politics of hunting--John Edwards John Edwards Unveils Hunting Bill of Rights

I'm not much into politics, but I'm trying to inform myself more of political candidates thoughts on hunting issues. Here's John Edwards:

John Edwards Unveils Hunting Bill of Rights

October 30, 2007.

Campaigning in Iowa on October 24th, Democratic Presidential candidate John Edwards unveiled a "Hunting and Fishing Bill of Rights and Responsibilities." The rationale given for the move was a desire to "protect Iowa's hunting and fishing tradition and to ensure that we protect our country's natural resources for future generations."

Despite putting forth what is probably the most detailed pro-sportsman, pro-wildlife plan ever articulated by a major candidate, Edwards has been attacked from all sides for his thoughtful, middle-of-the-road vision.

The principles in the plan included:

• Improving access to Public and Recreational Lands, including more local involvement with federal land managers, working with landowners to improve access to hunting areas (very frequently noted by wildlife agencies as a key issue in managing game populations), and preserving wild, roadless backcountry.
• Protecting lawful gun ownership.
• Preserving access to clean water for fishing. No clean water, no fishing. Therefore, let's keep the water clean.
• "Secure our Natural Heritage for Future Generations" -- that is, manage public lands for the benefits of the public, rather than for the benefit of oil, gas, and mining companies.
• "Expect Citizens to Share Responsibility for Stewardship" -- kind of a catch-all category with some interesting ideas. Specifically, he mentions opening National Parks to hunting, rather than paying millions of taxpayers dollars to hire sharpshooter to manage wildlife populations.

The details of the plan are at:
http://www.johnedwards.com/iowa/20071024-iowa-hunting-fishing/

Critics from both sides have ignored the majority of Edwards' plan and zeroed in on pet issues.

From the left, the animal rights people are focusing on the common-sense proposal to open National Parks to hunting when required for game management.

A radical group on Google Groups is calling on its members to call the Edwards campaign and "tell them that he lost your vote, because of his positions stated." (http://groups.google.com/group/AR-News/msg/1de6d8150c7b7464).

The Humane Society Legislative Fund referred to some of the most common-sense aspects of Edwards' plan as "alarming." (http://www.nysun.com/article/65240)

From the right, in a widely-referenced article in the New York Sun, the NRA attacked Edwards' plan as "Pathetic." (http://www.nysun.com/article/65240). Although it's possible that the NRA spokesman wasn't fully quoted, it appears that his analysis ignored the content of the Edwards proposal entirely, focusing on what was absent -- an unconditional commitment to pro-gun policies as articulated by the NRA.

Despite the selective readings of critics, the plan's pro-habitat, pro-access, common-sense approaches are some of the best-thought-out ideas ever put forth by a presidential candidate, even if you don't agree with all of them (as often happens in a democratic society).

According to an October 13th poll by CNN, Edwards is a distant 4th in the Democratic race. While it's unlikely he'll sit in the White House any time in the near future, he has at least been able to add some informed discussion of sportsmans' issues to the process.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/31/2007 at 15:30 | Comments (2) | Permalink

totally gross

Butchering a deer in a restaurant during operating hours just makes my stomach church. Don't get me wrong, I'm all about the garage deer processing. I've cooked up deer liver right from the carcass...but there I'm in control of my own sanitary or unsanitary conditions.

But in this restaurant...it would appear that anything goes...

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/31/2007 at 14:43 | Comments (0) | Permalink

MN deer harvest top and bottom

TOP FIVE
Permit area	Nearest town	Harvest per square mile
172	Longville	11.88 deer
243	Wadena	10.92 deer
244	Park Rapids	10.57 deer
245	Walker	10.49 deer
241	Perham	10.48 deer
BOTTOM FIVE
Permit area	Nearest town	Harvest per square mile
116	BWCA	0.24 deer
127	Ely	0.33 deer
425	Montevideo	0.40 deer
450	Sleepy Eye	0.47 deer
427	Hutchinson	0.55 deer

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/31/2007 at 7:27 | Comments (0) | Permalink

stomping pheasants

State and local officials have launched a criminal investigation into the stomping of a pheasant Friday at a high school football game in Davis County.
The pheasant wandered onto the football field during the game between American Fork and Viewmont high schools, delaying the second half of the game.
It was chased onto the Viewmont sideline, where an adult stomped on it and killed it.
American Fork police and state regulators on Monday began investigating the case as possible poaching, said Lt. Scott White, of the state Division of Wildlife Resources. Pheasant hunting season begins Nov. 6, he said.
Even if pheasant season had been under way, the stomping may have violated laws that regulate how game can be hunted, White said.
"There are certain ways you can . . . kill a pheasant," he said, and stomping on them is not one of them.
Investigators have not yet determined who stomped on the bird, White said.
Animal rights advocates called for legal action after reports of the stomping appeared in media coverage of the game.
"That was deliberate, to . . . show [the students] how to go for the kill," said Anne Davis, coordinator of www.henryslaw.com, a Web site that tracks animal cruelty cases in Utah.
Humane Society of Utah Executive Director Gene Baierschmidt called the

stomping "in poor taste."
"That bird didn't want to be on the football field any more than the players wanted it to be there," Baierschmidt said in a statement.
"Many of the students who witnessed the stomping may not remember what they learned in school that week, and they may not even remember much about the game itself," he said. "But the memory of this cruel act will undoubtedly remain."
ealberty@sltrib.com

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/31/2007 at 3:10 | Comments (0) | Permalink

thinning deer in Minneosta

Hunters encouraged to harvest antlerless deer in Clearwater County -

Regular firearms deer season opens November 3^rd

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) hopes hunters will take advantage of the liberal deer hunting seasons in Clearwater County this fall. Bag limits for the five deer areas within the county have been increased to two to five deer for the 2007 regular deer seasons.

"The Clearwater County Land and Forestry Department has noted increasing deer damage on many of the conifer plantations it manages," says Blane Klemek, Assistant Wildlife Manager. "In an effort to reduce this damage, the DNR is encouraging hunters to harvest additional antlerless deer on these county-managed lands as seasons and regulations allow."

Hunters in deer areas 184, 209, 210 and 287 may tag up to five antlerless deer during the regular seasons, while hunters in deer area 298 may tag two antlerless deer. The Clearwater County Land and Forestry Department may be contacted at (218) 694-6227 for additional information on hunting locations.

The increased bag limits should mean an abundance of venison. The DNR wants to remind hunters that they now have an opportunity to participate in a new venison donation program. The program, which provides venison to Minnesota food shelves and feeding programs, was developed to provide hunters an avenue to donate, at no cost to them, the extra deer they harvest, while benefiting those in need.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/30/2007 at 20:13 | Comments (0) | Permalink

not so top 10

DEER: TOP 10 HUNTER VIOLATIONS in Minnesota

1) uncased/loaded firearm

2) tagging

3) license

4) baiting

5) shooting from road or motor vehicle

6) shining

7) no blaze orange

8) fail to register

9) ATV/snowmobile closed hours

10) closed season/hours
                                                     

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/30/2007 at 18:44 | Comments (0) | Permalink

not quite a world record buck in Illinois

Finally the big buck stories and pictures have gone from a trickle to a steady flow.

But the biggest rumor so far this bow season is not true. No, there is no new world record typical buck shot in southern Illinois. At least not yet, and certainly not the deer pictured above. Instead, the deer pictured above is a massive 11-pointer apparently killed by bowhunter Joel Eggers, who is shown with the deer. Eggers shot the buck last week while hunting near Pinckneyville. For days now the buck has been the subject of intense Internet scrutiny, with several sources saying the deer had scored 206 inches. That would top Mel Johnson’s 204 4/8-inch world record bow kill taken in Peoria County (Click here to read our story from earlier this fall on Johnson’s record).

But when the buck was scored on Thursday (Oct. 25, 2007) by an official measurer, the tale of the tape came up to 198 inches net. That’s green score, so there will probably be some shrinkage as the rack dries over the allotted 60-day mandatory drying period. When all is said and done, this will probably be a 196-197 inch buck. Yes that’s massive—probably the biggest typical shot with a bow this year in North America. But not a world record. Maybe not even a state record for 10-pointers.

The rack had major deductions for an abnormal 5-inch point that sticks out behind one brow tine. One point was also well short of its matching point on the other side of the rack. Stay tuned for more information later tonight. We will also have pictures of the buck’s shed antlers from last year—which are apparently every bit as impressive as this year’s rack and possibly even more impressive.

As you ponder this, consider the following quote from a veteran Illinois measurer who has scored countless big bucks.

“There’s no way a 10-pointer is ever going to break Mel Johnson’s record, period,” said the veteran measurer.

Even so, this is a buck every hunter dreams about. Supposedly the Eggers buck field-dressed at 250 pounds. That’s not concrete yet. But give us time. For now, admire these pictures of what—even if it’s not a record—is unquestionably a gorgeous typical buck.

Then admire these pictures of another supposed 200-inch buck shot in Marion County and shown at a Highland archery store.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/30/2007 at 17:46 | Comments (0) | Permalink

a right and safe way to hunt

During an incident last season, eight hunters were making a deer drive, some driving, others posting. The shooter saw a deer exit from standing corn. He waited until the deer had passed known locations of other hunters. The shooter did not know the victim had changed posting locations. There was a slight rise preventing the shooter from seeing the victim. The shooter fired once at the deer with a 12-gauge slug, striking the victim on the upper part of his left ear, severing the top one-half inch.

"Many times, the victim and offender know one another. In fact, they're hunting together," said Capt. Mike Hammer, Education Program coordinator, DNR Division of Enforcement. "But the excitement of the hunt can quickly cloud a hunter's judgment and perception, and make him or her momentarily forget about surroundings, even hunting partners."

To ensure safety, deer hunters should establish hunting plans that define who will shoot and when during drives. Each hunting party member should have a predetermined zone of fire and always know where each member the hunting party is.

"Every hunter assumes an incredible responsibility when he or she picks up a sporting firearm and heads afield," Hammer said. "It's up to the hunter to make sound shooting decisions. If there's even the slightest hint that something isn't right, don't shoot. There will be other opportunities. Wait for the next chance and take pride in knowing that you made the right choice."

Hammer reminds hunters to hunt defensively, and to assume every movement or sound that they hear is another hunter until they can prove unquestionably that it isn't.

They should also remember to scan the area behind the target, positively identify your target, and be absolutely sure it is a legal deer before taking the safety off and pulling the trigger, Hammer said. In addition, he reminds hunters that wearing blaze orange clothing is required in areas open to deer hunting with firearms. He said every accident is preventable. Following a few basic rules is all it takes to have a safe and successful hunt.

"Know where your partners and others are at, know your zones of fire, make your position known to other hunters, be sure of your target and what's beyond it, and wear blaze orange clothing," Hammer said. "It's not only a common sense thing to do, it's the law."

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/30/2007 at 16:10 | Comments (0) | Permalink

gaining momentum

I will do my best to keep in front of readers/viewers/listeners the effort of Ann Pollert and ND Community Action in their crusade to benefit the Hunters for the Hungry...here's a piece from Dickinson by Linda Sailer.

Sportsmen to join fight against hunger
Linda Sailer
The Dickinson Press - 10/28/2007

Dickinson’s Harold Schnell is preparing to go deer hunting again this fall, a hobby he’s enjoyed since his youth. This year, he and his wife Sue will carry two deer licenses into the field. If the hunt goes as planned, one deer is processed for their freezer. The other is to be donated to the Sportsmen Against Hunger program.

“We’re avid hunters. We have pheasant hunting going on right now,” he said. “We shot two deer two years ago and gave one to the program.”

As president of the Slope Area Rifle and Pistol Association, Schnell is encouraging sportsmen to purchase an additional deer license with the intent of donating the venison to the program.

“I have found in talking to people at the food bank and other organizations, there is more demand for the meat than has been available. If prepared right, it’s delicious,” he said.

While some of the units in North Dakota have distributed their quotas of licenses, he said units in western North Dakota generally have extra licenses available.

“I have known about similar programs through the National Rifle Association. It has been promoting these programs nationally. They’re in different states under different titles,” he said.

North Dakota Community Action Association Executive Director Ann Pollert is credited with promoting the idea in North Dakota.

Data shows more than 26,000 people in North Dakota receive assistance from charitable programs supplied by the Great Plains Food Bank.

Last year, about one in 12 North Dakotans received help from a food bank or charitable meal program.

Jeannie Messall, client services/case manager at the Dickinson Community Action Partnership, is serving as a Sportsmen Against Hunger committee member. She is working with Schnell to get the word out regarding program.

“Last year, we only processed two deer,” she said. “We’re finding more interest in the eastern part of the state. Now we’re expanding in this direction.”

At the state level, 115 deer were processed and distributed to needy families in 2004. In 2005, the number jumped to 241 and in 2006, hunters donated nearly 370 deer.

The venison processed locally goes to the eight county food pantries for distribution, she said.

“I think it’s awesome. It’s a need in the region,” she said.

Locally, the two processors are Dean’s Meat Market Inc., Dickinson, and Erickson’s Meat Market Inc., Bowman.

Dean’s Meat Market owner Dean Evenson has participated in the program since it started.

“We decided to do it because it goes to a good cause. People can bring in the animal. We bone it out into steaks or hamburger, call somebody and they distribute it to the needy,” he said.

Hunters must skin the animal before bringing it to the meat market. While not required, Evenson would appreciate a call ahead of time to ensure there’s room in the freezer.

“We haven’t done but two or three each year, but maybe we’ll get more as the word gets out,” he said.

A fee of $35 is charged to process the meat. About 12 clubs around the state have donated money for the processing. Local funding comes from the Bowman-Haley Anglers and the Southwest Anglers. The program will continue until the funds are depleted.

“Hunters can donate the funds, anybody can donate funds to the program,” said Schnell.

Schnell said there’s a surplus of deer in the area above game management objectives. If the winter is severe, this deer surplus is knocked down to normal levels.

“There’s several benefits — helping to manage the herd and salvage good protein that would go to waste, getting the enjoyment in the field and helping people in need. It’s a win-win-win situation,” said Schnell.

For more information call the N.D. Community Action Association at 1-800-726-7960.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/30/2007 at 11:07 | Comments (0) | Permalink

making carp less common

U of M study looks to make carp less common

People have been known to use nets, poison and even dynamite to get rid of the invasive fish, but a study of three west-metro lakes may offer the first hope at how best to keep their numbers low.

By Laurie Blake, Star Tribune

Last update: October 29, 2007 – 11:18 PM

Having found a way to reduce sea lampreys in the Great Lakes, Peter Sorensen now is taking on the common carp. The University of Minnesota biologist has begun a scientific study in three lakes in Eden Prairie and Chanhassen that could offer the first hope for thinning the nasty bottom diggers from lakes across the country.

"We think it's important to show people we can do something with an invasive animal -- that science can do things," he said.

Two-thirds of all Minnesota lakes -- and all metro-area lakes -- are infested with the common carp. And it's a national problem as well, said Sorensen, who works in the university's Department of Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology.

Carp make clear waters murky by churning up clouds of sediment in their search for food. They can dig a foot into the muck at the bottom of a lake, uprooting good plants and stirring phosphorous on the lake floor back into the water, where it fertilizes algae and weeds. Their own excretions further foul the water. Sorensen considers them the most damaging aquatic species in Minnesota.

"It is unlikely that we can do much to improve the water quality in most of our lakes until we control them," he said.

He chose to do his research on the three west suburban lakes -- Lake Riley, Lake Susan and Rice Marsh Lake -- because they are home to thousands of carp. The bottom-feeding fish make up half to two thirds of the fish in the lakes. Some of them are 2 to 4 feet long and as big as 18 inches in girth. Some are 50 years old

Years of experience

During their first two summers, Sorensen and his research team discovered something surprising and significant: Although some of the fish are older than 50, young fish are scarce.

The age of the carp can be determined by slicing open their ear bones to count their growth rings. It's like counting the rings on a tree trunk. Judging by a sampling of the age of the fish in the lake, it's been roughly 10 years since a baby carp grew from egg to adulthood -- even though each female fish produces more than 1 million eggs a year.

Why the eggs grow into carp in some years and not others, Sorensen's team does not yet know. But one theory, according to his research assistant, Prezmyslaw Bajer, is that in most years other fish eat the carp minnows, but that the natural predatory chain is interrupted when an especially harsh winter kills off all the fish in the lakes. Then carp come back by migrating from other lakes and multiply much faster than the game fish -- resulting in an over-population of carp.

The fact that in many years young carp do not mature raises hope that if the older fish are removed, they may not be replaced by younger fish, Sorensen said.

The biologists will work to suppress young fish, remove adults, and prevent adult fish from coming from other lakes and laying more eggs.

In his study of sea lampreys, Sorensen and his team identified and synthesized a chemical signal, known as a pheromone, that can be used to trick the lampreys into traps. The lampreys prey on lake trout, whitefish and other fish.

Pheromones also will figure into the carp study, as Sorensen looks for a chemical signal that would lure females into a single locale where they can be removed from the lake.

Plenty of support

Sorensen's work is getting financial support from many corners. He has a $550,000 grant from the state's Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund, which gets money from the state lottery, and other funding from the Department of Natural Resources, the government of Australia -- where carp is considered a national problem -- and residents who live around the lakes he is studying.

On Lake Riley, the water quality seems to get a little worse every year, said resident David Florenzano, who lives on the lake with his wife, Anne.

The Lake Riley Improvement Association kicked in $2,000 to support the study because residents want to do what they can to help clean up the water, Florenzano said.

"We think it's a world-class study, and we feel very fortunate to have these folks doing this world-class study on our lake."

The west-suburban Riley Purgatory Bluff Creek Watershed District has promised to provide $2.7 million for the project from 2008 through 2017.

The significant investment reflects the district's belief in the importance of the project to the west suburban lakes and to the state, said board Vice Chair Ken Wencl of Chanhassen. "This has never been done before and it's a very important thing."

Carp do so much damage that until they are under control, there is no way to improve the water quality, reduce the weeds and stop soil erosion, Wencl said.

No one expects the carp to disappear completely, said Watershed District coordinator Paul Haik. "You will never eliminate the carp. The question is how can you manage the carp at a level that will allow fishing, boating and wakeboarding."

Within three years, district officials expect to start seeing clearer water, a greater percentage of game fish and positive changes in plant life.

By the end of the study, Sorensen hopes to leave the lakes with low carp numbers and be able to hand the Watershed District a manual for keeping them that way.

"I think we are smarter than carp, and I think we can figure this out," Sorensen said.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/30/2007 at 9:50 | Comments (0) | Permalink

banning snow machines in Yellowstone

Not that anyone is asking me, but I'd favor more restrictions on viewing Yellowstone via snow mobile. I've gone through the park several times on snow machine and realize the impact they have. I've also taken a trip mid-winter in a snow coach. To that I ask why not? It's not like Yellowstone is being closed off to visitation, not at all. It's how you get there, and a little lighter foot print is fine by me. Read more following the break

By MATTHEW BROWN
Associated Press

Eighty-six members of Congress are asking the National Park Service to phase out snowmobiles in Yellowstone National Park. They contend the agency is ignoring the increased noise and air pollution that would result from a plan to allow up to 540 of the machines daily.

The congressional opposition, in a letter sent Monday to Park Service Director Mary Bomar, comes as Yellowstone is set to finalize its snowmobiles rules in the next three weeks.

More than a decade in the making, the park's snowmobile policy has engendered a nationwide debate pitting public access advocates against conservationists who say Yellowstone should be closed to most motorized use during winter months.

The members of Congress - none of them from the Yellowstone area - told Bomar that snowmobiles should be replaced by a smaller number of guided snowcoaches, which are essentially buses on skis.

Allowing snowmobiles, they wrote, would provide "inferior protection" of the park and show a "disregard" for the Park Service's conservation mission.

"The agency's studies have repeatedly demonstrated that the best way to protect the health and safety of Yellowstone's visitors, staff, wildlife and natural resources ... is to phase out snowmobile use entirely and increase public access by modern, multi-passenger, guide-driven snowcoaches," they wrote.

Park officials contend their plan for up to 540 snowmobiles a day fairly balances competing needs: conservation and visitor access. Only snowmobiles that are part of guided trips would be allowed.

Yellowstone had as many as 1,400 snowmobiles daily during the 1990s, when louder, more polluting two-stroke engines were the norm. After animal rights and environmental groups filed a lawsuit in 1997, claiming in part that snowmobiles were harming wildlife, the park in 2000 attempted to prohibit snowmobiles outright. That move that was later blocked in the courts by a snowmobile manufacturers group.

Park officials said today's cleaner and quieter four-stroke engines make the issue less pressing. They have acknowledged that eliminating snowmobiles entirely would result in the biggest reduction in pollution, but argued those gains would be outweighed by the loss of recreational access.

"We've had good success in reducing impacts from historical levels," said park spokesman Al Nash. "Our job is to protect this wonderful place, and provide protection and a high-quality visitor experience."

The park's recommended plan, he added, "is in line and in accord with Park Service management policies."

Over the past two years, Yellowstone considered but rejected a plan to allow 120 snowcoaches daily and no snowmobiles.

The proposed 540 snowmobile cap is lower than a temporary cap of 720 snowmobiles that was in place for the past several winters. Actual use has been even less, averaging about 290 snowmobiles per day last year, according to figures provided by Yellowstone.

A final decision on the park's snowmobile plan is due from National Park Service Regional Director Mike Snyder before Nov. 19. A spokesman for Snyder's office, Rick Frost, said Monday that the letter from Congress had not changed that schedule.

The letter was from members of Congress in 28 states, although almost half were from just five states: Florida, California, New York, New Jersey and Illinois. None were from the three states where Yellowstone is located - Idaho, Montana and Wyoming. Seven were Republicans, the rest Democrats.

New Jersey Rep. Rush Holt, a Democrat and the leader of the group, declined to say whether Congress might seek to eliminate snowmobiles through legislation if Snyder approves the proposed plan.

Holt said he hoped the Park Service would change its mind.

"If they don't, we will keep pushing so that they do. Yellowstone is more than just one park. It is the granddaddy of national parks," he said.

Montana Rep. Denny Rehberg, a Republican, issued a statement criticizing the "urban members of Congress" who signed the letter.

"Snowmobiles and snowcoaches are an integral part of the Yellowstone experience, and it's important we learn how to manage, not eliminate them," he said.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/30/2007 at 7:26 | Comments (1) | Permalink

the VP goes hunting....

VP Cheney took another hunting trip and to that I say GREAT. Seriously. The more people who hunt or even take some time to understand what hunting is the better for the hunters of the USA. If every Governor and member of the House and Senate went hunting, dare I say, the decisions on natural resource issues would become even more informed. So don't let the jokers and detractors sway you. This is good...

VP goes hunting at private club

UNION VALE, N.Y. (AP) It wasn't his aim, but Vice President Cheney's latest hunting trip has generated controversy.

He spent about eight hours at a secluded Hudson Valley gun club Monday where well-heeled enthusiasts shoot ducks and pheasants. It was Cheney's second visit to Clove Valley Rod & Gun Club in Dutchess County, about 70 miles north of New York City.

A New York Daily News photographer snapped a picture of a small Confederate flag hanging inside a garage on the property.

The photo was shown to civil rights activist, the Reverend Al Sharpton, who demanded Cheney "leave immediately, denounce the club and apologize for going to a club" that he says "represents lynching, hate and murder to black people." A Cheney spokeswoman says neither the vice president nor anyone on his staff saw such a flag.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/30/2007 at 4:20 | Comments (0) | Permalink

animal damage control

there's a federal branch in the USDA called wildlife services. They deal extensively with problem critters. Like coyotes depredating on sheep, beavers causing problems and Canada geese too. Check out the swath they cut across the US in a year. Think how much problem wildlife costs USA taxpayers and tell me that managed hunting is appreciated.

By MATTHEW BROWN
Associated Press

Federal wildlife agents killed more than 1.6 million animals last year - including a record number of endangered wolves and more than 1 million birds - because of threats to livestock, crops and air travel.

The overall number was down slightly from 2005, when 1.7 million animals were killed, according to a recent federal report. But killings increased for several carnivore species including coyotes, foxes and gray wolves.

Environmental groups seized on the figures to renew their call for the elimination of Wildlife Services, a division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture that removes animals at the request of the livestock industry, government agencies and others.

"We don't think the government should be in the extermination business," said Jeff Ruch with Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility.

A Wildlife Services spokeswoman described the agency as providing a crucial function, by protecting livestock producers from economic losses and air travelers from harm.

"We've seen coyotes on airports, and why are coyotes on airports? Because the gophers are there. We want to look at a way to remove their food base. But sometimes the means to the end is maybe removing those coyotes," agency spokeswoman Teresa Howes said.

Increasingly, Howes said, the agency's shooting, trapping and poisoning operations involve non-native, or "invasive," species such as European starlings, a bird that is attracted to feed lots where they defecate in cattle feed.

Wildlife Services reported almost 64,000 cases of animals damaging or threatening to damage property or natural resources in 2006. Those ranged from beavers girdling trees and coyotes killing sheep, to bird strikes on aircraft and woodpeckers damaging buildings.

Howes added Wildlife Services also employs nonlethal tactics. Last year, it dispersed more than 24 million animals congregating around locations such as farms and airports by scaring them away with pyrotechnics, propane cannons and other methods.

More than 87,000 coyotes were killed by the federal government nationwide in 2006, the most since 2001. And 278 wolves were killed - a number that has risen steadily over the last decade in step with a recovering wolf population in the Northern Rockies.

Since wolves were reintroduced to the region by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in the mid-1990s, their expanding population has caused increased conflicts with sheep and cattle ranchers in Idaho, Montana and Wyoming.

Jim Magagna, vice president of the Wyoming Stock Growers Association, said he supported Wildlife Services and suggested eliminating the agency could drive some livestock producers out of business.

"From almost any perspective, it helps to have an organization out there, professional people, doing the predator control work rather than having a free-for-all," he said.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/30/2007 at 3:10 | Comments (0) | Permalink

some common hunting courtesty reminders

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department reminds hunters to park their vehicles in a place that will not block roads or approaches to farm fields.

Kevin Kading, private land section leader, said this has become an issue for landowners who are enrolled in the department’s Private Land Open To Sportsmen program, and for those who are not enrolled in PLOTS.

“This serves as a good reminder for hunters to pay attention to farm equipment, and to park their vehicles in a place that will not block a roadway, field approach or gate,” Kading said.

During hunting season, farmers and ranchers are busy with fall farm duties, including harvesting crops, moving cattle and hauling bales. “Some landowners may have land enrolled in the Working Lands PLOTS program,” Kading said. “These lands may contain crop or hay fields, or pastures with cattle. The farmer or rancher needs access to those fields or pastures, especially this time of year.”

One landowner mentioned to Kading that it was difficult for him to get his equipment past a hunter’s vehicle that was parked on the side of the road. “We are just asking hunters to make it easier for landowners by being aware of the surroundings when parking a vehicle,” he said. “You can find a place to park that won’t infringe on the landowner.”

Kading also asks hunters to practice proper etiquette, such as picking up trash and empty shells, and not to clean game in the road ditch or by PLOTS signs. “Hunters must respect the landowners and the land,” Kading added. “This is private property. Keep the land the way you would want it if it was your own.”

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/29/2007 at 23:39 | Comments (0) | Permalink

winterizing your boat

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/29/2007 at 18:45 | Comments (0) | Permalink

Ann Pollert helping the hungry

North Dakota deer hunters have helped the hungry by donating venison to local food pantries. Join Ann Pollert of the N. Dak. Community Action Association to find out how Sportsmen Against Hunger helps those in need and how you can get involved.

This week’s North Dakota Game and Fish Department webcast, Outdoors Online, is now online at http://www.gf.nd.gov/multimedia/ndoutdoors/webcast-new.html

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/29/2007 at 16:34 | Comments (0) | Permalink

get your doe tag soon

Deer hunters who want to purchase remaining doe licenses shouldn’t wait too long because some units only have a few left, according to Carrie Whitney, licensing supervisor for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.

“If you want to buy a license in a specific unit, don’t wait because they might be gone by opening day,” Whitney said.

Another reason to buy early is because licenses aren’t issued at the time applications are received. “The application is processed the day it is received, but the license isn’t available to be sent out until the next business day,” Whitney said. “So if a deer hunter applies for a license on Friday morning of opening day, it will be mailed the next business day.”

The Game and Fish Department will continue to sell remaining doe licenses through the end of the archery season. As of Monday, Oct. 29, more than 14,000 licenses for antlerless deer were still available in the following units: 1, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F1, 2G, 2H, 2I, 2J2, 2K2, 2L, 3A4, 3E1, 3E2, 3F1, 3F2, 4E and 4F.

These licenses are available to hunters who don’t already have a license, or for those who want additional licenses. They can be used during the bow season with a bow; the deer gun season with a bow, rifle, or muzzleloader; or during the muzzleloader season with a muzzleloader. Hunters must stay in the unit to which the license is assigned.

Hunters can apply online at the Game and Fish Department website, gf.nd.gov. Residents and nonresidents are eligible to apply. The regular deer gun season begins at noon Nov. 9 and continues through Nov. 25. Muzzleloader season starts at noon Nov. 30 and runs through Dec. 16. Archery season is open through Jan. 6, 2008.

 

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/29/2007 at 14:38 | Comments (0) | Permalink

it's not mans best friend

In Iowa a dog stepped on a gun and shot the owner...i can't make this up. But you can read the full story right here

TAMA, Iowa -- A Tama man was injured when hunting dogs stepped on his gun.Officials with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources said James Harris, 37, was pheasant hunting with a group about three miles north of Grinnell when the accident happened.Officials said the group had shot a bird and when Harris went to retrieve it, he put his gun on the ground and crossed a fence. As he crossed the fence, hunting dogs stepped on his gun causing it to fire.Harris was shot in the lower left leg.He was treated at Grinnell Medical Center and later transferred by helicopter to University Hospitals in Iowa City. His condition has not been released.The investigation is continuing.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/29/2007 at 12:17 | Comments (0) | Permalink

the battle over baiting in MN

what's difficult with baiting is defining what is baiting vs feeding and then enforcing it. here's a story out of MN that exemplifies the difficulty.

DNR steps up hunt for deer baiters

It's still illegal, though a revision to state law is creating confusion and might make enforcement more difficult.

By Dennis Anderson, Star Tribune

Last update: October 27, 2007 – 7:06 PM

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/29/2007 at 10:42 | Comments (0) | Permalink

becomming a game warden

I'm a firm believer that every stage of work and life, given the right frame of mind, better prepares you for the future. My years as a game warden were only about 4, but the work, training and field experience are drawn upon almost daily. The next game warden for North Dakota will be hired soon, read more about it right here.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/29/2007 at 3:35 | Comments (0) | Permalink

the countdwn to MN deer season....

If there's any doubt that November 3 marks the Minnesota deer opener, Brad Dokken just blew that up with some nice preseason informatin. Check them out in this weeks Grand Forks Herald

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/28/2007 at 23:38 | Comments (0) | Permalink

when deer vehicle collisions turn deadly

Highway Patrol says a pickup struck a deer on a Pierce County highway, sending the deer through the pickup window and killing the driver.

The name of the driver, a 33-year-old Burlington woman, has not yet been released.

The Highway Patrol says the crash happened about 11:30 a.m. Sunday, when the pickup was heading for a field about 10 miles north of Harvey to pick up cattle.

Authorities say a deer came across state Highway 3, in the path of the pickup, and flew through the window of the vehicle after it was struck. The driver was pronounced dead at the Harvey hospital.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/28/2007 at 21:57 | Comments (0) | Permalink

moving the outdoors in Grand Forks

The Herald's Outdoors Section is moving to Saturday.

Beginning Nov. 3, you will find your outdoors news in the back of the Saturday Sports section.

We'll offer the same solid outdoor news and information, plus Brad Dokken's column and Mike Jacobs' “Always in Season.”

And don't forget to get your heads-up going into the weekend by reading our fishing and field report on Fridays.

It's an outdoors one-two punch.

As always, you also can find outdoors content on the Web by going to www.grandforksherald.com and clicking on the Outdoors link.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/28/2007 at 17:40 | Comments (1) | Permalink

waterfowl migration update

WATERFOWL MIGRATION PICKING UP; USFWS SAYS WHOOPERS ARE HERE, TOO

Strong northerly winds early this week moved large numbers of ducks and
geese into North Dakota, but the weekly report from the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service reports that many of them kept going. Hunters are urged
to be on the lookout for whooping cranes, after at least five sightings
were reported in recent days.

A major waterfowl migration has been taking place in northwestern North
Dakota. Refuge manager Tim Kessler of the Crosby Wetland Management
District says strong northwest winds pushed major flights of snow geese,
white-fronted geese and sandhill cranes through the area. At mid-week,
Kessler reported 5,000 snow geese south of Crosby, another 10,000 north of
Noonan and an additional 1,000 near Lignite. No large groups of ducks have
been noted, but Kessler says there should be increases in some areas. In
addition to scattered groups of sandhill cranes, he reports recent whooping
crane sightings in central Burke County and western Divide County.

Waterfowl populations are on the increase at Des Lacs National Wildlife
Refuge near Kenmare. Refuge manager Dan Severson says ducks, geese and
sandhill cranes were migrating into and through the area at mid-week, with
some snow geese and ducks stopping at the refuge. He reports most
white-fronted geese kept going, but about 15,000 snow geese have settled on
the north end of the refuge. Most of the 15,000 ducks are mallards, and
the majority are on the lower half of the refuge. A recent influx of
lesser Canada geese has brought that total to about 3,000. Severson says
the tundra swan population is holding at 500.

The waterfowl migration remains slow in Mountrail County. Biologist Mike
Graue of the Lostwood Wetland Management District reports a major sandhill
crane movement through the area for the four days ending Monday, and he
adds that some of them have stayed. However, he says he has not seen any
snow geese yet. Graue notes that two whooping cranes stopped briefly on
Monday at Thompson Lake near the Lostwood refuge headquarters.

There’s been another increase in waterfowl numbers at Upper Souris National
Wildlife Refuge in Ward and Renville counties. Law enforcement officer
Shawn Tripp says hunting pressure is up, and some hunters are taking their
limits of birds.

A few more migrating waterfowl have reached central North Dakota. Audubon
National Wildlife Refuge biologist Craig Hultberg estimates the refuge now
holds up to 25,000 ducks and geese–mostly Canada geese–although a few snow
geese arrived early this week. He believes tundra swan numbers on the
refuge have peaked at 1,000.

Strong north winds brought a big push of waterfowl through south-central
North Dakota early this week. Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge manager
Paul VanNingen says the refuge was holding 7,000 Canada geese and 5,000
sandhill cranes on Monday and Tuesday, but he believes many moved on. He
had not noticed any change in duck numbers by mid-week, and adds that
tundra swan hunters are finding birds on some wetlands in northern Burleigh
and northern Kidder counties. VanNingen cautions hunters that whooping
cranes were seen on the ground with sandhill cranes near McKenzie early
this week.

More snow geese have moved into north-central North Dakota. Biologist Gary
Eslinger of J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge says the north end of
the refuge has attracted about 10,000 snow geese, and Lord’s Lake on the
Bottineau-Rolette county line was holding about 2,500. Northern portions
of the refuge were also hosting up to 15,000 ducks and 5,000 tundra swans
at mid-week. Hunters are reporting an increase in the number of lesser
Canada geese in the Rugby area.

Waterfowl numbers seem to be holding steady in northeastern North Dakota.
A few more flocks of snow geese are being reported in Towner and Ramsey
counties, and there might have been a slight increase in the number of
lesser Canada geese. Hunter pressure has been steady.

Quite a few migrant ducks, geese, sandhill cranes and tundra swans moved
through Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge early this week. Biologist
Paulette Scherr says some local birds may have joined the movement, but
good opportunities remain–especially for field hunters. She adds that the
birds seem to be spread out more than last week, and that area wetlands are
drying up rapidly.

Good numbers of snow geese, white-fronted geese and lesser Canada geese
have been moving through southern Wells and northern Stutsman counties.
Chase Lake Wetland Management District manager Tomi Buskness says the area
is also hosting more sandhill cranes and a few more tundra swans, although
duck hunters last weekend enjoyed only fair success at best. She warns
sandhill crane hunters that three whooping cranes were seen near Woodworth
late last week.

Despite good water conditions in the southeast part of the state, there
aren’t many waterfowl. Tewaukon National Wildlife Refuge biologist
Kristine Askerooth says there was a moderate movement of ducks and a few
tundra swans last week, but they didn’t stop, and hunting remains slow.
She adds the area corn harvest is about half done.

Waterfowl numbers are up slightly in the Valley City area. Wetland manager
Ed Meendering of the Valley City Wetland Management District reports seeing
groups of lesser Canada geese migrating through the area and small groups
of giant Canada geese. He says duck hunters are seeing few birds.

A few more sandhill cranes, tundra swans and lesser Canada geese have moved
into southeast central North Dakota. Travis Carpenter, deputy refuge
manager of the Kulm Wetland Management District, also reports a slight
increase in the number of ducks in the area, but hunters note that the
remaining local ducks are becoming wary.

In northeastern South Dakota, Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge has
recorded increases in waterfowl numbers. Biologist Bill Schultze says the
snow goose population was grown from 20 last week to 12,000 at mid-week.
The number of Canada geese has jumped from 1,200 to 3,500, and includes
quite a few flocks of lesser Canada geese. Some 100,000 ducks are now
using the refuge; up from 40,000 last week. Many of the newcomers are
mallards, pintails, green-winged teal and canvasbacks, although redheads
and wigeon are also starting to show up. Schultze says the refuge is also
holding about 1,500 tundra swans.

Law enforcement officers report some hunters are still failing to leave
proper identification on their harvested birds. Waterfowl hunters must
leave one fully feathered wing or the fully feathered head attached to
their birds during transportation or shipment to the final destination.

Upland bird hunters are reminded they are restricted to nontoxic shot while
on waterfowl production areas.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the principal Federal agency
responsible for conserving, protecting and enhancing fish, wildlife and
plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American
people. For more information, visit the Service’s website at www.fws.gov

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/28/2007 at 13:10 | Comments (1) | Permalink

it's alwasy in season

One of my favorite Sunday reads is from Mike Jacobs, Always in Season. Mike provides insightful facts as to what's going on in the sky across the Midwest in terms of birds and migration. Guaranteed you'll find yourself a bit more appreciative each week of the wonder of the outdoors world. click here for a direct link

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/28/2007 at 11:10 | Comments (0) | Permalink

central Dakota Outdoors report

Fishing:

N.D. Game & Fish Dept. District Game Wardens: Little activity on area lakes.

Devils Lake, Ed’s Bait & Tackle, Devils Lake: Not much activity but those going out are finding walleye along the bridges. Try jigs.

Devils Lake, Randy’s Bait Shop, Minnewaukan: Most walleye activity is from shore for eater-sized fish. Try Mauvais Coulee or Six-Mile Bay bridges using minnows or nightcrawlers. Some boat activity, as well. Also try trolling. Most northern pike activity is from bridges and culverts using herring or smelt. White bass tapered off. Occasional perch from boat.

Devils Lake, Woodland Resort, Creel Bay: Continued small walleye success.

Goose Lake, Harvey: Fair for northern pike and walleye.

Harvey Dam, Harvey: Fair for northern pike.

Hoffer Lake, McClusky: Fair for northern pike and walleye.

Jamestown Reservoir, Dan’s Sooper Stop, Jamestown: Some activity but no recent walleye reports.

Jamestown Reservoir, Pioneer Bait Shop, Jamestown: Not many on the water but those going are getting some nice walleye.

Lake Ashtabula, Bay Shore Resort, Valley City: Most activity is from shore for walleye. Those going are finding fair to good success.

Pipestem Reservoir, Dan’s Sooper Stop, Jamestown: Not many anglers on the water.

Pipestem Reservoir, Pioneer Bait Shop, Jamestown: Little activity.

Spiritwood Lake, Pioneer Bait Shop, Jamestown: Not many anglers out.

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service waterfowl report, Oct. 24: Use caution with waterfowl identification. Hunter’s Choice regulations allow only one of either a hen mallard, canvasback, or pintail in daily bag limit.

Arrowwood Nat’l. Wildlife Refuge (NWR), Pingree: Quite a few birds moved into region and good hunting opportunities remain, especially for field spreads. Birds seem more spread out. Wetlands drying.

Audubon NWR, Coleharbor: A few more migrating birds reached central N.D. Refuge now holding up to 25,000 ducks and Canada geese. A few snows arrived early in the week. Swan numbers peaked at about 1,000 birds.

Chase Lake Wetland Mgmt. Dist. (WMD), Woodworth: Quite a few snow geese, whitefronts, and lessers moving through southern Wells and northern Stutsman counties. Area has more cranes and a few more swans but weekend duck hunters had fair, at best, success.

Devils Lake WMD, Devils Lake: Waterfowl numbers steady in the northeast with a few more snow geese in Towner and Ramsey counties. Perhaps a slight increase in lesser Canada geese. Steady hunting pressure.

Kulm WMD, Kulm: A few more cranes, swans, and lesser Canada geese moved into southeast-central N.D. Slight increase in duck numbers but local ducks are getting wary.

Long Lake NWR, Moffitt: Big waterfowl push came through south-central N.D. earlier in week. Refuge has about 7,000 Canada geese and 5,000 cranes but birds likely moving out. Not much change in duck numbers. Some swans on wetlands in northern Burleigh and Kidder counties.

Valley City WMD, Valley City: Waterfowl numbers up slightly in area. Some groups of lesser Canada geese moving through along with small flocks of giant Canada geese. Duck hunters finding few birds.

Hunting:

N.D. Game & Fish Dept. District Game Wardens: Not much duck influx in the southern part of the state but snow geese starting to move into northern tier. Most birds north of U.S. Highway 2 yet. Pheasant hunting fair to good with good numbers of birds. Some snow geese starting to move into northwestern N.D. along with other whitefronts and small Canada geese. Spotty wetland conditions in the northwest.

Lonetree Wildlife Mgmt. Area: Fair upland success. Fair waterfowl success but water conditions are poor. A few small Canada geese starting to trickle in but no large influx of other waterfowl yet.

North-central North Dakota: More geese moving through but don’t seem to be stopping. Lots of ducks on local ponds. Occasional ruffed grouse sighting. Deer starting to move more in recent days.

Northeast N.D.: Not many northern ducks down yet but hunters finding some success on divers.

A few more snow geese moving in but scouting is a must for waterfowl hunters.

Southeast N.D.: Continued pheasant success.

West-central N.D.: Goose success remains somewhat challenging but pheasant hunters finding good success. Lots of pheasants in area yet with lots of activity. Local duck numbers remain good with lots of birds on Lake Audubon.

More geese starting to show up along with swans and a few lingering cranes.

Numbers to know:

N.D. Game & Fish Department, main Bismarck office: 328-6300; Web site: (http://gf.nd.gov).

N.D. Game & Fish Department, Jamestown office: 253-6480.

Rare Bird Alert: 355-8554.

Report All Poachers: (800) 472-2121.

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Bismarck, Web site: (http://mountain-prairie.fws.gov/northdakotafieldoffice).

walleye activity is from shore for eater-sized fish. Try Mauvais Coulee or Six-Mile Bay bridges using minnows or nightcrawlers. Some boat activity, as well. Also try trolling. Most northern pike activity is from bridges and culverts using herring or smelt. White bass tapered off. Occasional perch from boat.

Devils Lake, Woodland Resort, Creel Bay: Continued small walleye success.

Goose Lake, Harvey: Fair for northern pike and walleye.

Harvey Dam, Harvey: Fair for northern pike.

Hoffer Lake, McClusky: Fair for northern pike and walleye.

Jamestown Reservoir, Dan’s Sooper Stop, Jamestown: Some activity but no recent walleye reports.

Jamestown Reservoir, Pioneer Bait Shop, Jamestown: Not many on the water but those going are getting some nice walleye.

Lake Ashtabula, Bay Shore Resort, Valley City: Most activity is from shore for walleye. Those going are finding fair to good success.

Lake Sakakawea, Cenex Bait & Tackle, Garrison: Lake Audubon starting to see some improving walleye and northern pike activity for the handful going out. Try working Deepwater to Van Hook Arm on Lake Sakakawea.

Pipestem Reservoir, Dan’s Sooper Stop, Jamestown: Not many anglers on the water.

Pipestem Reservoir, Pioneer Bait Shop, Jamestown: Little activity.

Spiritwood Lake, Pioneer Bait Shop, Jamestown: Not many anglers out.

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service waterfowl report, Oct. 24: Use caution with waterfowl identification. Hunter’s Choice regulations allow only one of either a hen mallard, canvasback, or pintail in daily bag limit.

Arrowwood Nat’l. Wildlife Refuge (NWR), Pingree: Quite a few birds moved into region and good hunting opportunities remain, especially for field spreads. Birds seem more spread out. Wetlands drying.

Audubon NWR, Coleharbor: A few more migrating birds reached central N.D. Refuge now holding up to 25,000 ducks and Canada geese. A few snows arrived early in the week. Swan numbers peaked at about 1,000 birds.

Chase Lake Wetland Mgmt. Dist. (WMD), Woodworth: Quite a few snow geese, whitefronts, and lessers moving through southern Wells and northern Stutsman counties. Area has more cranes and a few more swans but weekend duck hunters had fair, at best, success.

Devils Lake WMD, Devils Lake: Waterfowl numbers steady in the northeast with a few more snow geese in Towner and Ramsey counties. Perhaps a slight increase in lesser Canada geese. Steady hunting pressure.

Kulm WMD, Kulm: A few more cranes, swans, and lesser Canada geese moved into southeast-central N.D. Slight increase in duck numbers but local ducks are getting wary.

Long Lake NWR, Moffitt: Big waterfowl push came through south-central N.D. earlier in week. Refuge has about 7,000 Canada geese and 5,000 cranes but birds likely moving out. Not much change in duck numbers. Some swans on wetlands in northern Burleigh and Kidder counties.

Valley City WMD, Valley City: Waterfowl numbers up slightly in area. Some groups of lesser Canada geese moving through along with small flocks of giant Canada geese. Duck hunters finding few birds.

Hunting:

N.D. Game & Fish Dept. District Game Wardens: Not much duck influx in the southern part of the state but snow geese starting to move into northern tier. Most birds north of U.S. Highway 2 yet. Pheasant hunting fair to good with good numbers of birds. Some snow geese starting to move into northwestern N.D. along with other whitefronts and small Canada geese. Spotty wetland conditions in the northwest.

Lonetree Wildlife Mgmt. Area: Fair upland success. Fair waterfowl success but water conditions are poor. A few small Canada geese starting to trickle in but no large influx of other waterfowl yet.

North-central North Dakota: More geese moving through but don’t seem to be stopping. Lots of ducks on local ponds. Occasional ruffed grouse sighting. Deer starting to move more in recent days.

Northeast N.D.: Not many northern ducks down yet but hunters finding some success on divers. A few more snow geese moving in but scouting is a must for waterfowl hunters.

Southeast N.D.: Continued pheasant success.

West-central N.D.: Goose success remains somewhat challenging but pheasant hunters finding good success. Lots of pheasants in area yet with lots of activity. Local duck numbers remain good with lots of birds on Lake Audubon.

More geese starting to show up along with swans and a few lingering cranes.

Numbers to know:

N.D. Game & Fish Department, main Bismarck office: 328-6300; Web site: (http://gf.nd.gov).

N.D. Game & Fish Department, Jamestown office: 253-6480.

Rare Bird Alert: 355-8554.

Report All Poachers: (800) 472-2121.

