FISH & WILDLIFE COMMISSIONER’S NEWSLETTER February 2016 —VOL. 11 NO. 2—

Greenwing hunt Page 12

Outdoorsman Chad Miles named new host of popular “Kentucky Afield” television show

41-year-old Mount “To say that I’m AWashington native excited to get started is the new host of the would be putting it Emmy Award-winning mildly,” he said. “I have “Kentucky Afield” televi- always enjoyed seeing sion show, a production kids experience the out- of the Kentucky Depart- doors. I want to see how ment of Fish and Wildlife our hunters and anglers Resources. enjoy the outdoors, and Chad Miles, who I want to bring their ad- grew up pan fishing the ventures into our homes Salt River and hunting each week.” rabbits and squirrels, will Nowadays, Miles graduated from Bullitt East become the seventh host Miles is an avid High School. In 1999, he earned a busi- of the nation’s longest smallmouth bass ness administration degree in management continuously-running angler and pas- and marketing from Eastern Kentucky outdoor television show. sionate bow hunter University. His professional experience He succeeds Tim Farmer, as well. includes two years as regional director in who retired in December Miles comes marketing for the Rocky Mountain Elk after hosting the popular to the show after Foundation, senior marketing manager for show for the past 20 years. serving as executive director of the Ken- National Tobacco Company, and manager Miles, the oldest of Terry and Betty tucky Fish and Wildlife Foundation for of category development at Brown and Miles’ four children, has a lengthy and the past 8½ years. He steps into his new Williamson Tobacco Corp. extensive background in the outdoors. role as “Kentucky Afield” host for the first “The ‘Kentucky Afield’ show is in its “Growing up, my cousin and I kept time April 2. “Kentucky Afield” is broad- sixth decade because it’s not like other a johnboat on the river all the time – and cast twice each weekend on Kentucky outdoor programs out there today, where we were in that boat every day that river Educational Television (KET). the focus is on taking trophy fish and wasn’t dangerous,” he said. “We’d run limb The show’s new host recognizes the trophy big game,” said Miles. “Our show lines ‘til dark, then go gig frogs ‘til light, uniqueness of becoming the face of the appeals to the average hunter and angler. and then run limb lines some more. People program that began its run on Louisville’s It also appeals to those who simply enjoy still do those things, and those are some WAVE TV in 1953. Only “Meet the See “Host,” page 2 things I want to show.” Press” and “The Today Show” are older.

