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Number of U.S. Hunters greater than expected

A new study funded by the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) and carried out by Southwick Associates has found that the pool of American hunters is much larger than previously thought. This discovery can lead to major conservation and economic benefits.  If many �casual hunters� (hunters that do not purchase a hunting license on an annual basis) can be converted into annual license buyers, a major benefit would be realized. 

This report estimates that 21.8 million Americans hunted at least once over the past five years. Previous estimates have shown over 14 million youth and adults hunt each year, but not all hunters take to the field every year. Conducted in partnership with 17 state wildlife agencies, the study assessed license sales patterns and found that 78 percent of the U.S. hunters who bought a license in a given year also purchased one again the following year. By examining purchasing patterns over multiple years, it was determined that for every two hunters in the field this year, one is taking the year off.

�Considering hunters� contribute over $1 billion every year to wildlife conservation via licenses and excise taxes, if half of the hunters who lapsed this year actually bought a license, conservation dollars would have increased by $97 million,�

reported Rob Southwick, President of Southwick Associates. �This estimate doesn�t even include the extra dollars possible from increased hunters� excise taxes. Considering the limited government dollars allocated for wildlife and the tremendous impact hunters provide to rural communities, increased efforts to boost hunter numbers would make smart conservation and economic sense.�

The NSSF study monitored license-buying patterns over multiple years, producing results for various segments of hunters, and described the lifestyles, habits and demographics of various segments of the hunting community. �We know there are many types of hunters with a wide range of interests. This study reveals who our hunters are beyond the usual demographic descriptions. We now have a better idea of hunters� regional purchasing habits, recreational choices and overall lifestyle preferences,� said Jim Curcuruto, Director of Research and Analysis for NSSF.  �The results will be used to strengthen existing hunting participation programs and develop new programs designed to convert the casual hunter into an annual license buyer.  Savvy industry marketing and communications professionals will use these data to enhance their advertising efforts.� said Curcuruto.

A summary of the study results can be downloaded for free at: www.nssf.org/PDF/HuntingLicTrends-NatlRpt.pdf.

USFWS dedicates America�s 553^rd National Wildlife Refuge

Stroudsburg, PA � The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on October 25, announced the establishment of Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge as America�s 553rd national wildlife refuge. The refuge will conserve nationally significant wildlife areas, including habitat for threatened and endangered species and a major corridor for migratory birds and bats. Located only 75 miles from New York City and 100 miles from Philadelphia, the refuge represents a new opportunity to connect more than 3 million citizens with the outdoors.

The refuge was officially established on October 18, 2010, when the Service acquired 185 acres of land within the refuge

boundary from Mary and Dominick Sorrenti of Sorrenti�s Cherry

Valley Vineyards. The Sorrenti�s hosted today�s dedication, which included U.S. Congressman Paul E. Kanjorski (PA-11th), and representatives from The Nature Conservancy, Friends of Cherry Valley and other members of the citizen-led Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge Partnership.

�Cherry Valley is a model for the President�s America�s Great Outdoors Initiative,� said Acting Director Rowan Gould. �It is an example of how private citizens and local communities can safeguard the places they care about. The Service is pleased to be part of the citizen-led partnership that helped create this refuge, and we look forward to working with our new neighbors to protect additional lands as part of the refuge.�

Weekly Great Lakes Water Levels for Oct. 29, 2010

Weather Conditions

Temperatures were warmer than seasonal averages at the start of the week throughout the Great Lakes basin.  A major low pressure system moved through the region on Tuesday bringing severe storms and damaging winds.  Intense rain fell on western parts of the basin, and heavy snow fell in some areas of the northwest.  Temperatures have dropped back to near seasonal averages and will stay relatively steady over the next week.  Most areas will be partly cloudy Friday and Saturday with some scattered showers falling in eastern parts of the basin.  Low chances of precipitation are expected for the start of next week. 

 Lake Level Conditions

Lakes Superior, Michigan-Huron, St. Clair, and Erie continue to be below last year's levels. These lakes range from 7 to 9 inches below their levels of a year ago.  Lake Ontario, however, is 1 inch above its level of a year ago. Over the next month, Lake Superior is expected to decline an inch, while Lake Michigan-Huron is forecasted to decline 2 inches. Lakes St. Clair, Erie, and Ontario are predicted to decline 1, 2, and 4 inches, respectively, during the month. See our Daily Levels web page for more water level information.

Forecasted October 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 October. 

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 above average throughout October.

Alerts

Lake Superior's water level is currently below chart datum and forecasted to remain below datum over the next six months.  Users of the Great Lakes, connecting channels and St. Lawrence River should keep informed of current conditions before undertaking any activities that could be affected by changing water levels.  Mariners should utilize navigation charts and refer to current water level readings.  