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Bismarck, Web site: (http://mountain-prairie.fws.gov/northdakotafieldoffice).

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/28/2007 at 5:34 | Comments (0) | Permalink

eagle recover

Even though bald eagles have recovered to the point of removal from endangered species list, that doesnt mean a successful recovery and release of an individual bird is less impressive.

Here's a video of a recent release in Bismarck.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/28/2007 at 2:51 | Comments (0) | Permalink

keeping all options open during fall

Sure we talk about the Baskin Robins that fall is...hunting..fishing...pheasants...ducks...walleye. Then there's the next degree of choosing which method to reap the harvest. And don't think fly fishing is off the radar.

By BRETT FRENCH
Of The Gazette Staff

BIG TIMBER - Dead leaves chatter like dried bone wind chimes in the cottonwood trees. A gust snaps a few free of their feeble hold. They drift aimlessly into the Boulder River below, collecting in fat, wet golden wads behind shore stones.

On the bank, bright orange lichen cheer up stoic gray boulders, the drought having left them unscoured during spring runoff for the past several years. And farther up on shore, humps of rounded river rock emerge from the ground like dolphin dorsal fins surfacing across a golden-grass ocean.

Every now and then, a rhythmic "swish, swish, swish" slices across the still air as Matt Wilhelm casts his lime green fly line back and forth, back and forth. Then he plops the fly into the water to begin its stealthy search for a glossy trout.

"I'd have to say that September, October and early November are my favorite times of the year to fish," said Willhelm, education coordinator for the Federation of Fly Fishers in Livingston and a master casting instructor. "For a lot of people, it's about getting away from the rat race."

Casting into the rushing water of the Boulder, soft light filtering onto the pastoral scene, Wilhelm makes you believe fly-fishing could be a spectator sport. Pull up a cold rock or lumpy log for a seat in the sand-floored stadium that arches down to the river's-edge stage. Admire the candy-cane loop of his fly line, the ease at which he places the fly 20 yards out. You can almost hear the commentator, in the hushed tones of golf, describing Wilhelm's actions.

"The fall season can be extraordinary," said Kory Kober, of the Otter's Den fly shop in Columbus. "There are 60-degree days with no other anglers. It's a perfect time to be on the river."

At this time of year, river anglers are mostly searching for big brown trout made testy by their fall spawning run. The run is triggered by the length of days and water temperature, which usually coincide near the mid- to end of October - right now.

For brown-trout anglers, Montana is a fall smorgasbord.

On the Yellowstone, brown trout will spawn right in the main stream or its side channels, sometimes running up tributary rivers like the Boulder, Stillwater or Gardner. Down south, on the Bighorn River, side channels for spawning browns have been minimized by low releases from Yellowtail Dam, leaving the mainstem as the only choice in many cases. Near the town of West Yellowstone, big browns are known to migrate upstream out of Hebgen Lake into the Madison River.

"I really like to get above Big Timber, on the upper Yellowstone," Kober said.

In the fall, brown trout don't stay in their usual haunts.

"The fish are not sitting in real heavy water at this time of year," Wilhelm said. "They like to rest in calmer, slower water. I fish at the tail of the pools.

"A lot of times the browns will also sit in the soft margins right on the edge of the fast water," he said.

Streamers, which may imitate baitfish or crayfish, are the main fly of choice for big browns.

"It's more about getting in their face than getting in their belly," Kober said.

Anglers are playing to the fish's predatory nature and defensive posture prior to spawning.

"One thing you don't want to do is fish for fish that are actively spawning; that's not ethical," Wilhelm said. "We're looking for fish that are on their way to spawn or done, not those that are on the redd or defending the redd."

Redds are the gravel beds where trout lay their eggs.

To attract strikes, Kober prefers large streamers 4 to 5 inches long in brown trout colors - yellows, browns and oranges.

"I throw the biggest ones in the box," he said. "I'm looking to intimidate the biggest male brown trout in the pool. I'm not interested in the 15-inchers. You've got to be willing to not catch those midsize fish, and that's hard for some people."

The morning and late afternoons are better times to fish, or on overcast days, since brown trout are sensitive to light.

Kober likes to impart a lot of action to his streamers by stripping the fly line in.

"You need to give the appearance of life," he said. "You want it to be active and aggressive."

So while other anglers are off hunting, or have already stowed their rods for the year, a few fanatics are still out wading, casting, searching for trout.

"It's nice because the crowds aren't as big and every once in awhile you get a nice sunny day," Wilhelm said. "The colors are nice, there's a nice autumn smell in the air."

Contact Brett French at french@billingsgazette.com or at 657-1387.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/27/2007 at 22:47 | Comments (0) | Permalink

shutting down my Saturday

My hunting partner/son has been sick, so Saturday AM hunting was a game time decision. Fortunatley mom gave us the 'nod of approval' around 7AM to head out, on the condition that we do more driving than walking. And we were out the door by 7:15AM. Quick stop at Sandy's Donut shop for 'fuel' and we headed out. What a gorgeous morning. The full moon and sunrise almost as perfect as the donut.

We found a few roosters and enjoyed the AM in the field. A little walk...shh..dont tell mom...and I couldnt have asked for more.

The late afternoon I thought of the 18,000 people indoors at the Fargodome. Little doubt the Bison would crush Southern Utah like a 5 year old with a fresh donut and an empty stomach. We spent the late part of the afternoon playing FB in the backyard and a short walk....sweet.

Now I'll curl up with the World Series...yep...life is good.

See ya tomorrow....outdoors.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/27/2007 at 21:40 | Comments (0) | Permalink

weekly Western update from Williston

10/26/07

The pheasant hunting has still been very good and the tails being brought in are nothing short of sensational! The longest tail for opening weekend was 24 ½ brought in by Dr. Mark Moran. So far this week, with only today remaining the longest is 24 ¾ which was brought in by William Tennison of Vale Colorado . Each weekly winner will be included in the draw down at the end of the year for a shotgun. If you have had my luck and only are getting the short tailed roosters don’t forget we also have a monthly drawing from all birds brought in. We are seeing more non-residents than in the past but that always comes with good bird numbers in our area. Most of the non-residents we see are some how tied to the area but we are also seeing more hunters willing to travel to hunt birds. Just this week we have seen hunters from North Carolina , Michigan , Wisconsin , Utah and British Columbia . It is interesting talking with some of these guys as they not only hunt pheasants but many travel to hunt chukar, quail and even sage grouse. Some pretty fancy dog trailers are in tow behind their vehicles as well. We also seem to have more ducks and geese moving in to the area and hopefully this little cold snap will move in even more.

A couple more successful reports from last weekend on elk hunting and Mark Stewart brought his North Dakota elk by the store. Mark’s elk had a very nice seven by nine rack that will score well into the high three hundreds. Even some of the non-residents are amazed at the variety of game we have in North Dakota . Elk activity seems to be a little better and if you have a tag it may be worth the time to get out and do more hunting. There are a fare amount of tags in the area and all the hunters have had to put in some time to get the opportunity to bag a North Dakota elk.

The river fishing continues to be good and we have seen more fishermen coming through to bank fish than we have had all summer. According to reports that I have had the size has even improved. Now we will have to see how much a little change in the weather affects the bite.

Three weeks on the count down to the North Dakota deer gun opener. There are some dandy bucks out there and even the badlands this year seems to be holding some better than normal bucks. It looks like it is going to be a good antler year, this season. With deer season also comes coyote hunting and hides are getting close to being prime. I talked with one of our local hides buyers and he said he was planning to start buying hides around November 1^st. At this point it sounds like we will be lucky to see last years prices but the hunt is more about the experience than what you get for the hide when it comes to hunting and calling predators.

If you have information you would like to share please email it to andy@scenicsports.com

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/27/2007 at 20:39 | Comments (0) | Permalink

3rd mountain lion season in SD

PIERRE, S.D.—South Dakota’s third mountain lion season will start on Nov. 1 with some changes from the 2006 season.

“Perhaps the biggest change is combining the state into one unit,” said John Kanta, the Rapid City-based regional game manager for the S.D. Game, Fish and Parks Department. “Last year the Black Hills Unit was open to residents and the Prairie Unit was open to landowners. Now the entire state is open to properly licensed resident mountain lion hunters.”

Another change from last year is an increase in the number of lions that may be harvested. The season will end statewide immediately if either 35 total lions or 15 female lions are harvested. If neither of the harvest limits are reached, the season will end on Dec. 31.

It is up to hunters to keep informed about the status of the season, either by calling a toll-free phone number, (866) 895-9067, or checking the GFP Web site at http://www.sdgfp.info/Wildlife/MountainLions/MtLionseasonstatus.htm.

Spotted or young lions are off limits as are lions traveling together, which is often a sign of a mother with juvenile lions.

As in past seasons, successful hunters must report mountain lion kills to GFP within 24 hours. To report a harvested lion, hunters should call the GFP Regional Office in Rapid City which can be reached on weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. at (605) 394-2391. After-hours reports should be made to State Radio at (605) 393-8121.

The mountain lion hunting season is open to South Dakota residents only. Licenses are available through the end of the season from the GFP Licensing office in Pierre or through the department Web site at www.sdgfp.info.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/27/2007 at 19:40 | Comments (0) | Permalink

just plain absurd--PETA get's money from poacher

I can't believe I've read this....and it's true...a poacher sentenced to give money to PETA

Poacher Gets Absurd Sentence in Colorado

A Minnesota man pled guilty this week to three misdemeanors stemming from the baiting and killing of a bear last month near Carbondale, Colorado.

The man had set dog food out to bait the bear (baiting is illegal in Colorado), then shot the bear with his bow the day before the season opened, then left the meat to rot. He was caught after raising suspicions when he took the bear hide in to get it tagged and sealed as required by Colorado hunting regulations.

The man was sentenced to two years of unsupervised probation, loss of hunting privileges for five years, and fines of $5,300. As part of a plea bargain, a felony charge of willful destruction of big-game wildlife was dropped.

This all seems within norms.

The absurd part was that District Judge Chuck Buss required that Miller donate $500 to People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, the radical anti-hunting organization.

It is unclear why the judge felt it appropriate to mandate the financing of anti-hunting organizations as part of this poaching case. This seems incredibly inappropriate and utterly irrelevant to the crime at hand. It is unfortunate that the judge didn't consider directing funds towards an organization that is actually relevant to reducing poaching, such as Colorado's Turn in Poachers Program or Operation Game Thief.

Hopefully, next time, the punishment will fit the crime.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/27/2007 at 18:50 | Comments (0) | Permalink

Woodbury hunter shot multiple times

I know stories like this are unfortunatley common, but that doesn't minimize the horror of getting shot while hunting.

Woodbury hunter shot in head

A Woodbury man who was shot multiple times in the neck and back while hunting Thursday afternoon has been released from the hospital.

By Tim Harlow, Star Tribune

Last update: October 26, 2007 – 12:43 PM

A Woodbury man who was shot multiple times in the neck and back while hunting Thursday afternoon has been released from the hospital.

The man, 29, was bow hunting in the Bayport Wildlife Management Area in West Lakeland Township when he was shot by another hunter who was using a 20-gauge shotgun to hunt small game, said Washington County Sheriff Bill Hutton.

The victim, who was hit with 12 to 14 pellets, called 911 and "was very distraught," Hutton said. The man who shot him raced to render aid and completed the emergency call, Hutton said.

The shooting appears to be accidental, but the suspect, a 20-year-old man from Minneapolis, is in custody and could face charges of recklessly discharging a firearm, Hutton said.

According to Hutton, the shooter heard a noise that he thought was a squirrel. He turned and fired before he realized that he was shooting at the victim, who was wearing camouflage and was about 12 to 18 yards away.

Both men had valid hunting licenses and had otherwise broken no laws, Hutton said.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/27/2007 at 17:37 | Comments (0) | Permalink

video inside a game check

If you've never been stopped at a game check, the best advice I an give is to be honest and prior to the game check make sure you've read the regulations for transporting game birds and animals. If everything is in line the check will take a few minutes.

Here's a video peak inside a recent game check

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/27/2007 at 16:36 | Comments (0) | Permalink

NRA update

Those who know even a little something about NRA would read this headline and immediately conjure up images of a renowned competitive shooter, an accomplished sportswoman, someone who bravely and legally used a gun for self-defense, or maybe a patriot who stands up for freedom when it is attacked.

Well, if you’re Jayne Lyn Stahl, your image is that of a murderer.

In an October 9 Atlantic Free Press article by that title  (http://www.atlanticfreepress.com/content/view/2576/81), Stahl equates the off-duty deputy sheriff in Wisconsin who shot and killed six innocent people in cold blood with the typical NRA member. Specifically, Ms. Stahl writes, “While one often thinks of Charleton (sic) Heston when thinking about the NRA, in this age of the cowboy, any gun-toting madman will do just as well.” Need more? Stahl also opined, “This officer who fired his gun, and took the lives of six isn’t the only poster child for the NRA; each of his victims is, too.”

“Misguided” is the most benign adjective that can use to describe her assessment. More appropriate descriptions include “ignorant,” “insulting,” “outrageous.”

Imagine equating an organization of nearly 4,000,000 members, which dedicates itself to preserving the rights of law-abiding citizens to choose to legally own guns, while also calling for the strict enforcement and punishment of those who break the law, with a cold-blooded killer. Stahl’s offensive comparison shrieks of ignorance, disregarding NRA’s actions and deeds.

Comparing a group whose 62,000-plus certified instructors train 1,000,000 Americans annually in firearms safety and responsibility, to someone who would undertake such a heinous act?  That’s insulting.  If not, perhaps we don’t understand the meaning of the word.

An organization that counts among its staff, national officers, and members current and retired law enforcement professionals, representative of a murderer? That’s not just outrageous, it’s damn outrageous!

We haven’t even discussed perhaps the most disturbing part of Stahl’s slanderous piece. Along with her viciously misguided words was a photo of the shooter, along with the NRA logo (used without permission), and the following caption: “Proudly enabling sick nuts to carry out violent revenge for fantasies for 136 years.”   

NRA reserves its support for the Second Amendment to lawful and responsible citizens. It appears when it comes to the First Amendment, Ms. Stahl and the Atlantic Free Press fail to qualify in this latter category.

It is troubling to say the least when a professional writer, with either absolutely no factual information about NRA or who we are, is able to pen a piece equating our four million members with a murderer.

Ms. Stahl, shame on you for your outrageous, insulting display of ignorance.

Please consider voicing your opinion on this issue as well to either the author or The Atlantic Free Press at these email addresses: 

To contact Stahl: jayne.stahl@gmail.com

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/27/2007 at 12:38 | Comments (2) | Permalink

tonight! the Sheynne Valley Strutters banquet

Here's the rundown of the upcoming National Wild Turkey Federation banquet for the Sheyenne Valley Strutters in Lisbon

Event Date:	10/27/2007
Location:	Eagles Club
	Lisbon, ND 58054
Contact:	Tim Bleecker
Phone:	701 261 3167
Email:	timbleecker@msn.com

social begins at 5:30pm, and the dinner is scheduled for 7pm.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/27/2007 at 10:30 | Comments (0) | Permalink

Starting Saturday out

October really is one of the best outdoors/hunting/fishing months out of the 12. So I hesitate to shut it down a week early, but the truth is as you roll out this weekend, take a minute to plan the first part of November. Sure there are plenty of roosters and walleye waiting, but spending a few minutes planning for the MN Nov 3 deer opener and the ND opener on November 9 right now, can save you some trouble.

First, find your license. Seriously. If you can't find it now, odds are you won't find it tomorrow or the next day. Make arrangements to get a new or replacement license through MN DNR or ND Game and Fish. Don't wait.

Then site in your rifle. Finding all the deer won't do you any good if you can't hit one.

Next reconfirm your hunting location or plans. Make some last minute checks for access and permission to hunt.

Oh by the way don't forget the high school football playoffs to. Hillsboro playing at Napoleon for the 3rd year in a row during the playoffs. Napoleon has one the first two. My gut feeling is the Burro's come out on top!

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/27/2007 at 5:14 | Comments (0) | Permalink

Tony's take on the Farm Bill

My gut say's it will take a little it to dig through a more clear vision of what the new farm fill means in ND. Here's Tony Deans take:

I'm disappointed the US Senate weakened Sodsaver in their version of the Farm Bill. This is a critical provision that prevents the plowing of marginal land that is currently in grass.

And so what if it contains CRP? If payments aren't competitive with cash rental rates, the program won't fly.

And, they did pass the "Open Fields" legislation, but that's little more than a copy of state programs such as South Dakota's Walk-in acres and North Dakota's PLOTS. The future of those, plus open fields lies in how many acres are set aside in CRP. Without it, you can count on these areas that could be open to public hunting on a walk-in basis, not being seen frequently.

I fear too many Senators listen to much to big agriculture and it shows in the way they set their priorities.

Tony Dean

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/26/2007 at 21:56 | Comments (0) | Permalink

here's what's left

	Unit 1 - Any Antlerless Deer	637
	Unit 2C - Any Antlerless Deer	1,859
	Unit 2D - Any Antlerless Deer	1,022
	Unit 2E - Any Antlerless Deer	1,633
	Unit 2F1 - Any Antlerless Deer	1,754
	Unit 2G - Any Antlerless Deer	110
	Unit 2H - Any Antlerless Deer	578
	Unit 2I - Any Antlerless Deer	145
	Unit 2J2 - Any Antlerless Deer	1,690
	Unit 2K2 - Any Antlerless Deer	2,610
	Unit 2L - Any Antlerless Deer	508
	Unit 3A4 - Any Antlerless Deer	575
	Unit 3E1 - Antlerless White-tailed Deer	172
	Unit 3E2 - Antlerless White-tailed Deer	356
	Unit 3F1 - Antlerless White-tailed Deer	691
	Unit 3F2 - Antlerless White-tailed Deer	229
	Unit 4E - Antlerless White-tailed Deer	62
	Unit 4F - Antlerless Mule Deer	94
	Unit 4F - Antlerless White-tailed Deer	173
		14898
	Remaining tags available for Fall Turkey Show Unit Map
	Unit	Total Still Available
	Unit 13	62
	Unit 17	77
		139

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/26/2007 at 18:17 | Comments (0) | Permalink

friday funnies

Murphy's Lesser Known Laws:

1. Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.

2. Change is inevitable, except from a vending machine.

3. Those who live by the sword get shot by those who don't.

4. Nothing is foolproof to a sufficiently talented fool.

5. The 50-50-90 rule: Anytime you have a 50-50 chance of getting something right, there's a 90%
probability you'll get it wrong.

6. If you lined up all the cars in the world end to end, someone would be stupid enough to try to pass them, on a hill, in the fog.

7. The things that come to those who wait will be the scraggly junk left by those who got there first.

8. The shin bone is a device for finding furniture in a dark room.

9. A fine is a tax for doing wrong. A tax is a fine for doing well.

10. When you go into court, you are putting yourself into the hands of 12 people who weren't smart enough to get out of jury duty.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/26/2007 at 15:32 | Comments (0) | Permalink

secondary killing of eagles

By CLAIR JOHNSON
Of The Gazette Staff

The unintentional killing of three eagles will cost a Terry rancher $15,000.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Carolyn Ostby on Thursday sentenced Ronald Eugene Tibbetts, 61, to six months of unsupervised probation and ordered him to pay $15,000 restitution. There was no fine.

"I made a mistake," Tibbetts told the judge. "I never really thought the whole picture through."

Tibbetts asked the judge to consider a smaller restitution amount based on Montana law. "I feel $15,000 is fairly high. I realize this is a federal court issue, but we are in Montana," he said.

Tibbetts pleaded guilty in July to one misdemeanor count of illegally killing a migratory bird. Tibbetts admitted that he went after skunks and raccoons with meatballs laced with Furidan, a poison, in 2004 and 2005. The animals ate the meatballs and died. The coyotes ate their carcasses and died. And one mature bald eagle and two immature golden eagles that fed on the coyotes also died.

Ostby followed sentencing recommendations in a plea agreement and heard testimony about the value of eagles from Doug Goessman, a special agent with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Goessman said the agency uses restitution amounts based on information from private organizations on what it costs to rehabilitate sick or injured raptors. An organization the agency has used for years places the value of one immature bald or golden eagle at $5,000; a mature eagle is valued at $10,000 because it is able to reproduce.

Goessman said he didn't know how the state set its valuations of eagles, which is $500 for a golden eagle and $1,000 for a bald eagle. The Fish and Wildlife Service has never used the state's values in determining restitution costs in federal cases, he said.

Ostby said she considered the numerous letters of support sent on Tibbetts' behalf. And while Tibbetts didn't intend to kill eagles, that didn't prevent him from being charged under the law, she said. Tibbetts also could have been charged with felonies, but the government prosecuted him for a misdemeanor because of his cooperation.

The judge said $15,000 was reasonable and that restitution could have been higher because one of the eagles was mature. Because the crime was charged in federal court, she followed the restitution recommendations of the federal agency.

Restitution is to be split evenly between the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks and the Montana Raptor Conservation Center in Bozeman.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/26/2007 at 14:09 | Comments (0) | Permalink

Friday outdoors report

Here's the rundown of what's hot and what's not in the Grand Forks area outdoors....

LAKE OF THE WOODS

Limits of walleyes are coming from the lake and Rainy River. The current is strong in the river, so bigger jigs up to 1 ounce have been best in 8 to 10 feet of water. Farther upstream, the mouth of the Little Fork River is producing walleyes on jigs and minnows. On the main lake, 12 to 14 feet has been key around Morris Point, Lighthouse Gap, Wheeler's Point and the west end of Pine Island. Look for walleyes around the islands in the Northwest Angle area.DEVILS LAKEA few anglers have reported working the bridges and catching lots of smaller walleyes, but finding few eating-sized and larger fish. According to the most recent report from Ed's Bait Shop, anglers before last week's wind and rain were doing well trolling crankbaits or bottom bouncers or jigging and working ledges or rocks. Good spots included the north end of Six Mile, the sunken roads in Pelican and the Minnewaukan Flats, along with rocky points in the Fort Totten and Cactus Point areas, Five Crows and the Stromme Addition. Shore fishing continues to produce some walleyes in the early morning and evening hours, but anglers report a slowdown in fishing success along the coulees.RED RIVERLocal reports are hard to come by, but if history is any indication, stretches of river near Grand Forks would be worth targeting for walleyes right now. Jigs and minnows or suckers floated off the bottom on a live-bait rig would be worth a shot. Given the lack of pressure, it's a matter of experimenting with locations and techniques until something produces.

Farther north, the Canadian side of the Red near Selkirk, Man., continues to produce plenty of action for “greenback” walleyes migrating upriver from Lake Winnipeg. Most anglers are anchoring and jigging with salted shiners, which are widely available in the Selkirk area, although trolling with crankbaits still is worth a try. The St. Andrews Lock and Dam in Lockport, Man., has been opened up for the annual fall drawdown, and flows are up a bit, but the increased current has improved fishing, if anything. Lack of clarity isn't a problem.BEMIDJI AREAWalleyes will hit minnows on Cass Lake, Lake Bemidji and Lake Plantagenet in 20 feet. Lake Irving is kicking out walleyes in shallower water.BLACKDUCK, MINN., AREALook to Gull Lake, Island Lake, and Blackduck Lake for walleyes in 7 to 10 feet.N.D. WATERFOWL UPDATEStrong northerly winds early this week moved large numbers of ducks and geese into North Dakota, but the weekly report from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service indicates that many of the birds kept going. Hunters should be on the lookout for whooping cranes, after at least five sightings were reported in recent days.

Here's a look at some key waterfowl areas:

-- Northeastern North Dakota: Waterfowl numbers seem to be holding steady. A few more flocks of snow geese are being reported in Towner and Ramsey counties, and there might have been a slight increase in the number of lesser Canada geese. Hunter pressure has been steady.

-- Northwest: A major waterfowl migration has been taking place. Refuge manager Tim Kessler of the Crosby (N.D.) Wetland Management District says strong northwest winds pushed major flights of snow geese, white-fronted geese and sandhill cranes through the area. At mid-week, Kessler reported 5,000 snow geese south of Crosby, another 10,000 north of Noonan, N.D., and an additional 1,000 near Lignite, N.D. No large groups of ducks have been noted, but Kessler says there should be increases in some areas. In addition to scattered groups of sandhill cranes, he reports recent whoopingcrane sightings in central Burke County and western Divide County.

-- Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge near Kenmare, N.D.: Waterfowl populations are on the increase. Refuge manager Dan Severson says ducks, geese and sandhill cranes were migrating into and through the area at midweek, with some snow geese and ducks stopping at the refuge. He reports most white-fronted geese kept going, but about 15,000 snow geese have settled on the north end of the refuge. Most of the 15,000 ducks are mallards, and the majority are on the lower half of the refuge. A recent influx of lesser Canada geese has brought that total to about 3,000. Severson says the tundra swan population is holding at 500.

-- Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge near Jamestown, N.D.: Quite a few migrant ducks, geese, sandhill cranes and tundra swans moved through early this week. Biologist Paulette Scherr says some local birds may have joined the movement, but good opportunities remain - especially for field hunters. She adds that the birds seem to be spread out more than last week, and that area wetlands are drying up rapidly.

-- Valley City, N.D., area: Waterfowl numbers are up slightly. Wetland manager Ed Meendering of the Valley City Wetland Management District reports seeing groups of lesser Canada geese migrating through the area and small groups of giant Canada geese. He says duck hunters are seeing few birds.MINNESOTA WATERFOWL UPDATEOverall, it's been an unusual week, reports Steve Cordts, a waterfowl biologist for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Some areas reported fair increases in duck and goose abundance beginning last weekend with some decent hunting; other areas saw declines in duck numbers and poor hunting success. Winds are expected to shift to the north/northwest beginning today with temperatures dropping a bit, which should push a few more migrant ducks into the state by the weekend.

Here's a look at northwestern Minnesota:

-- Thief Lake Wildlife Management Area near Middle River, Minn.: No major influxes of birds have been observed, and duck and goose success has declined. Bad weather prevented an aerial survey last week, and the WMA held 2,000 Canada geese and 17,000 ducks at last count.

-- Roseau River WMA north of Badger, Minn.: There's been no major migration into the area this week, and mallards, ringnecks and green-winged teal make up a majority of the bag. Bad weather grounded last week's aerial survey, and the WMAheld 3,500 Canada geese and 5,000 ducks at last count.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/26/2007 at 10:42 | Comments (0) | Permalink

Streeter Buffalo Supper

Streeter Buffalo Supper This Friday
The 48th annual Streeter buffalo supper will be served on Friday, Oct. 26 beginning at 4:30 p.m. and will go on until everyone is served. This annual event serves roast buffalo, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, marinated onions, soup, cranberries, homemade desserts and all the trimmings. Last year just under 1,700 people took in the event.

This supper is a banquet, sit-down, family style meal which is always held the last Friday in October at the American Legion Hall. Volunteers and community members along with their sponsors including the Streeter Lions, Streeter American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary members prepare and serve the feast.

Being held in conjunction with the supper there will also be a Fall Festival Craft & Display located in Bill Hoffer’s building across the street from the Hall and down the block. This year there are plans for nine varieties of vendors displaying their products.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/26/2007 at 7:53 | Comments (0) | Permalink

keeping game clean

One of the biggest complaints you hear is from people not happy with how their deer tastes...Craig from the Outdoor U has a nice piece while will take you through some of the do's and do nots.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/25/2007 at 23:04 | Comments (0) | Permalink

Nick Simonson weighs in on Valley City issues

 

“From ghoulies and ghosties and long-legged beasties and things that go bump in the night, dear Lord, deliver us.”
This Celtic folk prayer calls down God's protection from all things unseen and unknown that lurk in the back of our minds and in the shadows of our backyards.  This time of year conjures up images of poltergeists, werewolves and other legendary nasties.  But from the haunting song of the coyote to the shining of eyes in the tall dry grass of a windy autumn evening, the pretend ghosties of the season have much to contend with, especially now as recent sightings of a large cat with near-ghostly abilities have been reported.   As excitement over mountain lion appearances spread from the breaks of the Missouri River eastward, the mysteries and tales behind the creatures grow. 

However, there was a time where these long-legged beasties disappeared into the ether, leaving only ghost stories in their wake.  Following the indiscriminate killing sprees that claimed large populations of many species on the great plains by settlers and adventurers in the late nineteenth century, mountain lions were not seen in North Dakota for over 50 years.  One was sighted near Killdeer in 1958, and between that sighting and the shooting of a marauding female mountain lion in a barn near Golva in 1991, only 11 confirmed encounters were documented by the Game and Fish Department. Recent sightings have the rebounding population of these predators advancing eastward aand  the Sheyenne Valley is not immune to the close encounters. 

One such incident was  reported by a citizen of Valley City of a mountain lion within city limits on the night of October 23, 2007.  While watching her dog in her backyard on the northern edge of town, the witness (name withheld for publicity concerns) saw her medium-sized Labrador retriever bolt after an animal hiding in the tall grasses near the backyard fence. 

“She chases cats around the neighborhood all the time” the witness said, thinking nothing of the incident at first. 
That is until a yelp broke the night's silence.  With the dog's cry, the witness approached and saw an animal leap from its crouched position on the ground in front of the dog and into the branches of a nearby tree. 
“I first saw it in the grass, it was hunched down next to the fence, too low to be a deer, but too big to be the usual tomcat; and when the dog started barking, it jumped up into the tree,” she stated.  The dog began barking wildly at the creature on the tree limb. 
“It was a big cat - a mountain lion;  I was scared and the dog would not come back, so I ran inside to get the phone, all the while thinking my dog was going to get eaten,” she continued.

The witness called several friends and family members to try and find a way to get the dog back, but she was afraid to go out to the neighboring property edge where she last saw the treed animal and her lab until someone came over.  Within minutes, help arrived, and along with two others, the witness found her dog shaking uncontrollably on the porch.  The group shined a spotlight into the tall grass near her property.  The cat had vanished from the branch and was creeping away from the confrontation. 

“We could hear it moving in the grass away from the yard, but we did not see it” the witness stated. 

Adamantly, the witness stands by her story, estimating the mountain lion's length at over three feet and probably weighing more than her 60-pound dog.  It was no ghost tale, it really happened and it has had a lasting impact on both the dog and the owner. 

“It wasn't a tomcat, my dog isn't afraid of any of the neighborhood cats, and she has been shaking ever since that night – she won't even go outside to go to the bathroom anymore,” the witness stated, “even I'm scared to go outside, I never expected [a mountain lion] would be this close,” she continued.

Though encounters and confrontations are rare, the instances where big cats and humans interact can leave both sides uneasy, however attacks are extremely uncommon.  Hunters in all parts of the state at this time of the year are encouraged to be alert in the field and if tracks or other signs of mountain lions – including face-to-face sightings – occur, people should report the instances to the Game and Fish Department for investigation and research on the growing population.  People are asked to preserve signs and tracks by covering them with buckets weighted with a heavy object, such as a brick, to preserve the sample's integrity. 
For more information on mountain lions in North Dakota, and links to tracks, facts and contact information, log on to www.gf.nd.gov, and take some of the mystery out of one of a number of creatures which do more than go bump in the night...in our outdoors.

Our Outdoors: A Haunting Encounter

By Nick Simonson

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/25/2007 at 19:24 | Comments (0) | Permalink

Dakota salmon update

Salmon Spawning Efforts Complete

Fisheries crews have completed their annual salmon spawning operation at Lake Sakakawea, reports Dave Fryda, Missouri River System supervisor for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, Riverdale.

Nearly 500,000 eggs were collected from Sakakawea and the Garrison Dam Tailrace. “We surpassed our goal of 350,000 eggs,” Fryda said. “Montana just sent us a request for 150,000 eggs, so we will be able to meet their needs.”

Average size of female salmon was about 6 pounds, slightly bigger than last year. In addition, fish condition was better, and the number of eggs per female increased.

Current plans are to stock approximately 75,000 salmon in Lake Sakakawea and 50,000 in the Missouri River.

Fryda said fisheries crews won’t spawn anymore fish unless South Dakota sends a request. “If they need additional eggs, we will get them more,” he said.

Chinook salmon begin their spawning run in October. Since salmon cannot naturally reproduce in North Dakota, state Game and Fish Department and Garrison Dam National Fish Hatchery personnel collect and fertilize eggs and transport them to the hatchery.

Once the eggs hatch, young salmon spend several months in the hatchery before being stocked in Lake Sakakawea and the Missouri River.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/25/2007 at 16:23 | Comments (0) | Permalink

CRP=pheasants+ducks

I've blogged much about the coming Farm Bill, it's conservation elements and the need for not only the CRP program, but also the funding to make it competitive. Donnell Preskey has a nice story with Dan Hare and Greg Link underscoring the current situation. Click here to watch it.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/25/2007 at 13:25 | Comments (0) | Permalink

odds of hitting a deer?

contrary to public opinion according to State Farm Ins. you've better odds of being audited by the IRS than hitting a deer with a vehicle

BLOOMINGTON, Ill., Oct. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- According to State Farm Insurance® claims data, the vehicles that are most likely to collide with a deer are in West Virginia. Using its deer claims data from the last half of 2006 and the first half of 2007 and motor vehicle registration counts by state from the Federal Highway Administration, State Farm estimates the chances of a West Virginia vehicle colliding with a deer over the next 12 months at 1 in 57.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20071024/AQW153)

Source: State Farm
·  Likelihood of collision with deer. ·  Click Here to Download Image

That is nearly three times more likely than one estimate of the possibility that a person will be audited by the Internal Revenue Service in 2008 and 5,000 times more likely than another approximation of the chance that an individual will be struck by lightning between now and a year from now.

Michigan is second on the list of states where deer-vehicle collisions are most frequent. The likelihood of a specific vehicle striking a deer there next year is 1 in 86. Wisconsin is third (1 in 99), while Pennsylvania (1 in 100) and Iowa (1 in 109) round out the top five.

The bottom half of the top ten consists of Arkansas, Montana, South Dakota, North Dakota and Minnesota.

The state in which deer-vehicle collisions are least likely is Hawaii (1 in 16,624). These incidents are ten times less likely in our 50th state than they are in any other state.

State Farm's data shows the total number of deer-vehicle collisions in the United States has increased 6.3 percent over a year ago. State Farm policyholders were involved in 205,121 deer-related collisions between July 1, 2006, and June 30, 2007, compared with 192,877 during the 12 months prior to that.

The average property damage cost of these incidents was just under $2,900, up 3 percent from a year ago.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety®, there are approximately 1.5 million deer-vehicle collisions annually in the United States, causing more than 150 fatalities and $1.1 billion in property damage.

These collisions are more frequent during the deer migration and mating season in October, November and December. The combination of growing deer populations and the displacement of deer habitat caused by urban sprawl is producing increasingly hazardous conditions for motorists and deer.

"State Farm has been committed to auto safety for several decades and that's why we want to call attention to potential hazards like this one," said Vice President-Strategic Resources Laurette Stiles. "We believe providing our customers with updated safety information helps prevent adversity."

Here are tips on how to reduce the chances that a deer-vehicle collision involving your vehicle will be part of the story we tell in next year's version of this news release:

    -- Be aware of posted deer crossing signs.  These are placed in active
       deer crossing areas.
    -- Remember that deer are most active between 6 and 9 p.m.
    -- Use high beam headlamps as much as possible at night to illuminate the
       areas from which deer will enter roadways.
    -- Keep in mind that deer generally travel in herds -- if you see one,
       there is a strong possibility others are nearby.
    -- Do not rely on car-mounted deer whistles.  They don't work.
    -- If a deer collision seems inevitable, attempting to swerve out of the
       way could cause you to lose control of your vehicle or place you in the
       path of an oncoming vehicle.

About State Farm

State Farm® insures more cars and homes than any other insurer in the U.S. State Farm's 17,000 agents and 68,000 employees serve over 76 million auto, fire, life and health policies in the United States and Canada, and more than 1.7 million bank accounts. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of companies. State Farm is ranked No. 31 on the Fortune 500 list of largest companies. For more information, please visit statefarm.com®.

       STATE             PROJECTED INDUSTRY     Motor Vehicle     Likelihood
                           COUNT for           Registrations as      of
                         Deer/Elk/Moose        of October 2006     collison
                        Losses 2006-2007                          with deer

    ALABAMA                    23,080          4,544,518             1/197
    ALASKA                      1,066            672,766             1/631
    ARIZONA                     2,571          3,971,515           1/1,545
    ARKANSAS                   17,557          1,939,533             1/110
    CALIFORNIA                 21,795         32,487,477           1/1,491
    COLORADO                    9,033          1,807,879             1/200
    CONNECTICUT                10,000          3,058,553             1/306
    DELAWARE                    3,553            736,542             1/207
    DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA          372            237,281             1/638
    FLORIDA                    12,328         15,691,438           1/1,273
    GEORGIA                    41,841          8,062,838             1/193
    HAWAII                         57            947,548          1/16,624
    IDAHO                       3,783          1,374,056             1/363
    ILLINOIS                   50,711          9,458,252             1/187
    INDIANA                    36,611          4,955,476             1/135
    IOWA                       31,148          3,397,604             1/109
    KANSAS                     10,119          2,368,115             1/234
    KENTUCKY                   17,810          3,427,718             1/192
    LOUISIANA                   9,707          3,819,198             1/393
    MAINE                       4,390          1,074,895             1/245
    MARYLAND                   26,273          4,321,813             1/164
    MASSACHUSETTS               5,000          5,420,206           1/1,084
    MICHIGAN                   96,451          8,247,447              1/86
    MINNESOTA                  35,504          4,646,923             1/131
    MISSISSIPPI                13,197          1,978,111             1/150
    MISSOURI                   29,804          4,589,356             1/154
    MONTANA                     8,854          1,008,930             1/114
    NEBRASKA                    9,350          1,702,790             1/182
    NEVADA                      1,155          1,349,313           1/1,168
    NEW HAMPSHIRE               3,009          1,174,380             1/390
    NEW JERSEY                 28,687          6,261,501             1/218
    NEW MEXICO                  2,037          1,548,371             1/760
    NEW YORK                   63,686         11,862,504             1/186
    NORTH CAROLINA             42,054          6,148,316             1/146
    NORTH DAKOTA                5,578            695,225             1/125
    OHIO                       65,006         10,634,083             1/164
    OKLAHOMA                    8,595          3,725,279             1/433
    OREGON                      9,829          2,897,385             1/295
    PENNSYLVANIA               98,313          9,863,785             1/100
    RHODE ISLAND                1,625            811,610             1/499
    SOUTH CAROLINA             20,991          3,339,456             1/159
    SOUTH DAKOTA                7,171            853,548             1/119
    TENNESSEE                  20,935          4,980,010             1/238
    TEXAS                      38,765         17,469,547             1/451
    UTAH                        5,373          2,209,833             1/411
    VERMONT                     3,831            507,706             1/133
    VIRGINIA                   47,681          6,591,497             1/138
    WASHINGTON                  9,971          5,598,446             1/561
    WEST VIRGINIA              23,607          1,351,746              1/57
    WISCONSIN                  47,589          4,725,425              1/99
    WYOMING                     3,365            646,230             1/192



    Overall Likelihood of Collision with Deer -
- 1/216
    Likelihood of being struck by lightning -
- 1/280,000
    Likelihood of being audited by IRS -                                       -

1/150

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/25/2007 at 11:24 | Comments (0) | Permalink

looking to the Missouri River

39 day comment Period on Missouri River

The U.S. Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution is pleased to announce the opening of a 30-day Public Comment period on a DRAFT Charter for the Missouri River Recovery Implementation Committee (also referred to as MRRIC).

The DRAFT Charter has been developed over the last seven months by a Planning Group - composed of over 50 representatives of tribes, states, local governments, and nongovernmental stakeholders in the Missouri River basin - which is assisting the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other federal agencies with programs in the basin, in establishing the Missouri River Recovery Implementation Committee. The Charter describes the purpose of the Missouri River
Recovery Implementation Committee and clarifies important factors that will guide its direction and operation.

The Missouri River Recovery Implementation Committee is envisioned to serve as a collaborative forum for the basin to come together and participate in developing a shared vision and comprehensive plan for the restoration of the Missouri River ecosystem and to help guide the
prioritization, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and adaptation of actions taken by federal agencies, tribes, states, and nongovernmental organizations to restore the populations of threatened and endangered species affected by Missouri River operations.

The 30-day Public Comment period runs from October 22 - November 21, 2007.

To submit comments on the Planning Group's proposed DRAFT Charter for the Missouri River Recovery Implementation Committee, please go to the following website:

http://missouririver.ecr.gov


The U.S. Institute will also convene a public workshop on Thursday,
November 8, in Omaha, Nebraska, to provide information about the efforts
of the Planning Group and their proposed DRAFT Charter for the Missouri
River Recovery Implementation Committee. Workshop participants will be
able to interact with, ask questions of, and provide feedback to
Planning Group members and federal agency representatives in an informal
setting.

Three identical two-hour workshop sessions will be held at 10:00 AM,
2:00 PM, and 5:00 PM. The public is welcome to attend one or more
sessions throughout the day and to come and go at their leisure. The
public workshop sessions will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn, 1005
Dodge Street, Omaha, Nebraska, 68102.


If you have questions about the Planning Group process, please contact:
Michael Eng, Senior Program Manager, U.S. Institute for Environmental
Conflict Resolution, 130 South Scott Avenue, Tucson, Arizona, 85701;
(520) 901-8542; eng@ecr.gov.

The U.S. Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution is a federal
program established in 1998 by the U.S. Congress to assist parties in
resolving environmental, natural resource and public land conflicts. It
is a program of the Morris K. Udall Foundation, an independent agency of
the executive branch that is based in Tucson, AZ. The U.S. Institute
serves as an impartial, non-partisan institution providing professional
expertise, services and resources to all parties involved in
environmental disputes, regardless of who initiates or pays for
assistance. For more information about the U.S. Institute, call (520)
901-8501 or visit www.ecr.gov.

Sincerely,

Michael Eng
Senior Program Manager
U.S. Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution 130 South Scott
Avenue Tucson, Arizona 85701
Telephone: 520.901.8542 Fax: 520.901.8543
Email: eng@ecr.gov Website: www.ecr.gov

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/25/2007 at 3:29 | Comments (0) | Permalink

19th Annual Red River Area Sportsmens Smoker

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/24/2007 at 20:43 | Comments (0) | Permalink

oops--MN DNR hunting mix up.

Notes on errors in this year's regulations books include:

- The rifle/shotgun boundary now includes all of Clay County west of State Highway 32. From the western boundary of the state, the rifle/shotgun boundary follows the northern boundary of Clay County east to Minnesota Highway 32, then south to Minnesota Highway 34 then east to Interstate 94. The boundary is mislabeled on the back of the fold-out deer season map and on page 77.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/24/2007 at 18:11 | Comments (0) | Permalink

rabies reminder

A Minnesota man died Saturday after getting rabies from a bat bite.

Health officials didn't identify the man, who was in his 40s. The state Health Department said he was bitten by a bat in north-central Minnesota in mid-August, but didn't seek prompt medical attention because no blood was drawn.

Now officials are trying to determine whether any health care workers were exposed.

Preventive treatment for rabies is almost 100 percent effective, but it must begin before symptoms appear or the disease is almost always fatal.

Rabies is rare. Last year, federal health officials confirmed just three cases in the United States. Only four Minnesotans have died of rabies in the last century, including another death seven years ago.

State epidemiologist Ruth Lynfield urged anyone exposed to a bat to capture the animal, have it tested for rabies and seek medical help.

She said it's also important to seek testing and medical attention when bats are found with unattended children, sleeping people or others who can't communicate what happened.

Rabies kills Minnesota man bitten by bat
Associated Press - 10/23/2007

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/24/2007 at 16:38 | Comments (0) | Permalink

deer feeding ban in MN

Deer feeding ban in northwestern Minnesota remains in effect

The feeding of deer and elk continues to be prohibited throughout much of northwestern Minnesota as the state remains vigilant about ensuring the health of these herds and agricultural livestock.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) enacted the ban in November 2006 to comply with a new state law restricting deer and elk feeding within 15 miles of any cattle farm infected with bovine tuberculosis (TB). To make the ban enforceable, specific reference points were established to create an identifiable boundary.

"The ban was a prudent action and its continuation makes sense as well," said Lou Cornicelli, DNR big game program coordinator.
In Michigan, which is the only other state with bovine TB in its wild deer herd, natural resource agency staff has provided compelling evidence that the disease can be maintained in wild deer through supplemental feeding.

The Minnesota ban makes it illegal to place or have food that is capable of attracting wild deer and elk. People who feed birds or small mammals must do so in a manner that precludes access to deer and elk or place the food at least six feet above ground level. Food placed as a result of normal agricultural practices is generally exempted from this rule. But cattle operators are advised to take steps that minimize contact between deer and cattle.

To date, about 2,000 deer have been tested for bovine TB. Thirteen positives have been confirmed. All 13 positives have been found from the core bovine TB area in northwestern Minnesota.

For the map of the area in northwestern Minnesota where deer and elk feeding is banned, visit the DNR Web site
at http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/outdoor_activities/hunting/deer/bovine-tb/feeding-ban.pdf.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/24/2007 at 15:26 | Comments (0) | Permalink

ready to go at a moments notice?

Hunters and outdoorsmen are notorious for being ready for anyting...are you?

Today, more than 500,000 Southern Californians are displaced as wildfires continue to race across their area. The loss of life has been minimal (only two fatalities as of the time this was written), but the loss in personal property is going to be staggering. Three hundred forty six thousand homes have been evacuated in San Diego County alone.

The smoke from the California fires are visible from space. NASA Photo

A perfect combination of dry conditions and high Santa Ana winds have defeated all the efforts of 6,000 exhausted firefighters. And the fires still aren't under control. The state has rescinded the closure of fire season, allowing them to re-hire seasonal employees, providing more manpower to pour into the fire lines. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has called for 1,500 national guardsmen to come help exhausted and overwhelmed emergency service workers as they fight what is, at best, a holding action.

As always, others are also pitching in to help, from emergency workers to one luxury RV company already repositioning its fleet of RVs to the west coast. Allstar Coaches CEO Rob Tischler says it's "an effort to help those who have been displaced. We're proud of the help we provided victims of hurricanes Katrina and Wilma and want to continue making a difference to those in need."

While the rest of the nation watches average citizens and celebrities evacuate, it seems apparent many are woefully unprepared for such an emergency. While emergency response teams have changed their procedures since Hurricane Katrina, most of us continue to function on the "won't happen to me" model.

One guy who's never functioned that way is Doug Ritter. A recognized expert in survival, Ritter and his Equipped to Survive website (www.equipped.org) are a great source of information and common sense advice. As he looked at the Southern California situation, Ritter has observes it's essential in areas with regularly unstable weather that everyone be prepared to evacuate and survive 72 hours from their own resources. In fact, Ritter says, 72 hours may be the absolute minimum for which to prepare.

The first basic human need hasn't changed in centuries - water. You can get by for days without food, but a day without water in many environments -without the additional depletion of heavy exertion and stress - can disable or kill. Ritter says a minimum of one gallon of water per person, per day. That's only enough to keep you going - not to allow extra water for bathing. Water can be purchased or self-stored. If you're not buying containers for water, a word of advice: don't use milk cartons. Use the clear or colored plastic bottles used for soft drinks. They have screw-on caps and can be cleaned with soapy water and re-used. They stand up well in storage, are easy to carry and generally don't burst if dropped. I also have a small Triton M2 water purification filter I carry virtually everywhere (www.prismedical.com) it's gravity fed and can allow me to drink virtually any clean water. If I'm afield for any length of time, I wear a hydration pack and the M2 allows me to replenish it.