New New Salato INSIDE: 6 ramp 7 FINs lake 8 prep 2 KENTUCKY FISH & WILDLIFE COMMISSIONER’S NEWSLETTER KCOA funds camp scholarships “Host,” continued Kentucky’s beautiful landscape, and those who relish the exceptional and rewarding and Wildlife experiences of our outdoors.” Commission to Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Commis- be used for con- sioner Gregory Johnson said the depart- servation camp ment is thrilled to begin the next chapter scholarships. in the storied history of Kentucky’s The gen- top-rated outdoor TV show. “I am excited erous dona- for Chad as he joins a select and elite tion from the group who’ve headlined this legendary Kentucky show through six decades,” Johnson said. Conservation “Chad now prepares to bring the wonders Officers Associa- of Kentucky’s fish and wildlife into yet tion provides the another generation’s homes.” opportunity for “Kentucky Afield” Executive Producer ommissioner Gregory Johnson ac- many deserving Kentucky school children Scott Moore believes Kentuckians will Ccepted a $13,465 contribution from to attend conservation camp. embrace Miles and call him a friend as Kentucky Conservation Officers Asso- The officers association has a long he represents the sportsmen and sports- ciation (KCOA) officers Steve Combs, standing tradition of helping kids attend women of Kentucky. Rodney Milburn and B.J. McCoy at the the camps along with other youth events “Our show captures the heart, tradi- December meeting of the Kentucky Fish throughout the year. tions and passion of the ordinary sports- men, and that’s who Chad Miles is,” Moore said. “Our program is founded upon the opportunities for all Kentuck- WE GET MAIL ians, so whether you are a bank fisherman, a trapper, small game hunter or stream Letters to the Commissioner’s Office wader, you’ll find ‘Kentucky Afield’ the right recipe. And without a doubt I can say that the tradition continues with our new ildlife Division Biologist Joe Lacefield The effort made to ready the pits and host, Chad Miles.” Wrecently provided a presentation for a blinds after a major flooding just so the “Even in an agency full of dedicated “Career Day” at the Jessamine Career and last week of the season can be enjoyed is fishermen, Chad is the most passionate Technology Center. There were approxi- well impressive. They went out in 20-30 angler I’ve ever met,” said I&E Division mately 20 students who attended. Joe re- degree weather, pumped out water, re- Director Tim Slone. “It’s a defining trait. ceived the following note from their teacher. moved chunks of ice, then cut brush so we We’re excited.” “Thank you for speaking to the vet could re-brush the blind if we so chose to. tech assistant class. You were so influential, Not every hunter is as grateful as I three of the five boys in the class want to am, but I hope that some at least will show gauge was a really easy gun to use. I met become wildlife biologists. I really appreci- some appreciation.” so many new kids that are from all over ate your participation in the program.” The following note came from Trin- Kentucky. Everyone was so nice to us. The The following letter came from Mr. ity R. after participating in a Greenwing kids, parents, staff, everyone – they were Keith Nelson, Paducah. He wrote, “I’m a Adventure. “Thank you so much! This was amazing! Red was a great instructor and 53 year old hunter, who has been hunting my first ever hunting trip and I loved it! Bill was a great host! since I was a 9 year old. I’ve enjoyed out- Definitely got the “Duck Fever” after this. They were all so funny! Red showed door activities over the years as much as I Not to mention, I got my first kill. me some duck calls that I didn’t know have time for, so when I write to tell you I was so glad that my dad was there existed (I didn’t know much). I even won that I’m impressed with your wildlife staff with me (even though I felt upset for the the duck call contest! All the gifts were and officers at Ballard and Boatwright kids whose parents didn’t go). My dad amazing! I’d never thought of this oppor- WMAs, you better believe me. helped me with loading my gun. The 20 tunity. THANK YOU!”

FEBRUARY 2016 3 Retirements

arry Williamson, Game Management LForeman at Miller Welch-Central Kentucky WMA, retired January 31, 2016. Larry began working for the KDFWR after retiring from IBM in Lexington. He started work on November 24, 1996 as a Wildlife Technician at MW-CKWMA and was then promoted to Game Manage- ment Foreman in 2010. He spent his entire career working with many sportsmen, skeet and trap shooting clubs, beagle clubs, and bird dog organizations that utilized MW- Above: Wildlife Division Director Steve Beam with Larry Williamson. Right: Rick Mauro and Wildlife Division Assistant Director Dan Figert. Central WMA for events. Larry continues to be active as the President of the Central Kentucky Gun conducting grouse research on LBL track- annually banded a multitude of doves Club that hosts trap shoots on a regular ing released grouse. He soon was hired as along with many other species. He was a basis at MW-CKWMA. Larry is looking a district biologist in the northeast region respected biologist that worked with many forward to spending a lot of time fish- which transitioned into a public lands agencies and partners. ing for crappie at Lake Cumberland and biologist. Rick was the only public lands He will be missed but I am sure he throughout Florida. biologist in the region for several years. He will enjoy working on his farm in Carter A 28 year employee for the depart- supervised, influenced or worked on every County. If you are out fishing or hunting ment decided to hang up his boots on WMA in the region. in the northeast there is a good chance February 1st. Rick took pride in his work and was you might run into Rick as he plans to do Richard Mauro started his career always willing to assist the public. He more of those activities! New Hires

