Weekly News Archives

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       New Product  Archives

MarCum Vx-1pro Flasher adds Features, keeps low price

Minneapolis, MN � What would you say about an American made ice fishing flasher that exceeded many of the competition�s top-level features, yet carried the economical price tag of an entry-level unit? You�d probably call it a steal, right? And you would be correct.

Setting the standard for performance at an all-new price point. This unit comes complete with battery, charger, electronics shuttle with adjustable transducer arm, self-aligning transducer, gimbal bracket, and VX-1 sonar powerhead. Even at this great price point, the Marcum VX-1 offers our patented interference rejection, a bottom zoom feature that automatically locks on bottom: 5' in 20-ft and 40-ft scale, 10' in 80-ft scale, and 20' in 160-ft scale, and expertly engineered receiver design. With its 1000 watts of peak-to-peak power and complete package of features and accessories, the VX-1 beats the competitions product that sells for nearly twice the price.

For 2010-11, the MarCum VX-1Pro has been enhanced and bolstered with even more features than before. The upgrade starts with a larger, even more potent power source. The VX1-Pro�like its LX-3tc and LX-5 brethren�is now juiced by a powerful 12-volt 9-amp rechargeable battery (New 3-Stage Auto Battery Charger also included.) That�s a jolt of energy that translates to an additional six hours of runtime�nearly another full day on the ice without a recharge. The new, improved battery weighs no more than the old one.

About $299.00 

888-778-1208      [email protected]

LaCrosse delivers In Extreme Conditions

Legendary for its cold weather performance, LaCrosse Footwear has raised the bar again with a new series of pac boots specifically designed to support fishing or hunting long into the winter months. Available in both black and camo styles, the Hunt Pac 1200 G delivers all the comfort and performance a cold day in the field demands, while the Hunt Pac Extreme 2000 G is ready to conquer even the worst weather conditions. Inspired by late season hunts in the upper Midwest, these boots won't quit until the last tag is filled.

The new Hunt Pac features 100% waterproof protection in a lightweight, streamlined design. Ideal for operating a snow machine or quad, the Bear Trap outsole delivers supreme traction in snow, while 1200 G Thinsulate Ultra Insulation keeps feet warm in extreme cold conditions. A reinforced heel

and toecap provide extra durability and protection, while the padded collar ensures comfort. Available in both Realtree AP HD and black, this boot is a great solution for the late season hunter as well as the snow machine enthusiast.

For the dedicated sportsman undeterred by even the worst weather conditions, LaCrosse offers the Hunt Pac Extreme. Built to withstand extreme cold, the boot features 2000 G Thinsulate Ultra Insulation in a 100% waterproof rugged design. The Ice Grip outsole offers the best traction on snow and ice, while the reinforced heel and toecap provide extra durability and protection. Its lightweight design, padded collar and deep flex notch in the lacing system deliver outstanding comfort and agility in the field. Perfect for late season activities, the Hunt Pac Extreme is available in Mossy Oak� Break-Up camo.

The Hunt Pac series are available in whole sizes 8-14.

www.lacrossefootwear.com and www.danner.com

Ruger Announces The New Ruger 10/22-FS

Ruger announces the new Ruger 10/22-FS rifle featuring the Ruger SR-556^� /Mini-14^�-style flash suppressor. This threaded barrel version of the popular Ruger 10/22^� rifle allows owners to attach an assortment of muzzle accessories to one of America�s favorite rimfire rifles.

The Ruger 10/22-FS features a precision-rifled, cold hammer-forged 16-1/8� alloy steel barrel with black matte finish. The factory �-28 thread barrel offers Ruger 10/22 owners the convenience and cost effectiveness of a threaded barrel necessary for many custom built firearms.

