Weekly News Archives

                         or

       New Product  Archives

Racine-Caught Brown Trout Recognized as World Record

But under the IGFA rules, fish likely to be listed as a co-world record

The catch had already earned him $10,000 in a fishing tournament and placed his name in the state record book.  Now it has labeled Roger Hellen of Franksville as something else - world record holder.

The National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame in Hayward has certified Hellen's catch of a 41-pound, 8 ounce brown trout as the species world record.  You'll remember Hellen landed the fish July 16 while competing in Salmon-A-Rama, the annual Lake Michigan sportfishing tournament in Racine. Hellen hooked the fish while trolling in about 50 feet of water near Wind Point; his angling partner Joe Miller of Racine netted the fish.

The behemoth brown took the grand prize in the tournament; it is the largest fish of any species landed in Salmon-A-Rama's 30-plus year history.   Now it is also officially the largest brown trout ever caught in the world.

Hellen has also submitted a world record application for the

fish to the International Game Fish Association in Dania, Florida.

Under the IGFA rules, Hellen's fish is likely to be listed as a co-world record with a 41-pound, 7-ounce brown trout caught last year in the Manistee River in Michigan. To supplant an existing world record of a fish that weighs more than 25 pounds, IGFA rules state "the replacement must weigh at least one half of 1 percent more than the existing record.  Ex: At 100 pounds the additional weight required would be 8 ounces; at 200 pounds the additional weight required would be 1 pound."

In Hellen's case, his brown trout would have had to exceed the existing record by over 3 ounces.  The IGFA has a mandatory 60-day waiting period before world records are announced; the application was submitted in late July, said Hellen.

For now, the news was cheered throughout the state as a fish caught in Wisconsin waters was listed as a world record.  "It's just great," said Chuck Weier of Two Rivers, legislative chairman of the Wisconsin Federation of Great Lakes Sport Fishing Clubs. "It certainly makes a statement about the quality of the fishing in our waters."

Browning New Shooting Apparel and Gloves

Browning continues to expand its line of shooting apparel and accessories to give the avid shooter more quality constructed, superior designed products to choose from to meet their needs in all types of weather conditions.

Ballistic Insulated Shooting Jacket

Browning's new Ballistic Insulated Shooting Jacket features a durable waterproof, windproof, breathable Pre-Vent outer construction that keeps hard core shooters dry and protected from the wind while the Thermolite� insulation adds warmth.  Oversized shell pockets feature magnetic closures that hold the pocket flaps open or closed.  Double shooting patch accommodates both right-and left-handed shooters  Browning's REACTAR� pad pockets (pad sold separately) gives shooters added recoil reduction using the patented Beta Gel pad which reduces peak recoil up to 49%.  Rib knit cuffs, a stand-up, zip-through collar, brushed tricot lining, adjustable cuffs with hook and loop closures and drawcord bottom are also featured.  Available in Black/Green in sizes S-3XL

About $119.95

Mohave Short Sleeve NTS Shooting T-Shirt.

Browning's newest Shooting T-Shirt is constructed of 100% polyester moisture-wicking piquet fabric that is perfect for hot

weather.  OdorSmart� technology kills odor-causing bacteria to control human odor.  It features a crew neck and Claymaster and Buckmark logo embroidery.  Available in Sand, Brown and Pine colors in sizes S-3XL

About $36.95

Trapper Creek Shooting Gloves

The latest in Browning's diverse line of shooting gloves, the new Trapper Creek model will be offered for both men and women shooters.  Made of lightweight, soft brushed synthetic suede, they feature a stretch-mesh back for comfortable fit and enhanced air circulation.  Available in Brown/Black for men in sizes S-2XL and in Brown/Pink for women in sizes S-XL.  Both models are washable.

About $24.95

800-333-3288

www.browning.com

Swarovski Optik offers New BRT Tactical Scope

Designed for short to medium range tactical style calibers

SWAROVSKI announces the BRT Tactical reticle for short to medium range tactical shooting.

The BRT Tactical reticle is available in the Z6(i) 1-6x24 riflescope (illuminated and non-illuminated). Its true 1X magnification, illuminated dot and long range reticle combine to make an ideal scope for tactical applications. The 1X magnification allows the shooter to keep both eyes open for faster target acquisition during close range shooting. The ends of the marker bars are designed for wind compensation up to 20 mph and the marker bars and dots provide precise long range capability. The Z6(i) 1-6x24 is available with a newly designed throw lever for fast power adjustment in the field.

