ATF halts Idaho Fish & Game use of non-lethal 'cracker shells'

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game will no longer issue non-lethal “cracker shells” as a way of scaring off intrusive wild animals.

The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives issued a letter last November announcing that all explosive pest-control devices are only to be issued to individuals with a federal explosive license.

However, Fish and Game officials are still determining how that affects cracker shells, which are fired from a single-barrel shotgun directly above an animal. The loud shot is used to scare off animals such as geese, elk or wolves from farms or roads.

The state agency in the past has distributed the shells to landowners. Both parties may need the explosive license to use them now.

“This decision is still relatively new to us, so while we are no longer issuing them, we are still looking into if the cracker shell falls under the ‘explosive’ category,” said Mike Keckler, Fish and Game spokespokesman.

Former President George W. Bush signed the Safe Explosives Act in 2002. Since then, various agencies across the nation have struggled to define what could or could not be classified as an explosive.

ATF lists all of its firearms licensees on its website. However, it does not list those who have been issued an explosive license.

The Magic Valley Region Fish and Game office received the news about the decision to stop using cracker shells in an email earlier this week, said Brad Lowe, the region’s landowner coordinator.

“They were our first line of defense when a farmer called asking for help,” Lowe said.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Wildlife Services has also stopped issuing the explosive devices, said Todd Grimm, the agency’s western district supervisor.

“I don’t really know what else people would use. I think we’ll just see more people getting their own explosive license,” he said. “They were a relatively successful device when used in the right situation, that is until animals figured out they were useless after people shot at them so much.”

Grimm estimated that Wildlife Services, which does not have an explosive license, distributes roughly 1,000 cracker shells a year.

Lowe said the Magic Valley Fish and Game office was still deciding whether to apply for the license or stop issuing the cracker shells. However, finding an alternative might be difficult.

“There’s just nothing quite like it,” he said. “There isn’t anything out there that can shoot an explosive about 100 yards away. We’re going to be creative to find something else.”

NSSF Applauds Introduction of the Target Practice and Marksmanship Training Act

The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), the trade association for the firearms, ammunition, hunting and shooting sports industry, applauded the introduction of the Target Practice and Marksmanship Training Act by Sen. Mark Udall (D-CO).

This bi-partisan legislation will give states greater flexibility to use more of their designated federal wildlife resources (i.e. Pittman-Robertson funds) to establish safe recreational shooting areas. More specifically, the legislation will help facilitate the construction and expansion of public target ranges, including ranges on federal land managed by the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management.

“We appreciate Sen. Udall’s leadership in fighting for safe, accessible shooting facilities,” said Lawrence G. Keane, senior vice president and general counsel of the National Shooting Sports Foundation.

“This legislation clears the way for new shooting ranges and allows for the proper management of existing ones. Access to these facilities is paramount to continuing to pass on our hunting and shooting sports heritage to younger generations.”

A recent survey by the Responsive Management Company has show that the biggest obstacle to participation in hunting and the shooting sports is access. In addressing this concern, the Target Practice and Marksmanship Training Act will not only help sportsmen and target shooters, but wildlife and conservation efforts as well. Active participation in hunting and the shooting sports means increased production of firearms and ammunition.

Manufacturers of firearms and ammunition pay a federal excise tax — 11 percent on long guns and ammunition and 10 percent on handguns — which is used to fund wildlife and conservation efforts. By giving gun owners better access to ranges, the Target Practice and Marksmanship Training Act will help to encourage participation in these pro-conservation pastimes.

By allowing the states more latitude in determining how excise tax dollars are used to enhance and develop public shooting facilities, wildlife conservation funding will increase. This benefits all sportsmen and is a strong return on investment.

Commission suspends Mexican Wolf Reintroduction program

The New Mexico State Game Commission voted unanimously today to suspend the Mexican Wolf Reintroduction program in the state.

"I would like to suspend it for a while, lets see how it lays out," said Commissioner Thomas "Dick" Salopek. "Both sides have been unhappy about the wolf recovery program. We have been keeping peace between all people. So, you know what, if both sides are unhappy, then let's suspend it and let the federal government do it. I am frustrated at both sides, especially with the federal government."

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Department - following the requirements of the federal Endangered Species Act - looks for partners throughout the state to protect endangered species, like the Mexican wolf. The New Mexico State Game Commission has been a partner to protect the Mexican wolf since 1999. Today's regular meeting, which for the first time this year was in Las Cruces, sought to gather public opinion to help guide the state's wolf protection policy.

About 50 Mexican wolves are spread over New Mexico and Arizona.

Dan Williams, public information officer for the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish - a partner in coordinating the Mexican Wolf Reintroduction Program - said it was a "balanced" public comment session.

"But we will no longer be participating in the Mexican Wolf reintroduction program," he said. "It's an argument that's been going on since 1999." June 30 will be last day the New Mexico Game and Fish Department participates in the program, he said.

The sentiment expressed at the meeting was passionate.

"Hunting is under fire from every front," said Tom Klunker, director of the Southwest New Mexico Outfitters. He said the federal Endangered Species Act was used as a way to further a hidden agenda.

"It's not about the endangered wolf, or the spotted owl," he said. Environmentalists "use that, very successfully, as a tool to remove humans from the land. They view the wilderness as something aesthetic, like a utopian playground. They want humans out of those areas."

Michael J. Robinson, a conservation advocate with the Center for Biological Diversity, bristled at that characterization.

"That's paranoid ranting," he said. "Animals, like the Mexican wolf, that are on the brink of extinction play an important role in the balance of nature. New Mexicans - both urban and rural - support the recovery of this beautiful, intelligent and social animal. These animals have been gravely persecuted."

Carol Fugagli, of Cliff, N.M., said she and her son were recently camping in the Gila Hot Springs when they "heard the mysterious and beautiful" howl of a wolf.

"I instantly got chills of excitement and was stunned and filled with the beauty of the sound," she said. "Unfortunately I have not heard the wolf cry again, but I don't want this to be a distant memory for my son. I want him to grow in an environment where there is a full spectrum of biological diversity so he can share similar experiences with his children.

"I feel (the wolves) are a highly valued and needed element (of nature). My family does not feel that wolves are a threat to our safety in any way. I don't think humans can pick and choose which animals should or should not be in the wilderness."

Reyes Mata III can be reached at (575) 541-5452.