North Carolina Hunting Couple Featured on Drury Outdoors Dream Season Face Multiple Game Charges

Editor’s note: Drury Outdoors has produced an official response to this incident. See the bottom of the article for the full text.

Jason and Britney Edney of Henderson NC have been charged with multiple game violations according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Nebraska;

Jason W. Edney age 35, and Britney J. Edney, age 29, both of Hendersonville, North Carolina, were charged with interstate transportation of an unlawfully killed deer. In Count I, Jason W. Edney is charged with the unlawful possession and transportation in interstate commerce from Nebraska to North Carolina of parts of an adult mule deer buck on or about September 25, 2009. Jason W. Edney did not have a valid Nebraska Hunting License. The maximum penalty for this count charged to Jason W. Edney is 1 year of imprisonment, a fine of $100,000, 1 year of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Counts II and III of the indictment charge both Jason W. and Britney J. Edney with unlawful possession and transportation in interstate commerce from Nebraska to South Carolina on or about November 5, 2009, and December 17, 2009, respectively, parts of an adult white-tailed deer buck. Neither Jason W. or Britney J. Edney were in possession of a valid Nebraska Hunting License. The maximum penalty for these counts charged to Jason W. and Britney J. Edney is 1 year of imprisonment, a fine of $100,000, 1 year of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Counts IV and V of the indictment charge Jason W. Edney with the sale and purchase of parts of an adult white-tailed deer buck, as well as, unlawful possession and transportation of said deer from Nebraska to North Carolina on or about October 13, 2010, and December 16, 2010, respectively. Jason W. Edney was not in possession of a valid Nebraska Hunting License. The maximum penalty for Counts IV and V charged to Jason W. Edney is 5 years of imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

Jason & Britney were featured on Drury Outdoors Dream Season 4, the show pitted couples from across the country competing in filming their hunts. They also run a hunting lodge operation “Fur & Feather” in Nebraska that has been featured on Drury Outdoors.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abpCBKwVgFQ

Now let’s remember this is only a grand jury indictment to charge and not a conviction. I can’t help but notice that the press release notes a deer killed on or around September 25, 2009 and this deer posted with a story on Drury Outdoors on the September 27, 2009.

It had been a couple of days since we blew him out of the field but I figured he still had to be close. After a few hours of glassing I got lucky and stumbled on to him lying in his bed above the alfalfa. Everything was perfect for a stalk instead of letting him come to me so I started making my way to him. With any evening stalk the thought stayed in my mind that he was going to get up on his feet any minute and head to the field. Luckily though he stayed in his bed and I was inching within striking distance. I slowed to a snails pace because of the lack of cover but this time the stars aligned and I was within 30 yds of him in his bed. As I was preparing for the shot..up he came and bolted a few yards, but as a lot of mule deer do he had to stop and see what crawled up on him. That’s when the Bow Madness XL preformed flawlessly! In open country you need to take advantage of every opportunity when they present themselves even if that means stretching the yardage out farther than typical whitetail shot. It was a great feeling to watch the arrow sink into the spot and watch the buck fall.

Drury Outdoors

The next deer listed is November 5th 2009;

With nothing to lose I started hitting him with a grunt pretty hard. To my disbelief he turned on a dime and headed my way! The buck had a total attitude change and he was coming in to rip whoever was in there! I have to admit I panicked a little because I guess I figured he was going to just walk off like so many other buck have this week. When he got to 20 yds he checked up and turned to get a better look and that is when I made my shot. Well the shot was not perfect but I have to admit no practice will make you ready for that situation! The pro’s you see on TV make it look easy but standing on a 20” platform with that much adrenalin changes everything! After a long night and a long trailing job I found him and couldn’t be happier! Now its time to use my other tag on the drop tine deer!

Drury Outdoors

I’m in no way saying these are for sure the deer in question just that I found it odd they match up with the dates in the press release from the US District Attorney. I should also point out there was no deer posted that matched up with the December date. Additionally I’m not saying the Drury’s or Drury Outdoors has done anything wrong just that a lot of the information comes off their site and they clearly have a connection with Jason & Britney Edney prior to the hunts in question and recently with turkey hunts at Fur & Feather Outfitters.

I don’t get it, if the charges are true it means they didn’t have Nebraska hunting licenses? That doesn’t make any sense. I’m pretty careful to make sure I have my hunting license and my tags on my person before I head out. It’s not like these folks were hunting in an unusual place, they own a hunting lodge in Nebraska and did so for years before this crime was alleged to take place.

