March 20, 2020 "THE PROJECT" Makes the News.

THE PREMIER SNOWSHOE HARE CONSERVATION ORGANIZATION IN PENNSYLVANIA.

JOHNSONBURG PRESS

March 25, 2020

Johnsonburg, PA.

March 20, 2020 UPDATE--Habitat and Cover Project @ The Proving Grounds.

The Big Woods Hare Hunters of the Allegheny have resolved it’s time for less talk and more action.

GREAT PROGRESS IS BEING MADE EVERYDAY AT "THE PROJECT".

As you know, as a long time follower of this blog, the Big Woods Hare Hunters of the Allegheny are conducting a reclamation project on the High Plateau of the Allegheny.

The Big Woods Hare Hunters are, as I write this, conducting a habitat reclamation project on over 600 acres of private land owned by, with the cooperation of and under the guidance of Seneca Resources, a National Fuel Gas Company. Aspen, black birch, fire cherry and beach are being “hinge-cut” to provide food, nesting and escape cover for cottontail rabbits, ruffed grouse, all small animals and birds.

We have a plan and a strategy. The idea or the theory is to use "hinge cutting" to create food, nesting and escape cover for small animals.

Hinge-cutting is the technique of zipping a saw halfway through a small tree then pushing it over so it stays alive but horizontal, providing cover. As more sunlight reaches the earth blackberry briers and other native plants will spring forth. We will be attempting to curtail the growth of invasive plants in the project area as well.

We want to thank Seneca Resources Company Land Forester, Erick Byers for his cooperation and assistance in our little endeavor.

Thank you! 

Members from left to right includes: Matt Baker, Mark Baker, the High HareMan, Mr. Roy Towner and Will Murray.

Jaret Zimmerman brought along his tent so the High HareMan could drink his coffee out of the rain while the High HareMan's grandson, William Murrary, observes.

Posing for the camera from left to right: Joe Ewing, Will Murray, Mr. Jaret Zimmerman and Roy Towner.

Escape and nesting cover while providing food for all small animals.

As seen above an example of hinge cutting.

Hundreds of small trees cut down making heavy cover.

Matt Baker built the bluebird box seen above. Hopefully a family of bluebirds will use The Project this season.

Mr. Roy Towner of Lucinda, PA deep in the underbrush of THE PROJECT. (Above and below)

Matt and his dad Mark, clear overgrown fire cherry and black birth making cover and habitat.

Taking a well deserved water break is from left to right: Roy, Jaret, Mark and Matt.

During the water break there was conversation concerning conservation and other important matters. Pictured are from left to right: Jaret, Matt, Mark will and Joe.

There will now be good habitat for cottontails, rabbits, pheasants and other small animals and birds.

The High HareMan (L) and Will making cover on the High Plateau.

The sigh and the bluebird box.

On March 22, 1920, no I know, 2020 four hearty souls ventured onto the Allegheny in conservation mode to make habitat for small game. From right to left: Mr. Roy Towner, the High HareMan, Mr. Matt Baker and Mr. Jaret Zimmerman. March 22, 2020

After extensive habitat work, Joe and Roy roast a weeny. March 22, 2020.

Matt Baker and Jan Towner enjoyed the tailgating. March 22, 2020.

MARCH 2020 ISSUE THE RABBIT HUNTER MAGAZINE

Premier Snowshoe Hare Conservation Group in Pennsylvania.

NOTICE: This article was written before the current pandemic.

THE RABBIT HUNTER March 2020 Volume 34 No. 7

The following article appeared in the March 2020 issue of THE RABBIT HUNTER magazine 

and is presented here for your reading pleasure with the authority of the author.

From the World Headquarters

of the Big Woods Hare Hunters of

the Allegheny.

IT’S MY HOBBY!

