Week of October 22, 2012 |
Fishing beyond the Great Lakes |
Hunting & Shooting Products/Issues |
National |
Illinois |
Indiana |
Michigan |
Minnesota |
New York |
Pennsylvania |
Wisconsin |
Other Breaking News Items |
or |
Fishing beyond the Great Lakes
Whirling Disease-resistant Trout being stocked in Colorado RiverGLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo. - Colorado Parks and Wildlife announced plans to stock several thousand large, whirling disease resistant Hofer rainbow trout into a section of the Colorado River where a large, natural fish kill occurred earlier this year. Wildlife managers began stocking operations on Tuesday, Oct. 9, between Dotsero and the Cottonwood boat ramp.A large number of fish were killed earlier this year in the Colorado River because of extremely high heat over the summer. Trout were especially affected since they are susceptible to whirling disease, which is present in the Colorado River. While the disease itself does not kill trout, deformations and erratic behavior stemming from the disease can be fatal.
Whirling disease is a parasitic disease that causes trout and salmon to develop deformities of the skull and spinal column or begin erratically chasing their tails, hence the name, �whirling disease.� Young trout |
typically die within three to six months after infection. The parasite that causes the disease originated in Europe where most trout and salmon have developed a resistance to the parasite.
�Stocking these Hofer rainbows will not only replenish the population; it will establish a whirling disease resistant fish that anglers can enjoy into the future,� said Aquatic Biologist Kendall Bakich in a press release.
Hofer rainbow trout originated from the Kamloops rainbow trout found in the Columbia River system. In the late 1800s, these fish were transported to Germany where they were grown as food fish in local hatcheries. Because whirling disease is common in Germany, the fish were reared in whirling disease-positive waters. Over time, this strain developed a resistance to the parasite.
For more info: wildlife.state.co.us/Fishing/Management/Pages/Whirling |
Hunting & Shooting Products/Issues
Remington Country eZine � The Ultimate Interactive Online Magazine for Sportsmen Madison, NC � Remington Arms Company, LLC (Remington) is proud to announce the debut of a new interactive, online magazine designed for hunters and shooters � Remington Country eZine.
Remington Country eZine is the ultimate media zone for sportsmen seeking the latest information and insights from the world�s leading outdoor brand. The online magazine combines the best in writing by award-winning authors and Remington insiders, stunning photography, informational and educational videos � all designed to create the next generation of media experience for hunters and shooters. |
"Whether through our website, social media platforms or our new electronic magazine, building strong digital connections to sportsmen and gun owners is of great importance to Remington in today's technologically-driven world," said Scott Blackwell, President of Remington Arms Company. "Remington Country eZine is a dynamic way for us to interact, provide entertainment and get across important information to outdoor enthusiasts."
The October 2012 edition of Remington Country eZine is available now at Remington.com and will be delivered electronically to subscribers of Remington�s e-newsletter. Remington Country eZine is a quarterly publication available at no charge to subscribers. |
National
National Park Service defends exclusion of wolves in Rocky Mountain Elk ControlIn an ongoing lawsuit, the National Park Service defended its decision to use trained volunteers to cull overpopulated elk in the Rocky Mountain National Park instead of using wolves to aid management.
The animal rights group WildEarth Guardians sued the national park service in 2008 over its elk management policy that was instated that same year. The NPS launched a 20-year plan to keep the elk in check at the park with the aid of trained shooters to harvest excess elk. Since the program has been in place, 131 elk have been harvested.
In a hearing before the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, a WildEarth Guardians representative said the NPS should have launched a plan that uses wolves to naturally manage excess elk in the park. The group alleges that NPS did not give adequate consideration to the wolf idea, that the public did not have a chance to comment and that volunteer shooters |
are akin to hunters in the park.
In court, the NPS defended its decision to rule out using wolves in the hunt saying it acted properly by doing do. It also defended using volunteers to harvest the animals, saying that did not violate a hunting ban in national parks.
The elk cull was put in place because of overvegetation by the large population of elk that roam the park. They are believed to be crowding out other animals, while there are not enough natural predators there to keep the elk in check.