ildlife Biologist John Hast has been biologist in the Department’s deer and elk degree, she worked as a research technician Wselected as the Department’s new program in January of 2015 to oversee the for the co-op unit working on a YOY bass Bear/Furbearer Program Coordinator. His newly formed elk hunting voucher program. recruitment/stocking project in Hillsdale appointment was effective January 16. John enjoys duck hunting, fly fishing Reservoir, Kansas, a fish community study John graduated in 2006 from Cen- for trout, and managing his family farm in along the length of the Smokey Hill River, tre College and spent the next two years western Kentucky. Kansas, and a study on striped bass distri- working as a wildlife technician in the big Fisheries Division welcomes Kayla bution around confluences in Plum Island game and bear programs. Following his Gerber as the new Fisheries Biologist II Estuary, Massachusetts, using acoustic stint as a technician, he began working in the Southwestern Fisheries District. telemetry. toward a Master’s degree at the University Kayla hails from southeast Minnesota, The Salato Center and I & E Division of Kentucky Department of Forestry by obtained a BS degree from Winona State welcomes Emily Hogue back as a Conser- studying Kentucky black bears. University and an MS degree from Kansas vation Educator IV, sharing the agency’s After graduating with his Master’s in State University. mission and message of wildlife conserva- the spring of 2010, he accepted a position Her project with the KS Cooperative tion with the center’s 50,000-plus annual as a Ph.D. student in the UK Animal Sci- Fish and Wildlife Research Unit as- visitors. ence Department studying the ecology of sessed seasonal blue catfish distribution in Emily will be assisting with day-to- Kentucky’s elk herd. Milford Reservoir, Kansas, using acoustic day operations, working with interims and While still working to finish his doctor- telemetry tags. al degree, John accepted a position as an elk Following completion of her Master’s See “Hires,” page 4 4 KENTUCKY FISH & WILDLIFE COMMISSIONER’S NEWSLETTER

Fisheries’ Christmas tree collection effort tops 3,200

ollecting and hauling Christmas trees Cis an annual rite of passage for district fisheries staff. Division staff have collected well over 3,200 Christmas trees this season from drop off locations and tree vendors. The trees will be deposited in lakes and reservoirs for fish habitat throughout the state. The best part is the GPS locations of many of these brush piles will be uploaded to the Department website – so before your next fishing trip check the Fish At- tracters webpage to find a new honey hole at your favorite lake!

“Hires,” continued Last year Matt was hired as a Black Services Division. Eric came to Fish and Bear Technician within the Southeast Wildlife October 16, 2010 from Wausau volunteers, leading programs, planning Region, where he worked within a six Paper in Harrodsburg. Eric has over five special events and developing exhibits county area. years’ experience with state government, among numerous other duties. In his spare time Matt enjoys spend- serving all of them with the Department The center reopens March 1. ing time with his wife Amber and their two in our grants branch. Matt Catron was recently hired as a year old son Colton, and is looking forward His in-depth knowledge and experi- Private Lands Wildlife Biologist in the to teaching his son about the outdoors. ence with Federal Grants will be a tremen- Southeast Region. Matt graduated in 2013 Matt’s interests include hunting, fish- dous asset to our customers and will serve from Eastern Kentucky University with ing, 4-wheeling, and helping out on his him well in his new job duties. his Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Manage- family’s farm in Wayne County. Join us in congratulating him not only ment. In 2014, Matt was hired as a sea- Effective January 16 Eric McGinnis on his promotion but also becoming a new sonal wildlife technician in the Bluegrass was promoted to the Grants Branch Man- father. He and his wife Kim welcomed their Region working on multiple WMAs. ager position within the Administrative daughter Charlie to the family in January. FEBRUARY 2016 5

NEW SERGEANTS Fourteen conservation officers recently were promoted in rank to sergeant. They were formally recognized and received their commissions and rank insignia during a ceremony at Headquarters this month. From left are sergeants Scott Horn and Chris Fossitt from the Fifth District, Rob Howard (8th), Chris King (9th), Tracy Bell (2nd), Scott Barrow (1st), Rodney Milburn (3rd), Joshua Avery (4th), Homer Pigman (7th), Dustin Mullins (2nd), Travis Neal (9th), Eric Thomas (7th), Rufus Cravens (6th), and William Earlywine (8th). The actions were effective February 1.

