Week of June 6, 2011

Fishing beyond the Great Lakes
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Michigan
New York
Ohio
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Fishing beyond the Great Lakes

Another Florida boater encounters jumping sturgeon

Something else to worry about besides jumping Silver Carp

Just three days after Florida officials issued a warning to boaters to beware of jumping sturgeon, a 25-year-old woman broke a leg when a sturgeon jumped into an airboat

last weekend on the Suwannee River.   Witnesses say the sturgeon was 5 to 6 ft long and weighed 60 to 75 lbs.  Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officers said Tina Fletcher was the fifth report this year of a person injured by a jumping sturgeon.

 


Regional

Free Fishing Days

Illinois

The 2011 Illinois Free Fishing Days are scheduled for June 10-13. During Illinois Free Fishing Days, anyone may fish without the need to have a sport fishing license, inland trout stamp or salmon stamp.

Michigan

The 2011 Michigan Free Fishing Days are scheduled for June 11-12

Minnesota

The 2011 Minnesota Free Fishing Days are scheduled

for June 10-12

New York

The 2011 New York Free Fishing Days are scheduled for June 25-26

 

More info�

www.kidsfreefishing.com/

www.takemefishing.org/assets/downloads/FreeFishing

Days.pdf

 

 


Michigan & USFWS announce information meeting on Wolf Delisting proposal

The Michigan DNR and USFWS will hold a public information meeting about the Service�s recent proposal to remove Endangered Species Act protection for the gray wolf in the western Great Lakes region, including Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota.  The meeting will take place on June 16, 2011, 6-9 PM at the Northern Michigan U. University Center, Michigan room, 540 West Kaye Ave, Marquette, MI.

 

Members of the public will have the opportunity to view a presentation, receive information and ask questions about the Service�s proposal. 

 

The proposal, published May 5, 2011, in the Federal Register, identifies the Western Great Lakes Distinct Population Segment (DPS) of wolves, which includes a core area of Minnesota, Michigan, and Wisconsin, as well as parts of adjacent states that are within the range of wolves dispersing from the core recovery area.   The proposal would remove ESA protection and return wolf management to appropriate state and tribal authorities.

 

The proposal also recognizes the presence of two species of wolves in the western Great Lakes area: the gray wolf, the wolf species currently listed under the ESA, and the eastern wolf, with a historical range that includes portions of eastern Canada and the northeastern United States. Recent wolf genetic studies indicate that what was formerly thought to be a subspecies of gray wolf is actually

 

a distinct species. To establish the status of this newly recognized species, the Service is initiating a review of C. lycaon throughout its range in the United States and Canada.

 

The Service is seeking information from governmental agencies and the general public, on threats, population trends, and other data that could affect the long-term survival of the Western Great Lakes DPS of the gray wolf. The Service is also seeking information on the status of the eastern wolf throughout its range in the United States and Canada.

 

Written comments may be submitted by one of the following methods:

  • Federal eRulemaking Portal: www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments to Docket No. [FWS-R3-ES-2011-0029].

  • U.S. mail or hand-delivery: Public Comments Processing, Attn:  Docket No. [FWS-R3-ES-2011-0029]; Division of Policy and Directives Management; USFWS; 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, MS 2042-PDM; Arlington, VA 22203.

Following the close of the public comment period on July 5, 2011, the Service will analyze information received and develop a final rule.  The final rule, which will include information gained from the status review of Canis  lycaon, is expected by the end of 2011.

For more information on wolves in the western Great Lakes, visit www.fws.gov/midwest/wolf


Weekly Great Lakes Water Levels for

June 3, 2011 

WEATHER CONDITIONS

Temperatures were hot and humid across the Great Lakes basin at the start of the week.  Several areas saw strong to severe storms on Tuesday, which was followed by much cooler temperature and less humidity on Wednesday.  There is another chance for thunderstorms in some locations today and tomorrow with heavy rainfall possible in northern portions of the basin and the potential of up to an inch of rain.  Temperatures are expected to be around seasonal averages for the weekend.

 

LAKE LEVEL CONDITIONS

Lakes Superior and Michigan-Huron are 1 and 2 inches, respectively, above their levels of a year ago.  Lakes St. Clair, Erie, and Ontario are 9, 13, and 24 inches, respectively, higher than they were at this time last year. Over the next thirty days, Lakes Superior and Michigan-Huron are projected to climb 4 and 2 inches, respectively. The water levels of Lakes St. Clair, Erie, and Ontario are forecasted to decrease 3, 4 and 4 inches, respectively, over the next month.  See our Daily Levels web page for more water level information.

