May 2014

After decades of state-level conservation focused primarily on restoration and management of game species, the conservation of at-risk species has come to the forefront. This is largely due to increased human impacts, interest by the general public in wildlife conservation, and increased awareness brought on by the scientific research on those species that most need help. States continue to wrestle with the thorny conservation problems brought on by species where they have less than complete understanding of life requirements, distributions (historical and current) and other basic...

The 80th North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference will be held March 9-13, 2015 in Omaha, Nebraska. The Conference Steering Committee is seeking ideas and participation from professional conservation interests to help develop the conference agenda. In particular, recommendations for topics, potential co-chairs and presenters for four Special Sessions are invited. Ideas for prospective plenary keynote speakers are also welcome.

Special Session topics address timely policy and program issues and opportunities related to the practical and philosophical professional...

Wild turkey (Meleagris gallapavo) populations in eastern North America have been declining over the past 15 years or so, possibly because of a variety of environmental factors. However, fall hunting when both males and females may be harvested could also be a reason. Recent harvest data from New York have indicated that the percent of the total hen (female) population that is harvested in the fall likely has increased in recent years, but harvest rates of hens are unknown. More importantly, the effect of changing season length ? the best tool to manipulate fall harvests...