Weekly News Archives

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Words to Ponder

"My choices in life were either to be a piano player in a whore house or a

politician. And to tell the truth, there's hardly any difference!" 

Harry Truman

Bass Pro Shops to Open Store in San Jose, Ca

Bass Pro Shops will locate a new store in San Jose, California west of the highly visible intersection of the Almaden Expressway 85 and Highway 87.  The store will be part of the 350,000-sq ft Almaden Ranch

development and will have tremendous access for all of the east and west Bay population.   The new 145,000 sq-ft Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World is scheduled to open in 2015.

Nikon Debuts ACULON A211 Binocular 

The ACULON A211 binocular officially launches Nikon�s all-new ACULON optics family to the world.  With seven fixed power and two zoom models, every adventure can now be enhanced with an economically priced quality optic.

                                                            
The ACULON A211 uses aspherical eyepiece lenses (except zoom models) to minimize aberration and deliver rich, natural colors.  Utilizing Nikon�s multilayer-coated lenses and Bak4 High Index Prisms, these binoculars offer excellent image brightness and clarity.  Ergonomic styling, mated with a fully rubber-armored exterior, provides added shock resistance and a firm grip.

The ACULON A211 is easy to use and each version is loaded with user-friendly features that make the viewing experience a comfortable one.  A smooth central focus knob is an easy way to bring views into focus, zoom

models feature smooth fingertip zoom control.  Turn-and-slide rubber

eyecups allow for comfortable viewing during extended periods of use (except zoom models).

800-645-6687   www.nikonsportoptics.com

Modern Day Muskellunge World Record Established

The International Committee of the Modern Day Muskellunge World Record Program (MDMWRP) is pleased to announce the acceptance of a recent muskellunge catch as its world record. The capture of a 58-pound �muskie� by Joe Seeberger of Portage, Michigan on October 13, 2012 from Lake Bellaire, Michigan has set the new modern standard for the world�s muskie anglers.

This modern day record program began in 2006 by a committee consisting of some of the worlds top muskellunge scientists, along with several muskie industry leaders, muskie anglers and outdoor media personalities (www.modernmuskierecords.org).

The committee decided at that time, to set a qualifying standard for muskellunge application at 60-pounds, rather than leave it �open� to minimize entries merely to establish a new modern record, important in these days of catch and release.

After seven years with no entries, several of our committee members got together and recommended that we consider the Seeberger fish, after the fact. The length of time that had passed with no fish entered in our program, indicated the real rarity of the species attaining such size. Our committee voted unanimously to slightly reduce the minimum weight requirement and begin the authentication process of the 58-pound Seeberger muskie. After a through three-month review to assure it met the stringent MDMWRP rules requirements for record, our esteemed committee members once again voted unanimously to accept this fish as the Modern Day Muskellunge World Record

Therefore, we are proud to announce that the official weight and measurements of this grand fish are; Weight: 58-pounds, Length: 58-inches* and Girth: 29-inches (full catch details will be available on our website: www.modernmuskierecords.org). The fish met all established standards except for the length claim, as the initial length measurement was not made in accordance with MDMWRP standards protocol. The fish was found to be one-inch shorter than the initial submitted length measurement of 59-inches.

*It should be noted that our rules require a bump board style length measurement, which is in keeping with the practice of scientific length measurement and with most of today�s catch and release and tournament standards. Wide use and acceptance of this standard is of great value to the scientific community in determining the maximum obtainable size of North America�s largest freshwater sport species.

When  Seeberger caught his muskie he was completely unaware of its significance. He was merely keeping it as a personal trophy that became the new Michigan State record for Great Lakes Strain Muskellunge. It is now the highly coveted MDMWRP world record champion as well! This International Modern Day Muskellunge record should constitute a highly credible all-tackle world record that is acceptable to legions of North American muskie anglers.

For more info: Steve Worrall, MDMWRP Public Relations Director: email [email protected].  

www.modernmuskierecords.org/

Quail Unlimited Disbands
The country�s oldest quail conservation group has closed its doors for good. Quail Unlimited (QU) president Bill E. Bowles announced last Friday in a statement that the company was closing due to financial difficulties and internal problems discovered two and a half years ago. Unfortunately, QU was unable to reconcile these difficulties.

�This has been a valiant effort by everyone and we should all be proud,� said Bowles in the statement.

The organization will be shutting down immediately. QU�s site now redirects to Quail Forever, which had purchased the QU mailing list along with other organizational material. Bowles and the QU Board of Directors formally recommended Quail Forever as �the future of quail conservation in America� and are urging members to switch over as soon as possible.