Blake Henning, the vice president of lands and conservation for the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, said RMEF is not in favor of using wolves to reduce the size of elk herds but instead approves of using hunters to manage the resource. |
Regional
New
Great Lakes Muskie record
The new record comes courtesy of a Great
Lakes muskellunge caught on Saturday, October 13 by Joseph Seeberger on Lake
Bellaire in Antrim County. The fish weighed 58 lbs, measured 59" long and
had a girth of 29". |
in Antrim County on September 27, 2009. That fish weighed 50.5 lbs and measured 56.13".
For more information on state records in Michigan, visit www.michigan.gov/fishing.
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Weekly Great Lakes Water Levels for October 19, 2012 WEATHER CONDITIONS Heavy precipitation hit the Great Lakes region this past week, especially in the Michigan-Huron basin which recorded about 1.5 inches over the span of two days. Temperatures have been around seasonal averages and will continue to remain there through the weekend and into next week. There is a chance for showers throughout the Great Lakes this weekend, especially in the eastern portion of the Ontario basin which could see some heavy precipitation. LAKE LEVEL CONDITIONS The water level of Lake Superior is 5 inches lower than its level of one year ago, while Lake Michigan-Huron is 13 inches lower than its level from last year. Lakes St. Clair, Erie, and Ontario are 19, 19, and 13 inches, respectively, lower than their levels of a year ago. Over the next month, Lake Superior is forecasted to drop 2 inches from its current level, while Lake Michigan-Huron is expected to fall 3 inches. The water levels of Lakes St. Clair, Erie and Ontario are forecasted to fall 2, 3, and 2 inches, respectively, over the next thirty days. FORECASTED MONTHLY OUTFLOWS/CHANNEL CONDITIONS Lake Superior's outflow through the St. Marys River is projected to be below average for the month of October. Lake Huron's outflow into the St. Clair River and the outflow from Lake St. Clair into the Detroit River are |
also expected to be below average throughout the month of October. Lake Erie's outflow through the Niagara River and the outflow of Lake Ontario into the St. Lawrence River are predicted to be below average in October. ALERTS Lake Superior and Lake Michigan-Huron are below chart datum. Users of the Great Lakes, connecting channels and St. Lawrence River should keep informed of current conditions before undertaking any activities that could be affected by changing water levels. Mariners should utilize navigation charts and refer to current water level readings.
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Illinois
January 23-27, 2013 The Outdoor Sports Group (OSG) is proud to present The Chicago Outdoor Sports Show January 23-27, 2013 at Stephens Convention Center, continuing 30 + years of sports shows at Rosemont, IL. This year�s show will extend the tradition of great outdoor sports shows gracing the shores of Lake Michigan and providing the greater Chicagoland area a break from cabin fever.
In conjunction with The Chicago Outdoor Sports Show the show will co-locate with the first ever Chicagoland Gun Show. For more information go to: www.chicagolandgunshow.com
The Outdoor Sports Show will cater to the sporting consumer and will feature dozens of fishing and hunting seminars, several new family-friendly attractions and hundreds of quality vendors and exhibitors preferred by the outdoor enthusiast. Attendees will have an opportunity to shop for amazing deals on fishing tackle, boats, archery, outfitters, wildlife art, hunting supplies, charters, canoes, kayaks, gun safes, knives, taxidermy and much more.
Speakers and Special Programs: 3 D Archery Range and Tournament, - The 3D course is designed for hunters and target shooters alike. The tournament is open to both modern bow hunters and traditional archers. There is a fee to enter and cash prizes will be awarded to the winners.
The Bass Academy is an intensive 5 hour classroom session designed by Tournament Professional Gene Ellison to help avid anglers and Tournament Pro�s alike take their bass fishing to the next level.
Expert Musky Panel Featuring - Spence Petros, Bob Mehsikomer, and
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Don Pursch will provide a Musky Panel discussion including an interactive Q&A session with the attendees.
American Fly Fishing School led by Captain Mike Corblies, a world class teacher and videographer of the sport who is currently the Director of the American Fly Fishing School.
Dan Gapen Sr., will share his stories, tales and fishing know-how in a seminar dedicated to the average fisherman and outdoor enthusiast.
