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Firearms Care - An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure Courtesy of the National Wild Turkey Federation
What do a spring turkey hunt in Kentucky and a sea duck hunt in Maine have in common? Both can take their toll on your firearms if you don't care for them properly during, and at the end of, each season.
Every hunt brings with it the possibility of damage to your prized firearms. To keep your firearms looking great and working properly, protect them from the moisture, dirt and hard knocks that come with hunting and traveling. As with most situations, planning ahead and carrying the right tools will keep you out of trouble. {Read Full Article}
Ladino Clover (Trifolium repens) by Kent Kammermeyer Pennington Seed
Three types of white clovers are currently available to deer managers: small leaf types (often called white Dutch clover or common white clover), intermediate leaf types, and large or giant leaf types called ladino white clover. The large types (crossbred for high production) trace to ecotypes originally cultivated in Northern Italy and later all around the world. There is a widespread misconception that ladinos are cattle clovers not suited for deer. This is false; tall long stemmed clovers are fine for deer since the leaf is the main forage target anyway (not the stem) and tall growth makes them more competitive with grassy weeds. Ladinos are long-lived perennials in the northern U.S. but short-lived perennials or annuals in the Deep South.
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QDMA Articles : Camera Surveys 101 by Jason Snavely QDMA
Few topics related to white-tailed deer are discussed by a more diverse segment of society than are population levels. Deer numbers, whether defined at the local, county or state level affect each of us in some way.
Increasingly, agricultural producers, gardeners, wildflower lovers, and motorists have an interest in deer populations. And, of course, deer managers and hunters want to learn more about their local deer population. Until recently, we relied solely on state game agencies for deer population information. Now, with the availability of infrared-triggered cameras, we have the ability to learn on our own. {Read Full Article}
Mowing for Wildlife Courtesy of the National Wild Turkey Federation
Though mowing may feel like a chore at times, using the right techniques can work wonders for actively managing wildlife habitat. Overgrown ditches, weedy roadsides or shrub-infested field edges may seem like eyesores, but wild turkeys, quail, pheasants, cottontail rabbits and deer may see the same areas for their food, nesting habitat, shelter, hiding spots and feeding areas for offspring. {Read Full Article}
An Effective and Economical Method of Killing Fescue and Other Weeds in Food Plots by Kent Kammermeyer Pennington Seed
Our wildlife managers have been fighting fescue in deer food plots for years. Until recently, we have been gradually losing the battle by employing a system of plowing and planting shade producing crops that temporarily prevent fescue from re-invading. Encroachment from plot edges and small gaps in our shade crop (corn or grain sorghum) has always seemed to eventually thwart our efforts. A publication entitled "Handling the Fescue Problem" by Jeff Sole and Pat Keyser put us on the right track toward permanently getting rid of fescue in our deer food plots.
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QDMA Articles : Don't Procrastinate With Doe Harvest Goals by Lindsay Thomas Jr. QDMA
Among the many misconceptions about Quality Deer Management, some hunters have the mistaken impression that QDMA recommends a heavy doe harvest in every situation, and a few of them even refuse to support QDMA because of this. I can’t blame them. If there was a conservation organization that endorsed heavy doe harvest in every circumstance, I wouldn’t support them either. {Read Full Article}
Plan for Success by Joe Koloski, Senior Regional Biologist NWTF
Brandon, MS
When managing a property for wildlife, timber, recreation or a combination of these uses it is very important to plan for success. Most landowners have a clear idea of what their goals are for their property, but many do not take the additional step of developing a plan to reach those goals. Some landowners will be successful in reaching their goals without a plan, but many others will find themselves wondering what to do next or reacting to habitat management needs as they arise. {Read Full Article}
Weedy Pastures Shouldn't Prevent Planting White Clover by Wayne Tankersley Pennington Seed
For years, forage specialists have touted the production and agronomic benefits of adding legumes to pastures. Despite this, many livestock producers have resisted adding them to the pasture forage mix, citing poor stand persistence under grazing pressure and/or the inability to maintain a legume stand while trying to control pasture weed problems. {Read Full Article}
NWTF: Hunt. Conserve. Share. - Volunteers Celebrate 35 Years by NWTF
The National Wild Turkey Federation is celebrating a benchmark in the conservation community this year with its 35th Anniversary.
"Our volunteers are dedicated to all aspects of conservation and work every day to preserve our hunting tradition," said NWTF CEO Rob Keck. "The NWTF's members certainly have something to be proud of for all their years of dedication and hard work."
QDMA Articles : Amazing Antlers by Dr. Mickey Hellickson, QDMA
Deer hunters love antlers. While antlers aren't the primary reason most hunters pursue whitetails, it is the odd hunter who doesn't enjoy seeing them. Here are some answers to some common questions about antlers.
