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Week of April 4, 2011 |
| Quote of the Week |
| Hunting & Shooting Products/Issues |
| National |
| Health Issues |
| General |
| Lake Huron |
| Lake Michigan |
| Illinois |
| Indiana |
| Michigan |
| New York |
| Ohio |
| Wisconsin |
| Ontario |
| Other Breaking News Items |
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or |
Quote of the Week
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Coho fishing is great -- best in years! (From our Indiana State Director, Capt Mike Schoonveld, |
an angler who has fished the Indiana waters of Lake Michigan for over 40 years) |
Hunting & Shooting Products/Issues
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Winchester New 20 Ga Waterfowl And All Purpose Model in SX3 line A new 20 ga waterfowl model has been added to the Super X�3 shotgun line. The Super X3 Waterfowl gun comes in Mossy Oak� Duck Blind� camouflage and features a grip enhancing Dura-Touch� Armor Coating on the composite stock and forearm. The gun is available with either a 26 or 28-inch barrel and comes with three Invector-Plus� choke tubes.
The 20 ga model is chambered for 3-inch shells. The Active Valve gas system cycles all factory ammunition from light field to heavy magnums. The gun comes with two lengths of pull stock spacers, drop and cast |
adjustment shims and sling swivel studs.
The Super X3 All-Purpose Field 20 ga gun has the same features as the waterfowl model, but comes in the Mossy Oak Break-Up� Infinity pattern of camouflage.
Suggested retail price of all the models is $1,339.99
800-945-5237
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Birchwood Casey RIGID Paper Targets Offer Heavy Tag Board Construction Birchwood Casey RIGID Paper Targets are constructed of stiff, durable tag board for shooters who want targets that will hold up under a variety of conditions, whether it is wind or a poorly constructed backstop.
RIGID Paper Targets feature contrasting orange/black on white print that is highly visible from a wide range of |
distances. The circle, square and crosshair designs work equally well with optics or open sights.
Each target is 12" x 12" and is available in packs of 10. They are printed in the USA
About $5.20
800-328-6156 x7933 [email protected] www.birchwoodcasey.com |
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Birchwood Casey RIG #2 Oil Lubricant
RIG� #2 Oil Lubricant from
Birchwood Casey is specially
The new lubricant will not harm painted surfaces, plastics, rubber or plated surfaces found on modern firearms. An added benefit is that it will not gum up actions or attract dirt. |
RIG #2 Oil Lubricant is available in a 10 oz. professional size aerosol for a suggested retail price of $10.00, or a 4 � oz. spout can for $6.40.
800-328-6156 x7933 [email protected]
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National
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Ethanol Labeling Laws - State by State Guide Several U.S. states do not label gas pumps when ethanol alcohol is added to gasoline! Other states only label pumps when alcohol added is above 1-2%. Click on the |
title link above for your state's laws and requirements for pump labeling. Unfamiliarity with state, federal and county fuel laws has lead too many folks to be unaware that the gas they are purchasing contains ethanol alcohol. |
NMMA Supports New Small-Boat Security PlanFollowing up on its Small Vessel Security Summit in 2007 and the release of the Small Vessel Security Strategy in 2008, the Department of Homeland Security recently released the public version of its Small Vessel Security Implementation Plan, the National Marine Manufacturers Association reported.
The plan is designed to manage risks associated with the potential exploitation of small vessels by terrorists in America's ports, shores and waterways.
"The plan clearly reflects the concerns heard from the |
recreational community regarding proposed mandates that boaters carry Automatic Information System beacons or other RFID technology," the NMMA said. "The plan does not include any mandate that boaters carry AIS or RFID transponders."
Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano signed an action memo along with the plan, directing law enforcement agencies to look at the report and report back about how they will take action.