Next, you need nourishment. There are a variety of ways to get that done, from your own foodstuffs to prepackaged survival meals. Remember you need complex carbs and starches as they provide long-lasting energy and are easy to digest with minimal water. You need to plan on a minimum of about 1,200 calories per day - if you're exerting yourself, 2,000 is better. Here's a tip from personal experience: when you're looking at food, look at food your family normally likes to eat. Don't add to the misery with food that only causes grumbling.

Shelter's important, too - and Ritter says it doesn't have to be a tent or an RV. If you're in a pinch for shelter a pair of 33-gallon garbage bags per person can serve as a improvised sleeping bag and poncho. If you're in cold weather areas, a wool blanket per person is also a good idea. We use the "Space Bags" for our gear as it enables us to keep all our equipment in a small footlocker - ready to "bug out" should the need present itself. We also keep a change of clothes (adjusted seasonally) per person and three changes of underwear. In a tough setting, even the smallest comforts are big - so toilet paper and baby-wipes are also essential items.

Other stuff's pretty logical: medications, spare glasses, batteries for hearing aids, and flashlights (LEDs are practical and tough) and a fairly comprehensive supply of first aid materials. The "basic" first aid kits are just that - very basic, designed to cover nothing more than minor cuts, scrapes and burns. Ritter provides a very comprehensive list of recommended items for a first aid kit at http://www.equipped.org/home1staid.htm.

As far as tools, a good knife isn't an option, and it's the most basic tool. I also have a multi-tool, a multi-tip screwdriver, mini socket set, pliers and hatchet. Flashlights, are tools, but they're more than that - they are basic comfort items, so they bear repeating - and have some of the long-life "light sticks" in my daypack, along with a hand-crank flashlight and radio. A second small crank unit can be used in a pinch to recharge my cellphone - although it's not realistic to expect cellular service to survive a natural disaster - cell towers can come down far faster than they're built.

Finally, paper, pencils, a small sewing kit and safety pins give us the ability to effect minor repairs. I also carry several small tubes of "super glue" and duct tape along with a windproof lighter and matches.

That might sound like a lot of stuff - but other than the water, everything else is in my daypack and a plastic footlocker. It really is ready to "bug out" if the need arises.

If, however, you're looking at the possibility of losing your home rather than being inconvenienced for a few days, what would you take?

Having the 72 hour kit ready saves a lot of time, but there are some things that insurance simply can't replace. Ritter suggests taking the time to scan all critical paperwork, insurance policies and such, and put it on a USB drive. The few hours of effort can save untold hours of hassles - in addition to being basic safeguards all of us should use in our homes anyway. After scanning your critical papers, you might want to consider putting originals in a safe deposit box. Bank vaults are pretty secure locations.

If you have a notebook computer, you can keep tremendous amounts of important paperwork - in addition to important family photos in a small, easy to use and move package. If you have scrapbooks or treasured possessions, Ritter suggests either keeping them in plastic tubs, or having one nearby so you could quickly dump everything in them.

One thing to keep in mind - the amount of actual space you have in your vehicle(s). You need to have a priority list and the understanding that the list will be followed if the need ever arises. The key is to minimize the items and time necessary to get them ready to go.

If you've not already done it, now wouldn't be a bad time to start.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/24/2007 at 14:35 | Comments (0) | Permalink

rare bird run down

Welcome to the North Dakota Rare Bird Alert compiled by the North
Dakota Birding Society and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
This report was prepared on Tuesday, October 22.

Transcriber's Note: Birds listed in ALL CAPS in the Birds Mentioned
section signify that the Revised Checklist of North Dakota Birds
lists them as Occasional, Accidental, Extirpated, or never having
occurred before for the season being reported.

Dean Riemer had the scoter “hat trick” at the Fargo lagoons on Oct. 19.  He
saw two BLACK SCOTERS, seven WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS and 10 SURF SCOTERS plus
a LONG-TAILED DUCK. Dean also had a successful visit to the same site on
Oct. 16. In the southwest cell, he found a SURF SCOTER and three
WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS. For more information, contact Dean at
driemer@kwh.com

Dan and Ila Svingen visited the Bismarck landfill on Oct. 20. From the
2,000 or so gulls present, they picked out 10 HERRING GULLS, a few
CALIFORNIA GULLS, three adult LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS and a first-winter
THAYER’S GULL. On Oct. 21, Dan birded the Garrison Dam area. He reported
only about 200 gulls, but the mix included an adult MEW GULL, two adult
THAYER’S GULLS, a few CALIFORNIA GULLS and about 20 HERRING GULLS. Again,
the rest were RING-BILLED GULLS. At Lake Audubon, Dan added a
WHITE-WINGED SCOTER, hundreds of CACKLING GEESE, two COMMON LOONS and 40
RUSTY BLACKBIRDS. For details, call Dan at 250-4443, ext. 107.

Ron Martin discovered an adult male SURF SCOTER on Lake Richard, south of
Drake on Oct. 21. He also saw a GOLDEN EAGLE, his first of the fall.
Earlier McHenry County sightings included a couple of ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS,
seasonal firsts. Contact Ron at jrmartin@srt.com

The most recent confirmed WHOOPING CRANE sighting comes from near the town
of McKenzie in Burleigh County on Oct. 22. The pair of whoopers was on the
ground with a flock of SANDHILL CRANES. Additional sightings have been
reported in central Burke County and western Divide County. For more
information on the McKenzie sighting, contact Paul VanNingen of the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service at 387-4397. For details on the northwestern
North Dakota sightings, call Tim Kessler of the Service in Crosby at
965-6488.

Sherry Leslie had an owl “hat trick” at her place near Burlington on Oct.
20.  Coming home after church, she had a GREAT HORNED OWL sitting in a
tree, and later a NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWL and an EASTERN SCREECH-OWL
calling.
For more information, call Sherry at 725-4389.

Eve Freeberg recorded her first ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK sighting of the season in
Grand Forks County on Oct. 16. You can reach her at 741-8105.

>From north Fargo, Rick Gjervold’s feeders have been getting busier.  He
says a late MOURNING DOVE stops in every day, along with RED-BREASTED
NUTHATCHES and a female PILEATED WOODPECKER. A female PURPLE FINCH has
been visiting for a few day. On Oct. 16, several HARRIS’ SPARROWS joined
numerous WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS.  Rick was excited to see a male
RING-NECKED PHEASANT on Oct. 11 and 13. Venturing out of his yard, he saw
a male NORTHERN HARRIER just north of Hector Airport on Oct. 13. Rick says
the NDSU campus crab apple trees were full of CEDAR WAXWINGS on Oct. 17.
Contact him at 232-7844.

Although the downtown Fargo PEREGRINE FALCONS have departed, Wick Corwin
has issued a year-end report. He says all four fledglings apparently
survived, making the sixth successful nesting, for a total of 21, with a
maximum of 17 survivors. If you have questions, contact Wick at 293-9911.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/24/2007 at 12:45 | Comments (0) | Permalink

links

I'm always finding new places and websites to direct some attention. Here's a couple

Ryan Taylors Cowboy Logic is a great stop for some light reading on everyday life on the praire.

North Dakota beyond the weather is an insightful look at North Dakota people and issues.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/24/2007 at 9:20 | Comments (0) | Permalink

great grouse info

Kim Fundingsland/MDN Stan Kohn, upland game biologist with the North Dakota Game and Fish Depart-ment, left, inspects a prairie chicken taken by Patricia Stockdill, Garrison. It proved to be the only prairie chicken checked by Kohn on opening day. The saga from the sage An exchange with upland game biologist Stan Kohn, North Dakota Game and Fish Department MDN — What is the current status of North Dakota’s sage grouse? KOHN — They’ve always been kind of limited in North Dakota to the southwest corner of the state where the sage brush communities exist. We’re on the eastern fringe of the sage grouse range where the habitat is. The number have maintained themselves but we are seeing more fragmentation of that habitat down there. Private land has been converted into grasslands or croplands and that has probably affected sage grouse numbers. We still see fairly strong, though low, populations in Slope and Bowman counties, primarily. MDN — How did hunters fare during this fall’s sage grouse season? KOHN — We don’t know yet, exactly. We did check 10 birds but our harvest the last few years has been 20 to 35 birds. I suspect it will be in that range again. When you have a limited three-day season during the week, you don’t get a lot of hunting participation and that’s what we want. The people that come down there are serious grouse hunters, much like the prairie chicken hunters. Status report: N.D. upland game We’ve got some high points and some low points. As far as pheasants are concerned, the numbers are probably as good as they’ve ever been. Sharptails? Not much has changed in the last several years. Their numbers have been stable, probably not quite as high as we’d like to see but are still distributed throughout the state. Partridge is probably one species that is not at the level we’d like to see. We are still scratching our heads to try and understand why we don’t have those partridge populations like we used to have in the late ’70s. We do know when the 80’s came in, during a drought period, the partridge took a tumble and have never responded to CRP or any other programs. They come up a bit, go down a little bit. They seem to be real sensitive to climatic conditions during the breeding season. We’re kind of just holding on to partridge and we’d sure like to get those numbers back up. When it comes to our prairie chickens and sage grouse, they are very limited to available habitat. — Stan Kohn, upland game biologist, NDG&F

McLEOD — If you look inside grandpa’s old gun cabinet, you just might find a black-and-white photo or two stuck beneath rusty thumb tacks on the back wall. Chances are you’ll see your grandfather posing with a couple of hunting partners in front of his old pickup truck with rows of prairie chickens laid out on the grass before them.

Prairie chickens, cousins of the sharptailed grouse that is hunted by many North Dakotans today, once flourished in impressive numbers in this state. When the great herds of buffalo disappeared from the plains and the native grasslands grew waist high, it proved to be an ideal habitat for prairie chickens.

“Prairie chickens probably came in during the 1880s when the white man came in here and set up farming practices,” said Stan Kohn, upland game biologist with the North Dakota Game and Fish Department. “Of course, the numbers went down as the land-use changed.”

For many years, hunting prairie chickens was a popular pastime on the plains. The birds were plentiful and there was a seemingly infinite amount of grassland that would hold huge flocks of chickens. Stories from the past tell of almost unlimited hunting opportunities on the tasty birds.

“That’s exactly right,” said Mark Hansen of Forman. “My dad told me stories about hunting prairie chickens when he was a kid on the farm on the prairie along the Maple River by Fingal.”

Hansen was one of 100 lucky hunters that drew a 2007 North Dakota prairie chicken hunting permit. His permit was for the 75,000 acre Sheyenne National Grasslands where a prairie chicken preservation project has proven successful enough for the Game and Fish Department to allow a limited hunting season.

“In those very early years, at the turn of the century, a lot of hunters came from out East,” Hansen said. “They came on the train and then came out in wagons during the day and back to town at night. That’s how they came and hunted then, specifically the prairie chickens.”

For Hansen, 2007 was his second try at bagging a prairie chicken. He had also been drawn for a permit during the initial season in 2005. Although unsuccessful that first year, Hansen was not at all discouraged prior to this year’s hunt.

“This is kind of like hunting sage grouse. It’s more of a trophy-type hunt,” Hansen said, slipping on his shell vest and making sure his English setter Belle didn’t leave the truck without him. “It’s not for everybody. One purpose would be to come and shoot a trophy bird and have it mounted.”

Respect

That’s the kind of respect that prairie chickens have earned. For many hunters, they are a link to the past when there was unlimited land to hunt and numerous birds to be cleaned at the end of the day. Like the mule deer and the buffalo, the prairie chicken belongs in North Dakota.

“That’s really true,” Kohn said. “A lot of people that homesteaded out in this area and spent some time here do remember prairie chickens. They remember better populations than we have right now up to about 50 years ago. As land use has changed, we’ve certainly seen populations decline.”

Dwight “Chipper” Farrell, Minot, made the trip to the Sheyenne National Grasslands for the prairie chicken opener on Oct. 13. He was one of the lucky recipients that received two prairie chicken tags and, like so many other hunters, had hoped to bag a prairie chicken suitable for the taxidermist. Although Farrell saw several chickens, the combination of foggy and wet weather made it very difficult to get within shotgun range and he had no opportunities to bag his first prairie chicken.

Kohn checked several hunters during the opening two days of the prairie chicken season. Only three had taken a chicken off the Sheyenne Grasslands. Kohn thought the limited success was a reflection more of the hunting conditions than of the prairie chicken population.

“The prairie chicken numbers have remained steady,” Kohn said, concerning North Dakota’s prairie chicken recovery program. “There are times when the spring populations are up or down a bit. It does look, though, as if the numbers are still holding steady. The sportsmen get a chance to come out here and harvest a few birds, so it’s kind of a win-win situation for everybody.”

Hansen was not surprised when told that only one prairie chicken had been checked by Kohn on day one.

“You’ve got to put your hiking shoes on. It’s a long-range sport,” Hansen said. “You put on a lot of miles before you might see a bird and then you have to stay with them when they fly and follow them up. They are a long-distance flyer when they do get up. I carry a pair of 7x35 binoculars and sometimes they go out of sight when they land again – they’ll coast that far.”

Recovery

North Dakota’s prairie chickens are “greaters,” the same species found in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Lesser prairie chickens range from southern Kansas to Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico and southeast Colorado. The rare Atwater prairie chicken is found in southern Texas.

Historically, prairie chickens were found in tall grass prairie. They can tolerate some agricultural land but, unlike sharptails, not very much of it. Today, thanks to a recovery program that got started in the early 1990s, North Dakota has greater prairie chickens on the Sheyenne Grass-lands and in a designated recovery zone located near Grand Forks.

“Chickens need grasslands and large amount of grasslands,” Kohn said. “We’ve never had a lot of prairie chicken habitat for our program so we’ll probably never get extended beyond what we’ve got right now. They certainly are a nice species and are indigenous to North Dakota, so we’d kind of like to keep them here.”

Like all prairie grouse, prairie chickens are pretty tough birds. They can survive North Dakota winters as long as they’ve got tall grasslands to call home. Stubble fields and tree rows, something welcomed by sharp-tailed grouse, proves disastrous to prairie chickens.

“Why that is, is a million-dollar question,” Kohn said. “It’s always been that sharptails are a little more diversified and a little more capable of maintaining themselves into less of a diverse habitat and adjust to the situation a little better.

Even if you have large expanses of grassland, if you start to see any encroachment of woody cover coming in, sharptails will do real well with that. Prairie chickens will not,” he added. “They tie in with tall grass prairie and just don’t seem to have the ability to adjust to anything else.

“It’s the habitat component that makes or breaks the population,” he said.

By KIM FUNDINGSLAND, Staff Writer, kfundingsland@minotdailynews.com

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/24/2007 at 8:52 | Comments (0) | Permalink

donating deer in MN

Deer donated to food shelves will be processed at no cost to hunters this fall, thanks to a new program coordinated by the Minnesota departments of Natural Resources (DNR) and Agriculture.

The program will provide venison to those in need while encouraging hunters to help manage the deer herd by harvesting additional animals. Previously, hunters could donate deer to food shelves but had to pay processing costs themselves.

"DNR staff recognizes that ethically, hunters will not take more deer than they can consume," said Lou Cornicelli, DNR big game program coordinator. "Simply asking someone to take another deer to manage populations provides only half of the picture. The venison donation program was developed to provide hunters an avenue to donate, at no cost to them, the extra deer they harvest."

Processing costs are being offset through a $160,000 appropriation approved by the 2007 Legislature as well as an increase in nonresident hunting license fees. Hunters may also donate to the program. When purchasing a deer license, hunters will be asked if they want to voluntarily donate $1, $3 or $5 to the program. People can also donate by visiting one of 1,800 Electronic License System agents statewide. This year, a minimum of $280,000 is available to the program and will pay for processing more than 4,000 deer. Additional donations will allow for more processing.

"DNR has been working closely with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture to create a program that is easy for all parties involved," Cornicelli said.

More details, on the venison donation program including a list of participating meat processors are available online at http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/hunting/deer/donation/index.html.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/23/2007 at 20:42 | Comments (0) | Permalink

get your MN deer license early

With more than 475,000 firearms deer hunters in the state, the DNR is encouraging hunters to purchase their licenses early to avoid long lines and any system issues associated with the high sales volume. The 2007 Minnesota firearms deer season begins Saturday, Nov. 3.

Deer licenses are available at approximately 1,800 license agents statewide or by phone at 1-888-MN-LICENSE (665-4236). There is a $3.50 convenience fee for telephone service.

Hunters who purchase licenses by phone will receive their deer tags by mail, which can take three to five days.

Staff members from the DNR Information Center and License Center will work extended hours next weekend to handle additional phone calls from deer hunters. Phone lines will be open on Friday, Nov. 2, until 6:30 p.m., and Saturday, Nov. 3, from 8 a.m. to noon.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/23/2007 at 18:21 | Comments (0) | Permalink

face to face with baby mountain lions

I received pictures the other day of a hunter that found some baby mountain lions in the Killdeer Mountains.....all I can say is.....glad momma wasnt to close by...or was she?





















Here's the full rundown

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/23/2007 at 14:18 | Comments (0) | Permalink

here's what's left

Unit 1 - Any Antlerless Deer	655
Unit 2C - Any Antlerless Deer	1,995
Unit 2D - Any Antlerless Deer	1,071
Unit 2E - Any Antlerless Deer	1,727
Unit 2F1 - Any Antlerless Deer	1,867
Unit 2G - Any Antlerless Deer	150
Unit 2H - Any Antlerless Deer	605
Unit 2I - Any Antlerless Deer	218
Unit 2J2 - Any Antlerless Deer	1,748
Unit 2K2 - Any Antlerless Deer	2,743
Unit 2L - Any Antlerless Deer	531
Unit 3A4 - Any Antlerless Deer	655
Unit 3E1 - Antlerless White-tailed Deer	187
Unit 3E2 - Antlerless White-tailed Deer	394
Unit 3F1 - Antlerless White-tailed Deer	717
Unit 3F2 - Antlerless White-tailed Deer	240
Unit 4E - Antlerless White-tailed Deer	67
Unit 4F - Antlerless Mule Deer	99
Unit 4F - Antlerless White-tailed Deer	175

Remaining tags available for Fall Turkey Show Unit Map

Unit	Total Still Available
Unit 13	72
Unit 17	92

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/23/2007 at 12:57 | Comments (0) | Permalink

off target

This is a little off target...but I'll go ahead....is it just me or does the weather forecast generally err on the side of nice day's which turn sour? As I drag through another 'mostly sunny' day which if I'm not mistaken is 'mostly' cloudy...I long for the day when the forecasted overcast day is full of sunshine....

okay...that's enough. I'm not taking shots....just a question....

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/23/2007 at 11:43 | Comments (1) | Permalink

whooping it up

Two scarce whooping cranes that dropped in for a visit east of Bismarck Monday morning stayed around long enough to have the sighting confirmed by biologists.

"Those white birds really stood out, you couldn't help but see them," said Gus Wolbaum, of McKenzie, who reported the birds after seeing them among a flock of about 100 sandhill cranes about 9:30 Monday morning.

The cranes were in a crop field southeast of McKenzie, where they were confirmed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

However, the whoopers weren't loafing in the same spot later in the morning, said Wolbaum, whose nephew and a neighbor were moving cattle in the vicinity a little before noon and didn't see the birds.

'They could have been feeding and are gone already, but I doubt that," said Paul Van Ningen, the state whooping crane coordinator and manager of Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge near Moffit, who confirmed that the cranes are endangered whoopers.

"They could be roosting on Long Lake or on McKenzie Slough. It's hard to tell where they are roosting," he added.

Monday's sighting brings to eight the number of the tall, white birds confirmed in North Dakota this migration season. An estimated 250 or more rare whooping cranes are making the 2,500-mile trip from Wood Buffalo National Park on the Alberta-Northwest Territories border in Canada to Aransas National Refuge on the Texas Gulf Coast. The Aransas-Wood Buffalo whoopers are the only wild flock in North America.

Three birds were confirmed Oct. 10 near Noonan in northwest North Dakota, and three whoopers were confirmed at Chase Lake Wetland Management District Oct. 16 in Stutsman County.

Van Ningen had received reports of whoopers in the Long Lake area recently but couldn't confirm they were whoopers, which are protected by the Endangered Species Act..

"It depends on the kind of day. If it's sunshiny like today, you can see them from a mile and a half away," he said.

By RICHARD HINTON
Bismarck Tribune

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/23/2007 at 10:25 | Comments (0) | Permalink

montana elk mess

The elk got to fighting and somehow ended up in the fence. Then they became a tangled mess. Both bulls had to be put down. By the time the FWP and Tribal Fish and Game got there they were both almost dead. It happened on a ranch of a girl my wife knows. Dixon is between Ronan and Missoula. What a shame because I would have taken either one of them if I had the chance

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/23/2007 at 4:24 | Comments (0) | Permalink

recapping the SD opener

PIERRE, S.D.—Beautiful fall weather and a near-record ringneck population translated into a great day for hunters across South Dakota as they took to the fields for the first day of pheasant season.

In the northeast area of the state hunters enjoyed excellent weather and saw plenty of birds according to GFP Regional Game Manager Will Morlock of Watertown.

“Overall, hunters are doing well,” Morlock said. “It’s been a great opener.”

Limits varied throughout the region. Morlock reported hunters bagging an average of 1.5 birds in Deuel County but getting limits in McPherson, Edmunds, Brown and Spink counties.

Morlock reported plenty of hunting parties in Watertown Friday night, but they easily spread out on Saturday into a large area of pheasant country. “There were no big concentrations of hunters,” he said.

If there was one drawback in the region it was the muddy cornfields. “There’s lots of corn standing,” Morlock said, “and the birds are in the cornfields. It’s really muddy and no one wants to walk those cornfields.”

There were few hunting violations in the northeast region. Morlock said the most serious was a hunter cited for reckless discharge of a weapon near a building.

There was a confirmed hunting accident in Clark County. Morlock said a hunter shot at a low-flying bird and hit his blocker in the face and hands. The victim was taken to a Watertown hospital with injuries that were not life threatening.

Hunting conditions were similar in the southeast portion of the state where hunters enjoyed good weather and saw plenty of birds. Hunters in that area were also hampered by muddy conditions.

Limits were common in Beadle, Aurora and Jerauld counties according to GFP Regional Game Manager Ron Schauer of Sioux Falls. In Brookings County hunters averaged 1.5 to two birds. Further south, hunters were averaging one bird each in Yankton, Union and Clay counties. Schauer said an exception in that area was Bon Homme County where 30 hunters had been checked and they had a total of 60 birds.

“Hunter attitudes were good,” Schauer said. “They were seeing birds.” The mood of hunters was good, Schauer noted, despite the less than ideal hunting conditions. “Having a week of weather before opening day didn’t help.”

Schauer reported two hunting accidents in the region, both of them minor. One occurred near Mitchell and the other was near Iroquois. “That’s a relatively low number of accidents for opening day,” Schauer said, noting that hunters seem to be playing it safe in the fields. “They’re wearing lots of blaze orange, which we like to see.”

Reports from Game, Fish and Parks Department personnel in the field in the central portion of the state noted that hunters there averaged two birds each on opening day with some limits throughout the region.

“Overall the weather was great and most hunters were getting two to three birds,” according to GFP Regional Game Manager Andy Lindbloom of Fort Pierre. “Some of the unharvested crops made hunting a little more difficult, but there were lots of birds and plenty of opportunity.”

Two minor hunting accidents were reported in the region with most violations also minor including using lead shot on public land, trespassing and overbagging.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/22/2007 at 22:15 | Comments (0) | Permalink

USA Today College Football player fo the week

Tyler Roehl from West Fargo is up for USA Today player of the week.

Vote by clicking right here....

so far he's in the lead.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/22/2007 at 20:15 | Comments (0) | Permalink

packing it out

When you answer the call of nature, there are occasionally other calls that simply can't be ignored. Without going into the details of scatological needs, there are times in the outdoors when nature's "other call" must be answered.

That simple fact of life is causing problems in some of the more popular places in the Rocky Mountains. It's gotten to the point that officials in the Rocky Mountain National Park are asking that visitors turn over a new leaf, so to speak, in their battle to keep the park clean.

Jim Dougan, wilderness coordinator in the park, told the Rocky Mountain News it has reached the point in some of the most popular places that "if you moved a rock, you found someone else had already made a deposit prior to you."

In other words, the place was being turned into a toilet- to the point that wisps of toilet paper were said to be sticking out from under rocks.

This past June, the park started distributing bags to people at each trailhead. In August, rangers started passing out bags with camping permits on certain parts of the more popular camping destinations.

The program is voluntary, so rangers don't ask people if people use them, but the bags at Long's Peak have the camper's name on them. That allows rangers to track down campers who use the bags - but discard them (remember the rock).

The bags are made by a California company and are double layered. The inside is a foil like substance that contains a chemical that neutralizes waste. That bag seals and is folded inside a plastic outer bag. A complete kit, it even comes with toilet paper - all in a bag about the size of a kitchen garbage bag.

It might sound nasty, but any big-city dweller will tell you that curbing your pets is a fact of life. Like they say in nursery school "if you opened it, close it. If you?€¦" well you get the point.

Greg Sievers, the past chairman of the Central Rockies Section of the Amercan Alpine Club, says he's a bit squeamish about putting a bag of "waste" in his backpack. A longtime climber in the park, his Alpine Club bought the first 200 bags and Sievers even built the box on one trailhead (Lumpy Ridge - I'm not kidding) where the bags are available. He says his wife enjoys teasing him about his reluctance, but so far he's not had the need to employ his own suggestion.

No public outbreaks of disease have been traced to the people who are leaving some traces behind, but the Park Service says the time to be proactive is now, before there are any health issues.

Other parks already employ similar programs. In Grand Teton National Park, officials say that five years into the program, it seems people are carrying out about eight tons of waste a year. They're fairly certain about their numbers for the area studied, that's how much the Park Service used to fly out by helicopter from outhouses.

It might seem like great material for a comic monologue, but the idea of "leave no trace" should cover this area of our organic waste. A couple of years ago, we reported on a similar system to give campers a sanitary option for their campsites that relieved the need to, well, seek relief. It came complete with a popup tent, folding toilet seat and "wag bags" -- containers that contained organic chemicals that actually converted waste back into inert material.

The Fishing Wire recently reported on a new system for fishing boats that allows anglers to quickly and easily find relief without risking an exposure issue.

This latest initiative from the Park Service is really a simple idea that can keep a visit to the great outdoors, well, great.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/22/2007 at 18:08 | Comments (0) | Permalink

ATVs and the outdoors

There's no doubt that walking, riding horse or any 'foot print' made outdoors has an impact to varying degrees. But more and more people are using ATVs and more and more people take issue with it. Can you agree that ATVs make a deepr, longer footprint than walking?

Here's another take:

Anyone who has hunted in the West has seen ATVs misused or abused. Many hunters get discouraged and lazy after not seeing anything opening morning and slip in to road hunting, desparately hoping to bump in to an elk or deer that is deaf enough not to hear them coming. More perniciously, many hunters, taking advantage of the smaller size of ATVs, use them to circumvent gates or road blocks on roads that are closed to motorized vehicle travel. There are few things as infuriating as seeing an ATV tearing illegally through an area that you just spent several tough hours hiking in to the honest way.

Surely, some other ATV owners use them in a lawful and sensible manner. However, the cumulative actions of even these riders may be doing harm to their hunting experience, and to the experience of those hunters who do not rely on ATVs.

The Izaak Walton League of America, an organization that works to defend our natural resources and to preserve the hunting and fishing opportunities, recently published a report on the impacts of off-road vehicles (ORVs) on hunting and fishing.

There are 3 sections to the report. The 1st documents extensive studies that have been conducted by organizations other than Izaak Walton regarding the impact of ORV use on wildlife. There's a two-page bibliography of these studies if you'd like to dig deep, but the general theme is that wildlife moves 2-4 times further away from roads when spooked by ORVs compared to when they are spooked by foot traffic. ATVs push animals further and further in to inaccessible areas, reducing (legal) hunting opportunity for everybody.

The 2nd section of the report provides a variety of anecdotal reports of negative experiences hunters have had around ATVs.

The 3rd section is a new survey conducted by the Izaak Walton League in 2007. The survery sampled wildlife managers, with respondents from 27 states. Interesting perspectives from these professional wildlife managers include:

• When asked if they felt that "ORVs negatively impact hunting and habitat in your state," 61% agreed or strongly agreed. 39% were neutral. 0%, as in not a single wildlife manager, defended ATVs as not being harmful in this regard.
• 72% felt that ORV use disrupted hunters during hunting season
• 67% felt that increased accessibility to formerly remote hunting areas was a problem.
• 61% felt that disruption of game species during hunting season was a problem.
• Although "only" 50% felt that riders hunting from ORVs was a problem, there were numerous comments from respondents along the lines of this one: "There seems to be a misconception that just because you own a piece of equipment that can go almost anywhere, that you are entitled to go almost anywhere.... This needs to change."

Despite what all the ads on the Outdoor Channel and in all the magazines are telling us, we can live without ATVs, just as generations of hunter before us did. To improve your hunting experience, along with almost everybody else's hunting experience, please consider leaving your ATV at home this year.

 

The study conducted by the Izaak Walton League is available at: http://www.iwla.org/publications/wilderness/OHVreport.pdf

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/22/2007 at 16:53 | Comments (0) | Permalink

a new way to find some hunting spots

Maps Showing School Trust Lands Available on Web

Maps showing aerial photographs and Global Positioning System coordinates of school trust lands are now available on the North Dakota State Land Department website at www.land.state.nd.us.

 Users should click on aerial photographs of school trust lands, and then access the map search icon. “We did the maps because we are hoping that it will help the public who may want to hike or hunt on school trust lands,” said Mike Brand, director of the surface management division.

Maps of school trust lands are available in two formats: color aerial photographs from 2003 with outlines of the school trust lands showing latitude and longitude of section corners, and only the outlines of the school trust lands with latitude and longitude of corners. Maps can be used either with or without a GPS unit.

The state trust lands link can also be accessed at the North Dakota Game and Fish Department website at gf.nd.gov.

 

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/22/2007 at 14:50 | Comments (0) | Permalink

worse than hitting a deer...

We think of hitting a deer as bad..and it is. But live in different parts of the US and you'll have other critters getting hit. Like in Northwestern Montana, where a bear, not just a brown or black bear. But a grizzly bear...a 700 pound grizzly was hit.

It's evidence of a growing grizzly population and more changes happening out there. Read the full rundown right here.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/22/2007 at 9:41 | Comments (0) | Permalink

I didnt go to Minneapolis this weekend

I'm sure it's no shock to most that I didnt go to Minneapolis this weekend...in fact I havent been there in seven years...that's 7...SEVEN...and I hope to keep the streak alive. I'm a NDSU alum and love Bison football. I'm just not a crowd kind of guy. In fact my plan was to either hit Hillsboro vs Lakota (Burro's won) or Moorhead State hosting U Mary (Marauders won). Unless it's snowing or raining, to me football was meant to be outside. Bu there was hunting not football on the front of the mind of my son. Who can blame him?





and Saturday...well it was a beautiful October day. Joe and I hit Sandy's Donut shop at 6:45, Cenex at 7AM and the watched the sunrise north of Sheldon. We hunted and watched deer, pheasants, great blue herons, Canada geese, picked some milkweed seeds, hung out on the beaver day...and more....lunch at Rosies Cafe in Ayr and I listened to the Bison beat down the Gophers on WDAY. And I dont' regret the decision what so ever....not one bit. I don't feel like I missed anything....in fact I think the day outside made me feel like we won.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/22/2007 at 8:38 | Comments (0) | Permalink

youth food plots competition

Youth for Wildlife Food and Habitat Plot Contest
                          Entry Forms Due Soon

     The North Dakota Chapter of the Wildlife Society Youth for Wildlife


Food and Habitat Plot Contest entry forms are due at the beginning of


November.  Though the deadline on the form is September 1 it has been


extended to November 1 for the last several years.  Young people that have


worked to maintain a food or habitat plot are encouraged to get their forms


completed an forwarded directly to contest Chair, Jack Lalor at Tewaukon


Wildlife Refuge, 9754 143 ½ AV SE, Cayuga, ND 58103.  Participants in the


Jamestown or Carrington area can send their entry forms to Paulette Scherr


at Arrowwood Wildlife Refuge 7745 11th St. SE, Pingree, ND 58476.


     As in past years, all entrants are eligible for a $50 Savings Bond


for participating in the contest.  Depending on the number of entries local


awards may be given.  Plots across the state will be judged by wildlife


professionals from the ND Chapter of the Wildlife Society.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/22/2007 at 3:32 | Comments (0) | Permalink

Grand Forks area outdoors calendar

SHOOTING

-- Oct. 28Forks Rifle Club sighting-in day, noon to 4 p.m., W.G. Coulter Rifle Range, 2051 12th Ave. N.E. (8½ miles west of Merrifield, N.D., on Grand Forks County Road 6). Range will be open to the public for hunters wishing to sight in their firearms for the upcoming deer season. Club personnel will supervise and provide assistance.

EVENTS

-- ThursdayFall membership meeting, Min-Dak Border Chapter of the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association, VFW Club downtown East Grand Forks. Doors open at 6 p.m. Games, door prizes, hors d'oeuvres, raffle for “Lucky 13” gun raffle. A representative from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will be on hand to give updates on this year's season and zone changes and the early doe season.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/21/2007 at 19:44 | Comments (0) | Permalink

Rocky Mountain job cuts

Missoula / 15 staff lose jobs at RMEF / Money not coming in, interim CEO says

By VINCE DEVLIN of the Missoulian

The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation laid off 15 employees late last week, and has opted not to fill eight more vacant positions.

It's the third time since 2001 the foundation has laid off part of its Missoula work force. The first time, 33 jobs were affected; the second time, four.

Interim president and CEO Walker S. “Buddy” Smith Jr. said Thursday the latest cutbacks were part of a “realignment,” and will help the RMEF “balance our mission with the reality of the marketplace.”

Much of the federal funding for foundation projects has dried up in the last three to four years, Smith said.

“The money just hasn't been coming in,” Smith said. “This is an effort to get ahead of the curve, and make sure we can fulfill our mission. Our obligation to our members and volunteers is to invest every nickel we can on the ground.”

Between the layoffs and vacancies that weren't filled, Smith said, virtually every department at the foundation was affected. One of the 15 people laid off was rehired in a different job, in field operations, he added.

After the layoffs, Smith said, the RMEF would have 121 full-time-equivalent positions nationwide. The bulk of them work at the $14 million international headquarters in Grant Creek, where the foundation moved in November 2005 and dedicated in January 2006.

“The cuts are painful, granted,” Smith said. “It hurts when it affects the lives of families. But it brings us to a point where we can live within our means, and put money on the ground for our mission.

“We're losing habitat at an alarming rate, and the West has been hit especially hard,” he added. “We need to be able to do the most efficient and fastest job we can to save this habitat from development.”

Newsworthy, he said, is that even as the foundation lays off employees, it has achieved a record number of conservation easements, “like we've never seen in the past - more than 40 this year,” he said. “I'm not sure what the acreage is up to, but it was more than 11,000 earlier this year.”

That includes nearly 4,000 acres in the Missoula area and Bitterroot Valley, he said.

“This is an extraordinary organization that has done some fantastic things,” Smith said.

Smith, who took over as interim president and CEO on June 15, replacing Peter J. Dart, joined the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation in 1984, the year four Troy hunters founded RMEF in the back room of a trailer house in Lincoln County.

He was the 104th person to join an organization that now numbers more than 150,000 members in 550 chapters across the nation, and has been a chapter chairman, state chairman and regional chairman, and spent seven years on the board of directors, where he also served as chairman.

The foundation board has completed its search for a permanent replacement for Dart, Smith said, and is in negotiations with one of the candidates to take over “in the very near future.”

Smith said two employees were laid off last Thursday, and the rest of the cuts were announced last Friday.

“As a whole, everyone took the high road,” Smith said. “These are dedicated, professional people who understand we need to do the best we can with the money we have.

“Although we have nonprofit status, the reality is we have to act like a for-profit business,” he added. “We greatly value our employees, but our single biggest expense is labor. We want to do good work on the ground and maintain a stability in our organization. No one wants to see a situation where we can't retain employees.”

Those laid off were given a severance package, Smith said, the value of which was determined by their position and length of service.

Reporter Vince Devlin can be reached at 1-800-366-7186 or at vdevlin@missoulian.com

---

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/21/2007 at 17:16 | Comments (0) | Permalink

do it yourself elk hunting tips

Scott Engel of West Fargo, N.D., and Rod Engel of Fargo offer these tips for planning a do-it-yourself elk hunt on public land:

-- Pluses and minuses: You'll spend a lot less money than you would for a guided hunt - which can cost anywhere from a few thousand dollars upwards to $20,000. On the downside, DIY hunts on public land mean more work in areas with fewer elk and more hunters.

-- The Engels' licenses cost $493 each, plus they bought a $50 preference point. They also had to buy a $10 state stamp and an archery license for $25. Total cost was less than $600 per hunter.

-- They drew their tags on a lottery system. Each state has different application processes, preference point systems, nonresident success rates etc. Some states are drawing only, and some sell a specified number of over-the-counter tags.

-- Consult the natural resources officials in the state you plan to hunt before making the trip. A link to every state game and fish or natural resources department is available on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service home page at www.fws.gov/offices/statelinks.html.

-- Scott Engel called several people at the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, including a regional big game biologist, his assistant and the game warden for the area they hunted. They provided a wealth of knowledge.

-- Archery and hunting Web sites also can be useful resources. Recommended sites include Archerytalk.com, Bowsite.com, and the hunting and archery forums of Fishingminnesota.com.

-- Sites such as Google Earth (http://earth.google.com/) and Topozone (www.topozone.com/) also were good sources for information about the area.

-- Other recommended information sources include Eastman's Hunting Journal and Eastman's Bowhunting Journal, which specialize in unguided public land hunts. Elknut Outdoor Productions has a variety of DVDs on elk hunting. Info: www.elknut.com/.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/21/2007 at 15:45 | Comments (0) | Permalink

tales from the hunt

TALES FROM THE HUNT: Three for three
By Scott Engel
- 10/21/2007

Rod Engel of Fisher, Minn., recently shared this account of an unguided elk-hunting trip his sons, Scott, of West Fargo, N.D., and Rod, of Fargo, and a friend, Steve Zarr of Minot, recently made to Wyoming.

Scott Engel wrote this first-person account of their adventure:

We got back Sept. 22 from our Wyoming archery elk hunt. We hunted public land and were completely unguided. Most of the area we hunted was in the 7,000- to 9,000-foot range, which seemed to be plenty of altitude for us three flatlanders.

We were fortunate enough to have a good buddy, Damon, whose dad's best friend had lived in Wyoming. Damon's dad had hunted with his longtime pal a number of times, and he benefited from his friend's local knowledge and expertise in the mountains.

The two of them hunted one particular area a number of times with a lot of success. It was a very special spot to them. So much so that when his friend died a couple of years ago, Damon's dad made a special trip out there to spread his friend's cremated remains on the mountainside where they had enjoyed so many good times together.

Damon's dad was kind enough to share the location of this spot with us under the promise that we keep the details to ourselves. So, out of respect for Damon's dad, his friend, and the promise we made to them, we'll say we were in Wyoming and leave it at that.

Although unguided, we benefited greatly from another buddy, Jon, and his brother, who hunted the same area a couple of weeks before us. Jon plotted the route to camp - which really saved us a lot of time - and gave us some good general information about the area, since none of us had ever been there.

His efforts weren't exactly selfless - he was hunting the area before us and he did manage to take a REALLY nice 6x6.

Setting up camp

After a very long drive, we got to the camp area late the morning of Sept. 14. We set up camp in a couple of hours.

We were encouraged by the amount of sign in the area, even right by camp.

After some lunch, we were ready to go hunting shortly after noon.

After we put on a mile or two, my brother, Rod, split off from my buddy, Slevy (a.k.a. Steve), and me and spent the rest of the day on his own.

Slevy and I got to a good vantage on top of a rock outcropping at the end of a long, thin ridge. Slevy immediately caught a glimpse of an elk. It rounded a corner and went down a draw that we couldn't see from our position. I also quickly saw two bulls sparring, but they were nearly two miles away.

We decided to make our way to the closer elk. Soon, we were at the bottom of a draw covered with aspen, dark timber pockets and small open parks. There were several bulls bugling around us, and we set up.

First up

Because Slevy drew the right straw earlier, he set up in the shooter position. After a 20-minute setup, we had two bulls very interested in our calls, but we couldn't get them to come any closer.

We relocated and swapped positions, this time with me in front as the primary shooter.

We started calling in tandem, but I quickly had to quit calling because the closer of the two interested bulls cut his distance from 100 yards to 60 yards almost immediately. He sounded big, and his bugles were deep and really gutteral; he was definitely a stud. However, he wouldn't come any closer.

The other one, though, started at about 250 yards and moved progressively closer.

Close encounter

After 15 minutes, I heard him bugle at about 60 yards and quickly saw a nice 6x6 making his way through an aspen stand. I drew when he was behind some thick cover, thinking he would come out in an open area 20 yards in front of me. Instead, he came around the corner of the thick cover, turned 90 degrees and walked straight at me for 35 yards.

At 5 yards, he stopped, curled his lip back, filled his lungs and was about to rip a huge bugle in my face.

I'm 99 percent sure I would have filled my pants if he had done that.

However, my buddy, Slevy, helped my shorts stay (kind of) clean by dropping one soft mew from his diaphragm call. The bull snapped his head around, took a couple of steps around an aspen tree and then turned immediately back facing me again. He stood facing me at 3 yards, with me at full draw and my bow facing 45 degrees ahead of where he was.

Then, like a seasoned elk-calling expert, Slevy let out another soft mew. That perfectly timed call turned the elk 90 degrees. I slid my bow over a little, tried to steady my trembling bow arm (my pins were literally bouncing up and down behind the elk's shoulder), and I slipped the arrow 1 inch behind his shoulder at a distance of 8 feet.

Eight feet!

He ran about 60 yards and stopped in some thicker timber, still trying to figure out what happened. I sneaked over to about 40 yards and ran another arrow into the back of his quartering-away rib cage and through both lungs. He ran up a small hill, teetered back and forth, and suddenly ran away like he hadn't been hit at all.

I got Slevy, and we tracked the bull for 100 yards when we found him dead.

More excitement

We were about to go to work on the bull when another bugle that only was about 150 yards away rudely interrupted us. We grabbed our gear and took off to cut some of the distance between us and the bull.

Slevy set up, and I started calling.

The bull came closer right away. However, he seemed to hang up at about 70 yards, so I moved back about 40 yards and gave some soft, but whiny estrus calls to try get him closer to the “hot cow” in the timber.

It worked, and he came in on a string.

I saw Slevy's white fletchings zip across an opening in the timber and heard (gulp) nothing. The bull wheeled around in a heartbeat and quartered away from Slevy. In the blink of an eye, Slevy was reloaded with a new arrow and at full draw. He could see that the bull was now at the 40-yard bush he mistakenly thought he was at on the first shot.

He hit the bull in the back of the ribcage and the arrow went up into the opposite shoulder. Perfect! The bull took off like a missile but didn't go far.

It was completely surreal - two elk in less than half a day of hunting. There were high fives and hugs (manly hugs, nothing more) all around.

We packed out as much as we could that night and got to camp late, in the middle of a very nasty equinox lightning storm.

The next morning, Rod, Slevy and I made our way to the two elk to pack them out. We packed very light and didn't take our bows to allow us to pack out as much as possible per trip.

Persistent bear

Although we had field-dressed the elk the night before, there was a lot of work to be done. We skinned and quartered Slevy's elk with no problem. Next, we skinned and quartered my elk.

That went fine, too, right up until I heard a stick snap behind us.

I turned my head only to see a very large black bear walking directly at us. He was downwind of us and obviously had smelled a free lunch (mmm . . . fresh elk meat). He was at about 25 yards, way too close for comfort!

We yelled and got his attention. He quickly stopped and backed off to about 30 yards. However, right after he turned tail and retreated, he seemed to realize that he was a very large, hungry bear, and we were helpless little pests that might make a nice appetizer for his elk steaks.

He turned around and started to march directly at us with a gait that suggested he was certain that he was in complete control of the situation. Fortunately, we were just finishing up with this elk, and we grabbed our packs and our loaded meat and got out of there in a hurry.

It was the closest any of us have ever been to a bear and closer than we'd ever like to be again.

One to go

After that, Slevy and I were callers and spotters for my brother. The typical setup had Rod about 50 yards ahead of us, with Slevy and me calling, shooting video and taking photos.

We hunted really hard looking for another bull.

Finally, nearly a week into the hunt, we spotted a nice-looking bull about 800 yards away. Rod and I put a sneak on him while Slevy stayed back with the video camera (it's got an awesome zoom). Unfortunately, the elk moved out of view of the camera in the final moments.

We were lucky enough to cross a deep drainage and find that bull again (a miracle in itself), and Rod made a good shot on the bull.

After letting the bull sit for an hour, we tracked him through rough terrain and with surprisingly little blood on the trail.

That's when we peaked over a rock and saw him lying dead.

He was done. We called this bull “The Freak” because he was a 7x3. The 7 side was thick and huge, but the 3 side was malformed (not broken, it just didn't grow right for some reason).

High fives, smiles and a bunch of photos later, our tags were all filled and the trip was all but over.

All three of us agreed this was by far the best hunting adventure we'd ever experienced. Lots of great memories, for sure.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/21/2007 at 9:46 | Comments (0) | Permalink

when poaching turns deadly

A couple years ago a hunter in a field of decoys in South Dakota was shot from the road. This past weekend a hunter was killed by a poacher....ugh....

Poacher's wild shot can be deadly

By Bryan Brasher (Contact)
Sunday, October 14, 2007

On Wednesday afternoon, Avery Outdoors Pro-Staffer Jocelyn "Josh" Leger was hunting a remote section of his native Quebec, sitting in a field surrounded by more than 500 snow goose decoys.

Details are still sketchy about what happened next.

But according to several French-Canadian news reports, Leger was struck in the head and killed by a single round from a .22 rifle. The shot was reportedly fired by an unidentified man who believed he was shooting at real snow geese.

It's a tragic story for Leger, a skilled young hunter who joined the pro staff for Memphis-based Avery Outdoors just two years ago.

But it's a more common story than you might think -- and in the wake of the tragedy, Avery officials are urging people to use extreme caution while hunting snow geese over ultra-realistic decoy spreads.

"The snow geese and specklebellies are headed our way, and goose hunting is much more popular today in the Mid-South than it used to be," said Bill Cooksey of Avery Outdoors. "When those geese get here, some people will be getting out their rifles to try and pick a few off from the roads. It happens every year."

To the poachers

Avery's first words of warning go out to the people who might try to illegally shoot snow geese from the roadways.

It's illegal. It's dangerous. And it could be deadly.

"Decoys are getting more realistic, and hunters are learning to hide a lot better," Cooksey said. "We don't do it at Avery, but there are some people who even put neck bands on their decoys -- and that just makes them even more attractive to people looking at them through binoculars or through a rifle scope."

But firing a shot into a flock of geese simply isn't worth the potential consequences.

"What's the best that can happen?" Cooksey asked. "Let's say you make the shot, and you get a band. You still committed a crime. You cheated to win."

Other alternatives are far worse.

"The next thing that could happen is you might get caught," Cooksey said. "That's gonna sting you. It's gonna mean points on your license.

"Then there's the worst thing. You might wound somebody or kill someone. That person is going to die for nothing -- and your life, as you know it, is over."

To the hunters

In addition to the words of warning for poachers who might mistake decoy spreads for flocks of geese, Avery officials urge legal hunters to do everything they can to protect themselves.

