• Glucosamine Fails to Prevent Deterioration of Knee Cartilage, Decrease Pain

• Study Shows Mammograms Don�t Affect Breast Cancer Mortality Rates

• Rod & Reel Raffle

• Weekly Great Lakes Water Levels for March 7

• Coast Guard supports NOAA, gathers Great Lakes ice depth data

• Register now for Lake Michigan yellow perch summit; join in person or online

• Hunting and Concealed Carry

• Wingshooting Clinics Start March 22

• DNR Fishing Booklet

• Spring Turkey Applications begin March 10

• 2014 Spring Youth Wild Turkey Hunt now on sale

• DNR offers free boating safety class March 15

• Trout Releases begin on March 7

• Trout fishing opportunities at Castalia Hatchery

• Annual Fishing License Buttons now available

• DNR Annual Report: Investments in people 

• DNR & Conservation Congress form Fisheries Council

• Other Breaking News

Rod & Reel Raffle

We are raffling off 5 rod n� reel sets to raise funds for a local VFW Post that does a whole lot of good for returning veterans.

Your participation and purchase of a ticket � or tickets - will help us raise the necessary funds to meet our goal and help these guys; thanks.

Rod & Reel Raffle

Tickets $20.00 each      Only 500 tickets to be sold

Proceeds to aid Veterans

5 winners (100 to 1 odds)

Brands to be raffled include:

Abu Garcia       Okuma             Pflueger

Pinnacle   Quantum   All Star

High-end pro edition units in sets or combination

Spinning and Baitcast sets                   IM 8 rods in 6', 7 and 8' lengths

For detailed rod & reel info: click here

Glucosamine Fails to Prevent Deterioration of Knee Cartilage, Decrease Pain

A short-term study found that oral glucosamine supplementation is not associated with a lessening of knee cartilage deterioration among individuals with chronic knee pain. Findings published in Arthritis & Rheumatology, a journal of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) journal, indicate that glucosamine does not decrease pain or improve knee bone marrow lesions�more commonly known as bone bruises and thought to be a source of pain in those with osteoarthritis (OA).

According to the ACR 27 million Americans over 25 years of age are diagnosed with OA�the most common form or arthritis and primary cause of disability in the elderly. Patients may seek alternative therapies to treat joint pain and arthritis, with prior research showing glucosamine as the second most commonly-used natural product. In fact, a 2007 Gallup poll reports that 10% of individuals in the U.S. over the age of 18 use glucosamine, with more than $2 billion in global sales of the supplement.

For this double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, Dr. C. Kent Kwoh from the University of Arizona in Tucson and colleagues, enrolled 201 participants with mild to moderate pain in one or both knees. Participants were randomized and treated daily with 1500 mg of a glucosamine

hydrochloride in a 16-ounce bottle of diet lemonade or placebo for 24 weeks. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to assess cartilage damage.

Trial results show no decrease in cartilage damage in participants in the glucosamine group compared to the placebo group. Researchers report no change in bone marrow lesions in 70% of knees, 18% of knees worsened and 10% improved. The control group had greater improvement in bone marrow lesions compared to treated participants, with neither group displaying a worsening of bone marrow lesions. Glucosamine was not found to decrease urinary excretion of C-telopeptides of type II collagen (CTX-II)�a predictor of cartilage destruction.

The joints on glucosamine (JOG) study is the first to investigate whether the supplement prevents the worsening of cartilage damage or bone marrow lesions. Dr. Kwoh concludes, �Our study found no evidence that drinking a glucosamine supplement reduced knee cartilage damage, relieved pain, or improved function in individuals with chronic knee pain.�

This study was funded by the Beverage Institute for Health & Wellness, The Coca-Cola Company and the National Institute of Arthritis, Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (P60 AR054731).

Study Shows Mammograms Don�t Affect Breast Cancer Mortality Rates
One in seven American women is currently suffering from breast cancer. The medical establishment pushes annual mammograms as the gold standard for early detection of breast cancer, with the idea that early detection reduces mortality. But a new study published in the British Medical Journal shows that annual mammograms do nothing to reduce mortality rates beyond that of �physical examination or usual care.�

In the study performed by Canadian researchers, 89,305 Canadian women aged 40-59 were enrolled and randomly assigned to one of two groups: one that receive mammograms and one that did not. During the study period that encompassed 25 years, 3,250 women receiving mammograms and 3,133 not receiving them were diagnosed with breast cancer. Of those 3,250 receiving mammograms, 500 died from breast cancer. Of those not receiving mammograms, 505 died from breast cancer.

In others words, there is no significant difference in the death rates of women whether they receive mammograms or not.

