• RCBS Unveils the Complete Ultrasonic Cleaning System

• Feds propose expansion of Hunting, Fishing in National Wildlife Refuge System

• Nominate Outstanding Individuals for a Great Lakes Fishery Commission Award

• Weekly Great Lakes Water Levels for Sept 27

• Illinois Fall Trout Fishing Season Opens Oct. 19

• Drivers should be aware of deer this fall

• Salamonie Senior Monday Luncheon, Oct. 7

• Pokagon SP to host photography workshop, Oct. 26

• Wolf hunting licenses now on sale

• Public invited to 2013 Pheasant Opener events in Madelia

• DEC changes Deer Bonus Permit Program for Noted Areas

• ODNR Expands Deer Check System

• Bobcat, River Otter Management Plans Available for Review

• New land owner incentives program for spring turkey hunting

• Other Breaking News

RCBS Unveils the Complete Ultrasonic Cleaning System

ANOKA, Minn. � September 19, 2013 � RCBS has unveiled the Ultrasonic Case Cleaner, the ultimate tool to save time and crank out rounds faster. Its 3.2-quart stainless steel tank holds a huge volume of brass cases, rapidly removing tarnish, carbon buildup and metal oxides. Handloaders can use the keypad and display to select one of five preset temperature settings, and to set the timer from 1 to 30 minutes to match their specific case-cleaning needs. These products are available now.

RCBS offers two new cleaning solutions to conquer various tasks when used with the Ultrasonic Case Cleaner. Ultrasonic Case Cleaning Solution

quickly removes tarnish and oxidation from cartridge cases. The

specialized formulation cleans brass cases inside and out, including the primer pockets (spent primers must be removed), producing a bright, professional-grade finish. Ultrasonic Weapons Cleaning Solution quickly removes grease, carbon buildup and fouling from firearm parts. The fast-acting synthetic detergent cleans all part surfaces, and its rust preventive helps stop corrosion.

For a full version of the release and a hi-res image, please click on the link below: 

http://ow.atk.com/p/RC/472.aspx.

Feds propose expansion of Hunting, Fishing in National Wildlife Refuge System

Six More Refuges Open to Hunting; 20 Refuges Expand Hunting and Fishing Opportunities 

WASHINGTON, D.C. �Interior Sally Jewell ay announced that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing to expand fishing and hunting opportunities throughout the National Wildlife Refuge System, opening up new hunting programs on six refuges and expanding existing hunting and fishing programs on another 20 refuges. The proposed rule also modifies existing refuge-specific regulations for more than 75 additional refuges and wetland management districts. 

�Sportsmen and women were a major driving force behind the creation and expansion of the National Wildlife Refuge System more than a century ago and continue to be some of its strongest supporters, especially through their volunteer work and financial contributions,� Jewell said. �Keeping our hunting and angling heritage strong by providing more opportunities on our refuges will not only help raise up a new generation of conservationists, but also support local businesses and create jobs in local communities.� 

Under the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, the Service can permit hunting and fishing along with four other types of wildlife-dependent recreation where they are compatible with the refuge�s purpose and mission. Hunting, within specified limits, is permitted on more than 329 wildlife refuges. Fishing is permitted on more than 271 wildlife refuges. 

�Hunting and fishing are healthy, traditional outdoor pastimes deeply rooted in America�s heritage and have long been enjoyed on hundreds of national wildlife refuges under the supervision of our biologists and wildlife managers,� said Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Dan Ashe. �After careful consideration and review from the Service, this proposal represents one of the largest expansions of hunting and fishing opportunities on wildlife refuges in recent years.� 

National wildlife refuges generate important benefits from the conservation of wildlife and habitat through spending and employment for local economies. According to the National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation, published every five years by the Service, more than 90 million Americans, or 41 percent of the United States� population age 16 and older, pursued wildlife-related recreation in 2011. They spent more than $144 billion that year on those activities. Nearly 72 million people observed wildlife, while more than 33 million fished and more than 13 million hunted. 

The Service manages its hunting and fishing programs on refuges to ensure sustainable wildlife populations, while offering historical wildlife-dependent recreation on public lands. 

