Outdoor News

N.H. guide offers smallmouth fishing talk

CONCORD, N.H. -- Learn the skills and tactics for success in catching smallmouth bass at a talk by registered N.H. fishing guide Curt Golder on Wednesday, March 26, at New Hampshire Fish and Game headquarters, 11 Hazen Drive in Concord. A bonus slide show starts at 6:40 p.m.; Golder's presentation begins at 7 p.m. Admission is free. The session is part of Fish and Game's spring series of free fishing talks by expert anglers. To learn more about presenter Curt Golder and angling opportunities on New Hampshire's big lakes, call 603-569-6426 or visit http://www.gadaboutgolder.com/.



Students could win Utah fishing trip

If you're a junior high or high school student, you could be fishing with some of Utah's best anglers this summer. And the fishing trip to Flaming Gorge Reservoir is free! The trip includes an overnight stay and meals with the fishing pros and Division of Wildlife Resources conservation officers. You'll also receive free fishing tackle and one day of special fishing instruction. To qualify, you must submit a 300- to 500-word essay by April 30. "Tell us why fishing is special and important to you, and what you can do to protect its future," says DWR Sergeant Stacey Jones. In May, one winner in each grade, grades seven through 12, will be selected for the free trip. For more information, visit www.wildlife.utah.gov/essaycontest/.



Minn. offers youth/adult fly-fishing weekend

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ MinnAqua Program and partners Trout Unlimited and Good Earth Village invite youth and adult companions to learn the techniques of fly-fishing over the weekend of May 16-18.The event will be held along some of the state’s finest trout fishing waters at Good Earth Village near Spring Valley. Guides and instructors will teach participants how to cast, tie flies and read the water before the actual fishing begins. The program will kick off at 7 p.m. Friday and conclude at 2 p.m. on Sunday. Youth ages 11-18 are eligible to participate if accompanied by an adult. Cost is $125 per pair and includes equipment, food and lodging at Good Earth Village. Enrollment is limited, so register early. For additional information or to sign up, contact Ryan at (507) 359-6028 or dan.ryan@dnr.state.mn.us.



Ariz. off-highway bill killed in committee

PHOENIX — House Bill 2573, the off-highway vehicle, user fee bill, was defeated by a vote of 3-3 with one absent in the Arizona Senate Natural Resources and Rural Affairs Committee on March 19, 2008. The bill would have provided resources to better manage Arizona’s growing off-highway vehicle use while protecting wildlife habitat. OHVs have seen a 347 percent increase in usage in Arizona in the last few years, but law enforcement and trail development have lagged far behind. Through this legislation, dollars would have been provided by a nominal user fee to create new law enforcement positions, new land and habitat mitigation for damaged use areas, and better trail construction.



Colo. officers to enforce vehicle laws on federal land

Colorado Division of Wildlife officers will now be enforcing motorized vehicle regulations on federal public lands as specified in Colorado House Bill 1069. This bill, introduced in January of this year, was signed by Gov. Bill Ritter on March 20. The measure specifies that DOW officers along with other state law enforcement officers will now be able to enforce motorized vehicle restrictions on public lands. Officers can now issue tickets in the field to those who violate motorized vehicle laws.



Applications due for Minn. bear, bull moose hunts
Hunters have until Friday, May 2, to apply for a black bear license for the 2008 fall hunt. A total of 11,850 licenses in 11 permit areas are available. The season begins Sept. 1 and ends Oct. 12. For more information see the Web site. And hunters seeking a permit for this fall’s bull-only moose hunt must also apply by Friday, May 2, to be included in the lottery. Only those who have not received a permit since 1990 are eligible. Moose hunting, open only to Minnesota residents, became a once-in-a-lifetime hunt in 1991.For more information see the Web site.