OutdoorsVT 4-24-08

Wearing a personal flotation device could save your life.

It certainly made a big difference for me the time I was tossed into frigid water while on a float trip.

Read about it, here, in the Rutland Herald.

Weekly Outdoor News - 4-20-04

Low numbers of returning wild chinook lead to Chehalis River closure

OLYMPIA, Wash. -- The sport fishery for spring chinook salmon on the Chehalis River will not open as scheduled April 16 due to low numbers of returning fish, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife announced today.

After analyzing the preseason forecast, fishery managers identified the need to close the Chehalis River fishery from the mouth of the Chehalis River to Porter Bridge and from the Porter Bridge to the high bridge on the Weyerhaeuser 1000 line. The fishery will remain closed for the entire spring and summer season, previously scheduled to be open April 16-July 31.

The preseason forecast shows that approximately 900 spring chinook are headed back to the river, an estimate well below the goal of 1,400 needed for spawning, said Bill Freymond, WDFW regional fish manager.

"From our estimates, the run size is significantly lower than what is required to meet our escapement goal for this year," Freymond said. "It's an unfortunate situation for anglers, but we need to protect salmon."

Freymond said although the season is closed for chinook, a coho-directed fishery is scheduled on the river this fall.


Designated trout and fly-fishing-only ponds open April 26

CONCORD, N.H. -- Fishing in New Hampshire's designated trout ponds and fly-fishing-only ponds opens this year on April 26 (the fourth Saturday in April), offering anglers the chance to experience exciting fishing in some of the Granite State's most scenic surroundings.

These ponds are managed specifically for trout, and fishing is allowed through October 15.

"These trout ponds are often the best waters in a given area for a variety of reasons," said New Hampshire Fish and Game Department Fisheries Biologist Don Miller. "Excellent habitat, low species competition and the fact that these ponds are closed to ice-fishing allow these waters to be managed for the trout fishing enthusiast."

Ponds managed for trout may be stocked with one or more species, including brook, rainbow and/or brown trout, with age classes ranging from "yearlings" (8-12 inches), 2-year-olds (12-15 inches), and 3+ year olds.


Washington's Lowland Lakes Open

Hundreds of lakes are teeming with trout as the state's biggest annual fishing event nears its April 26 opener.

More than 24 million trout will be stocked in lakes and streams throughout the state for this year's fishery, including those planted in waters that opened earlier this spring or are open year-round. Most trout will be stocked before the opening weekend, when nearly 300,000 anglers are expected to cast a line.

"With travel costs up this year, lowland lake fishing is a great recreational opportunity for people looking to stay close to home," said Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Director Jeff Koenings.

OutdoorsVT 4-17-08

This week's column is about a big annual river festival held on the West River in Jamaica, Vt.

Read about the river festival here.

No Charges to be Filed in Idaho Wolf Killing

No charges will be filed against an Idaho man accused of shooting two wolves after the prosecutor in charge of the case declined to file charges.

The first wolf was shot within sight of the man's home and near his horses. But after that, the man chased the second wolf on a snowmobile where it was killed about a mile away, which seems to be in violation of allowed rules that say a wolf can only be killed if it is actively molesting or threatening.

"In my opinion, there is 'reasonable doubt' whether the wolves were, or were not, molesting livestock or domestic animals," said Karl H. Lewies, Fremont County prosecuting attorney, in a letter to the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. "I have determined that no charges will be filed."

The killing of the two male wolves is the first in Idaho since the wolf was removed from the endangered species list March 28.

Utah Big Game Permit Draw News

Applicants for Utah's big-game hunting permits should know by April 30 if they were successful or not. If you don't receive an e-mail or letter by April 30, log on to wildlife.utah.gov to check results or call (800) 221-0659.

If you were not one of the lucky applicants, you can still buy a general bull elk permit, along with any general buck permits not taken in the draw on June 12.

"Some general season buck deer permits for the Northern Region and statewide general archery buck deer permits are usually still available after the draw," said Judi Tutorow, wildlife licensing coordinator for the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. "Any permits that aren't taken in the draw will be available beginning June 12."