For more info on Small Vessel Security: www.dhs.gov/files/programs/gc_1199394950818.shtm |
Regional
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Weekly Great Lakes Water Levels for April 1, 2011 WEATHER CONDITIONS Frigid and dry weather enveloped the Great Lakes basin last weekend. Cities such as Green Bay, WI and Traverse City, MI, experienced temperatures that were 20 degrees below average, and the entire region saw temperatures that were over 10 degrees lower than average. Temperatures have climbed during this workweek, but were still below average on Wednesday. This weekend, temperatures will rise toward more moderate levels, but will remain slightly below average into Monday. Also, rain and/or snow showers are predicted across the basin this weekend and Monday. LAKE LEVEL CONDITIONS Presently, Lakes Superior and Michigan-Huron are both 9 inches below their levels of a year ago. Lake St. Clair is an inch below what it was at this time last year, while Lakes Erie and Ontario are 3 and 4 inches, respectively, higher than last year's levels. Over the next month, Lake Superior is expected to rise 2 inches, while Lakes Michigan-Huron, St. Clair, Erie, and Ontario are predicted to climb 3-5 inches. See our Daily Levels web page for more water level information. FORECASTED MONTHLY OUTFLOWS/CHANNEL CONDITIONS The outflow from Lake Superior into the St. Mary's River is projected to be below average for the month of April. The outflows from Lake Huron into the St. Clair River, and from Lake St. Clair into the Detroit River, are all expected to be below average throughout the month of April, while Lake Erie's outflow through the Niagara River is expected to be |
near average. The outflow from Lake Ontario into the St. Lawrence River is predicted to be above average. Ice build-up in the connecting channels can greatly affect flows and may cause significant fluctuations in water levels. ALERTS The water levels of Lakes Superior and Michigan-Huron are below chart datum, and are forecasted to remain below chart 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
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Health Issues
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Seniors more susceptible to life-threatening effects of Natural Disasters A new study reveals that senior citizens typically suffer disproportionately during natural disasters, such as the recent tsunami in Japan.
Due to the physical limitations of many people over the age of 65, survival preparations are especially important for seniors. The report, which appears in The Journal of Gerontology Series A: Biological and Medical Sciences, states that elderly citizens are especially at risk in the wake of a tsunami or other disasters because of a limited access to food, water and lifesaving medications.
In the 2006 edition of the journal Public Policy and Aging Report, it was revealed that three quarters of those who died as a result of Hurricane Katrina were over the age of |
60. When a region is devastated by a catastrophic event, many seniors do not have the physical capabilities to access the services that they need in order to survive. Thus, officials from The Gerontological Society of America said that proper preparations must be taken to ensure the safety of these at-risk citizens, including a multi-tier evacuation plan.
For example, "go-kits" should be accessible to all senior citizens. These kits should include contact information of family members and healthcare providers as well as high-nutrient foods. In addition, they should contain at least a week's supply of all prescription and over-the-counter medications that they normally take. |
General
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Social media can't block poisoned links USA Today, March 23, 2011 by Byron Acohido Facebook and Twitter appear stymied in slowing a rising tide of poisoned Web links on popular social networks. A survey in December found 40% of social-network users encountered malicious attacks, a 90% increase from April 2009, according to antivirus firm Sophos.
Meanwhile, a recent experiment by network security firm Dasient underscored just how easy it is to create a social-network account, then use it to circulate malicious links all across the service. Social-network denizens exacerbate the problem, because most tend to click blindly on items, says Anup Ghosh, chief scientist of browser security firm Invincea.
Cybercriminals aim to trick you into clicking on a link that will give them full control of your PC. They can then scam you into purchasing worthless anti-virus protection or filling out sketchy online surveys. They can even steal from your online financial accounts. With 500 million members, Facebook is by far the largest social network - and the No. 1 target.
Facebook spokesman Frederic Wolens says protecting users has long been a top priority for the company. Facebook's filtering systems "have been very effective," he |
says. "And despite constant attacks, our data show that the vast majority of people on Facebook have never experienced a security issue on the site."
Twitter did not respond to interview requests for this story.
The experiment run by Dasient paints a different picture. Researchers set up new accounts at 11 leading social networks and found that none stopped them from posting links pre-loaded to deliver a type of malicious program that swiftly infects PCs. What's more, nine of the 11 networks tested failed to fully block links listed among Google's compilation of known poisoned websites, says Neil Daswani, Dasient's chief technical officer.
One recent large-scale attack revolved around a Facebook posting purportedly carrying a link to a video of pop singer Miley Cyrus doing something lewd. Clicking on the link led instead to a series of additional links that connected the victim's PC to a premium-rate text-messaging service and began spreading the Cyrus posting to the victim's friends.
In another caper, the user must complete a simple verification test to view an enticing video, such as a whale that the Japanese tsunami smashed into a building. One click activates Facebook's "like" button, which results in reposting the original message to other Facebook users. |
Lake Huron
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Lake Huron Fisheries Workshops Offer current research/info on status of the Lake Huron fishery Michigan Sea Grant and Michigan State University Extension, in partnership with the Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Division, USGS Great Lakes Science Center, and local fishery organizations will be hosting four evening regional workshops across Lake Huron�s coastline.
Workshops are open to the public, and will provide valuable information for anglers, charter captains, resource professionals, and others interested in attending, including updates related to salmon management in Lake Huron, walleyes in Saginaw Bay, forage fish surveys and results from the recent Lake Huron predator diet study, among other Lake Huron related topics.