Mammograms use ionizing radiation � known to cause cancer � to provide a radiological image of the breasts. But each mammogram a

woman receives increases her risk of developing breast cancer by 1 percent.

While mammograms do reveal abnormalities in breast tissue at an earlier stage than physical examinations, the study shows that earlier diagnosis does not translate to improved mortality rates. Mammograms also produce a number of false positives that cause women needless stress and usually result in additional mammograms or other procedures to make a complete diagnosis.

Thermography is non-toxic method of imaging that should be considered. It uses heat and does not expose the breast to repeated doses of radiation.

To prevent breast cancer (and all cancers), women (everyone) should eat a healthy diet consisting primarily of organic and mostly raw vegetables and avoid genetically modified foods and those treated with pesticides. The quantities of meat � particularly red meat � consumed should be reduced; and any meat should be organic, from free-range animals not treated with antibiotics and hormones. And don�t forget to take a vitamin D3 supplement.

Words to Ponder

"Those who make peaceful revolution impossible make violent revolution inevitable"

President John F. Kennedy

Ugly Stik to host Photo Contest

Huge Prize List for Winners, top prize trip to Sitka, Alaska

Ugly Stik is offering anglers a chance to win some great new gear while showing off their fishing and creative skills. The contest is set to begin on March 4th at 12:00 AM CST and ends on July 20th at 11:59 PM CST.

This isn�t your average, run-of-the-mill photo contest though. Participants will have a chance to win any of the five separate, monthly challenges set by #theUglyStikTour Alaskan Adventure Photo Contest, but the top prize will send two anglers and their guest on a fishing trip to Sitka, Alaska to be filmed for a #theUglyTour webisode.

�This is the ultimate dream trip for any angler,� said Josh Silva, Shakespeare Brand Marketing Manager. �We are giving away some great Ugly Stik GX2 gear, but we also know that everyone is shooting for the trip to Sitka, Alaska. Participants are encouraged to submit their photos and get everyone they know to vote on their image. The photo with the most votes at the end of each month will be a finalist and have an opportunity to hit the waters of Sitka, Alaska for the fishing trip-of-a-lifetime.�

To register photos, participants can log onto www.facebook.com/uglystikfishing and www.uglystik.com/tour and complete the online entry form. Voters are encouraged to visit the same

links to check out all the unique entries. Each challenge requires a photo
upload, and the winners will be the photos that receive the most votes at the end of each month.

Photos submitted do not have to be taken over the past year. Participants can select from any trips they have taken throughout their angling career.

Monthly Challenge Themes:
Challenge 1: Favorite Tackle; March 4- March 30, 2014
Challenge 2: Favorite Fishing Location; April 1- April 27
Challenge 3: Ugliest Catch; April 29- May 25
Challenge 4: Biggest Catch: May 27- June 22
Challenge 5: Lady Anglers; June 24- July 20

�This isn�t just a photo contest to see who loves fishing the most,� said Silva. �This is a contest to show how diverse our Ugly Stik fans are. We have five challenges that provide our fans a new chance every month to win. Of course, the biggest challenge may be our grand prize winners picking who to take with them to Alaska.�

Grand Prize
Two (2) Winners will receive an all expense paid fishing trip for two to Sitka, Alaska and be filmed for an upcoming webisode of #theUglyTour.  For more contest information visit: www.uglystik.com/tour.

Weekly Great Lakes Water Levels for March 7 

WEATHER CONDITIONS

This winter�s unusually frigid weather maintained its grip on the Great Lakes basin this past week. Some areas within the basin experienced temperatures that were 30 degrees below normal.  The percentage of the Great Lakes surface area covered by ice exceeded 91% as of the date of this forecast. Notable precipitation fell in most on the basin last Saturday and Sunday.  This weekend will bring milder temperatures to the region, and these higher temperatures will persist into the early part of the workweek.

LAKE LEVEL CONDITIONS

Lakes Superior and Michigan-Huron are both 13 inches above what they were at this time last year.    Lakes St. Clair and Erie are 5 and 2 inches, respectively, above their levels of a year ago, while Lake Ontario is at its level of a year ago. Over the next month, Lake Superior is expected to remain near its current level, while Lake Michigan-Huron is projected to rise 3 inches. Lakes St. Clair, Erie, and Ontario are predicted to climb  4 to 5 inches in the next 30 days. Ice build-up in the connecting channels can cause significant water level fluctuations, especially in Lake St. Clair. 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 predicted to be above average for the month of March.  Lake Michigan-Huron�s outflow into the St. Clair River and Lake St. Clair�s outflow into the Detroit River are both projected to be near average.  In addition, the outflow of Lake

Erie into the Niagara River is projected to be near average, while the outflow of Lake Ontario into the St. Lawrence River is expected to be above average in March.