Tutorow says you probably don't need to buy a permit the first day they go on sale. But she also encourages you not to wait too long. Last year, all of Utah's general archery buck deer permits were gone by July 23.

"Utah big game permits are selling out faster and faster every year," she says. "If you wait too long, they might sell out before you get one."

A total of 12,300 any bull elk unit permits, and 11,000 spike bull elk unit permits, will be available. The DWR does not have a limit on the number of general archery elk permits it can sell.

For more information, call the Utah Wildlife Services Administrative office at (800) 221-0659, the nearest Division of Wildlife Resources office or the DWR's Salt Lake City office at (801) 538-4700.

No Chronic Wasting Disease in N.H.

Officials with the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department said testing done during the 2007 deer hunting season turned up no cases of chronic wasting disease.

A total of 405 tissue samples were tested, according to biologist Kent Gustafson in a news release. Nearly 2,300 deer have been tested in New Hampshire since the program began in 2002 without any positive tests.

CWD is a neurological disorder that is fatal to deer, elk and moose. There is no evidence that humans can be infected with CWD.

Looking For Work?

Saw a "help wanted" ad recently in my mailbox. Looks like a heckuva job. If you have the chops, it's not a bad gig. I'd apply, but I already have a job.


The Company
The National Wild Turkey Federation is a national leader in conservation.

The NWTF is headquartered in Edgefield, S.C. With an annual budget exceeding $50 million, the NWTF has approximately 300 employees throughout the United States with almost 200 employed in Edgefield, SC. Since 1985, more than $258 million NWTF and cooperator dollars has been spent on upholding the hunting traditions and conserving wildlife habitat.

The NWTF is a grassroots, nonprofit organization with more than 500,000 members in 50 states, Canada, Mexico and 14 other foreign countries. The NWTF supports scientific wildlife management on public, private and corporate lands as well as hunting as a traditional North American sport.

The Position of CEO
The CEO is the full-time chief administrative official of the NWTF. The CEO shall be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors and shall report to the President of the NWTF. The CEO shall have responsibility for and control of all employees.

As a chief executive, the CEO shall initiate and participate in forming new policies as they have been approved by the NWTF membership or the Board of Directors. The CEO shall organize, direct and coordinate the programs and activities of the NWTF to assure that the objectives are attained, plans fulfilled, and member needs met. The CEO shall also have other such responsibilities as may be assigned from time to time by the Board of Directors.

Qualified candidates for the CEO should have hands on managerial and administrative executive experience in either public, private or nonprofit organizations. Additionally, qualified candidates must also support the ideals of the organization, which include conservation and the preservation of the hunting tradition.

Demonstrated ability to build relationships with governmental agencies and corporate sponsors is a must for this position. CEO candidates also need to demonstrate an ability to communicate with and inspire staff, sponsors, and the grassroots membership. Innovation and visionary processes that further the goals and mission of the NWTF are also desired.

Applications
To be considered for the CEO of the National Wild Turkey Federation, submit your resume and salary expectation via e-mail to ceosearchcommittee@nwtf.net or via fax 803-637-0034.

Bears Waking, Put Away Feeders

Take down birdfeeders to prevent attracting bears

It's time to take down bird feeders as bears are coming out of hibernation in many places across the country depending on where you live.

As bears wake from their winter slumber and head out in search of food, Mother Nature hasn't always cooperated leaving bears with whatever they can find. Don't let that be your trash, bird feeders, barbecue grill or other human-related attraction that could likely end up with a dead bear.

If you have bears around your home, it's because you live in their world. It's up to you to ensure you are a good neighborhood.

OutdoorsVT 4-10-08

Another column posted on the Rutland Herald.

A collection of things to do this week around southern Vermont.

S.D.: Parents Decide When Kid's Ready to Hunt

Legislation in South Dakota makes it possible for kids 10 years old and older to hunt as part of a mentored hunting program.