PERMETHRIN FOR MY BEAGLES

Written and photographed

By

Joe Ewing

High HareMan

Of the

Big Woods Hare Hunters of the Allegheny

My life centers around beagles. I’ve owned multiple beagles from time to time but only seven inhabit my kennel at the present. Before I can do anything, I must consider those seven lives out in the kennel. I cannot plan a vacation or a trip to the grocery store without contemplating my schedule. Do I need to contact my kennel boy or will I make it back? The beagles depend on me for everything for their health and wellbeing. I do what I believe in my heart is best for their welfare. The beagles are a great part of my life, always have been and God willing always will be. 

The other day while motoring home from a beagle training session I accidently tuned the dog-truck radio to a station I normally avoid. I was in the act of hitting the off button when the words, “ticks” and “permethrin” caught my attention. The commentator was discussing the merits of permethrin (pronounced pərˈmēTHrin) and its ability to kill ticks. I use permethrin on my dogs and on my clothes. I’ve always thought of permethrin as an insect repellant.

My dad always preached, “ignorance can be corrected, but stupid is forever.” The sound of his voice still rings in my ears to this day. My dad obtained his great wisdom, I imagine, from an ancient Greek comedian by the name of Aristophanes (446 – 386 BC) who once said, “Youth ages, immaturity is outgrown, ignorance can be educated, and drunkenness sobered, but stupid lasts forever.” I’ve since decided to do something about my ignorance but as recorded there is little I can do about the other problem. I’ve seen a few things so I know a few things and fortunately, I almost went to college.

Lyme disease is the most common insect or tick-borne disease in the United States today. Ticks carry up to twelve different serious diseases which can cause incapacitating and even life-threatening diseases in humans and dogs. Lyme has been found in all 50 states. Pennsylvania leads the nation in the number of annual Lyme disease cases. This horrendous disease has been wreaking mayhem across all 67 counties of Pennsylvania which includes the counties on the Allegheny High Plateau.

Blacklegged tick.

Lyme disease is transmitted to dogs and humans through the bite of bacteria infected blacklegged ticks sometimes called deer ticks, although infected ticks do not have to come anywhere near a whitetail deer to spread these diseases. Immature ticks are called nymphs, and they are about the size of a pinhead. Ticks have four lifestyle stages: egg, larva, nymph, and adult. Ticks can reproduce in your dog’s fur or hair, causing further infestations.

Asian longhorned ticks.

A recent report from health.com says,

"The Asian longhorned tick is an invasive tick species that has recently spread to eight states across the United States and threatens to transmit several serious diseases to people, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) warned in a new report.

The tick is "an important vector of human and animal disease agents," states the CDC report. Native to China, Japan, Korea, and the Russian Far East, the Asian longhorned tick had never previously been detected in the U.S. before. That changed in August 2017, when a a sheep in New Jersey was found to be infested with them.

Since then, 53 reports of the tick have been confirmed in seven more states through September 2018: Virginia, West Virginia, New York, Connecticut, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Arkansas. The Asian longhorned tick has been found on both people and animals, according to the CDC report."

Whitetail deer on the Allegheny.

Nymphs are so small they are almost impossible to see. These nymphs pick up bacteria when they feed on small rodents, such as mice. Many people with Lyme disease never see or feel a tick on their body, however, most people who are bitten by a tick do not get Lyme disease. Not all species of ticks carry these bacteria.

Nymph stage of the blacklegged tick

Closeup of the previous picture.

It’s not possible to venture to the field without contemplating ticks and considering preventive measures. If I don’t treat my hounds beforehand, and keep them treated, they will carry home hundreds of ticks and these ticks are very difficult to kill. The current warming trend on the Allegheny means I will find ticks during any month of the year. When the air temperature goes much above 32 degrees the ticks will be active.

A blood engorged blacklegged tick removed from my beagle in January. 

Keeping ticks off my hunting dogs is one of my most important and most difficult tasks I encounter. I’ve been using the insecticide permethrin on my beagles in my war against fleas, ticks and Lyme disease forever. I want to change that last statement; I’ve been using Permethrin in my dogs. There are many different and apparently effective flea and tick products on the market today. I’m looking for what works for me and is the most cost effective.