The Hawg Trough 5000 gallon mobile bass aquarium will host dozens of fishing demonstration by top professionals at the show.
Illinois Conservation Foundation will be onsite for Give Away Prizes featuring rod and reels "fish ready" combos.
Illinois Department of Natural Resources will be onsite for those wishing to buy or renew their fishing and/or hunting licenses. . Mark Millis, long time hunting expert �Cabelas Ambassador� and co-host of "Deer City, USA" will be conducting crossbow hunting seminars on the archery range
Mike Mladenik recognized as one of the top smallmouth experts
Trout Pond, a catch and release pond is always a favorite for the kids and the parents
There�s more�
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Bullet Tax proposal robs Chicago sportsmenCook County, Illinois Board of Commissioners President Toni Preckwinkle is proposing a so-called �violence tax� in her budget plan for the County. The unjustified and ill-conceived attack includes a five- cent tax on every bullet and a $25 tax on every firearm sold within the County. According to the Associated Press, the tax would be on gun dealers, rather than customers. Either way, sportsmen will pay a higher cost to hunt and shoot.
Under the proposal, some ammunition prices could see increases of more than 50 5%. A case of shotshells would cost an extra $12.50 and a brick of .22 cartridges would go up a jaw-dropping $25. |
�The Commissioner claims to be worried about crime,� said Evan Heusinkveld, U.S. Sportsmen�s Alliance director of state services. �While this proposal does nothing to curb violence, it is government sanctioned robbery of law abiding sportsmen. Not to mention, it will run local gun stores out of business who won�t be able to compete with prices in neighboring counties.�
According to Commissioner Preckwinkle, no other county or city in the country taxes gun owners this way. Sportsmen should contact the Cook County Board of Commissioners and ask them to protect the rights of law-abiding gun owners by voting against the bullet and firearm tax proposal. |
ISRA-FEDPAC announces Illinois endorsements The ISRA-FEDPac is pleased to announce its list of candidate endorsements and candidate preferences for the upcoming general election.
The ISRA-FEDPac has endorsed the team of Gov. Mitt Romney and Rep. Paul Ryan over the Obama/Biden team. Illinois firearm owners have first hand experience with Obama�s disdain for the right to keep and bear arms. Thus, Illinois firearm owners know full well that Obama is not the best choice for our nation�s chief executive.
In the 2nd Congressional District, the ISRA-FEDPac has expressed its preference for Mr. Brian Woodworth over incumbent Jessie Jackson, Jr. Although Congressman Jackson is himself an avid gun owner, it is not certain that he will act in the best interests of his fellow lawful firearm owners. Furthermore, if Jackson is re-elected and steps down due to his health problems, it is highly likely that he will be replaced by someone less friendly to lawful firearm owners than is Rep. Jackson.
In the 6th Congressional District race, Rep. Peter Roskam has earned the ISRA-FEDPac endorsement in light of his solid record of respect for the 2nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
In the 8th Congressional District, Rep. Joe Walsh receives the ISRA-FEDPac endorsement in light of his outstanding record on firearm rights issues. Although Walsh�s opponent, Tammy Duckworth, is part of a growing list of war heroes, that status does not grant her license to pick and choose which parts of our Constitution she will defend and those she will not. Duckworth�s disrespect for the 2nd Amendment leaves her unsuitable to serve the people of the 8th District. |
In the 11th Congressional District, the candidacy of Rep. Judy Biggert is endorsed by the ISRA-FEDPac due to her long record of support for the right to keep and bear arms. Biggert�s opponent, Bill Foster, is weak on firearm rights issues. Furthermore, allegations that Foster slapped his ex-wife around during divorce proceedings are troubling. Gun grabbing and wife beating are not qualities that most citizens would like to see in their Congressional Representative.
In the 12th Congressional District, Jason Plummer is preferred by the ISRA-FEDPac over his opponent.
In the 13th Congressional District, Rodney Davis is preferred by the ISRA-FEDPac over his opponent.
Illinois hunters and sportsmen have been very fortunate to have had some great friends in Congress there to preserve and protect our outdoor traditions. It is with great pleasure that the ISRA-FEDPac announces its endorsement of Randy Hultgren (IL-14), John Shimkus (IL-15), Adam Kinzinger (IL-16), Bobby Schilling (IL-17) and Aaron Schock (IL-18).