Cooksey said some hunters actually craft handwritten signs that read "Hunters in this Field" to give potential poachers a heads-up. Some also craft warning flags out of old deer vests or brightly colored bandanas to use as warning signals for passersby.

When all else fails, Cooksey said, hunters shouldn't hesitate to actually shoot into the air to alert people to their presence.

"If a truck stops on the road, by all means stand up out of your blind and wave your arms or wave a flag," he said. "Don't worry about flaring geese or messing up your hunt. Just make sure those folks know you're out there -- even it means firing shots straight up into the air. Do whatever it takes to get their attention."

Not for nothing

Like the thousands of waterfowl hunters who have flooded Internet message boards with condolences for Leger this week, the folks at Avery are heartbroken over the incident.

But they hope at least a shred of good can come of the tragedy. They have already discussed producing some sort of flag or sign to help goose hunters alert others to their presence.

"If we can come up with some sort of warning product that we can give away or provide at a cheap price, we might do that," Cooksey said. "It won't be a profit center; we just don't ever want to get that phone call again."

For now, Avery officials are just asking everyone to think of Leger when they're in the field this hunting season.

"From now on, every time I'm hunting and I see a truck go by, I know I'll probably think of Josh. I hope other people will, too -- and maybe things like this won't happen again in the future."

-- Bryan Brasher: 529-2343

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/20/2007 at 22:32 | Comments (1) | Permalink

35 point buck

yes, that's right a 35 point buck from Wisconsin...wow...



Read the full run down here

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/20/2007 at 19:19 | Comments (1) | Permalink

NRA state roundup

 

 Here's the latest rundown of gun issues from the NRA..yes I'm a member.

 

CALIFORNIA:  Governor Ignores Law-Abiding Gun Owners and Sportsmen!  With the stroke of a pen, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) dismissed the concerns of gun owners and sportsmen in California and signed two anti-gun pieces of legislation, Assembly Bill 1471 and Assembly Bill 821.  The first, AB1471, outlaws the sale of all new handguns that do not imprint identifying information upon cartridge cases after firing.  AB821 bans the use of lead ammunition in areas which are inhabited by California condors.  Gun owners in California did not entirely lose out this past weekend as the Governor did sign vital legislation protecting law-abiding gun owners from the seizure or confiscation of any lawfully carried or possessed firearm or ammunition during a declared state of emergency.

LOUISIANA:  Saturday, October 20, is Primary Election Day!  Please be sure to go to the polls.  For information on candidate ratings and endorsements, please visit www.nrapvf.org, refer to our candidate endorsements guide in the November issue of your NRA magazine, or call the NRA-ILA Grassroots Division at (800) 392-VOTE (8683).  For more information about voting in Louisiana, please visit http://www.sos.louisiana.gov/.  Remember to Vote Freedom First on Saturday, October 20!

MARYLAND:  Governor O'Malley Allows Black Bear Hunt to Continue!  Governor Martin O'Malley (D) recently decided to allow Maryland's black bear hunt to continue in 2007 despite being pressured by radical animal "rights" groups to cancel the hunt.  Hunting is the most effective and humane way to control Maryland's black bear population, especially since there has been a growing number of bear-human confrontations in western Maryland.  Please contact Governor O'Malley at (410) 974-3901, or toll free (800) 811-8336, or use this form to email the Governor and thank him for allowing the 2007 Black Bear Hunt to go on and for protecting the rights of sportsmen in Maryland.

NEW JERSEY:  Cam Edwards to Keynote New Jersey State Association Banquet on Saturday!  NRA's Official State Affiliate, the Association of New Jersey Rifle & Pistol Clubs (ANJRPC) combined annual meeting banquet and Friends of NRA Dinner and Auction will be held this Saturday, October 20 at 6:00 p.m. at the Ramada Inn located at 60 Cottontail Lane, Somerset, NJ 08873 (732-560-9880).  The festivities are guaranteed to be lively as Cam Edwards of NRA News will be the keynote speaker sharing his unique viewpoint on our Right to Keep and Bear Arms.  Banquet seating ($40 per ticket) is extremely limited and open to the public on a first come, first-served basis.  Prepay for a ticket to ensure that seats are still available and that the event is not sold out (contact Lisa Caso at lisa@casosguns.com or 201-424-5536).

WISCONSIN:  Important Pro-Hunting Bills Moving Through Legislature!  Senate Bill 198 and its companion, Assembly Bill 401 are making their way through the Wisconsin Legislature.  These bills would remove the section of the Wisconsin code requiring bow hunters to wait three days after purchasing a hunting license before they are allowed to hunt.  SB198, sponsored by State Senator Mark Miller (D-16) passed the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources on Wednesday, October 17 and is now on its way to the Senate.  AB401 has been scheduled for a hearing in the Assembly Committee on Natural Resources on Wednesday, October 24 at 10:00 a.m. in room 417 North (GAR Hall) in the State Capitol.  Please attend the hearing or contact the members of the committee and respectfully urge them to pass AB 401 and end this pointless inconvenience to Wisconsin sportsmen.  For contact information for the committee, please click here.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/20/2007 at 18:17 | Comments (0) | Permalink

exploiting a tragedy

You probably recall reading a story we brought you in May regarding the Brady Center's stomach-turning fundraising plea sent in the immediate aftermath of the Virginia Tech shootings. The solicitation asked for $32--one dollar for each of the victims that lost his or her life. You might have thought the condemnation and scorn the Brady Bunch rightly earned for this tasteless stunt would have been enough for them not to do something similar in the future. Apparently not so. Now comes a "lie-in" protest scheduled nearby a Richmond, Va. gun show this weekend, where 32 "Million" Mom March/Brady supporters will play dead for a few minutes to represent the victims at Virginia Tech. The protest is part and parcel of their campaign to close the mythical gun show "loophole." Despite the fact that this weekend's show, like the thousands held every year, will see an overwhelming majority of its gun sales go through a licensed dealer and NICS background check, and ignoring the fact that federal reports show gun shows amount for less than 2% of guns used in crimes, the Brady gang is bent on pursuing legislation that would in effect end gun shows as we know them. (For more information on the myth of the gun show "loophole", click here: www.nraila.org/Issues/articles/read.aspx?ID=13). While NRA continues its work to enact proven policies to reduce gun crime, the Brady Center and its affiliates apparently remain content in pushing for more restrictions on lawful gun owners and promoting PR stunts that should offend even the staunchest gun control supporters. The depths to which the Brady Center and its supporters will stoop apparently knows no bounds. Unfortunately for America, we have to be constantly reminded of this fact.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/20/2007 at 16:16 | Comments (0) | Permalink

weekly Western update from Williston

Pheasant opener was fabulous for just about everyone!  Good numbers of birds without traveling very far.  Some areas farther out seen very little pressure so there will be lots of late season hunting available.  As usual the pheasants in areas with the most pressure are getting pretty smart and you have to help out the dog a little by working into the wind, posting the ends or working cover that has a natural break.  Lots of young dogs and dogs that have not had much experience out there so it does take a little patience and understanding to make it all works out.  Summer training session paid off big time for those who took the time.  We have had some really nice birds brought in for our “Longest Tail Contest”, and so far this week the longest tail is 23 7/8.  We have seen lots of tails in the 22 to 23” range, unbelievable for this time of the year!

 We have also been getting some real goods reports on the river fishing.  The water has once again cleared up nicely and it is time to get out and enjoy some fall action.

 We are now four weeks away from North Dakota deer gun opener.  If you were lucky enough to draw a tag be sure you and your gun are ready.  It is a good idea to stop in for a quick bore sighting and maybe a little time at the range fine tuning your rifle.  It is also a good time to start calling in coyotes before the deer season pressure.  Hides though will probably not be prime though for about another month.

 If you have information you would like to share please email it to andy@scenicsports.com

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/20/2007 at 14:38 | Comments (0) | Permalink

rumor is true

I've heard many rumors about the inevitable price increase for ammunition and reloading supplies, and I don't doubt any of them. The war in Iraq seems a likely cause....

here's more from the Jamestown Sun and Bernie Kuntz--

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/20/2007 at 13:23 | Comments (0) | Permalink

Killdeer Mountains--lion

there's not much of a story, other than the fact this is a trail cam pix from the Killdeer Mountains of North Dakota...

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/20/2007 at 12:15 | Comments (0) | Permalink

outdoors report

Here's this weeks Central Dakota outdoors report from the Jamestown Sun--

The Jamestown Sun - 10/19/2007

Jamestown Sun

Dakota Recreation Report

Oct. 19, 2007

Patricia Stockdill

Fishing:

Southeast District Game Wardens: Not much fishing activity on Devils Lake, Lake Sakakawea or Lake Audubon.

Antelope Lake, Pierce County: Continued walleye activity.

Devils Lake, Ed’s Bait & Tackle, Devils Lake: Try bridges for walleye. Not many anglers on the water.

Devils Lake, Randy’s Bait Shop, Minnewaukan: Try shore-fishing the moving water around bridges for walleye in morning and evening.

Goose Lake, Harvey: Fair for northern pike and walleye.

Harvey Dam, Harvey: Fair for northern pike.

Hoffer Lake, McClusky: Fair for northern pike and walleye.

Jamestown Reservoir, Dan’s Sooper Stop, Jamestown: Little activity.

Jamestown Reservoir, Pioneer Bait Shop, Jamestown: A few anglers but no report of success.

Lake Ashtabula, Bay Shore Resort, Valley City: Occasional walleye but few anglers. Try shore-fishing.

Lake Sakakawea, Cenex Bait & Tackle, Garrison: Lake Audubon improving for fall walleye bite. Try along shoreline in late afternoon in 4 to 17 feet. Not much activity on Lake Sakakawea.

Lake Sakakawea, Scott’s Bait & Tackle, Pick City: Lake Audubon improving somewhat for small walleye using live bait. Try 30 feet off deep drops on east end of Lake Sakakawea with scattered walleye success. Salmon fair at best with spotty success from shore and boats. Try early morning using nightcrawlers, egg sacs, spoons or crankbaits. Missouri River tailrace has a few salmon and walleye taken but still somewhat generally slow.

Pipestem Reservoir, Dan’s Sooper Stop, Jamestown: Not many reports.

Pipestem Reservoir, Pioneer Bait Shop, Jamestown: Not much activity.

Spiritwood Lake, Dan’s Sooper Stop, Jamestown: Little activity.

Spiritwood Lake, Pioneer Bait Shop, Jamestown: Few reports available.

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service waterfowl report, Oct. 17:

Use caution with waterfowl identification. Hunter’s Choice regulations allow only one of either a hen mallard, canvasback, or pintail in daily bag limit.

Arrowwood Nat’l. Wildlife Refuge (NWR), Pingree: About 10,000 ducks and Canada geese remain in area with some canvasbacks and other divers starting to move in. A few small snow goose flocks. Hunters finding good waterfowl numbers in McHenry area. About 500 swans on refuge.

Chase Lake Wetland Mgmt. Dist. (WMD), Woodworth: A few migrants reaching northern Stutsman and southern Wells counties with increasing canvasbacks and other divers. Productive field success in Wells County.

Devils Lake WMD, Devils Lake: Small flocks of snow geese becoming more common in northeastern North Dakota, including Towner and Ramsey counties, along with a few more divers and lesser Canada geese.

J. Clark Salyer NWR, Upham: More snow geese and lesser Canada geese moving into the region. Larger lakes holding bigger rafts of diving ducks.

Kulm WMD, Kulm: Few new birds moving in yet with local birds harder to decoy. Some hunters having success, however. Few lesser Canada geese arrived yet and no snow geese.

Long Lake NWR, Moffitt: Some migrating Canada geese and whitefronts moved in with increasing crane numbers and a few snow geese. Refuge holding about 7,000 Canada geese, more than 5,000 cranes, and nice numbers of divers, green-winged teal, pintails, and mallards. Best hunting might be in northern Burleigh and Kidder counties.

Valley City WMD, Valley City: Waterfowl numbers remain low. A small movement of lesser Canada geese with numbers of big Canada in area in small groups.

Hunting:

N.D. Game & Fish Dept. game wardens: Good pheasant opening weekend success throughout much of the state. Numbers of local ducks remain in the state. No major movement yet although a few snow geese trickling into the northern tier of counties. Western Wells County pheasant hunters had good success. Not many ducks migrating yet into east-central N.D. but those going out are having fair success. Lots of grouse in area but birds are spooky. Not much waterfowl movement in west-central and northwestern N.D. yet. The northwest is dry. Good numbers of pheasants with lots of hunting pressure. Remember trespass laws and Audubon Nat’l. Wildlife Refuge is closed to upland hunting until Nov. 26.

Lonetree Wildlife Mgmt. Area, Harvey: Upland hunters finding fair success. Fair waterfowl numbers but wetland conditions are poor to fair, at best. Some small Canada geese moved in but no snow geese yet.

Northeast N.D.: A few more ducks and lesser Canada geese moving into the region but only a few snow geese moved in yet. Hunters finding fair to good duck success.

Southeast N.D.: Not much for migrating waterfowl yet but pheasant hunters finding good success throughout much of the area.

West-central N.D.: Good numbers of local ducks on available wetlands with increasing numbers of migrant Canada geese. Pheasant hunters finding good success.

Numbers to know:

N.D. Game & Fish Department, main Bismarck office: 328-6300; Web site: (http://gf.nd.gov).

N.D. Game & Fish Department, Jamestown office: 253-6480.

Rare Bird Alert: 355-8554.

Report All Poachers: (800) 472-2121.

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Bismarck, Web site: http://mountainprairie.fws.gov/northdakotafieldoffice).

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/20/2007 at 10:22 | Comments (0) | Permalink

random thoughts

A week or ten day's ago I wasnt to concerned about the slow movement of ducks and geese into North Dakota. Now I am. The local ducks have moved out, and lack of weather in northern ND and southern Canada have resulted in a slack time of low duck numbers. Everyday that goes by I get a little bit more concerned about the possible blow by of ducks. It can happen anytime in any year....the longer it takes to back fill the better the odds of a blow through become.


After last weeks pheasant opener I'm darn happy we have birds within an hour of Fargo. No reason to drive hours and hours. What surprises me even more is the number of people that feel the same way. Strong birds across much of North Dakota mean hunters don't have to spend $100 in gas just to get into pheasants. It also spreads out the pressure to. Making it more enjoyable for those that just prefer a peaceful walk across the praire. Which is where I'll be on Saturday. You can have the Bison and Gophers. Son and I will do some pheasant hunting and pull into a ND 9 man playoff game...maybe Lakota at Hillsboro?

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/20/2007 at 3:35 | Comments (0) | Permalink

mountain lions in ND

Mountain lions in North Dakota draw considerable interest. Myths, half-truths etc run about as common as how to fix the Vikings. The point is people care about and are interested in mountain lions. The facts are linked on the Game and Fish Department website.

I urge you to read the full report. It might look a bit intimidating at 55 pages. But there are literature citations and graphs etc. Without stopping, it's probably about a 25 minute read.

Here's a few highlights--

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/19/2007 at 20:34 | Comments (0) | Permalink

more on the PETA in Colorado debacle.

PETA Speaks Out On The Colorado Poaching Case

October 19, 2007.

In our updates on October 16 and October 18, Hunt The West covered the Colorado bear poaching case that included a seemingly inappropriate $500 donation to PETA as part of the penalty.

There has been, to say the least, a lot of negative reaction to the judge's decision to mandate a donation to an organization that does not having anything to do with anti-poaching efforts, but rather is very actively opposed to legitimate hunting (and wearing fur, and eating Kentucky Fried Chicken, and so forth).

For the sake of fairness, I contacted PETA and asked them to share some info with Hunt The West subscribers about how they work to fight poaching. Perhaps the presiding judge in this poaching case knew something that the rest of America did not?

A very nice and sincere woman from PETA provided me with a statement, included below in its entirety and without my commentary (other than to suggest that the starving baby thing was laying it on a little heavy).

"PETA is grateful for this donation and it will be put toward our work to end the abuse of all animals.

PETA opposes the killing of animals for sport or entertainment, including hunting and poaching. We work to stop the suffering of billions of animals in the meat, clothing, entertainment, and experimentation industries. It doesn't matter to a bear or a deer whether he or she was killed legally by a hunter with a permit during open hunting season, or poached illegally, her carcass left to rot in a field. The bullet in her side still pierces her with the same pain, she feels the same terror and helplessness, and her babies are left behind to starve all the same. People should arm themselves with a camera—not a gun—and enjoy the outdoors through activities that do not harm animals. "

Like I said, I appreciate PETA sharing their viewpoint and won't dispute it here. But what I will say is that if PETA explicitly makes NO differentiation between legal hunting and poaching, it continues to be more and more GROSSLY inappropriate that the presiding judge ordered the donation to PETA in this poaching case.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/19/2007 at 19:40 | Comments (0) | Permalink

tracking wildlife with the weather

Weather, if you're active outdoors, is fascinating -- and important. Particularly at this time of year.

In fact, if you hunt or fish, observing, appreciating and understanding weather and its effects on fish and game movements is critical, assuming your intent is to intersect wildlife, whether for harvesting or simply observing.

Take waterfowl.

Scientists know volumes about bird migration, but weather often dictates the exact moment birds move, and how far they go before stopping to feed and rest.

It's commonly understood that recent autumns in the Upper Midwest have been mild and that many waterfowl (and some songbird) migrations have been delayed as a result. Again, this is a generalization, but it's true, at least, considering waterfowl, for dabbling ducks such as mallards, and also for geese.

As a case in point, consider the temperatures in southern Manitoba on Thursday and particularly on Wednesday, with highs in the 50s and even low 60s.

Obviously these aren't conducive to moving big numbers of mallards out of Canada and into North Dakota and Minnesota; mallard movements often being ruled by freezing temperatures (and therefore frozen lakes, ponds and wetlands) and a shortage of food (meaning, often, harvested crop fields covered by snow).

Unfortunately, most hunters can't plan fall trips based on the weather as it unfolds, but instead must plan often months ahead. Consequently, many hunters who are in North Dakota this week, having planned their trips based on traditional weather patterns and corresponding migration times, are finding fewer birds than they hoped.

Many of the ducks these hunters expected are still in Manitoba, even as far north as The Pas, about a five-hour drive from Winnipeg.

Meanwhile, the giant low-pressure system that has been sitting over much of Minnesota, North Dakota and southern Manitoba in recent days is dumping a lot of rain and has been accompanied on its backside by strong easterly, then northerly, winds.

Typically at this time of year, winds like these in Canada are accompanied by cold, if not freezing, temperatures, which -- again, typically -- incite mass movements of waterfowl.

These migrations more usually than not occur at night and can be seen on weather radar (some types of which are better for this purpose than others; try the radar displayed at www.wunderground.com).

Of course, radar doesn't show individual migrants, but rather "clouds" of birds.

Return, now, to our current weather. Again, the huge low-pressure system over us in recent days has been accompanied by relatively high temperatures, probably because of the position of the jet stream.

While this temperate weather won't spur a mass migration of mallards and other dabbling ducks, diving ducks such as canvasbacks, redheads and bluebills (scaup) are another matter.

Traditionally, these birds migrate less by weather influences and more by the calendar, moving into and/or through Minnesota between, say, Oct. 16 and Oct. 24, generally regardless of conditions.

Most interesting about these recent mild autumns -- though not necessarily conducive to duck hunting -- have been the sudden migrations that have occurred following prolonged mild periods.

These now-you-see-them-now-you-don't migrations are prompted by powerful low pressure systems accompanied by strong backside northerly winds (as would typically be the case) and freezing, blizzard-like conditions.

These systems spur massive migrations, which easily are detected on radar. But they tend to occur so quickly that hunters don't have a chance to intersect them -- and for all intents and purposes, the season ends, just like that.

Weather, obviously, also affects other wildlife movements, white-tailed deer being a prime example.

Experienced outdoors enthusiasts consider first and foremost the weather when they awaken in the morning -- not just current conditions but the forecast.

Cell phones capable of accessing the Internet and showing live radar, with specific details about wind speeds, lightning strikes and temperatures, have greatly aided this effort, especially when traveling.

To have this information in hand wherever a cell signal can be obtained is a significant advancement.

By Dennis Anderson, Star Tribune

Last update: October 18, 2007 – 11:52 PM

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/19/2007 at 16:55 | Comments (0) | Permalink

sage grouse: hunting is not the cause for demise

non-huntering experts will quickly say hunting sage grouse should end as the population is struggling. I ask...are the birds strugging because of hunting? If not it's like putting a band aid on your foot after you slam your finger in the door. It won't do any good until you give aide to the finger and not the foot. That's where the problem is. Same goes for sage grouse. The problem is habitat....not hunting....sorry.....

 SAGE GROUSE HUNTED DESPITE CALLS FOR PROTECTION

 

           CHEYENNE, WYO. (AP) _ BIOLOGISTS AND POLITICIANS FIGHT OVER WHETHER THE GREATER SAGE GROUSE SHOULD BE LABELED AN ENDANGERED SPECIES.

           AT THE SAME TIME, A NUMBER OF STATES STILL ALLOW THE UPLAND BIRD TO BE HUNTED.

           TOM CHRISTIANSEN IS THE SAGE GROUSE PROGRAM COORDINATOR FOR THE WYOMING GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT. HE SAYS THE REAL IMPACTS ON THE BIRD COME FROM NEW SUBDIVISIONS, ENERGY DEVELOPMENT AND GRAZING LIVESTOCK, BECAUSE THEY WIPE OUT SAGE GROUSE HABITAT.

           NORTH DAKOTA IS ONE OF 11 STATES WITH SAGE GROUSE HABITAT.

           THE FEDERAL FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE IN 2005 REJECTED PETITIONS BY ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS TO LIST THE GREATER SAGE GROUSE UNDER THE ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT. THE AGENCY FOUND SPECIAL PROTECTIONS WERE NOT WARRANTED, BECAUSE OF LOCAL AND STATE CONSERVATION EFFORTS.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/19/2007 at 15:41 | Comments (0) | Permalink

this weeks waterfowl migration report

WATERFOWL MIGRATION SLOW, BUT SOME SNOW GEESE ARRIVING

Mild temperatures, light hunting pressure and abundant food supplies are
holding many ducks and geese in Canada, although the first flocks of snow
geese are being reported in North Dakota. According to the weekly report
from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, waterfowl hunters still need to
do some scouting in order to find birds.

Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge and surrounding areas continue to hold
about 10,000 ducks and an equal number of Canada geese. Biologist Paulette
Scherr says some canvasbacks and other diving ducks have started moving in,
and she is seeing a few small flocks of snow geese. She adds that hunters
are finding good waterfowl numbers in the McHenry area. Scherr notes that
about 500 tundra swans are using the refuge.

Waterfowl numbers are holding steady in southeastern North Dakota.
Biologist Kristine Askerooth of Tewaukon National Wildlife Refuge says a
few more migrant Canada geese have arrived, and hunters are finding pockets
of ducks in the Oakes area, but continuing rainfall has made roads muddy.
She adds that the rain has also slowed the corn harvest.

A few migrants are starting to reach northern Stutsman and southern Wells
counties. Biologist Chris Flann of the Chase Lake Wetland Management
District reports seeing more canvasbacks and other diving ducks. He says
field hunting has been productive in southwestern Wells County.

Very few new birds have reached the Kulm area. Refuge manager Mick
Erickson of the Kulm Wetland Management District says some hunters are
still doing well, but local birds are becoming harder to decoy. Erickson
reports very few lesser Canada geese have arrived, and he has yet to see
any snow geese.

Some migrant Canada geese, a few snow geese and white-fronted geese, as
well as greater numbers of sandhill cranes have arrived at Long Lake
National Wildlife Refuge in Burleigh and Kidder counties. Biologist Mike
Rabenberg estimates the refuge was holding 7,000 Canada geese, more than
5,000 sandhill cranes and quite a few diving ducks plus green-winged teal,
pintails and mallards at mid-week. He believes the best hunting
opportunities continue to be in northern Burleigh and northern Kidder
counties.

Waterfowl numbers remain low in the Valley City area. Wetland manager Ed
Meendering of the Valley City Wetland Management District says he noticed a
minor migration of lesser Canada geese last weekend, and adds that the
giant Canada geese are still around the area in small groups.

Small flocks of snow geese are becoming more common in northeastern North
Dakota. Biologist Cami Dixon of the Devils Lake Wetland Management
District reports seeing snow geese in Towner and Ramsey counties, along
with a few more diving ducks and a few flocks of lesser Canada geese.

North-central parts of the state are also attracting more snow geese.
Biologist Gary Eslinger of J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge says
numbers of snow geese and lesser Canada geese have picked up in eastern
portions of the area, and he is starting to see some big rafts of diving
ducks on large lakes.

Hunters in central North Dakota are starting to notice a little more
movement. Audubon National Wildlife Refuge biologist Craig Hultberg says
the refuge was holding up to 20,000 ducks and geese at mid-week. He also
reports additional diving ducks on some of the larger ponds and some
green-winged teal in surrounding areas.

More ducks and geese have reached Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge.
Law enforcement officer Shawn Tripp says snow geese, lesser Canada geese
and white-fronted geese have arrived, along with about 100 tundra swans.
He adds most ducks are now in full plumage, making identification easier.

Waterfowl populations at Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge near Kenmare are
slowly beginning to increase at mid-week. Refuge manager Dan Severson says
duck numbers have grown to 10,000 and an influx of lesser Canada geese has
boosted that total to 2,000. The first white-fronted geese have arrived,
some 200 snow geese remain on the north end of the refuge, and tundra swan
numbers are holding at about 500.

Hunters continue to face very limited opportunities in Mountrail County.
Doug Leschisin of the Lostwood Wetland Management District some sloughs in
the eastern part of the county have water and ducks, but hunters will have
to scout. He reports very little waterfowl movement over the past week,
and says he hasn’t seen any snow geese yet.

Northwestern North Dakota hunters probably have fewer opportunities than
they did a week earlier. Refuge manager Tim Kessler of the Crosby Wetland
Management District reports scattered groups of giant Canada geese and
small bunches of local ducks can still be found in eastern Divide and
western Burke counties, but there has been no migration into the area. He
adds that the large numbers of sandhill cranes that arrived late last week
have moved on.

Very little change is being reported in waterfowl populations at Sand Lake
National Wildlife Refuge near Aberdeen, S.D. Biologist Bill Schultze says
there has been a small increase in canvasbacks, but most of the 40,000
ducks on the refuge are mallards and pintails. He adds that some lesser
Canada geese have been seen in the area, and the number of tundra swans on
the refuge has grown from 230 to 450. Schultze adds that wet weather this
week has continued to slow the corn harvest.

Sandhill crane hunters should note that whooping cranes have been reported
in North Dakota, migrating with sandhills. Although the only confirmed
sighting so far this fall has been in northwestern North Dakota, the
protected birds could show up almost anywhere in the state.

Some hunters are being asked if they will allow their harvested birds to be
tested for avian influenza. Employees of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service and other federal and state agencies are taking swabs of harvested
waterfowl, although the highly pathogenic form of the disease has not yet
been found in North America. Sample testing of hunter-killed birds
supplements samples taken elsewhere from live wild birds. Hunters
observing unusual bird behavior are asked to contact the closest wildlife
agency.

Upland bird hunters are reminded they are restricted to nontoxic shot while
on waterfowl production areas.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the principal Federal agency
responsible for conserving, protecting and enhancing fish, wildlife and
plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American
people. For more information, visit the Service’s website at www.fws.gov

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/19/2007 at 3:45 | Comments (0) | Permalink

final update on Fargo peregrine falcons

Here's the last rundown of peregrine falcons from Fargo's Wick Corwin

It has been several weeks since I last saw either of the adults, but they were both present through mid to late September.  The kids all disappeared in late July or August.



In short, it was a perfectly uneventful year.  By that I mean everything was seamless.  As far as we know, all four fledglings survived.



Just reviewed my notes describing the nestings to date.  Thought you might be interested in a summary.



We have now had 6 successful nestings in Fargo (01, 03-07).  The adult male named Dakota Ace has been the father each time.  His mate since 2002 has been Frieda.



Every nesting has involved four eggs.  One egg in 2001 did not hatch.  In 2004 2 eggs blew out of a poorly constructed box.  Otherwise every egg has hatched and every hatchling has survived to fledge.  Therefore, fledgings to date total 21.  We know that at least 4 will killed in accidents shortly after fledging. This was the first perfect year, with no know mortalities.  That leaves a maximum of 17 survivors.



Fargo progeny are showing up throughout the region.  One of our females has been nesting for years in Brandon, Man.  Two birds from different years (half siblings) are paired and nesting in Sartell, Minn.  One of our males has been seen at several locations in Minneapolis, but as far as we know has not successfully nested.  Most recently, one of our males from 05 has established himself in Grand Forks, but has apparently not yet attracted a mate.



The one disappointment this year was the web camera and site.  Both clearly need attention.  Will do what I can to get those glitches worked out in time for next years nesting.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/18/2007 at 19:52 | Comments (0) | Permalink

FM Walleyes tonight

FM Walleyes Unlimited will play host to our very own club member, Scott Larson at 7:00 pm on October 18^th at the Fargo Doublewood Inn. Doors open at 6:30

Scott will emphasize his presentation on fishing rod types, lengths, actions, and their specific applications for many different walleye presentations. Since fall is underway, Scott will also share some of his fall walleye tactics that have lead to his fishing success.

Scott has built himself quite the resume fishing local and distant tournaments. On Devils Lake, Scotts name is consistently listed in the top of most every tournament he participates in. Scott and his partner recently won the 2007 Spirit Lake Marina Classic and placed 2^nd at the 2007 Lowrance Pro Team Walleye Championship. Last year they also won the 2006 Lowrance Pro Team Walleye tournament on Lake Francis Case, SD. Scott has also made two top 10 cuts for the FLW on Devils Lake placing 3^rd in 2001 and 6^th in 2006.

Bring a friend to hear Scott’s secrets, Thursday, October 18^th at the Doublewood Inn, Fargo, ND. Admission is free and open to all.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/18/2007 at 17:34 | Comments (0) | Permalink

remaining deer/turkey tags in ND

Unit 1 - Any Antlerless Deer 699         Unit 2C - Any Antlerless Deer 2,155         Unit 2D - Any Antlerless Deer 1,148         Unit 2E - Any Antlerless Deer 1,857         Unit 2F1 - Any Antlerless Deer 2,002         Unit 2G - Any Antlerless Deer 214         Unit 2H - Any Antlerless Deer 650         Unit 2I - Any Antlerless Deer 286         Unit 2J2 - Any Antlerless Deer 1,833         Unit 2K2 - Any Antlerless Deer 2,910         Unit 2L - Any Antlerless Deer 575         Unit 3A4 - Any Antlerless Deer 774         Unit 3E1 - Antlerless White-tailed Deer 224         Unit 3E2 - Antlerless White-tailed Deer 429         Unit 3F1 - Antlerless White-tailed Deer 724         Unit 3F2 - Antlerless White-tailed Deer 267         Unit 4E - Antlerless White-tailed Deer 70         Unit 4F - Antlerless Mule Deer 107         Unit 4F - Antlerless White-tailed Deer 180           17104         Remaining tags available for Fall Turkey Show Unit Map   Unit Total Still Available       Unit 13 89         Unit 17 122           211

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/18/2007 at 15:55 | Comments (0) | Permalink

microstamping in Cali

Across the outdoor industry, it seems everyone - even outside the firearms industry - is chattering about California's assault on shooters and hunters. Without beating a dead horse, it seems plenty of people are surprised that science and common sense didn't come into play with the ideas of banning all lead ammunition (even "lead free" ammo has some lead in order for the bullets to travel down the barrels) and mandating microstamping on every semiautomatic pistol sold in California beginning in 2010.

I've taken some heat from readers for my suggesting it might be time to fire California law enforcement as an industry customer. Surprisingly, few Californians have taken me to task for the idea. Nor surprisingly, many industry leaders have indicated a similar sentiment, although not for public attribution.

Avery Outdoors pro staffers are still reeling over last week's tragic death of Avery pro staffer Josh Leger. Leger, 41, was hunting in his home province of Quebec when he was shot. The shooter, however, wasn't involved in Leger's hunting party, he was a motorist who had spotted Leger's spread of snow geese decoys, pulled over and crawled into the field with a .22 rifle. He fired at a decoy, striking Leger above the eye, killing him. The shooter has been arrested and charged in the shooting.

In more pleasant news, today's the day that Ruger rolls out a new firearm. It's been one of the most successfully-kept secrets in the industry, and speaks to the fact the Ruger folks appreciate the impact that an "announcement" of a new product is more effective if it hasn't been leaked across the shooting community for weeks in advance.

Later today, a website with news, information and photos of their new gun will "go live" so everyone can see what they have in store for shooters. The little bit of intelligence we've collected says it's a pistol, it's not all metal and promises some surprises for everyone in the industry.

The firearms industry had been working full-tilt on pistols for what was supposed to be trials to evaluate possible replacements for the 9mm Beretta sidearms currently issued to regular troops. When that program went dormant, gunmakers were left with new guns pretty far along in development - if not already in working prototypes. They were originally envisioned for the military, but the current shooting industry interest in military and law enforcement suitable weapons, it's logical that Ruger may have decided to move forward with a former candidate. It reverses the normal civilian-after-military

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/18/2007 at 13:53 | Comments (0) | Permalink

more about mountain lions

The mountain lion population in North Dakota's Badlands could be spreading into the northern Missouri River Breaks region.

That's one of the conclusions in the latest report on the status of mountain lions compiled by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.

The theory is based on the increase of verified reports of lions in the area, said Dorothy Fecske, NDGFD furbearer biologist.

"In the past year and a half, we had four mountain lions verified in that region, and in the previous five years only one," she said.

The Missouri River Breaks region lies mostly along the Missouri River and Lake Sakakawea from south of Williston through the Fort Berthold Reservation, and contains enough suitable habitat to sustain a small number of lions, the report said.

And initial results from DNA analysis indicate North Dakota's lions are more diverse than biologists thought, Fecske said.

"There is an indication there there are multiple breeding females in the Badlands since the early '90s," said Fecske, who gave her report to the NDGFD management team Monday. The report is available on the NDGFD Web site, http://gf.nd.gov.

The report is designed to help keep the public informed, said wildlife division chief Randy Kreil. Some of its conclusions are based on the analyses done on many of the mountain lions that have been killed in the state.

Fecske analyzed two of those mountain lions - a 97-pound, 4-year-old female and a 2- to 21/2-year-old, 112-pound male - late last week. The male was killed in a farmyard in Divide County, and the female was the first taken in the 2007-08 lion season.

The necropsy showed the female appeared to have had a littler of two kittens, but she was not traveling with kittens when she was killed, Fecske said. Kittens can survive on their own at around 9 months, she said. Mountain lions traveling with kittens, as well as kittens, are off-limits to hunters.

During the necropsy, Fecske and Sarah Neigum collected samples of unknown mammal hair from the stomachs of both cats. The samples will be sent to a lab for identification.

Information from such analyses is adding to the state's lion knowledge bank, Kreil said.

"Our database of DNA and other biological information have given us a better picture of what mountain lions are doing and what they might do in the future. That will help us design our hunting season to manage the population," said Kreil.

By RICHARD HINTON
Bismarck Tribune

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/18/2007 at 12:45 | Comments (0) | Permalink

thank you

Thanks to the Jamestown Sun for the support of NDGF working the elk in TRNP issue.

The Jamestown Sun
Published Thursday, October 18, 2007

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/18/2007 at 12:03 | Comments (0) | Permalink

Nick Simonson: to heck with tech

Some of the best days  I can recall involve zipping up the Sheyenne River in an old canoe using paddle power until I reached my favorite feeder creek.  With a jig and minnow, I felt for the subtle tap of a walleye or the vicious strike of a smallmouth.  All the while I enjoyed the warm sun of early summer.  There was no readout on a depthfinder, no beep of a fish alarm, nor a “signal lost” message on a GPS because they were all stowed away at home, or just things I had on a wish list somewhere.  It was fishing at its most basic and probably its finest. 

As technology has advanced and many items have become standard tools in both fishing and hunting, many outdoorsmen find themselves treading a fine line. Some days technology is the sole reason for success outdoors, and on other days, the roosters or fish come so easy that technology is almost a burden. At certain times, I'm grateful for a Vexilar on the ice while pursuing fish.  In fact, I often remark that I would rather go home than fish without one.  On other days, I wonder how important such technology is - after all, anglers decades before me were able to catch fish through the ice without it. 

There are many pros and cons to technology in the outdoors.  Safety and efficiency are some of the major arguments for the use of items such as GPS units.  Knowing where you are and where you've been, along with where you are supposed to be and how to get back to where you started helps keep you from getting lost, preventing unnecessary deployment of law enforcement and the National Guard.  Then again, knowing how to use a compass and a map accomplishes the same goal.  The efficiency aspect of such technology  makes for safer hunts and fishing trips and in turn more enjoyable experiences for those who don't have time for an orienteering class.  But we as hikers,  hunters and outdoor adventurers fall into that trap and become dependent on such efficient technology. 

With that same efficiency comes almost unfair success in the field.  The laser range finder is an element of technology which has been honed to perfection over the past several years and perhaps it is too perfect.  Capable of accurately measuring any distance between you and your target down to mere inches, these devices help hunters set up their shots.  This advantage leads to a more accurate shot and a more humane kill, certainly a positive in every hunter's book.  However, there was a time not so long ago where hunters had to gauge their quarry on the fly, estimating distance with the naked eye.  To prove it, there are photo compilations on the Internet of hunters from 1949 with camps full of gigantic bucks gutted and hanging from the porch rafters.  Somehow, there was success without technology.

These days, it comes down to personal choice.  There are times where fishing from a canoe is the only way I'd want to pursue bass on the river, or where the simple technologies of the Grumman are all I need to catch a few walleye.  Then there are days I wish I had a $30,000 glitter boat with bow and stern GPS/Fishfinder units and a contour-tracing trolling motor alongside a 200 horsepower four-stroke.  Most often though, I am happy to be where I am at.  Knowing that my skills make up for my lack of gadgetry, and the smell of fresh air and time afield is more important than how accurate my Garmin is at the moment. 

Many anglers and hunters, who long for the simpler experiences, reserve the low-tech options for their hunting and fishing experiences.  The pursuits of muzzle loader hunting for deer, or bamboo fly-rodding for trout take today's modern outdoors experience back a few decades and are prime examples of low-tech outdoors hobbies.  But even these pursuits have been infiltrated by technology; burdened by modern accessories such as scopes and synthetic fluorocarbon leaders.  With all the options out there, keeping it simple almost makes a person feel stupid.  But it doesn't have to be so frustrating to enjoy a low-tech outing.

The best advice is to do what feels right.  Sometimes all it takes is a spinning rod, a spot on shore and a bucket of minnows or a canoe at the mouth of a feeder creek for a successful outing.  Whether you catch one fish or your limit, figuring out how to light the grill in order to prepare them might be the toughest problem you face that day regarding the use of technology...in our outdoors.

Our Outdoors: The Heck with Tech

By Nick Simonson

 

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/18/2007 at 11:01 | Comments (0) | Permalink

farm bill update video

The program features executive director of the North Dakota Natural Resources Trust Keith Trego and regional biologist for Ducks Unlimited Scott McLeod discussing the proposed federal farm bill and how it may affect some of North Dakota’s habitat programs.     

This week’s North Dakota Game and Fish Department webcast, Outdoors Online, is now online at http://www.gf.nd.gov/multimedia/ndoutdoors/webcast-new.html

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/18/2007 at 9:35 | Comments (0) | Permalink

10 ways....

10 ways to alienate a farmer/rancher/land owner

By Curt Wells

With the pheasant seasons opening, many small game hunters intensify their efforts because they can hunt most bird species available, wherever they hunt. To be sure, a bird hunter’s most valuable asset is permission to hunt private land.

In the interest of maintaining that as a possibility, without cash, here’s a list of the ten ways a hunter can alienate a farmer/rancher/landowner. If you’re committing any of these acts, you’re hurting yourself, your family and your fellow hunters.

10. Leaving a gate in some state other than you found it. If it’s closed, close it behind you. If it’s open, leave it alone.

9. Shooting your weapon, of any kind, near buildings, livestock or pets. This one shouldn’t need an explanation. Pretend it’s your property.

8. Stopping in the middle of a gravel road and bailing out to shoot birds in the ditch. The harvest is in full swing. Farmers and ranchers are in a hurry hauling crops and running for parts. The last thing they want to see when they come over a hill is a hunter’s truck with the doors hanging open. This is very dangerous, especially in hilly country.

7. Driving down field roads when they’re wet. The huge ruts you cut into that road have to be fixed by someone, usually the landowner. This practice can really hurt landowner/hunter relations. Take another road, or better yet, get out and walk.

6. Knocking on a door to ask permission in the early morning or late evening. You don’t like having your life interrupted by sales calls and this is the same thing. Do your scouting and permission seeking well before your hunt whenever possible.

5. Thinking the permission you’re granted is perpetual. Just because a landowner gives you permission to hunt on Sunday doesn’t mean it applies to every Sunday or every other day of the week. Don’t assume anything. Make it clear with the landowner up front.

4. Giving yourself carte blanche. If a landowner grants you access make sure you both understand what you can shoot. Some landowners are protective of their pheasants but don’t mind duck hunters. Or they may only want you to hunt a certain section of their property. Get it straight and adhere to those rules to the letter.

3. Obtaining permission for yourself and/or a friend, then showing up with two more vehicles and six other hunters. This is clearly deceit on your part and it doesn’t set well with any landowner I know. Be honest about who will be hunting and give a description of the vehicles that are in your party.

2. Littering. This shows complete and total disrespect for a farmer/rancher/landowner and his property. Even if the trash is biodegradable, such as feathers and carcasses, this is an egregious offense against a landowner. Carry a couple plastic trash bags in your vehicle and use them.

1. Trespassing. Especially if you’ve ignored posted signs or have been declined access. This is thumbing your nose at a landowner’s rights and defying him. It doesn’t matter if the signs weren’t legal, the intent is there. Stay out - for all our sakes.

Obviously, this is not a complete list and you can surely think of others. Some of the more flagrant assaults on property rights, such as cutting fences, shooting livestock or destroying property are criminal acts and beyond the scope of this column, mostly because they’re incomprehensible.

If you can avoid these ten acts of disrespect and make certain every farmer/rancher/landowner who grants you permission to recreate on his property knows just how appreciative you are, it will be good for all of us, in the long run.

The reverse?

Now let’s talk in the reverse. A glaring case of how a farmer/rancher/landowner can irritate the general public has occurred in western North Dakota. A rancher, who happens to own the land on which the so-called “Long X” bighorn sheep herd lives, has decided anyone who draws a coveted sheep tag to hunt that area must pay him $1,500 to access his property.

These are once-in-a-lifetime licenses of which only three are issued per year (four if you count the auction tag). Those who draw a tag are not your typical wealthy sheep hunter. They’re hard-working North Dakotans who cannot afford to pay that kind of access fee. This rancher should be ashamed of himself and I don’t want to hear any baloney about it being his land. In this case, I don’t buy it.

The sheep and other wildlife were there before the rancher, and they’ll be there when he’s gone. I understand private property rights and any landowner’s desire to keep the crowds out during a general hunting season. However, this is a case of one, or maybe two, hunters who have no choice but to hunt that herd of sheep.

This could be the end of the auction tag. It generates a lot of money for bighorn sheep management in the state but it gives some people, this rancher in particular, the impression all sheep hunters are wealthy.

Charging sheep hunters exorbitant access fees was happening in the Yellowstone River basin in Montana so the Fish, Wildlife and Parks Department simply closed all hunting of bighorn sheep in that area. Everyone lost in that case, but particularly the hunters.

This kind of thing disgusts me and it will be the end of hunting as we know it.

Think about this. Should beef prices crash, hay supplies dry up or a natural disaster strike, that rancher will likely be seeking some kind of state and/or federal assistance in the form of price supports, import restrictions, emergency cutting of CRP grass for hay or any other sort of compensation such as disaster payments.

What do you suppose that blue-collar, once-in-a-lifetime resident sheep hunter, who couldn’t afford the access fee, will think about a single one of his tax dollars going to helping out that rancher?

Am I over-reacting? I don’t think so. And I’ve got more to say, but I’d better stop there or I might write something I’ll regret.

That door of respect swings both ways.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/18/2007 at 5:19 | Comments (4) | Permalink

this weeks rare bird report

Welcome to the North Dakota Rare Bird Alert compiled by the North Dakota
Birding Society and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This report was
prepared on Tuesday, Oct. 16. All phone numbers mentioned are area code
701 unless otherwise noted.

Gulls, scoters and whoopers top our report this week.

Corey Ellingson found two LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS at the Bismarck
landfill on Oct. 9. He says one bird had an entirely black mantle, while
the other had some white feathering mixed in. The landfill also hosted two
adult CALIFORNIA GULLS, and Corey said the numbers of HERRING GULLS were
increasing. A check of Sleepy Hollow Park turned up the TOWNSEND’S
SOLITAIRE and a FOX SPARROW. The solitaire had been reported the previous
day by John Hoganson and Cathy Clayton. An Oct. 15 evening walk through
the park flushed two NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWLS. Corey says the owls remained
perched for the 90-minutes he was at the park. They were the first
Burleigh County sightings in 12 years. Other sightings included the
latest-ever TENNESSEE WARBLER for the Bismarck-Mandan area, a late
ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER and two PURPLE FINCHES. For details, contact Corey
at tcellingson@juno.com

Bob O’Connor saw two male WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS still in breeding plumage in
the southwest cell of the Fargo sewage lagoons on Oct. 12. He believes
there may have been at least one female with them. Contact Bob at
robert.oconnor@ndsu.edu

Dean Riemer and Pat Beauzay followed up on Bob O’Connor’s sighting that
evening. They observed a total of five WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS plus a BLACK
SCOTER and a LONG-TAILED DUCK– all in the southwest cell of the lagoons.
Dean birded Grand Forks County on Oct. 13. He teamed up with Eve Freeberg
and recorded five TRUMPETER SWANS near McCanna, a SABINE’S GULL, 20 SNOW
BUNTINGS and many RED-TAILED HAWKS. Dean is at driemer@kwh.com

Keith Corliss discovered a lone SURF SCOTER in the east-central cell of the
Fargo lagoons just before sunset on Oct. 9. Contact him at
kcorliss@forumcomm.com

The first confirmed sighting of WHOOPING CRANES in North Dakota this fall
came near Noonan on Oct. 10. Tim Kessler of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service saw three birds in two adjacent fields after receiving a report
from a hunter who had reported whoopers the previous weekend. Kessler says
the whoopers were traveling with SANDHILL CRANES. You can reach him at
965-6488.

It won’t be considered a confirmed sighting, but Bob Scarlett says a friend
of his who lives south of Menoken reported that he and several others saw a
group of 10 WHOOPING CRANES circling overhead with SANDHILL CRANES on Oct.
14. They had binoculars and watched the whoopers for about half-an-hour.
Scarlett notes that the friend has seen whoopers several times in the past,
so he considers the sighting reliable. Bob had some interesting sightings
of his own in recent days. He saw three PEREGRINE FALCONS about 25 miles
southwest of Mandan on Oct. 13 and 14, where he had seen the species for
several weeks, and he plans to search for a nest next spring. One week
earlier, Bob watched a PEREGRINE FALCON attack a NORTHERN HARRIER, making
feathers fly and forcing the harrier into a “crash landing.” Bob and two
friends also watched a MERLIN snatch a flying DARK-EYED JUNCO out of a
flock. For details on any of those sightings, contact him at
bobkat@btinet.net

Eve Freeberg’s yard in Grand Forks hosted a very late GREAT CRESTED
FLYCATCHER from Oct. 13-15. She believes it’s one of the latest sightings
on record for North Dakota. Eve’s other highlights included a single
HERMIT THRUSH at the Grand Forks cemetery on Oct. 9 and eight more on her
deck on Oct. 14, a SABINE’S GULL and the first SNOW BUNTINGS northwest of
Grand Forks on Oct. 10, two TUNDRA SWANS at Kellys Slough National Wildlife
Refuge on Oct. 11 and a NORTHERN SHRIKE near McCanna on Oct. 12. For more
information, call Eve at 741-8105.