Quail Forever also released a statement on Friday stating that the conservation group will be there to support former QU members and that Quail Forever intends to maintain a voice for hunters and conservationists in the nation�s capital.

With the addition of the refugee QU members, Quail Forever and Pheasants Forever take on the mantle of the largest upland hunting conservation group in the country, a role they are eager to embrace. Quail Forever currently holds a four-star rating by Charity Navigator, which describes the organization as exceeding industry standards and outperforming most other charities in the conservation field. It is the highest rating Charity Navigator has.

According to the Albany Herald, Bowles and some former QU employees have been offered positions by Quail Forever to help make member transitions as painless as possible, as well as heading up future quail conservation efforts in the southeastern region. Bowles has accepted a position as the Quail Forever Southeast Regional Director.

�There is a little bit of a sadness in seeing [Quail Unlimited] go away, but every one of us knows it�s just a name� Bowles said in an interview. �The work that we intended to do in that organization now gets a real opportunity to get done. We get to make up for the last two and a half years.�

2013 Illinois Licenses Now Available

Illinois fishing, hunting and sportsman�s combination licenses for 2013 are now available from DNR Direct license and permit vendors, online at:

www.dnr.illinois.gov/online/Pages/default.aspx or by calling 888-6PERMIT (1-888-673-7648). The system is available 24 hours a day. The 2013 licenses will be valid through Mar. 31, 2014 unless otherwise noted.

Hunter and Boating Safety Education

Now�s the time to begin planning for spending time outdoors in 2013 by checking the schedule and registering for Hunter Safety Education and Boating Safety Education courses from the IDNR.  There are plenty of

classes scheduled -- check the IDNR website for class dates and locations.  Class schedules are updated frequently. The website link for all IDNR Safety Education course information is www.dnr.illinois.gov/ safety

Camping Reservations

Make your reservation now for campsites and shelters for many IDNR sites for 2013.  Reservations can be made online through the

ReserveAmerica website at www.reserveamerica.com using a Visa or MasterCard.   For more information, check the IDNR website at http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/Landmgt/Programs/Camping/

Registration Open for 2013 Illinois Conservation Congress
Participants Sought for Regional Meetings in February and March

SPRINGFIELD, IL � Illinois citizens interested in natural resources protection and sustainable use, outdoor recreation, and conservation stewardship are invited to participate in the 2013 Illinois Conservation Congress.

In advance of the planned statewide Conservation Congress session in Springfield in September, a series of regional meetings are scheduled for February and March, and online registration for those meetings is being conducted at www.dnr.illinois.gov/ConservationCongress.

�Conservation Congress provides Illinois residents with a direct voice to help guide the future of protecting and enhancing the natural resources of our state, and I encourage individuals and organizations who share our passion for conservation and outdoor recreation in Illinois to register today,� said Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Director Marc Miller.

The mission of the Illinois Conservation Congress is to give Illinois residents a formal process to propose and advocate actions that can be taken by elected and appointed officials to protect and conserve the natural resources of the State of Illinois.  The goal of Conservation Congress is to ensure, through professional management, that sustainable use, recreational opportunities and enjoyment of these resources is available for this and future generations.

The regional meetings scheduled across the state in the coming weeks

will be used to gain interest and feedback from the public. 

The regional meetings are scheduled at:

• John A. Logan College, Carterville � February 19 and 20

• Heartland Community College, Normal - February 26 and 27

• WIU Campus, Quad Cities Campus, Moline - March 4 and 5

• South Shore Cultural Center, Chicago � March 12, 13 and 14

• Southwestern Illinois College, Belleville � March 21 and 22

At the evening regional meetings, participants will begin discussing five broad topics to focus Conservation Congress deliberations for action this fall:

• Sustainable Resource Development and Extraction � mines and minerals, water resources, forestry, etc.

• Sustainable Resource Harvest � outdoor recreation � wildlife and fish conservation, hunting, fishing, etc.

• Sustainable Provision of Outdoor Recreation � recreational public access, state parks, etc.

• Sustainable Resource Protection � regulation, law enforcement, etc.