We’ll continue to keep following this story and see how it develops…

Editor’s note: Drury Outdoors has sent Outdoor Hub an official response to the incident, reproduced verbatim below:

Drury Outdoors has become aware of criminal charges being brought against Jason & Britney Edney claiming violations of Federal Gaming Laws. We have a passion for hunting and a deep appreciation for the conservation of our Natural Resources and the laws meant to protect them. While the Edneys have appeared in past production’s on a limited basis, their materials are not being used in current projects. Drury Outdoors takes these matters very seriously and will continue to promote the dignity and values of the sport we love.

-Mark & Terry Drury

This article was originally posted on the Moose Droppings blog.

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North Carolina Wildlife Commission Schedules State Youth Hunter Education Skills Tournament Championship

The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission will hold its 34^th annual Youth Hunter Education Skills Tournament, the state championship for pre-collegiate shooting sports, on April 28 at the Millstone 4-H Center near Ellerbe.

Competition is conducted on senior (high school) and junior (middle and elementary schools) divisional levels, with overall team and overall individual awards based on aggregate scores in all events (see video). The Wildlife Commission conducted nine district-level competitions in March, with hundreds of middle school and high school students participating.

The championship represents an opportunity for competitors who advanced from district events to showcase outdoor skills learned through the Commission’s Hunter Education Program (see video). The competition includes segments in rifle, shotgun and archery marksmanship, as well as an orienteering challenge and a wildlife knowledge test.

Teams are organized within public and private schools. Home-schooled students and teams representing 4-H or FFA also can compete, provided they meet eligibility requirements.

“This is the highest level of shooting sports competition of this kind in the state,” said Travis Casper, state hunter education coordinator. “This event is a demonstration of skills covered through instruction by the Hunter Education Program and is a key part of securing the future of the hunting tradition. To pass this heritage along, we need to hunt like the future depends on it and share the enjoyment and fulfillment of shooting sports and conservation.”

While the tournament is for students 18 years old and younger, the Wildlife Commission offers free hunter education courses and advanced hunter education on a regular schedule for all ages. For more information on hunter education, the Home From The Hunt™ safety campaign or youth programs offered by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, call 919-707-0031 or click here.

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Steve Bullins Honored by North Carolina Chapter of National Wild Turkey Federation

Master Officer Steve Bullins with the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission has been named by the North Carolina chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation as the state’s 2012 Wildlife Officer of the Year.

This award honors top wildlife officers for their dedication to conserving wildlife and upholding the law. All wildlife officers who were chosen for their state were recognized in February during the National Wild Turkey Federation’s 36th annual National Convention and Sport Show in Nashville, Tenn. Bullins received his award on March 2 at the North Carolina chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation meeting during the Dixie Deer Classic in Raleigh.

“Steve Bullins embodies what a wildlife officer should be,” said Col. Dale Caveny, chief of the Wildlife Commission’s Law Enforcement Division. “Steve is not only an exemplary officer; he is an active member of his community. Our division’s core values — professional, fair, integrity, dedicated and trustworthy — apply to Steve in all aspects of his life.”

In presenting the award, the Federation recognized Bullins for being instrumental in catching poachers in Surry County; beneficial in providing public-relations assistance in the community by establishing good rapport with sportsmen and general public; and, influential in working positively with youth, 4-H and church groups, always promoting hunting safety and conservation.

“Master Officer Bullins also has a great reputation for working with other law enforcement agencies, among whom he is known as a consummate professional they can work with and rely upon,” Caveny said. “He is a great representative of our agency and division, and deserving of this recognition.”

The North Carolina chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation has been a valued partner to the Commission in the reintroduction of the wild turkey in North Carolina. Before the 1970s, wild turkeys were scarce in North Carolina, with only about 2,000 birds. Today, there are more than 150,000 birds from the mountains to the coast, and wild turkeys are one of the most popular game animals. The partnership with the Wildlife Commission has benefitted wild turkeys and hundreds of other species, including quail, deer, grouse, pheasant and songbirds.

There are more than 200 sworn, full-time wildlife officers across the state with arrest authority for any criminal offense committed in their presence, including state and federal violations. They enforce hunting, trapping and inland fishing regulations and boating laws to protect the resources of the state and the safety of its citizens. The public can assist them by reporting wildlife violations to 1-800-662-7137.