Mark Otnes birded the country between Jamestown and Valley City on Oct. 12.
His highlight was a quite tame LONG-EARED OWL on the south side of Pipestem
Reservoir. Mark also reported abundant RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES, along with
PINE SISKIN, PURPLE FINCH and HERMIT THRUSH, and he may have heard a RED
CROSSBILL at Jamestown Reservoir. At Eckelson Slough in Barnes County,
Mark got a single FORSTER’S TERN, saw plenty of RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES,
PURPLE FINCHES and a single GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET north of Valley City.
He says HARRIS’ SPARROWS and DARK-EYED JUNCOS were abundant throughout the
area. On Oct. 7, Mark took a run along the Sheyenne River north of Valley
City, and recorded GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET, three PURPLE FINCHES, two
BLACK-BILLED MAGPIES, a GREEN HERON, HERMIT THRUSH and four SANDHILL
CRANES. You can call Mark at 241-4194.

Jean Legge is still scratching her head about a bird that showed up at her
sunflower feeder north of Valley City on Oct. 12. She describes it as “a
very bright reddish finch with a triangular topknot on the crown of his
head.” Send your identifications to Jean at jlegge@daktel.com

Ron Martin recorded an EVENING GROSBEAK at the headquarters of J. Clark
Salyer National Wildlife Refuge near Upham on Oct. 14. Nearby, he added a
WINTER WREN. On Oct. 13, Ron teamed up with Corey Ellingson for a tour of
McHenry County. They turned up five COMMON LOONS, 56 HORNED GREBES, a
CLARK’S GREBE at Buffalo Lodge Lake, two SURF SCOTERS at Round Lake, a
PRAIRIE FALCON, seven SMITH’S LONGSPURS in two locations, and a
seasonal-first SNOW BUNTING. On Oct. 12, Ron conducted a two-hour hawk
watch on the south edge of the Souris Valley near the Minot landfill. He
recorded two NORTHERN HARRIERS, 13 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, COOPER’S HAWK,
NORTHERN GOSHAWK, 77 RED-TAILED HAWKS and four AMERICAN KESTRELS. Other
species included Ron’s first NORTHERN SHRIKE of the fall, 18 PURPLE FINCHES
in Minot’s Oak Park and a couple more near Sawyer, and lots of PINE
SISKINS. Ron says a NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWL was calling near Sawyer and he
saw a single RED-BREASTED MERGANSER at Buffalo Lodge Lake on Oct. 11. The
Minot sewage lagoons held two SURF SCOTERS on Oct. 8. You can reach Ron at
jrmartin@srt.com

Dan and Emily Svingen saw lots of raptors at Long Lake National Wildlife
Refuge on Oct. 14. They recorded five LONG-EARED OWLS, 60 RED-TAILED
HAWKS, 12 NORTHERN HARRIERS, two SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, a COOPER’S HAWK,
MERLIN and two AMERICAN KESTRELS. The other highlight of the day was a
SEDGE WREN. Contact Dan at 250-4443, ext. 107.

Wayne Easley and his wife discovered a female PILEATED WOODPECKER in Harvey
on Oct. 13. They say the bird was checking every crevice in the telephone
poles along Jackson Street in the southeastern part of town. You can reach
the Easleys at 324-2344.

Sherry Leslie searched unsuccessfully for whoopers on Oct. 14, but found
other interesting birds. Her list included 13 TUNDRA SWANS near Ryder, 114
LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS near Douglas, eight GREATER YELLOWLEGS two miles
south of the Lonetree WMA, and numerous flocks of SANDHILL CRANES. Contact
Sherry at sherry_leslie@excite.com

Bob Peterson has seen a GREAT HORNED OWL around his Heimdal farm for
several years, but the most recent appearance– on Oct. 14– provided some
entertainment. Bob watched out his kitchen window as the owl caught
grasshoppers just a few feet away. You can reach Bob at kq6af@gondtc.com

A SONG SPARROW joined the flock of birds at Rick Holbrook’s yard in Fargo
on Oct. 11. Contact him at fholbrook@cableone.net

Mel and Elaine Bennefeld’s sunflower feeder in north Fargo entertained a
RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH on Oct. 14, while several WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS
picked up the seeds that fell to the ground. Contact the Bennefelds at
emben1@juno.com

The Oct. 14 “Big Sit” at Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge attracted 16
participants. Highlights included RUBY-CROWNED KINGLETS, YELLOW-RUMPED
WARBLERS and a MERLIN. For more information, call Paulette Scherr at
285-3341.

Dan Buchanan found “at least in the hundreds” TUNDRA SWANS at and near
Horsehead Lake in Kidder County on Oct. 15. He saw smaller numbers of the
species at Arrowwood NWR the previous day. Dan also recorded RED-TAILED
HAWKS, SWAINSON’S HAWKS and NORTHERN HARRIERS during the two days. Contact
him at 252-6604.

And from just inside South Dakota near Hettinger, Jan Sailer reported
seeing four or five LONG-EARED OWLS on Oct. 14 in an evergreen shelterbelt
at her ranch. She adds that almost every one of the species she has ever
seen has been at that location. You can reach Jan at jngsailer@yahoo.com

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/18/2007 at 3:07 | Comments (0) | Permalink

good news in Devils Lake

One of the most often asked questions points towards the status of age structure in Devils Lake, meaning anglers are wondering what the future of Devils Lake might bring. Thanks to Brad Dokken from the GF Herald for a great piece of information.

It's too early to guarantee good fishing, but populations of young walleyes, yellow perch and white bass in Devils Lake are at their highest levels in several years, results from a fall Game and Fish Department survey show.

Read the full story right here

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/17/2007 at 21:33 | Comments (0) | Permalink

rooster ladies

First Annual Dakota Women of the Outdoors Pheasant Hunt is November 3rd

Pheasants Forever national board member Berdette Zastrow taking part

Huron, S.D. – October 12, 2007 – The Heartland Region Chapter of Pheasants
Forever will host its 1st Annual Dakota Women of the Outdoors Pheasant Hunt
on Saturday, November 3rd, near Huron, South Dakota. The event, limited to
30 spots, is open to women age 12 and older with a valid small game
license. Spots will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The event will be held at Benny Boetel's residence, and he is graciously
allowing the hunt to take place on his property. Participating in this
first annual event will be PF national board member Berdette Zastrow. An
accomplished writer and hunter, Zastrow helped found OutdoorWomen of South
Dakota and instructed classes for "Becoming an Outdoors Woman" workshops.
The event will also be filmed for a future episode of Pheasants Forever
Television.

"The Dakota Women of the Outdoors Pheasant Hunt is a wonderful opportunity
for women, novice hunters and experienced hunters," Zastrow said. "The
non-intimidating atmosphere of only women hunting will promote interest in
hunting, fellowship, help secure future hunting traditions and be a lot of
fun."

"We want to highlight a growing trend in the outdoor community with this
event," said Shawn Schweigert, Heartland Region Pheasants Forever, "Women
already play an integral role when it comes to upland hunting, and with
events like this, we expect that role to increase in the future."

Women can register for the Dakota Women of the Outdoors Pheasant Hunt at JT
Elite Auto in Huron. Women can also register and obtain more information or
by calling (605)352-2649. The day's tentative schedule of events includes:
•       8 AM - registration and breakfast
•       9 AM - sporting clays
•       10 AM  - pheasant hunt opens
•       12 PM - lunch
•       4 PM - hunt closes, supper to follow

The first South Dakota chapter of PF formed in 1986, and today the state is
home to 32 PF chapters and 4,100 PF members. Those chapters have spent over
2.6 million to complete 13,342 habitat projects benefiting over 160,000
South Dakota acres for wildlife. PF is the only national conservation
organization that empowers local chapters with the responsibility to
determine how 100 percent of their locally-raised conservation funds are
spent. This local control allows chapters to see the fruits of their
chapter efforts in their own communities.

Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever are non-profit conservation
organizations dedicated to the protection and enhancement of pheasant,
quail, and other wildlife populations in North America through habitat
improvement, land management, public awareness, and education.  PF/QF has
more than 115,000 members in 700 local chapters across the continent.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/17/2007 at 18:04 | Comments (0) | Permalink

plowing the prairie

If someone were chipping away at Mt. Rushmore or the Statue of Liberty there would be an uproar across America. However, an equally important national treasure is disappearing with little more than a whimper. Our native grasslands, which have been here since the last glaciers receded, are slipping away. Unfortunately, it seems that very few people recognize and appreciate their value and beauty.

This permanent loss of grassland is mostly being driven by a recent rise in the price of corn fueled by the ethanol boom. Corn prices may moderate, but that may not happen before thousands of acres of native prairie have been lost forever.

Here in North Dakota, we are fortunate to have more than 10 million acres of this vanishing prairie remaining, even though we have already lost more than 70 percent. That is the good news.

The bad news is that conversion of native grasslands to cropland has been accelerating across the Northern Great Plains region over the past several years. Recent USDA reports estimate that 125,000 acres of native grassland were converted to cropland from 2002 – 2006 in North Dakota. That equates to 195 square miles or a one-mile wide strip from Bismarck to Fargo, converted in just five years.

Our neighbors in South Dakota have lost more than 294,000 acres or 460 square miles, during that same period.

Land does not have to be converted to cropland to “improve” its value. Grass is itself a valuable commodity that sustains our nation’s cattle industry. The beef cattle industry contributes $600 million towards North Dakota’s annual agricultural income. In fact, it ranks second only to wheat in North Dakota’s agricultural economy. In addition to its value for the cattle industry, our native prairie provides other values to society that, once converted to cropland, are lost. Grasslands help preserve our soil and water quality, provide habitat for our wildlife and remove carbon dioxide from the air, thereby offsetting emissions elsewhere by storing it in the ground.

High commodity prices are not the only factor driving the conversion. Current Farm Policy provides substantial risk protection on these marginal acres through crop insurance and disaster payments. These costs are born, in large part, by U.S. taxpayers.

A recent report released by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) highlighted the relationship between government risk support and grassland conversion. This report, Farm Program Payments Are an Important Factor in Landowner’s Decisions to Convert Grassland to Cropland, found “farm program payments, including crop insurance, crop disaster assistance and marketing assistance loan payments, are important factors in producers' decisions to convert native grassland to cropland because they reduce producers' financial risks and, in many cases, increase producers' profits over maintaining grassland.” The report also found that conversions of grasslands without any previous cropping history add disproportionately to taxpayer costs for crop insurance and disaster assistance in South Dakota.

This report and others clearly indicate that our current farm policy is creating some unintended consequences. Sound farm policy should provide a strong safety net on productive farmland but should NOT encourage land-use decisions that result in net long-term costs that leave taxpayers carrying the financial burden.

Congress is currently working on a new farm bill and has a big opportunity to remove incentives that promote plowing under native grasslands. The House of Representatives has already passed its version of the 2007 Farm Bill and has included a Sodsaver provision that would help discourage the conversion of native grasslands. While the House version of the provision is a good start, it needs improving if we are to stop grassland losses.

The Senate will soon begin debating their version of the farm bill. I hope Senator Conrad and Senator Dorgan, along with the rest of the Senate, will act to include a stronger provision that effectively removes all federal incentives for converting native grasslands to cropland.

North Dakotans need look no farther than the state of Iowa to see the impacts of near complete loss of native grassland. A landscape dominated by monocultures of corn and soybeans has resulted in significant water quality problems for Iowa. Many drinking water systems are now unsafe for human consumption because nitrate and other contaminant levels are too high. Wildlife habitat is in such short supply that many native species have disappeared completely from the state.

We hope North Dakotans and all citizens of the United States will demand that native grassland be sustained. We believe diverse landscapes that support farming, ranching and viable populations of wildlife will have greater long-term value for the state and country. A Sodsaver provision in the Farm Bill will be an important start down that road.



Jeffrey W. Nelson

Op Ed by Jeff Nelson, Director; Ducks Unlimited Great Plains Field office, Bismarck, ND.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/17/2007 at 15:07 | Comments (1) | Permalink

i hate that we're going this direction

It's probably inevitable that we'll see a proliferation of deer transforming into livestock...it's almost a sideshow when I see email and pictures such as this:

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/17/2007 at 13:03 | Comments (3) | Permalink

Al Schumacher sentence

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/17/2007 at 8:09 | Comments (1) | Permalink

the next game warden in North Dakota

Game Warden Exam Set for Nov. 1

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department has scheduled an examination to select candidates for the position of district game warden. The test is at 10 a.m., Nov. 1, at the department's main office in Bismarck.

Applicants must register to take the exam by submitting a letter of intent to chief game warden Robert Timian, North Dakota Game and Fish Department, 100 N. Bismarck Expressway, Bismarck, ND 58501?5095. Letters of intent must be submitted before 5 p.m., Oct. 30.

Applicants must be at least 21 years of age and have a bachelor’s degree. Other requirements are a current North Dakota peace officer license, or eligibility for a license, and a valid driver’s license. Candidates must have excellent interpersonal skills in communications and writing, and must not have a record of any felony convictions.

Game wardens enforce game and fish laws and related regulations in an assigned district and other locations as determined by the department. Wardens normally work alone under varied conditions, at all hours of the day, night, and weekends. In addition to law enforcement duties, wardens assist in the areas of public relations, education programs, and hunter and boat safety education.

Game warden duties also require the ability to perform physically demanding tasks involving lifting and carrying large, heavy objects, walking and running over uneven terrain and tolerating adverse weather and other environmental conditions.

Selection procedures include an evaluation of the application, a structured oral interview, background and reference checks, and psychological and medical examinations.

The salary for beginning game wardens through training and probation is $2,400 per month. Upon completion of training and probation, the salary range is $2,992?4,986 per month. Wardens also receive the state benefits package, including travel allowance. Uniforms and other equipment are provided.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/16/2007 at 23:26 | Comments (0) | Permalink

sentenced in SD

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) Two men who helped their father with illegal hunts near Lake Oahe have reached plea agreements with federal prosecutors.

Jestin and Chad Schilling have admitted to guiding nonresidents on illegal deer hunts in 2002 and 2003 in central South Dakota.

Both men have agreed to pay a $1,000 civil penalty for the illegal killing of one deer.

Their father owns Schilling Outdoor Adventures and Antler Ridge Lodge near Akaska (uh-KAS'-kuh).

Brad Schilling of Selby pleaded guilty earlier to one count of conspiracy to violate the federal Lacey Act.

He's to be sentenced in January.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/16/2007 at 22:21 | Comments (0) | Permalink

cutting the grass

Q: How does fall cutting of native grasses benefit habitat?

A: Wildlife managers view the harvest of native prairie grasses and broad-leaved prairie, field and meadow plants that are well adapted to the soils and climate of western Minnesota as a valuable grassland management option. Prairie needs periodic disturbance in order to thrive. Fire and grazing/mowing are the two primary means of disturbance.

Land managers today rely on prescribed burning as the chief method for revitalizing prairie growth and controlling invasive woody growth or noxious weeds. But prescribed burns require exacting weather conditions and significant manpower to conduct, two requirements not always present. Occasional haying mimics grazing once provided by native grazers including bison. Some high quality prairie remnants remain today because farmers have historically harvested "prairie hay" in late summer as supplemental livestock forage.

 - Kevin Kotts, DNR Glenwood area wildlife manager

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/16/2007 at 20:30 | Comments (0) | Permalink

photo's from the field

Nate W in the field


Pa and Son Gullickson

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/16/2007 at 19:49 | Comments (0) | Permalink

MN bust!

Out-of-state anglers face heavy fines and restitution for overlimit violations
Turn In Poacher (TIP) hotline helps enforcement effort

Anglers from Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, and Florida face $14,000 in fines and restitution for more than the legal limit of fish in Minnesota.

A Sept. 20 call to the Turn In Poacher (TIP) hotline led DNR conservation officers (CO) to four fisherman in possession of 240 perch over the legal limit. The legal limit for perch in Minnesota is 20 per day and 40 in possession.

CO Tim Collette of Longville and a Cass County Boat and Water deputy visited the resort cabin the men were staying in at Woman Lake near Hackensack, where they discovered 23 packages of frozen fish. An additional 14 bags of frozen fish was found in the resort office freezer.

Peter Vandernoord, 90, Dyer, Ind.; Clarence D. Landhuis, 79, Orlando, Fla.; and Herbert V. Weele, 78 and John Templeman, 76, both of Lansing, Ill. are each charged with possessing 60 perch over the legal limit, a gross overlimit of fish. Fine and restitution could total nearly $2,000 for each man. If convicted they could lose their fishing licenses for three years. No trial date has been set.

In other incidents on Woman Lake:
- George Brinker of Roanoke, Ind. and Marc Lothamer of Fort Wayne, Ind., received a citation for fines and restitution totaling $1,600 for
 being 56 sunfish over the legal limit and three perch over the legal limit. The possession limit for sunfish in Minnesota is 20.

- Loren Hackman and Mark Worman, both of Elkhart, Ind. and Richard Elliot of Goshen, Ind., face fines and restitution totaling $1,200 for
 being 32 perch over the legal limit.

- Francis J. Britton, 73, Estero, Fla.; Ron A. Hanson, 68, and Ernest H. Post, 80, both of Schererville, Ind., were charged with an overlimit
 of perch. They face fines and restitution totaling nearly $1,700.

On Thirteen Lake near Cass Lake, a Colorado angler has been charged with a gross overlimit of sunfish. On Oct. 4, CO Mark Mathy of Cass Lake observed James B. Jahnz, 57, of Boulder, Colo., allegedly placing a large number of fish in his boat while fishing. Further investigation found Jahnz had 106 sunfish over the limit. Jahnz faces fine and restitution up to $1,600.

"We love to have people visit Minnesota and fish in our lakes, but they must obey the rules and regulations like everyone else," said DNR Chief Conservation Officer, Col. Mike Hamm. "Thirteen could prove to be both an unlucky and costly number for these 13 anglers."

Established in 1981, the TIP program allows Minnesotans to call a toll-free number from anywhere in the state to report natural resource violations. Calls regarding violations can be placed anonymously at 1-800-652-9093; cash rewards are given for tips.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/16/2007 at 18:25 | Comments (0) | Permalink

this my friends is an alligator

880lb alligator...and it is....NOT a record




read the full rundown right here.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/16/2007 at 14:10 | Comments (0) | Permalink

pheasants are King not....

Sorry to burst your bubble Richard Petty but in Dakota, pheasants are King...not Richard Petty. But both were in season over the weekend near Regent. Here's a rundown of when Richard Petty hunted North Dakota from the Dickinson Press

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/16/2007 at 12:13 | Comments (0) | Permalink

the Governator taking heat in Cali

Newtown, Connecticut -- Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger (R-CA) kowtowed to anti-hunting interest groups and the gun-ban lobby by signing into law legislation that will ban traditional ammunition and require firearms sold in California to include a patented, sole-sourced technology known as firearms microstamping -- a technology ballistics experts say is "flawed." The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) -- the trade association of the firearms industry -- has been the first to push-back on the governor, calling his decision to sign these two bills into law "myopic" and "reckless."

"Governor Schwarzenegger has now effectively banned more firearms than Senators Kennedy, Feinstein and Schumer combined," said Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF senior vice president and general counsel. "The governor has proven to gun owners and sportsmen that he is just another liberal anti-gun Hollywood actor -- he just plays a moderate Republican on TV. Mr. Schwarzenegger has now exposed himself for what he really is, the most anti-gun and anti-sportsmen governor in America."

Assembly Bill 1471 mandates the technology known as firearms microstamping, the process by which a firearm's make, model and serial number are micro-laser engraved on the tip of the firing pin so, in theory, that information would be imprinted on any cartridge casing fired in the gun. Governor Schwarzenegger signed AB 1471 into law despite having full knowledge of multiple studies proving microstamping to be unreliable. Among the research that the governor ignored was a recently released state-funded study by the University of California at Davis that called firearms microstamping a "flawed" technology and concluded that, "At the current time it is not recommended that a mandate for implementation of this technology in all semiautomatic handguns in the state of California be made. Further testing, analysis and evaluation is required." Independent research also demonstrated that criminals will be able to remove the laser engraving in mere seconds using common household tools.

By signing the microstamping legislation Governor Schwarzenegger chose to disregard warnings that major firearms manufacturers would be forced to abandon the California market altogether rather than bear the astronomical costs associated with reconfiguring the manufacturing and assembly processes necessary for microstamping.

NSSF has also pointed out that microstamping firearms would not impact criminals since, according to ATF, firearms used in crimes in California were originally sold on average almost 13 years before being recovered by the police. Firearms used in crimes are not newly sold guns, but old guns that have been in circulation on average for over a decade.

"The governor's decision to mandate this unreliable technology is clearly one of family politics, not sound public policy," said Keane, alluding to Senator Ted Kennedy, the uncle of the governor's wife, who has announced plans to introduce a federal microstamping bill.

The governor also signed into law legislation banning traditional ammunition in key hunting areas of the state. Assembly Bill 821, backed by anti-hunting extremists, was intended to save the California Condor from lead poisoning despite the fact that there is no conclusive scientific evidence that the birds are getting sick from ingesting ammunition fragments. Advising the Governor on this issue was Marty Wilson, his political advisor who entered a business relationship this year with the Audubon Society - an anti-hunting organization fighting to ban lead ammunition.

"Governor Schwarzenegger's decision to ban lead ammunition has far reaching implications that extend well beyond California hunters," said Keane. "A study by the Responsive Management Company found that if a ban on lead ammunition were to become law 24 percent of hunters would hunt outside the state, hunt less or stop hunting altogether. This in-turn affects the retailers of hunting equipment, their employees and the small mom - and - pop businesses that run lodges and restaurants that hunters patronize."

A ban on lead ammunition could cost 2,230 jobs, $15 million in state and federal income tax, $3.9 million per year in hunting license costs, $131 million a year in retail sales and $624,000 in federal excise tax money normally returned to California.

"Clearly Governor Schwarzenegger is more concerned with helping the political agenda of his wife's uncle, Senator Kennedy, than in doing what's right for California," stated Keane. "To ban traditional ammunition without evidence and to mandate a flawed technology that criminals will laugh at could very well see every major firearms manufacturer abandon the California market. These are stunningly bad public policy decisions by at best a seriously ill-informed or at worst a rabidly antigun politician and which will do nothing to reduce crime or help the recovery of the condor. Today is a sad day for sportsmen, gun-owners, small business owners, firearms enthusiasts and indeed wildlife in the Golden State," concluded Keane.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/16/2007 at 7:10 | Comments (1) | Permalink

Eberts Ranch

The U.S. Forest Service needs to hear comments from the public on how to manage the 5,200 acre Elkhorn Ranch acquisition.  The Congressional delegation and the Grazing Association are pushing very hard to turn the acres into allotments to be managed by the grazing association, with the remainder of the 1,000,000 Little Missouri National Grasslands.  The Forest Service should maintain the acreage separately as a "Grass Bank"  to provide flexible forage during drought or when other tracts are being rested or managed.
 
No allotments and a Grass Bank are the major points on the Elkhorn acquisition.  The USFS will not close the existing roads or remove the existing oil wells, but being managed as a grass bank would provide better wildlife habitat, recreational values, and give the USFS some flexibility in managing other grassland tracts near the ranch.
 
Comment by October 30, 2007.  The USFS has a informal written comment sheet for hand-written comments, or you can email directly to :  comments-northern-dakota-prairie@fs.fed.us
 
The street address for written comments/regular mail is:
 
Dakota Prairie Grasslands
ATTN: Brenda Quale, NEPA Coordinator
240 West Century Avenue
Bismarck, ND 58503

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/15/2007 at 20:59 | Comments (0) | Permalink

MN deer tags left for the 2007 year

2007 deer lottery results available, leftover permits on sale Oct. 15

Successful applicants for both lottery deer areas and special hunts were notified this week via postcard. Hunters can check results on the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Web site at www.dnr.state.mn.us/licenses/lotteries/antlerless.html. Hunters who were unsuccessful in the lottery will be awarded a preference for next year.

For 2007, leftover either-sex permits will be available on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at 5 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 15. To pick up a permit, a hunter must have a license valid for that zone and area or purchase one at the time. There is no additional cost for the permit.

An individual can only have one permit, which is valid for that area only. The permit will allow an individual to take one antlerless deer in that deer area only. As illustrated in the 2007 hunting regulations handbook, the bag limit for lottery deer areas is one deer. This permit simply authorizes a person to take an antlerless deer during the firearm season.

All-season license holders who obtain an either-sex permit may use that permit during either the firearm or muzzleloader season. Either-sex permits are available for the following deer areas:

Area Permits Available
116 390

199 10

4A 412 505

4A 452 501

4A 455 7

4A 456 93

4B 412 820

4B 420 58

4B 452 510

4B 455 14

4B 456 168

4B 463 34

Hunters younger than 18 do not need a permit as they can take an either-sex deer without applying. In lottery areas, it is illegal to take antlerless deer for youth hunters. In lottery deer areas, all-season and regular firearm license holders who intend to take an antlerless deer during either the firearm or muzzleloader season must possess an either-sex permit; otherwise, they are restricted to hunting bucks.
-30-

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/15/2007 at 20:16 | Comments (0) | Permalink

record shark

Destin Fishing Rodeo weighmaster Bruce Cheves reacts as rodeo officials weigh in an 844.4-pound mako shark hauled in by angler Adlee Bruner of Bruce on Saturday, Oct. 13, 2007, in Destin, Fla. Once gutted, the 11-foot shark tipped the scales at 638 pounds, shattering the previous mako shark rodeo record of 339 pounds.(AP Photo/Northwest Florida Daily, William Hatfield)

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/15/2007 at 19:57 | Comments (0) | Permalink

NDSU Ducks Unlimited on WDAY TV 6

NDSU has a Ducks Unlimited Chapter...one of the largest, fastest growing collegiate chapters in the USA. Trevor Peterson from WDAY TV 6 took to the field with a couple of the guy's last week. Here's the clip to the piece it's in the create news from Sunday 10PM Oct 14.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/15/2007 at 19:10 | Comments (0) | Permalink

record fish

October Hot Catches

These are the monthly highlights from the world records department of the International Game Fish Association of selected documented fish catches made across the globe submitted for world records. The IGFA world records coordinator Rebecca Wright provided the following information on these 17 recent submissions before the world records committee.

Fly-fishing the Kobuk River, Alaska, USA, on August 11, Tampa, Fla., USA angler Jim Seegraves, guided by Scott Ravenscroft, landed an inconnu (Stenodus leucichthys), also known as an Eskimo tarpon, weighing 11.79 kg (26 lb 0 oz) on 10 kg (20 lb) tippet. He used a clouser minnow for his fly and took six minutes to bring the fish under control. Seegraves is hoping to beat his own 23 lb record set in1999 with the IGFA from the same river. After documenting his catch Seegraves released the fish which is a member of the salmon family.

New Zealand's Tineka Scott, of Golden Bay, in Nelson, guided by Kevin Yarwarth, landed a giant trevally (Caranx ignobilis) June 4 weighing 38.4 kg (84 lb 11 oz) using 15 kg (30 lb) class line. She was fishing Nuku' alofa, Kingdom of Tonga, with a Rapala Magnum for bait. It took her 103 minutes to land the fish which may beat two tied records of 73 lb 3 oz in 1987 and 2005 in the IGFA record books.

A fish with no common name but its Latin origin brachyplatystoma carpapretum was caught by Valencia, Venezuela IGFA Representative Antonio Camp G. Guided by Moises Camico, the fish was caught January 12, and weighed 32.66 kg (72 lb 0 oz). Bait fishing the Pasimoni River in Venezuela, Camp fought the fish for 20 minutes. It's being entered for an all new IGFA All-Tackle world record.

Doug Cavin, of Wildorado, TX, USA, landed a tiger muskellunge (Esox masquinongy x Esox lucius) on August 20, weighing 6.58 kg (14 lb 8 oz) on 03 kg (6 lb) class line. Calvin battled the muskie for eight minutes using a Cabelas spoon on the Blue Water Reservoir in New Mexico, USA. He hopes to beat the IGFA line class record of 11 lb set last year in Lake Luena, Michigan.

Fishing the Bean Hollow Beach, California, USA and guided by Robert C. Ingles, Los Gatos, Calif., angler Beverly Ann Seltzer, caught and landed a California halibut, (Paralichthys californicus) on August 5, 2007. The halibut weighed 8.16 kg (18 lb 0 oz). She was using 24 kg (50 lb) class line for the pending IGFA women's line class record with a Harry Boos diamond jig. It took her five minutes to land the fish.

Fly-fishing Barra Do Kwanza, Angola, Dr. Iain Nicolson, of Wirral, Merseyside, United Kingdom, landed a giant African threadfin (Polydactylus quadrifilis) on July 21 weighing 39.1 kg (86 lb 3 oz). He was guided by Hakan Ekberg and used an 8 kg (16 lb) tippet. It took Nicolson, IGFA Representative of Angola an hour and 10 minutes to land the fish for the pending IGFA men's fly record which is vacant.

On August 10, young Padova, Italy angler Giorgia Barbolini, guided by Daniele Benfenati, landed an Atlantic bonito (Sarda sarda) weighing 2.7 kg (5 lb 15 oz) for a potential female smallfry record which is currently vacant in the IGFA World Record Game Fishes book. She used a sardine for bait and pulled the fish in after a 10 minute fight while fishing Italy's Northern Adriatic.

Using a candlefish jig for bait while fishing the Gulf of Alaska, on July 8, Steve Kwiat, Anchor Point, Alaska, USA, landed a lingcod (Ophiodon elongatus). Guided by Capt. Scott Hines, he used 2 kg (4 lb) class line and weighed the fish in at 23.59 kg (52 lb 0 oz). Kwait has applied for an IGFA men's line class record for the catch and hopes to beat his own record set last year at 36 lb in the same area.

Icelandic fisherman Skarphendinn Asbjornsson, of Akureyri, landed a dab (Kliesche) (Limanda limanda) on June 28 weighing 1 kg (2 lb 3 oz) using a herring for bait while fishing Hauganes, Iceland. He's hoping to capture the IGFA All-Tackle record for the catch. The current record is 1 lb, 4 oz caught in 1998 in the East Sea, Kappeln, Germany.

Theda Little, who has a number of IGFA records is hoping for another - an all new record -- in the all-tackle division after catching a flathead sea catfish (notarias planiceps) on June 7. The Baton Rouge, LA, USA native, guided by Wilba Mendoza Gutierrez, landed the fish weighing 1.47 kg (3 lb 4 oz) while bait fishing Golfito, Zancudo Lodge, Costa Rica.

Using ultra thin 1 kg (2 lb) class tippet while fly fishing Playa Flamingo, Costa Rica, Enrico Capozzi, Milan, Italy, guided by Scott Jones, landed a Pacific sailfish, (Istiophorus platypterus) on August 18. He may fill a vacant IGFA record. The fish weighed 35.46 kg (78 lb 3 oz) and took Capozzi just two minutes to land. He used an Allen Special fly for the possible men's tippet record.

Yuuma Nishino, Kanagawa, Japan, landed a whitesaddle goatfish, (Parupeneus ciliatus) on August 16 weighing .53kg (1 lb 3 oz) for an all new potential IGFA All-Tackle record. He used cut squid for bait while fishing Nomashi, Oshima, Japan.

Using an egg sucking leech fly on 4 kg (8 lb) tippet while fishing Summer Straight, Alaska, George P. Mann, Opelika, Alabama, USA, landed a 4.37 kg (9 lb 10 oz) pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha). The fish caught on July 29 took 25 minutes to land. It may beat the current IGFA record of 8 lb 12 oz set in 2004.

After a 15 minute fight, Gaborone, Botswana angler Bill Staveley, landed a sharptooth catfish (Clarias gariepinus) on July 29 weighing 4.29 kg (9 lb 7 oz) on 01 kg (2 lb) class line. He used a worm for bait while fishing Phakalane, Botswana and released the fish after measuring and photographing. Staveley holds the current IGFA 6 lb 11 oz record he set back in 2003.

Fishing Bung Sam Lan Lake, Thailand, John Merritt, of Betchworth Surrey, United Kingdom, guided by Kik Panphrapat, landed a giant pangasius (Pangasianodon sanitwongsei) weighing 29.5 kg (65 lb 1 oz) on Sept. 8. He used a lua mak (stink bait) for the potential IGFA All-Tackle class record. After documenting he released the fish that took him 20 minutes to catch. The current record set in 2005 is 56 lb 3 oz.

Fishing the coastal waters of Hatteras, N.C., USA, Capt. Buddy L. Nolan, Chester, Va., USA, guided by Capt. Ricky Dale, landed a almaco jack (Seriola rivoliana) on July 14 weighing 11.74 kg (25 lb 14 oz) on 4 kg (8 lb) class line, in 45 min using a Winstead Arrowhead jig. The current men's IGFA line class record for an almaco jack is 24 lb caught in Key West, Fla., in 2001.

Gilberto Fernandes, Mao, AM, Brazil, landed a redtail catfish (pirarara) (Phractocephalus hemioliopterus) on September 5, weighing 42.6 kg (93 lb 15 oz) using 6 kg (12 lb) class line. He was fishing the Amazon River, Amazon State, Brazil using cutfish for bait. It took him 95 minutes to haul in. He could significantly increase the current IGFA record of 11 lb 11oz which was set in 2005.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/15/2007 at 17:52 | Comments (0) | Permalink

steer clear of deer

Late October through early December is when deer are most active, resulting in the peak period for deer-vehicle accidents. Because of this, motorists are advised to slow down, exercise caution, and be alert for deer crossing roadways.

Most deer-vehicle accidents occur primarily at dawn and dusk when deer are most active. When one deer crosses the road, there is a good chance a second or third may follow. It is also important to pay attention on roadways posted with Deer Crossing Area caution signs, because deer are known to be in the area.

If an accident does happen, a local law enforcement agency should be contacted. Also, a permit is required to take parts or the whole carcass of a road-killed deer. Permits are free and available from game wardens and local law enforcement offices.

A few precautions can minimize chances of injury or property damage in a deer-vehicle crash.

·        Always wear your seat belt.

·        Don’t swerve or take the ditch to avoid hitting a deer. Try to brake as much as possible and stay on the roadway. Don’t lose control of your vehicle or slam into something else to miss the deer. You risk less injury by hitting the deer.

·        If you spot deer ahead, slow down immediately and honk your horn.

·        No published research supports the effectiveness of deer whistles on vehicles. Deer can’t hear ultrasonic frequencies.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/15/2007 at 16:43 | Comments (0) | Permalink

wheeling it out for the hunters that need it

 

Wheelchair-bound hunters will take to the field at Lake Sakakawea State Park November 17-18 for the park’s 6th annual Wheelchair Hunt.  The majority of the park will be closed for the weekend, including the campgrounds, which will be closed to all users from November 16-18. Park staff will be in the office during the weekend to answer any questions.

 

The hunt, held the second weekend of the deer gun season, is open to people permanently confined to a wheelchair. Due to the nature of the hunt and preparations to set up blinds, limited space is available. Call the park for details.

 

Lake Sakakawea State Park is located just north of Pick City. For additional information, call the park manager, John Tunge, at 701-487-3315.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/15/2007 at 12:19 | Comments (0) | Permalink

fishing good on Devils Lake

Fisherman continue to report good to excellent walleye fishing on Devils Lake. With hunting season in full swing, anglers are also reporting very little fishing pressure. For walleyes, many anglers are working the moving water bridge areas in the early morning and evening hours. In these areas anglers are jigging and finding quite a few smaller walleyes with some nice eating sized ones mixed in. Other anglers are trolling old sunken shorelines, the edges of weedbeds, and other structure. Some of the better areas continue to be the sunken roads in the Pelican and the Flats, the north end of Six Mile Bay, the Ft. Totten/Cactus Point area, and the Stromme Addition. Cranks such as jointed shad raps and hornets or bottom bouncers with spinners have been working the best.

Shorefisherman are also continue to report some excellent fishing. The better spots include all of the bridges on the lake and the coulees leading into the lake, the north end of Creel Bay along Hwy 19, the Acorn Ridge area along Hwy 57, and the Hwy 19/281 area north of Minnewauken. The best bite for shore fishing has been in the early morning and evening hours.

Good Luck & Good Fishing

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/15/2007 at 10:32 | Comments (0) | Permalink

blazing a path forward

Trailblazer Introduces Outdoor Lifestyle to Half-Million Youth & Families

The Trailblazer Adventure Program has opened the door to the out-of-doors for more than 500,000 young people and their families, nationwide. The largest outdoor youth program of its kind, Trailblazer is giving the shooting sports and America's hunting heritage a shot in the arm at a time when hunting participation is on the downswing.

The U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance Foundation (USSAF) developed the Trailblazer Adventure Program to raise awareness and participation in outdoor sports. The program allows seasoned sportsmen, wildlife professionals and industry experts to provide families hands-on firearm and archery lessons, fishing instruction, trapping demonstrations and more. Through its Trailmaster mentoring aspect, families learn even more about the outdoor sports from seasoned sportsmen and sportswomen.

"We are celebrating a milestone this October," said Mary Cabela, Trailblazer Adventure Program chairwoman and co-founder of Cabela's, Inc., the world's foremost outfitter. "Trailblazer has crossed a threshold as more than a half-million children and families have experienced the program and learned how to safely use firearms, fishing rods, and other outdoor equipment since its inception in 2001. I am very proud of this accomplishment and congratulate the USSA staff and volunteers for their outstanding contribution to the outdoor lifestyle."

Providing families and youngsters with opportunities to learn about and get involved in outdoor activities is critical to the future of shooting sports and fishing. Research by the National Sporting Goods Association shows a 19 percent decline in the number of 12 to 17-year-olds who have fished since 1997. Similar declines have been found in other outdoor activities, including hunting, and even basketball and biking. There is a dramatic shift towards indoor recreation as kids opt to play video games and watch television.

"The USSAF recognizes that shrinking youth participation in outdoor activities is translating into a shrinking sportsman population," said Bud Pidgeon, USSAF president. "Trailblazer's participation milestone shows that the program is on track to help salvage outdoor sports."

The USSAF targets entire families with its program. Moms and dads are encouraged to participate along with their children.

"Trailblazer encourages family involvement in the outdoors," said Pidgeon. "Youth are often the first to be sold when they shoulder a BB gun, but when parents discover that outdoor sports are family-oriented, fun and conservation-based, they too become strong advocates."

Others within the outdoor industry also applaud Trailblazer's success.

"The shooting sports industry continues to support the Trailblazer Adventure Program because it is showing measurable results," said Chris Dolnack, senior vice president of the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF). "Trailblazer is really making a difference in the promotion of America's shooting and hunting traditions."

The NSSF is a major supporter and it endorses Trailblazer through its STEP OUTSIDE Program.

The USSAF attributes Trailblazer's nationwide success to partnerships with youth-serving organizations such as Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of the USA, Campfire USA, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boys and Girls Club, and Girls Incorporated. It also works in partnership with the Big Game Hunters Foundation; Foundation for North American Wild Sheep; Fur Takers of America; Kentucky Fur Takers Association; Masters of Foxhounds Association of America; National Rifle Association Foundation; National Shooting Sports Foundation; National Wild Turkey Federation chapters; Ohio Division of Wildlife; Safari Club International Foundation; Safari Club International, NY Tri-State Chapter; Shikar Safari Club International Foundation; U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit; West Virginia Division of Natural Resources; state wildlife agencies and local sportsmen's clubs.

The USSAF Trailblazer Adventure Program has been honored with the Take Pride in America® award by the Dept. of Interior for its leadership in recruiting youth and families to the experiences of hunting and fishing and for teaching them about outdoor activities and conservation. The USSAF is one of the Take Pride in America Charter Partners, who work to improve public lands, historic sites and other recreation areas.

Trailblazer sponsors include the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies, Bushnell Performance Optics, Cabela's, Charles Daly, Crosman, North Fork Bancorporation and The Outdoor Channel. Additional support comes from the Lee and Ramona Bass Foundation; Bicknell Fund; William H. Flowers Jr. Foundation; Hampe Family Foundation; The Hearst Foundations, Inc.; JCK Foundation; and McBean Family Foundation.

For more information about the Trailblazer Adventure program, e-mail trailblazer@ussportsmen.org or visit www.trailblazeradventure.org.

The USSAF protects and defends America's wildlife conservation programs and the pursuits - hunting, fishing and trapping - that generate the money to pay for them. It is responsible for public education, legal defense and research.

The NSSF is the professional trade association for the firearms industry. Formed in 1961, it manages a variety of public outreach programs with a special emphasis on promoting gun safety and participation in shooting sports.

Cabela's is the World's Foremost Outfitter of hunting, fishing and outdoor gear. The leader in the outdoor equipment business, it has grown and prospered from simple beginnings to become the largest mail-order, retail and Internet outdoor outfitter in the world.

Shikar Safari Club International Foundation is an exclusive organization that supports conservation and education through a worldwide foundation. It works to enhance and preserve wildlife, and has placed particular emphasis on endangered and threatened species through the promotion of enforcement of conservation laws and regulations.

Founded by outdoorsmen for outdoorsmen, The Outdoor Channel, a key contributor to Trailblazer, features quality programming designed to educate and entertain sportsmen of all skill levels. The channel promotes the traditional outdoor activities that are

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/15/2007 at 5:50 | Comments (0) | Permalink

pheasant opener recap

We wrapped up pheasant opener without a bird...you'd never guess by the smile on my son's face. An unsuspecting Great Horned owl, really excited him....but we were soaked to the bone and he was pretty cold. He did a great job walking and a stop at the Corner Cafe in Buffalo was just the place to end the chapter of the 2007 pheasant opener...and he ate chicken strips :) which I said tasted like pheasant.




Not heeding any advice from the 'experts' my son and I finally got our gear together around 9AM this morning. I found 7 shells and said that's 6 more than we'll need.

As we cruised towards non-pheasant central the fog set in. By the time we reached the epi-center of my pheasant world visibility was about 150 yards. It didnt matter as we werent going to find many pheasants anyway.

The field was wet, the air was 41C and we began promptly around 9:40 AM. No birds, found one beaver lodge and a short scamper off the RR tracks as BNSF reminded me that the rightof ways are quite steep.



to the left are the RR tracks. Notice the fog starting to lift and the wet wet WET grass....

One more walk with similar cold, damp results and its time for lunch.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/15/2007 at 2:56 | Comments (3) | Permalink

weekly Western update from Williston

from Scenic Sports and Andy Anderson

Not very many folks want to be called outlaws but in these parts it can make people proud.  Especially if your one of the best outlaws!  The top ten outlaws this year in order were; Jamie & Nathan Tesoro with 17.41 pounds, Loye Sinness & Dana Lutz with 15.33, Casey Horpestad & Jason Sinness with 15.17, Rory & Derik Anderson with 13.38, Kelly Moody & Dave Benth 13.33, the Kyle team – Huntley & Sando with 12.11, Jake Geltel & Luke Sundby with 11.63, Will & Richard Ryan 10.38, Harris & Harry Olson with 8.90 and bring up the rear in tenth place Steve Pender & Dave Edwards with 8.65.  Not only does it take a good fisherman to catch fish on the river consistently but it also takes a mighty tough guy or a fool to handle the weather that this derby throws at you.  This year was no exception with a couple of terrific down pours to start the morning off right.  There were a hundred and fifty seven keeper sauger caught and thirty five walleyes for a total of one hundred and ninety two fish weighed in.  A good year by Outlaw standards.  The largest walleye was 5.81 pounds and caught by the team of  Kelly Moody and Dave Benth.  Sixty teams again this year fished the Outlaw with only a handful of zeros at the end of the day.  Some of the fishermen that I talked to reported catching lots of small sauger and only struggling to catch the keepers.  There has also been a lot of shiner and catfish action to keep you guessing just what is on the end of the line.  A big catfish can get you real excited until his whiskers poke out of the water.

 The bank fishermen have also been having a great time.  I went for a short walk out to the Pumphouse last night and about ten fishermen were quite busy running to there lines attempting to catch some quick and light biting fish.  The weather was fabulous and everyone appeared to be wearing a smile.  I also ran out to White Earth Thursday morning, with light rain and heavy overcast it looked more like Puget Sound .  It still gave me the itch to hit that area one more time before we start ice fishing there.

 Speaking about excited!  It is finally here, a fabulous pheasant opener.  This is the kind of opener that hunters dream about, lots of birds and excellent cover.  We may see some confused dogs like we did years ago when we had numbers like this running ahead leaving the dogs with no idea which bird to point or chase.  The youth opener went over really good last weekend considering the weather.  They should know better than to plan youth pheasant season on the same day as the Outlaw derby!  That is a guarantee the weather is going to be rotten!  Anyway, there are plenty of birds left over for us older hunters but don’t leave the kids at home.  I would like to tell you that one area is really good for pheasants but instead I can tell you that it is going to be good all over.  Some areas may have more birds but those areas will also see more pressure.  The Williston game management area and the PLOTS land will be open only to residents for the first week so keep that in mind if you have some out of state guys in your group.  Be careful, make a safe hunt and don’t leave anything behind.  If you are not hunting some of the million acres of PLOT land be sure to get permission and of course watch out for those big cats!

 I got to view some trail camera pictures this week that were quite exciting.  The first batch belonged to some friends in Canada , only three or four miles across the border.  Non baited trail sets with about two thirds of the pictures being of moose.  They told me the moose numbers are really good this year and are increasing every year.  It is very hard to get a tag in Southern Saskatchewan , but some dandy bulls for those who do.  No wonder we have so many moose in the area.  That brings me to the other photos from within about fifteen miles of Williston.  Several photos there were also of a moose, a huge cow.  Another was a nice shot of a young coyote standing on bail like he was modeling the latest in fur coats, but the one I really enjoyed was several pictures of a doe.  Yes a doe, but this doe was packing some nasty scars from a mountain lion encounter.  It appears a mountain lion or a hundred pound barn cat had grabbed her by the hindquarters and got more than he was ready for.  According to the Discovery Channel Most Extreme show the mountain lion ranks as one of the most successful killers with a whopping eighty-five percent kill rate.  Not bad when an African lion is rated at only twenty-five percent.  Even though there were several photos of this doe we could only find good views of her left side where she had four distinct claw marks from the flank area to about half way back on the hind quarter.  I am looking forward to seeing more pictures from the same area as she seems to be quite photogenic.  My son and I spent a couple of really short days in Canada this last weekend hunting for Huns, sharpies and ruff grouse.  It was a great time with absolutely beautiful country and I really enjoyed being in an area where you have to search long and hard to find a no hunting sign.  Over ninety-eight percent of the area we hunted was not posted.  The weather on the other hands was not to short of rotten.  We hunted ruff grouse in the bush while it was snowing huge flakes and the ground quickly turning white.  Sounds beautiful but when you are wet and cold it is some times hard to see the beauty.  We got our first ruffed grouse and we will be back!

