February 26, 2001

Online license sales

  So far only Michigan and Illinois are offering license sales online to resident and nonresident anglers. Online licenses are available seven days a week, 24 hours a day The Michigan DNR web site is www.dnr.state.mi.us then click on Online Hunting and Fishing Licenses.  The Illinois DNR web site is https://www.link2gov.com/il/dnr/license.asp
 

DNR says smelt hurt walleye population

   The introduction of smelt into some Northwoods lakes has destroyed walleye reproduction and demands public attention, said Steve Gilbert, WDNR fisheries biologist. He said the rainbow smelt were recently discovered in Long Lake near Phelps.
“Surveys show zero walleye reproduction the last three years,” he said. “We believe the smelt are eating all of the young of the year walleyes.”

  “Our understanding is that walleye fry move to deep water after they hatch to feed on zooplankton,” he said. “And that is where adult smelt spend most of their time. They eat the fry.”

Roll-On Relief for Lyme Disease

Using a passive dispenser, deer can get rid of ticks

   In the never-ending fight against Lyme disease and deer ticks, scientists with the USDA have developed a deer feeder that uses paint rollers to apply amitraz?the tick-killing insecticide that is the main chemical in flea and tick collars?to the jaw, ears and neck of a deer as it feeds. More than 95% of adult deer ticks feed on whitetail deer, and 90% of those feed on the softer skinned and sparser haired area of a deer’s neck and head. When deer groom themselves, they spread the insecticide to other areas. Dr. J.Matthew Pound, who invented the “four-poster,” named for its resemblance to a four-poster bed, said tick reduction of up to 97% has been observed where the device has been tested.

DNR proposes $2 transaction fee for licenses

   Madison, WI--A $2 transaction fee would be tacked onto sales of hunting and fishing licenses, habitat stamps and permit applications under a proposal from state 

environmental officials that would cost hunters, anglers and others an extra $5.2 million annually. The proposal was 

included in the WDNR budget request for 2001-03. It would give the $2 to vendors who sell licenses and permits to cover their costs. Currently, vendors receive 50 cents from each sale.

   The USEPA is going ahead with plans to regulate emissions from gasoline and diesel sterndrive/inboard recreational marine engines. One of the biggest concerns for the industry is a surprise provision that has nothing to do with engines.
   The EPA in mid-November issued an “advanced notice of proposed rulemaking,” soliciting public comment and identifying various technologies that could be used to reduce emissions. The notice was published in the Federal Register Dec. 7, and the public has 60 days to comment. The standards could go into effect in 2005 or 2006.  As part of the notice, the EPA is requesting comment on whether or not it should propose evaporative emission requirements, which involves fuel tanks.