SWAROVSKI OPTIK will provide decals for typical AR platform rifle calibers in 16� and 20� barrel length. If the load you are using is not on the supplied decals, go to  BRT Ballistic Calculator at:  WWW.SWAROVSKIOPTIK.COM . Using the SWAROVSKI OPTIK BRT online Ballistic Calculator is the most efficient way to determine the down range values of the

BRT.

Tom Hogan, of SWAROVSKI OPTIK says, �The BRT has been designed with the tactical shooter�s needs in mind. The easy to use and very precise reticle combined with our Z6(i) 1-6x24 takes all the best features of the scopes on the market today and combines them into one perfect scope. With the increased interest in tactical shooting lately we are very excited to bring this new reticle to the market�.

Check out the new BRT at http://www.swarovskioptik.us/en_us/products/57

800-426-3089

Court sets Aug 23 for Arguments in Asian Carp Case

MADISON � Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen announced that on Friday, August 13, the States of Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Ohio and Pennsylvania filed their brief and supporting papers with the United States District Court, Northern District of Illinois (Chicago), in response to briefs filed by defendants U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago.

The federal district court in Chicago hearing the federal nuisance lawsuit to enjoin the introduction of Asian carp into Lake Michigan through the Chicago area waterway system scheduled for next Monday, August 23, the first arguments on the States' motion for preliminary injunction.  The court also reserved August 30 and 31 for hearing testimony in the matter.

The States are asking the court to immediately order defendants to implement best available methods to block the passage and to capture or kill bighead and silver carp in the Chicago waterway, including installing block nets, gates and screens, and other interim physical barriers to fish passage between the waterway and Lake Michigan, and temporarily closing and ceasing operation of the locks at the O'Brien Lock and Dam and the Chicago River Controlling Works except as needed to protect public health and safety.

�We are asking the court to order both immediate preventive and long-term solutions. In the short term, we want certain locks closed, effective barriers created to prevent continued

fish migration, and Asian carp killed that have already passed

the Barrier System.,� said Van Hollen. �Long-term, we think the best solution is the one nature once provided: the physical separation o the Great Lakes basin and the Mississippi river systems.�

In their submissions, the defendants argued the threat of Asian carp entering the Great Lakes is neither imminent or irreparable, that the court should favor operation of the locks as usual over implementing measures that might interfere with river commerce, and that the nuisance case itself should be dismissed because it presents a political question not suited for the courts and the action is displaced by federal laws related to the problem, such as one setting up an electric barrier demonstration project.

The States' brief responds to all defendants' arguments opposing the preliminary injunction.  That brief and accompanying papers can be viewed at

www.doj.state.wi.us/news/files/83-1PsReplyPrelimInjSupport.pdf

www.doj.state.wi.us/news/files/83-2ExhA.pdf

www.doj.state.wi.us/news/files/83-3ExhB.pdf

www.doj.state.wi.us/news/files/83-4ExhC.pdf

"We look forward to our chance to be heard in court next Monday," Van Hollen said.

IJC offers teleconference on St Lawrence River Sept 21

The International St. Lawrence River Board of Control invites you to participate in a public teleconference to discuss the regulation of outflows and water levels in the Lake Ontario/St. Lawrence River System.

The public teleconference will be held the evening of September 21, 2010, 7:00-8:30 pm EDT.  You can participate in either of two ways: by phone or in-person. 

By phone, call toll free 1-877-413-4814 between 6:45 and 6:55 p.m. English access code: 716 7455            

In person, you can join the International St. Lawrence River Board for the teleconference at either meeting site:

St. Lawrence Room W, Ramada Inn, 805 Brookdale Ave, Cornwall, Ontario or Rm 118 of Rich Hall, SUNY, Oswego, NY

For more info: http://www.ijc.org/conseil_board/islrbc/en/meetings/Teleconference-September-21-2010.doc

August USGS regional diet study update

We just worked up fish number 1800 for this year, and you guys have been getting stomachs to us faster than we can keep up, so there is a backlog in our freezer.

Last year we ended up with just over 2100 stomachs, so it looks like we are on track to equal or even exceed that total.

But don't think that you should stop collecting; August is an important month because prey abundance is increasing as the age-0 fish get large enough to be interesting to predators. We want to see how the predators respond to seasonal prey increase.

This is a major accomplishment because in studies like this,

it is not unusual see fewer participants the second year. We have more. MDNRE creel clerks have done an outstanding job of helping us by organizing/facilitating collections and transporting stomachs to central freezer locations. They put in a huge amount of extra effort.

Ed will be presenting study results at the American Fisheries Society annual conference in Pittsburgh, PA in September, and it won't be just  about the data. A big part of the story will be how you guys came through for us, and the resource. We will, of course, be presenting second year results next spring at the Sea Grant workshops (as well as other venues).