 If you have information you would like to share please email it to andy@scenicsports.com

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/14/2007 at 22:28 | Comments (0) | Permalink

what hunting is

This weeks Sunday Forum outdoors section included a great piece by Kevin Schnepf

Nearly 80 hunting seasons later and unable to climb into tree stands anymore, Hodson’s hunting perch is on a chair on the east end of the barn. Looking through a 15-by-10-foot doorway barricaded by a four-foot-high gate and strategically placed vines, Hodson can see the sun setting on the trees that line the banks of the Wild Rice River.

“This is a good spot for an old man,” Hodson said with a smile. “It’s like a guy sitting in his fish house staring at a dark hole.”

read it right here

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/14/2007 at 15:29 | Comments (1) | Permalink

the importance of Devils Lake

The Forum's Sunday editorial on keeping carp out of Devils Lake is a nice indicator of the public concern over the future of one of North Dakota's top fishery. And understand it's at the top of Game and Fish priority list also. Read the full editorial right here

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/14/2007 at 12:26 | Comments (0) | Permalink

just for the record I drink Coke Zero

INDIANA, Pa. (AP) - The long-standing rivalry between Coke and Pepsi took a physical turn Friday when a Pepsi deliveryman allegedly punched his Coke counterpart in the face at a western Pennsylvania Wal-Mart, state police said.

The two deliverymen were "apparently bickering back and forth" while unloading their wares at the Indiana County store, police said. When the Coke deliveryman left the store, his counterpart allegedly punched him in the face three times, breaking his nose and giving him a black eye, police said.

No charges have been filed, but police characterized the incident as a misdemeanor simple assault.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/14/2007 at 10:23 | Comments (0) | Permalink

start thinking about deer season

Find Your Deer License, and Check it for Accuracy

Deer gun season is only a month away. Do you know where your deer license is?

Every year North Dakota Game and Fish Department staff gets last-minute inquiries from hunters who can’t find their licenses. When it happens on opening day, it’s difficult to get a replacement license quickly.

Deer hunters in need of a replacement license must print out a duplicate (replacement) license application from the Game and Fish Department website, gf.nd.gov, or call 701-328-6300 to have an application mailed or faxed.

The form must be completely filled out and notorized, and sent back in to the department with a fee. The application will be processed the day it is received at the office, and the license will be mailed out the next day.

Another reason to find your license now is to check it for accuracy. Double-check the license to make sure the unit, species and deer sex is what you intended.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/14/2007 at 5:07 | Comments (0) | Permalink

MN fishing report

BATTLE LAKE - Walleye fishing has been hit and miss. For the most part, Ottertail is best using jigs and minnows in 7-11 feet or trolling with Lindy rigs in 15-20 feet using minnows or nightcrawlers. Anglers are also jigging in 50 feet of water. The fish will bite once you locate them. On Battle Lake walleye anglers are fishing the weedline using bottom bouncers and nightcrawlers in 15-20 feet using early mornings or late afternoons. Northern pike hitting Rapalas, spoons, minnows along the weedlines on area lakes. Sunfish biting on small leeches, nightcrawlers or waxworms. Crappies in 20 feet, anglers fishing 3 feet down. Bass are hitting spinnerbaits or plastic frogs on area lakes.

BEMIDJI - Walleye bite is still going strong. Best lakes are Plantagenet, Bemidji, Andrusia and Cass. Try using redtails or a jig and a minnow. Northern and muskie reports have been quiet. A few deer registered, with mixed reports on grouse and ducks.

BLACKDUCK -Decent walleye bite on Blackduck with some nice perch reported also. Try 8-12 feet with a jig/minnow or a Lindy
rig/minnow. We are on the border of the early deer season and people report seeing a lot of bucks moving. Duck season spotty, but some hunters doing very well if they are in the right spots. Grouse also spotty. Goose hunting is excellent with northern birds moving down.

BRAINERD/NISSWA AREA - Fishing has been pretty darn good. There have been days where I have had to scratch my brain and wonder what is up, but most days we have been finding fish that are willing to cooperate. We have been working Gull and Whitefish and it seems
that we are still in kind of a transitional period with the water temps
hanging around the 60 degree mark. When the temp slides down, the fishing will even get better (I believe). Lindy Rigs and Northland Fireballs have been the presentations we have been sticking to. Redtail chubs and rainbow chubs have been the minnows of choice and the depths where we have been finding them have varied from 14-40 feet.

CHISAGO CITY - The crappies are biting well on Chisago, North Center and Little Lake. Walleyes hitting on Green Lake. Chisago has
been great for walleyes in 4-6 feet using rattle traps. St. Croix River
walleye fishing also picking up at Franconia.

CROSBY - Walleye action best on Rabbit, Clearwater, Serpent. Try
redtails along the weeds or in deep water, 22-40 feet. Spinnerbaits tipped with a sucker producing pike in shallow bays. Crappies biting on Serpent, Little Rabbit. Mississippi best for smallmouth with either leeches under a bobber or topwater during the low-light periods of the day.

CROSSLAKE - Look for northerns and bass in the shallow weeds. Crappies biting at their winter spots suspended in 20-30 feet of water. Walleyes biting on the Whitefish Chain in 15-22 feet.

DULUTH - Crappies biting on Fish Lake between the dam and High Banks. Walleyes best on Boulder and Island lakes. On Island, try 12-22 feet depending on the weather. Salmon starting to bite in the Lester and French rivers on Superior. Salmon bite has been good from the French River north to the Gooseberry River area. South Shore of Lake Superior in front of Blue River good for coho. Best baits are small spoons and diver type baits such as a Rapala Shad Rap. The recent rain has been good for the area, anglers now starting to report action while shore casting for loopers.

ELY - The walleyes are continuing to cooperate. Fish are not set in
their depth patterns though, as we have been catching them in water from 15-37 feet. This is probably due to some of the smaller lakes turning over first. We're showing average water temps around 57 degrees. More importantly though is that the fish are active and biting. Northerns are still hitting suckers and large shiners fished shallow. The bird hunting is hit and miss. You have to work harder for them as they are holding tight under cover from the rain. Sunny days bring them back out.

FOREST LAKE - Walleye fishing is picking up with colder water temps on area lakes. Try Forest and Clear lakes in 15-20 feet of water with a jig/fathead. St. Croix River fishing is also starting to pick up. Muskie action is pretty good using topwater in the evenings. Try Forest or Bald Eagle. Panfish hitting, try Little Lake for big sunnies and Chisago and North Center for numbers.

GREY EAGLE - Walleye action is excellent on Cedar Lake with bigger walleyes being caught by slip bobber fishing with a fathead or a jig and minnow during the evening hours. Walleyes also being caught on Big and Little Birch with shiners and redtails and on Kings Lake by Freeport. The Mississippi has been picking up for walleyes using redtails. Mound and Moose are your best bets for crappies. Sunnies best on Big Swan.

HACKENSACK - Walleyes are in their typical fall patterns. A jig/minnow with a redtail popular but golden shiners, fatheads also working. Lakes to try are Woman and Pine Mountain. Leech Lake is doing very well on the drop-offs and edges in 17-25 feet. Lots of perch being caught with some big 12-14 inchers reported. Try Woman and
Leech for perch. Muskie reports have been quiet. Panfish anglers struggling, although some report good luck using crappie minnows and small jigs on smaller area lakes.

KABETOGAMA-NAMAKAN -
Lots of rain kept anglers off the lake for the most part, those donning
their rain gear and jigging at 35' give or take did quite well. The catch
for walleyes, although good, frustrated many anglers when they have to
release those over 17". Not a bad problem to have. Many days anglers did real well for harvest size fish only to catch "big ones" same spot the next day. Oh well, that's fall fishing. Lots of pike taken in the weedy bays and similar shorelines, catch seems to produce 2-6" for the most part. Crappie action very hit and miss, angle for this species near the Ash River entrance and West Namakan. There has been some shallow bite, under 15' for walleyes, but the deep water near the Martins, Blind Ash, Blunt Island and other sharp drop off structures seem to kick out the most fish. Grouse hunting this past week rated as poor, scattered birds and lots of cover favors the grouse. Bear still active, some registrations as the season winds down. Bow and
arrow nearly non-existent for deer and bear this past week.

LAKE OF THE WOODS -
Anchored and jigging with a shiner minnow is the way to go here at Lake of the Woods. The fall run of the emerald shiners is in full swing, and the walleye are on the move as they follow them up the river. Morris Gap, Lighthouse Gap, and the Zippel Bay area have been producing some nice walleye and sauger. Anglers have been limiting out in 10-14 feet of water. Water temperature in the lake is at 54.9 degrees as of October 8th. All along the Rainy River, from Wheeler's Point east to Birchdale, anglers have been seeing nice limits of fish. They've had to switch to a heavier jig due to the current picking up lately; most are using a ¾ oz. Jig. The water temperature in the river is around 57 degrees, so it's still a little warm for the big walleye. But they have made a few appearances. The Northwest Angle and Islands has been giving up some nice walleye around the reefs. Trolling for the big muskie has started, some of the hot spots include: American Point, north side of Oak Island, and the Flag Island area. Duck hunting opens soon and don't forget that the Northwest Angle is located on a
migratory flyway.

LEECH LAKE - Fishing has been great on Leech Lake. Pearl color jig and a minnow is all you need to catch walleyes up on Grand Vu Flats and Little Hardwoods. If you like pulling crankbaits then Pelican Island and Diamond Points are very good choices. Perch are biting great behind Bears Island and also in Traders Bay. Agency Bay is a hot spot for muskie fishing right now. Duck hunters are having great success so bring your gun and your rod up and have some fun!

METRO AREA EAST - Walleye anglers are fishing the rivers, with a nice 28-inch walleye reported over the weekend on the Mississippi. The Griz reports phenomenal action for saugers, walleyes and
crappies on the St. Croix. He was using crankbaits, shad raps. Anglers are also using nightcrawlers and jig/minnow. For bass action, head to Lake Jane.


MILLE LACS LAKE - Jumbo perch bite is steady on Mille Lacs. Walleye anglers are trolling Rapalas on Garrison Reef.
As we get closer to the harvest moon and the water temps are starting to drop, notice the fish moving into shallower waters. Perch are the hot bite of the week as I'm sure the word has gotten out. For the past couple of weeks the perch bite has been awesome as it usually is this time of year. Hit the bay areas. Walleyes are hanging around the top of the gravel or shallow rocks in the evening. Try chasing deep diving cranks or some reef runners or even minnows. Daytime hours, try about 19 feet. Evening hours just before dusk, and up to an hour after sunset, move to 7-12 feet.

LAKE MINNETONKA - On Minnetonka, there is a nice jig/fathead
walleye bite in 28 feet of water. A few hitting floating crawler rigs. Pike and bass are tight to the weedlines. Try spinnerbaits tipped with suckers. Crappie bite is best early mornings or late evenings in the channel areas on a jig and a minnow.
Minnetonka muskie anglers are buying 16-18 inch decoy size sucker minnows and are also using typical muskie lures such as bucktails. Work the large main lake points and humps for the most action.

NISSWA - Crappies on the deep weedlines on area
lakes. For walleyes and pike, try Gull, Pelican and Whitefish Pike biting at the weedline, walleyes are also at the weedline or deeper. Redtails and jigs best for walleyes.

LAKE OSAKIS - Walleyes are biting on Lake Osakis in the shallows on plugs. Bass and pike action is also going strong throughout the lake. Crappies are hitting a jig/fathead.

RAINY LAKE - Crappie action is best in Sand Bay. Crappies and a few pike being caught in Black Bay. Walleyes in 30-40 feet of water at Sand Bay, in the area of American Narrows and on the east end reefs.

RED WING - Anglers having luck catching walleyes and sauger casting Ike's hair jigs tipped with a minnow into the rip rap. Pike are still hanging around the mouth of the Rush River. Panfish and bass are biting around Maple Springs.

SAINT CLOUD -
The Mississippi River is producing smallmouth catch and release action. Walleyes, crappies and catfish are also biting on the Mississippi. Northern pike active on Clearwater and Pearl Lakes. Anglers are catching walleyes on Big Birch and Alexander. Sunfish hitting waxworms on Clearwater.

SAINT PETER - Sunfish and crappies are biting on Lake Washington. Walleyes are best on the river. You could also try Madison or Washington for some walleyes.

SOUTH CENTRAL MINNESOTA - Panfish are biting on Lake Tetonka. Look for sunnies in the lagoon area. Crappie minnows or waxies working well. We've also had some good walleye reports.

WINNIBIGOSHISH - Good walleye action reported on Winnie, although with the rain not too many anglers have been out. Fireball
jig/rainbow chub has been the best presentation. North Shore, Stony Point, Mallard Point and Raven's Point in 6-8 feet of water have been producing fish. Big Cutfoot walleye fishing is good to excellent. Try Bob's Bar, Battle Point and Seeleye Point in 10-14 feet with a jig/minnow. Some anglers are pulling #7-8 shad raps trolling the break from Battle Point to Bowen's Bay. Crappie and bluegill fishing seems to be holding up on Little Cutooft in depths of 15-18 feet. Small gypsy jigs with half a nightcrawler or minnow working well. Reports of several nice muskies in Big Cutfoot with one 48-incher C&R. Grouse hunting sporadic. With the leaves down now, we should have better reports in the next week or two. Duck hunting reports mixed but
it seems to be better shooting than last year at this time. Most hunters
waiting for the change in weather for the northern flights to come down. Should be very soon with the cooling temps predicted this week.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/13/2007 at 22:01 | Comments (0) | Permalink

a new website

On November 1, NRA is launching a new Web site devoted to hunters' rights. All factors that affect your freedom to hunt, and the future of the sport itself, will be addressed at www.nrahuntersrights.org.

The site will not tell you how to hunt, where to put your tree stand or what the best guns and loads are for your favorite species. Many Web sites and magazines can already tell you all that.

The site will alert you about threats to hunting and NRA's efforts to combat them -- our direct lobbying efforts at every level, our hunter recruitment and instruction programs and our funding of conservation and range improvement projects.

Commenting on the need for this site, Kayne Robinson, Executive Director of General Operations, said, "Hunting is under attack in ways it has never been attacked before. Stifling regulations are overly complex and too often have nothing to do with game management. Anti-hunting groups with well-financed coffers and celebrity spokespersons grab every headline they can get. Nit-picking laws that turn inadvertent mistakes into criminal offenses are becoming common horror stories. Shrinking lands, dwindling numbers of hunters and other factors are combining to threaten the sport more and more."

But whether it's a proposed ban on hunting ammunition, the closure of public hunting lands, or regulations that are actually driving people out of the sport, NRA is at work on every front to ensure your continued right to hunt. The combination of NRA's political strength, hunting programs, grant funding and the sheer size of our hunting membership make us the most formidable defender of hunting there is.

The new site will give credit where it's due, too. If a new range opens in your state, if a season is extended or added, or if a youth mentored hunt is instituted, you'll read about it at www.nrahuntersrights.org. With limited time and resources, hunters need to know about every new opportunity, place to hunt, or new season available.

NRAhuntersrights.org will also provide many opportunities for hunter input and recognition. We'll be open to stories from you on a variety of topics, such as:

Trophy Gallery--Share your hunting photos with others.
Hunt Reports--Had a particularly good or bad experience with an outfitter? Let us know.
Gut Check--Your true stories of survival.
Unsung Heroes--Know someone in your state doing good work for hunters? Let's give that person some recognition.
Regulatory Issues--Is there a hunting law in your state you feel just doesn't make sense?

Guidelines for submitting all such material are available by sending an email to: huntersrights@nrahq.org. Just put "Hunters Rights Guidelines" in the subject line. Your questions and comments on the site are welcome at the same address.

Watch for monthly gift giveaways, too.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/13/2007 at 19:23 | Comments (0) | Permalink

SW pheasants

The area in southwest North Dakota is a huge transition region for pheasants. Brood numbers are up 29% BUT....in the future CRP in that area faces potentially the biggest cuts in North Dakota. Alan Reed from the Dickinson Press has a great piece with Game and Fish upland game biologist Stan Kohn, read the full story right here. 

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/13/2007 at 14:18 | Comments (0) | Permalink

end of the line for NJ bear hunting

New Jersey black bear hunting is a thing of the past for the foreseeable future. 

On Sept. 27, the New Jersey Superior Court, Appellate Division essentially ended bear hunting in the state when it ruled the bear management policy invalid. From the hunting program to bear research and population monitoring, the plan has been scrapped.

The court decided the case based on technical grounds. It decided that the plan is akin to a Department of Environmental Protection rule, and despite it having received approval in 2005 by then DEP Commissioner Bradley Campbell and the New Jersey Fish and Game Council, the Comprehensive Black Bear Management Policy missed a few steps in the rulemaking process.

While the Court acknowledged that notice of opportunity to comment on the plan was published in the New Jersey Register, it concluded that the publication should have described the proposed plan in detail rather than referred the reader to a website where the full plan was available. The Court also concluded that a list of all persons commenting on the plan should have been included in the subsequent publication in the New Jersey Register announcing the adoption of the plan. 

In the “silver lining” to the decision, the judges also commented that, if the plan had not been void for these technical reasons, Environmental Commissioner Lisa Jackson would have overstepped her authority when she unilaterally withdrew the state’s Black Bear Management Policy in 2006.  In this respect, the Court agreed with the argument of the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation and other sportsmen’s groups, which had sued the state when Jackson arbitrarily discarded the approved plan, nixing the bear hunt.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/13/2007 at 11:59 | Comments (0) | Permalink

NRA update

In last week's Grassroots Alert, we provided factual information to refute several myths being promulgated by some vocal opponents of the NICS Improvement bill.   

The success of the pro-gun community and the preservation of our Second Amendment rights rely heavily upon a well-informed membership.  In our on-going effort to set the record straight and provide you with the most up-to-date information to help address the confusion and blatant misrepresentations over H.R. 2640 -- the "NICS Improvement Amendments Act" -- below are some links to our NRA-ILA fact sheets and recent articles written to further clarify this important legislation.     

"The NICS Improvement Bill: Myth and Reality"
http://www.nraila.org/Issues/FactSheets/Read.aspx?id=221&issue=018  

H.R. 2640, the "NICS Improvement Amendments Act"
http://www.nraila.org/Issues/FactSheets/Read.aspx?id=219&issue=018 

"Clearing the Air on the Instant Check Bill"
http://www.nraila.org/Issues/Articles/Read.aspx?id=246&issue=018 

"H.R. 2640: Sensible Solution or Trojan Horse?"
http://www.claytoncramer.com/PopularMagazines/HR%202640.htm 

"Gun Bill Not Anti-Veteran"
http://www.military.com/opinion/0,15202,151321_1,00.html?wh=wh 

"Enough NRA Bashing"
http://www.pgnh.org/enough_nra_bashing

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/13/2007 at 8:58 | Comments (0) | Permalink

your link to the outdoors

If your looking for a rundown of where to go and what's happening outdoors in central Dakota. the Jamestown Sun has a great resource. Just click this link 

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/13/2007 at 6:05 | Comments (0) | Permalink

waterfowl migration update

The waterfowl migration continues to move very slowly in North Dakota.
According to the weekly report from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
cooler temperatures haven’t had much effect on duck and goose numbers.
Biologists warn hunters that the first whooping cranes have been reported
moving through the state.

The first lesser Canada geese have reached southeastern North Dakota.
Tewaukon National Wildlife Refuge biologist Kristine Askerooth says there
has been very little migration so far. She adds that some teal remain in
the area, and local birds seem to be grouping. The area’s corn harvest is
just getting started, so there are still few field feeding ducks.
Askerooth says most wetlands remain in good condition.

Decent numbers of mallards, gadwalls and Canada geese can still be found in
LaMoure, Logan, McIntosh and western Dickey counties, but migrating birds
haven’t arrived yet. Refuge manager Mick Erickson of the Kulm Wetland
Management District says the local birds have been hunted quite a bit, and
are becoming decoy-shy. He adds more crops have been harvested, making
more land available for feeding birds.

Good numbers of giant Canada geese remain in the Valley City area, but
overall waterfowl numbers may have dropped off a little. Wetland manager
Ed Meendering of the Valley City Wetland Management District says the
immediate outlook for hunters is average at best, with no major influx of
birds. He adds that a few tundra swans have started moving into the area.

Waterfowl numbers seem to be holding fairly steady in northern Stutsman and
southern Wells counties. Biologist Chris Flann of the Chase Lake Wetland
Management District says a few more diving ducks may have moved in, but
hunters reported seeing fewer Canada geese in the area.

Hunters should have good opportunities in the area around Arrowwood
National Wildlife Refuge. Biologist Paulette Scherr reports increasing
numbers of ducks and geese in the area. She says the refuge is holding
about 10,000 ducks–mostly mallards– and another 10,000 Canada geese.
Scherr says migrant geese make up about one-quarter of the total. She
notes that some green-winged teal are still being seen.

A few more lesser Canada geese have reached Long Lake National Wildlife
Refuge in Burleigh and Kidder counties. Biologist Mike Rabenberg says the
refuge is holding about 5,000 ducks–mostly pintails and green-winged teal–
plus some mallards and gadwalls and the first few diving ducks. The
sandhill crane population on the refuge has probably dipped below 2,000,
and Rabenberg reported quite a few moving over the refuge at mid-week.

Many waterfowl hunters in central North Dakota continue to struggle. Gary
Williams, deputy project leader at Audubon National Wildlife Refuge,
reports seeing a few small flocks of lesser Canada geese, but not much
else. He says wetland conditions aren’t very good, and ducks are hard to
find. Some flocks of sandhill cranes were reported moving over the refuge
at mid-week

The first signs of the fall migration are starting to appear in
northeastern North Dakota. Biologist Cami Dixon of the Devils Lake Wetland
Management District says hunters in the northern part of the district are
starting to see a few snow geese, lesser Canada geese and tundra swans.
She reports hunter success seems to have dropped off a little, but many
locally-raised birds remain in the area.

Hunting opportunities remain fair in parts of north-central North Dakota.
Biologist Gary Eslinger of J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge says
wetland conditions remain poor in the northwestern portion of the area, but
are somewhat better in central and eastern sections. He says the Upham
area has seen an increase in sandhill crane numbers in the past few days,
and he has heard some flocks of snow geese flying over, but hasn’t seen any
on the ground.

Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge is still holding good numbers of
Canada geese and ducks. Law enforcement officer Shawn Tripp reports seeing
the first snow geese over the weekend, and hunters tell him there is no
shortage of waterfowl.

The first few snow geese have reached Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge
near Kenmare, but overall waterfowl numbers remain low. Refuge manager Dan
Severson says about 50 snow geese arrived on the north end of the refuge
early this week. He reports no large migrations of ducks or geese in the
area, but notes scattered groups of Canada geese are located throughout the
length of the refuge, with a total of about 1,000. Severson adds that duck
numbers are up to about 4,000–mostly mallards–but also including the first
few divers.

Sandhill cranes continue to move into parts of northwestern North Dakota.
Biologist Monte Ellingson of the Crosby Wetland Management District reports
about 500 sandhill cranes north of Noonan and another 500 northwest of
Crosby. He says the few ducks in the area are in southeastern Divide
County, which has better wetland conditions.

A few more lesser Canada geese have reached Mountrail County. Operations
specialist Chad Zorn of Lostwood National Wildlife Refuge says he has also
seen a slight increase in the number of sandhill cranes, but overall
waterfowl migration remains slow. Zorn adds that some hunters have been
able to find small pockets of mallards, but the county is dry.

More waterfowl have reached Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge near
Aberdeen, S.D. this week. Biologist Bill Schultze says the refuge’s duck
numbers have grown from 26,000 last week to 38,000, with the biggest
increase in pintails, plus smaller jumps in mallards and green-winged teal.
He reports some small flocks of ducks are starting to feed in some of the
harvested fields near the refuge. Schultze adds that the first few snow
geese arrived at mid-week, and tundra swans numbers have been increasing
throughout the week.

Law enforcement agents have noticed that some hunters fail to leave the
required identification on birds they harvest. One fully feathered wing or
the fully feathered head of all waterfowl, snipe, crane and woodcock; and
one leg and foot, or the fully feathered head, or the fully feathered wing
of pheasant, partridge and grouse must remain attached during
transportation or shipment to its final destination.

Nonresidents are reminded they will not be allowed to hunt on lands owned
or managed by the N.D. Game and Fish Department from Oct. 13-19. The ban
covers PLOTS acreage, as well as state wildlife management areas. However,
nonresidents can still hunt other state-owned land, private land or federal
lands such as waterfowl production areas during that time.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/13/2007 at 4:39 | Comments (0) | Permalink

pheasants by the numbers

Here's a great graphic of where we've come in terms of Dakota roosters. Thanks to the Grand Forks Herald

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/13/2007 at 2:34 | Comments (0) | Permalink

breaking down rooster numbers

similar to weather chatter, here's an inside look at some pheasant numbers and comments from ND.

Pheasants per 100 miles: UP in all 4 pheasant districts: up 7% in NW; up 6% in NE; up 29% in SW; up 1% in SE. Statewide - Birds per 100 miles UP 14% from 2006. Good production was especially noted in the southwest. The large number of broods increased the number of young observed, and that, coupled with the large number of adults in the population, will make for another very good fall pheasant population. I suspect pheasant numbers in the southeast would have been higher had not the heavy rains come near peak pheasant hatch last spring.

¨ Broods per 100 miles: UP in all 4 pheasant districts: up 16% in NW; up 1% in NE; up 23% in SW; up 8% in SE. Statewide - Broods per 100 miles UP 14% from 2006. Field personnel report observing many pheasant broods throughout the state. It looks like pheasants had a good nesting season this spring with a strong renesting effort in the southeast. Almost all hens observed during the late summer count had a brood. Hatch was good statewide.

¨ Average brood size: DOWN 3% in the NW and 11% in the SE, but UP 3% in the NE and 13 in the SW. Statewide - Average brood size is essentially the same as in 2006. This was somewhat expected in the Southeast where rain may have caused pheasants to renest. Renests have fewer eggs than first attempt nests making for fewer chicks in the brood. Because there were so many nesting hens and almost all brought off broods, hunters will not notice this small decrease.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/12/2007 at 21:45 | Comments (0) | Permalink

MN pheasant opener

In preparation for Minnesota's pheasant opener on Saturday, October 13th
, BUT…In each of the past two years, hunters in
Minnesota have harvested nearly 600,000 roosters, the most since 1964. With
favorable pheasant nesting and brood-rearing conditions this year and
increasing habitat acres, Minnesota hunters can expect more of the same.
The state's pheasant index remained at its highest level in 20 years.
Protected grassland habitats in the state's pheasant range account for
approximately 6 % of the landscape – the highest number in more than a
decade – and those areas are the major contributing factor to the increased
population. BUT with the 2007 Federal Farm Bill currently being debated in
Washington, D.C., it's important to note strong pheasant numbers could be
washed away without a 2007 Federal Farm Bill with a strong Conservation
Title.
CONTACT: Anthony Hauck – PF's Public Relations Specialist, (651)209-4972

Pheasants Forever's 25th Anniversary - "The Habitat Organization" is
celebrating 25 years as one of the leading and most efficient non-profit
conservation organizations in the country. Pheasants Forever formed right
here in St. Paul, Minnesota, in 1982. Minnesota now claims 73 PF chapters
and over 22,000 PF members. Nationwide, over 650 PF chapters have spent
nearly $200 million on wildlife habitat projects and education, benefiting
wildlife on 4.4 million acres across the continent. For a breakdown of
habitat accomplishments, chapters, members and other information specific
to your county, state or region, please contact Anthony Hauck.
CONTACT: Anthony Hauck, PF's Public Relations Specialist, (651)209-4972

Pheasants Forever's National Pheasant Fest and 25th Anniversary Convention
Comes to St. Paul in January The country's largest event for upland
hunters, sport dog owners and wildlife conservationists makes its way home,
to the RiverCentre in St. Paul, Minn., January 18-20, 2008 (PF formed in
St. Paul). The event will also be used to formally celebrate PF's silver
anniversary. The Fest promises to be the nation's largest event for upland
hunters, farmers, sport dog owners and wildlife habitat conservationists.
National Pheasant Fest 2008 will also have a strong economic impact on the
Twin Cities and future habitat efforts across the state of Minnesota and
upper Midwest. Omaha, Nebraska, officials estimated that the 24,205 people
who attended the 2005 Pheasant Fest there had a $2 million to $2.5 million
dollar economic impact on the city.
CONTACT: Anthony Hauck – PF's Public Relations Specialist – (651)209-4972

2007 Federal Farm Bill – The Farm Bill will be introduced in the U.S.
Senate soon. The Conservation Reserve Program and other federal farmland
conservation programs accounting for over 50 million acres nationwide are
primarily responsible for the birds hunters will be chasing this fall. The
2007 Federal Farm Bill will address land management decisions on hundreds
of millions of acres of farmlands, grasslands, wetlands, prairies, forests
and riparian areas, which will have a lasting effect on the nation's
hunters and anglers.
CONTACT: Dave Nomsen, PF's Vice President of Government Affairs
(320)491-9163

Keeping Our Outdoors Tradition Alive - Preliminary results of a survey of
American hunters by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service show that the number
of hunters fell by 4% from 2001 to 2006, from 13 million to 12.5 million.
Numbers for anglers also fell by 12% in that same period. Pheasants
Forever, through its various youth programs, is committed to recruiting and
mentoring young hunters and conservationists. The future of our natural
resources and outdoor heritage rests with our ability to pass on our values
and passion for the outdoors to the next generation. PF programs include:
FFA collaboration, Big Brothers Big Sisters partnership, Schoolyard Habitat
Projects, Youth Mentor Hunts, Ringnecks and Whistlers programs, and the PF
Youth Leadership Council.
CONTACT: Rich Wissink, PF's Youth Program Specialist – (715)212-9724
-30-
For additional information about Pheasants Forever, please visit
www.pheasantsforever.org

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/12/2007 at 17:09 | Comments (0) | Permalink

TIPS working in SD

TIPs Calls Lead to 151 Arrests

 

PIERRE, S.D.--Despite a change in the Turn In Poachers phone number, statistics show that South Dakotans still knew who to call when they wanted to report violations of wildlife laws.

 

In November of last year, the TIPs number changed to 1-888-OVERBAG or 1-888-683-7224. That change didn’t seem to affect the use of the hotline. During the reporting period of July 1, 2006, to June 30, 2007, calls to the hotline prompted 498 investigations, 101 more than during the corresponding reporting period a year earlier.

 

“Changing the number sure didn’t slow down the calls to the TIPs line,” said Shon Eide, TIPs Coordinator for the S.D. Game, Fish and Parks Department. “With calls prompting almost 500 investigations, it’s easy to see that the public watches out for wildlife violations and that GFP takes those reports seriously.”

 

The investigations in the last reporting period led to 151 arrests, $23,423 in fines and $29,100 in civil penalties. The arrests led to jail sentences totaling 623 days in jail with 576 of those days suspended. People who called in wildlife violations to the TIPs line earned $6,900 in rewards.

 

With fall hunting seasons getting under way or starting soon, it’s important for citizens to be on the lookout for violations of the state’s wildlife laws. “Callers to the TIPs hotline can remain anonymous,” Eide said, “the important thing is that they call in if they suspect that the law is being broken.”

 

Since its inception in 1984, the Turn in Poachers program has resulted in:

·        8,137 investigations.

·        2,781 arrests.

·        $524,868 in fines.

·        $371,743 in civil penalties.

·        26,547 days in jail with 24,642 of those days suspended.

·        2,204 hours of community service.

·        $103,340 in rewards paid.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/12/2007 at 15:15 | Comments (0) | Permalink

across the outdoors

Around the outdoors all manner of strange stories are percolating as people get ready for their forays into the woods for hunting season.

In Minnesota, the ongoing debate over the presence of mountain lions (cougars) live in the northern part of the state seems to have had at least one definitive answer. A trailcam belonging to a Floodwood, Minnesota hunter has captured a single frame of what is definitely a mountain lion.

Jim Schubitzke says he'd placed five cams around his hunting area, but only one had a flash. On August 20, it got the money shot. According to officials, the big cat (presumably male) was apparently passing a mineral block Schubitzke had placed near the cam. Schubitzke says there were several whitetails visiting the block before the big cat paid it a visit and there weren't any for several days afterwards.

No kidding. Schubitzke, incidentally, has pulled his cameras out of the woods, too.

Wildlife officials say they get sporadic reports of mountain lions, but seldom see any evidence as compelling - and irrefutable - as this. They receive 10 to 15 reports per year of mountain lions, including calls about them being dead on the roadside, but normally they turn out to be another animal.

Schubitzek, however, confesses he was a bit unnerved after the photo, but says he's "back to normal."

Meanwhile, in Wisconsin, the new Department of Natural Resources secretary says it's time to change policies in the state's efforts to eradicate chronic wasting disease from the state herd. There's just one small detail, Secretary Matt Frank hasn't given a clue as to what the changes will entail.

The current efforts have centered on trying to wipe out the herds in effected areas. Instead of cutting back the problems, however, the herds have actually increased per square mile in the areas.

To say his constituents are, well, skeptical would be an understatement. You see, Frank is an angler, but he doesn't hunt. One member of the committee that ultimately will approve his appointment before sending it to the state legislature for confirmation says he has a "steep learning curve" and he may have a problem with the 700,000-plus state residents who hunt, fish and trap. As he explains it "they're a very tough crowd to please."

And finally, a pair of fatalities have officials reminding their constituents that while not all animal-human encounters end in death, some; even in extremely rare circumstances do. In Arizona, a 63-year old Chino Valley woman died after having been bitten by a Mojave rattlesnake. Mojave bites aren't uncommon, but fatalities are. The Mojave's venom is said to be ten times more potent than other North American rattlers, making it one of the most dangerous snakes indigenous to the United States.

Georgia authorities say they have captured and killed the eight-foot alligator that killed an elderly woman in Savannah. A licensed trapper captured and killed the gator that was suspected of killing the lady. Subsequent investigation of the contents of the alligator's stomach confirmed it was, in fact, the animal that killed 83-year-old Gwen Williams.

It was Georgia's first fatal alligator attack since 1980.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/12/2007 at 12:17 | Comments (0) | Permalink

pheasant facts

Heres a few of the items you need to know before taking the field Saturday morning

Season dates and limits

--Season dates: Saturday-Jan. 6.

--Limits: Three roosters daily, 12 in possession.

--Hunting hours: One-half hour before sunrise to sunset each day.

--For more information, refer to the North Dakota 2007-08 Small Game Guide, available wherever licenses are sold, or on the Web at www.gf.nd.gov.

Public land reminders

--Acreage enrolled in the Private Land Open to Sportsmen program (PLOTS), along with state wildlife management areas, are open to hunting by resident hunters-only from Saturday through Oct. 19. Nonresidents still can hunt those days on other state-owned and federal lands, or private land.

--Nontoxic shot is required for pheasant hunters on all U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service lands, including federal refuges and waterfowl production areas.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/12/2007 at 9:44 | Comments (0) | Permalink

catching poachers with the Web

It's true, said U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Special Agent Ed Newcomer, that the internet has made wildlife crime easier, and easier to hide. But it's also made it easier for wildlife law enforcement agents to pose as potential customers - and to catch people.

"What works for criminals also works for us," said Newcomer. "The internet provides anonymity for everyone, and when we go online, the people we're after have no idea who we are."

Wildlife crime is a huge growth industry, grown larger still by the internet. Most experts believe that the global illegal wildlife trade measures in the billions of dollars, annually. Profits in this illicit market are so huge that law enforcement officers routinely note that the black market in wildlife is now the second largest in the world, ranking only behind the trade in illegal drugs. (In the mid-1990s, an ounce of rhino horn sold in Yemen for about $1,687 per ounce, according to the World Wildlife Fund -- making it more valuable than gold, which has a current price of $667 per ounce).

Animals - and that includes everything from insects to bizarre objects like footstools made from elephant feet - have always had more patrons in the more developed Western countries. The nations that are most likely to have the most vigorous conservation movements also have citizens with the most disposable income. "That's the engine that really drives this train," said Newcomer.

The drive that pushes people to buy such things as bird-eating spiders, giant African scorpions, poisonous snakes, macabre furniture and other ornaments made from animal parts is, said Newcomer, as simple as the desire to want something that nobody else has. The buyers are frequently people in upper income levels who simply seem to be taken by a novelty of the moment. The crime is compounded when the new owners of live exotic creatures become bored - and decide to dump them in the wild. That has helped place Florida at the top of the list of states with invasive species. California, where Newcomer is based, has its share.

How much illegal wildlife is available on the internet? Newcomer said it's difficult to know; there is no authoritative, dependable research. But as someone who spends time chasing internet crime, he's confident the numbers run to the thousands.

Newcomer thrives on the challenge; he relishes telling the story about how he and his colleagues nabbed a man in Los Angeles not long ago who billed himself as "the world's most wanted butterfly smuggler." He sold Newcomer $14,000 worth of protected butterflies and would have sold him $300,000 worth, if Newcomer had had the cash. The smuggler is spending two years in a federal prison.

The agents' undercover work is as much a battle of wits as anything else; they must change their tactics often - to fit the changing tactics of the people they are after.

Newcomer, who earned a law degree before deciding he wanted to be a wildlife agent, isn't discouraged. "Everything I work for is incapable of dialing 9-1-1," said Newcomer. "Wildlife is resilient, but it's not inexhaustible. You worry about reaching the end of the line. I want every illegal wildlife dealer who is online to think about one thing: your next customer may be a Fish and Wildlife Service law enforcement agent."

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/12/2007 at 4:30 | Comments (1) | Permalink

Mille Lacs lake walleye

THE POPULATION OF WALLEYE IN MINNESOTA'S MOST POPULAR WALLEYE LAKE IS DOWN DRAMATICALLY.  A NEW D-N-R SURVEY OF LAKE MILLE LACS SAYS RECENT NETTING PRODUCED THE LOWEST POUNDS OF WALLEYE SINCE THE SURVEY BEGAN IN 1983.  THE LARGE DECLINE COULD MEAN EVEN STRICTER RULES FOR THE ICE FISHING SEASON AND POSSIBY NEXT SPRING.  FISHERIES EXPERTS SAY THEY DON'T KNOW WHY THE MILLES LACS WALLEYE POPULATION IS SO LOW.  BAG LIMITS WERE TIGHTENED IN MID-JULY AFTER ANGLERS HAD CAUGHT NEARLY THE STATE LIMIT FOR THE SEASON AND THOUSANDS OF CATCH-AND-RELEASE FISH DIED DUE TO THE WARM WATER TEMPERATURES.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/11/2007 at 20:22 | Comments (0) | Permalink

archery hunting in urban settings

It's been said for years that one of the most effective and efficient means of controlling deer within urban settings is archery hunting.

And more and more people are beginning to see in fact this is not just nice idea...it's a necessity.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/11/2007 at 15:20 | Comments (1) | Permalink

a sense of the season with Nick Simonson

 

The day is finally here – pheasant opener.  Many sportsmen have been counting down since about mid-July.  And with good reason, it is a time in the field unlike any other.  It is a circus of the senses and the experience is remembered not only by birds put in the bag, but through the absorption of the trip by the mind and body. 

My second-favorite smell of the hunting season is the smoke that slowly rises from the chamber of  a shotgun after a clean shot.  My favorite scent, of course, is the odor of pheasant meat in the oven or crock-pot slowly wafting out of the kitchen accompanied by the aroma of wild rice or acorn sqash.  Like fallen leaves and the earthen dustiness of harvested fields, the scents of the hunt are the harbingers of fall.  Certainly, with their noses, the trusted hounds of autumn experience all of these scents at a much greater magnitude.  How they separate the game from everything else will always remain a mystery. 

Usually, those outdoors scents are borne on the wings of a slight breeze or a stiff wind out of the north.  As Canadian air takes hold of the region, the face and hands detect the transition to this favorite season.  It may be that the weather stays cool and tiny snowflakes fall during a walk in the CRP.  Eyelashes may fill with white flakes to match the slight layer of precipitation on cattails and corn stalks.  Or it may be that the day heats up and the autumn sun requires hunters to layer-down into t-shirts and baseball caps, allowing for one last taste of warm weather on an afternoon walk. 

It is on those walks that the cackle of a rooster - a high-pitched “catch-me-if-you-can” - breaks over the rustle of a dog in hot pursuit through the grasses.  The resounding bang-bang of shotgun fire follows.  The whisper of the wind through the reeds of a valley bottom and the commotion of a hen flushing underfoot keep hunters aware and their auditory senses on edge.  The sounds add to the stimulations of the season.
The taste of fall is best experienced around the table with friends and family after the hunt, cold beverages and warm autumn foods from the garden like carrots, squash and potatoes complement the meat of the new season's quarry.  The pheasant is the walleye of wild game.  The mild meat is easily seasoned and can be prepared in a number of delicious ways.  Whether done traditionally with cream of mushroom soup in the slow cooker, or substituted in a spicy Tex-mex dish for chicken, pheasant provides a taste unlike any other time of year.

But of all the senses, sight is the one which truly reaps the bounty of pheasant season.  Gold, orange, red and yellow leaves adorn the trees.  Equally beautiful colors glimmer from the body of a rooster on the wing or in hand as the bright light of the autumn sun shines down.  A dog on point is a beautiful sight, and the haphazard battalion or reconnaissance group you might be a part of while stomping through pheasant country is always fun to observe - out of step and out of perfect formation - as the party marches onward.  The brown-red dust of gravel roads, the crisp blue of autumn skies, the pale white of faded cornstalks and the last few glints of green on a few trees range over the visible spectrum of color. 

All of these sensations - from the first orange rays of sun coming over the horizon to the pink clouds in the sky that faintly light the way home - await you this pheasant season...in our outdoors.

Our Outdoors: Sense of the Season

By Nick Simonson

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/11/2007 at 14:06 | Comments (0) | Permalink

the first of the fall

Someday...somewhere...i'm not sure when or where...but I resolve to see a whooping crane in the wild....but probably not today.

Three rare whooping cranes are passing through North Dakota.

A hunter chasing sandhill cranes reported the three adults Wednesday, and the tall, white birds were confirmed as endangered whooping cranes Wednesday afternoon just northeast of Noonan in northwest North Dakota, said Tim Kessler, the manager of the Crosby Wetlands District, who confirmed the sighting.

Two adults were feeding in wheat stubble with sandhill cranes and a third adult was feeding with more sandhills in an adjacent stubble field.

The pair of cranes "probably are new today, and the single whooping crane probably has been hanging around since the weekend," Kessler said on Wednesday afternoon.

There was a large sandhill crane migration into the area Tuesday, increasing their numbers north of Noonan from about 500 birds Tuesday to nearly 2,000 Wednesday, he said.

"If you're hunting sandhills, you want to be able to identity your birds. You don't want to shoot one of these, and they are flying with sandhills," he continued. Whooping cranes are protected by the Endangered Species Act.

The cranes are migrating from the summer breeding grounds in Canada to their winter home on the Texas Gulf Coast, where 250 or more of the endangered birds are expected to arrive over the next few months. The cranes that pass through North Dakota twice each year comprise the largest wild flock in North America.

Standing about 5 feet tall, whooping cranes are NorthAmerica's tallest bird, and they are white with black wingtips that are visible only in flight.

To report a whooping crane sighting, call the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge at 701-387-4397 or the Crosby Wetland Management District office at 701-965-6488, the North Dakota Game and Fish Department at 701-328-6300 or a local game warden

By RICHARD HINTON
Bismarck Tribune

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/11/2007 at 12:26 | Comments (0) | Permalink

pheasants on TV

I did a bit of a pheasant weekend preview with Steve Hallstrom yesterday. It's on the sports during the 6PM and 10PM broadcasts. There's a few pieces to the puzzle as you head out across the prairie this weekend. One is utilizing PLOTS to find a place to start the other is about the future of CRP and possible impact on birds. Check them out right here. Click on the 6PM or 10 PM newscast and FF to the sports

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/11/2007 at 7:12 | Comments (0) | Permalink

firearms refresher course

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/10/2007 at 22:59 | Comments (1) | Permalink

baiting in MN

DNR NEWS - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media contact: Maj. Roger Tietz, operations support manager, DNR Division of Enforcement, Camp Ripley, 1-800-366-8917, ext. 2516.

Hunters reminded to check the 2007 hunting handbook for changes to the baiting statute before going into the field

With Minnesota's archery deer season already underway, and the firearms deer season set to get underway on Nov. 4, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds hunters to review deer baiting rules before heading into the field.

During the 2007 Legislative session, Minnesota lawmakers made some changes to the baiting statute. DNR's Chief Conservation Officer, Col. Mike Hamm, said those changes are generating some questions from hunters, so a review of the 2007 Minnesota Hunting and Trapping Regulations Handbook is important.

"Flip to page 72 and you'll see the law is quite clear: a person may not hunt deer with the aid of bait, period," Hamm said. "You will also notice there's new language regarding people hunting on their own property when they have not participated in, been involved with, or agreed to feeding wildlife on adjacent land owned by another person."

Before the revision, Hamm said lawful hunting opportunities were being lost because a person who owned land was being restricted from taking deer on their own property, even though they weren't involved with the feeding or baiting of deer on adjacent land. In turn, conservation officers received reports from disgruntled hunters that their neighbor's were illegally baiting.

"On the one hand, you had legal hunters trying to hunt who were being told they were hunting in baited areas due to their neighbor's choice to feed wildlife. On the other hand you had landowners who were reluctant to suspend feeding activity during the open deer seasons because they enjoy watching wildlife. It created some real ethical dilemmas between those who hunted deer and those who enjoyed feeding deer," Hamm said.

With the new legislation, Hamm says that's no longer the case.

"The new language allows a hunter to hunt on private property when the person has not been involved with, or agreed to feeding wildlife on adjacent land owned by another person," Hamm said.

He said conservation officers will continue to respond and investigate reports of illegal baiting activity, one of the top three violations among deer hunters in the past few years. The others are trespassing and transporting an uncased firearm.

The base fine for illegal baiting has jumped from $100 to $300. A hunter can be charged an additional $500 in restitution if a deer is shot over bait. Add in the court surcharge and local law library fee and taking a deer over bait could easily top $900.

Here's a summary of the deer baiting law.

A person may not hunt deer:
- with the aid or use of bait
- in the vicinity of bait if the person knows or has reason to know that bait is present
- in the vicinity of where the person has placed bait or caused bait to be placed within the previous 10 days.

This restriction does not apply to:
- food resulting from normal or accepted farming, forest management, wildlife food plantings, orchard management, or other similar land
 management activities
- a person hunting on the person's own property, when the person has not participated in, been involved with, or agreed to feeding wildlife
 on adjacent land owned by another person.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/10/2007 at 21:49 | Comments (0) | Permalink

bird migration update

- Birds Mentioned

GYRFALCON
PRAIRIE FALCON
LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL
Herring Gull
Ring-billed Gull
Long-eared Owl
Fox Sparrow
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Hermit Thrush
Brown Creeper
Orange-crowned Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Townsend's Solitaire
Eastern Bluebird
Bald Eagle
Common Goldeneye
Common Loon
Great Egret
Forster's Tern
Northern Shrike
Smith's Longspur
American Tree Sparrow
Rusty Blackbird
Surf Scoter
Cattle Egret
Great Blue Heron
Greater Yellowlegs
Lesser Yellowlegs
Red-tailed Hawk
Belted Kingfisher
American White Pelican
Canada Goose
CACKLING GOOSE
Greater White-fronted Goose
Tundra Swan
Bonaparte's Gull
Ruddy Duck
Bufflehead
American Wigeon
American Coot
Double-crested Cormorant
Redhead
Canvasback
Mallard
Ring-necked Duck
Red-necked Grebe
Pied-billed Grebe
Western Grebe
Killdeer
American Avocet
Pectoral Sandpiper
Semipalmated Sandpiper
Franklin's Gull
Black-bellied Plover
Peregrine Falcon
Savannah Sparrow
Vesper Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Harris's Sparrow
White-crowned Sparrow
Winter Wren
Dark-eyed Junco
American Goldfinch
Purple Finch
Blue Jay
Northern Saw-whet Owl
White-breasted Nuthatch
Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
American Robin
Pine Siskin
Song Sparrow
Black-capped Chickadee
Short-eared Owl
Sora
Common Grackle
Northern Flicker
House Finch
Lincoln's Sparrow
Clay-colored Sparrow
Western Meadowlark
Cedar Waxwing
Red-breasted Nuthatchdou
American Crow
Nashville Warbler

Welcome to the North Dakota Rare Bird Alert compiled by the North
Dakota Birding Society and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
This report was prepared on Tuesday, October 9. Unless otherwise
noted, any phone numbers mentioned are area code 701.