You are invited to participate! Four evening Lake Huron Regional Fishery Workshops (approx. 3 hours each) are open to the public at no cost. Workshop opportunities include:
Port Huron Date: Wednesday, April 13 Time: 6:00 � 9:00 p.m. Location: Charles A. Hammond American Legion Hall 1026 6th Street, Port Huron, MI 48060
Cedarville Date: Tuesday, April 19 Time: 6:00 � 9:00 p.m. |
Location: Les Cheneaux Sportsman�s Club M-134, Cedarville, MI 49719 (2-3 miles east of blinking light in Cedarville)
Oscoda Date: Wednesday, April 20 Time: 6:00 � 9:00 p.m. Location: Wiltse�s Family Restaurant 5606 F-41, Oscoda, MI 48750
Ubly/Bad Axe Date: Thursday, April 21 Time: 6:00 � 9:00 p.m. Location: Ubly Fox Hunter�s Club 8780 S. Ubly Rd, Ubly, MI 48475
Workshop Registration: Workshops are no cost to participants, how-ever pre-registration is requested.
To register, contact: Cindy Anderson Michigan Sea Grant - Iosco County Office 989-984-1060, [email protected]
Program information or questions, contact: Brandon Schroeder Michigan Sea Grant 989-984-1056, [email protected]
Workshop details available online: www.miseagrant.umich.edu/fisheries |
Lake Michigan
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Indiana portion of Lake Michigan to get supply of brown trout Anglers who seek brown trout should put Indiana�s waters of Lake Michigan on their future trip list. The waters will soon be stocked with 35,000 brown trout, which are roughly four months old and 3-4" long.
Beginning in 2002, Indiana DNR made arrangements with the Illinois DNR to provide brown trout for stocking the Indiana waters of Lake Michigan. The nine years of brown trout stockings since then have occurred typically in late June at four different locations along Indiana�s 45 miles of shoreline. �This program improves the diversity of fishing opportunity in Lake Michigan� said Indiana DNR�s Lake Michigan fisheries biologist Brian Breidert.
Brown trout feed extensively on the large, near-shore forage base of round goby. �Some years we have witnessed higher harvest on the lake and lakefront,� Breidert said. �Other years have dropped below pre-2002 |
levels. �Indiana stream anglers have also enjoyed the mixture of species but again the harvest has not increased dramatically as a result of these stocking efforts.�
Indiana would like to rear these fish to a larger size to increase survival rate once stocked but there is limited space within the hatchery program for doing so. �Annual reviews of rearing practices have fine-tuned our facilities to maximize growth, fish health, and numbers for the current suite of species that are part of Indiana�s coldwater hatchery program.� Breidert said. �Any production changes would require reductions for one species to accommodate another.
�We continue to strive to provide maximum fishing opportunities within our Lake Michigan program for all anglers. We are pleased to continue this program with the assistance of the Illinois DNR and the Jake Wolf hatchery staff.� |
Illinois
NMMA adds third Chicago area showRosemont to host annual Sportfishing, Travel & Outdoors Show Jan 25-29, 2012 The National Marine Manufacturers Association said it will produce the annual Rosemont Sportfishing, Travel & Outdoors Show, which runs Jan. 25-29, 2012, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Ill.
Those are formerly the dates of America's Outdoors Show. The 32-year-old show has seen numerous owners over the years. The most recent one, Californian Jim Sugarman, "turned the decline and improved the show ... but couldn't make it work financially," NMMA executive vice president Ben Wold said. The NMMA "secured the lease rights to the show," according to Wold.
With the addition of the Rosemont show, the NMMA will produce three boat and sportfishing shows in the Chicago area, including the Chicago Boat, Sports and RV Show (formerly Chicago Boat, RV & Outdoors Show) and Strictly |
Sail Chicago.
"The Rosemont Sportfishing, Travel & Outdoors Show has been a dominant fishing, travel and hunting event in the region for more than 30 years and presents NMMA with tremendous opportunities to bring qualified customers and sales to participating companies," Wold added. "NMMA believes in the long-term value of boat and sport shows and that those in major outdoors markets will remain an important part of the industry. We're excited to bring the Rosemont show back to its former glory."