“Having youngsters in the field is nothing new in South Dakota,” said Tony Leif, director of the Wildlife Division of the S.D. Game, Fish and Parks Department. “Many South Dakotans learned about hunting and the outdoors well before they were old enough to hunt.”

The legislation will take effect July 1, allowing kids 10 to 15 years old to hunt in the company of a mentor.

“At Game, Fish and Parks we accept the challenge of implementing this new law,” Leif said. “We also recognize that there’s more going on here than just lowering the age limit for hunting.”

Leif said the law makes it possible for kids to hunt with supervision before they take their hunter safety class, it is the parents who really know when their kids are ready for the responsiblity.

“The regulations will adhere to the letter and intent of the law,” Leif said. “The spirit of the law, however, rests on the responsibility of parents to make an informed decision about whether or not their youngster is ready to safely handle and operate firearms in the field. Just because the law allows them to hunt doesn’t necessarily mean that they should. In some cases it may be best to have the child just walk along with the parent during a regular hunt and start the mentoring process in that fashion.”

• There are many rules pertaining to the mentored hunts, a few of which are.
• Must maintain "immediate physical control" over the youth.
• The mentor accompanying the youth may not carry a firearm.
• A mentor can only accompany one youth at a time.
• A hunting party with a mentored youth in the group is limited to six people.

Colorado Lists Habitat Stamp Fund Projects

The Colorado Division of Wildlife sent out a news release detailing where the state has spent habitat money raised through the Habitat Stamps Program. This is good stuff.


HABITAT STAMP SALES BENEFIT WILDLIFE AND WILDLIFE RECREATION

Outdoor enthusiasts who purchase a Colorado Wildlife Habitat Stamp are beginning to see a return on their investment. The Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) announced today that more than 19,000 acres have been set aside for wildlife and wildlife-related recreation since the DOW started selling Habitat Stamps two years ago.

"What we have seen so far is just the tip of the iceberg," said Dan Prenzlow, a DOW liaison on the Colorado Wildlife Habitat Stamp Committee. By combining money collected from habitat stamp sales with grants from Great Outdoors Colorado (GoCO) and other sources, the DOW is working on dozens of other projects that could protect up to 65,000 more acres of wildlife habitat in the near future.

Some of the wildlife habitat was purchased by the DOW, but most of it is preserved through permanent conservation easements that protect important winter range and migration corridors for deer and elk. Other acquisitions and easements have set aside critical land for sage grouse and opened up fishing access for anglers.

The habitat stamp program was started in 2006 as a way to preserve and enhance wildlife habitat. Sales averaged $3.5 million in the first two years. That money was used to match a variety of grant programs to leverage more than $38 million for habitat protection efforts in Colorado.

The habitat stamp program is overseen by a nine-member citizen's committee appointed by the Governor. The committee has reviewed dozens of proposals to protect critical wildlife habitat. Each proposal receives a thorough review and is ranked according to its merits. Final approval comes from the Colorado Wildlife Commission.

"The habitat stamp program was set up to benefit the wildlife of Colorado for future generations," said committee chairman Mark Smith of Center, Colo. "Our selection process is designed to protect the greatest number of species possible. As stewards of our resources, the committee's goal is to ensure our grandchildren and their grandchildren will be able to enjoy Colorado's natural resources."

Properties protected though the Colorado Wildlife Habitat Stamp Program as of April 10, 2008:

• Conejos County: Kendrick Parcel, 200 acres, fee title, in-holding at existing La Jara Creek SWA, big game winter range and trout fishing. $400,000.
• El Paso County: Ramah Reservoir, 158 acres, fee title in-holding at existing SWA, warm-water fishing and waterfowl access. $120,000.
• Grand County: Wolf-Taussig, 3,140-acre easement, big game winter range. $3.5 million.
  Gunnison County: Miller Ranch, 1,604 acres, fee title, big game winter range and migration, Gunnison sage grouse habitat and public access. $6.5 million.
• Lake County: Hardeman Property, 1.25 miles of Arkansas River, perpetual fishing access and bighorn sheep winter range. $99,000.
• Moffat County: Raftopoulos Two Bar Ranch, 3,184-acre easement for big game winter range and greater sage grouse protection, including 2,400 acres hunting access and fishing stream access in the Cold Springs Mountain area. $1.7 million.
• Rio Blanco County: Berryman Ranch, 2,905-acre easement, big game winter range and migration. $2.5 million.
• Rio Blanco County: Lunney Mountain, 2,027-acre easement, big game winter range and sharp-tail grouse habitat. $1 million.
• Rio Blanco County: Wenschoff Ranch, 525-acre easement, big game winter range and migration, greater sage grouse habitat. $1.2 million.
• Routt County: Adobe Ridge, 561-acre easement, big game winter range and migration, sharp-tail grouse habitat. $480,000.
• Routt County: Circle 8 Ranch, 637-acre easement, big game winter range and migration, sharp-tail and greater sage grouse habitat. $472,000.
• Routt County: Wolf Mountain, 2,711-acre easement, big game winter range and migration, sharp-tail and greater sage grouse habitat protection, and trout fishing. $1.75 million.
• San Miguel County: Baker Ranch, 1,249-acre easement, big game winter range and migration, Gunnison sage grouse habitat. $850,000.
• San Miguel County: Elk Creek Ranch, 350 acres, fee title, big game winter range and migration, Gunnison sage grouse habitat. $924,000.

The Colorado Wildlife Habitat Stamp was created by House Bill 1266 during the 2005 legislative session. The bill authorizes the sale of the stamp from 2006 through 2010, with an option to continue past the 2010 deadline with authorization from the Colorado Legislature.

HB 05-1266 mandates that 60 percent of the money collected must be spent on big game winter range and big game migration corridors. The remaining money can be used on other habitat types critical to wildlife in Colorado, including wetlands, riparian, shortgrass prairie, and forest land projects.

"There are many wildlife species that benefit by protecting big game habitat," said Prenzlow. "Bears, mountain lions, bighorn sheep, hawks, eagles, and a variety of grouse, waterfowl songbirds and other mammal species will benefit from the habitat stamp program. Protecting the land that is used by big game goes well beyond just helping the deer and elk herds in the state."

The habitat stamp costs $5 with the purchase of each hunting or fishing license up to a maximum of $10 per year. People who do not hunt or fish can purchase a stamp for $10.25 which includes the Colorado Search and Rescue fee. Anyone between the ages of 19 - 64 is required to have a valid Colorado Wildlife Habitat Stamp to enter a DOW managed State Wildlife Area. Habitat stamps can be purchased wherever hunting or fishing licenses are sold, as well as on the DOW's Web site at www.wildlife.state.co.us or by phone at (800) 244-5613.

Lake Powell Water Level Could Be Up 50 Feet

The Associated Press is reporting that snowmelt runoff could raise the water level at Lake Powell by 50 feet.

The water level increase is notable for the lake, which is at about half its potential capacity.

If it rises 50 feet, an important shortcut could be reopened allowing boaters to take advantage of the Castle Rock cut, allowing boats to cut a dozen miles off a trip from Wahweap marina to some of the more popular beaches and Rainbow Bridge National Monument.

A decade-long drought has seen the water level at Lake Powell falling leaving the tell-tale bathtub ring on the sandstone walls of the canyons.

Scientists, however, say one good year of runoff won't erase the drought.

Outdoor News

S.D. nixes longer pheasant season
BROOKINGS, S.D.—Heeding the concerns of landowners and sportsmen’s groups, the S.D. Game, Fish and Parks Commission decided against a proposal that would have lengthened the pheasant season to the end of January. The commission took the action at its April meeting in Brookings. The 2008 season will adhere to traditional dates, starting on the third Saturday of October and ending on the first Sunday of January. The commission heard testimony both for and against the proposal at a public hearing in Brookings. The department also received more than 200 e-mail and telephone comments about the proposal.