Yatesville Lake habitat reef

collaborative effort between Athe Wildlife Division and Fisheries has resulted in better habitat for Yatesville Lake. This was all made possible thanks to a donation of left over Christmas trees from Tractor Supply. Their donation allowed staff to build about 200 yards of reef habitat. These structures will create increased algae and plankton growth needed for small fish and provide needed cover for a multitude of fish species. This was a great team effort that will benefit anglers, fish and other wildlife. An eagle has been spotted regularly in this area fishing when the water is at summer pool. Assisting with the Christmas tree habitat are Harley Weaver, Dennis Boggs, Dave Ross, Les Carter, Mark Harless and Jason Russell. 6 KENTUCKY FISH & WILDLIFE COMMISSIONER’S NEWSLETTER

Kentucky Dam Village boat ramp completed ahead of schedule

ngineering Division has completed the Wildlife Engineering Division has con- hunters, and recreational boaters. Efive-lane boat launch ramp at Kentucky structed hundreds of boat launch ramps “I commend the Lakes and Streams Dam Village ahead of its March 1 goal. through the years, but the new ramp is an branch on their hard work and dedication The new ramp, done in partnership impressive build indeed. It is the largest to completing this and all tasks they are with the Department of Parks, is the slab they’ve attempted to push into place. assigned,” said Bruce. “Without their hard largest push-in ramp ever attempted in Moving it stretched the abilities of work, access to many of the water resourc- the Commonwealth. They established the five bulldozers pushing together just to es of Kentucky would not be available.” completion goal in order to serve a large move the first ramp segment into place. The launch ramp project is funded pri- fishing tournament scheduled for early This partnership with Parks Depart- marily by Parks. Fish and Wildlife supplied March. ment benefits Parks customers and provides the experience and technical expertise, and Engineering Division Acting Direc- more access to Kentucky anglers, waterfowl some federal Sport Restoration Funds. tor David Bruce said time was getting short, so Greg Logan and crew finished pushing the balance of the ramp into the water and completed all concrete work above the water line in less than three days. The crew worked from daybreak until after dark to ensure the ramp was completed on schedule. The five-lane lane ramp and courtesy dock provides a great access point to one of Kentucky’s premier waterbodies. Kentucky Fish and FEBRUARY 2016 7

Fish being stocked at new FINs lake at Kentucky Horse Park

olex Lake at the Ken- FINs Coordinator Dane Bals- man holds a large catfish for Rtucky Horse Park is the stocking in one of the depart- newest addition to the Ken- ment’s 40 FINs lakes. Fisher- tucky Department of Fish ies Transportation Foreman and Wildlife Resources’ Mark “Slick” Roberts (right) Fishing in Neighborhoods makes sure fish arrive as (FINs) program. promised. Kentucky has 40 specially-stocked FINs valid Kentucky trout permit lakes open to the public in in addition to their valid 25 counties to provide more Kentucky fishing license. fishing opportunities near Permits and licenses are major population centers. available where sporting The aim of the program goods are sold, or may be is to create quality fishing purchased online at fw.ky.gov. opportunities near cities Anglers will not be of all sizes throughout the charged admission to the state. Rolex is a 5.6-acre lake located near pound each,” Balsman said. park unless they wish to visit the attrac- in Fayette County. Fisheries personnel will add 2,500 tions. The Kentucky Horse Park does Dane Balsman, coordinator of the trout to the lake in November. charge a $5 per vehicle parking fee from FINs program for the Kentucky Fish and FINs lakes have special regulations March 15 through Nov. 1. Parking is free Wildlife, said anglers won’t have long to due to the fishing pressure on them. An- outside of those dates except for special wait. “We will stock 1,250 trout ranging glers may keep up to five trout, four catfish events. from 9 to 11 inches next week in the lake, and 15 sunfish a day. FINs lakes anglers For more information about the FINs weather permitting,” he said. may also keep one largemouth bass as long lakes program, consult the 2016 Kentucky The Fisheries Division will also stock as it exceeds 15 inches. Unless exempt, Sport Fishing and Boating Guide, avail- 1,100 catfish per month in March, April, anglers must have a valid fishing license to able free wherever fishing licenses are sold. May and August in the lake. “The cat- fish in a FINs lake. Maps and directions to all FINs lakes are fish are keeper-sized and average about a Those who keep trout must have a available online at fw.ky.gov.