Transcriber's Note: Birds listed in ALL CAPS in the Birds Mentioned
section signify that the Revised Checklist of North Dakota Birds
lists them as Occasional, Accidental, Extirpated, or never having
occurred before for the season being reported.

The great fall sightings continue this week.

Dan Svingen found a brown, juvenile GYRFALCON just east of Moffit in
southern Burleigh County on Oct. 7.  He says it was along the so-called
Moffit Road, about 5.5 miles east of Hwy.1804.  For more information, call
Dan at 250-4443, ext. 107.

Clark Talkington and Corey Ellingson say the GYRFALCON was still present
that afternoon, and a PRAIRIE FALCON was seen just east of Lincoln.  Clark
was able to pick out a LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL and a HERRING GULL from
the
one-thousand RING-BILLED GULLS at the Bismarck landfill on Oct. 8.  From
Sleepy Hollow Park in Bismarck, he flushed a LONG-EARED OWL and saw a FOX
SPARROW and some RUBY-CROWNED KINGLETS.  One day earlier, the park held
the
owl and the kinglets, as well as GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS, HERMIT THRUSH,
BROWN CREEPER, ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS, YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS and FOX
SPARROW.  Later that day, Clark and Corey recorded a TOWNSEND’S SOLITAIRE,
66 EASTERN BLUEBIRDS and three young BALD EAGLES along Hwy. 1806 north of
Mandan.  You can reach Clark at ctalkington@bis.midco.net

Corey Ellingson was part of a group of Bismarck-Mandan Birdclub members who
birded northern and eastern Burleigh County on Oct. 6.  Their total of 85
species included COMMON GOLDENEYE, COMMON LOON at New John’s Lake and
Heckers Lake, two GREAT EGRETS, two PRAIRIE FALCONS north of Sterling,
five
FORSTER’S TERNS at New John’s Lake, the earliest-ever NORTHERN SHRIKE for
the county, a SMITH’S LONGSPUR on a fenceline, and seasonal firsts
GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET, AMERICAN TREE SPARROW and RUSTY BLACKBIRD.  For
details on those sightings, contact Corey at tcellingson@juno.com

Jack Lefor discovered a SURF SCOTER on cell #4 at the Dickinson lagoons on
Oct. 2.  For details, contact him at jpl@ndsupernet.com

Jan Sailer recorded a lone CATTLE EGRET at Mirror Lake in Hettinger on Oct.
4.  Other sightings included a TOWNSEND’S SOLITAIRE, GREAT BLUE HERON,
GREATER YELLOWLEGS, LESSER YELLOWLEGS, several dowitchers, an immature
RED-TAILED HAWK and at least one BELTED KINGFISHER.  For more information,
contact Jan at jngsailer@yahoo.com

Sherry Leslie and Rexanne Bruno enjoyed a good day of birding on Oct. 3.
At Buffalo Lodge Lake near Granville in McHenry County, they saw 35
AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS, 579 CANADA GEESE, 25 CACKLING GEESE, nine GREATER
YELLOWLEGS, five GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE, 75 TUNDRA SWANS, five
BONAPARTE’S GULLS, RUDDY DUCKS, BUFFLEHEADS, AMERICAN WIGEON, AMERICAN
COOTS, DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS, REDHEADS, CANVASBACKS, MALLARDS,
RING-NECKED DUCKS, RED-NECKED GREBE, PIED-BILLED GREBE, WESTERN GREBE and
RING-BILLED GULLS.  Moving on to the Minot sewage lagoons, they found 10
KILLDEER, 202 AMERICAN AVOCETS, eight PECTORAL SANDPIPERS, SEMIPALMATED
SANDPIPER, three FRANKLIN’S GULLS, two HERRING GULLS, two BLACK-BELLIED
PLOVERS, a WESTERN GREBE, a PEREGRINE FALCON chasing a RED-TAILED HAWK,
SAVANNAH SPARROWS, VESPER SPARROWS, WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS, HARRIS’
SPARROWS and a WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW.  At Oak Park in Minot, the highlight
was a WINTER WREN.  Sherry reported a DARK-EYED JUNCO invasion and the
return of the AMERICAN GOLDFINCHES on Sept. 29-30.  Then, on Oct. 4, at
least 10 HARRIS’ SPARROWS, a WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW, AMERICAN TREE SPARROW,
eight WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS and a RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET at rural
Burlington.  Sherry says her Oct. 1 posting should have read 200 TUNDRA
SWANS and two TRUMPETER SWANS just north of Barton.  On Oct. 8, her
yardbirds included HARRIS’ SPARROW, TREE SPARROW, DARK-EYED JUNCO,
AMERICAN GOLDFINCH, PURPLE FINCH, WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW, WHITE-THROATED
SPARROW, BLUE JAY, NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWL, WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH, DOWNY
WOODPECKER, HAIRY WOODPECKER, AMERICAN ROBIN, PINE SISKIN, SONG SPARROW
and BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE.  For details on those sightings, contact
Sherry at sherry_leslie@excite.com

Keith Corliss has been driving a combine during the soybean harvest, and
recording some good sightings.  He saw a SHORT-EARED OWL just north of
Fargo’s Hector Airport on Oct. 3, and a SORA on Oct. 4.  Keith is at
kcorliss@forumcomm.com

Also from Fargo, Becky Oberlander had her first fall HARRIS’ SPARROWS
arrive at her feeders on Oct. 9.  Contact her at raoberlander@hotmail.com

Rick Holbrook had a nice collection of sparrows in his Fargo yard on Oct.
9.  The mix included a FOX SPARROW, HOUSE SPARROWS, WHITE-CROWNED
SPARROWS, AMERICAN TREE SPARROWS, WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS and HARRIS’
SPARROWS.  You can reach Rick at fholbrook@cableone.net

>From rural New Town, Bernice Houser saw a lot of WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS
and HARRIS’ SPARROWS on Oct. 5, along with several male PURPLE FINCHES, a
few COMMON GRACKLES, HAIRY WOODPECKERS, DOWNY WOODPECKERS, NORTHERN
FLICKER, PINE SISKINS, HOUSE FINCHES, AMERICAN GOLDFINCHES, DARK-EYED
JUNCOS and one WHITE-THROATED SPARROW.  On Oct. 3, a LINCOLN’S SPARROW
joined the WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS, WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS, HARRIS’
SPARROWS, CLAY-COLORED SPARROWS and DARK-EYED JUNCOS in her yard, about a
dozen PINE SISKINS were feeding with a few AMERICAN GOLDFINCHES, and the
highlight of the day was a late WESTERN MEADOWLARK.  For more information,
contact Bernice at sanishnd@hotmail.com

Dan Buchanan saw a flock of a dozen or more CEDAR WAXWINGS in trees behind
the Wells Fargo Bank in Jamestown on Oct. 6.  On the following day, he
observed RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH, two or three BELTED KINGFISHERS, four or
five AMERICAN CROWS, four or five DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS,
GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET, more than 20 RUBY-CROWNED KINGLETS, RING-BILLED
GULL, NORTHERN FLICKER, AMERICAN ROBIN and a probable juvenile
SHARP-SHINNED HAWK or COOPER’S HAWK at the base of Jamestown Dam.  Back in
his yard, Dan saw two RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES, plus BLUE JAYS, AMERICAN
ROBIN and a few YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS.  You can reach Dan at 252-6604.

Also from Jamestown, Carl Stangeland saw two FOX SPARROWS, two
GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS, a NASHVILLE WARBLER and numerous RUBY-CROWNED
KINGLETS, ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS and YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS on the White
Cloud nature trails.  Contact Carl at carlcs@daktel.com

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/10/2007 at 19:46 | Comments (0) | Permalink

losing habitat

North Dakota: Lost about 250,000 acres of CRP on Oct. 1; it could lose another 300,000 acres by 2010.

South Dakota: Lost about 300,000 acres Oct. 1; it could lose another 300,000 acres by 2010.

Iowa: Lost about 128,000 acres Oct. 1; it could lose another 256,000 acres by 2010.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/10/2007 at 18:35 | Comments (0) | Permalink

CRP-here today. gone tomorrow?

CRP: Here today, gone tomorrow

Hundreds of thousands of acres of Conservation Reserve Program land are being converted back to farmland to the detriment of wildlife habitat.

By Doug Smith, Star Tribune

Last update: October 10, 2007 – 12:17 AM

It's been called the most successful wildlife conservation program in history.

The federal Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) -- which pays landowners to idle marginal cropland -- has helped boost pheasant, waterfowl and other wildlife populations and is credited with helping clean the nation's waterways.

And now its future is in question.

Today, fueled by soaring crop prices and land values and demand for ethanol, hundreds of thousands of acres of grasslands once enrolled in the program in Minnesota, Iowa and North and South Dakota are being plowed under and converted back to cropland.

It's a dramatic and disconcerting change to the landscape unprecedented since CRP began in 1985. Contracts between landowners and the government on hundreds of thousands of acres expired Oct. 1, and contracts covering many more acres are set to expire between now and 2010.

Some examples:

Minnesota: Lost about 80,000 acres of CRP on Oct. 1, including about 40,000 acres in the state's pheasant range; it could lose an additional 270,000 acres by 2010.

North Dakota: Lost about 250,000 acres of CRP on Oct. 1; it could lose another 300,000 acres by 2010.

South Dakota: Lost about 300,000 acres Oct. 1; it could lose another 300,000 acres by 2010.

Iowa: Lost about 128,000 acres Oct. 1; it could lose another 256,000 acres by 2010.

"They are burning and plowing and haying [those grasslands] right now," said Kevin Kading of the North Dakota Game and Fish Department. "There's definitely a change coming."

Until now, about 36 million acres nationwide were enrolled in CRP under the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Ironically, the loss of thousands of acres of critical habitat comes on the eve of another pheasant hunting season in the Midwest buoyed by record or near-record numbers of ringnecks -- populations boosted by CRP acres.

The question, given the loss of habitat, is whether hunters will ever see such numbers again.

"We're telling people these are the good ol' days," Kading said. "Our pheasant numbers are going to drop off."

South Dakota, the nation's No. 1 pheasant state, also warned hunters of what could be coming.

"Our bird counts are at a 40-year high, and we're reaping the benefits of good habitat and favorable weather conditions," said Jeff Vonk, South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks secretary. "Losing habitat is going to have an impact. I'm seriously concerned."

In Minnesota, hunters are experiencing some of the best hunting in decades. They are expected to shoot a half-million ringnecks for the third consecutive year -- something they haven't done since the 1960s.

Mild weather has helped boost pheasant numbers.

"But it's not just a function of weather," said Kurt Haroldson, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources wildlife biologist. Grasslands are crucial for pheasant nesting. "The next Farm Bill will determine the future. If we put all the land in corn for ethanol, that will have serious consequences for pheasants."

Ducks also are at stake. One study from 1992-1997 showed that the CRP acreage in North and South Dakota added two million ducks to the fall flight those years.

Conservation groups such as Ducks Unlimited and Pheasants Forever are lobbing Congress to pass a farm bill with a strong conservation component -- one that would continue CRP and increase payments to make them more attractive to farmers.

"I believe every single landowner enrolled in CRP is interested in keeping it, and would if we could match the economic return they could get through farming the land," said Tabor Hoek of Marshall, conservationist with the Minnesota Board of Water & Soil Resources.

Currently, there is no general CRP signup scheduled for 2008 -- meaning without changes CRP acreage will continue to decline.

Some say the public, including hunters, seem to be unaware of what is occurring -- and what is at stake.

"Unfortunately, once it's too late, once the land is back into crop production, habitat is lost and water-quality benefits are lost, that's when it's finally going to sink in," Hoek said.

The federal Farm Bill holds the key.

"Ninety percent of the habitat and water-quality equation in Minnesota is the farm bill," he said. "No other factor is even remotely close."

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/10/2007 at 16:19 | Comments (0) | Permalink

big carp

29-pound carp pulled from Lake Pepin causes concern

An ecosystem-disrupting Asian fish has been found in southeastern Minnesota, well north of its normal U.S. range.

By Tim Harlow, Star Tribune

Last update: October 09, 2007 – 9:35 PM

A species of ecosystem-disrupting Asian carp has been found in Lake Pepin, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has confirmed.

Commercial fishermen reported that on Oct. 3 they caught a 29-pound bighead carp in the southeastern Minnesota lake, which consists of a miles-wide area of the Mississippi River near Frontenac, said Jay Rendall with the DNR's invasive species program.

Rendall said DNR officials learned of the sighting because the fishermen followed a state law that went into effect in August. Under that law, anglers who snag a bighead, silver or grass carp in Minnesota waters must report their catch to DNR officials.

The sighting is a bit unsettling because the voracious plankton-eating fish doesn't usually make it this far north, experts say. They are common in places such as Illinois, Missouri and Iowa and in the southern United States, but have not been spotted in Minnesota for nearly three years.

A bighead carp was spotted in Lake Pepin in 2004 and one was seen in the St. Croix River in 1996, the only two previous sightings in the state.

The bighead is a threat to native species such as paddlefish and sturgeon because "they have to eat continuously and can remove a food source" needed by other smaller fish, Rendell said. "Their presence can be an issue."

The bighead carp and other Asian species were introduced to U.S. waters nearly 30 years ago when they escaped from commercial fish farms in the South.

They've slowly migrated northward and have overtaken portions of the Illinois and Missouri rivers, but have not established a foothold in Minnesota -- yet.

The most recent sighting, DNR officials believe, is an isolated case of migrating this far north and not an indication that there is reproduction taking place in Minnesota waters. Still, Rendall said the DNR is trying to secure funding to build a barrier using electric currents, bio-acoustic sound and bubbles, and working on a prevention plan to keep invasive species out of the state.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/10/2007 at 12:08 | Comments (0) | Permalink

critical CRP

Here's a recent email from Ducks Unlimited. Conservation aspects of the upcoming Farm Bill are on the chopping block:

We’ve reached a critical junction in the Senate Farm Bill process and right now, given the budget situation and the way things are shaping up, conservation programs could be facing some significant shortfalls over the next 5-10 years.  DU has issued a TAKE ACTION in an effort to urge concerned sportsmen to contact their respective Senators and urge them to support increased funding for conservation programs in the Senate.  I’d urge all of you to make a call to each of your Senator’s and to pass this along to all of your colleagues and friends that have an interest in conservation.  Just click on this link to take action:   http://capwiz.com/ducks/utr/2/?a=10406091&i=82383737&c=

 

Simply type in your zip code and your Senators and their contact information will automatically pop up. The contact number will be their State office this entire week since these folks are home on recess.  Beginning on Monday, the contact number will change to their DC office as they transition back to work.  You will also notice that, initially, the website will only pull up the contact information for one of you Senator's.  You need to contact your first Senator, fill out the feedback and hit Submit and then the contact information for your next Senator is supposed to pop up.

 

Some short talking points are listed on the website but of course, you can always give them more of a piece of your mind if you choose.  At any rate, PLEASE take 5 minutes of your time and call each of your Senators.  The feedback is very important so please remember to fill this out also. 

 

We have some work to do with Senator Conrad in particular and hopefully all of the phone calls can help make a difference. 

 

Thanks,

Scott

 

 

Scott J. McLeod

Regional Biologist - Farm Bill Programs and ND

Ducks Unlimited, Inc.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/10/2007 at 10:21 | Comments (0) | Permalink

tuberculosis in MN

Bovine tuberculosis testing of wild deer during early anterless hunt in northwest Minnesota

An early anterless hunt, scheduled to occur October 13-14, 2007, will offer Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) biologists another opportunity to screen hunter-harvested deer for bovine tuberculosis (TB), a bacterial disease first discovered in cattle and wild deer in a localized area of northwestern Minnesota in 2005.

The discovery of bovine TB in cattle and wild deer resulted in the state losing its TB-free accreditation status, which has been costly to Minnesota's cattle industry. The Minnesota Board of Animal Health, DNR and United States Department of Agriculture have been working collaboratively to regain the state's TB-free status since the discovery of the disease.

To help reduce the local deer population and prevent potential spread of bovine TB in wild deer, the DNR has created a new deer hunting permit area, deer area 101, in which an antlerless hunt will occur on October 13 and 14. Deer harvested during this season are required to be registered within the new permit area. DNR staff will be collecting tissue samples from hunter-harvested deer to test for bovine TB at four deer registration stations: Skime Store, Grygla Hartz, Fourtown Store, and the Riverfront Station in Wannaska. Hunters are encouraged to register their antlerless deer at these stations to assist with this disease surveillance effort.

Hunters who submit a sample for bovine TB testing will be entered into a drawing to win a rifle that has been donated by the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association. To hunt the area, hunters must have a 2007 firearm license (valid for any zone) or muzzleloader license, and must tag deer with either disease management or early antlerless permits only.

Although Hayes Lake State Park will be open during the regular firearm season, it is closed for the early antlerless hunt.

Additionally, DNR staff will be collecting tissue samples at ten deer registration stations in northwestern Minnesota during the regular firearm season, with a sampling goal of 1,000 deer. Hunters are encouraged to properly dress and handle their wild game, and cook the venison to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, which will kill all bacterial diseases, including bovine TB and E. coli.

For more information about the DNR management of bovine TB in wild deer, visit the DNR Web site at www.dnr.state.mn.us or contact Michelle Carstensen, Wildlife Health Program Coordinator, at (651) 296-2663.

The DNR also wants to remind hunters that they now have an opportunity to participate in a new venison donation program. The program, which provides venison to Minnesota food shelves and feeding programs, was developed to provide hunters an avenue to donate, at no cost to them, the extra deer they harvest, while benefiting those in need. For more information on the venison donation program or for a copy of the 2007 Minnesota Hunting and Trapping Regulations Handbook, please visit the DNR Web site at www.dnr.state.mn.us or call the DNR information center toll free at 888-646-6367.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/10/2007 at 9:58 | Comments (0) | Permalink

tree stand safety

To often in all facets of life, safety is down the list of priorities. With that here's a good reminder on tree stand safety with archery hunting from Craig at the Outdoor U

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/10/2007 at 7:25 | Comments (0) | Permalink

politics vs science

The Dissolution of Sound Wildlife Management: When Politics Trumps Science
-- by New Jersey Senator Robert E. Littell

The historian and novelist Henry Adams once wrote that "practical politics consists of ignoring facts." Well, given the recent state court decision upholding the Department of Environmental Protection's policy to prevent a bear hunt no matter what the circumstances, Mr. Adams would be pleased to know that politics in New Jersey has gotten very practical indeed.

The State's black bear population has increased substantially in recent years, and along with this comes an increased incidence of bear/human encounters. Public safety requires that the State needs, now more than ever, a black bear management policy that effectively manages this problem. Unfortunately, due to the Corzine Administration's overarching aim to prohibit any black bear hunt and instead rely exclusively on non-lethal control measures, New Jersey's bear management policies are in utter disarray.

In order for the bear management policy to, in fact, be comprehensive, the DEP must consider and implement all black bear management options that are cost effective and safe. DEP admits that in their Comprehensive Black Bear Management Policy draft, that "hunting is a safe, legal, responsible use of the wildlife resource and a legitimate and effective means to control an over-abundant game species in a cost-effective manner." Yet, despite this assessment, the DEP contends that a bear hunt should not be implemented. Any black bear management policy that does not implement the full range of safe and effective control measures, including hunting, cannot be really called "comprehensive." Our neighboring states of New York and Pennsylvania recognize these facts, yet New Jersey is permitting politics to trump science.

The State Fish and Game Council had proposed black bear hunts in 2008 and 2009 if bear/human interactions did not decrease by one-third in each of the next two years. Rather than implement this existing cost-effective and legitimate means to control bear populations, the DEP is spending an extra $850,000 to assist in implementing non-lethal black bear management policies. Although non-lethal black bear management policies should have a role in any comprehensive management policy, they should not be exclusive. To control the bear population, and thereby reduce the potential threat to public safety and private property, I support the Fish and Game Council's recommendation of a hunt. Unfortunately, the DEP has done everything in its power to block a hunt, and in the process has run down the good work of the people who serve on the Fish and Game Council.

Worse still, the recent court decision will likely embolden Governor Corzine and his allies in the Legislature to move forward with legislation to remove all the sportsmen and farmers from the Fish and Game Council, replacing them with anti-hunting activists. The Corzine Administration, the DEP Commissioner and certain Democrat legislators do not like how the bear problem is being handled by people with actual experience in dealing with wildlife management. Their answer is to replace them with a council composed of rubber stamp, anti-hunting allies who will implement policies based upon pressure group politics, and not science.

Armed with this most recent court decision, and a prior ruling by the New Jersey Supreme Court essentially giving the DEP veto power over Fish and Game Council actions, the legislation to change the Council's membership will give anti-hunting activists the tools they need to not only prohibit bear hunting, but to radically curtail or even ban hunting for other game animals. Maybe banning hunting makes sense to people who live outside of rural areas, but the farmers who lose crops and the people who cannot walk their dog or let their children stray too far from their homes in our area know just how foolish this mindset is.

New Jersey has a proud sporting heritage of which hunting is an important component as it is integral in helping to manage the state's wildlife. It is because of the able stewardship of the Fish and Game Council, which has judiciously set wildlife policies in the State for over a half century, that wildlife has thrived in New Jersey. The bottom line is wildlife management decisions should continue to reside in their hands and not be administered by the politicians.

The bear issue is more than a vigorous disagreement over policy - it represents the failure of the state government in Trenton to respect the safety and property of people who live in the counties of northwestern New Jersey. Human interactions with bears will continue to increase, thanks largely to the stubborn refusal of the DEP Commissioner and the Governor to recognize what is happening in our local communities. They are selecting party politics over public safety, and that is a dangerous choice. I fear that the people of northwestern New Jersey will see a tragedy before their poor judgment is finally exposed.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/10/2007 at 5:20 | Comments (0) | Permalink

selling snakes

William Gornto, 47, of Phenix City, Alabama was arrested in Lee County by Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division conservation enforcement officers on 57 counts of possession of non-indigenous (non-native) venomous reptiles. The arrest was made on Oct. 3, 2007 after officers obtained a search warrant for Gornto's premises.

Tips from concerned citizens led to the discovery and arrest of Gornto who was illegally selling the snakes on the Internet. ADCNR regulations make it illegal to sell, offer for sale or to possess non-indigenous venomous reptiles without a permit. If convicted, Gornto faces a maximum fine of $500 per count and six months in jail.

The non-indigenous venomous reptiles confiscated included 35 Western Diamondback, 19 Prairie and three Black Tail rattlesnakes.

"If these non-indigenous highly poisonous snakes had escaped and began to breed, it could pose a serious threat to native wildlife," said ADCNR Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division Enforcement Chief Allan Andress. "More importantly, these types of snakes pose a severe threat to people, especially in populated areas." Currently the confiscated snakes are safely contained at an undisclosed location

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/10/2007 at 4:18 | Comments (0) | Permalink

Nick Simonson, Bevis and fishing

While visiting a buddy from law school, I saw a package sitting in his “in” box in the office.  I inquired about it's contents and he replied that he was nervous to open it, as even he didn't know.   I assured him that it couldn't be that bad, and handed him my pocket knife, and he began to pry open the end that read, in bold letters, DO NOT USE KNIFE TO OPEN.

Out slid three DVDs: the first few volumes of Beavis and Butthead’s Greatest Hits.  I watched the gears turn behind his eyes and the story fell from his mouth like paper from a mystery author’s typewriter.  He recalled coming home from the bar nearly two months ago and waking up the next morning to find his wallet on the floor, his credit card in between the couch cushions, and the phone beeping next to his face.  He had become just another victim of late-night infomercials.  We had a good time catching up on one of the best cartoons of junior high, but he lamented spending $32.95 on the whole deal. 

A similar snare awaits many anglers in the late night hours on cable channels geared toward outdoorsmen.  Or perhaps the trap is set during some rainy afternoon, when hunting and fishing conditions are not fit for the craziest of woodsmen.  There will come a time where some unwary consumer will fall victim to the dreaded gimmick lure infomercial.

Gimmick lures aren’t anything new, in fact, probably every lure was thought of as a gimmick lure in the first few years it was marketed to the hook-and-bobber crowd.  But now more than ever, gimmick lures are so dubbed due to their appearance on infomercials.  None of these 30-minute plugs for fishermen is more memorable to me than Alex Langer’s “Flying Lure.”

The Flying Lure was guaranteed to catch every species of fish, from speckled perch to saltwater sharks, and this commercial had the video to prove it.  A modified insert jig head allowed a flattened tube to slowly glide horizontally in the water.  This lure was said to be able to maneuver its way under docks, lily pads, overhanging trees, and other obstructions that hold fish.  It could not only catch bass, but it was also deadly on pike, walleye, panfish and trout.  A couple of legs were added after the first production run to make the Flying Frog.  Together these lures promised more reaction strikes in hard to reach areas than any other lure available. 

I was enamored with the Saturday morning infomercial and begged my parents to get me a set of these magic lures.  The answer was always “no.” So, where does one go when mom and dad don’t agree with a 12-year-old mindset?  Why grandma and grandpa of course.  It just so happened that my grandparents were heading down to Minneapolis to the Mall of America.  It was all too perfect. 

To make a long story short, they picked me up a box of the Flying Lures and I began casting and casting and casting on the river, trying to make the thing catch fish - so much for guarantees.  After a week or so, the lure kit had earned itself a spot at the bottom of my small tacklebox. Thinking back now, knowing what I know about bass and where they live, I could have done just as good – if not better than – those folks on TV.  But, this one quick “hand on the burner” incident steered me clear of gimmick lures.  Or did it?

Fast forward to 1998; it was my big summer of fishing, every day after work, every weekend, any time I could be there, I was on the shore under Baldhill Dam catching white bass, walleye and crappie.  Visions of after-work angling danced in my head at lunchtime, while nearly every noon hour the Banjo Minnow infomercial danced its way across Midwest Sports Channel’s programming.   

This life-like baitfish imitator promised something irresistible to fish: the perfect replication of a dying minnow.  Twitched fast or slow, the lure guaranteed strikes from all varieties of fish both aggressive and finicky.  One day at noon, excited by the promises of more fish (if that was possible, as I had several dozen 100-fish outings that summer under the dam) on the line, I called the number on the screen. 

The operator set me up with my order and in her sweet southern accent she stated “we will also be giving you 30 days of free credit card protection with this order.” Like a bell on a catfish rod, the alarm went off in my head.  I was confused and nervous, but still craving those oh-so-realistic lures.  Whatever this catch was going to be, it certainly wasn’t fish.  She explained that for $89.99 per year, billed in installments every four months, the card I used to order these lures would be protected for up to $100,000 in fraud and I would get free roadside assistance wherever I needed it and discounts at many major restaurants. 

I responded with “cancel my order, and have a nice day…Jezebel,” as I slammed the phone down, making sure the sweet-as-sugar siren didn’t hear the end of my comment.  That was all the closer those Banjo Minnows and their super-polymer bodies and guaranteed fish-triggering action came to the end of my line.  I went out to the river that night and landed four-dozen white bass and wondered if the Banjo Minnow could have done any better.

Since then, I’ve seen my share of gimmick lures: the Walking Worm, the Helicopter Lure, and Blinky the Blinking Crankbait, just to name a few.  Some are more expensive than others, some are out of production and only found on eBay (unopened…I wonder why?) and others are now hitting the mainstream in sample packages available at big-market tackleshops. I am certain that in the right place at the right time, any one of these lures can catch fish, but I seriously doubt that this is the true motive of the companies plugging these baits. 

In the end, these lures with their well-packaged delivery are nothing more than gimmicks designed to hook anglers looking for that magic lure and a guaranteed catch.  But as I have found out through my own trial and error, when it comes to fishing there are no magic lures, and there are no guarantees…in our outdoors.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/09/2007 at 21:39 | Comments (0) | Permalink

SD guide and outfitter busted

Selby man pleads guilty to illegal hunting

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) The owner of a big-game and pheasant-hunting business near Akaska has admitted booking illegal deer hunts in central South Dakota and faces up to 5 years in prison.

Fifty-three-year-old Brad Schilling of Selby pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of conspiracy to violate the Lacey Act and is scheduled for sentencing in January.

Schilling's business goes by the names of Schilling Outdoor Adventures and Antler Ridge Lodge.

According to court documents, he booked big game and deer hunts for more than $350 each, then worked with others to arrange the illegal shooting of deer by out-of-state residents.

Schilling's sons, Chad Schilling and Jestin Schilling, were also charged in the eight-count indictment.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/09/2007 at 16:01 | Comments (0) | Permalink

MN getting serious about wetlands

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources crews soon will be out in helicopters and airplanes looking for landowners illegally altering wetlands.

The crackdown, called Bird's Eye View II, targets 25 counties, including the prairie pothole region of west-central Minnesota, a breeding ground for migratory birds, said DNR enforcement officer Lt. Marty Book, who is leading the effort.

It follows DNR's first aerial enforcement effort, which last year uncovered more than 170 cases of illegal dredging or filling or other wetland destruction on private property.

Book said surveillance will begin in the metro area, using helicopters, and continue in north- and west-central Minnesota using airplanes.

Under state law, landowners who alter wetlands without a permit or don't qualify for an exception to state rules can be ordered to restore marshes at their own expense. Landowners also face criminal and administrative penalties.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/09/2007 at 12:28 | Comments (0) | Permalink

packing out a record moose

Only an hour into a five-day moose hunt in the northern Minnesota wilderness, Jack Weix came face to face with a giant bull moose.

And possibly a little bit of Minnesota history.

Weix, 38, of St. Paul, bagged the moose Sept. 29 -- his first ever -- then found out later that it might be a record-breaker. The animal weighed an estimated 1,200 pounds and its antlers measured an astounding 5 feet from tip to tip.

The rack scored 236½ inches under the Boone and Crockett measuring system. The existing state record is 227 1/8 inches, set in 1985. However, Weix's moose rack still must dry to get an official score.

Record or no record, Weix doesn't care.

"It was the trip of a lifetime," he said.

And that's no exaggeration. In Minnesota, hunters apply for a very limited number of moose licenses, and if selected, get only one license in a lifetime. Only 233 hunting parties were drawn in the license lottery this year.

Weix and partner Pat Flynn of St. Paul, his brother-in-law, were paddling a small stream near Moose Camp Lake in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness north of Ely when they rounded a bend and surprised the moose, only 25 yards away.

"It was amazing. I wasn't sure if he was going to charge us or bolt," said Weix, who was in the bow of the canoe with his .338 caliber rifle while Flynn steadied the canoe in the stern.

"It was about 45 seconds of me staring at the moose and the moose staring at me," he said. "I wasn't nervous."

Weix finally fired twice, dropping the big animal.

"We went up to it and said, 'Oh-oh, this is huge.' I was shaking," he said.

But shooting it was the easy part.

He, Flynn and two other non-hunting partners who were along on what was supposed to be a five-day trip, Eric Johnson of St. Paul, another brother-in-law, and Johnson's nephew, Scott Rosario of West St. Paul, field dressed the moose. They then loaded the meat in one canoe and put all their gear -- including the five days' worth of food they had brought -- and the moose head and huge rack in the other.

"The canoes were almost ready to sink," he said. "We paddled really carefully." They camped one night because of high wind, then lugged the moose meat, moose head and gear over several portages the next day to get out of the woods.

"It was the hardest day of my life," Weix said. "It took all four of us just to carry the head across."

Doug Smith • dsmith@startribune.com

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/09/2007 at 9:47 | Comments (0) | Permalink

record Minnesota moose!?

a possible record moose in Minnesota....and when you mention records....interest jumps



From left, Jack Weix, Scott Rosario, Pat Flynn and Eric Johnson hold up the antlers of a moose killed Sept. 29, 2007, near Moose Camp Lake, off the Echo Trail, in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in Northeastern Minnesota.

St. Paul hunters bag what could be a record moose

By Doug Smith, Star Tribune

Last update: October 08, 2007 – 3:13 PM

Just an hour into a five-day moose hunt in the northern Minnesota wilderness, Jack Weix came face-to-face with a giant bull moose. And a little bit of Minnesota history.

Weix, 38, of St. Paul, bagged the moose Sept. 29 — his first ever — then found out later that it might be a record-breaker. The animal, which weighed an estimated 1,200 pounds, had antlers that measured 5 feet from tip to tip.

The rack scored 236½ inches under the Boone and Crockett measuring system, easily besting the state record, 227 1/8 inches, set in 1985. Weix’s moose rack still must dry to get an official score, and it likely will be somewhat smaller, but probably will be a new state record.

Record or no record, Weix doesn’t care. “It was the trip of a lifetime,’’ he said.

And that’s no exaggeration. In Minnesota, hunters apply for a very limited number of moose licenses, and if selected, get only one license in a lifetime.

Weix and partner Pat Flynn, of St. Paul, his brother-in-law, were paddling a small stream near Moose Camp Lake in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness north of Ely when they rounded a bend and surprised the moose, just 25 yards away.

“It was amazing. I wasn’t sure if he was going to charge us or bolt,’’ said Weix, who was in the bow of the canoe with his .338 caliber rifle while Flynn paddled in the stern.

“It was about 45 seconds of me staring at the moose and the moose staring at me,’’ he said. “I wasn’t nervous.’’ Weix finally fired twice, dropping the big animal.

“We went up to it and said, 'Oh-oh, this is huge.’ I was shaking,’’ he said. But shooting it was the easy part.

He, Flynn and two other non-hunting partners who were along on what was supposed to be a five-day trip, Eric Johnson of St. Paul, another brother-in-law, and Johnson’s nephew, Scott Rosario, of West St. Paul, field dressed the moose. They then loaded the meat in one canoe and put all their gear and the moose head and huge rack in the other.

“The canoes were almost ready to sink,’’ he said. “We paddled really carefully.’’

They had to lug the moose meat and gear over several portages the

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/09/2007 at 6:15 | Comments (0) | Permalink

recap of first week of MN hunting

A typical rundown of most hunting seasons, some good, some not so good. I find it interesting within this story, that MN will sell 100k duck licenses. You'd think with their state population it would be double that. ND will sell...just a hunch...not looking at numbers...around 45k total waterfowl hunting license.

Here's the recap of the first week of MN waterfowl hunting

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/08/2007 at 12:37 | Comments (0) | Permalink

CRP numbers

CRP payouts total $1.8 billion for fiscal '08The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced this past week it will distribute about $1.8 billion in Conservation Reserve Program payments to participants across the country for fiscal year 2008.

The payouts cover conservation projects completed or already in place during the 2007 fiscal year.

CRP enrollment nationwide stands at 36.8 million acres, making the program the largest public-private partnership for conservation and wildlife habitat in the U.S. A table showing statewide breakdowns on acreage enrollments, number of contracts, number of farms, acres enrolled and the projected amount of upcoming CRP rental payment is available online at www.fsa.usda.gov/Internet/FSA_File/crptable07.pdf. - USDA

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/08/2007 at 11:32 | Comments (0) | Permalink

weekend recap

Saturday marked three weeks in a row where the temps were well into the 80s. Infact in think all three of the first duck weekends were plus 85. Unbelievable. My thoughts, are maybe next time...go fish? I dunno. Duck hunting can be 4-8 weeks long really, so weather dependent, that you almost have to go out duck hunting.

Here's what I've seen coming--

keep in mind we open duck season about 2-3 weeks earlier than we did ten years ago, so maybe the weather hasnt changed as much as the season dates? But regardless of the weather, we've seen resident teal move out. Don't get me wrong, there's still blue wing teal around, but some local birds have moved out. And to make matters worse, there's not been an influx of birds to back fill. Could be a lag? Or maybe not. That's the neat thing...we just dont' know what tomorrow may bring

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/08/2007 at 8:17 | Comments (0) | Permalink

Monday morning outdoors

I'll kick of the week of pheasant opener with a visit to The Valley Today.



Andrea Larson is a great advocate for the outdoors. Proof positive that you don't have to hunt or fish to understand and appreciate the impact outdoor recreation has across the Midwest.

We'll run down the latest updates at 6:40 AM as we close in on the ND pheasant season opener on Oct 13.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/08/2007 at 4:34 | Comments (0) | Permalink

Kraut Day

I'm proud to say my 5 year old son and 3 year old daughter LOVE saur kraut pizza...so in coming years, we'll have to make this event in Wishek....just because:

Sauerkraut Day set for 82nd year

Wishek merchants invite everyone to join the excitement on Oct. 10, when they host the 82nd-annual Sauerkraut Day celebration.

The traditional free meal of sauerkraut, wieners, mashed potatoes, "speck," cheese, buns, coffee and pop will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Wishek Civic Center.

Cleo Boschee, Rod Burgad and Sonya Schumacher will emcee the festivities, which include an afternoon entertainment program, as local businesses again present Sauerkraut Day as a thank-you to area customers and patrons for their continuing support.

In addition to the food and fun at the Civic Center, other special activities include a large craft show and flea market from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the National Guard Armory.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/08/2007 at 2:21 | Comments (0) | Permalink

Cooperstown, ND coffee

Last night after the kids were tucked in around 8:30 the doorbell rang. Low and behold it was Randy Vigessa from Dirt Road roasting in Cooperstown. He was hand delivering my order of Cowboy Coffee. Normally a doorbell ring after the kids are in bed might rattle me.

But this was just what the doctor ordered. Now I could wake up with the best coffee I've ever found. It definetly puts Starbucks to shame. Randy was returning from his son's NDSCS football game...a heart breaking loss to Dupage and took a detour on his way back to Griggs County to drop off 2#s of the good stuff.

I've only met Randy one other time, so it's not like he's a relative or close personal friend. But he makes excellent coffee and his late night delivery proves he's willing to do whatever it takes to get his coffee into the hands of customers.

If you've never tried it you can order some over the Web, here's a plug and link to the website.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/07/2007 at 22:42 | Comments (0) | Permalink

Grand Forks area outdoors calendar

-- Oct. 15 Coon n' Crockett Muzzleloaders, 7 p.m., Cabela's, East Grand Forks. Info: Bill, (701) 594-5356.

-- Oct. 28 North Dakota and Minnesota Permit to Carry class, noon, Streiff Sporting Goods west of Warroad, Minn. To sign up, call (218) 386-2590. Permits are good for five years, so carry holders who took their training in 2003 should check the expiration date and start thinking about renewal classes.

EVENTS

-- TodayFall color bike tour, 1:30 to 3 p.m., Itasca State Park, Minn. Meet at Itasca's Bike and Boat Rental.

-- Thursday-FridayGreenway trails tour for seniors, 1 to 3 p.m. Meet at Lincoln Park Golf Course clubhouse, located on Belmont Road and Elks Drive. Seniors can take a cart ride with the Grand Forks Park District, and coffee will be served throughout the afternoon. Dress appropriately for the weather, free and open to the public. Info: Lynne Roche, (701) 746-2750.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/07/2007 at 18:31 | Comments (0) | Permalink

looking to the future

HEADLINES FROM THE YEAR: 2029  Ozone created by electric cars now killing millions in the seventh largest>>country in the world, Mexifornia, formerly known as California . White
minorities still trying to have English recognized as Mexifornia's third
language.

Spotted Owl plague threatens northwestern United States crops and
livestock.

Baby conceived naturally. Scientists stumped.
>>
>>Couple petitions court to reinstate heterosexual marriage.
>>
>>Iran still closed off; physicists estimate it will take at least 10 more
>>years before radioactivity decreases to safe levels.
>>
>>France pleads for global help after being taken over by Jamaica
>>
>>Castro finally dies at age 112; Cuban cigars can now be imported legally,
>>but President Chelsea Clinton has banned all smoking.
>>
>>George Z. Bush says he will run for President in 2036.
>>
>>Postal Service raises price of first class stamp to $17.89 and reduces
>>mail
>>delivery to Wednesdays only.
>>
>>85-year $75.8 billion study: Diet and Exercise is the key to weight loss.
>>
>>Average weight of Americans drops to 250 lbs.
>>
>>Japanese scientists have created a camera with such a fast shutter speed,
>>they now can photograph a woman with her mouth shut.
>>
>>Massachusetts executes last remaining conservative.
>>
>>Supreme Court rules punishment of criminals, violates their civil rights.
>>
>>Average height of NBA players is now nine feet, seven inches.
>>
>>New federal law requires that all nail clippers, screwdrivers, fly
>>swatters
>>and rolled-up newspapers must be registered by January 2036.
>>
>>Congress authorizes direct deposit of formerly illegal political
>>contributions to campaign accounts.
>>
>>IRS sets lowest tax rate at 75 percent.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/07/2007 at 15:25 | Comments (0) | Permalink

dedicated funding in Minnesota

Late last week I visited over the phone with Gary Leaf from Bloomington, full aware I work for ND Game and Fish, live in West Fargo...he's working for the cause of dedicated funding in MN.

It's one area I applaud Gary Leaf and the Sportsmen for the Outdoors Amendment group. They are working for the good of the cause. And I'll do what I can to help educate and inform. What's good for the goose in MN is also good for the goose in ND and so on and so on and such.
Here's a link to Gary's website

Brad Dokken's story is right on this click.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/07/2007 at 13:37 | Comments (0) | Permalink

Brad Dokken's October thoughts

Reading through Brad Dokken's column this morning I find myself nodding my head at many of his observations, most notably his similar pact that he will not knowingly wasted anytime 'watching' Minnesota Viking football. Three cheers as about 5 years ago, I did the same. On the radio..fine...but plopped down in front of the couch is a waste of potential outdoor activity.

He's got several other very good points, read the full column right here.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/07/2007 at 9:28 | Comments (0) | Permalink

unprecedented

Honestly in my 25 years of duck hunting...i cant' say I EVER remember the first three Saturday's all reaching 85 degree where I lived. Not that I don't enjoy the weather...we'll have more than enough cold day's, with snow and clouds. But it has been very peculiar.

I'll blog more of my weather thoughts soon, as this unseasonably warm weather could set duck hunters up for a bust this year....stay tuned.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/07/2007 at 5:21 | Comments (0) | Permalink

Dennis Anderson and duck limits

Dennis Anderson from the Star-Tribune in Minneapolis took a shot at the MN DNR for allowing 6 ducks in the bag. To his credit the column also targets wetland drainage, habitat loss and other waterfowl limiting factors. Which basically negates his complaint against the DNR.

I don't get it. The fundamental principal of wildlife management in controlled hunting via limits should not be the limiting factor of the population. Why take the MN DNR to task? Hunters don't have to drive 75 mph on the interstate, they don't have to clean their plate at lunch, there's nothing saying they must take that third shot.

If you want to shoot 6 ducks...go ahead and do it. Those drained wetlands over the hill have more to do about a struggling duck population than your 6th duck will.

You can read his column right here

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/07/2007 at 3:16 | Comments (0) | Permalink

duck hunting reminders

Duck Hunters Urged to Wear Life Jackets, Keep Boats Clean

Duck hunters hunting from a boat this fall are urged to wear a life jacket and to take a few extra minutes to make sure equipment is clean.

Capsizing and falling overboard from small boats are the most common types of fatal boating accidents for hunters, said Nancy Boldt, boat and water safety coordinator for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.

“This is directly related to the lack of stability of small boats,” Boldt said. “It is important to not overload a small boat, and to make sure it is properly balanced before getting on the water.”

Trouble generally starts before the boat even leaves the shore, Boldt said, because of too many people and too much equipment in the boat. “Some hunters push the limit by having other hunters on board, and by piling in decoys, ammunition, guns and dogs,” she added. “This is a formula for disaster. The boat can easily become unbalanced.”

Wearing a life jacket not only keeps you afloat, but it allows a hunter to deal with life threatening loss of body heat caused by cold-water exposure. “And I don’t like to hear that duck hunters don’t like to wear a life jacket because they are uncomfortable and too bulky,” Boldt said. “Hunting jackets can now be bought with the life jacket as part of it, and many will only inflate if they are submerged in water. There is no excuse to not wear one.”

Duck hunters are also reminded to help prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance species within or into North Dakota. Hunters are urged to clean duck boats, waders and other hunting equipment before leaving wetlands. Some simple guidelines to follow include: use terrestrial plants if possible, not exotic plants, when camouflaging a boat; and remove all aquatic plant materials from the boat, motor and trailer.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/06/2007 at 22:11 | Comments (0) | Permalink

killer of Hmong found guilty

A guilty verdict provided little solace for the family of a Hmong hunter killed by a white former sawmill worker when they crossed paths while hunting squirrels in northern Wisconsin woods earlier this year.

Relatives of Cha Vang said they were angered and disappointed the all-white jury found 29-year-old James Nichols guilty of second-degree intentional homicide Friday instead of the first-degree charge he originally faced, reducing the possible penalty from life in prison to 60 years.

"In my native country, if you are guilty you are guilty. There is no first- or second-degree," said Yee Vang, the victim's older brother, through an interpreter.

Leaders of several Hmong groups expressed similar sentiments at the outcome of a case that has rekindled racial tensions in northern Wisconsin, where a Hmong deer hunter fatally shot six white hunters three years ago.

"The message sent to the Hmong community is that someone can shoot a Hmong hunter and not get the maximum sentence," said Tou Ger Xiong, spokesman for the Coalition for Community Relations in St. Paul, Minn. "What we found today was more division and broken bridges between our communities."

Vang, 30, of Green Bay, was born in Laos, fled to a refugee camp in Thailand and then immigrated to the U.S. with his family in 2004, his older brother Yee Vang said. Several hundred thousand Hmong fled Laos for the United States after the communists seized control in 1975. Many settled in Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Nichols, a former sawmill worker from Peshtigo, claimed he acted in self-defense when he shot and stabbed Cha Vang during a confrontation last Jan. 5 in the Peshtigo Wildlife Area.

But prosecutor Roy Korte said in closing arguments that Nichols took advantage of the isolation in the woods to act on an "ugly trait" of prejudice against the Hmong.

Nichols also was convicted on charges of hiding a corpse and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

The jury foreman said it reached agreement on the second-degree charge after realizing it could not do so on a first-degree charge. Gerald Heroux, 63, of Pound, said the jury still had to vote three or four times on the lesser charge before finding Nichols guilty on that charge.

A second-degree intentional homicide conviction allowed consideration of mitigating factors.

Heroux said the jury tried to discuss every aspect of the case, and he believes it reached the only decision it was capable of reaching.

Korte, an assistant attorney general for the state, hugged some of the victim's relatives immediately after the verdict. "Mr. Nichols is being held responsible for the murder of Cha Vang whether it's first- or second-degee intentional homicide," he said.

The victim's widow, Pang Vue, collapsed just outside the courtroom after the verdict and was carried away, moaning, by a sheriff's deputy. A family member said later that she fainted and was taken to a hospital but was expected to be OK.

