Natural Resources

Audio link for testimony before Congressional Subcommittees

Snake Hunting this am..

2010-03-20T12:54:00.003-04:00

Saw some endangered indigos but the tracks really tell the story. Too big to be a moccasin I think.

Committee on Natural Resources

2010-03-19T17:35:00.000-04:00

Committee on Natural Resources

Its on..

Stormwater treatment areas to offer more hunting opportunities - South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com

2010-03-18T16:35:00.001-04:00

Stormwater treatment areas to offer more hunting opportunities - South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com

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Testifying before 2 Committees on Natural Resources

2010-03-16T13:08:00.002-04:00

Committee on Natural Resources