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Yamaha Outdoors Tip of the Week: Early Season Turkey Calling

Deciding how aggressive your turkey calling should be depends on several variables, not the least of which is the time of season.

Early in the season, turkeys are usually in large groups.  Depending on how early your season begins, these may be either winter aggregations that have yet to break up, or more likely,
dominant toms with their harem of hens and (hopefully), a few subordinate adult males.

It may seem counterintuitive but this is the time for aggressive calling.  There are several reasons for this.  For starters, real birds are very vocal this time of year.  They’re used to hearing a lot of calling, and you have to compete with that.

Second, they have yet to become call shy.  Yours will be the first artificial calls they hear so they’ll be more receptive, and there’s less chance of making a mistake.

For the third, and most important, tip of early-season turkey calling, please visit – http://www.yamahamotor.com/outdoor/events/dynamicevent/2/1604/yamaha_outdoors_tips_-_early-season_turkey_calling.aspx.

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Illegally Held Deer Seized by North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission

The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) is currently investigating the case of four deer held captive on an undisclosed property in Iredell County.

Enforcement officers obtained the deer on a search warrant. As per standard procedure, they had to euthanize the deer to test for chronic wasting disease. Results should be available within several weeks according to Carolyn Rickard, public information officer for the NCWRC. No more information is available at this time.

Original press release issued by N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission on March 16th, 2012:

The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission on Thursday, March 15 seized and euthanized four adult white-tailed deer being held without permit or license in Iredell County.

Wildlife Law Enforcement Officers obtained a search warrant, and biologists from the Wildlife Management Division used immobilization drugs to remove the captive deer safely from the property.

According to North Carolina law, it is illegal to hold or confine deer, elk or other cervid animals in the state without a permit or license, with strict requirements necessary to safeguard the health and safety of wildlife resources, livestock and humans.

Further, since 2002, except for fawns taken to licensed rehabilitators, it has been illegal to transfer deer between facilities. These measures have been in place to prevent introduction and spread of wildlife diseases including chronic wasting disease.

CWD is a contagious and progressive disease that typically induces chronic weight loss leading to death in the infected animal. The majority of infected animals also experience behavioral changes. Currently, the only way to diagnose is through a post-mortem examination. More information on the effects of CWD and other wildlife diseases is available from the Wildlife Commission at www.ncwildlife.org, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/cwd/ and the national CWD Alliance at www.cwd-info.org.

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QDMA Urges Hunters in Seven States to Oppose Deer-Breeding Legislation

The Quality Deer Management Association (QDMA) is urging hunters in seven states to oppose the expansion of the deer-breeding industry, which QDMA perceives as a growing threat to wild deer and the deer-hunting heritage. Legislation designed to loosen or dismantle regulatory barriers to white-tailed deer breeding and farming is being considered in Georgia, Indiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Tennessee and West Virginia.

“There are no benefits for deer hunters in the growth of the captive deer-breeding industry – only risks,” said Kip Adams, QDMA’s Director of Education & Outreach and a certified wildlife biologist. “It is QDMA’s mission to protect the future of white-tailed deer and our hunting heritage, and we oppose anything that puts those at risk.”

In opposing the proliferation of “deer breeding,” QDMA is referring to captive deer facilities where controlled, artificial breeding technology is used primarily to produce whitetail bucks with enormous, often grotesque antlers – an industry that includes sales of semen, artificially impregnated does, and live bucks to other breeders or to captive deer shooting facilities. Current estimates suggest there are nearly 10,000 deer breeding operations in North America, and the number is growing as the industry pushes to expand into areas where it was historically not legal.

“Some argue this is an innocent endeavor with no negative impacts to wild deer or the everyday deer hunter. As CEO of North America’s leading whitetail conservation organization, I emphatically and unapologetically disagree,” said Brian Murphy, QDMA’s Chief Executive Officer. “Not only does this industry undermine the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation in which wildlife is a public resource, it also threatens the health of wild deer and the public’s perception of hunting.”