N.H. donates 550 pounds of meet to needy
New Hampshire Fish and Game Department Conservation Officers recently delivered approximately 550 pounds of processed moose and deer meat to the Littleton, N.H., Outreach Office of the Tri-County Community Action Program for distribution to the needy. The donation was the result of efforts by all the Conservation Officers in Fish and Game Law Enforcement District 3, which serves west-central New Hampshire. The donated moose meat and venison was confiscated during the fall 2007 hunting season in situations where moose and deer had been taken illegally. Conservation Officers had the meat butchered, packaged and frozen after it was seized. The pending court cases recently were resolved, allowing the meat to be donated.

Indiana offers apprentice hunting licenses beginning July 1
In an effort to help recruit new hunters, Indiana will allow individuals of any age to go hunting before taking a hunter education class, if they purchase an apprentice hunting license and are accompanied by a licensed adult while hunting. The licenses go on sale for the first time July 1. The initiative, which allows individuals to try hunting to see if it is a sport they wish to pursue without having to first invest a lot of time and money, has been done in other states as part of a nation-wide initiative to recruit new hunters.

Minn. anglers were to receive state record fish awards
Three Minnesota anglers who caught state record fish in 2007 were honored by the Department of Natural Resources April 5 at the 76th annual Northwest Sports Show at the Minneapolis Convention Center.
DNR Commissioner Mark Holsten presented the awards during a ceremony.

And My Wife Thinks Bait is Expensive

The Palm Beach (Fla.) Post is reporting a charter fishing company is offering fishing charters with women in bikinis or topless for an additional charge. At least it was until forced to shut down by the city marina.

Smokin' Em Charters, a Port St. Lucie company, began offering the bikini or topless add-ons in January.

The women stay fully clothed until the boats are 3 miles out and in international waters. There is a strict "no-touching" policy.

The cost for a little skin with your fishing is $100 per bikini, $150 if the bikinis come off. Oh, that's on top of the $1,250 for eight hours of fishing.

The name of the charter boat? I swear I'm not making this up. The 44-foot vessel is dubbed "Trojan."

OutdoorsVT 4-3-08

Another column available on the Rutland Herald's web site.

Pittsford trails offer mud-season alternative.

Two Dead in N.H. Snowmobiling Crash

An 18-year-old and his 8-year-old cousin, both of Ossipee, N.H., were killed in a snowmobile crash April 1, according to a news release issued by the N.H. Department of Fish and Game.

Neither victim was wearing a helmet while riding Corridor 19 -- an old railroad bed trail. The victims were on the last snowmobile in a group of three when the crash occurred. Speed and icy conditions may have contributed to the crash, according to the release, and the investigation is continuing.

NWTF President Sends Message

In Box received the following letter yesterday from the NWTF president:

Dear NWTF Volunteers, National Board Members, Sponsors and Partners,

The last week has been a time of transition for the National Wild Turkey Federation, and we appreciate everyone’s patience during this effort.

As NWTF’s family pulled together to manage this period of change, our brief inward focus allowed speculation to fill the information gap. Thus, we want to take this opportunity to clarify some important points.

First, the NWTF annually undergoes an audit of its financial statements by a certified public accounting firm. The conclusion of the most recent audit, as has been the case with past audits, is the organization’s statements of position and activities received the highest level of opinion possible on their accuracy.

In addition, no allegations of criminal activity have been made.

While the organization has undergone change, it’s still made up of more than a half million of the most passionate and dedicated volunteers as well as our amazingly supportive and generous partners and sponsors. Because of all these wonderful people, we’re an organization that will emerge from this and move forward into an era of conservation success. We hope you’ll take that journey with us.

Respectfully,
Peggy Anne Vallery
NWTF President

NSSF Awards 12 Grants

The National Shooting Sports Foundation gave a total of $724,980 in grants were given to 12 states aimed at hunter requitment and retention.

It's the sixth year for the grants and so far more than $2.8 million have been given.

"These grants were awarded on the strengths of the concepts presented to preserve our hunting traditions, by adding to the ranks of hunters and encouraging current hunters to continue their participation," said Doug Painter, president of NSSF.