USFS awards FILO for tition of the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) project and went on to com- pete on the national t the December meeting of the Fish tions to flow and low ACEC competition in Aand Wildlife Commission, Fisheries water movement of fish. Washington, D.C. Division assistant director Mike Hardin The project was At this national announced an award received from the submitted by the Daniel level it won a National U.S. Forest Service for a FILO project on Boone National For- Recognition Award, East Fork Indian Creek, Menifee County, est in a Regional Forest but did not take the in the Red River Gorge completed by Award competition in the more prestigious Hon- the Department in partnership with the Restored and Resilient or or Grand Award, Daniel Boone National Forest. Landscapes category. The which usually go to The project restored stream habitat project won. something huge like a and removed some dysfunctional low This project also re- New Orleans levee or a water crossings that were creating obstruc- cently won a state compe- large bridge, etc. 8 KENTUCKY FISH & WILDLIFE COMMISSIONER’S NEWSLETTER

Above: Education Staff Supervisor Emily Hogue, Salato Manager Brent McCarty and Conservation Educator Geoff Roberts with Salato birds of prey and a new Toyota truck donated to the center by Toyota. Right: Salato’s resident black bear gets a health checkup from Department wildlife veterinarian Iga Stasiak. Salato Center staff prepares for March 1 reopening

By Lyndsey Williams for the upcoming season. Salato manager, have pitched in to help as well.” elting snow drips off tree branches Brent McCarty, makes sure everything One of the tasks before reopening Mand a subtle warmth to the air means runs smoothly and communicates with his involves deep cleaning. The carpets are spring approaches. To the staff at the team. Papers are organized, the vacuum shampooed and tiles are scrubbed. Any Salato Wildlife Education Center spring roars, and the staff dash around checking doors or windows that need repaired or means their seasonal reopening. Salato will on animals. cleaned are taken care of. And the dust reopen its door to the public March 1, and “All the staff, both education staff and buster is never far from reach. It’s not a offer exciting ways to explore and learn animal care staff, have worked together glamorous task, but a very necessary one. about the wildlife of Kentucky. as a team getting things done that we Besides maintenance to the building Before the doors open to the public just can’t do while visitors are here,” said the staff are hard at work getting ready McCarty. “I&E staff from other branches See “Reopening,” page 9

Above: The new, young bobcat continues its gradual acclimation to the older adult resident male. Right: New animal care staff Justin Hamilton and Brandon Sawyers wash windows to help ready Salato for its March 1 reopening. FEBRUARY 2016 9 Kentucky NASP setting new participation, scoring records

entucky’s National Archery in the KSchools Program (NASP) is experi- Above: The Individu- encing a record-breaking year. al State Tournament More NASP archers competed in 2015. Left: KY Male more events than ever before. 13,620 indi- Overall Champ 2015 viduals participated in at least one NASP Dustin Johnson and KY Female Overall event. Champ 2015 Eliza- Registration in the 14 NASP regional beth Wagoner. events grew by 7.5 percent over the previ- ous year as 11,944 archers registered to compete. A record 4,231 archers com- peted in the 2015 Kentucky State NASP over the past three Tournament. years,” he said. “Not Trigg County High School set a new only is the number team state scoring record at 3465, its top of participants 12 archers firing an average of 288.75 growing, the scores each. That’s an average of less than 12 are rising too. points shy of perfect. Phenomenal. “We were Three high schoolers scored perfect 10 years into this rounds – 300 points. Clay Stevens of Trigg was perfect in the Raceland-Worthington program before the first perfect 300 was County fired his perfect round in the State Qualifier. shot in an official NASP event. We have Kentucky High School Athletics Associa- Kentucky Fish and Wildlife’s State had three this year in Kentucky alone. tion State Tournament. Madison Southern Archery Coordinator Pat O’Connell said The dedication of these young archers and High School’s Bradly Long scored perfect he continues to be amazed by NASP’s their coaches amazes me. The only thing in the Feed the Future: Food Drive event, growth. “Our regional tournaments are better than the talent of these student and East Carter High’s Harley Marshall growing at a rate of 1000 archers per year archers is their character.”