• Building Bridges � developing new constituencies, professional development, improving and growing partnerships

For more information, to register for regional meetings, and to provide input to the Illinois Conservation Congress, go online to:  www.dnr.illinois.gov/ConservationCongress

Ohio and Cleveland Plan to Transfer Cleveland Lakefront Park

Back to City Proposed to Legislature

COLUMBUS, OH � A proposal developed by the Ohio DNR and the City of Cleveland to transfer the operations of the Cleveland Lakefront State Park back to the City of Cleveland has been submitted to the Ohio General Assembly for its approval as part of Governor John Kasich�s FY 2014-2015 state budget.

�It�s been a privilege for ODNR to manage the Cleveland Lakefront State Park for the City of Cleveland for more than three decades, and as both the state and the city look ahead at our future goals and priorities, it�s clear that now is the right time for park management to return to the city,� said ODNR Director James Zehringer. �It�s not only consistent with the city�s long-term vision for the Lake Erie waterfront but also in the best financial interest of Ohio, and that win-win is reflected in the good agreement we�ve reached with the city. While our role is changing, ODNR remains committed to the future health and growth of the park and will work closely with the city to help ensure that going forward.�

�The Cleveland Lakefront State Parks are a tremendous asset for the City

of Cleveland,� said City of Cleveland Chief of Staff Ken Silliman. �We want to thank Governor Kasich and ODNR for the opportunity to expand upon the growth already established in this area over the past 35 years.�

In 1978, ODNR assumed the responsibility of managing the Cleveland Lakefront State Park. Since that time, this park has become one of the most popular destinations in the Ohio State Parks system. The unique blend of beauty that this area provides in a predominately metropolitan area has provided recreational opportunities to countless park visitors throughout the years.

The proposal provides $14 million in FY 2013 to operate upgrade and transfer Cleveland Lakefront State Park to the City of Cleveland. This enables the state and the city to work in tandem to enhance the experience of park visitors through improvements to facilities as well as access to one of Ohio�s greatest natural resources, Lake Erie. ODNR and the City of Cleveland will work together to ensure that the public safety and the overall experience of park visitors will not be disrupted during this transition.

Wisconsin seeks to fill more than 15 wildlife biologist positions

MADISON � People interested in applying to become a wildlife biologist with the Department of Natural Resources have until Feb. 18 to complete an online application and exam.

�We currently we have more than 15 vacancies, and we expect that number to grow in the next year,� says JoAnne Farnsworth, management systems chief for DNR's Bureau of Wildlife Management. �The register from this exam will be used to fill positions for at least a year.�

Wildlife biologists develop and implement wildlife management programs using an integrated ecosystem management approach. This includes habitat improvement and coordinating and conducting wildlife monitoring surveys. Biologists� responsibilities include establishing and maintaining partnerships with both public and private wildlife interest organizations.

Incumbents also will implement a public outreach and education program promoting outdoor skills and the future of hunting and trapping in Wisconsin. Wildlife biologists also oversee and conduct property

management activities such as land acquisition, infrastructure development and maintenance, and wildlife habitat protection and enhancement for assigned properties.

Farnsworth said DNR cannot provide exact locations where biologists would be stationed at this time because there is a lateral transfer process going on for existing vacancies.   ï¿½I�d suggest any candidates able and willing to work anywhere in the state mark �statewide� on their county selections. If not, only choose the counties of interest.�

As DNR proceeds to the interview and recruitment exercises there will be more information on position locations.  The goal is to begin interviews in May and have job offers occurring in the second half of the calendar year.  People interested in applying for the positions should visit the Wisc.jobs website and search for wildlife biologist.

The exam closes at 11:59 p.m. Feb 18, 2013, with no exceptions to this deadline.

Spring fish/wildlife proposed rules hearing questionnaire available online

Conservation Congress to be held April 8 in each county
MADISON � The questionnaire package for the 2013 Department of Natural Resources spring fish and wildlife proposed rules hearing and annual Conservation Congress county meeting and the list of meeting locations is now available for review on the Department of Natural Resources website.

On April 8, there will be 72 public hearings, one in each Wisconsin county starting at 7 p.m. where people interested in natural resources management have an opportunity to provide their input by non-binding vote and testimony to the DNR, Natural Resources Board and the Conservation Congress on proposed hunting and fishing rule changes and advisory questions.

The hearings, held annually, are combined with the county meetings during which residents can vote on and introduce their solutions to natural resources related issues.

The spring hearings cover three major areas: elections for county Conservation Congress delegates; proposed wildlife and fisheries rule changes that have been developed through previous Conservation Congress meetings; and Conservation Congress proposals for future rule development.