What is permethrin? Permethrin is a synthetic insecticide copied from an organic compound which is produced by flowers in the Chrysanthemum family. Permethrin constitutes the majority of commercial household insecticides today. In the concentrations used in those products, they may also have insect repellent properties and are generally harmless to humans. Permethrin repels and kills mosquitoes, ticks, chiggers, mites, and over 55 other kinds of insects. So, permethrin is man-made, it’s both a repellent and an insecticide. But is permethrin safe for my dogs?

I’ve been using a popular “topical” flea and tick product which is supplied in small tubes and applied to the back of the neck of the dog.  The permethrin permeates the fat layer of the skin and spreads throughout the entire animal. This type of product generally lasts for about 30 days.

But what are the side effects of permethrin in my beagles? Those in the know, say my dogs that have permethrin on or in their skin may act strangely, and flick their paws, twitch their skin or ears, or roll on the ground. If my beagles lick treated skin, they may drool or smack their lips. Signs of permethrin toxicity in dogs may include: drooling, lethargy, muscle tremors, vomiting and seizures. My beagles have shown none of these side effects. If I did suspect my beagle of having a severe reaction to permethrin, I would stop using the product and take the dog to my veterinarian immediately.

According to vetinfo.com, “the use of permethrin in eradicating a flea or tick infestation can produce side effects in dogs. Symptoms are usually mild and short term; however, any neurological side effect should be attended to by a veterinarian.” There you have it, the final word but don’t be too sure.

Dr. Dawn Ruben of the Niles Animal Hospital and Bird Medical Center in Niles, IL writing for www.petplace.com says “toxicity related to pyrethrins [permethrin family] is usually associated with applying much more of the product than directed. Overdosing can cause toxic signs in dogs. There is a wide safety margin for permethrins in dogs.” I’ve learned I can underdose also. The best idea here is be certain of the weight of the dog. The bottom line, permethrin is more toxic to insects than it is to dogs.

When I find an embedded tick, I’m extremely cautious how I remove it and how I dispose of it. First and foremost, pulling the engorged tick from the dog with my fingers is not a very safe or effective practice. Squeezing the tick will definitely cause poison to be pushed into the dog. Using a hot match, soap or any chemical is not dependable as it causes the tick to regurgitate (vomit) poison into the dog. I use curved tweezers or a tick removal tool to carefully grab the tick by the head, not its body, and pull gently. I sometimes use peroxide to clean up the site after the tick is removed. In an emergency my Leatherman® tool has been used.

Ticks are very difficult to kill. Flushing the tick down the toilet will not kill the tick. Flushing the tick only gives it an enjoyable swim until it emerges from the sewer system to once again latch onto another animal. Squeezing or squishing the tick is not a good idea either as this releases the poisons to the atmosphere or to my hands. I always carry Purell® or GermX® hand sanitizer containing alcohol. I drown the tick in the Purell® which will kill the tick instantaneously and I thoroughly clean my hands after handling the little [blank].

Tick swimming in Purell®, but not for long.

In an effort to whelp, raise, train and hunt with a pack of hare and rabbit hounds I do everything in my power to keep my costs down. My objective is to never darken the door of my local veterinarian clinic until absolutely necessary. This has been my goal but unfortunately it has not worked out so well. I cannot afford to run to the vet for every little problem which includes fleas and ticks and I can’t afford to buy the vet’s flea and tick products. Unfortunately, despite my best efforts to avoid him, my vet and I are on a first name basis.

Once again, my dad materializes, “you can tell how poor people are by how many dogs they own,” he used to say. I know this is true because I’ve always owned multiple dogs and I’ve been constantly poor or as they say, “financially challenged.”

This article is not an advertisement for any product and I’m not endorsing any products or getting paid to endorse any product. This article is a testimonial for “Sergeant’s Flea and Tick Squeeze-On for Dogs®”. This product contains 45% permethrin and 1.2% S-Methoprene which is a hormone which acts as a growth regulator when used as an insecticide. This product works for my beagles but it may not work in every dog and I cannot verify anyone else’s results.