Thanks, and keep up the good work! Jeff Schaeffer.

Weekly Great Lakes Water Levels for August 20, 2010

Weather Conditions

Last weekend, the Great Lakes basin was hot and dry.  With the exception of the New York state portion, temperatures within the basin exceeded seasonal averages by around 10 degrees.  Temperatures declined early this workweek, and moderate temperatures prevailed through Wednesday.  The central and western parts of the basin will experience rain and above average temperatures on Friday, while temperatures will be moderate in the eastern part of the Great Lakes basin. Thunderstorms are expected in most of the region on Saturday.  Temperatures will be moderate as the new workweek begins.

Lake Level Conditions

All of the Great Lakes continue to be below their levels of a year ago. Presently, the lakes range from 6 to 9 inches below what they were at this time last year. Over the next month, Lake Superior is expected to rise 1 inch, while Lake Michigan-Huron is forecasted to decline 2 inches. Lakes St. Clair, Erie, and Ontario are expected to decline 5, 4, and 6 inches, respectively, during the next 30 days. See our Daily Levels web page for more water level information.

Forecasted August Outflows/Channel Conditions

The outflows from Lake Superior into the St. Mary's River, and from Lake Huron into the St. Clair River, are predicted to be below average in August, while Lake St. Clair's outflow into the

Detroit River is expected to be near average during the month.   The Niagara River's flow from Lake Erie is predicted to be slightly below average, and the flow in the St. Lawrence River is forecasted to be below average throughout August.

Alerts

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.

ISRA & SAF file new lawsuit against Chicago

On Monday, August 16, 2010, the Illinois State Rifle Association, in partnership with the Second Amendment Foundation, Action Target Inc. and three individual plaintiffs, Rhonda Ezell, Joseph Brown and William Hespen, have again  joined with lawyers Alan Gura and David Sigale to demand that Mayor Daley and his gun banning cohorts recognize the Second Amendment as an individual right not subject to their whims.

After losing in McDonald v Chicago, Mayor Daley responded by allowing city residents to obtain permits but put as many
 

roadblocks in the way as he felt he could get away with
including mandatory training but not allowing the training to take place within City limits, all the while walking around with an armed contingent of body guards supplied with taxpayer dollars and trained on their publicly funded private for police only ranges.

Clearly Mayor Daley believes that firearm ownership is a privilege reserved for the wealthy and connected.  The ISRA et al believe that this is not only a violation of the Second Amendment but also of the First Amendment as 'Hizzoner' restricts the education and free speech of the citizens.

Removing natural vegetation is a welcome mat for invasive species

Native aquatic plants help keep lakes healthy.  They provide food and shelter for fish and wildlife.   They stabilize water quality.  They protect shorelines and lake bottoms from erosion.  And they improve the visual appeal of the lakeshore.

Native aquatic plants can also help keep invasive species, like Eurasian water milfoil, from taking over. Removing native aquatic vegetation is like throwing out a welcome mat for invasive species.  Areas cleared of native plants make it easier for unwanted vegetation to move in and take over.

HUD offers Disaster Assistance for Illinois Storm Victims

Foreclosure protection offered to displaced families in seven counties

WASHINGTON � U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan today announced HUD will speed federal disaster assistance to seven counties in Illinois and provide support to homeowners and low-income renters forced from their homes following severe storms and flooding last month.

President Obama issued a disaster declaration for Carroll, Cook, DuPage, Jo Daviess, Ogle, Stephenson, and Winnebago Counties. The President�s declaration allows HUD to offer foreclosure relief and other assistance to certain families living in this county.

HUD is:

 ➢  Offering the State of Illinois the ability to re-allocate existing federal resources toward disaster relief � HUD's Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME programs give the State the flexibility to redirect millions of dollars to address critical needs, including housing and services for flood victims. HUD is currently contacting State and local officials to explore streamlining the Department's CDBG and HOME programs in order to expedite the repair and replacement of damaged housing;

➢  Granting immediate foreclosure relief � HUD granted a 90-day moratorium on foreclosures and forbearance on foreclosures of Federal Housing Administration (FHA)-insured home mortgages;

➢  Making mortgage insurance available � HUD's Section 203(h) program provides FHA insurance to disaster victims who have lost their homes and are facing the daunting task of rebuilding or buying another home. Borrowers from participating FHA-approved lenders are eligible for 100 percent financing, including closing costs;

➢  Making insurance available for both mortgages and home rehabilitation � HUD's Section 203(k) loan program enables those who have lost their homes to finance the purchase or refinance of a house along with its repair through a single mortgage. It also allows homeowners who have damaged houses to finance the rehabilitation of their existing single-family home; and

➢  Offering Section 108 loan guarantee assistance � HUD will offer state and local governments federally guaranteed loans for housing rehabilitation, economic development and repair of public infrastructure.  For more information about these and other HUD programs designed to assist disaster victims, visit HUD�s website.

