Last fall I was contacted by Michael Huff, an independent author, wildlife photographer and coyote hunting guide living in Pennsylvania. Michael has a new book “Understanding Coyotes,” and offered to send me a copy and asked that I review it.
Coyotes currently live and thrive in all contiguous states in the U.S. and in every Canadian Province. They also flourish in large cities like New York City and Chicago, often totally unbeknownst to the residents. I once read a study about coyote populations that said 70% of a local coyote population would have to be removed for seven years in a row before any lasting effect would be seen to that population. Michael exhibits an amazing understanding of these prolific critters we call coyotes, and in his book he truly and thoroughly takes the reader to school concerning the life of the survivalist coyote.
Besides citing reams of research and dozens of books by other authors, Michael shows that his time in the woods as a coyote hunter and hunting guide has served him well as he put this book together. I have a pretty nice library of books on coyote trapping, but the chapters in his book on coyote biology and types of coyotes go well beyond what’s presented in other books I own. He concludes his tutorial with a chapter on “Understanding and Overcoming the Super Senses,” a chapter about the insanely acute vision, smell and hearing of the coyote, and offers tips to hunters and wildlife photographers for temporarily fooling those senses.
Michael calls his book “The comprehensive guide for hunters, photographers and wildlife observers.” I think his book is a worthy investment for any of the above, and can be found on Amazon or by contacting Michael at [email protected].
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Ok, so you’ve made the usual New Year’s resolution to eat healthier, including more salads and fish. Well the Kansas Dept. of health and Environment (KDHE) has issued revised fish consumption advisories for 2016 because of mercury and other contaminants found in higher than healthy concentrations in some Kansas fish. The entire report with all the various advisories and specific locations can be read on the Kansas Dept. of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism website, ksoutdoors.com, but I’ll offer a summary.
In a nutshell, the report advises the general public and especially women who are pregnant, may become pregnant or are nursing to restrict consumption of locally caught fish (mostly bottom-feeders and mostly from reservoirs and rivers) to one meal per week. The report is found under the heading “News Releases” and is entitled “2016 Fish Consumption Advisories Issued.” It is very easy to read and understand, and gives very specific fish species and locations.
It’s too bad we have to worry about contaminants in our Kansas fish. I don’t buy into all the hype about global warming, but it’s obvious some dramatic changes are being seen in our weather and environment. Likewise, I wonder if the KDHE is being a little over-dramatic about local fish contamination, but I would say there is some reason for alarm or they wouldn’t bother. Please go to the website ksoutdoors.com and read the report so you can remain healthy as you continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors.
Steve can be contacted by email at [email protected].