I had a gentleman approach me at a recent seminar and tell me he read that medical scientists were interested in antler development. Unless they were hunters, why would they be interested in antlers? I am also commonly asked why some antlers are lightly colored while others are much darker. Is it due to the habitat where the deer live or are there other factors involved? {Read Full Article}
NWTF Receives Bass Pro Shops Conservation Partner Award by NWTF
As the National Wild Turkey Federation prepares to celebrate its 35th anniversary, the conservation organization was recently presented the Bass Pro Shops Conservation Partner award for outstanding efforts in conservation and the preservation of the hunting tradition.
NWTF CEO, Rob Keck, accepted the award from Bass Pro Shops founder, John L. Morris, at the Bass Pro Shops Worldwide Headquarters in Springfield, Mo. before addressing Bass Pro Shops, Tracker Marine and American Rod and Gun associates on conservation and the NWTF's work.
{Read Full Article}
Hunting: One of the Safest Outdoor Activities by NWTF
Contrary to how it's often portrayed, hunting is one of the safest recreational activities enjoyed in the United States.
In 2004, there were 445 hunter incidents in the United States according to the International Hunter Education Association. Of these incidents, 42 were fatal and only 2 involved turkey hunting, but hunting incidents are portrayed as happening often.
There are more than 20 million hunters entering the woods every year, and they are more than 1,000 times more likely to die in an automobile accident than in a hunting incident. {Read Full Article}
QDMA Articles : Can You Age By Antlers? by Dr. Mickey Hellickson, QDMA
Have you ever wondered what characteristics are best for aging deer on the hoof? When I was growing up in the Midwest, I was mistakenly told that the number of antler points on a buck’s rack told you his age. If the buck was an 8-pointer, for example, he was eight years old. Unfortunately, before I knew anything about aging deer on the hoof, I mistakenly killed a 13-point buck in Iowa that still had his milk teeth — he was only 1 1/2 years old! Luckily, it didn’t take me long to figure out that the number of antler points had little to do with age. {Read Full Article}
NWTF Convention: Something for Everyone Media Services, Abby-USA
Walnut, MS
ATLANTA — The National Wild Turkey Federation's 32nd annual Convention and Sport Show, Feb. 21 to Feb. 24, isn't just for big boys. In fact, you don't have to be a boy at all. This year's convention will feature events for everyone who loves the outdoors including men, women, youth and people with disabilities.
With three outreach programs - JAKES/Xtreme JAKES for youth, Women in the Outdoors and Wheelin' Sportsmen for people with disabilities - the NWTF is bringing the outdoors to everyone. All total, the three programs organized more than 1,400 outdoor events nationwide in 2007, and all three will have activities taking place during this year's convention at the Georgia World Congress Center.
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Rye (Secale cereale) by Kent Kammermeyer - Senior Wildlife Biologist Pennington Seed
Rye is grown in every state in the United States, often when conditions are unfavorable for wheat including tough erosion control scenarios. It is the most popular of the small grains for cattle forage and is the most cold tolerant cereal grain and wildlife planting in the whole country! Rye is more cold tolerant than oats or wheat and also tolerates low fertility and acid soil more than any other small grain. Consequently, rye can be grown in a wider range of environmental conditions than any other small grain. Do not confuse cereal rye (rye grain) with annual or perennial ryegrass, they are totally different plants! {Read Full Article}
QDMA Articles : A Glut of Does Harms Bucks by John J. Ozoga, QDMA
In white-tailed deer, the adult sexes live separately during much of the year, just as they do in mule deer, red deer, elk, moose, and many other ungulates. Scientists refer to this social and geographical separation as “sexual segregation" or "niche separation" of the sexes.
Related does live in close-knit matriarchal societies, composed of mothers, daughters, grandmothers, great-grandmothers, and so forth. Bucks, on the other hand, form fraternal or bachelor groups generally composed of unrelated males. In either case, social group size and the degree of social complexity varies depending upon many different factors that influence deer herd sex-age composition and density. {Read Full Article}
Oak Seedlings Now Available Through Mississippi Acorns for Wildlife Program by NWTF
EDGEFIELD, S.C.
MISSISSIPPI — Landowners statewide now can improve their properties and habitat for wild turkeys and other wildlife by purchasing native oak seedlings at a reduced cost through Mississippi's Acorns for Wildlife Initiative.
