Weekly News Archives

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Kentucky hosts Asian carp tournament
The two-day tournament at two Kentucky lakes that ended Wednesday was unlike any ever held in the United States.  The first Asian Carp Commercial Fishing Tournament drew more than a dozen teams of anglers, all on the hunt for the invasive species of fish whose exploding population has infested lakes and tributaries all along the Mississippi River.

Organizers had hoped to catch as much as 200,000 pounds of the carp during the two-day event at Kentucky and Barkley lakes.  Nearly 83,000 pounds of carp were netted, placed in a refrigerated truck and taken to processing plants."We want people to come to this event so they can see the problem we're dealing with in both of these lakes," Kentucky Fish and Wildlife fisheries director Ron Brooks said in a statement. "We think people will be amazed by the size and quantity of these fish."

Brooks said he hopes the competition will educate the public about the

carp outbreak in the freshwater lakes. State fish and wildlife officials say

the non-native fish is gobbling food supplies and starving out other more favorable species, such as crappie and bass.

Asian carp escaped fish farms in the 1970s and spread throughout the Mississippi and Ohio rivers. An electric barrier in a shipping canal near Chicago is meant to keep them from migrating into Lake Michigan, where scientists say they eventually could spread to the other Great Lakes. A three-year federal study is investigating the repeated discovery of Asian carp DNA in rivers and canals in the Chicago area.

Click here for a report by Kentucky.com.

Barry Mann, of Gilbertsville, Ky., caught the most fish, slightly more than 28,000 pounds, and took home the $10,000 prize. Heath Frailey finished second with more than 22,000 pounds and he pocketed $4,000.00.  State officials are considering expanding the program to as many as five tournaments each year.

Browning to Add the BT-99 to its Micro Midas Line

Morgan, Utah- Browning will expand it�s Micro Midas line of youth oriented firearms to include the new BT-99 Micro Midas 12 gauge trap for 2013.

The new BT-99 Micro Midas features a compact 13� length of pull stock and beavertail forearm in satin walnut. The stock is scaled down to comfortably fit smaller shooters. The BT-99 also includes a Vector Pro lengthened forcing cone, recoil pad and ivory front and mid-bead sights. Chrome plated chambers are also included on the BT-99 to resist

wear and corrosion for years of shooting. Barrel lengths offered include 28� or 30�.

All Micro Midas firearms qualify for the Growth Insurance Program that allows new owners to purchase a full size stock at 50% off the retail price.

About $1,429.99

www.browning.com

NOAA Official questioned on Fisheries Management

Administration challenged on Data Collection and Economic Impacts on Fishing Communities

WASHINGTON, DC - Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) on March 13, appeared at a House Committee on Natural Resources oversight hearing on the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson Act), the legislation that has set the framework for determining hw much of any fish stock can be harvested where and by whom each year in federal marine waters.  The Magnuson Act is set to be reauthorized before next year.

The hearing comes on top of concerns raised by recreational and commercial fishermen that the Magnuson Act is being implemented with faulty data and a lack of necessary scientific information on fish stocks.  The hearing also raised issues of the economic impact that the current federal regulatory regime for fisheries management has on fishing communities.

At the hearing, Pallone questioned Sam Rauch, Acting Assistant Administrator for Fisheries NOAA.  NOAA�s fisheries service is the federal agency charged with administering the Magnuson Act and is responsible for the stewardship of the nation�s living marine resources and their habitat.

Pallone questioned Rauch about the agency�s progress in transition from the Marine Recreational Fisheries Statistics Survey (MRFSS) to a new

improved national recreational angler registry, known as the Marine

Recreational Information Program (MRIP).  The Magnuson Act mandated the transition be done by 2009.   Rauch replied that they had not fully met that deadline and that at this time they are still using MRFSS data in conjunction with the new MRIP system.

Pallone further questioned Rauch regarding how NOAA incorporates storms in their models of how much fishing and fish harvesting is occurring�another requirement on NOAA in the Magnuson Act.  While Rauch could not directly provide an answer at the time, Pallone stressed the importance of taking into account storms so fishermen are not penalized for time when fishing does not occur.