 

FORECASTED MONTHLY OUTFLOWS/CHANNEL CONDITIONS

Lake Superior's outflow through the St. Mary's River is projected to be below average for the month of June.  The outflows from Lake Huron into the St. Clair River, and from

Lake St. Clair into the Detroit River, are expected to be

below average throughout the month of June. Lake Erie's outflow through the Niagara River is predicted to be above average and the outflow of Lake Ontario into the St. Lawrence River is predicted to be above average.

 

ALERTS

The water level of Lake Superior is below chart datum.  Lake Superior is forecasted to remain below chart datum until July.  Users of the Great Lakes, connecting channels and St. Lawrence River should keep informed of current conditions before undertaking any activities that could be affected by changing water levels.  Mariners should utilize navigation charts and refer to current water level readings.

 

 

Superior

Mich-Huron

St. Clair

Erie

Ontario

Level for June 3

600.75

578.02

574.9

572.83

247.31

Datum, in ft

601.10

577.50

572.30

569.20

243.30

Diff in inches

-4

+6

+31

+44

+48

Diff last month

+5

+5

+6

+9

+11

Diff from last yr

+1

+2

+9

+13

+24


Illinois

Take the Kids Outside

June is "Leave No Child Inside" month in Illinois and the IDNR encourages youth and families to get outdoors.  Go

 

fishing or hiking � visit a state or local park � or simply enjoy nature in your own backyard.  For information on youth and family activities:  www.dnr.illinois.gov/LNCI.


Wingshooting Clinics

The IDNR and participating partners sponsor wingshooting clinics at sites throughout Illinois to help improve the shooting skills of participants. Youth/Women's clinics are designed to teach participants basic firearm and hunter safety and the fundamentals of wingshooting. Hunter clinics are designed to enhance the wingshooting skills of hunters and provide sound wingshooting practice techniques. The clinics will be conducted on weekends throughout the summer and early fall.  For a complete schedule, check the webpage at this link: http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/programs/wingshooting/

wingshootinghome.htm

Upcoming clinics (and information phone numbers) include:

  • June 4-5 � Hunter Wingshooting Clinic, Des Plaines SFWA (Will Co.), 217/785-8129

  • June 11 � Youth/Women Wingshooting Clinic, Jim Edgar Panther Creek SFWA (Cass Co.), 217/452-7741

  • June 18-19 � Hunter Wingshooting Clinic, Briar Knoll Hunting and Fishing Club (Lee Co.), 815/857-2320

  • June 25-26 � Youth/Women Wingshooting Clinic, St. Charles Sportsmen�s Club (Kane Co.), 630/363-6180

  • Aug. 20-21 � Youth/Women Wingshooting Clinic, Raycraft Farm (Piatt Co.), 217/935-6860

  • Aug. 20-21 � Youth/Women Wingshooting Clinic, Shabbona Lake SRA (DeKalb Co.), 815/758-2773

  • Aug. 27-28 � Hunter Wingshooting Clinic, Raycraft Farm (Piatt Co.), 815/935-6860

 


U.S. Open and Willie Nelson

The World Shooting and Recreational Complex in Sparta is welcoming the 2011 ATA U.S. Open Trapshooting Championships on June 9-12. For more information on the U.S. Open, phone 618-295-2700 ext. 8352.  Willie Nelson�s �County Throwdown Tour 2011� makes a stop at the WSRC on Sat., June 11, with gates opening at 1 p.m. 

For concert tickets, or for information on the free concert on Fri., June 10, check the website at www.countrythrowdown.com. Tickets are also available at the World Shooting and Recreational Complex�s Great Outdoors Company, Inc. gift shop and the 17th Street Bar and Grill.

 


Apply Now for Non-Resident Archery Deer Permits

The online lottery application period is now open for Non-Resident Illinois Archery Combination Deer permits for the 2011-12 deer season.  The deadline to apply is June 30.  Non-resident hunters can apply for the lottery through DNR Direct Online License Sales at this link:  www.dnr.illinois.gov/online or by phone at 1-888-6PERMIT (1-888-673-7648). Non-residents may apply for one combination archery permit per season. 

 

Antlerless-only archery permits will be available throughout the season over the counter at local license agents, by phone or through DNR Direct Online License Sales.  The upcoming Illinois archery deer season is Oct. 1, 2011-Jan. 15, 2012 (except closed in firearm deer counties on Nov. 18-20 and Dec. 1-4).  For more information on Illinois deer hunting:  www.dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/deer.

 

 


Fall Turkey Permits

Permit applications are now being accepted for the first lottery for 2011 Illinois Fall Shotgun Wild Turkey season.  The season dates are Oct. 22-30.  The application

deadline for the first lottery drawing (Illinois residents only)

 

is July 5.  Hunters may apply online through DNR Direct at www.dnr.illinois.gov/online.  For more information on the fall wild turkey season:  www.dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/turkey.