“Reopening,” continued educational programs. Even larger outdoor a routine checkup and teeth cleaning from animals need training for easier care and Department Veterinarian Iga Stasiak. the animals need to be taken care of and handling. Gradual introduction of the Staff training helped ensure a flawless trained as well. The Salato staff, includ- Center’s young female bobcat into the event when the Center’s veterinarian staff ing educators, Emily Hogue and Geoff large bobcat enclosure and to its resident easily sedated the bear without endanger- Roberts and five animal care staff, Brad adult male continues. McCarty says the ing anyone. Burge, Bart Riddle, Dane Cassady, Justin youngster has a high energy level that can With help from staff and volunteers, Hamilton, and Brandon Sawyers, all help sometimes cause the older male to become the Salato Wildlife Education Center the animals stay healthy and safe during annoyed with her. expects a great season and is excited to the winter months and during the open Staff members use positive reinforce- kick things off with a four-mile trail run season. ment to lower the risk of harming them- Mar. 26. Specific tasks include training raptors selves or the animals. Come out, shake off the remnants of and the groundhog for various Salato The Salato Center black bear needed winter, and enjoy various animal exhibits. 10 KENTUCKY FISH & WILDLIFE COMMISSIONER’S NEWSLETTER

MAKING THE BOONE & CROCKETT BOOK Wildlife Biologist Dan Crank stayed busy the past few weeks. Crank measured five bears big enough for the Boone and Crockett Club record book – including this bruiser taken last fall by Harlan County resident Jim McKenzie. It scored 20 7/16. Crank also put the tape to a giant non- typical buck taken in Lee County by Randy Fox of St. Helens. The record book buck Rabbit cover in the deep snow scored 222 3/8.

fter 20 inches of snow blanketed chainsaws and the Bobcat skid steer ma- APaintsville Lake WMA in January, chine with the tree shear attachment. it was obvious that rabbits needed better Now that some treetops are lying on cover along the field edges. the ground, deer have been browsing the Since the big snow event, staff have buds for food. been cutting trees steadily and building The habitat improvement looks great brush piles between fields. from a rabbits-eye-view. They felled trees with the aid of FEBRUARY 2016 11 Salato volunteers recognized at awards banquet

ommissioner Gregory Johnson joined CSalato Wildlife staff and volunteers last weekend and presented awards at the 2015 Annual Salato Wildlife Center Volunteer Awards Banquet. Our volun- teers logged over 3,600 hours in 2015 and are directly responsible for the success of the Center and high levels of customer satisfaction. Many thanks! A special recognition award spotlight- ed Toyota and its longstanding tradition of sending more than 100 volunteers to help the Center on National Public Lands Day. Its effort is so special in fact that Salato staff refer to it as “Toyota Day.” This past year, Toyota also donated a new Toyota Tundra truck to Salato. Com- missioner Johnson presented a framed photo series to Toyota during the banquet. Another recog- nition award spot- lighted the quick action last summer by Conservation Educator Geoff Roberts whose first responder CPR until Emergency Medical Personnel arrived helped save the life of a Salato patron. Geoff received the “Kiss of Life” sioner Greg Johnson, Nancy Vance award. (Native Plant Award), Emily Ben- Another recognized the outstand- nett (Conservation Interpreter of the ing photography of Salato volunteer and Year Award), Salato Manager Brent former Administrative Services employee McCarty, Education Supervisor Mindy Rose. Mindy’s photos of Salato Emily Hogue, Janetta Kelly (Intern wildlife and staff also graced the pages of of the Year Award), volunteer Nick this newsletter over the past year and in Laracuente, and Geoff Webb (Over- this issue as well. She received the “Wait, all Volunteer of the Year Award). Let me get my camera” award. Outstanding Community Partners The group photo above includes staff recognized were Strokes of Genius and others who received awards. From left and Toyota Motor Manufacturing of are Educator Geoff Roberts, Commis- Georgetown. 12 KENTUCKY FISH & WILDLIFE COMMISSIONER’S NEWSLETTER