Nichols appeared to fight back tears as he left the courtroom with his arms folded against his chest. "Mr. Nichols took the verdict very hard," defense lawyer Kent Hoffmann said. "We believe this was a case of self-defense."

Circuit Judge David Miron said a sentencing date would be set next week. He ordered Nichols taken to prison because he also faces five years for violating probation on a previous burglary charge.

During the four-day trial, prosecutors portrayed Nichols as prejudiced and a liar. They introduced two taped confessions and witness testimony to show how he had changed his story.

Nichols was arrested after he sought treatment at a hospital for gunshot wounds to both of his hands, about the same time Vang's hunting companions reported him missing. Nichols initially said an unknown gunman shot him miles from the wildlife area.

But he changed his story after a deputy asked why he did not call police, and he helped with the search for the body, leading investigators to the area where a search dog found it the next day, under a log and covered by leaves.

In his account, Nichols said he spotted Vang about 90 feet away while stalking a squirrel. He said Vang shot him in the hand with a .22-caliber rifle after he told Vang he was interfering with his hunt.

Nichols said he ducked behind a tree and took a "wild shot" at Vang with a shotgun. Vang then shot him again before Nichols rushed him, took away his gun and stabbed him twice in the neck with a pocketknife, he said.

But several witnesses disputed elements of his story; even a firearms expert called by the defense Friday said Vang appeared to have fired only once.

Nichols told investigators that he panicked after being shot, but Korte said recordings and witness accounts showed a different emotion.

"He never expresses any fear of Hmong, just anger, just hate," he said

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/06/2007 at 19:30 | Comments (0) | Permalink

Williston update

This weekend is an opportunity for us as parents to show our kids how much fun hunting can be. North Dakota youth pheasant season opens Saturday for a two day event that should be packed with fun! A super time to spend with your family and don’t forget about the neighbor kids that don’t have a father handy. Safety first, a great lunch and the hunt will be as good as a pheasant hunt can be. If you don’t have an adult to go with call anyone who loves working their hunting dog and you may have a partner for life. This season is also a great time to get that hunting dog tuned up and educate a few of those roosters as to what is going to be happening next weekend.

The real tough fishermen are going to also be busy this Saturday when they brave the elements during the Outlaw Derby. A full roster of fifty teams will be thundering through the fog or maybe snow to find the walleye that have been quite elusive during the pre-fishing. Most of the reports we have heard have been small walleye and sauger and lots of shiners and catfish. Someone will find the walleyes as we have had a few good reports mixed in and some awesome fishermen heading that way. If you are not planning on braving the cold for this fishing adventure then maybe by about four or five Saturday afternoon it may be fun to go watch weigh-in. That is one time that a fisherman just can’t lie, other than talking about the one that got away!

A few more successful bowhunters have been coming by the store and we will try to have our website up to date with pictures. I also hope to have photos printed at the store for those who do not have computer access. It has been a good year but promises to get better for deer hunters as the weather cools off. This is going to be a fabulous year for hunters so don’t forget to take the time! When you are in the field make sure you are the kind of sportsman we can all be proud of. There has been a lot of litter out their and nothing makes us look worse to a landowner than shell boxes and garbage left behind. When you clean your birds drop the remains off in the garbage marked for that at Scenic Sports or dispose of properly. No one wants to see your dead birds laying on the edge of the road where they will be found by an anti-hunter much quicker than a hungry skunk. Have a great time and don’t forget to stop by for a picture.

If you have information you would like to share please email it to andy@scenicsports.com

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/06/2007 at 17:53 | Comments (0) | Permalink

restricting hunting in Illinois

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Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/06/2007 at 15:51 | Comments (0) | Permalink

only from the Humane Society

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/06/2007 at 11:31 | Comments (0) | Permalink

for the young pheasant hunters

North Dakota’s two-day youth pheasant season is Oct. 6-7. Legally licensed residents and nonresidents ages 15 and younger may hunt roosters statewide.

Lawmakers in 2007 allowed the Game and Fish Department to establish a pheasant hunting season for youth. The age requirement of 15 and younger was established to remain consistent with other youth hunting seasons.

Shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to sunset. The daily bag limit, licensing requirements, and all other regulations for the regular pheasant season apply. Youth ages 12 and older need to have passed a certified hunter education course.

An adult at least 18 years of age must accompany the youth hunter in the field. The adult may not carry a firearm nor hunt any wildlife species.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/06/2007 at 3:03 | Comments (0) | Permalink

NRA update from MN

MINNESOTA:  The Republican National Lawyers Association, the William Mitchell Democrats, and the Federalist Society will hold "A Community Forum on Gun Rights: an Open Discussion on Minnesota's Conceal & Carry Law" on October 15, from 6:00-8:00 p.m.  This debate will be held at the William Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul Minnesota.  The forum will involve Professor Joseph Olson of Hamline University, attorney David Lillehaug, Mr. John Caile, Mr. John Monson, and former state senator Wes Skoglund having a fair and open discussion regarding Minnesota's concealed carry law.  The moderator will be William Mitchell Professor, Mike Steenson.  An informal reception will follow in the Auditorium.  For more information, please contact Lars Loberg by phone at (651) 216-3886, or by email at lars.loberg@wmitchell.edu.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/05/2007 at 22:35 | Comments (0) | Permalink

this weeks migratin update in ND

WATERFOWL MIGRATION SLOW; SCOUTING NEEDED, SAYS USFWS

Waterfowl hunters waiting for large numbers of ducks and geese to arrive in
North Dakota from Canada will have to be patient. According to the weekly
report from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, there has been very little
migration.

Despite good wetland conditions and plentiful waterfowl in the southeast,
hunters have had to work hard for birds. Tewaukon National Wildlife Refuge
is holding only about 1,000 Canada geese. Biologist Kristine Askerooth
says the continuing warm weather is keeping many teal in the area, with
some green-wings showing up in bags. She adds that the area’s corn harvest
hasn’t gotten much of a start, so there are no field feeding flocks of
birds yet.

Some smaller wetlands in northeastern North Dakota are drying up, but the
larger wetlands still have water. Refuge manager Brian Vose of the Devils
Lake Wetland Management District says a few small flocks of lesser Canada
geese have arrived in the area, but he hasn’t seen any snow geese or tundra
swans yet. He reports hunting pressure seems to be down slightly from last
year.

Water conditions remain above average in the Valley City area, but no
waterfowl migration has been observed. Wetland manager Ed Meendering of
the Valley City Wetland Management District says ducks are scattered
throughout the area, but there are no large concentrations. The area still
has good numbers of greater Canada geese, but no lesser Canadas or snow
geese have arrived

Despite virtually no migrating birds, hunters continue to find good
opportunities in Logan, McIntosh, LaMoure and western Dickey counties.
Refuge manager Mick Erickson of the Kulm Wetland Management District
reports many hunters doing well on mallards and gadwalls. He also reports
seeing many small flocks of Canada geese.

Wetlands around Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge are drying up, but
hunters have been enjoying quite a bit of success. Biologist Paulette
Scherr says the refuge is holding at least 2,000 mallards, about 1,000
greater Canada geese, a couple hundred tundra swans, and increasing numbers
of pintails and green-winged teal. She reports hunters last weekend found
good pockets of ducks in northeastern Foster and southwestern Stutsman
counties.

Hunters have been doing well in northern Stutsman and southern Wells
counties. Biologist Chris Flann of the Chase Lake Wetland Management
District reports those areas have the best water conditions and the most
birds. He has not seen much change in waterfowl numbers over the past
week, but notes that huntable numbers of Canada geese are being found in
many areas.

The first lesser Canada geese are arriving at Long Lake National Wildlife
Refuge in Burleigh and Kidder counties. Biologist Mike Rabenberg says the
refuge is holding about 2,000 Canada geese, some 5,000 ducks in a mix of
mallards, pintails, teal, gadwalls and shovelers, and about 3,000 sandhill
cranes. He reports hunters are finding fair numbers of birds in northern
Burleigh and northern Kidder counties.

Most ducks that were raised in central North Dakota this year are still
around, but they haven’t been joined by many migrants yet. Wetland manager
Mike Goos of Audubon National Wildlife Refuge says water conditions are
fair, but hunters will have to scout if they expect to find birds. He
reports seeing a few large bunches of mallards feeding in harvested fields,
but very few lesser Canada geese. Goos notes that some sandhill cranes
have reached eastern Sheridan and west-central Ward counties.

Waterfowl numbers at Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge near Kenmare remain
almost identical to those of last week. Refuge manager Dan Severson says
about 700 Canada geese are scattered throughout the length of the refuge,
and no snow geese or white-fronted geese have arrived yet. Most of the
2,000 ducks on the refuge are mallards, but gadwalls, pintails and
shovelers are also present. The only recent arrivals at the refuge are 300
tundra swans.

The first few snow geese have reached northwestern North Dakota. About 50
snow geese are using Carlson Waterfowl Production Area near Crosby.
Wetlands north of Noonan have attracted 500 sandhill cranes. Most of the
waterfowl hunting opportunities for the area will be in eastern Divide
County and western Burke County, where small groups of ducks and Canada
geese are present.

Waterfowl hunters in Mountrail County are waiting for migrating birds. In
the meantime, most bags are consisting of gadwalls and teal, although some
hunters are finding a few groups of mallards on the limited water
available. Operations specialist Chad Zorn of Lostwood National Wildlife
Refuge says there are a few pockets of Canada geese and sandhill cranes,
but he hasn’t seen any snow geese on the ground yet.

Dry conditions northwest of Minot have forced good numbers of Canada geese
and ducks onto Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge. Law enforcement
officer Shawn Tripp says many small to average-sized flocks of ducks and
geese are feeding nearby.

Wetlands continue to dry up in north-central North Dakota. Biologist Dan
Duchscherer of J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge says some small
wetlands that held water a week ago are dry now. He reports very little
change in waterfowl numbers, with the refuge still holding mallards,
pintails and some teal, along with sandhill cranes and tundra swans near
the Canadian border. Duchscherer has not seen any snow geese or migrant
Canada geese in the area.

Some canvasbacks and lesser scaup have joined the 26,000 mallards,
shovelers and gadwalls at Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge near Aberdeen,
S.D. Biologist Bill Schultze says the first tundra swans arrived this
week, but there has been little change in overall waterfowl numbers. He
notes that farmers have started harvesting soybeans in the area around the
refuge.

Hunters still need to pick their targets carefully, as many of the ducks
are not yet in full plumage.

Although no whooping crane sightings have been reported in North Dakota
yet, the protected birds could be moving through the state anytime. Anyone
seeing a whooping crane is asked to contact the Fish and Wildlife Service
at 387-4397 or the N.D. Game and Fish Department at 328-6300.

The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the principal Federal agency
responsible for conserving, protecting and enhancing fish, wildlife and
plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American
people. For more information, visit the Service’s website at www.fws.gov

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/05/2007 at 19:45 | Comments (0) | Permalink

this weeks vodcast

Upland game biologist Stan Kohn takes us across North Dakota and breaks down the pheasant numbers on this weeks Game and Fish vodcast. Check it out right here. 

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/05/2007 at 11:09 | Comments (0) | Permalink

dumb dumb DUMB

This pix of a North Dakota moose is #1 as of this morning in Yahoo recommended photo's. With the cutline of "moose thinks it's a cow". To that I say...how dumb....did someone ask the moose? He still knows he's a moose, just enjoying the company of a feedlot.



If you see a moose in a field, does that mean the moose thinks he's a corn stalk? If it winds up in the woods, does he think he's a tree.....just plain dumb...

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/05/2007 at 8:53 | Comments (0) | Permalink

web scouting

Many people frown on web scouting or internet scouting. Using message boards and internet to do some advance prep work. I guess my view is that it is what it is...here's this weeks rundown from the Grand Forks Herald

You don't have to look if you don't want to is my comment :)

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/05/2007 at 4:48 | Comments (1) | Permalink

anti party hunting in ND

A couple questions always rise to the surface as we approach deer season.

1) With North Dakota’s high deer population, wouldn’t party hunting help increase overall success so more tags are filled?

2) Many groups have always party-hunted for deer; allowing it would just legalize something that has been going on for years. Why worry about something that is difficult to enforce anyway?

To answer the first question, in states like North Dakota where a limited and specific number of deer licenses are issued by unit, legalized party hunting would in the long run reduce a person’s chances for obtaining coveted licenses, such as those for whitetail bucks, mule deer bucks, or even muzzle-loader

bucks.

The number of buck licenses in any unit is limited. If party hunting were allowed, then a person could find, say, three other people who are not that interested in buck hunting (the spouse, kids, neighbors), or even deer hunting, but would go along anyway. Then the one real deer hunter could legally shoot four bucks. The result could be that three serious and dedicated hunters would go without a buck license that year.

Such a situation would eventually increase the level of dissatisfaction over not being able to get a buck license on a more frequent basis, which is already a common complaint.

If party hunting were allowed in North Dakota, it would likely increase hunter success rates. Because Game and Fish manages deer on a unit basis, and issues specific licenses, the agency might have to reduce the overall number of licenses, especially buck licenses, to counter increased hunter success. This would mean fewer hunters would get buck licenses.

For example, assuming a 10 percent increase in hunter success, Game and Fish would have to decrease the number of buck licenses by 12.5 percent.

To address the second point, not everyone party hunts, or wants to. While the rule may be difficult to enforce, most people are honest and stay within the law. Plus, many hunters understand that “group limits” associated with party hunting are counter-productive to keeping young hunters interested.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/05/2007 at 2:19 | Comments (0) | Permalink

Fargo area outdoors calendar

WHAT: Lisbon Sheyenne River Ducks Unlimited banquet

WHEN: Oct. 6, doors open at 5:30 p.m.

WHERE: Lisbon (N.D.) Expo Center

FEE: $25 single, $40 couple, $15 youth

CONTACT: Island Bar and Grill at (701) 683-0777

WHAT: Red River Riders All Terrain Vehicle and Dirt Bike Club meeting

WHEN: Oct. 17, 7 p.m.

WHERE: Wild Rice (N.D.) Bar and Grill

CONTACT: Les Schermerhorn at (218) 233-1035 or www.redriveridersatv.org/

Classes, seminars

WHAT: Proper gun cleaning technique

WHEN: Oct. 8, 7 to 8 p.m.

WHERE: Sportsman’s Warehouse, 4901 13th Ave. SW, Fargo

CONTACT: Toby Mougey at (701) 281-7000 or dberreau@sportsmanswarehouse.com

WHAT: The Basics of Dutch Oven Cooking

WHEN: Oct. 11, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

WHERE: Sportsman’s Warehouse, 4901 13th Avenue SW, Fargo

FEE: $13 ($9 reduced fee for Moorhead School District residents)

CONTACT: Moorhead Community Education at (218) 284-3400

WHAT: Digiscoping 101, learn the basics of digiscoping

WHEN: Oct. 17, 6 to 7 p.m.

WHERE: Sportsman’s Warehouse, 4901 13th Ave. SW, Fargo

CONTACT: Nolan Anderson at (701) 281-7000 or dberreau@sportsmanswarehouse.com

WHAT: Proper techniques to sight in your rifle

WHEN: Oct. 19, 7 to 8 p.m.

WHERE: Sportsman’s Warehouse, 4901 13th Ave. SW, Fargo

CONTACT: Brady Young at (701) 281-7000 or dberreau@sportsmanswarehouse.com

Hunter education

WHAT: Multi-state permit to carry class

WHEN: Oct. 14, 1 to 5 p.m.

WHERE: Sportsman’s Warehouse, 4901 13th Ave. SW, Fargo

CONTACT: Paul Horvick at (218) 439-6616 or dberreau@sportsmanswarehouse.com

WHAT: Adult firearms safety classes. A home study course for anyone over 18 years old. Upon completing this course, can hunt in any state

CONTACT: Scott Sele at (218) 435-2404 or selehunter@yahoo.com

WHAT: Adult firearms safety course for

18-years and older. Can take the course online or have a course packet mailed.

CONTACT: Jim Tjon at (218) 584-5382

Fishing

WHAT: North Star Walleye Fall Classic, limited to 75 teams

WHEN: Oct. 5-6

WHERE: Lake of the Woods, Wigwam Resort, located 12 miles north of Baudette, Minn.

FEE: $450 per team

CONTACT: Kevin Olmstead at (218) 634-9457 or Wigwam Resort at (218) 634-2168

Nature

WHAT: Build a Bird Feeder Workshop, pre-registration required

WHEN: Oct. 5, 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., mountain time

WHERE: Lake Ilo National Wildlife Refuge near Dunn Center, N.D.

CONTACT: (701) 442-5474, ext. 17

WHAT: Go Wild at the Mall

WHEN: Oct. 6, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

WHERE: West Acres Mall, Fargo

CONTACT: (701) 845-3466

To get an event listed in the Outdoors Calendar, please send one of the following ways by 4 p.m. Wednesday:

Mail: Outdoors Events, The Forum, 101 5th St. N., Fargo, ND, 58107

Fax: (701) 241-5487

E-mail: outdoors@forumcomm.com

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/04/2007 at 21:49 | Comments (1) | Permalink

numbers are in--pheasant season 2007

Pheasant Season Opens Oct. 13, Good Conditions Expected

Pheasant hunters can expect good hunting opportunities in North Dakota, as late season roadside counts indicate the pheasant population is higher than last year, according to Stan Kohn, upland game management supervisor for the state Game and Fish Department.

The roadside survey, conducted in late July and August, revealed total pheasants and brood observations were both up 14 percent from 2006, and average brood size was essentially the same. Average brood size was down slightly from last year in the northwest and southeast, but up slightly in the northeast and southwest.

“This was somewhat expected in the southeast where heavy rains may have caused pheasants to renest,” Kohn said. “There were so many nesting hens, and almost all brought off broods. Hunters should have another good pheasant hunting season.”

Hunters in northwestern North Dakota should see similar numbers to last fall. “The population was good in this area of the state last year,” Kohn said. “Hunters should again find plenty of birds and good habitat conditions.”

The northeastern portion of the state should have hunting conditions similar to 2006, Kohn said, with the better areas found in the counties bordering Interstate 94.

The southwestern part of the state will likely have an excellent pheasant population, Kohn said, at least by North Dakota’s standards. “Late summer counts indicate better pheasant numbers this fall than in 2006,” he added. “The southwest will be quite good.”

The 2007 regular pheasant season opens Oct. 13 and continues through Jan. 6, 2008. Limits are three roosters daily and 12 in possession. Hunting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to sunset each day. Hunters should refer to the North Dakota 2007-08 Small Game Guide for regulations.

North Dakota’s two-day youth pheasant season is Oct. 6-7, when legally licensed residents and nonresidents ages 15 and younger may hunt roosters statewide. Shooting hours, the daily bag limit, licensing requirements, and all other regulations for the regular pheasant season apply. An adult at least 18 years of age must accompany the youth hunter in the field.

Hunters are reminded that Private Land Open To Sportsmen acreage and state wildlife management areas are open to hunting by resident hunters only from Oct. 13-19. Nonresidents, however, can still hunt those days on other state-owned and federal lands, or private land.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/04/2007 at 19:45 | Comments (0) | Permalink

ez tips for pheasant opener

With rooster season bearing down on us, Craig M. has a couple nice pointers to shift the odds into your favor for a successful opener.

check out his rooster tips with the click of a mouse

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/04/2007 at 14:24 | Comments (0) | Permalink

winterizing your boat

HOW TO AVOID THE SIX MOST COMMON WINTERIZING MISTAKES

With winter approaching, BoatU.S. Marine Insurance has reviewed its claim files and reports the following six most common mistakes made when winterizing a boat:

1. Failure to winterize the engine: Freezing temperatures occur in all 50 states and while they are taken seriously up north, it's the balmy states of California, Florida, Texas, Alabama and Georgia where boaters are most likely to have freeze-related damage to engine blocks. It routinely occurs to boats stored ashore here. Boats left in a slip are less susceptible to sudden freezing as the surrounding water retains heat longer than air.

2. Failure to drain water from sea strainer: If your winterizing plan calls for draining the engine, the seawater strainer must be winterized or residual water could freeze and rupture the watertight seal. Sometimes you won't know it's damaged until spring launching and water begins to trickle in.

3. Failure to close seacocks: For boats left in the water, leaving seacocks open over the winter is like going on extended vacation without locking the house. If a thru-hull cannot be closed the vessel must be stored ashore - the sole exception are cockpit drains. Heavy snow loads can also force your boat under, allowing water to enter thru-hulls normally well above the water line.

4. Clogged petcocks: Engine cooling system petcocks clogged by rust or other debris can prevent water from fully draining. If one is plugged, try using a coat hanger to clear the blockage or use the engine's intake hose to flush anti-freeze through the system.

5. Leaving open boats in the water over winter: Boats with large open cockpits or low freeboard can easily be pushed underwater by the weight of accumulated ice and snow. Always store them ashore.

6. Using bimini covers as winter storage covers: A cover that protects the crew from the sun does a lousy job protecting the boat from freezing rain and snow. Unlike a bonafide winter cover, biminis tend to rip apart and age prematurely by the effects of winter weather.

To get a free copy of the BoatU.S. Winterizing Guide full of tips to help you prepare your vessel for the winter, go to http://www.BoatUS.com/Seaworthy and click on "Winterizing Your Boat," or call 800-283-2883.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/04/2007 at 12:13 | Comments (0) | Permalink

Grand Forks area outdoors calendar

SHOOTING

-- Oct. 15Coon n' Crockett Muzzleloaders, 7 p.m., Cabela's, East Grand Forks. Info: Bill, (701) 594-5356.

EVENTS

-- FridayCanoe tour, “Paddling the Route of Schoolcraft,” 1 to 4 p.m., Itasca State Park, Minn. Meet at the dock on Lake Itasca below Douglas Lodge.

-- SaturdayMary Lake fall colors walk, 1:30 to 3:15 p.m., Itasca State Park, Minn. Meet outside Forest Inn.

-- SaturdayGo Wild at the Mall, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., West Acres Mall in Fargo. Info: (701) 845-3466.

-- Oct. 7Fall color bike tour, 1:30 to 3 p.m., Itasca State Park, Minn. Meet at Itasca's Bike and Boat Rental.

FISHING

-- Friday-Saturday North Star Fall Walleye Classic, parts of Lake of the Woods and Rainy River. Info: Kevin Olmstead, (218) 634-9457 or Wigwam Resort, (218) 634-2168.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/04/2007 at 2:48 | Comments (0) | Permalink

the next wave of outdoors communication

A few weeks back I was thinking of how to 'get' to the next generation of hunters and anglers. I've got the blog, myspace and podcast. But I keep going back to text messages. I use them on a daily basis. I'd like to think short text messages sent to a phone/PDA could give reminders for hunting lottery deadlines, and other reminders. Until that day comes, here's a bit more from another forward thinking outdoors communicator, Nick Simonson writes about the next generation

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/03/2007 at 20:25 | Comments (0) | Permalink

now that's a migration!

She just flew in from New Zealand and boy are her wings tired.

Early last month, a female Bar-tailed Godwit, a type of shorebird, completed an epic journey from New Zealand to Alaska and back, a trip that included the longest flight ever recorded for a land bird, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).

The bird logged a flight that lasted for more than eight days and covered a distance of 7,200 miles (11,600 kilometers), the equivalent of flying roundtrip from New York to San Francisco, and then back to San Francsico. The USGS tracked the migrating bird and its travel mates via satellite.

Bar-tailed Godwits (Limosa lapponica) spend their summers breeding in western and northern Alaska, and in the fall gather on the Alaska Peninsula to make the long flight across the Pacific Ocean to their winter homes in New Zealand and southeastern Australia.

The 18,000-mile (29,000-kilometer) roundtrip journey is the longest known non-stop migration for any shorebird species, though the birds sometimes fly it in several legs.

The conservation status of Bar-tailed Godwits is listed as of High Concern in the United States, mostly because of the birds' low population size (there are only an estimated 100,000 to 150,000 breeding birds in Alaska) and habitat threats to some of their migratory stop-overs in Asia.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/03/2007 at 14:39 | Comments (0) | Permalink

MN DNR CO tales

Minnesota conservation officer tales - October 2007

BEAR HUNTER DEFENDS SELF WITH FRENCH BREAD

Conservation Officer (CO) Brent Speldrich (McGregor) encountered a bear hunter busy checking his bait. After locating the hunter's firearm, which was near Speldrich and away from the hunter, he let out a soft growl. The wide-eyed hunter, stood up at the speed of light, and started to grasp at anything he could find to defend himself. The only object he found was a loaf of what appeared to be French bread. After the hunter realized it was an officer, not a bear, both had a hearty chuckle.

I'M BATMAN!

While getting fuel at a gas station, a woman asked CO Greg Oldakowski (Wadena) for some nuisance wildlife assistance. She owned the business across the street, and said a bat had taken its daily nap in broad daylight clinging to the brick building about three inches from the door handle. She didn't want to open the door and let the bat inside, or grab the door with a bat that close. The bat was removed and it flew away unharmed.

ARCHEOLOGICAL FIND?

CO Mark Fredin (Aurora) received a call from a homeowner who said they found bones that appeared to be large and "dinosaur in nature." The bones, including the head, were inspected and determined to be a horse.

CANDID CAMERA

CO Brian Buria (Bigfork) reported bear hunters are becoming so competitive over their favorite bear bait sight, that they are installing cameras, hoping to catch the hunter that beat them to their favorite spot.

GOODBYE, I LOVE YOU

CO Dustie Heaton (Willow River) received a phone call from a hunter who had a question about a bear hunting license. At the end of the conversation the hunter said, "Good bye, I love you." The hunter then stammered out, "Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry. I always say that to my girlfriend at the end of a phone call." The officer thought he was just happy with the answer to his question.

A COUPLE OF REAL DOOBIES

CO Jeff Johanson (Osakis) reported some anglers had found fishing slow and smoked marijuana to pass the time. One angler was found smoking marijuana out of an empty pop can while another had a marijuana pipe on his tackle box when the officer approached.

FISH OVER LIMIT CASE DISCOVERED AT AIRPORT

CO Alex Gutierrez (metro rec specialist) assisted several COs, including K-9 Hunter, on a Turn-In-Poachers call where an angler was apparently leaving the state with an over limit of fish. The suspect was intercepted at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. With the assistance of airport police, the suspect's luggage was recovered. K-9 Hunter picked up the scent of fish or game in suitcase and alerted the officers. The suspect had an over limit of sunfish and several northern pike fillets.

SMALL GAME COMMANDOS CAPTURED A WEEK EARLY

CO Lisa Kruse (White Bear Lake) handled a Turn-In-Poachers call involving two people hunting small game in a wildlife management area. When Kruse found the individuals, who were dressed in full camouflage and carrying .22's with scopes, one ducked into the woods. He came back out when Kruse ordered him to. Asked why he went into the woods, he said to go to the bathroom. After searching the wooded area, Kruse found a dead squirrel in a bag that the individuals later admitted to shooting. When Kruse asked them if they knew when the small game season opened, they both replied, "Yep, next weekend."

WOMAN GIVES OFFICER THE BIRD

A homeowner called CO Neil Freborg (Lake George) wanting him to come and pick up an eagle that had flown into her house and died. Upon arrival, the homeowner handed over a plastic bag containing the bird, which was identified as a ruffed grouse. Freborg advised the homeowner that grouse are very good eating. She was not interested and sent Freborg on his way with the grouse in hand. It was subsequently cleaned and donated to a family in Laporte.

SOME FAMILY ADVICE

CO Gary Sommers (Walker) received a complaint of an archery deer hunter who was using bait (corn) near his deer stand. He attempted to locate the suspect and the bait. The camouflaged hunter spotted Sommers and was able to elude him, slipping out of the woods and into his vehicle. Sommers eventually located the vehicle at a remote cabin. When questioned, the suspect admitted to placing 15 pounds of corn on the site. Several bags of corn, stacked on and around an ATV, were located in a garage near the cabin. The suspect said the corn was not his, but rather it belonged to a family member. Enforcement action was taken and advice given to inform the family member about deer baiting regulations.

THIS IS A CITY PARK NOT A BUTCHER SHOP

CO Mike Martin (International Falls) assisted the city of Big Falls with a complaint where two hunters field dressed and butchered a bear on a picnic table in the city park. The hunters then deposited the entrails in the park's outhouse. The city was concerned as this is an area to stay overnight while trail riding and horses are often spooked by the smell of a bear. The hunters were located and agreed to have the outhouse and picnic table cleaned.

NOT THE BEST WAY TO INTRODUCE YOUTH TO GROUSE HUNTING

CO Don Bozovsky (Hibbing) reported a grouse hunter had three youth passengers on his ATV (all under 7-years-old) with another youth driving a second ATV with a shotgun. The problem was none of them had helmets, there were too many passengers, one ATV was unregistered and the youth was too young to drive. Not a good way to introduce youth into grouse hunting. Enforcement action was taken.

ARCHERY HUNTERS SIT ON A PILE

CO Jim Guida (Brainerd) received a complaint of illegal deer baiting. The complaint was investigated and the bait pile located. Unfortunately, two archery hunters were above it. The baiters stated that they placed the corn there to attract deer to the game camera and didn't think that there was any left. Photographs and samples were taken of four visible bait piles consisting of corn, cracked corn, and apples.

LOOK FOR THE SUNNY SIDE OF LIFE

CO Paul Kuske (Pierz) reported on the first day of archery deer season came the first violation for none other than hunting deer over bait. A citation was issued at 6:45 a.m., and the bow was seized. Kuske also responded to a hunter harassment complaint, which was really more a neighborly feud. He talked to each party involved in an attempt to get them to see the brighter side of life.

RAISING BAIL

CO Pat Znajda (Karlstad) and CO Troy Richards (Roseau) watched as two minors attempted to steal a road sign. The theft didn't quite work out for the two. Both were in possession of alcohol and one was in possession of drug paraphernalia. One of the minors also had an outstanding warrant for similar activities. The rest of their camping party was less than excited about having to come up with bail money to keep their friend from spending the night in jail.

TOSS HIM A COLD ONE
CO Gary Sommers (Walker) received a complaint from an angler on Leech Lake that while he was fishing, a boat with four occupants traveling at a high rate of speed, came very close to hitting his boat. The boat was going too fast for the angler to get a registration number. However, the speeding boat was so close to his boat, that one of the occupants tossed a beer can into his boat.

FAMILY OF BEARS STILL AT LARGE

CO Rob Haberman (St. Cloud) responded to an unusual call in Morrison County. While grouse hunting, a man was trapped in a tree near Little Falls for two hours as a mother bear and her cubs surrounded him. As the bears approached, the man fired a shot into the air. The shot had no effect in scaring the bears away. Haberman and three Morrison County deputies safely recovered the hunter from the tree and escorted the man out of the woods. The family of bears is still at large.

A CLASSIC EXAMPLE OF HOW MILFOIL IS SPREAD

A boater who was getting ready to launch his boat into Medicine Lake when CO Todd Kanieski (Osseo) asked if he knew the laws relating to transporting aquatic plants. He said he did and always checks his trailer before leaving any lake access. He was then directed to look at his trailer. To his surprise, a large and very obvious clump of milfoil was found hanging from the axle. He was issued a citation.
                                                                                                   -30-

Editor's note: *Minnesota Conservation Officer Tales is produced monthly by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources - Division of Enforcement.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/03/2007 at 12:17 | Comments (0) | Permalink

comments worth reading

Delbert G Moore has some recent comments which are very informative.

Delbert G.Moore, Rancher Past Prisident NDSA

Comments:

This is not a comment about today's issues; but I do not have your E-Mail address. We had some help today from neighbors in doing our pre-weaning vaccinating of calves. One of them said he was going to break up much of his rangeland this fall to seed more corn and wheat because of the price. You may have read the letter from the President of the ND Farm Bureau and the Executive Sec. of the REC's in area newspapers. The two cited the University of TN. study which said that replacing 25% of petroleum energy with renewable sources was feasable. However, they did not pount out that the study (which I have read) also stated that this would take 80 million acres of new cropland. The study said this would require all of CRP plus a "drastic" conversion of hay, pasture and rangeland to cropland. I confess that my interest is as much in preserving the profitability of the cattle business as much as preserving rangeland but the two go together. The higher corn prices cost this ranch $20,000 in increased feed costs in 2006 and $20,000 in reduced prices for our heavy feeder cattle. It would, though, be immoral for the Federal govt. on the one hand to subsidize ethanol and reduce our profit and on the other hand attempt to prohibit us from doing anything else with this land. Besides, as long as ethanol subsidies continue at the present rate; the govt. will have little leverage since farm price support payments will not be needed. Those who support ethanol to reduce dependence on foreign oil should remember that for every 1.4 gallons of ethanol produced; one gallon of fossil fuel is used. In addition despite assertions that food costs will not be affected; for every $1.00 increase in corn price the value of corn in a lb. of retail wht. beef inceases by fifteen cents. Sorry this is so long Delbert Moore, 9951 74th Ave. SE, Forbes, ND 58439 701-357-8201 dgmoore@drtel.net

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/03/2007 at 10:50 | Comments (1) | Permalink

beyond my imagination

Never did I think we'd reach the day where dock sizes...yes the size of a dock in the lake...would need reguatlions like this. What ever happened to just building something to keep your boat secure for the night? Or a place for the kids to jump in the lake?

wow....if you want read the full debacle right here.

so does the size a dock have any bearing on the importance of a persons life? I'd doubt it....

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/03/2007 at 9:36 | Comments (0) | Permalink

fishing by the numbers

The three states with the most anglers are Florida (2.77 million), Texas (2.52 million) and California (1.73 million).

- The top three states in terms of jobs supported by sportfishing are Florida (75,100), Texas (59,000) and Minnesota (43,100).

- The number of anglers is greater than the population of California.

- One out of every three anglers fish for largemouth bass, America's most popular game fish. Flounder is the most-targeted saltwater fish.

- One of every 7 people fished in 2006, making it more popular than jogging or golf.

- Forty-five percent of anglers come from cities of one million or more people.

- Fifty-one percent of anglers have a household income greater than $50,000 per year and 17 percent have incomes in excess of $100,000 per year.

- Over half of all anglers have attended college.

- Twenty-five percent of anglers are women.

- Nearly half of all anglers are between 35-54 years of age

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/03/2007 at 2:29 | Comments (0) | Permalink

SD youth pheasant season

Youth Pheasant Season Three Days Long This Year

 

PIERRE, S.D.—Young hunters will get the first shot at the state’s abundant pheasant population and this year they’ll have an extra day in the field. The youth pheasant season is three days long this year, Oct. 6-Oct. 8, due to the Native American Day holiday on Monday.

 

Shooting hours are noon Central Daylight Time until sunset on both days. During the three-day hunt private and public land, including Lacreek National Wildlife Refuge, will be open to young hunters. All public road rights-of-way are closed to hunting during the youth season except for the one half of road rights-of-way next to and part of public hunting lands.

 

Resident and nonresident hunters who meet the eligibility requirement may take part in the youth pheasant hunt. Those requirements include:

·        Being 12 to 15 years old or turning 12 years old on or before Dec. 31.

·        Possessing a valid HuntSAFE certificate.

·        Possessing a South Dakota youth small game license.

·        Being accompanied by an adult who is not carrying a firearm.

 

Although not required by law, young hunters and the adults who accompany them are advised to wear at least one exterior garment of fluorescent orange.

 

The daily limit is three roosters with a possession limit of nine taken according to the daily limit. While being transported, birds must have a full-feathered head or wing or one leg with a foot attached.

 

Nontoxic shot is required on most public lands with the exception of GFP Walk-In Areas, U.S. Forest Service National Grasslands and state School and Public Lands. Hunters are also encouraged to try to hunt lands in the Conservation Reserve Program or CRP acres. CRP is a terrific place to find good numbers of pheasants.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/02/2007 at 18:18 | Comments (0) | Permalink

trapper ed

Game and Fish along with several other cooperating bodies have embarked on educating and training the next generation of fur harvesters, here's a glimpse inside a recent session.

The first fur harvester education class was completed with the 3^rd day of the class on Saturday which included a field day on the OWLS setting traps, preparing furs, etc.  There were 15 students of varying ages, half of which had trapped at some level.  The other half said they would be participating in trapping in the future.

There was more interest in this class than I thought and the committee organizing this deserves a lot of credit. There was one person in the class who simply attended to understand why people trapped. It was 14 hours of education upon which participants receive a certificate that is required by some states to trap.

As you can see, the OWLS provided a unique and accessible area to hold events such as this since it contains wildlife sign and habitats in which to set traps. Reminds me that training areas within a reasonable distance are often a limiting factor in providing education to the public. The people that attended this 3 day, 14 hour class received a huge amount of information from wildlife management and regulations to history of fur and present day trapping philosophies and techniques.   Participants should be better conservationists and advocates for wildlife and associated activities.   Chris Grondahl, NDGF Outreach Super. photo and text credit

 

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/02/2007 at 15:39 | Comments (1) | Permalink

avian flu fall out

As I told you over the weekend and yesterday, Sask. bird flu ban has been lifted. BUT stories such as this will continue to float to the surfce:

Avian flu alarm ruffles state hunters as they dump game birds at border

By Doug Smith, Star Tribune

Last update: October 01, 2007 – 11:41 PM

A dream hunting trip for Mike Doyle and his 12-year-old son, Logan, of Alexandria, Minn., became a nightmare over the weekend when they and a friend were forced to dump more than 100 ducks and geese at the U.S.-Canadian border.

Scores of other hunters -- including many from Minnesota -- were also forced to dispose of, or give away, game birds they shot in Saskatchewan while crossing the U.S.-Canadian border Friday and Saturday.

In the end, the wild fowl were lost for no good reason, the result, apparently, of a bureaucratic mixup.

The Doyles' birds had been shot in Saskatchewan and were cleaned, bagged and frozen, the bounty of a memorable hunt, particularly for Logan, who mowed grass to earn money for his first hunting trip to Canada. He had shot his first-ever snow goose and was bringing it home to be mounted.

But late Saturday night they were stunned when they pulled into the U.S. Customs station at Portal, N.D.

Agents there told Mike Doyle that the birds had to be seized because of an outbreak of avian flu at a commercial chicken farm near Regina, Saskatchewan.

"He said, 'Just back up to the Dumpster and dump your birds.' That's what we did. There must have been 2,000 birds in there." Including Logan's prized snow goose.

"He was crying," Mike Doyle said. "It destroyed the trip. You go up there and have a great experience and then don't bring anything back from the hunt, and it's devastating. We were in shock."

The importation of game birds killed in Saskatchewan by hunters was lifted Sunday. No other Canadian provinces were affected.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) had issued an order Thursday afternoon prohibiting importation of "unprocessed avian products" from Saskatchewan, following discovery of avian influenza virus H7N3 in that province.

The virus is highly contagious to birds, but is not the well-publicized H5N1 strain that is a threat to people.

That order was interpreted by U.S. Customs officials to include game birds being brought back by hunters, and more than 4,100 birds from about 90 vehicles were confiscated at entry points in Portal and Pembina, N.D., and Warroad, Minn., said Mike Milne of U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Other birds were seized in Montana. All the game was sent to landfills, Milne said.

An unknown number of other hunters gave away their game to local food shelves or disposed of the birds themselves before crossing into the United States.

"We have to react quickly to ensure safety for animal health," said Karen Eggert, public affairs specialist with APHIS. "And then we could revise and clarify over the next few days, and we did that within 48 hours." She said the agency tries to err on the side of caution.

That doesn't help hunters like the Doyles, who lost their game on Saturday even after APHIS had changed directions. Customs agents at Portal, N.D., weren't notified until Sunday.

Terry Harrington, 64, of Brooklyn Park, said he and his two Twin Cities hunting partners weren't allowed to bring back the 102 ducks and geese they shot during a week-long trip in Saskatchewan when they tried to reenter the country on Saturday.

"We couldn't believe it," he said Monday. Harrington's group gave the frozen game birds to a local Canadian food shelf.

Pete Van Hoven of Cottage Grove and Michael Wittek of Eagan also were stopped Friday at the Portal. They lost 18 ducks and geese.

"What a waste of meat," Van Hoven said. He said the ban made no sense because millions of live birds -- potential carriers of the virus -- are now migrating south to the United States from Canada.

About 11,000 U.S. residents hunt in Saskatchewan each fall. Limits on snow geese are liberal in Canada because the plentiful birds are destroying their Arctic nesting areas, officials say.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/02/2007 at 12:12 | Comments (0) | Permalink

da Bears...not from Chicago

Minnesota conservation officers shared a couple of memorable bear hunter encounters in the latest report from DNR Enforcement:

-- Officer Brent Speldrich, McGregor, Minn., encountered a bear hunter busy checking his bait. After locating the hunter's firearm, which was near the officer and away from the hunter, Speldrich let out a soft growl. The wide-eyed hunter stood up at the speed of light and started to grasp at anything he could to defend himself. The only object he could find was a loaf of what appeared to be French bread. After the hunter realized that it was an officer, not a bear, both had a hearty chuckle.

-- Officer Dustie Heaton, Willow River, Minn., received a phone call from a hunter regarding bear license questions. At the end of the conversation, the hunter said, “Good bye, I love you.” The terribly embarrassed hunter then stammered out, “Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry. I always say that to my girlfriend at the end of a phone call.” The officer thought the hunter was just happy with the answer to his question.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/02/2007 at 5:44 | Comments (0) | Permalink

numbers crunching

I'm not huge into numbers, never have been, and never will be. In fact I eeked out a C in Stats at NDSU. So you know numbers don't drive my world. I should take a minute to thank the readers of the blog. I just checked the stats for October and we hd 65,000 hits for the month. My C in stats gives me a little over 2,000 hits a day.

Some bloggers get caught up in # of comments. I've always just hoped a few people take a moment to check out the news clips that I try to post. Nothing more. Comments don't drive me. Neither do sheer number of hits. Fact is it takes the same amount of time to post a story for 200 readers or 2,000.

I know many other blogs..political, sports, news...might not be satisfied with 2,000 hits/day. But not me. So thanks for reading, and

Enjoy October, the BEST is yet to come.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/01/2007 at 22:37 | Comments (3) | Permalink

bird flu/Canada and ND hunters

late word on Sunday was that the ban on bringing waterfowl shot in Saskatchewan into the USA had been lifted. So it was no legal to bring shot ducks/geese into ND. Where as just day's before they were being piled up at the border crossing. And it was just bizarre. As migrating birds were going to be moving in a matter of days.

This was all precipitated by a strain of bird flu found in Sask.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/01/2007 at 20:30 | Comments (0) | Permalink

TRNP elk update

Thanks to Stephanie Briggs of the Dickinson Press for this in depth update on the plan to manage the elk herd in TRNP.

Read the full update right here.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/01/2007 at 14:49 | Comments (0) | Permalink

the best time of the year

October is the BEST...hunting/fishing...and even for the watchers of the outdoors world:

Fall is my favorite season for birding. Most birders would say spring is their favorite season, but for me, it's fall. Why? Let me count the ways:

I thoroughly enjoy the protracted migration season, the greater numbers of birds that results from the production of the nesting season, the variety of plumages among some species such as breeding, non-breeding and immature plumages, and the fact that the migrating birds are mixing with local birds that are still present to provide an exciting array of birdlife where ever you go.

Actually, fall migration began back in July, when some migrants began arriving from their Arctic nesting ranges - shorebirds for instance. Least and pectoral sandpipers completed their nesting activities and migrated south to fatten up on the bountiful foods provided in the shallow marshes of our Prairie Pothole Region. Rarer species, including buff-breasted sandpipers, make stopovers here on their way to wintering areas that may be as far away as southeast Argentina. An amazing feat for an animal that weighs less than a pound.

Birds of prey begin migrating through the area by August, with prairie falcons moving in to chase the flocks of shorebirds, although the throngs of red-tailed hawks are much more obvious, along with ferruginous and Swainson's hawks, American kestrels and northern harriers.

Songbirds begin migrating in obvious waves during August and continue through September, including mixed flocks of warblers, vireos, flycatchers, thrushes, blackbirds and a mix of sparrows and buntings. In fact, September may offer the greatest variety among the obvious migrants as temperatures cool and leaves turn golden. Now is the time to watch for migrations of an array of birds, including northernflickers, red-headed woodpeckers, belted kingfishers, great blue herons, American avocets, semipalmated plovers, Franklin's gulls, sandhill cranes, American white pelicans, turkey vultures, wood ducks, hooded mergansers and a variety of northern ducks. Even the vanguards of the first flocks of Arctic geese begin to appear.

But nothing compares to the sheer numbers of birds that begin to ascend on our landscape during October. Millions of geese concentrate across the wetlands belt that crosses the North Dakota from the northwest to southeast, including no less than five species - Canada, snow, Ross's, cackling and white-fronted geese. I revel at every flock I witness, for nothing stirs the heart more than the sound of hundreds or thousands of geese flying overhead while you feel the chill of the air. Adding to the waterfowl spectacle are 15 species of ducks that collectively number in the millions, plus flocks of the Arctic-nesting tundra swans, one of the most elegant of all the birds that migrates through our area.

By mid-October, tens of thousands of sandhill cranes amass from nesting areas in Central and northern Canada, Alaska and even Russian Siberia. Few wildlife memories surpass watching 10,000 sandhill cranes assembling as the sun sets at a roost site, and the sounds collectively melt into a roar as darkness approaches. And if you are especially lucky, among the flocks of sandhills you may find one of the rarest of all migrating birds - whooping cranes.

The build-up of birds is most exciting just as freeze-up approaches, and as waterfowl are forced into larger lakes we enjoy seeing more bald eagles, with many young birds in age-specific plumages among the obvious white-headed, white-tailed adults. But be sure to check for golden eagles among the big raptors, and take some time to study the adults and immatures among this species too.

By the time the snowy owls, snow buntings, Lapland longspurs and gyrfalcons arrive on the Dakota scene, winter is pressing south. But even up to the first day of winter in late December, we see more southern movements of birds, including white-winged crossbills, pine siskins merlins and a few other hardy species.

So now that I've made my case for fall birding, my favorite birding season, you must agree it holds a high degree of attraction in the Bismarck area and across the state. Perhaps my quick description of the fall migration action will inspire birders - beginners and veterans alike - to get out a little more often this fall or to pursue new species in the field. Embrace the fall season, and enjoy the sights and sounds of fall migration. It's a time you will surely remember among the birds.

(Paul Konrad is a Bismarck native who works as a wildlife biologist, writer, photographer and birding professional. To learn more about his birding lore, visit his Web site at http://www.BirdSchool.org.)

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/01/2007 at 12:37 | Comments (0) | Permalink

the Twist of Fate

I've been a part in some way, shape, form of the Twist of Fate Hunt since the beginning. If you don't know what I'm talking about here's a GREAT feature by Forums Kevin Schnepf with pix from Jay P.


In a hunting age where concerns over access, non-residents etc become a bit overwhelming my hats off to the volunteers and hunters that get down to what hunting is about. Just getting out there after a Twist of Fate is what it's all about.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/01/2007 at 5:50 | Comments (0) | Permalink

reading between the lines

I read a piece early this AM about Home of Economy in Grand Forks deciding against selling guns. In short, a theft of guns, increased paper tracking/hurdels in selling guns along with competition combined to be the deciding factor.

I hate to see that. I'm not a sky is falling kind of guy, but I can see how regulations begin to impact utilization. What I mean is the same as hunting, the more regulations, the more cumbersome to figure out what you can and what you can not do, leads people to just give up.

Read the full story right here

I know it won't happen in my lifetime, but I hate to see a future where there's only one place to buy a gun and it takes a month to complete the process.

Posted by: Doug Leier on 10/01/2007 at 4:05 | Comments (0) | Permalink

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