 


Michigan

Michigan Schools compete at the Archery in the Schools Program National Tournament

Nearly 500 schools in Michigan participate in the DNR National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP). This in-school target archery program is geared toward students in 4th thru 12th grade who take physical education. Students who attend a NASP School are eligible to compete in Michigan�s NASP state tournament each spring. For those who excel at the State Tournament, qualification to participate at the NASP National Tournament is a great reward.

 

The 2011 NASP national tournament was held May 13-14 in Louisville, Kentucky.  Nearly 7,000 archers from 34 states registered to compete at the national tournament. Among those registered were 145 students, representing six teams from Michigan.

 

Shelby Simonds, 11th grader from Hartland Middle School placed 5th overall in the High School female division after

winning a tie breaking shoot off. Simonds, whose score was 290 out of 300, received a medal for her

accomplishment and placed first overall among all 11th grade female archers. Steven Schram, 9th grader from Bark River Harris, placed in the top 20 among all male archers with a score of 291 out of 300.

 

Hartland Elementary, Middle and High School teams performed strongly, placing in the top 20 for their divisions respectively. Other teams competing in the tournament from Michigan include: Gaylord St. Mary Cathedral, Northwoods Christian Homeschool and Laker School.

 

The DNR is currently offering archery equipment grants and free archery instructor certification training to schools, both public and private, that enroll in the Archery in the Schools program. For more information, contact Mary Emmons at 517-241-9477; e-mail  [email protected] , or visit the DNR Archery website at www.michigan.gov/archery.


Michigan & USFWS announce information meeting on Wolf Delisting proposal

The Michigan DNR and USFWS will hold a public information meeting about the Service�s recent proposal to remove Endangered Species Act protection for the gray wolf in the western Great Lakes region, including Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota.  The meeting will take place on June 16, 2011, 6-9 PM at the Northern Michigan U. University Center, Michigan room, 540 West Kaye Ave, Marquette, MI.

 

Members of the public will have the opportunity to view a presentation, receive information and ask questions about the Service�s proposal. 

 

The proposal, published May 5, 2011, in the Federal Register, identifies the Western Great Lakes Distinct Population Segment (DPS) of wolves, which includes a core area of Minnesota, Michigan, and Wisconsin, as well as parts of adjacent states that are within the range of wolves dispersing from the core recovery area.   The proposal would remove ESA protection and return wolf management to appropriate state and tribal authorities.

 

The proposal also recognizes the presence of two species of wolves in the western Great Lakes area: the gray wolf, the wolf species currently listed under the ESA, and the eastern wolf, with a historical range that includes portions of eastern Canada and the northeastern United States. Recent wolf genetic studies indicate that what was formerly thought to be a subspecies of gray wolf is actually

a distinct species. To establish the status of this newly recognized species, the Service is initiating a review of C. lycaon throughout its range in the United States and Canada.

 

The Service is seeking information from governmental agencies and the general public, on threats, population trends, and other data that could affect the long-term survival of the Western Great Lakes DPS of the gray wolf. The Service is also seeking information on the status of the eastern wolf throughout its range in the United States and Canada.

 

Written comments may be submitted by one of the following methods:

  • Federal eRulemaking Portal: www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments to Docket No. [FWS-R3-ES-2011-0029].

  • U.S. mail or hand-delivery: Public Comments Processing, Attn:  Docket No. [FWS-R3-ES-2011-0029]; Division of Policy and Directives Management; USFWS; 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, MS 2042-PDM; Arlington, VA 22203.

Following the close of the public comment period on July 5, 2011, the Service will analyze information received and develop a final rule.  The final rule, which will include information gained from the status review of Canis  lycaon, is expected by the end of 2011.

For more information on wolves in the western Great Lakes, visit www.fws.gov/midwest/wolf

 


New York

DEC proposes regulations allowing use of Crossbows for Big Game Hunting

Proposal Allows Physically Disabled Persons to Hunt with a Modified Longbow

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Joe Martens today announced proposed regulation changes that will allow the use of crossbows for big game hunting and eliminate a permit requirement for certain physically disabled hunters to use special archery equipment during any big game or small game hunting season.

 

�The proposed changes will provide our sportsmen and sportswomen additional opportunities while hunting afield this coming fall,� Commissioner Martens said. �The popularity of crossbows is growing in New York and the use of modified equipment is in high demand to meet the needs of our hunters who are temporarily or permanently disabled.�

 

The proposed regulations implement new legislation authorizing DEC to allow hunters to take big game (deer and bear) with the use of a crossbow during regular big game hunting seasons in areas where a shotgun or muzzleloader is permitted, and during all late muzzleloader seasons. In accordance with the new legislation, crossbows cannot be used during the early bear or archery seasons or in any of the �archery only� wildlife management units. Furthermore, hunters may use a crossbow only after they have completed required training in the safe use of hunting with a crossbow and responsible crossbow hunting practices. DEC has proposed implementing the training requirement via on-line education

tools, and in the upcoming 2011-2012 New York State

Hunting and Trapping Regulations Guide. Hunters would be required to carry afield a certificate verifying that they have completed this training.