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation announces PA Conservation Grants

MISSOULA, Mont.--Wildlife conservation and public education projects in 18 Pennsylvania counties have been selected to receive grants from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation in

2010.  The new RMEF funding, totaling $115,580, will affect Armstrong, Bedford, Cameron, Centre, Clarion, Clearfield, Clinton, Elk, Fayette, Lycoming, McKean, Mercer, Montgomery, Philadelphia, Potter, Sullivan, Tioga and Washington counties.

Hook and line sturgeon season opens Sept. 4
MADISON - High water in many of the rivers that open Sept. 4 for the 2010 hook and line sturgeon season means that fishing prospects for the state's oldest and largest fish are murky three weeks out but that one thing is clear: bring bug spray.

The story is the incredible amount of water and the mosquitoes,� says Dan Fuller, Department of Natural Resources fisheries technician based in Poynette. �Right now the Wisconsin River, for instance, is running high. Normally it�s 4,000 cubic feet per second, now it�s 11,000 cfs.�

Information on water levels can be found on the U.S. Geological Survey website at waterwatch.usgs.gov . Fuller is not sure how those high water levels will impact the fishing. On the one hand, there is a lot of food washing into the river so the sturgeon may not be as hungry and interested in the baits anglers offer. On the other hand, the increase in water levels from the rain can start the fish moving. For sure, the high water levels mean a bumper crop of mosquitoes will greet anglers casting from the shore, Fuller says. �Bring bug repellant.�

A dozen waters open to harvest and a new C & R opportunity. Anglers looking for a real big fish story can find one on any of the dozen or so waters open for the 2010 season, which runs Sept. 4-30. Additional season information can be found in the current Wisconsin fishing regulations

The 2010 season marks the fourth year that the minimum length for harvesting sturgeon is set at 60 inches, with a one-fish limit per season. There is a catch and release season on a stretch of the Menominee River downstream from the Hattie Street dam to Green Bay.

New this year is a catch and release season on the lower St. Croix River from St. Croix Falls Dam downstream to the Mississippi River from Oct. 1 through Oct. 15 to allow Wisconsin and Minnesota to have the same regulations for the same species. This is not reflected in the Fishing Regulations 2010-2011. �We continue to provide people with surgeon angling opportunities,� says Karl Scheidegger, a DNR fisheries biologist in Madison who co-chairs the state�s sturgeon committee. �There are fish out there. With persistence and a little know-how, anglers stand a good chance of landing one of these giants.�

Lake sturgeon are slow-growing, late maturing fish, with females spawning for the first time when they are 20 to 25 years old and then only every four to five years thereafter. Because females are larger than males, they are often targeted by anglers, and their overharvest can cause population declines that may take years to recover.

So to protect these vulnerable fish, the state�s sturgeon management program seeks to limit harvest to 5 percent of the adults in a particular population. On some waters, harvest rates were significantly exceeding that rate.  �One of the things we wanted to try to accomplish through the regulation change was the reduction in harvest,� Scheidegger says. �Clearly we�ve done that but we need to continue to look at how we manage sturgeon so we can improve management in all areas.�

Remember to buy a harvest tag

Wisconsin cougar sightings up

A Wisconsin DNR official says his department is getting about a dozen unconfirmed cougar sightings a week in southern Wisconsin. Doug Fendry, a biologist and wildlife supervisor,

said the thick tree growth, hilly areas and los of deer makes the habitat of the Rock River Valley good for mountain lions migrating from the Black Hills.

Nonresident seniors now allowed to use crossbows to hunt

MADISON � Beginning this fall, non-resident senior citizens will have the same privileges as Wisconsin residents for hunting a number of game species with a crossbow.  A bill passed by the state legislature which took effect on Feb. 26, 2010, allows non-resident senior citizens to use a crossbow to hunt turkey, bear, and small game with a crossbow under the authority of the appropriate license.

Last year, the legislature granted non-residents age 65 and

older the privilege to use a crossbow for hunting deer and

small game under the authority of a archery license, the same as state residents. �These changes make the laws regarding use of crossbows by senior citizens the same for both residents and non-residents for hunting all species,� said Tom Van Haren, DNR conservation warden, Madison.

If a person is not age 65, they must hold an appropriate disabled hunting permit which authorizes them to use a crossbow, he added