Pictured above, clockwise, starting with nitrile gloves, package, syringe with needle and the three tubes containing 3.0ml permethrin.

Sergeants F&T comes in different sizes for different size dogs. Although my dogs are under 33 pounds and the prescribed dosage is 1.5ml per dog once a month, I buy the package labeled, “for Dogs ONLY weighing between 33lbs & 66lbs over 12 weeks of age.” The three tubes each contain 3.0ml. I use the syringe to draw out 1.5ml or half of the liquid from each vial. I place the prescribed dose of 1.5ml on each dog. The cost per dose is less than $1 per dog.

Sergeants Flea & Tick and nitrile gloves can be found at most Dollar General® stores. TSC once sold Sergeants F&T but has recently discontinued selling the product. The online store named after the big South American river charges almost three times the going price for the same product. The syringe with needle can be purchased at TSC or at Walmart stores.

The procedure for cutting the 3.0ml dose in half is not without hazard and this is where the nitrile gloves come in. I insert the needle into the vial at the very tip and draw 1.5ml into the syringe. I remove the needle from the syringe before placing the 1.5ml dose on the dog as directed on the package. I then proceed with the tube as directed.

With practice I’ve become proficient at removing half the liquid from the tubes and I don’t get a lot on my hands anymore. Like it says on the package, “HAZARDS TO HUMANS, CAUTION. Wash thoroughly with soap and water after handling and before eating, drinking, chewing gum, using tobacco or using the toilet. Remove contaminated clothing and wash clothing before reuse.” I always follow label instructions and take steps to avoid exposure to myself. If any real exposures should occur, I’ll be sure to follow the First Aid instructions on the product label.

Most everything I need to know is on the back of the package and the most important words on the package say, “READ ENTIRE LABEL BEFORE EACH USE.”

   

Camo Cares & Big Woods Hare Hunters of the Allegheny

The Premier Snowshoe Hare Conservation Organization in Pennsylvania.

Our official mission statement is “to support nonprofit organizations that foster the outdoor lifestyle”. Our more specific goal is to send kids with life-threatening illnesses and/or disabilities and wounded veterans on their dream hunts.
Camo Cares is a registered 501c3 non-profit organization. All donations are tax deductible.

The Big Woods Hare Hunters of the Allegheny take great pride in announcing we will be a

Silver Sponsor

of the 11th Annual Camo Cares Event

to be held on

Saturday, June 27, 2020 at the Fryburg Sportsman's Club Farm.

The event, now an honored tradition in Clarion County, will consist of a giant 3D archery shoot in the morning, huge raffles in the afternoon with guns, archery equipment, and other outdoor gear, followed by some great bands in the evening. This year, 2020, will be the Big Woods Hare Hunters of the Allegheny's third year as a Silver Sponsor.

The new Camo Cares hunter for 2020 is Colton Sutley of Dempseytown, PA. At age 17, Colton knew he wanted to serve his country and enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corp. Later, that same year, Colton was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma, which is a type of bone cancer. Last year he underwent surgery to remove the tumor and his femur and install a titanium replacement. Colton's dream is to harvest an elk. He will be traveling to Oregon this fall.

This year's event will be held in memory of Austin Drakulic who sadly passed away last June just three days after the 2019 Camo Cares Event.

Registration for the archery shoot will begin in April. The exact date will be announced. For the past several years Camo Cares has averaged well over 400 shooters.

We hope you will consider joining the Big Woods Hare Hunters of the Allegheny on Saturday, June 27, 2020 for a day of fun, reflection, thanksgiving and a few tears. 

We will be there with a few dollars for the raffles, a big picnic basket full of goodies and our favorite drink of choice. It would be great if some members of the hare hunters could represent our group in the archery shoot.

Please consider joining us as we celebrate all past hunters and wish the new hunters, "good luck".

General donations of any amount are always welcome. Make checks payable to:
Camo Cares
PO Box 972
Knox, PA 16232