The ISRA-FEDPac wishes all of its endorsed and preferred candidates the best of luck on November 6th and encourages all hunters and sportsmen to get out and exercise their most important right � the right to choose who represents their interests in the halls of government. - - - The ISRA-FEDPac is a political action committee affiliated with the Illinois State Rifle Association. Donations to the ISRA-FEDPac are not tax-deductible. The ISRA-FEDPac is not authorized by any candidate or campaign committee. |
Indiana
Bundle is a new license option for deer hunters The bundle license can be used in just one or multiple seasons, including youth, archery, firearms, muzzleloader, and special antlerless |
seasons. The bundle allows the harvest of one antlered and two antlerless deer, total. Read more |
The most significant rule changes include:
� A special antlerless deer firearms season will be offered beginning in
late December in designated counties. |
� Youth
hunters can now harvest more than one deer during youth season.
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Michigan
NRC
honors Bay de Noc Great Lakes Sport Fisherman, Inc.
Bay de Noc Great Lakes Sport Fisherman, Inc., of Delta County, received a Partners in Conservation Award from the Michigan Natural Resources Commission at the commission�s annual Upper Peninsula meeting in Ontonagon on Thursday, Oct. 11.
Partners in Conservation Awards are presented to organizations or individuals nominated for their outstanding contributions to natural resources management or initiatives in Michigan. When presenting the award, DNR Director Keith Creagh noted the dedication of Bay de Noc Great Lakes Sport Fisherman to improving the fishery in Lake Michigan and Upper Peninsula waters, and to providing opportunities to introduce youth to the sport of fishing.
The club members contribute to eight such events each year, including a Kids Fishing Day that annually attracts between 200-300 participants. The club also spends hundreds of hours per year assisting in operation of a DNR walleye rearing pond and working to deter avian predators from fish |
stocking sites.
�The members of Bay de Noc Great Lakes Sport Fisherman have a long history of partnering with the DNR to assist in on-the-ground fisheries management work, while working cooperatively with Fisheries Division staff to develop improved management strategies,� Creagh said. �This work has not only enhanced local fishing opportunities, but has served to benefit the economy and quality of life in the Upper Peninsula as well.�
In addition to hosting a number of fishing derbies and volunteering time to assist Fisheries Division in the field, the club members are involved in philanthropic work. The group coordinates a Special Olympics fishing event at the DNR�s Upper Peninsula Pocket Park each year, and also funds two scholarships for local students.
For more information about the Natural Resources Commission visit www.michigan.gov/nrc. To learn more about Great Lakes Sport Fisherman, Inc. visit the Great Lakes Sport Fishing Council�s website, www.great-lakes.org/mi/bay-de-noc.html. |
New Great Lakes Muskie record State record Muskie confirmed by the Michigan DNR
The new record comes courtesy of a Great
Lakes muskellunge caught on Saturday, October 13 by Joseph Seeberger on
Lake Bellaire in Antrim County. The fish weighed 58 lbs, measured 59"
long and had a girth of 29". |
in Antrim County on September 27, 2009. That fish weighed 50.5 lbs and measured 56.13".
For more information on state records in Michigan, visit www.michigan.gov/fishing.
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Vandalism likely the cause of 5,700 Coho salmon deaths |
spawning run this year and will still have enough adults to fully meet our Coho salmon egg take needs.�
All of the dead Coho salmon, which
included 5,130 adult and 570 small jacks (yearlings), were salvaged by
the American-Canadian Fisheries Inc., the contractor for the surplus
salmon carcasses from DNR salmon weirs that are used in the fish meal
industry. Additional security measures have been put in place to protect
the remaining fish at this key egg take facility.
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DNR proposes
new trout stream category in U.P. |
County).