ALERTS

Official records are based on monthly average water levels and not daily water levels.  Lake Michigan‑Huron is below chart datum and is expected to remain below datum over the next several months. 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. Ice information can be found at the National Ice Center�s website.

Coast Guard supports NOAA, gathers Great Lakes ice depth data

During a two-day mission Coast Guard Air Station Detroit drilled frozen Lake Erie to gather ice depth measurements in support of NOAA March 5^th.  During the two-day mission, measurements were taken in 20 locations around the lake with depth readings ranging from 3 inches to more than 3 feet.

A Coast Guard Dolphin helicopter rests on frozen Lake Erie during a mission to gather ice depth measurements

Register now for Lake Michigan yellow perch summit; join in person or online

Join the Great Lakes Fisheries Commission and participating state agencies for a March 22 yellow perch summit. You'll get the latest research on Lake Michigan yellow perch populations, fishing and management and the opportunity to provide your input to Lake Michigan fishery managers from Wisconsin and other states on where to go next to try to improve populations of yellow perch. 

The summit, hosted by the Great Lakes Fishery Commission and the

Illinois DNR, will be held at the UIC Forum, at 725 W. Roosevelt Rd in Chicago. Online participation is also available for those who register. 

Registration free until March 15 

Registration is free at the Great Lakes Fisheries Commission (exit DNR) website or by phone, 847-294-4134, until March 15, after which a $20 fee will be charged. People who want to participate online must register as well; a link will be provided after they register. Read more about the summit 

Spring Turkey Applications begin March 10

Random daily drawings for resident and non-resident hunters for 2014 Illinois Spring Wild Turkey permits begin March 10. The link to the online permit application is;

www.dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/turkey/Pages/Spring

TurkeyHunting.aspx

2014 Spring Youth Wild Turkey Hunt now on sale

Over-the-counter sales of county permits for the Spring Youth Wild Turkey Season are now on sale 4. The dates for the 2014 Spring Youth Wild Turkey season are March 29-30 in the Southern Zone and April 5-6 in the

Northern Zone.  For permit application and other information: www.dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/turkey/Pages/SpringTurkeyHunting

DNR Fishing Booklet

The 2013-2015 Illinois Fishing Info guide is now available in PDF format at:

www.dnr.illinois.gov/fishing. Regulations in the guide are effective through March 31, 2015. Illinois Free Fishing Days for 2014 are June 6-9.

Wingshooting Clinics Start March 22

IDNR and cooperating co-sponsors will conduct 30 wingshooting clinics throughout Illinois from March to early November this year.  Most clinics are conducted on weekends.  Wingshooting clinics are held on IDNR sites, cooperating gun clubs, hunting preserves, and farms. Youth/Women�s wingshooting clinics are about learning to safely shoot a shotgun at a moving target with reasonable reliability. 

Youngsters, typically in the 10-15 age group, and women, are eligible to participate.  Clinics are hands-on, and include extensive live fire at a variety of clay target presentations on sporting clays courses specifically designed for teaching typical hunting situations.  See schedule: and more info, http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/programs/

wingshooting/wingshootinghome.htm

Hunting and Concealed Carry

IDNR reminds Illinois Concealed Carry Permit holders that they must comply with current wildlife code laws and regulations while

hunting in Illinois. The IDNR Office of Law Enforcement has prepared a fact sheet with common questions and answers to help guide Concealed Carry Permit holders who hunt on or utilize IDNR properties. 

Under the current regulations, Concealed Carry Permit holders are not allowed to possess any firearm, including a concealed firearm, when deer or turkey hunting unless the firearm carried is legal for taking the species being hunted. For example, an archery deer hunter would not be able to

carry any firearm, whether concealed or not, when archery deer hunting. However, if a concealed carry permit holder is hunting deer during the legal �firearm� deer seasons, he/she may carry a concealed firearm, but only if that firearm is of the legal type for firearm deer hunting.

The specifications for legal deer hunting handguns can be found on page 17 of the 2014 Illinois Digest of Hunting and Trapping Regulations at the following link; hwww.dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/Pages/HuntingTrapping

Digests.aspx

The fact sheet is on the IDNR website at http://dnr.state.il.us/law3/.

Trout fishing opportunities at Castalia Hatchery

COLUMBUS, OH � The Castalia Fish Hatchery in Erie County will open a half-mile section of Cold Creek for controlled trout fishing events. This opportunity is limited to a designated number of anglers and will be held during select dates during the 2014 fishing season.