With a black synthetic stock and carbine length barrel, the Ruger 10/22-FS weighs in at 4.3 lbs., the lightest weight 10/22 available today from Ruger. The Ruger 10/22-FS has an overall length of 36-1/4 inches, features a 13.5� length of pull and comes with a combination scope base adapter and reliable Ruger rotary magazine.

www.ruger.com

Ruger Introduces Mini Thirty Tactical Rifle

Ruger announces a new model of the simple, rugged and reliable Mini Thirty Rifle, the Mini Thirty Tactical Rifle. Like all Ruger Mini Thirty rifles, which have been extremely popular since first introduced in 1991, the Mini Thirty Tactical allows shooters to fire the 7.62 X 39 round in an affordable, quality, American-made auto-loading rifle.

The Mini Thirty Tactical has a blued 16-1/8� barrel with flash suppressor and comes with a black synthetic stock. The rifle weighs approximately 6.75 pounds, has an overall length of ����� 37.5 inches, and is shipped with one 20-round magazine.

The sighting system on the Mini Thirty Tactical includes an adjustable "ghost ring" aperture rear sight and a protected, non-glare post front sight. Patented Ruger scope bases are machined directly into the receiver and can never shoot loose.  A set of Ruger scope rings is included at no charge with each rifle. Side ejection of cartridge cases easily clears the lowest-mounted optics, and a patented recoil buffer helps protect optics from damage from repeated firing.

www.ruger.com

Sportfishing Calls on Anglers to Let Their Opinions Be Known

Alexandria, VA - The sportfishing industry has submitted comments to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requesting that the petition to ban lead in all fishing gear be denied. The petition, which was filed on August 23, by the Center for Biological Diversity and four other organizations, cites the impact on waterbirds as the main reason for the requested ban. Also submitting requests for denial are the National Marine Manufacturers Association and the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. In addition to the proposed ban on lead fishing gear, the petition also requested a ban on lead in ammunition for the hunting and the shooting sports. The EPA denied that petition on August 27, 2010.

A similar petition to ban lead in fishing tackle was presented to the EPA in 1992. In 1994, EPA abandoned its proposed rule after finding that the impact of lead did not present a threat to any bird population; that the economic impact was significant; and that the proposed rule was socially unacceptable.

"Each of those findings remains valid today," said ASA Vice President Gordon Robertson. "The petitioners have presented little credible evidence to suggest that lead in recreational fishing products is threatening the health of either humans or wildlife. Substantive evidence about the impact of lead on waterbird populations - a central theme of the petition - is glaringly absent."

In addition, the petition:

� Significantly underestimates the economic impact of removing all lead from fishing tackle on the sportfishing industry and the American recreational fishing public.

� Seriously overstates the availability and practicality of most alternatives to lead recreational fishing products.

� Fails to recognize that state fish and wildlife agencies are the proper regulatory authorities to address instances of documented waterbird mortality.

"The petitioners claim that there are many comparable alternative materials that will minimize the social and economic impacts of a lead ban," noted Robertson. "Steel, tin and tungsten are the only suitable alternatives to lead in fishing tackle and they have limitations in performance, application and price. Tin- and tungsten-based fishing gear could cost ten to twenty times more than their lead counterparts."

"Since 1933 the sportfishing industry has strongly supported administrative and legislative initiatives that support clean water and healthy and abundant fish populations," said Robertson. "We continue to stand behind such measures, especially those that remove health-threatening pollutants from our waterways. Lead in its manufactured form in recreational fishing equipment poses little to no harm to the environment. We want citizens to know that lead in fishing equipment also poses a minute health risk for humans and waterbird populations."

Robertson concluded, "Members of the hunting community spoke out against the petition with a positive outcome. We are proud that thousands of anglers have already submitted comments to the EPA opposing this unjustified petition. We encourage all anglers to let their voices be heard demonstrating that the American angling public does not support the petitioners' unreasonable request."