The show will be directed by Keith Ogulnick, current show manager of the Chicago Boat, Sports & RV Show. Prior to joining the NMMA in 2006, Ogulnick managed the Rosemont show for 10 years while working for the show's original owner, Professional Exposition Management Co. With the addition of the Rosemont show, the NMMA now produces 18 U.S. consumer boat and sport shows. |
Indiana
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Muskie stockings supported at Upper Long Lake ALBION � Local residents and avid muskie anglers have agreed to a five-year commitment to continue a club-sponsored muskie stocking program at Upper Long Lake in Noble County. The agreement, along with approval from the Department of Natural Resources, calls for 170 muskie fingerlings to be stocked each year to maintain muskie fishing opportunities at the 86-acre natural lake.
The muskies will be purchased by the Webster Lake Musky Club from a commercial hatchery in Wisconsin. Since 2002, the club has stocked nearly 3,700 muskie fingerlings in the lake at a typical rate of five per acre per year.
Last year some lake residents complained too many muskies were present, and the stocking rate was too high. Opponents also were concerned that muskies were of little interest and value to most anglers, were harming other fish, and were reproducing at high levels.
To address these concerns, DNR biologists conducted a study at Upper Long Lake last year and held discussions between the two groups.
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Based on data compiled by the DNR, 33% of anglers who fish at Upper Long Lake fish for muskies. Muskie anglers made 542 fishing trips to the lake, generating $35,000 of estimated economic value through their purchase of bait, tackle, fuel and other items.
Anglers caught 145 muskies, 17 of which were 36" long or longer. The anglers typically fished an average of 10 hours to catch one muskie. Although muskie fishing was more popular among visiting anglers, 65% of all anglers favored the stocking program. According to the DNR, no major shifts have occurred among other species in the lake. The data suggested that bluegills and crappies increased in number after the muskie stocking program began. The number of bass decreased. The bass decline, however, occurred only among small fish. Numbers of 12- to 14" bass rose 48% and numbers of 14- to 18" bass nearly tripled after muskies were stocked.
Biologists found no evidence that muskies have reproduced in the lake, although several redfin pickerel are present. These fish resemble small muskies.
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Bass fishing rule to be relaxed at two Noble County lakes June 3Anglers will be allowed to keep only bass that measure 10 - 14" longBeginning June 3, the Indiana DNR will modify largemouth bass fishing regulations at Big and Crane lakes in Noble County.
To reduce the number of largemouth bass, anglers will be allowed to keep only bass that measure between 10 and 14 inches long. All bass less than 10 inches long and all bass 14 inches and larger must be released immediately. The daily harvest limit will remain at five bass per day.
Based on sampling conducted by DNR biologists, Big and Crane lakes contain three times the typical number of bass found in other northern Indiana natural lakes. Most of the bass, however, are less than 14 inches long and cannot now be legally taken by anglers. Current rules require all angler-caught bass that are less than 14 inches long to be released at both lakes. The current limit, however, has been overly protective at Big and Crane lakes. As a result, bass grow slowly in both lakes and few bass ever reach the minimum size limit.
�We�ve seen a huge increase in the number of bass in Big
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and Crane lakes over the last 10 years,� said Jed Pearson, DNR fisheries biologist. �Both lakes now have more bass than they can support.� During sampling with fish shocking equipment, 303 adult bass were captured per hour at Big Lake and 294 per hour at Crane Lake. At most lakes in the area, the average bass catch rate is 96 per hour. Only 2 percent of the bass at Big Lake and 5 percent of the bass at Crane Lake were 14 inches or larger.
The change in the size limit is needed to encourage anglers to catch and keep small bass, but the new rule is being imposed on a temporary basis. DNR plans to monitor how many bass are taken home by anglers. Once the quota is reached, the 14-inch size limit will go back into effect. If the quota is not reached, the 14-inch size limit will go back in effect by Nov. 1.
�Our initial goal is for anglers to take out more than half of the 10- to 14-inch bass in both lakes,� said Pearson. �A specific quota will be set on the number of bass to be removed from each lake after sampling in April and May. �This should be a great fishing experience for anglers who love to catch and eat fish. It could also be an exciting way to introduce kids to fishing.�
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Indiana portion of Lake Michigan to get supply of brown trout Anglers who seek brown trout should put Indiana�s waters of Lake Michigan on their future trip list. The waters will soon be stocked with 35,000 brown trout, which are roughly four months old and 3-4" long.
Beginning in 2002, Indiana DNR made arrangements with the Illinois DNR to provide brown trout for stocking the Indiana waters of Lake Michigan. The nine years of brown trout stockings since then have occurred typically in late June at four different locations along Indiana�s 45 miles of shoreline. �This program improves the diversity of fishing opportunity in Lake Michigan� said Indiana DNR�s Lake Michigan fisheries biologist Brian Breidert.