Lastly, Pallone raised the federal fishery disaster declaration made for New Jersey as a result of Superstorm Sandy and the requirement under the Magnuson Act to provide a comprehensive economic and socio-economic evaluation of the affected region�s fisheries.  Pallone requested the results of the report and asked Rauch for recommendations on how the Magnuson Act can be changed to better respond to natural disasters after such storms.  Rauch responded that the report had not been completed, and when Pallone asked when it would be completed, he responded that he did not know.

Pallone called for follow up from the agency on his questions that were left unanswered.

2013 Lake Huron Regional Fisheries Workshops

Workshops offer current research and information related to the status of the Lake Huron fishery

You are invited to join and participate this spring in the upcoming 2013 Lake Huron Regional Fisheries Workshops offering current research and information related to the status of our Lake Huron fishery. 

The Michigan Sea Grant and Michigan State University Extension, in partnership with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Division, the USGS Great Lakes Science Center and local fishery organizations will host three regional workshops locally along Lake Huron�s coastline.  Topics will include information and updates regarding fish populations and angler catch data, native species such as Lake Huron walleye, forage fish surveys and results from the Lake Huron predator diet study, low water levels on Lake Huron, updates of fisheries management activities, among other Lake Huron related topics of local interest. 

Three evening workshops, hosted across the state, are open to the public and will offer valuable information for anglers, charter captains, resource professionals and other community members interested in the Lake Huron fishery.  Workshops are open to the public at no cost; however, pre-registration is requested.  

Workshop dates and locations include:

Ubly/Bad Axe

April 18, 2013, 6:00-9:00 pm

Ubly Fox Hunter�s Club

2153 Ubly Rd, Ubly, MI  48475

Oscoda

April 24, 2013, 6:00- 9:00 pm

Wiltse�s Family Restaurant

5606 F-41, Oscoda, MI  48750

Cedarville

April 25, 2013, 6:00 - 9:00 pm

Les Cheneaux Sportsman�s Club

M-134, Cedarville, MI  49719 (2-3 miles east of blinking light in Cedarville)

To register for any of these no-cost workshops, please contact Val Golding, Michigan Sea Grant/MSU Extension Alpena County Office by email: [email protected] or by phone (989) 354-9870.

Workshop details are attached and also available online at www.miseagrant.umich.edu/explore/fisheries/fishery-workshops/.

Weekly Great Lakes Water Levels for Mar 15, 2013 

WEATHER CONDITIONS

The Great Lakes basin experienced significant precipitation this week, with the basin as a whole receiving 0.7 inches since last weekend. The heaviest precipitation was recorded in the Michigan-Huron and Erie basins. Temperatures in the region began the week near seasonal averages, but then quickly dropped to below average across the basin. Temperatures are expected to remain below average this weekend and into next week with some snow possible throughout the weekend and the early part of next week.

LAKE LEVEL CONDITIONS

The water level of Lake Superior is 1 inch above its level of one year ago, while Lake Michigan-Huron is 14 inches lower. Lakes St. Clair, Erie, and Ontario are 15, 18, and 15 inches, respectively, lower than their levels of a year ago. Over the next month, Lakes Superior and Michigan-Huron are forecasted to rise 2 and 4 inches, respectively. The water levels of Lakes St. Clair, Erie and Ontario are expected to increase 4, 6 and 7 inches, respectively, over the next thirty days.

FORECASTED MONTHLY OUTFLOWS/CHANNEL CONDITIONS

Lake Superior's outflow through the St. Marys River is projected to be below average for the month of March. Lake Huron's outflow into the St. Clair River and the outflow from Lake St. Clair into the Detroit River are also expected to be below average throughout the month of March. Lake

Erie's outflow through the Niagara River is predicted to be below average and the outflow of Lake Ontario into the St. Lawrence River is expected to be below average in March.

ALERTS

Official records are based on monthly average water levels and not daily water levels. Lake Superior and Lake Michigan-Huron are below chart datum. 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.