Chicago Sanitary & Ship Canal to close periodically Oct. 4-8

Closures to facilitate U.S. Army Corps of Engineers� construction project

CHICAGO -- Periodic waterway closures on the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal will take place each day from October 4 through October 8 for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to install underwater structures designed to limit the spread of electric current in the waterway, according to an announcement by the Asian Carp Regional Coordinating Committee

The canal will be closed to all traffic during periods of work. It is anticipated the waterway will be closed each morning and afternoon, with possible openings midday and some nights. However, there may also be one or two overnight closures during this period to allow for intensive fish sampling. Details

are subject to change, but the ACRCC recognizes the importance of providing maximum advance notice to waterway users.

WHERE: Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal in the vicinity of the barrier, likely from mile 296.1 (approx 450' south of the Romeo Road Bridge) to MM 296.7 (aerial pipeline located approx 0.51 miles northeast of Romeo Road bridge).

WHEN: Portions of each day from Oct. 4 through Oct. 8.

We will announce the closure times once they are determined. Questions on the waterway closure can be directed to U.S. Coast Guard Sector Lake Michigan at(414-747-7163) or to U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Chicago at (630) 986-2155.

Weekly Great Lakes Water Levels for September 10

Weather Conditions

The Great Lakes basin experienced a return to seasonal temperatures this week, with the exception of the eastern part of the region, where temperatures were above average in the early part of the week.  Precipitation was light over much of the area, with about a half inch of rain falling on Lake Superior and smaller amounts over the other lakes.  Thunderstorms are expected to pass through the area on Saturday, followed by sunny skies and below-average temperatures through the early part of next week.

Lake Level Conditions

Each of the Great Lakes continue to be below what they were a year ago. Currently, the lakes range from 3 to 11 inches below last year's levels. Over the next 30 days, Lake Superior is expected to remain at its current level, while Lake Michigan-Huron is forecasted to decline 3 inches. It is predicted that Lakes St. Clair, Erie, and Ontario will decline 5, 4, and 7 inches, respectively, during the next month. See our Daily Levels web page for more water level information.

Forecasted September Outflows/Channel Conditions

The outflows from Lake Superior into the St. Mary's River, from Lake Huron into the St. Clair River, and from Lake St. Clair into the Detroit River are expected to be below average in September.  The Niagara River's flow from Lake Erie is also

predicted to be below average, and the flow in the St. Lawrence River is forecasted to be near average throughout September.

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.

Patterns in density of cormorants in two coastal regions of Lake Huron

Journal of Great Lakes Research

Aerial line transect distance sampling surveys of coastal areas in the North Channel and Georgian Bay, Lake Huron, were conducted to estimate density of double-crested cormorants. Surveys were approximately every two weeks through summer from 2000 to 2005.

In each year, density of cormorants declined towards late summer indicating a large scale outward migration of cormorants from Lake Huron. The seasonal pattern of decline differed between the two regions based on a mixed model analysis. Seasonal patterns in apparent fledging patterns may reflect differences between the North Channel and Georgian

Bay in nesting phenology, nesting synchrony or some combination of these factors.

Density was generally higher in the North Channel relative to Georgian Bay seasonally and during the period 2000�2002 likely reflecting higher per unit area productivity in the North Channel. In the years 2003�2005, density was lower in both regions and similar compared to earlier years of the survey likely reflecting a regime shift that occurred in Lake Huron at that time. The effect of this change was greater in the North Channel than in Georgian Bay as indicated by a greater decline in cormorant density in the North Channel after 2002.

http://snre.umich.edu/scavia/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Fahnenstiel-et-al-2010a.pdf

Last weeks of inland trout season often the best

MADISON - With the Sept. 30 close of the inland trout season fast approaching, anglers will find they enjoy some of the best trout fishing of the season, state fish biologists say.

�It's been a tough summer to be out trout fishing because the heat and the humidity, but the next few weeks should be fantastic,� says Larry Claggett, DNR cold water ecologist. �Every stream I see is flowing above normal but not flooding, and that creates good habitat, abundant food, and cooler water temperatures, which means the fish are going to be a little more active again."