Brown trout feed extensively on the large, near-shore forage base of round goby. �Some years we have witnessed higher harvest on the lake and lakefront,� Breidert said. �Other years have dropped below pre-2002 |
levels. �Indiana stream anglers have also enjoyed the mixture of species but again the harvest has not increased dramatically as a result of these stocking efforts.�
Indiana would like to rear these fish to a larger size to increase survival rate once stocked but there is limited space within the hatchery program for doing so. �Annual reviews of rearing practices have fine-tuned our facilities to maximize growth, fish health, and numbers for the current suite of species that are part of Indiana�s coldwater hatchery program.� Breidert said. �Any production changes would require reductions for one species to accommodate another.
�We continue to strive to provide maximum fishing opportunities within our Lake Michigan program for all anglers. We are pleased to continue this program with the assistance of the Illinois DNR and the Jake Wolf hatchery staff.� |
Michigan
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Lake Erie daily Walleye creel limit is six beginning May 1 The daily creel limit for walleyes in Michigan�s waters of Lake Erie will be six beginning May 1, the DNR announced.
Michigan has adopted a process for setting regulations that allows the DNR to use real-time population data instead of using year-old survey results. This process parallels one adopted by Ohio last year.
�This change to the regulations process is critical to helping us manage walleyes in Lake Erie in a timely manner,� said DNR Lake Erie Basin Coordinator Liz Hay-Chmielewski. �In order to do that, we have to set regulations in March instead of the previous autumn.�
Michigan�s daily creel limit for walleyes on Lake Erie is based on its share of the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) for the lake, which is determined by the Lake Erie Committee under the aegis of the Great Lakes Fishery Commission. The TAC is generally based on overall abundance of walleyes; the Committee establishes quotas for each jurisdiction based on the percentage of habitat for adult walleyes in each jurisdiction�s waters of the lake. The daily limit is based on a formula that projects how many |
walleyes anglers can keep but still remain within the quota.
See the attached table for an explanation of the formula used to set the daily creel limit.
The Total Allowable Catch for Lake Erie for 2011 is 2.919 million fish, making Michigan�s quota 0.17 million fish.
The new regulations process means that the creel limit for walleyes on Lake Erie will not be set until TACs are determined each March, after the Michigan Fishing Guide goes to press. Anglers will need to check for changes annually.
There are no changes to either the fishing season or size limit for walleyes on Lake Erie.
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DNR to take Walleye Eggs at Muskegon River The DNR is reminding Muskegon River anglers that Fisheries Division personnel will take walleye eggs below Croton Dam beginning Thursday, March 31, and expect the operation to take four working days and it should be completed by April 5.
The DNR plans to collect 32 million walleye eggs from the Muskegon River, one of two collection sites, with an eye toward rearing to 8 million fry for transfer to rearing ponds. Walleye production has been reduced in recent years as Fisheries Division has been careful to avoid bringing Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS) into the hatchery system or spreading it to other waters. New techniques for disinfecting walleye eggs make increased production walleye possible.
Walleye populations in Lake Michigan and many inland lakes are dependant on the fingerlings produced from Muskegon River eggs. The annual spawning run of walleyes in the Muskegon River is estimated at 40,000 to 50,000 adult fish. DNR crews will strip milt and eggs from approximately 300 adult fish, which will be returned to the river. This adult
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population consists of mostly stocked fish. The Muskegon River has the largest run of walleye in the Lake Michigan watershed south of Green Bay.
The DNR plans to collect walleyes with an electro-fishing boat on Mar. 31, Apr. 1, and Apr. 4-5, but the schedule is subject to change. Collection crews are scheduled to begin each day at Croton Dam about 8:30 a.m., and proceed downstream to the Pine Street Access. Additional collections may occur downstream to the Thornapple Street Access if more eggs are needed.
The egg stripping operation is conducted at the Pine Street Access, about two miles downstream of Croton Dam. The public is welcome to come and observe the process, which generally begins around 11 a.m., before eggs are packed and shipped to the hatchery.
Anglers who wish to avoid the walleye collection activities, should fish downstream areas of the river. The DNR asks anglers to exhibit caution when fishing near the electro-fishing boats. Wading anglers are asked to exit the water when the boat approaches. The DNR appreciates the anglers� cooperation. |
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Mail offers to lease mineral rights should be regarded with caution HART, Mich. � Michigan State University Extension (MSUE) educators in Oceana County are warning landowners of unsolicited mailings from oil and gas leasing representatives.