Growing Number of gun manufacturers refuse to sell to gun-grabbing governments

Number of U.S. gun makers refusing sales to gov't in 'firearms equality movement' triples in two weeks

On February 22, "Right Views" reported that a growing number of firearm companies have suspended the sale of guns to states, counties, cities and municipalities that restrict their citizens' rights to own them.

In just two weeks, the number of companies participating in what has been named the "Firearms Equality Movement," has more than tripled from 34 companies to 131. An online listing called The Police Loophole, which tracks gun makers that refuse to sell their wares to law enforcement agencies in places where civilians are banned from owning the same weapons.

2013 Lake Huron Regional Fisheries Workshops

Workshops offer current research and information related to the status of the Lake Huron fishery

You are invited to join and participate this spring in the upcoming 2013 Lake Huron Regional Fisheries Workshops offering current research and information related to the status of our Lake Huron fishery. 

The Michigan Sea Grant and Michigan State University Extension, in partnership with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Division, the USGS Great Lakes Science Center and local fishery organizations will host three regional workshops locally along Lake Huron�s coastline.  Topics will include information and updates regarding fish populations and angler catch data, native species such as Lake Huron walleye, forage fish surveys and results from the Lake Huron predator diet study, low water levels on Lake Huron, updates of fisheries management activities, among other Lake Huron related topics of local interest. 

Three evening workshops, hosted across the state, are open to the public and will offer valuable information for anglers, charter captains, resource professionals and other community members interested in the Lake Huron fishery.  Workshops are open to the public at no cost; however, pre-registration is requested.  

Workshop dates and locations include:

Ubly/Bad Axe

April 18, 2013, 6:00-9:00 pm

Ubly Fox Hunter�s Club

2153 Ubly Rd, Ubly, MI  48475

Oscoda

April 24, 2013, 6:00- 9:00 pm

Wiltse�s Family Restaurant

5606 F-41, Oscoda, MI  48750

Cedarville

April 25, 2013, 6:00 - 9:00 pm

Les Cheneaux Sportsman�s Club

M-134, Cedarville, MI  49719 (2-3 miles east of blinking light in Cedarville)

To register for any of these no-cost workshops, please contact Val Golding, Michigan Sea Grant/MSU Extension Alpena County Office by email: [email protected] or by phone (989) 354-9870.

Workshop details are attached and also available online at www.miseagrant.umich.edu/explore/fisheries/fishery-workshops/.

2013 Resident Deer Applications�Apply Now

Resident Illinois deer hunters can apply online beginning March 12 through April 30 for the first lottery drawings for 2013 Illinois firearm and muzzleloader-only deer season permits through DNR Direct.  Just click on the Online Services tab on the IDNR website home page at www.dnr.illinois.gov. Application forms in PDF format will be available online in April. The first lottery drawings for firearm and muzzleloader-only deer permits are for Illinois residents only. 

APPLICATION DEADLINE DATES

The deadline to apply for the first lottery drawings for 2013 firearm and muzzleloader-only deer permits is April 30.  Resident hunters can apply in both the firearm and muzzleloader-only lotteries. 

SEASON DATES

Firearm deer seasons are Nov. 22-24 (first season) and Dec. 5-8 (second season). The 2013 muzzleloader-only permits may be used Dec. 13-15 (and in the second firearm season, Dec. 5-8).

Fishing Regulations Set for AEP Ponds and Reservoirs

COLUMBUS, OH � New fishing regulations are now in place at American Electric Power (AEP) ponds and reservoirs, including AEP ReCreation Lands, Conesville Coal Lands and Avondale Wildlife Area for the 2013-2014 license year, according to the Ohio DNR.

Daily bag limits are enforced at all AEP ponds and reservoirs. The regulations apply to black bass and sunfishes in more than 350 ponds and lakes among more than 80,000 acres of AEP lands available for public fishing, hunting, hiking and camping in Ohio. New regulations are intended to help sustain the high-quality largemouth bass and bluegill fishing known in these waters.