Claggett says DNR fisheries surveys are showing good trout populations, and fish managers are telling me �the fishing is as good as it's ever been.� Dave Vetrano is one of those fish managers who believes the fishing's never been better. He's been working for 30 years directly on improving fishing in western Wisconsin counties of Crawford, Vernon, Monroe and La Crosse.

�Because of the abundant rainfall we have base flows far higher than what they have ever been. Our streams are in the best shape ever from a fisheries standpoint.�  Vetrano says that the high water levels this year, as well as the flooding in 2008 and 2007, have benefitted trout populations and anglers.

�There's a misconception that the water just blows the fish out but in reality they hunker down and as long as they don�t get moved by a big log that pushes them out, they try to find the

low current areas and they'll be just fine.�  The flood waters

scour the sediments from the river beds, revealing the cobbled substrate that the trout need to spawn. "We've seen a tremendous increase in recruitment and young of year and increase in the invertebrate populations, so for all intents and purposes, the fishing is the best it's ever been."

Vetrano cautions that anglers will want to watch stream flows carefully, and wait until the water comes back down in a stream and clears up a little. That doesn't take long in western Wisconsin, where the stream flows rise and fall quickly, sometimes within 24 hours. The trout are sight feeders. They can't see the lure. The best fishing is just as water starts to get a little dirty or a little clear. In that interim, that�s the time to get out. They go on a major feed. Depending on the rain event, they may have not eaten for two or three days.�

Mike Miller, a DNR stream ecologist and avid trout angler, advises fly fishers to try fishing the mouths of tributaries to larger rivers and use a grasshopper, ant or cricket fly pattern. Large brown trout try to avoid bright sunlight so spin fishers fishing near dusk using lures that imitate minnows or crawfish can hook some impressive fish.

�The brown trout and brook trout are fall spawners so they will be thinking of moving upstream so often times you can find some big fish in spots you might not normally find them,� Miller says. �The fish should start stacking up close to these smaller tributary streams, smaller streams.�

New hunting and trapping rules in effect for 2010 seasons

MADISON � Hunters and trappers looking forward to the 2010-2011 seasons will have some new rules to follow as they pursue their fall pastimes. Several of the new rules were requested and supported by hunters and trappers at the annual Spring Rule Hearings. Others have come to life in response to changing wildlife management needs and new technologies.

Most of the newer rules are found in the �What�s New� section of the fall seasons regulations pamphlets and are also listed in a new fact sheet available online on the Hunting and Trapping Regulations page of the Department of Natural Resources website. A few of the newer rules were not finalized until after the paper copies of the regulations went to press but are updated on the DNR website. Hunters and trappers are encouraged to study the regulations pamphlets and check the DNR website under the type of game they intend to pursue to be sure they are aware of any new rules.

Hunters and trappers can also call the DNR Information (1-888-WDNR INFo) line 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. 7 days a week with questions.

A sample of new rules of interest to deer hunters includes:

►The free archery antlerless deer carcass tags that come with a regular archery deer license and patron�s license is NOT VALID in 19 deer management units designated as �Regular Units � Buck Only.

►Archery deer hunters no longer must wait three days from the date of license purchase to go hunting � the license is good immediately when purchased during the open season.

►Scopes or telescopic sights with magnification are now legal on muzzleloaders during the 10-day Nov. 29 � Dec.8 muzzleloader season.

►Whole deer carcasses can now be transported out of the CWD Management Zone or into Wisconsin from CWD areas of other states where CWD has been detected under certain restrictions.

►Deer and bear may now be quartered for easier removal from the field, also subject to certain restrictions.

►Whitefish Dunes and Potawatomi state parks are now open for deer hunting during the nine-day firearm deer season.

►Fall turkey hunters may now use dogs anywhere in the state.

The bobcat season has been extended through January and split into two separate time periods. Trappers will be able to also use cable restraints for bobcat in the January portion of the season if they have a permit for the second bobcat time period. Several changes to the waterfowl season structure include eliminating the Burnett Subzone closed area making it now huntable as part of the exterior zone and implementing new property rules at the Mead and Zeloski Marsh properties.