Other wildlife-dependent recreation on national wildlife refuges includes wildlife photography, environmental education, wildlife observation and interpretation. 

The Service proposes opening the following refuges to hunting for the first time: 

New York 

Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge: Open to big game hunting. 

Oregon 

Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge: Open to migratory bird hunting.

Nestucca Bay National Wildlife Refuge: Open to migratory bird hunting.

Siletz Bay National Wildlife Refuge: Open to migratory bird hunting. 

Pennsylvania 

Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge: Open to migratory bird, upland game and big game hunting. 

Wyoming 

Cokeville Meadows National Wildlife Refuge: Open to migratory bird, upland game and big game hunting. 

Under the proposal, the Service would expand hunting and sport fishing on the following refuges: 

California 

Colusa National Wildlife Refuge: Expand migratory bird and upland game hunting. 

Florida 

Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge: Add big game hunting (already open to migratory bird hunting.)

St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge: Expand migratory bird hunting, upland game hunting and big game hunting. 

Idaho 

Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge: Expand upland game hunting (already open to migratory bird hunting and big game hunting. )

Illinois 

Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge: Expand migratory bird hunting, upland game hunting and big game hunting.

Middle Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge: Expand migratory bird hunting, upland game hunting and big game hunting. 

Indiana 

Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge and Management Area: Expand migratory bird, upland game and big game hunting. 

Iowa 

Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge: Expand migratory bird hunting, upland game hunting and big game hunting.

Northern Tallgrass Prairie National Wildlife Refuge: Expand migratory bird hunting, upland game hunting and big game hunting.

Port Louisa National Wildlife Refuge: Expand migratory bird hunting, upland game hunting, big game hunting and sport fishing. 

Maine 

Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge: Expand migratory bird hunting, upland game hunting and big game hunting. 

Missouri 

Mingo National Wildlife Refuge: Expand migratory bird hunting, upland game hunting and big game hunting. 

New Mexico 

San Andres National Wildlife Refuge: Expand big game hunting. 

Oregon 

Bandon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge, OR and WA: Expand migratory bird hunting (already open to sport fishing.)

Julia Butler Hanson Refuge for the Columbian White-Tailed Deer, OR and WA: Expand migratory bird hunting (already open to big game hunting.)

Malheur National Wildlife Refuge: Expand migratory bird hunting & fishing (already open to upland game and big game hunting. 

Texas 

Aransas National Wildlife Refuge: Add migratory bird hunting. The refuge is already open to big game hunting.

Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge: Expand hunting for migratory birds, upland game and big game. 

Vermont 

Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge: Expand migratory bird hunting, upland game hunting and big game hunting. 

Washington 

Willapa National Wildlife Refuge: Expand migratory bird hunting and big game hunting (already open to upland game hunting)

Notice of the 2013-2014 proposed Refuge-Specific Hunting and Sport Fishing Regulations was published in the Federal Register September 24, 2013. Written comments and information can be submitted by one of the following methods: 

Federal eRulemaking Portal Follow the instructions for submitting comments to Docket No. [FWS-HQ-NWRS-2013-0074]; or

U.S. mail or hand-delivery: Public Comments Processing, Attn: [FWS-HQ-NWRS-2013-0074]; Division of Policy and Directives Management; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, MS 2042�PDM; Arlington, VA 22203. 

Comments must be received within 30 days, on or before October 24, 2013. The Service will post all comments on regulations.gov. The Service is not able to accept email or faxes. Comments and materials, as well as supporting documentation, will also be available for public inspection at regulations.gov under the above docket number. In addition, more details on the kinds of information the Service is seeking is available in the notice. 

To view a complete list of all hunting/sport fishing opportunities on refuges, click here. 

Nominate Outstanding Individuals for a Great Lakes Fishery Commission Award

Nominate Someone Today! www.glfc.org/aboutus/awards.php

Each year, the Great Lakes Fishery Commission honors individuals or groups who have made outstanding contributions to Great Lakes science, policy, and management.  The commission is pleased to announce that it is now accepting nominations for three annual awards, described overleaf:

►The Jack Christie/Ken Loftus Award for Distinguished Contributions toward Understanding Healthy Great Lakes Ecosystems

►The Buzz Besadny Award for Fostering Great Lakes Partnerships

►The Vern Applegate Award for Outstanding Contributions to Sea Lamprey Control

The commission welcomes your nominations for these awards, which will be presented during the commission�s annual meeting in June, 2014. The form for submitting a nomination is online at www.glfc.org/aboutus/awards.php and is designed to be convenient.  Please feel free to forward this announcement to your colleagues in the Great Lakes community.