The new black bass regulation is a 14-2" slot length limit that increases anglers� chances of catching trophy bass. Anglers may keep two fish under 14" and one fish 20" or larger, for three fish per day (largemouth, smallmouth, or spotted bass, singly or in combination). However, anglers will not be allowed to keep any fish in the protected slot. This regulation

applies to all AEP waters, and an angler�s daily limit will apply to all AEP

lands collectively, and not just a particular pond or lake.

The new sunfish regulation is a 20-fish daily limit to ensure opportunities for a greater number of anglers to catch quality fish. This regulation will also apply to all AEP waters so an angler�s daily limit will apply to all AEP lands collectively, not just a particular pond or lake.

A permit is required to use AEP ponds and reservoirs. The permit is free and can be obtained from the AEP office in McConnelsville, AEP corporate offices, ODNR Division of Wildlife district offices, or any sporting goods and bait stores near the ReCreation areas.

New regulations were developed by the ODNR Division of Wildlife through review of data from fish surveys, creel surveys, consideration of management options, and extensive public input. More information can be found at wildohio.com in the 2013-2014 fishing regulations. Additional information about AEP lands is also available. An Ohio fishing license is required at all AEP ponds and reservoirs.

2013/2014 Erie Visitors Guides Available

Erie, PA: The 2013/14 Erie All Seasons Visitors Guide is now available. Designed and produced by VisitErie and Times Publishing Company, the 72-page, full color guide is VisitErie�s primary promotional brochure for Erie County tourism information.  This year�s issue highlights Erie�s �Perry 200 Commemoration�, a celebration of the 200-year anniversary of the Battle of Lake Erie/War of 1812. The guide contains:

�         Special tri-fold cover featuring the �Perry 200 Commemoration� including historical background and 2013 Perry 200 Major Events listings

�         2013 Festivals & Events Calendar

�         Newly designed maps of Downtown Erie and Erie County

�         Complete listings on places to stay, eat, shop and play in Erie PA

Perfect for visiting friends and relatives, meeting and convention

attendees, sporting events, motorcoach group tours, weddings, reunions, recruitment programs, business travelers and more.  The new guide is

available at many Erie area hotels and attractions, the PA Welcome Center in North East (I-90 W), the Tom Ridge Environmental Center, AAA of Erie County and the VisitErie office.  It is distributed to AAA�s, travel agencies, PA Interstate Welcome Centers and other Tourism Promotion Agencies across Pennsylvania as well as destinations in New York, West Virginia, Ohio and Canada.

To obtain a free copy, phone 814-454-1000, email [email protected] or stop by VisitErie�s office at the Intermodal Transportation Center 208 East Bayfront Parkway (M-F 8:30 am � 5 pm).  An online e-reader visitors guide is also available at www.VisitErie.com.

2013 Wisconsin Fishing Report now available
MADISON -- Do trout lure you out of bed or walleye keep you out late at night? Are you passionate about panfish?  Whatever species you want to fish for in Wisconsin, the 2013 Wisconsin Fishing Report is now available and ready to help you catch your fancy.

This year, the annual 16-page compilation of fishing forecasts is organized by species. The forecasts, submitted by Department of Natural Resources fisheries biologists, share information about the number and sizes of fish they found during population surveys on a wide range of waters across the state.

�Pick your fish species and find where you want to go,� says Karl Scheidegger, the DNR fisheries biologist who leads fisheries outreach efforts for DNR and edited the publication.  �It�s a great way to try some new fishing spots or to look for the particular kind of fishing experience

you want.�

The 2013 Fishing Report is also available in print at DNR Service Centers and is inserted into the April issue of Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine. Subscribe to the magazine any time in the next six weeks to get that issue and the report delivered to your mailbox. The magazine is $8.97 for one year, six issues; $15.97 for two years, 12 issues; and $21.97 for three years, 18 issues.

Other online resources help anglers make the most of the fishing year.  Again this year anglers can download and print off a color calendar with photographs of Wisconsin fish species, important fishing dates; moon phases; game fish identification tips; and monthly forecasts.

And the new hook and line and trout fishing regulations booklets are now available online on the fishing regulations page of the DNR website.