Mississippi's Acorns for Wildlife Initiative provides high quality, hard mast-producing native oak seedlings to Mississippi landowners, and is made possible by partnerships between the National Wild Turkey Federation's Mississippi Chapter and Greater Jackson Chapter, Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (MDWFP), Mississippi Forestry Commission and the Mississippi State University Extension Service. {Read Full Article}
QDMA Articles : Get Fired Up for Quality Deer Habitat by David Ledford, QDMA
One of the best, yet least used, tools one can use to improve habitat for white–tailed deer is fire. Man has used fire for centuries to clear land, drive game, and improve habitat for wildlife. Naturally occurring fires have blackened the landscape for thousands of years, and the result has been the evolution of plants and animals that actually depend on fire for their very existence. Many of these fire–dependant plants are excellent, high protein, high energy deer foods. Plants like butterfly pea, milk pea, sensitive briar, and wild bean are naturally occurring plants/weeds that are promoted by fire. These plants are legumes, and are in the same family as soybeans and cowpeas. Legumes are high protein foods because they take nitrogen from the air and fix it in the plant tissue as protein. The proteins in these plants are then eaten by deer, and used for the growth of muscles, bones, fawns, and antlers. {Read Full Article}
How Much and Where to Plant For Deer & Turkeys by Kent Kammermeyer - Senior Wildlife Biologist Pennington Seed
Both deer and wild turkeys will definitely benefit from agricultural food plots on 10 to 15% of the land in a heavily forested area, wherever this is feasible. This means 4 - 5 plots averaging 2 - 10 acres each per square mile. This large number may be unrealistic for many land managers because of the high cost of installation and maintenance; however, even 1% of an area in high-quality plots improves turkey brood rearing habitats and deer diets, which enhance reproduction, growth, and antler development. Recent research overwhelmingly supports food plots as valuable food for deer and as tools for increased or more selective harvest. {Read Full Article}
Three Steps for Planning Your Deer and Turkey Planting by NWTF
1. Evaluate your Resources
Don't get stuck halfway through a planting and find out you don't have enough money or the right tools to finish the job. Figure out what resources you have available to work with before you start. Asking the following questions will help: {Read Full Article}
Avoiding Trouble - Know your Laws & Regulations Media Services, Abby-USA
Walnut, MS
With a number of hunting enthusiasts receiving our monthly newsletter and several seasons either getting underway or about to begin, we thought it would be appropriate to provide a resource that would allow individuals to find the guidelines and restrictions for every state they would be hunting in over the next few of months. {Read More}
Late Season ATV Equipment Media Services, Abby USA
Walnut, MS
Finally, we thought that if anyone out there was looking for a last minute suggestion on ATV equipment. We would point you toward our ATV cultipacker. Even if you have no other equipment and you don't have a lot of land set aside for food plots. {Read Full Article}
QDMA Articles : How Many Antlerless Deer Should I Harvest? by Kip Adams, QDMA
Deer season is just around the corner. Summer deer surveys using scouting cameras and hunter observations will soon be complete, and it will be time to determine the number of antlerless deer to harvest this hunting season. Harvesting the correct number of antlerless deer is one of the most important aspects of QDM. Harvest too few antlerless deer and the herd will negatively impact the habitat, the deer themselves and other wildlife species. {Read Full Article}
The Year of the Food Plot Media Services, Abby-USA
Walnut, MS
If there was ever a year that a food plot would be so critical as a main food source, we're not sure when that could have been. The extreme drought conditions that have blanketed much of the U.S. and in particular the Southeat regions of the country will have a HUGE impact on the amount of acorns that will be produced for wildlife this coming fall.
Many deer hunters rely on large oak flats and as key hotspot for deer hunting each fall, however in a drought like we are experiencing will now force hunters to change their strategy. One of the best ways to funnel wildlife to your hunting spot is by planting lush food plots which will concentrate the game in greater numbers to these areas. {Read Full Article}
Abby-USA ATV Implement Video Clips Media Services, Abby-USA
Walnut, MS
The Abby-USA Video Department has been working on several promotional video clips and commercials. Be sure to take a couple of minutes to watch these short clips listed below showing our products in action! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
Abby-USA's ATV Implement line has been designed with the end-user in mind. Our products not only are designed to be the easiest to operate on the market, but they are incredibly effective and store with tremendous ease. Please take a moment to review each implement individually to see just what it is that everyone is talking about.
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Whether it be creating food plots to nourish wildlife, planting your own small garden or caring for a golf course in the heart the urban world, we are committed to making those processes easier and more efficient for those involved.
What do a spring turkey hunt in Kentucky and a sea duck hunt in Maine have in common? Both can take their toll on your firearms if you don't care for them properly during, and at the end of, each season. 
When managing a property for wildlife, timber, recreation or a combination of these uses it is very important to plan for success. Most landowners have a clear idea of what their goals are for their property, but many do not take the additional step of developing a plan to reach those goals. Some landowners will be successful in reaching their goals without a plan, but many others will find themselves wondering what to do next or reacting to habitat management needs as they arise.
If there was ever a year that a food plot would be so critical as a main food source, we're not sure when that could have been. The extreme drought conditions that have blanketed much of the U.S. and in particular the Southeat regions of the country will have a HUGE impact on the amount of acorns that will be produced for wildlife this coming fall. 
The Abby-USA Video Department has been working on several promotional video clips and commercials. Be sure to take a couple of minutes to watch these short clips listed below showing our products in action! If you have any questions, please feel free to 
watch video
Designed to expedite the process of us responding to your comments and inquiries.