Nominations are due by November 1, 2013.  Nominations submitted within the previous three years will be considered for 2013 and do not need to be resubmitted.  For more information about the awards and for a list of past recipients: www.glfc.org/aboutus/awards.php

GREAT LAKES FISHERY COMMISSION ANNUAL AWARDS

The Jack Christie/Ken Loftus Award for Distinguished Scientific Contributions toward Understanding Healthy Great Lakes Ecosystems recognizes an individual or group who made significant contributions toward understanding Great Lakes ecosystems and the fisheries they support.  Healthy ecosystems are the foundation for strong fish communities, vibrant fisheries, and successful fishery resource management.  Jack and Ken, two former employees of the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, remain widely known for advancing the science used in resource management.  Jack and Ken�s scientific

contributions and legacies continue to set high standards for Great Lakes

research.  They emphasized science as the basis for management, and promoted an �ecosystem approach� to management of the Great Lakes.  The Jack Christie/Ken Loftus award recognizes those who have adhered to the highest principles of science for the benefit of Great Lakes ecosystems.

The Buzz Besadny Award for Fostering Great Lakes Partnerships recognizes an individual or group who exemplified extraordinary commitment to building strong and lasting partnerships in Great Lakes resource management.  Management agencies on the Great Lakes recognized long ago that threats to the resource and opportunities for environmental protection required greater management capability than any one agency or government could provide. By building partnerships, agencies and individuals build trust, strengthen resolve to advance the ecosystem approach to management, and, ultimately, improve the quality of the Great Lakes for today and for the future.  Buzz Besadny�s commitment to the Great Lakes through research, cooperation, diplomacy, and absolute respect for the resource inspired a generation of managers.  The Buzz Besadny award recognizes those who, in the spirit the former DNR Director and GLFC Chair, took laudable action to foster the partnerships that are so valuable

to our common endeavor.

The Vern Applegate Award for Outstanding Contributions to Sea Lamprey Control recognizes an individual or group who furthered the cause of sea lamprey control on the Great Lakes.  In the spirit of Vern Applegate�a visionary who, 50 years ago, pioneered the successful sea lamprey control effort�this award recognizes persons who made particularly noteworthy contributions in such areas as lampricides, alternative controls, integrated pest management, non-target mortality, research, and program efficiencies.  Sea lamprey control is vital to the vibrancy of the valuable Great Lakes fishery; to the achievement of Fish Community Objectives; and to the millions of people who rely on the fishery for food, income, and recreation.  The Vern Applegate award is a fitting recognition of those who made outstanding contributions to the program and to the long-term health of the Great Lakes fishery.

Weekly Great Lakes Water Levels for Sept 27 

WEATHER CONDITIONS

At the start of last weekend, temperatures in the Great Lakes basin were well above average, but they fell sharply as the weekend progressed and were below average by Sunday.  Temperatures remained cooler than average throughout the region until Tuesday, when they rebounded and were near average on Wednesday.  In addition, the central and eastern sections of the basin experienced rain showers last weekend, but the entire region has been dry thus far this week.  The entire basin is expected to experience above average temperatures this weekend, with the Superior, Michigan-Huron, and St. Clair basins seeing temperatures around 10 degrees above average on Friday and Saturday. Thunderstorms are predicted throughout the vast majority of the basin on Saturday and Sunday.

LAKE LEVEL CONDITIONS

Lakes Superior and Michigan-Huron water levels are 11 and 8 inches, respectively, above their levels of a year ago.  Lakes St. Clair, Erie, and Ontario are 11, 9, and 11 inches, respectively, higher than what they were at this time last year.  Over the 30 days, the levels of Lake Superior and Lake Michigan-Huron are each expected to decline 2 inches.  Lake St. Clair is predicted to drop 6 inches, while Lakes Erie and Ontario are projected to both fall 5 inches, over the next month. 