Proposed
Type 5 streams would constitute 6 percent of the current Type 1 stream
mileage. If approved in November by the DNR director, then the proposed
regulation would go into effect on April 1, 2013. During the next
several years, Fisheries Division will work with a variety of partners
to assess the biological effects of the possession limit increase on the
brook trout populations in Type 5 streams. |
Michigan Lake Maps help find fish Are you looking for great places to go fishing? Michigan boasts more than 11,000 inland lakes. Now you can access 2,700 inland lake maps online. Go to their web site below and click on a county for a list of inland lakes in that county. The Michigan DNR makes every effort to provide useful and accurate information. It does not warrant the information to be completely representative of current conditions. Counties displayed with an orange |
crosshatch do not have maps available. To access maps: www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-30301_31431_32340---,00.html.
Inland Trout and Salmon Regulations Maps are also available to assist you in locating trout & salmon waters- - and the related regulations that apply: www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-153-10364_52261_52262-211883--,00.html |
Pure
Michigan Hunt winner harvests elk of a lifetime The 2013 prize package includes licenses for elk, bear, spring and fall |
turkey, and antlerless deer; first pick at a managed waterfowl area, and the following prizes:
As a Pure Michigan Hunt
winner, Beaudoin also got the first pick at a managed waterfowl area
hunt, bringing along a hunting companion to share the experience. �I
hunted waterfowl at Fish Point Managed Waterfowl Area,� said Beaudoin,
�I took along one of my oldest friends and the guy who actually got me
into duck hunting years ago.� |
New law gives disabled vets free hunting and fishing licenses Begins March 2013 The Michigan DNR announced that new, free hunting and fishing licenses will be available for disabled veterans beginning in March.
House Bill 5292, signed into law by Gov. Rick Snyder earlier this week, will allow a disabled veteran to obtain any resident hunting or fishing license for which a lottery is not required, free of charge. The veteran will be required to provide proof of eligibility and carry this proof when using any license obtained under this legislation. Under provisions of the law, the new licenses become available at the beginning of the next license year, which is March 1, 2013. The licenses cannot be obtained before that date.
The law defines �disabled veteran� as a resident who either:
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�Providing free licenses for disabled veterans is just a small token of our deep gratitude for their sacrifice for all of us,� said Denise Gruben, manager of licensing and reservations for the DNR. �We want veterans to be full participants in outdoor sports. We�re pleased to make these licenses available to qualifying veterans beginning next March under this new law.�
For more information about Michigan hunting and fishing licenses, visit www.mdnr-elicense.com
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Minnesota
Recreational netting
limited to one net |
done in water not deeper than six feet unless specifically authorized; stipulates that netted fish cannot be sold; requires that only rough fish caught in the net may be kept; limits net size to 100 feet long and 3 feet wide; and forbids recreational netters from possessing angling equipment when netting whitefish-tullibee.
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DNR
& Roseau County to hold NW Region land sale Nov. 9
�The DNR�s objective is to make strategic land acquisition decisions and determine where an exchange, sale or purchase is appropriate and in the best interest of the public and the state�s natural resources,� said Lori Dowling, DNR Northwest Region director. The sale is being held within the county to maximize efficiency of selling state-owned property, where the land exists, in conjunction with selling county-owned property.
Both sales will occur during the regular rifle deer season so out of town hunters and local residents have the opportunity to bid on the parcels.
�This sale is an excellent example of how the state, counties and the public can mutually benefit through partnerships that aim to address land consolidation and ownership issues,� said Tom Landwehr, DNR commissioner. �Our work with Roseau County over the past few years has |
deepened our understanding of what the counties need with regards to land asset management and we believe we can do more together than apart.�
Both the county and the DNR are committed to continued discussions about the lands they each manage and the opportunities for lands to be exchanged, sold or acquired that will benefit both parties. The DNR will fulfill its commitment to practice precision conservation. The agency will continue to acquire and hold lands that address the strategic needs for natural resource management.
�There is a spirit of cooperation between the DNR and Roseau County that hasn�t necessarily existed in recent years,� said Jack Swanson, Roseau County commissioner.
Swanson added that the county and the DNR are excited about this sale and hope that public interest is high and all properties are sold. The auction of state-owned lands will begin at 1 p.m., followed by the county lands at 2 p.m. The state lands for sale include eight parcels in Roseau County totaling 328 acres. Seven of the eight parcels are State Trust Land and the proceeds will go to the School Trust Fund. Two additional properties, one in Beltrami County and one in Hubbard County, will also be sold at this auction. County lands to be auctioned include 11 parcels of which eight are in city limits and three are in Lake Township.