These are offers to lease �oil, gas and minerals,� said Curtis Talley Jr., Extension educator in Oceana County. "The letter offers a cash bonus and very minimal lease terms,� he said. �The letter states that if they sign and return the offer, they are accepting the lease terms and will sign the lease. However, there is no lease document to review, so the landowner is approving a lease that they have not yet seen.�
Talley said landowners should be aware that when a landowner signs the lease, he or she is essentially selling the mineral rights. �Would you sell your land surface without knowing how you are going to be paid?� he said.
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�When it comes to leasing your minerals for land or wind energy, the devil is in the details. We want to warn landowners that signing and returning these types of letters without a review of the underlying lease by an experienced oil and gas attorney can result in a very poor lease.�
Among other things, signing the lease can result in a lack of environmental protections, substantially less income to the landowner and very little input as to what occurs on the property after the lease is signed, Talley said.
"Unfortunately, these types of offers are becoming more common around the state," Talley said.
MSUE also offers public meetings for landowners to educate them on mineral and wind energy leasing. The next meeting is scheduled from 6 to 8:30 p.m., April 28, at the Fruitland Township Hall, 4545 Nestrom Road, Whitehall, in Muskegon County. |
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DNR revitalizing Wild Turkey population in Northern Michigan
Thirteen wild turkey
hens that were native to Barry County
The birds, which were trapped on private land in an area with a robust turkey population, were released on public |
land near Fairview, a town once billed as the �Wild Turkey Capitol of Michigan.�
Al Stewart, the DNR�s upland game bird specialist, said more wild turkeys may be released in northern Michigan this year if weather conditions remain conducive to trapping birds in southern Michigan. �This is an excellent example of our employees working with our stakeholders to enhance wildlife populations and produce high-quality outdoor experiences,� said DNR Director Rodney Stokes.
Wild turkeys were once totally extirpated from Michigan, but thanks to cooperative efforts of the DNR and conservation groups, turkey populations are now thriving in many parts of the state. |
New York
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Great Lakes Wind Energy Development meetings April 12 & 13 Admission is free The Pace Energy and Climate Center, in collaboration with Citizens Campaign for the Environment (CCE) and Alliance for Clean Energy New York (ACE NY), is hosting two free conferences to explore issues related to the development of Great Lakes wind energy in New York State.
Each conference will include four panel presentations and discussions featuring speakers from industry, government, and various stakeholder groups.
The panels will cover the following topics: Regulatory and Technical Issues Regulatory and permitting issues Transmission/Interconnection Issues Resource assessment Economic Issues Supply chain/manufacturing Jobs/Local economic impacts Environmental/Local Issues Habitat
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Viewshed Boating/shipping impacts
Two conferences will be held: April 12, 2011 University at Buffalo The State University of New York 9:00 AM - 4:00PM
April 13, 2011 Rochester Institute of Technology One Lomb Memorial Drive Louise Slaughter Hall Rochester, NY 14623-5603 9:00 AM - 4:00PM
Registration - To register, please click the link that corresponds to the conference you wish to attend: April 13 Conference - Rochester |
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2010 Deer Harvest Up Slightly From Last Year Hunters harvested just over 230,000 deer in the 2010 hunting season, up about 3% from 2009, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Joe Martens announced. The Junior Big-Game License was popular once again, with over 16,000 junior hunters taking advantage of the opportunity to hunt big game, harvesting approximately 4,900 deer.
�Deer hunters play a crucial role, benefiting all New Yorkers, by helping to maintain deer numbers at levels that are ecologically and socially appropriate, and we appreciate their participation,� Commissioner Martens said.
The 2010 deer take included 123,100 antlerless deer (adult females and fawns) and just under 107,000 adult bucks. Deer harvests in the Northern Zone were very comparable |
to 2009 with adult buck take (16,100) essentially unchanged and antlerless take (12,500) only increasing about 3%. In the Southern Zone, excluding Long Island, adult buck take (89,900). Western New York continues to lead the state in total deer-harvest densities, but Orange County in southeastern New York remains a strong contender.
Across the state, hunters took a slightly higher proportion of 2.5 year old and older bucks than in previous years, continuing a trend that has developed over the past decade. This past year, about 45% of harvested bucks were 2.5 years or older, compared to only 33% in 2000.
Deer populations and harvest vary widely across the state. The 2010 and previous year�s deer harvest by county, town, and Wildlife Management Unit are available at www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/42232.html on the DEC website. |
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DEC Announces 2010 Bear Harvest Results Bear Harvest numbers were strong again this year in New York State, the DEC announced. In 2010, bear hunters took more than 1,060 bears in the state. Statewide, hunters took 1,064 black bears this past fall, similar to harvest levels of 2005-2007.