The distribution map of chronic wasting disease (CWD) – a fatal disease of deer and elk – suggests the disease likely arrived in several new states through transportation of live deer, either legally or illegally, and not through natural deer movements. Legalizing deer breeding in new areas increases the incentive for illegal transportation of untested animals at a time when these human-aided movements must be stopped. Transporting any captive whitetails is risky, as there is no acceptable and practical live-animal test  for CWD. Once CWD appears in wild deer in a new area, slowing the spread of the disease requires costly investigation, testing and surveillance efforts for many years and often requires drastic reductions in deer populations. There is currently no known way to decontaminate an environment once CWD is present.

In more than 40 states, regulatory authority over captive deer facilities is held by state agriculture agencies, or shared between agriculture and wildlife agencies. QDMA recommends that wildlife agencies have sole responsibility because they have more experience with wildlife species and wildlife disease issues, and they fully understand what is at stake with regard to transmission of diseases like CWD to free-ranging deer.

“QDMA’s current effort is to halt expansion of the deer-breeding industry,” said Adams. “We also want sole jurisdiction for existing facilities to remain with or be reassigned to state wildlife agencies. Considering the implications for our hunting heritage, we can’t afford to allow this industry to expand. The ramifications of being wrong are simply too great.”

QDMA is currently urging resident hunters to oppose existing or potential legislation in the following states:

• Georgia: House Bill 1043 – Legalizes the importation of live whitetails into Georgia for breeding purposes and creates a permitting system for deer-breeding operations, all under the jurisdiction of the state Department of Agriculture. Current status: House second-readers as of February 22.
• Indiana – House Bill 1265 – Provides for the licensing and operations of hunting preserves on which farm-bred, captive deer and elk will be hunted. Current Status – Senator David Long (President Pro Tempore) refused to hear the bill. It remains in committee.
• Mississippi – Senate Bills 2554 and 2555 – Legalizes importation of captive deer, semen and embryos and authorizes deer breeding facilities, under the jurisdiction of the state agriculture department. Current Status – Both bills referred to Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks Committee on February 20.
• Missouri – House Bill 1375 – Adds deer to the definition of “livestock” for the purposes of the state sales and use tax law, meat inspection law, Missouri Livestock Disease Control and Eradication Law, and the Missouri Livestock Marketing Law. Current Status – House second-readers as of February 22.
• North Carolina – Currently at the proposal stage; no bill number yet.  The spoken intent is to loosen regulations to allow for expansion of the captive deer industry. A QDMA staff member will attend a board meeting with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission in Raleigh on March 7 on this topic.
• Tennessee – House Bill 3164 – Present law classifies white-tailed deer as Class IV wildlife, which may only be possessed by zoos, temporary exhibitors, and rehabilitation facilities. This bill adds authorization for possession of white-tailed deer by breeding facilities that receive a permit from the Department of Agriculture to breed or ranch such livestock for purposes determined by the Department. Current Status – Placed on calendar for Agriculture Committee for March 6.
• West Virginia – Senate Bill 421 – Captive Cervid Farming Act – Transfers regulatory authority over captive white-tailed deer facilities from the Division of Natural Resources (DNR) to the Department of Agriculture.  Current Status – referred to Rules Committee on February 17.

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North Carolina District Youth Hunter Skills Tournaments Schedule Announced

The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission has set the schedule for the 2012 Youth Hunter Education Skills Tournaments, marking the 34^th year for the popular statewide shooting sports events.

The Commission will conduct nine district-level competitions in March, with hundreds of middle school and high school students taking part:

• March 3, Alamance Wildlife Club near Graham, Alamance County (District 5)
• March 10, New Hanover County Law Enforcement Officers Association Range in Castle Hayne, New Hanover County (District 2 )
• March 17, Camp John J. Barnhardt in New London, Stanly County (District 6)
• March 17, Catawba Valley Wildlife Club in Hickory, Catawba County (District
• March 17, Polk County Gun Club near Columbus, Polk County (District 9)
• March 24, Rose Hill Farms near Nashville, Nash County (District 3)
• March 24, Hunting Creek Preserve in Harmony, Iredell County (District 7)
• March 28, Coharrie Shooting Range near Clinton, Sampson County (District 4)
• March 31, Eastern 4-H Center in Columbia, Tyrell County (District 1)

Competition is conducted on senior (high school) and junior (middle and elementary schools) divisional levels, with overall team and overall individual awards based on aggregate scores in all events.

The tournaments represent opportunities for participants to showcase outdoor skills learned through the Commission’s Hunter Education Program. There are events in rifle, shotgun and archery marksmanship, as well as an orienteering challenge and a wildlife knowledge test.