Controlled trout fishing is offered by the ODNR Division of Wildlife at the Castalia State Fish Hatchery from May 5-Nov. 28. No weekend or holiday fishing is available. The trout stocked in Cold Creek measure between 10-12 inches. Most of the fish are rainbow trout, although brown trout are also available.

Anglers interested in this event must apply online and pay a non-refundable $3 application fee from March 1-31 in order to be eligible for a random drawing. Only one application is allowed per person. Anglers age 16 and older must hold a valid fishing license in order to apply and participate. Applicants can apply at wildohio.com. Two fishing seasons will be offered. Adults and teens 16 and older can fish from May 5-June 13 and from Aug. 18-Nov. 28. A second season will be held for those 15 and younger from June 16-Aug. 15.

Youth sessions are 7-11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., and successful applicants will be assigned a session. Adult sessions are 7 a.m.-12 p.m. Individuals selected to participate can bring two adults ages 16 and older and three youths ages 15 and younger (no more than six people total).

Random drawings for permit selection will be held in April. The results of the drawing will be posted at www.wildohio.com . Special fishing rules

will be in effect for this event to ensure a quality fishing experience. This includes a no catch-and-release rule; anglers keep all fish they catch. The daily bag limit is five trout per angler. Anglers are required to check in at the hatchery upon arrival and check out at the end of their session.

An Ohio resident annual fishing license costs $19; a one-day fishing license costs $11. Those who purchase a one-day fishing license may later return it to a license agent to receive credit toward purchase of an annual fishing license.

Sales of fishing licenses along with the Sport Fish Restoration (SFR) program continue to fund the operation of the ODNR Division of Wildlife�s fish hatcheries. No state tax dollars are used for this activity. This is a user-pay, user-benefit program.

The SFR is a partnership between federal and state government, industry and anglers/boaters. When anglers purchase rods, reels, fishing tackle, fish finders and motor boat fuel, they pay an excise tax. The federal government collects these taxes, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service administers and disburses these funds to state fish and wildlife agencies. These funds are used to acquire habitat, produce and stock fish, conduct research and surveys, provide aquatic education to youth and to obtain and develop boat accesses

Trout Releases begin on March 7

COLUMBUS, OH � More than 98,000 rainbow trout will be released this spring at 63 Ohio public lakes and ponds, creating excellent opportunities for anglers all across Ohio. The first rainbow trout releases will be Friday, March 7, at Adams Lake in Adams County and Barnesville Reservoir No. 3 in Belmont County.

�By stocking these ponds, we hope to create an opportunity for anglers to be successful, especially young anglers that might be fishing for the very first time,� said ODNR Division of Wildlife Chief Scott Zody. �Trout fishing provides the ideal introduction to the outdoors for our children and can help foster a lifetime love of fishing.�

Many stocked locations will feature special angler events, including youth-only fishing, on the day of the scheduled trout release. Rainbow trout releases will take place across Ohio from March 7 - May 16. Contact the nearest wildlife district office for specific information. Additional information about trout releases is available at wildohio.com or by calling 800-WILDLIFE.

Rainbow trout are raised at state fish hatcheries and measure 10-13 inches before they are released by the ODNR Division of Wildlife. The daily catch limit for inland lakes is five trout.

Anglers age 16 and older must have an Ohio fishing license to fish in state public waters. The 2014-2015 fishing license is now available and is valid through Feb. 28, 2015. An annual resident fishing license costs $19.

A one-day fishing license costs $11 for residents and nonresidents. The

one-day license may also be redeemed for credit toward the purchase of an annual fishing license.

Ohio residents born on or before Dec. 31, 1937, may obtain a free fishing license where licenses are sold. People age 66 and older who were born on or after Jan. 1, 1938, and have resided in Ohio for the past six months are eligible to purchase the reduced-cost resident senior license for $10.

Licenses and permits can be purchased online at wildohio.com and at hundreds of participating agents throughout the state. A complete list of participating license sales agents can be found at wildohio.com.

Sales of fishing licenses along with the Sport Fish Restoration (SFR) program continue to fund the operation of the ODNR Division of Wildlife�s fish hatcheries. No state tax dollars are used for this activity. This is a user-pay, user-benefit program.

The SFR is a partnership between federal and state government, industry and anglers and boaters. When anglers purchase rods, reels, fishing tackle, fish finders and motor boat fuel, they pay an excise tax. The federal government collects these taxes, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service administers and disburses these funds to state fish and wildlife agencies. These funds are used to acquire habitat, produce and stock fish, conduct research and surveys, provide aquatic education to youth and secure and develop boat accesses.

