A routine ranger patrol from Tshokwane (Kruger National Park) found suspicious tracks while on patrol in March 2008. Shortly after the rangers found the tracks, gunfire was heard. A team from CIS flew into the area by helicopter and, combined with the Tshokwane rangers; they quickly located and arrested three poachers.

The carcasses of two white rhino cows were discovered nearby and further investigation showed that these animals had been shot earlier that day. Footprints in the area suggested the presence of a calf, the carcass of which was found. The calf had been killed by lions. The ranger team confiscated two rifles and four freshly harvested rhino horns. Kruger National Park (KNP) Managing Executive Dr Bandile Mkhize praised the quick reaction of the anti-poaching team: “We are proud of the combined team made up of Tshokwane Rangers, SANParks Corporate Investigation Services (CIS) and SANParks Air Services who all contributed to the successful arrest of these poachers,’ he said.”

ScienceDaily reported that Scientists have discovered new details about the structural materials that form the horn and the role those materials play in the development of the horn’s characteristic shape. The horns of most animals have a bony core covered by a thin sheath of keratin, the same substance as hair and nails. Rhino horns are unique, however, because they
are composed entirely of keratin. Scientists had been puzzled by the difference, but an Ohio University study has revealed an interesting clue: dark patches running through the center of the horns.
The team examined the heads of rhinos and conducted CT scans on the horns. They found dense mineral deposits made of calcium and melanin in the middle. The calcium deposits make the horn core harder and stronger, and the melanin protects the core from breakdown by the sun’s UV rays. The softer outer portion of the horn weakens with sun exposure and is worn into its distinctive shape through horn clashing and by being rubbed on the ground and vegetation. The structure of the rhino horns is similar to a pencil’s tough lead core and weaker wood periphery, which allows the horns to be honed to a sharp point. Thus, the horn is not simply a clump of modified hair and most closely resembles the structure of horses’ hoofs, turtle beaks and cockatoo bills. The study also found that the melanin and calcium patches appear in yearly growth surges but the effects of temperature, diet and stress on the growth are still unknown. The research findings were published in the Journal of Morphology.

This article from the Realtree Newsletter.

By Amy Hatfield

Man, you hate to rank stuff sometimes. Take college football, for instance. What makes one team better than another — TV time, a killer schedule, wins and losses? Rankings and choices concerning numero uno lend themselves to loopholes, weak arguments and plenty of opinions.

So what exactly qualifies a town as one of the BEST hunting towns in America? To find out, I polled hunters who frequent the woods for work and play. Here’s what they said:

1. Every great hunting town needs a variety of game.
2. It needs cafés, hole-in-the wall restaurants, inexpensive hotels and meat processors.
3. Tons of public hunting land within an hour’s drive.
4. Interesting stuff to see when you tag out early or get tired of hunting.

This sucks, but you will have to click on the link to read the full article but it is well worth it

Click here