Radio Telemetry Study Leads to Improved Muskie Survival

A biologist sits in a motorboat with a radio antenna.

Iowa Department of Natural Resources fish biologist Jonathan Meerbeek recently released the findings of a multiyear research project that should enthuse muskie anglers in Iowa and beyond. His work stands to make muskie conservation more efficient and the fishing better anywhere state fish and wildlife agencies rely on supplemental stocking from hatcheries.

Drones and Whitetails

Drone thermal camera over Kerr WMA TPWD photo

The leading-edge conservation work was an intersection science, technology, know-how, and reliable Pittman-Robertson funding—the federal excise taxes paid by the manufacturers of firearms, ammunition, and archery gear.

Pittman-Robertson, Trapping, and Furbearer Conservation

Fur trappers inspecting their goods

Trapping is highly regulated by the state fish and wildlife agencies; biologists set harvest rates, trapping seasons, bag limits, and restrict trap types. Pittman-Robertson dollars, the federal excise taxes paid by firearms, ammunition, and archery manufacturers on select goods, fund furbearer management.

Gila Trout Conservation and Sport Fish Restoration

Gila trout Craig Springer USFWS

James Ohio Pattie by our best reckoning was the first to record catching Gila trout.  The man led a beaver trapping expedition from Kentucky that traversed today’s American Southwest shortly after Mexico achieved its independence from Spain.