For more info: www.dnr.state.mn.us/lands_minerals/landsale. |
New York
Marine �No Discharge Zones� For Lake Erie And St. Lawrence River State Requests �No Discharge� designation from EPA The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), in collaboration with the Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) and the Department of State (DOS), has submitted petitions to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to designate New York�s portion of Lake Erie and the St. Lawrence River as a �Vessel Waste No Discharge Zone.� The petitions must be submitted by DEC before EPA acts to establish a no discharge under Clean Water Act protocols. A �No Discharge Zone� designation means that boaters and shippers are not allowed to discharge their on-board sewage into the water. Boaters must instead dispose of their sewage at pump-out stations that are available for recreational boater use. A list of pump-out stations is available on DEC�s website at: http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7840.html.
�Establishing a No Discharge Zone in portions of Lake Erie and the St. Lawrence River will help improve water quality and make recreation on these water bodies more enjoyable,� DEC Commissioner Joe Martens said. �We look forward to working with EPA to receive this designation.�
�New York State�s Clean Vessel Assistance Program has helped establish and annually supports 37 pump-out facilities on Lake Erie and the St. Lawrence Seaway, providing recreational boaters with convenient access to pump-out stations for the safe disposal of septic waste,� said Matthew Driscoll, president and CEO of the New York State Environmental Facilities Corp. �Recognized as one of the best Clean Vessel programs in the country, EFC is proud to have helped New York state previously qualify for no-discharge zones on 17 major waterways, and we hope that this latest petition will also be granted.� |
�The designation of no discharge zones in the St. Lawrence River and Lake Erie is an important step in New York�s effort to reduce pollution in the waters of the Great Lakes,� stated Secretary of State Cesar Perales. �Water quality improvements associated with this designation will help protect sensitive habitats and provide an added measure of public health safeguards to the important recreational and economic resources of the region.�
Both treated and untreated wastes can deliver pathogens and toxins to local waters and contribute to harmful nutrient loadings. Waste treated by on-board septic systems often contains chemical additives such as formaldehyde, phenyls and chlorine. These pollutants can harm water quality, pose a risk to people�s health, and impair marine life and habitats.
Since 1976, DEC has designated most of the coastal waters and connecting waterways in New York as Vessel Waste No Discharge Zones. In 2010, DEC and EPA announced a joint initiative to establish No Discharge Zones for all waterbodies and waterways in the state. The Lake Erie and St. Lawrence River petitions are part of DEC�s continuing effort to meet that goal. Approval would extend protection to all of New York�s Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River shoreline. Lake Ontario was designated a No Discharge Zone in 2011.
Upon concurrence by EPA, an opportunity for public comment will be announced in the Federal Register. When that concludes, EPA will address comments and determine if there are adequate vessel pump-out stations to support the No Discharge Zone. If EPA concurs, the No Discharge Zone would be enforced by DEC law enforcement, state police and local authorities. |
Pennsylvania
PA 23rd State to confirm Chronic Wasting Disease in DeerThe Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, on October 11, 2012 confirmed the first positive case of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in the state on a deer farm in Adams County. This makes Pennsylvania the 23rd state to confirm the disease which affects, and can be fatal, in deer, elk and moose. At this time, there has been no evidence that the disease may be transmitted to humans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization. |
Last month a whitetail deer died in the borough of New Oxford. Its owner submitted it for testing as part of Pennsylvania�s intensive CWD monitoring efforts. Two other farms directly associated with the Adams County location were also quarantined. The two farms are at 6464 Jacks Hollow Rd., Williamsport, Lycoming County, and 61 Pickett Rd., Dover, York County.
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Wisconsin
Lake Winnebago sturgeon spearing license deadline Oct. 31 New opportunities for young spearers, big fish on tap for seasonOSHKOSH � The deadline to buy sturgeon spearing licenses for the 2013 Lake Winnebago System seasons is Oct. 31, with new licensing options giving more people the opportunity to join in a tradition that brings together family, friends and big fish.