FORECASTED MONTHLY OUTFLOWS/CHANNEL CONDITIONS

Lake Superior�s outflow through the St. Marys River is projected to be

above average for the month of September.  Lake Huron�s outflow into the St. Clair River and Lake St. Clair�s outflow into the Detroit River are both expected to be below average throughout the month of September.  Lake Erie�s outflow through the Niagara River is predicted to be near average and the outflow of Lake Ontario into the St. Lawrence River is expected to be above average in September.

ALERTS

Official records are based on monthly average water levels and not daily water levels.  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.

Illinois Fall Trout Fishing Season Opens Oct. 19 

SPRINGFIELD, IL � The 2013 Illinois fall trout fishing season opens on Saturday, Oct. 19 at 43 ponds and lakes throughout the state, including several new locations in Cook, McHenry and Will counties.

�Autumn is a great season to spend time outdoors, and fishing for tasty trout is a great family activity,� said Illinois DNR Director Marc Miller said. �The Fall Catchable Trout Season is one way we encourage youth, families, and anglers of all ages to spend some time fishing in Illinois.�

Approximately 75,000 trout are stocked by IDNR at the locations listed below just prior to the opening of the fall trout season.  The Illinois catchable trout program is funded entirely by those who use the program through the sale of inland trout stamps.

Anglers are reminded that no trout may be taken from any of the stocked sites from Oct. 1 until the fall trout season opens on Oct. 19 at 5 a.m. To take trout legally beginning Oct. 19, anglers must have a fishing license and an inland trout stamp, unless they are under the age of 16, blind or

disabled, or are an Illinois resident on leave from active duty in the Armed 

Forces.  The daily catch limit for each angler is five trout. Anglers are reminded to check the opening time of their favorite trout fishing location if they plan to go fishing on opening day.  While regulations allow trout season to open at 5 a.m. on Oct. 19, not all locations are open that early.

For more information on fall trout season and other Illinois fishing opportunities, check the web site at www.ifishillinois.org.  

Illinois fishing licenses and inland trout stamps are available at DNR Direct license and permit locations, including many bait shops, sporting goods stores and other retail outlets.   Fishing licenses and trout stamps can also be purchased by using a credit card through DNR Direct online via the IDNR website at www.dnr.illinois.gov or by calling toll-free at 1-888-6PERMIT (1-888-673-7648).

For more information about all site regulations, anglers should contact individual sites that will be stocked with catchable-size trout. The 43 locations are listed here by county: Click Here

ODNR Expands Deer Check System

COLUMBUS, OH � An enhanced website will offer Ohio hunters a quick and easy way to check harvested white-tailed deer with their smartphones, according to the Ohio DNR.

The enhanced site at ohiogamecheck.com will be available when the 2013-2014 deer-archery season begins on Saturday, Sept. 28.

The mobile-friendly site is available for all hunters to check deer, including landowners not required to purchase a deer permit. A valid email address and phone number are required to use the website on a mobile device.

A new tagging procedure administered by the ODNR Division of Wildlife requires hunters to make their own game tag to attach to a deer. Game tags can be made of any material (cardboard, plastic, paper, etc.) as long as it contains the hunter�s name, date, time and county of the kill. Go to

the Deer Hunting Resources page at wildohio.com for more information on

changes to the game check process.

All hunters must then report their deer harvest using the automated game-check system. Hunters have three options to complete the game check:

� Online at ohiogamecheck.com;
� Call 877-TAG-ITOH (824-4864);
� Visit a license agent. A list of agents can be found at wildohio.com or by calling 800-WILDLIFE (945-3543).

Game-check transactions are available online and by telephone seven days a week, including holidays. Landowners exempt from purchasing a deer permit, and other people not required to purchase a deer permit, cannot use the 877-TAG-ITOH option, but they can use the new enhanced Internet site.

Bobcat, River Otter Management Plans Available for Review
Public has 60 days to submit comments to Game Commission. 

Two wildlife-management plans drafted recently by the Pennsylvania Game Commission have been made available for public review.