The grant recipients are:

• Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission--$64,400
• Idaho Department of Fish and Game--$153,000
• Indiana Department of Natural Resources--$62,000
• Maryland Department of Natural Resources--$16,500
• Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks -- #1-$77,755, #2-$45,000
• Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks--$61,700
• Nevada Department of Wildlife--$56,125
• New Hampshire Fish and Game Department--$20,000
• Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation--$21,000
• South Carolina Department of Natural Resources--$92,500
• Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency--$30,000
• Wyoming Game and Fish Department--$25,000

Kansas Forms Sportsmen's Caucus

Kansas became the 35th state to join the National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses.

A group of legislators gathered at the Topeka Country Club to form the Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus on March 25.

Members of the caucus will set aside politics and present a unified front by remaining informed and organized on sportsmen's issues.

Several groups got together for the kick-off including the National Rifle Association, the National Wild Turkey Federation, Quail Unlimited and Pheasants Forever.

Nearly 60 people attended including more than 20 policymakers, outdoor writers, outfitters and trappers and others were in attendence

House Majority Leader Ray Merrick and Rep. Gary Hayzlett will serve as co-chairmen.

"It is an honor to serve as chairman of the Kansas Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus," Merrick said. "Hunting and fishing are ingrained in the Kansas lifestyle; it's about time we had a legislative group to work on these issues."

DOW Charges Two with Killing 34 Elk

Two men have been charged in connection with the shooting of at least 34 elk on two Moffat County ranches, according to a news release issued by the Colo. Division of Wildlife.

Rodney Heath Culverwell was charged with 18 counts each of willful destruction of wildlife and illegal possession of wildlife. Kenneth Wolgram was charged with 16 counts each of willful destruction of wildlife and illegal possession of wildlife.

The charges are the result of a 16-week investigation into the shooting of at least 34 elk.

If found guilty, a conviction on the charge of willful destruction carry a sentence of one to two years in prison and a fine of $1,000 - $100,000 per count.

If found guilty of the charge of illegal possession of wildlife, the sentence calls for a fine of $1,000 per count. Both men could also lose their hunting, fishing and trapping privileges in Colorado and 24 other states.

Lion Attack 'Probable but Unconfirmed'

South Dakota officials investigating an alleged mountain lion attack March 1 at Sheridan Lake are listing the incident as "probable but unconfirmed," according to a news release.

Ryan Hughes of Rapid City said he was attacked at about 2:30 p.m. at Sheridan Lake.

S.D. Game, Fish and Parks used tracking dogs but was not able to pick up the scent of the lion and no other evidence was found other than Hughes word and the injuries he suffered.

Without enough substantiating evidence, the report listed the attack has probably having happened, but unconfirmed.

“It was very important to our agency that we go over every avenue for evidence that would firmly substantiate this as a confirmed mountain lion attack,” GFP Regional Supervisor Mike Kintigh said. “I know there has been a great deal of public interest, and this is important information for the work that we do.”

But while there was not enough evidence to substantiate the attack, Kintigh also found no evidence to dispute hughes claim.

“Ryan certainly has wounds to back up his story, and in several visits with him I have no reason to doubt his story,” Kintigh said. “There needs to be a chain of evidence to confirm a mountain lion attack report, and we were not able to put that evidence together.”

Dept. of Interior Announces Federal Grants

Interior Secretary Dick Kempthorne announced March 31 in a news release that nearly $4.5 million in federal grants to support neotropical migratory bird conservation efforts in the United States, Canada, Mexico and man Latin America and Caribbean countries.

"What happens in Central and South America affects the birds that visit our backyards every spring and summer," Kempthorne said in the release. "These grants will support cooperative conservation projects and research to benefit our shared migratory bird resources throughout the hemisphere."

With the grants, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will provide 37 grants to conservation partnerships, which will be matched with more than $15 million for research, monitoring and management programs for migratory bird populations.


There are 341 species of Neotropical migratory birds that breed in the United States and Canada and winter in Latin America including species of plovers, terns, hawks, cranes, warblers and sparrows, according to the release. Many of those birds are in decline and some are protected as threatened or endangered species.