 

Hunters who are incapable of drawing, holding, and releasing a (vertical) longbow because of a permanent physical disability will continue to be allowed to take big game or small game by the use of a specially-equipped longbow. However, the new legislation replaces the former �Modified Archery Permit� with a new �Modified Longbow Authorization�, allowing hunters with permanent or temporary physical disabilities to hunt both big game and small game in all hunting seasons.

 

DEC has proposed that to qualify for this authorization, disabled hunters would need to carry afield while hunting, a standard department form, signed by their physician verifying that the hunter meets the qualifications established to use a longbow equipped with a mechanical device to hold and release the bowstring. The required form would be the only acceptable and valid form for verification of the medical condition of the hunter. The form would be available from any DEC wildlife office or from the DEC website. Disabled hunters would no longer have to apply for and obtain a special permit from DEC for this privilege.

 

For more detailed info: www.dec.ny.gov/regulations/propregulations.html.  The proposed rulemaking can also be viewed in the

www.dos.state.ny.us/info/register.htm. DEC will be accepting public comments on the proposal through July 11, 2011.


Ohio

Ohio sets boat registration record

TIFFIN, Ohio � Ohio has set a boat registration record this year with 424,700 registered boats. It broke the record of 419,364, which was set in 2009.  The Ohio Division of Watercraft reports 316,220 registrations (74 % belong to powerboats and personal watercraft; 89,859 (21 %) are canoes and kayaks; 11,616 (2.7 %) are rowboats; and 7,005 (1.6 %), are sailboats without auxiliary power.

The largest growth is in the canoe and kayak area, with an increase of 103 percent between 2000 and 2010. Recreational boating has a statewide annual economic impact of $3.5 billion, which supports the equivalent of more than 26,000 full-time jobs, according to a 2007 Great Lakes Commission study.

 

 


Other Breaking News Items

(Click on title or URL to read full article)

 

Ohio Supreme Court should rule soon on Lake Erie private vs. public shoreline battle
The decision falls to the Ohio Supreme Court, which heard arguments Feb. 1 and is expected to make a ruling by July 2.

 

�Carp czar�: Money woes may sink efforts to keep Asian carp out of Great Lakes
The funding shortage also has stifled federal efforts to look beyond the immediate danger � Asian carp moving from the Illinois River system into Lake Michigan � to consider the broader problem of carp up and down the Mississippi River moving deeper into the U.S.

 

Invasive Asian carp could take to life in Lake Erie, researchers say
Two researchers have found that western Lake Erie, including the Maumee River, would make a fine home for Asian carp. There's already proof: Three Asian carp have been found in Lake Erie in the last 15 years, and they appeared quite healthy and to be growing rapidly, said Duane Chapman, USGS�

 

MNR braces for Asian carp invasion
While there is no indication of the Headwaters region being in imminent danger of a carp infestation, there are many reasons for the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) to be both vigilant and proactive.

 

Lake Erie wind project embraces regionalism with revenue sharing agreement
Lake Erie's offshore wind project took a giant leap toward regionalism last week with an agreement to share revenue associated with submerged land leases across four counties.

Vessel searched during inquiry into suspected Erie illegal fishing
Officials with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission served a search warrant on an eastside commercial fishing operation and its fishing vessel Wednesday as part of an investigation into suspected illegal fishing activities on Lake Erie.

 

Researchers: Western Lake Erie could support growth of Asian carp

Two researchers have found that western Lake Erie and its tributaries, including the Maumee River, would make a fine home for Asian carp, despite previous reports that the Great Lakes are too cold with not enough food to support the invasive fish.

 

Testing for fish virus begins
Researchers are trying to determine if a deadly virus that can cause fish to bleed to death still poses a threat in Wisconsin�s Lake Winnebago. They've developed an experimental blood test to detect antibodies in fish to gauge their immunity to viral hemorrhagic septicemia, better known as VHS.

 

Ontario lawmaker wants to legalize public beachcombing; law varies across Great Lakes
A bill proposed in Ontario, Canada may let the general public walk along the Great Lakes shoreline instead of just the people who own lakefront property. Right now they can�t.

 

 

 

The opinions expressed here are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the GLSFC, its officers or staff. 

Reproduction of any material by paid-up members of the GLSFC is encouraged but appropriate credit must be given. 

Reproduction by others without written permission is prohibited.

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