Teams are organized within public and private schools, while home-schooled students and teams representing organizations such as 4-H or FFA also can compete, provided they meet eligibility requirements.

Winning teams will advance to the state championship tournament, which will be held at the Millstone 4-H Center near Ellerbe on April 28.

“These events are a demonstration of skills covered through instruction by the Hunter Education Program and are instrumental in securing the future of the hunting tradition,” said Travis Casper, state hunter education coordinator. “To pass this heritage along, we need to hunt like the future depends on it and share the enjoyment and fulfillment of shooting sports and conservation.”

While the Youth Hunter Education Skills Tournaments are for students 18 years old and younger, the Wildlife Commission offers free hunter education courses and advanced hunter education on a regular schedule for all ages. Successful completion of the course is required for all first-time hunting license buyers in North Carolina.

For more information on free hunter education courses, the Home From The Hunt safety campaign or youth programs offered by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, call 919-707-0031 or click here

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Bridges Repaired on North Carolina’s White Oak River Game Land

The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission has replaced two pedestrian bridges, allowing for an easier, safer walk for hunters traveling to the waterfowl impoundment on the White Oak River Game Land in Onslow County.

Two old wooden bridges, which had been in active use, have been replaced with aluminum floating bridges, allowing them to rise and fall with the water in the impoundment. The new bridges were strategically placed to allow hunters — who mainly arrive by boat — to cross the canals surrounding the impoundment and access prime waterfowl hunting areas.

“The new bridges that we installed are a great improvement over the old wood structures.  These bridges are able to float up and down along with the water level, and will improve access for hunters using the impoundment,” said Chesley Ward, a technician with the Commission’s Division of Wildlife Management. “Because the bridges are aluminum, we anticipate maintenance in the brackish water to be very low.”

The old wooden bridges routinely became waterlogged, and were in constant need of repair. They also suffered hurricane damage. The new aluminum bridges are sturdier and will hold up better over time.

“The White Oak River Impoundment offers a great opportunity for waterfowl hunters to harvest a wide range of waterfowl species,” Ward said. “The management we do in this impoundment, or all of our impoundments, is not only beneficial to the hunter but probably even more so to the waterfowl.  Before, throughout, and well after the seasons they provide critical habitat for migrating and wintering birds, and not just game species.”

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North Carolina to Allow Hunting Feral Swine at Night

The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission will allow hunting of feral swine at night with the aid of light, by special permit, beginning Dec. 29, 2011.

Under this policy, archery and firearm hunters with a Commission-issued permit in addition to a hunting license may hunt feral swine after normal shooting hours (½ hour before sunrise until ½ hour past sunset) where local law allows; except by firearms on Sundays. The permits are valid through March 31.

Free permits to hunt feral swine at night with aid of light are available through the Commission’s online services at www.ncwildlife.org.

The permit does not grant access to any property. Landholders must grant permission to enter private or public property lawfully. The permit does not grant access to take feral swine on state game land.

As of Oct. 1, 2011, all hogs in the wild became classified and managed as feral swine, with no closed season and no bag limits. The intent is to make it easier to remove feral swine from the landscape, as these exotic non-native animals compete with native wildlife and pose significant threats to the environment and agricultural operations.

When hunting feral swine at any time, hunters must have a valid hunting license unless otherwise exempt and wear hunter orange as required for appropriate seasons. Hunters should reference the N.C. Inland Fishing, Hunting and Trapping Regulations Digest for all rules associated with hunting feral swine during normal hunting hours.

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North Carolina Wildlife Commission Adopts Rules Allowing Feral Hog Trapping

Raleigh, NC – The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission has adopted temporary rules that allow the trapping of feral hogs with no closed season and no bag limits.

Under the new rules, trappers must have a Commission-issued permit (available free at www.ncwildlife.org) in addition to a hunting or trapping license; feral hogs may be live-trapped using only corral or box traps, constructed in such a way that a non-target animal can be easily released or escape without harm; permit numbers must be placed on all traps; and feral swine must be euthanized while in the trap and may not be removed alive from any trap.

Self-issued permits will be available at www.ncwildlife.org after Dec. 29, when the rules go into effect.

Under previous rules, feral swine could be trapped only under a depredation permit, which requires an economic justification, threat to human safety or documented overabundance.

Permanent rules will be adopted at a later date.

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