State moose numbers show no significant change

Aerial moose survey results for 2014 show no significant change in Minnesota�s moose population even though more animals were seen than last year.

Results of the Minnesota DNR annual aerial moose survey place the 2014 statewide moose population estimate at 4,350. The 2013 estimate was 2,760 but due to variability in the estimates, this year�s estimate does not represent a statistically significant change.

�The higher estimate this winter likely is related to ideal survey conditions rather than any actual increase in the population,� said Lou Cornicelli, wildlife research manager for the DNR. �This year�s heavy snows across northeastern Minnesota made it comparatively easy to spot dark-bodied moose against an unbroken background of white.�

Cornicelli said this year�s estimate is very close to the 2012 estimate of 4,230, which suggests that last year�s estimate may have under-counted the population.

�All wildlife population surveys have inherent degrees of uncertainty,� he said. �Long-term trend and population estimates are more informative and significant than annual estimates.�

That long-term trend shows Minnesota�s moose population is continuing a significant downward trend. Even with this year�s higher population estimate, the number of moose is about half of 2006�s estimate of 8,840.

DNR�s ongoing moose mortality research also is providing important information on population status.
 

�Mortality rates of 21 percent among adult moose and 74 percent for calves in the first year of the studies illustrate the complexity of Minnesota�s moose population problem,� Cornicelli said. �Even though we counted more moose on this year�s survey than last year, the radio-collar data and overall population trend over time indicate a continuing population decline.�
 

The adult and calf moose mortality studies are in their second year. Researchers just completed collaring an additional 36 adult moose to replace those that died in 2013. Another 50 newborn calves will be collared this spring. Researchers hope information and insights gathered during the study will help identify potential management and habitat options that may stop or slow the long-term population decline.

No final decision about moose hunting will be made until after the DNR consults with the affected Chippewa bands in the 1854 Treaty ceded territory of northeastern Minnesota. The DNR suspended the season in 2013 because of last year�s low population estimate.

The DNR has conducted aerial moose population surveys in northeastern Minnesota since 1960. The survey involves flying a helicopter across 52 randomly selected areas of northeastern Minnesota to count moose. The Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and the 1854 Treaty Authority contribute funding and provide personnel for the annual survey.

A copy of the 2014 aerial survey is available online at www.mndnr.gov/moose, a Web page that also provides information on the DNR�s ongoing moose mortality research project.

DNR offers archery series for women
Women who want to learn archery or improve existing skills can enroll in archery programs offered this spring through the Department of Natural Resources� Becoming An Outdoors Woman (BOW) program.

Beginners can attend a series of events to learn archery basics, selecting proper equipment, target shooting at bulls-eye targets and finally 3-D targets. The advanced hunting series enables women to earn their Bowhunter Education certificate. Women who complete either three-part series have priority for mentored archery spring turkey hunts and fall archery deer hunts.

�These programs are great places to develop and hone skills in a positive, supportive and non-intimidating environment,� said Linda Bylander, BOW program coordinator. They are offered in collaboration with Safari Club International�s North Country Bowhunters Chapter. 

The beginner�s archery series will be held:
Date        Location                                 Time
March 1    Schwan Center, Blaine              2-4 p.m.
March 9    A-1 Archery, Hudson, Wis.        TBD
April 12    Chilakoot Archery, Stillwater      Noon-4 p.m.

The advanced hunting archery series will be held:
Date        Location                                  Time
March 1    Schwan Center, Blaine               4-8 p.m.
March 22  Chilakoot Archery, Stillwater       8 a.m-6 p.m.
April 12    Chilakoot Archery, Stillwater       Noon-4 p.m.

For more information or to register, contact Bylander at [email protected] or 218-833-8628.

BOW offers a wide ranges of outdoor skill classes in fishing, hunting and outdoor recreational activities. Visit www.mndnr.gov/bow on the DNR website to see list of 2014 BOW classes or call the DNR Information Center at 651-296-6157 or toll-free 888-646-6367 and request a copy of the 2014 catalog.

DNR proposes to extend fall SE Minnesota trout season
The fall catch-and-release trout season in all of southeastern Minnesota would be extended from Sept. 30 to Oct. 15 if changes now being considered by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources are adopted.

Other proposed changes include allowing catch-and-release angling on designated trout streams in southeastern Minnesota state parks from Oct. 15 to Dec. 31 and extending the winter trout fishing season in some southeastern Minnesota streams to all designated trout streams in southeastern Minnesota. 

The proposed new rules and repeal of others will be adopted without a public hearing unless 25 signatures requesting one are received in writing by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, March 28.

Comments or questions on the proposed changes and written requests for a public hearing should be submitted to Linda Erickson-Eastwood, DNR, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155-4020.