For the first time in modern history, 12-year-olds can participate in the lake sturgeon spearing season if they buy a license. Also, adults whose names were drawn in the Upriver Lakes sturgeon spearing lottery can transfer their 2013 tags to youngsters, allowing youngsters a chance to spear on the lakes, where success rates have historically been higher.
The 2013 Lake Winnebago System lake sturgeon season promises spearers a record number of big fish in the fishery, including this 87.5 inch, 240-pound sturgeon DNR fish crews captured and tagged in April below the Shawano Dam.
Spearers of all ages will find a healthy fishery that boasts a record number of big fish, including the 87.5 inch, 240-pound sturgeon DNR fish crews captured and tagged on April 10, 2012, below the Shawano Dam.
�Sturgeon spearers have a lot to look forward to for the upcoming 2013 spear fishery,� says Ryan Koenigs, sturgeon biologist stationed in Oshkosh. �The population is robust with a large percentage of trophy-fish. Last year, we had the fifth and sixth largest fish ever recorded and more than 6 percent of the fish harvested were trophy-sized and weighed more than 100 pounds.�
The trend in trophy-size fish has been increasing significantly over the last decade due to the distribution of age classes currently in the population and the impact of harvest regulations implemented over the last 20 years
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to increase survival of these larger fish, Koenigs says. �The fish are starting to show us their true growth potential, and I expect to continue to see larger fish in our harvest and population assessments.�How and where to get spearing licensesLicenses are $20 for residents and $65 for non-residents and can be purchased at any license sales location; over the Internet by going to DNR�s home page dnr.wi.gov and clicking on the online license center or by calling toll-free 1-877-WI LICENSE (1-877-945-4236.) Under a law passed earlier this year, the minimum spearing age has changed to 12 years of age, and youth who turn 12 between Nov. 1, 2013, and the last day of the 2013 spearing season can still buy a spearing license after Oct. 31. Military personnel home on leave can also purchase a license after Oct. 31.
There are unlimited license sales on Lake Winnebago, while the Upriver Lakes fishery is managed by a lottery and limited to 500 permitted spearers. A record number of applicants (4,894) put in for a 2013 Upriver Lakes spear license before the Aug 1, 2012 deadline, 500 of which were authorized to purchase a 2013 upriver lakes permit.
Once a person is authorized to buy an Upriver Lakes license for a season, they are not able to buy a license for Lake Winnebago. Spearers are now able to transfer Upriver Lakes spear licenses to youth spearers (age 12-17), and can do so by filling a transfer of license form at least 15 days before the 2013 sturgeon spear fishery. Spearers who applied for an Upriver Lakes license in the lottery but were not authorized received a preference point and can still buy a Lake Winnebago license before Oct. 31.
A record 12,680 spearing licenses were sold for the 2012 spear fisheries on either Lake Winnebago or the Upriver Lakes. The 2012 Lake Winnebago season ran the full 16-days allowed by law; the Upriver Lakes season closed at the end of the second day, when the number of female sturgeon speared exceeded the trigger to close the season. Across both seasons, spearers harvested 566 fish, with 36 of them weighing more than 100 pounds, considered trophy size. |
Musky fishing gaining in popularity with Wisconsin anglers EAU CLAIRE � Musky fishing keeps growing in popularity in Wisconsin and fall is a good time to chase the state�s official fish because there are fewer boaters and other anglers to compete with and the fish are active, state fisheries officials say.
�We estimate that about 25 % of anglers fish for muskellunge and that has been steadily increasing over the years,� says Tim Simonson, a fisheries biologist and co-leader of the Department of Natural Resources musky committee. That�s about 480,000 people, and those people notch about 5.3 million angler-days fishing for muskellunge each year. They spend $425 million directly on muskellunge fishing, according to the recently published 2012 Muskellunge Management Update [PDF].
�More anglers are discovering the fun and the challenge of musky fishing,� Simonson says, a statement backed up by this year�s National Championship Musky Open in Eagle River, billed as the nation�s largest amateur event for the species. A record number of anglers representing 15 states entered the August tournament and caught a record 198 muskies. And there were more records -- more husband and wife teams than ever, and the most fish and most inches of fish caught and released by one person. Jeff Van Remortel of Minocqua won with a catch of six muskies totaling 223.25 inches, according to a press release by the event coordinator.