Campers showing off their ducks with their guides. Currie outdoorsman campers enjoy an exciting Greenwing Hunt Campers enjoying their time in the blind.

amp John Currie once again hosted its wild game cooking. from Law Enforcement. Cannual Greenwing event, one of the Staff from several divisions assisted Also, a big thanks to all the members longest running youth waterfowl hunts in with the event, including Thomas Young of the Camp Currie and I&E staff who Kentucky. from the Wildlife Division and Tracy Bell made the event a success! The 29th annual event was held Feb- ruary 5 and 6 for 13 youth who had earned their Outdoorsman Patch at conservation camp in 2015. The young hunters traveled to Currie from across the Commonwealth to brave the cold in hopes of taking their first waterfowl. And they were successful, taking 16 ducks – 12 Mallards, two Greenwing Teal, a female Wood Duck, and a Northern Shov- eler during the Saturday evening hunt. Blinds were provided on private lands and guided by some of the best waterfowl- ers in the state. The Ducks Unlimited Kentucky Greenwing Program donated ammo for the hunt, duck calls for each of the camp- ers, and lots of great raffle prizes for the evening awards ceremony. The event also featured calling lessons, a calling contest, and a how-to lesson on Campers showing off their ducks after a long day in the blinds. FEBRUARY 2016 13

KFB receives USFWS permit to take depredating black vultures

he Kentucky Farm Bureau (KFB) re- experiencing depredation the opportunity including: use of non-lethal measures to Tceived a federal statewide depredation to apply to KFB for a Livestock Protection try and deter black vulture depredation, permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Depredation Sub-Permit at no cost. use of shotguns and steel shot in the lethal Service allowing farmers to take black Joe Cain, KFB Commodity Division taking of depredating black vultures, the vultures that are attacking their on-farm Director said Kentucky Farm Bureau has reporting of takes on a monthly basis, and livestock. applied for additional takes and empha- the use of black vulture carcasses as effigies And Kentucky farmers responded sized this process is important in protect- in areas where depredation is occurring. heartily, filling an initial 350-bird allot- ing state livestock. Black vulture lethal takes are approved ment. That pressed the Bureau to seek and “The USFWS understands that only in areas where livestock is threatened receive an additional 350-bird permit. importance and is working with KFB to and depredation is occurring.” Now, with Farmers close to exhaust- address the problem,” he said. “It is also More information can be accessed at ing the second permit, KFB will be important that producers follow the fed- the Fish and Wildlife website at fw.ky.gov/ seeking to amend its permit again to allow eral guidelines established by the USFWS Wildlife/Pages/Problems-with-Vultures.aspx. farmers to continue their black vulture as it relates to this process.” controls. “Black vultures are becoming more The pro-active KFB actions that al- common in Kentucky and vulture-related low farmers to protect their livestock and complaints have increased along with the property from the aggressive depredation population,” said Kentucky Department wrought by black vultures have captured of Fish and Wildlife Avian Biologist Kate national acclaim from the American Farm Slankard. “Black and turkey vultures will Bureau. often show up at a birthing site because A story in the February 2016 edition they are interested in the afterbirth. How- of the “Kentucky Farm Bureau News” ever, black vultures are more aggressive notes that the KFB is the only non-gov- than turkey vultures and will, on occasion, ernmental entity approved by the USFWS attack a newborn calf.” to administer a black vulture depredation The “Kentucky Farm Bureau News” permit program. story noted that applicants acquiring KFB successfully petitioned the US- sub-permits must “agree to follow all rules FWS for two permits allowing up to 700 and regulations required by USFWS in total takes. Those permits allow producers the original statewide depredation permit, 14 KENTUCKY FISH & WILDLIFE COMMISSIONER’S NEWSLETTER Kentucky House and Senate pass Resolutions recognizing retired Kentucky Afield host Tim Farmer