Plans for managing river otter and bobcat populations in Pennsylvania can be found on the Game Commission�s website, www.pgc.state.pa.us. Those going to the website can access the plans by clicking on a button marked �Accepting Public Comment� near the top of the home page. Both plans can be accessed from the next page that will appear, and comments can be submitted from that page, as well.

Each management plan charts a 10-year course for managing the species, and the plans have not yet received final approval. The public can comment on either or both plans, and those comments will be taken into consideration by the Pennsylvania Game Commission.

The 60-day period for submitting comments ends on Nov. 29.

Those wishing to submit comments can do so in a variety of ways. Email accounts have been set up to receive comments for each plan. Those wishing to submit comments regarding the bobcat management plan can send them by email to [email protected]. Those wishing to submit comments regarding the river otter management plan can send them by email to [email protected].

Those who do not have access to email, or who otherwise wish to submit their comments by letter, can mail them to the Game Commission. Please send comments on the bobcat plan to Bobcat Comments, Pennsylvania Game Commission, Bureau of Wildlife Management, 2001 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg, PA 17110-9797. Comments on the river otter plan can be sent to Otter Comments, Pennsylvania Game Commission, Bureau of Wildlife Management, 2001 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg, PA 17110-9797.

Individuals wishing to send comments by mail on each plan are encouraged to send them in separate envelopes, each marked for the appropriate species.

More information on river otters, bobcats and other Pennsylvania wildlife species can be found at the Game Commission�s website.

Also at �Accepting Public Comment� is information on the Commission�s proposal to upgrade the bald eagle from �threatened� to �protected� status in Pennsylvania. This page also can be used to submit comments on this proposal.

Comments on the proposal to upgrade the bald eagle�s status can be sent by email to [email protected] or mailed to Eagle Comments, Pennsylvania Game Commission, Bureau of Wildlife Management, 2001 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg, PA 17110-9797.

New land owner incentives program for spring turkey hunting

MADISON -- For hunters looking to take part in next spring�s turkey season, finding available land can be difficult. A new Department of Natural Resources program known as the Turkey Hunting Access Program, �THAP,� is aimed at making that easier.

�Both landowners and hunters can benefit from this pilot program aimed at opening new hunting lands for the spring turkey season,� said Justin Blindert, DNR turkey hunting access coordinator.

THAP provides financial incentives to private landowners who open their land to the public for spring turkey hunting.

Priority will be given to properties greater than 40 acres with at least 50 percent forest cover within zone 2 only. Land directly adjacent to public land, or land enrolled in the Voluntary Public Access Program, is not

eligible. Land enrolled in other conservation programs such as

Conservation Reserve Program, Wetland Reserve Program, or Managed Forest Law may be eligible for enrollment.

Spring turkey hunting, is the only activity allowed on THAP properties. Lands will be open for public use from March 1 through May 29 for legal spring turkey hunting and scouting. Turkey stamp funds are used to implement this program through 2014-2015

For more information, contact your local DNR wildlife biologist or call Turkey Hunting Access Program Coordinator Justin Blindert at 262 -224-9884. Turkey Hunting Access Program Frequently Asked Questions [PDF]

For more info: Justin Blindert, 262 -224-9884 [email protected]

(Click on title or URL to read full article)

Project to build fish passage at Cass River dam in Frankenmuth

Plans are in the works to build a passage for fish in Frankenmuth, MI so they can swim past the site of a dam on the Cass River. Spokesman Tom Black with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers� Detroit District said a construction contract likely will be awarded in late summer or fall 2014. In March, officials said construction was to start this fall.

House panel oks funding bill for Great Lakes ports, harbors

Legislation that may boost federal funding for Great Lakes ports and harbors cleared a hurdle Thursday in the U.S. House. The Water Resources and Reform and Development Act of 2013 combines all those shipping destinations in the region into a single navigation system. The bill was approved unanimously Tuesday out of the House�s Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

Is the FISA Court Constitutional?

Federal courts can only resolve disputes; they cannot rule with finality in the abstract or when approached by only one party. They can grant preliminary temporary relief to one party -- in order to freeze the status quo and in anticipation of an adversarial contest on the merits -- but they cannot rule when only one party is noticed and shows up. With FISA only the government shows up.