Alan A. Huot has shared: Wyoming wolves to lose Endangered Species Act protection

Wyoming wolves lose ESA Protection
	Wyoming wolves to lose Endangered Species Act protection Source: articles.chicagotribune.com JACKSON, Wyoming (Reuters) - Gray wolves in Wyoming, the last still federally protected in the northern Rockies, will lose endangered species status at the end of next month, opening them to...

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Professional Pest Control Among Fastest Growing Occupations

As job seekers across the country look for new careers, theNational Pest Management Association points to a report by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which projects the number of pest control workers to increase by 26.1 percent from 2010 to 2020.  The BLS attributes this growth to more people using professional pest control services rather than trying to control pests themselves, and to population growth, particularly in the South where pests are more pervasive year-round.

According to the 2010 Nationwide Salary and Benefits Survey conducted by the NPMA, industry turnover rates have declined and average base rates of pay for all positions, other than General/Branch Managers and Sales Persons, increased over 2007 levels (nationwide results). The professional pest management industry doesn't hire on a seasonal basis, but rather year round, as quality technicians are always in demand.

 

"As more consumers recognize the invaluable service and relief pest professionals provide, the industry is experiencing explosive growth," said Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs for the NPMA. "This is a needs-based industry that has successfully weathered economic storms because businesses and homeowners understand the vital role professional pest management plays in protecting public health, food and property."

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Federal Court Strikes down Illinois' total ban on carrying firearms for self-defense outside the home or business

Fairfax, Va. – The United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit ruled today that Illinois' total ban on carrying firearms for self-defense outside the home or business is unconstitutional. The case involves lead plaintiff Mary Shepard, an Illinois resident and a trained gun owner, who is licensed to carry a concealed handgun in both Utah and Florida. The National Rifle Association is funding this case. The Illinois State Rifle Association is a co-plaintiff in this case. "Today's ruling is a victory for all law abiding citizens in Illinois and gun owners throughout the country," said Wayne LaPierre, Executive Vice President of NRA. "The court recognized that the text and history of the Second Amendment guarantee individuals the right to carry firearms outside the home for self-defense and other lawful purposes. In light of this ruling, Mary Shepard and the people of Illinois will finally be able to exercise their Second Amendment rights." On September 28, 2009, while working as the treasurer of her church, Ms. Shepard and an 83-year-old co-worker were viciously attacked and beaten by a six-foot-three-inch, 245 pound man with a violent past and a criminal record. Ms. Shepard and her co-worker were lucky to survive, as each of them suffered major injuries to the head, neck and upper body. Ms. Shepard's injuries required extensive surgeries and she continues physical therapy to this day attempting to recover from her injuries. In today's decision, Judge Richard Posner ruled that Illinois' ban on carriage is unconstitutional. The Judge went on to say, "One doesn't have to be a historian to realize that a right to keep and bear arms for personal self-defense in the eighteenth century could not rationally have been limited to the home. . . . Twenty-first century Illinois has no hostile Indians. But a Chicagoan is a good deal more likely to be attacked on a sidewalk than in his apartment on the 35th floor." "Today's ruling is a major victory for law-abiding Illinoisans—and for everyone who understands that the Second Amendment protects the right both to keep arms, and to bear arms," added Chris W. Cox, executive director of NRA's Institute for Legislative Action. "This ruling makes clear that Illinois cannot deny law-abiding residents the right to carry a firearm for self-defense outside the home. This is a step in the right direction for all gun owners. We know it probably won't be the end of this case, and we're ready to keep fighting until the courts fully protect the entire Second Amendment."

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Nuisance Wildlife Bill Passes Ohio Senate

The Ohio General Assembly this week gave final approval to legislation requiring persons performing for hire nuisance wild animal removal or control services to be licensed by the Director of the Department of Natural Resources' Division of Wildlife.
 
Click Here to read House Bill 420, which was spearheaded by the Ohio Pest Management Association. The bill will now go to Governor John Kasich for his consideration. 

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Earth Augurs - A Real Time & Energy Saver

I'm currently doing some predator control work and if you're like me you kind of fall into a habit and pattern of how you construct your sets and the tools you use. I take it sort of to an extreme in that I like certain tools to be in particular places so I can reach for them almost intuitively.  Anyway, I've been digging dirt holes with a long-handled trowel for longer than I can remember, but this season decided to do things alittle differently.

Rather than hand digging every hole, I decided to employ some technology and I'm very happy I did !  I like a good sized hole for maximum eye appeal so I decided to give a 3" RK Dirt Augur a try !   I powered the augur with my 18V Dewalt drill, any brand will do I'm sure, but I like the 18V model as it has plenty of Umphhhhhh (thats a technical term).  Anyway, this thing chews through the soil like nobodies business and by running the augur up & down the hole shaft a couple of times the dirt is nicely depostied infront and to each side of the hole, just like an animal had dug it.  It takes less than 30 seconds to bore a hole for your set, and is a huge time and energy saver.  You can see BOTH sizes of  Earth Augurs here.

Now I admit, it can't be used EVERYWHERE, very rocky soil or lots of tree roots will hinder the Dirt Augurs performance, but if you're working the edges of agricultural fields this tool is the cats meow !!  I'm convinced.............see, you can teach an old dog new tricks !!!   For those of you that like a slightly smaller hole, the RK Dirt Augur is available in a 2" model also.  Give one a try, you won't be disappointed.      

Woodstream Introduces NEW Tri Kill Mouse Trap

LITITZ, Pa. - Woodstream has introduced its new Victor Tri-Kill Mouse Trap, a unique trap cabable of humanely dispatching three mice at once, the company reports.

It provides a quick and clean solution and is simple to use, Woodstream said. The trap is baited through the underside, and the trap can be placed against a wall. The trap can be reused or disposed of, and will not harm children or pets, the company said.

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