In the Southeastern bear hunting area, hunters took 401 bears, with roughly half of the harvest occurring during the |
bowhunting season and half during the regular firearms hunting season. In the Central-Western bear hunting area, hunters took 142 bears, with bowhunters responsible for about 65% of the harvest. Harvest in both areas was down approximately 20% from 2009.
Summary with breakdown by county, town, and Wildlife Mgmt Unit: www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/42232.html |
Ohio
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ODNR Watercraft Chief Pamela Dillon retires COLUMBUS, OH � Columbus resident Pamela Dillon has announced her retirement effective April 30 as chief of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Watercraft.
A native of Portsmouth and former Ostrander resident, Dillon first joined ODNR in 1976 as a park naturalist aide. She attained her peace officer training certificate and was appointed to serve as a state watercraft officer in 1977. She then went on to serve as manager of the Division of |
Watercraft�s Public Information and Education section. From 1996-2002, she served as one of two deputy chiefs in the division before departing ODNR in November, 2002 to serve as executive director of the Virgina-based American Canoe Association.
In October, 2007, Dillon returned and was appointed to serve as Division of Watercraft chief where she has since served as Ohio boating law administrator in charge of the state�s waterways law enforcement activities and boating programs. |
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Delaware County Resident Appointed ODNR Human Resources Chief COLUMBUS, OH � Ohio Department of Natural Resources Director David Mustine announced today the appointment |
of Joan Olivieri as his chief of the Office of Human Resources. Olivieri will manage the agency�s human resources, labor relations and diversity affairs programs. She will begin her duties on April 4. |
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Vendor for
Ohio Parks Reservation System monitoring possible Data Exposure COLUMBUS, OH � A data security incident with an online vendor that manages the Ohio State Parks reservation system may have exposed consumer credit card information. However, a forensic investigation indicated that the information necessary for identity theft was not part of the data security incident, according to the Ohio DNR.
The Ohio State Parks online reservation system is owned and operated by InfoSpherix, a Maryland-based company. The company experienced a malware attack, which |
exposed database information used in transactions from March 21 to December 22, 2010.
Consumers with any questions about their card accounts are asked to contact their credit card companies. No cardholder would be subject to financial liability if fraudulent activity is discovered.
The Ohio State Parks online campground reservation system was introduced in 2003, allowing users to reserve a campsite up to a year in advance, as well as place reservations for Getaway rentals, such as rent-a-camps, yurts and a variety of cabins. The system also is used for point-of-sale transactions within state parks. |
Wisconsin
Wisconsin Fishing Report 2011Fishing season is just around the corner and it's time to get excited about what the new year might bring to Wisconsin anglers. What better way to feed that excitement by reviewing the 2011 Wisconsin Fishing Report - a detailed newspaper of fishing in Wisconsin waters and fishing forecasts for the coming year.
The Wisconsin Fishing Report 2011 is available for download here in digital format and is available in newsprint form at your local DNR service center and select Fleet Farm and Gander Mountain stores. Download the entire Wisconsin Fishing Report 2011. [PDF 2.4MB]
On the Inside |
2011 Fishing Forecasts
Fishing Report Favorites
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Apply for 2012 tournament permits startingApril 1MADISON � Organizers of fishing tournaments planning events for 2012 can apply for their permits starting April 1, 2011.
�If you plan on holding a tournament in 2012, we recommend that you apply in the open period that starts April 1 and runs through June 30 to have the best chance of getting your desired dates and waters,� says Jon Hansen, the Department of Natural Resources fisheries biologist who coordinates the fishing tournament permit system.
Under the new tournament rule, effective May 2009, there is a cap on the maximum amount of tournament fishing pressure allowed on some waters. To give tournament organizers a fair shot at reserving their spots, an open |
application period will run from April 1 through June 30. All applications received during the open period will be reviewed by Aug. 1, 2011, and in the unlikely event that another tournament conflicts with an organizer�s choice of dates or waters, DNR fisheries staff will discuss options with the tournament organizers, Hansen says. Permit applications from tournament organizers applying after June 30, 2011, for events in 2012 will be considered on a first-come first-served basis.Organizers can still apply for 2011 tournamentsTournament organizers can still apply for 2011 tournaments, but the DNR must receive completed applications at least 30 days before the start of the applicant�s tournament. These applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until the caps have been reached.