Annual Fishing License Buttons now available

HARRISBURG, PA -- The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission has re-introduced the Pennsylvania fishing license button. Brought back by popular demand, this alternate display annual license button is similar to the buttons offered by the PFBC in the 1930s, 1940s, 1950s, and in 1974 and 1975.

You can purchase a $5 button starting March 12 through the PFBC�s Outdoor Shop: www.GoneFishingPa.com , and at many PFBC locations. They can also be ordered using a mail-in form posted on the PFBC�s website: http://fishandboat.com/licapp.htm. Delivery of all buttons purchased will occur within three weeks of when they are ordered. The three-week delivery time provides adequate time for the buttons to be personalized with the individual license buyer�s customer identification number.

The annual buttons will be available to all current, adult and youth Pennsylvania fishing license customers who possess a valid Pennsylvania fishing license that enables them to fish for the entire year. Lifetime senior license and multi-year license holders can also purchase the buttons. For all eligible customers, the buttons are not required by law and are an optional purchase.

The purchase of a traditional (paper) Pennsylvania fishing license is a requirement in order to purchase the optional license button. As a result of a recent regulation change, as long as an angler is carrying their valid paper license, a valid alternate display annual license button is the only display requirement while fishing.   For an info: www.fishandboat.com/faq-lic-button.pdf.

DNR Annual Report: Investments in people
MADISON � In a new Wisconsin DNR Annual Report, DNR Secretary Cathy Stepp showcases successes that stem from working together with

the people and businesses of Wisconsin, where making an investment in their DNR is generating results throughout the state. -  Read Full Article

DNR & Conservation Congress form Fisheries Council

First meeting March 29

 MADISON - To increase and broaden public input on statewide fisheries issues and facilitate dialogue between various fisheries interests, the Department of Natural Resources and the Wisconsin Conservation Congress are forming a new fisheries advisory group that meets for the first time on March 29.

The new group, called the Wisconsin Fisheries Advisory Council, will bring together representatives from diverse statewide fishing groups as well as representatives from the fishing business community and tourism.  Angling groups aimed at bringing new people to fishing will be represented as well, including Becoming an Outdoors-Woman, Wisconsin Women Fish, and the Hmong American Sportsmen Club.

The group will advise DNR's fisheries management board and the Wisconsin Conservation Congress on statewide issues including DNR's long-term fisheries plan, biennial budgeting, and balancing angling groups' sometimes competing desires and priorities for their favorite fish species, says Mike Staggs, DNR's fisheries director.

"We are excited about the opportunity to expand public involvement in our fisheries program from a statewide perspective," he says.

He notes that DNR fish biologists and hatchery staff work often with local fishing clubs on issues concerning fisheries in a specific lake or river, and with statewide groups like Trout Unlimited and the Musky Clubs Alliance of Wisconsin on issues specific to the group's favored fish species.

"The idea is to get people who represent a cross-section of our users to

help us try to balance all of the different and competing priorities of these

groups and make the wisest use of our staff and resources," he says.

The advisory group will be led and facilitated jointly by DNR and the Wisconsin Conservation Congress. The WCC is statutorily defined as an advisory body on fish and wildlife management and conservation issues to the Natural Resources Board, and has worked closely for more than 80 years with DNR's fiisheries and wildlife management programs on statewide and local issues.

Congress Chairman Rob Bohmann says the Congress has worked with DNR fisheries staff over the last six months to develop the council proposal, and will continue to work through the summer to identify and contact potential memberships.

"We see the Wisconsin Fisheries Advisory Council as an excellent opportunity to engage organized fisheries interests around the state in addressing statewide fisheries issues and helping the Congress fulfill its statutory mission."

The first council meeting will be held March 29, 2014. Agenda items for the first meeting include a review and discussion of current statewide fisheries issues and statewide planning efforts for panfish, trout, sturgeon, walleye, and public outreach.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Ron Bruch, Fisheries Statewide Planning Coordinator, Oshkosh at [email protected] or at 920-427-9831, or Larry Bonde, Wisconsin Conservation Congress Vice-Chair at [email protected] or at 920-286-332

(Click on title or URL to read full article)

Lake Superior within reach of historic average water levels, Corps projects
Another month of snow, ice and freezing temperatures has led government experts to project water levels in the Great Lakes will rise more in the coming months than earlier estimated � and possibly get one lake back to its historic average.

Asian carp remain at bay, but local concerns still high
Even though state officials reported finding no signs of Asian carp after searching Michigan rivers and inland lakes, the threat the species poses to the Great Lakes still remains high.