Among the fisheries rule change proposals are: shifting the hours to legally spear sturgeon on lakes Winnebago, Butte des Morts, Winneconne, and Poygan to 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., and shifting the daily deadline for sturgeon spearers to register their fish to 2 p.m.; removing the

northern bass management zone early catch-and-release season for largemouth bass and allowing harvest under existing size and bag limits; and allowing motor trolling statewide.

Among the wildlife rule proposals being considered are: allowing the use of rifles for deer hunting statewide; simplifying pheasant hunting regulations; establishing that, when the bear hunting season is open, hunting hours apply to people who are training bear hunting dogs as well as to people who are hunting bears; and allowing unattended, overnight placement of portable stands and blinds on Department owned and managed lands.

In addition to the department's rule proposals, there are a variety of advisory questions, including a number pertaining to regulations for training dogs that will be used to hunt wolves, expanding bobcat hunting and trapping areas, and simplifying Canada goose hunter rules.

The Conservation Congress also has a variety of advisory questions asking citizens to gauge public support on various natural resource issues.

During the Conservation Congress county meetings, county residents have the option to run for a seat on the Conservation Congress and to elect delegates from their county to represent their views regarding natural resources issues on the Conservation Congress, the citizen advisory body to the Natural Resources Board and DNR. Also, individuals have the opportunity to bring forth new conservation issues of a statewide nature to the attention of the Conservation Congress through the citizen resolution process. Information about the process is also available on the Conservation Congress pages of the DNR Web site.

Study continues to monitor cause of deer mortality
MADISON � Hunting continues to account for the largest number of adult white-tailed deer mortalities in Wisconsin, while predation accounts for the highest death of fawns, according to recent results from an ongoing deer mortality study.

�Hunter harvest continues to be the greatest cause of death of both adult and yearling bucks,� said Jared Duquette, research scientist and lead researcher for the study, �while predation was the leading cause of fawn mortality, with most predations occurring within the first four to six weeks following birth.�

The DNR Bureau of Science Services has compiled data collected during 2011-12 on the causes of death in white-tailed deer into a new report, �Wisconsin Deer Research Studies, Annual Report 2011-2012.� The report

is available on the DNR website by searching for �deer research� (click on the tab for resources).

Prompted by questions asked by hunters, two groundbreaking studies are currently underway in Wisconsin. A five-year study of causes of adult deer mortality is quantifying, for the first the various causes of deer death and overall survival rates in deer in a northern forest environment and in an eastern farmland environment. A similar three-year study looks at causes of mortality in fawns.

Duquette said the data will play a role in future deer management decisions and addresses recommendations forwarded by study groups reviewing Wisconsin�s deer population estimating process.  Read Full Article and summary of report.

Sturgeon spearing season opened Feb 9

Caution urged on Lake Winnebago system ice conditions

OSHKOSH, Wis. -- People preparing for the opening of the 2013 sturgeon spearing season on the Lake Winnebago system are being cautioned that ice conditions are highly variable, ranging from more than a foot of ice down to open water still remaining in some areas.

�Ice conditions are variable, not only among the upriver lakes but on Lake Winnebago itself,� said Ryan Koenig, sturgeon biologists with the DNR.

The east side of Lake Winnebago has greater ice thickness than the west side after heavy winds a few weeks ago shoved the ice up onto the east shore, leaving open water behind on the west side.

Since then, big swings in wind and temperatures have continued to keep ice conditions widely varied. There are cracks in the ice on Lake Winnebago and spearers are reminded that no ice is safe. The Department of Natural Resources does not monitor the thickness or condition of ice. Should anyone choose to venture out on it, we highly suggest contacting one of the local fishing clubs for the latest on ice conditions.

DNR fisheries staff checked the water clarity Monday morning on Lake Winnebago and found they could see down roughly 8 feet in most areas.

Anyone who plans to head out onto the ice should remember these simple tips:

� Ice should be at least 4 inches thick before walking out onto it, 5 inches if taking a snowmobile, ATV or other vehicle.

� Wear proper clothing and equipment � dress in layers including wool hats, mittens and waterproof boots. Include a float coat to help you stay afloat and slow body heat loss should you go into the water.

� Don�t go out alone � Go out fishing or spearing with friends, take a cell phone with you, and make sure someone knows where you are and when you expect to return.

The 2013 sturgeon spearing season opened Saturday, Feb. 9 and runs for 16 days, or until harvest caps are reached.  Biologists say fish populations are robust and harvested adults are increasing in size each season.   More information about the upcoming season, including regulations and harvest caps, can be found on the DNR website by doing a keyword search for "sturgeon spearing".