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Spring Fish and Wildlife Rules Hearings April 11 in all counties of stateHeld in conjunction with Wisconsin Conservation Congress county meetingsMADISON � Citizens across Wisconsin have an opportunity to share their opinions on proposed changes, present new ideas in the management of Wisconsin�s fish and wildlife resources and elect Conservation Congress delegates at the 2011 Department of Natural Resources Annual Spring Fish and Wildlife Rule Hearings and Wisconsin Conservation Congress annual county meetings.
The hearings and meetings will be held starting at 7 p.m. April 11 at locations in every Wisconsin county (pdf). Department of Natural Resources staff representing fisheries, wildlife and law enforcement will be available before the start to answer questions related to the spring hearing questionnaire.
The dual annual hearing and meeting is a keystone in Wisconsin�s history of providing opportunity for citizens to share their opinions on proposed changes or new ideas in |
the management of Wisconsin�s fish and wildlife resources.
�The Spring Fish and Wildlife Rules Hearings are a uniquely Wisconsin tradition,� said DNR Secretary Cathy Stepp. �Government works better with broad citizen input. I hope many Wisconsinites will dedicate their Monday evening to attending and providing input on a range of fish, wildlife and environmental proposals that help shape and define Wisconsin.�
This year the questionnaire contains 85 questions. Thirty-eight of these questions are rule change proposals from the department, and the remainder of the questions are advisory questions proposed by the Wisconsin Conservation Congress or the Natural Resources Board. During the DNR hearing portion, citizens will be allowed to vote on changes to fish and wildlife rules proposed by the DNR and the Natural Resources Board.
All votes recorded are advisory only and are presented to the Natural Resources Board at their May meeting in a summary of public opinion. |
Fisheries Questions on Rules Hearing agendaProposals aimed at increasing the number of bigger walleyes in southern Wisconsin waters and the number of bigger musky statewide are among the top fisheries questions at the Spring Hearings.
The current walleye bag and size limits on many southern Wisconsin waters would change under a proposal aimed at providing anglers more walleye and bigger walleye, simplifying regulations, and boosting naturally reproducing populations of this popular game fish. Southern Wisconsin fish managers are seeking public opinion on their proposal to change the current default walleye bag and size regulations. The change would address heavy fishing pressure that removes many female walleyes from the population before they have been able to spawn for the first time. DNR fisheries surveys over the past 20 years have shown significantly better walleye populations on lakes with more restrictive length and bag limits, fish managers say.
�Our goal is to make walleye fishing better," says Ben Heussner, the Waukesha-based DNR fisheries biologist leading the issue. �Lakes that already have the 18-inch |
minimum length limit and a daily bag limit of three have shown increases in yield, size structure, abundance and natural reproduction. We feel this regulation will more adequately protect walleyes from overharvest.�
Minimum size limits for musky statewide would increase from 34 to 40 inches on 600 musky waters under a proposal developed by DNR's musky committee with input from musky clubs and other anglers.
"Our goal is to provide bigger muskies and we'll do that by better matching the biological potential of the fish and lakes to the regulation," says Tim Simonson, musky committee co-chair. Simonson says DNR data suggests that growth potential for muskies exceeds 40 inches on nearly all Wisconsin musky lakes, but that 60 percent of the fish harvested are less than 40 inches. The result is there are fewer bigger fish left in the population to reach their full growth potential, or contribute to reproductive success much beyond their first few years of adulthood.
Audio slide shows and brochure providing more information on these proposals can be found online on fisheries spring hearings questions page of the DNR website. |
Ontario
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$1,000 Fine For Commercial Fishing Violation A Lake Erie commercial fisherman pleaded guilty and has been fined $1,000 for violating the terms and conditions of his commercial fishing licence and allowing fish to spoil. John S. Anderson of Wheatley, captain of the commercial fishing vessel, Jacks Queen, failed to declare his entire catch of walleye on his daily catch report and was fined $500. He was also fined $500 for allowing fish to spoil
The court heard that on August 18, 2010, conservation officers with the Lake Erie Enforcement Unit were conducting a commercial fisheries marine patrol in the Chatham-Kent waters of Lake Erie. The officers observed the commercial fishing vessel Jacks Queen fishing |
approximately 10 kilometres south of Wheatley. Following the fishing vessel, the officers collected from the water four spoiled walleye that were discarded by Anderson. Further investigation revealed the fish had spoiled because the gill nets were left in the water too long.
Judge Donald Ebbs heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Chatham, on March 25, 2011.
To report a natural resource violation, call 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847-7667) toll-free any time or contact your ministry office during regular business hours. You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
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to lubricate and inhibit rust on firearms and other metal surfaces.