For complete info on changes and formal notice of their pending adoption: www.mndnr.gov/input/rules/fisheries/se-mn-trout.html.

Heritage Strain Brook Trout Egg Takes

In an effort to help maintain genetically native populations of brook trout (heritage strains), Region 6 completed an egg take for Little Tupper strain brook trout. Besides helping to maintain heritage genetics, the use of these fish in stockings is thought to provide fish that have a higher potential to thrive and spawn in the water conditions common to Adirondack ponds. This year�s Little Tupper strain egg take occurred primarily at Boottree Pond in the Massawepie Easement.

This was the sixth year that we were able to do an egg take from Boottree

Pond as this population of brook trout was established in 2005. Region 6 is in the process of establishing new brood waters for the various heritage strains, in order to facilitate a greater reliance on heritage strain fish in the DEC stocking program. It is estimated that 19,000 eggs were collected and fertilized. These eggs will be reared at the South Otselic Fish Hatchery.

Black River Salmon Migration Monitoring

Regional fish and wildlife staff have monitored fall lake-run salmonid migration in the Black River at the Dexter Fishway since 1993. Monitoring of the fishway is used as a low cost, non- fishery dependent, method of monitoring the returns of salmonids, including chinook salmon, steelhead, and coho salmon to the Black River. The Dexter Fishway also provides the primary backup fertilized egg source for the Salmon River Hatchery.

Over 700 migrating chinook salmon were examined in 2013. This was slightly below average. However, an estimated 250-300 chinook passed through the fishway during an unsampled high water event, so that this was probably an average, or better, overall salmon run. Based on

observed fin clip rates, contribution of naturally produced chinook ranged from 15-35% (for age 2-4 fish) which is fairly typical for New York�s eastern Lake Ontario tributaries, except for the Salmon River, which has a higher rate of natural reproduction.

Of 75 fish checked for coded wire tags, 17% tested positive, indicating that the Black River receives a moderate number of strays from other stocking sites. The Black River is not stocked with coho salmon, but 43 stray, or naturally produced fish, were handled this year, somewhat below the recent average. Through November, the Black River steelhead run was well below average.

DEC State of Lake Ontario Meetings

Biologists to Update Status of Lake's Fisheries

The public will have the opportunity to learn about the State of Lake Ontario fisheries at public meetings in Monroe, Niagara, and Oswego counties March 3, 13 & 18.

Lake Ontario and its embayments and tributaries support thriving populations of fish, including a variety of trout and salmon, bass, walleye, yellow perch and panfish. New York's Lake Ontario waters comprise more than 2.7 million acres. A 2007 statewide angler survey estimated more than 2.6 million angler days were spent on Lake Ontario and major tributaries. The estimated value of these fisheries exceeded $112 million annually to the local New York economy.

The meeting dates are as follows:

Monday, March 3, 7:00 - 9:30 p.m., Carlson Auditorium, Chester F. Carlson Center,(76-1125) Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) campus, Rochester, Monroe County.

Thursday, March 13,6:30 - 9:00 p.m. Cornell Cooperative Extension Bldg, 4487 Lake Ave, Lockport, Niagara County.

Tuesday, March 18, 7:00 - 9:30 p.m.,DEC Training Academy, 24 County Route 2A, Pulaski (the former Portly Angler Motel), Oswego County.

DEC, USGS, USFWS and Ontario MNR biologists will make a number of presentations, including updates on the status of trout and salmon fisheries, forage fish, stocking programs and fisheries management plans.

Ample time will be provided at the end of the scheduled program for the

audience to interact with the presenters. Prior to the public meetings, information summaries for a host of Lake Ontario fisheries assessment programs will be posted on DEC's website. Previous annual reports can also be found at this site.

For further information contact Steven LaPan, New York Great Lakes Section Leader at Cape Vincent Fisheries Research Station, (315) 654-2147.

Governor Cuomo's Open for Fishing and Hunting Initiative is an effort to improve recreational activities for in-state and out-of-state sportsmen and sportswomen and to boost tourism opportunities throughout the state. This initiative includes the streamlining of hunting and fishing licensing and reducing license fees, improved access for fishing at various sites across the state, stocking as much as 900,000 pounds of fish, expanding fishing clinics and increasing hunting opportunities in various regions. Through these efforts, New York has become a premier destination for bass fishing tournaments at the Great Lakes, Finger Lakes, Lake Champlain and Oneida Lake.

Cuomo this year has proposed the creation of 50 new land access projects, which will connect hunters, anglers, bird watchers and others who enjoy the outdoors to more than 380,000 acres of existing state and easement lands that have gone untapped until now. These 50 new access projects include building new boat launches, installing new hunting blinds and building new trails and parking areas. In addition, Cuomo included $4 million for hatchery upgrades in this year's Executive Budget.