This is the text of identical resolutions offered in the Kentucky House of Representa- tives and the Kentucky Senate recognizing recently retired Kentucky Afield Television host Tim Farmer and his contributions to the Commonwealth of Kentucky, the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife and to sportsmen and sportswomen.

A RESOLUTION honoring Ken- tucky’s native son Tim Farmer for his more than a quarter-century of inspira- tionally serving Kentucky’s sportsmen and sportswomen, the Kentucky Depart- ment of Fish and Wildlife Resources, the Tim Farmer with Senators Jared Carpenter, Robin Webb and Chris Girdler Commonwealth of Kentucky, physically challenged persons everywhere, and for his his personal ascent to become host of WHEREAS, Tim Farmer continues proud military service to his country. Kentucky Afield Television, the longest-run- to host charity fund drives for Lexington’s WHEREAS, Tim Farmer was born ning outdoor show in the country, where, Cardinal Hill Hospital each year; and March 18, 1964, in Louisville, but soon through his infectious charm, magnetic WHEREAS, Tim Farmer recently moved with his parents to rural Kentucky charisma, and outdoor skills, he invited the retired after hosting Kentucky Afield for 20 and grew up in Mason and Carter Coun- riches of Kentucky’s fish and wildlife into years; and ties; and our homes and onto our TV screens each WHEREAS, Tim Farmer is now WHEREAS, Tim Farmer proudly week for 20 years; and hosting two successful new television joined the United States Marine Corps in WHEREAS, Tim Farmer won five shows – Tim Farmer’s Country Kitchen, a December 1983, but while returning home Emmy awards in the last 10 years as he down-home country cooking show, and after graduating boot camp was gravely invited each of us to join him in the field, Tim Farmer’s Homemade Jam, featuring injured in a June 1984 motorcycle accident on the water, and in the woods, and wit- down-home Kentucky musicians; and permanently lost the use of his right ness the 1999 final release of trapped and NOW, THEREFORE, arm; and translocated white-tailed deer that became Be it resolved by the Senate of the WHEREAS, Tim Farmer exercised the nucleus of today’s top-rated herd in General Assembly of the Common- exceptional personal drive and initiative the nation; multiple wild turkey releases wealth of Kentucky: through years of intensive therapy and that were the seeds of today’s flock of a Section 1. The Senate is proud to overcame considerable physical challenges quarter-million birds; a restoration of free- celebrate the inspiring career and personal to become a Kentucky Department of Fish ranging elk, extirpated from the Common- contributions to the citizens of the Com- and Wildlife Resources fisheries techni- wealth more than a century and a half ago, monwealth of Kentucky’s native son Tim cian working to manage state streams and that now represent a herd larger than all Farmer, whose courage and commitment lakes; and other herds east of the Rocky Mountains are a shining example to all. WHEREAS, Tim Farmer continued added together; and dozens of new trophy Section 2. The Senate, taking from to overcome his injury, pushing to excel at fisheries that attract tourists from multiple Tim’s classic sign-off, encourages “all such strenuous and accuracy-demanding surrounding states; and hunters and anglers entering private lands outdoor pursuits as archery, hunting, and WHEREAS, Tim Farmer often to first ask permission, and be sure to fishing by using his teeth to draw a bow meets, challenges, and motivates school- thank the landowner.” and crank a fishing reel, and learning to aged youth, wounded warriors, and hun- Section 3. The Clerk of the Senate is master a shotgun or rifle one-handed; and dreds of others attempting to overcome directed to transmit a copy of this Resolution WHEREAS, Tim Farmer continued physical challenges each year; and to Senator Jared Carpenter for presentation.