2011 College Bass National Champ Will Get Classic Berth

Little Rock, Arkansas - For the first time in the history of the Bassmaster Classic, a collegiate angler will have the opportunity to compete against the top professional bass anglers on the biggest stage in the sport.  The captain of the winning team at the 2011 College Bass National Championship will secure a coveted berth in the 2012 Bassmaster Classic to be held on the Red River in Shreveport/Bossier City, Louisiana

"The bass fishing world hasn't completely realized the potential of collegiate bass fishing," said Jerry McKinnis. "This qualifying slot should be a game changer."  Providing a dedicated avenue for the College Bass champion, again to be held in Little Rock, Ark., in 2011 and aired on ESPNU, will enhance the profile of college bass fishing and represent an added, youth component to the Classic.

College Bass anglers will have to fight harder than ever to make it to Louisiana against strong competition from colleges and universities around the country, beginning with a series of Super Regional qualifiers and then culminating in the College Bass National Championship.
 

"Every angler dreams of fishing in the Classic from the time they first get hooked on the sport," said College Bass host Rob Russow. "Now, one College Bass angler will get that life-changing experience and I can't wait to get started determining who that will be."  Full information on the qualifying process for the National Championship and the Classic will be released soon.

Since its inception, the College Bass National Championship has been the only fishing tournament to air on ESPNU. In its sixth season, College Bass received extended television coverage totaling nine hours of ESPNU programming. ESPNU reaches more than 71 million households across the United States.

In 2010, Eastern Kentucky anglers Tyler Moberly and Jonas tipped the scales to claim the College Bass National Championship crown in North Little Rock, Arkansas. More than 220 schools from more than 30 states and Canada participate in hundreds of College Bass-sanctioned events each season.

College anglers with questions regarding the 2011 College Bass season can direct them to Rob Russow at [email protected] or 501-416-6544. For more info: www.CollegeBass.com.

Santa�s Wonderland Kicks off at Bass Pro Shops

Nov 6

Bass Pro Shops presents their third annual �Santa�s Wonderland�A Classic Christmas��an event that has already become a family Christmas tradition.  This year, the magic returns with Santa�s arrival, Saturday, November 6th at 5pm.  Families can enjoy the wonder of Christmas inside every Bass Pro Shops store with �Santa�s Wonderland��an over 3,500-square foot Christmas village chocked full of fun games, activities and crafts for the whole family �from November 6th through December 24th. 

Comprised of both animated and live elves, nutcrackers, reindeer and more, the village offers a Lionel old-time model train area, remote control trucks, a Red Ryder� laser arcade, a Nerf soft gun range and slot car racing.  Kids can also play the hottest new video games of the season with The Strike and The Hunt.  They�ll love the activity tables where they can write a letter to Santa, color and do fun crafts every weekend--all absolutely free. New this year, a fun, different Santa Bandz bracelet will be offered every week to the first 150 kids who visit Santa�s Wonderland on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays only from 5-7pm.  Of course, Santa will be in residence there throughout the season.

Customers can get a free 4x6 photo with Santa and his reindeer from 5pm to 8pm Monday through Friday, Saturdays 10am to 8pm and Sundays noon to 5 pm with extended hours beginning December 13th. Photo and gift packages will also be available. If the line is long, they can just grab a Bass Pass and their appointment with Santa is set.

Every weekend from 12 to 5 pm beginning November 7th through December 19th,  and Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, November 9th through December 23rd from 5-7pm, kids can take part in the time-honored traditions of making crafts and holiday ornaments.  They can do a fun elf mask, construct a snowman suncatcher, and make great ornaments out of fishing bobbers, popsicle sticks and more�even decorate Christmas cookies December 21st-23rd.   Again, it�s all free! A complete schedule of activities and times will be available at Santa�s Wonderland or visit www.basspro.com/santa and click on your local store beginning November 2nd.

Kids will be invited to help Santa, through a little magic, light up the outside of the store, a big Christmas tree in the main entrance and then on into the store for the unveiling of Santa�s Wonderland.  Santa will also be giving away $25 Bass Pro Shops gift cards to one lucky winner every half hour.  Kids can kick off the season by coloring stockings and the first 150 kids to visit Santa�s Wonderland will receive a Santa Bandz bracelet!

Bass Pro Shops also has big plans for Black Friday. The 4th Annual Great Turkey Campout begins at 5pm Thanksgiving Day.  Customers are invited to bring their tents and camp out all night on the parking lot so they can be one of the first in line to enter the store the next morning. They can enjoy hot chocolate, coffee and smores from 5 pm � 8 pm around the fire pits and there will be special drawings for prizes.

Lake Ontario Salmon River Egg take strong

Fall egg-takes are now completed at Salmon River Hatchery: 3.2 million Chinook and 1.4 million coho eggs were collected.  All eggs have been treated with "fresh" thiamine (vitamin B).  

Also, when fish hatch and begin feeding, DEC personnel/volunteers will start feeding them with the best fish food available on the market.  Fisheries biologists say this year's salmon run remains strong.