Simonson says the increased interest in musky fishing reflects in large part the recovery of the musky fishery in the last generation. �By all measures, the fishing just keeps getting better and there are good waters to fish in most parts of the state.� Ninety percent of musky waters occur in northern Wisconsin, but populations of the state�s official fish are found in almost every corner of the state and anglers can even find good fishing from shore in some places.
�For those anglers who do not have boats, ample shore-fishing opportunities are present on the free flowing portions of the lower Chippewa and Eau Claire rivers in downtown Eau Claire,� says Heath Benike, DNR fisheries biologist in Eau Claire.
New online resources for 2012 aid musky anglersThe Wisconsin Muskellunge Waters book [PDF] has been updated in 2012 and can help lead anglers to the waters offering the potential to catch a monster musky or the prospect of lots of action, Simonson says. The book lists waters where musky fisheries are found and updates the status of waters as far as whether they are Class A, the premier musky waters providing the best musky fishing, Class B, waters that provide good fishing, or Class C, waters with musky present but not of major importance to the overall fishery.
About half of the 667 classified musky lakes in Wisconsin are Class A Waters and 29 of the 100 classified river segments are Class A. The 35-page booklet is available online and can be downloaded and printed off. Hard copy versions are available by contacting a local DNR service center and asking for a copy of publication FH 515 (2012). |
A new 40-inch size limit is in effect statewide and applies to 94 % of musky waters in Wisconsin, Simonson says. There are 41 waters that continue to have either lower size limits or higher size limits. Waters of Green Bay and Lake Michigan north of Highway 10 carry a 50" minimum size limit. The daily bag limit for muskellunge is 1 on all waters statewide, except Yellowstone Lake, Lafayette County (daily bag limit is 0), and Escanaba Lake, Vilas County (no daily bag limit).
The vast majority -- 98 % -- of avid musky anglers reported using "quick-strike" rigs, which are designed to reduce hooking mortality, compared to using single-hook rigs, which have been shown to result in greater than 80 % mortality in hooked muskies, Simonson says.
Effective this season, the use of single-hook rigs (other than non-offset circle hooks) are prohibited when fishing with live minnows 8" and larger. Single-hook rigs have been shown to result in greater than 80 % mortality in hooked muskies. Quick strike rigs, which most avid anglers report already using, are designed to reduce hooking mortality. New arrivals at Wild Rose good news for musky anglersThere are some new temporary residents at the Wild Rose Fish Hatchery. In town from Lake St. Claire near Detroit, Michigan, 3,200 Great Lakes spotted musky are now calling the hatchery home and before long will become an important part of the successful fishery in Green Bay and the Fox River. Their arrival is the result of a cooperative effort with Michigan DNR and Wisconsin DNR to improve the genetic diversity of our state�s Great Lakes spotted musky population. These fingerlings were raised from eggs taken from musky which were captured in Lake St. Claire this spring. When they arrived at Wild Rose they were about six inches long.
During their stay, they will be measured, fin clipped, PIT tagged and fed until they grow to about12".. They will spend the winter months in the outdoor ponds at the hatchery, and will then be stocked in three inland lakes come springtime. The goal is to create a disease-free, broodstock of Great Lakes spotted muskies here in Wisconsin where eggs and milt can be collected. Then, DNR fisheries staff can rear these fish from eggs taken within the state while continuing to improve the genetic diversity. In Wisconsin, the Great Lakes spotted muskies were native to the Lake Michigan watershed before poor water quality, habitat destruction and over fishing wiped them out in the early nineteen hundreds. Since 1989, the Wisconsin DNR, along with the Musky Clubs Alliance and its member clubs, has worked to restore these fish to at least part of their native range.
The eggs collected in Michigan went through rigorous disinfections and the fingerlings underwent extensive testing at Michigan�s Wolf Lake Hatchery to reduce the possibility of diseases being brought into the Wild Rose Hatchery.
For the last three years, DNR staff has used outdoor ponds in Kewaunee to raise musky taken from feral (wild) parents out of the Fox River. Wisconsin Musky fishing forecasts and locations |
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