Week of November 14, 2011

Word to Ponder
Fishing beyond the Great Lakes
Hunting & Shooting Products/Issues
National

Regional

General
Michigan
Minnesota
Ohio
Pennsylvania
Wisconsin
Other Breaking News Items

 

       Weekly News Archives

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       New Product  Archives

Words to Ponder

�Because without America there is no Free World

Sub-title from the web site "Canada Free Press"


 

Occupy Wall Streeters fairyland agenda:

Summarized by one of their placards:  ï¿½Everything for everybody.�


Sign of the times�


Fishing beyond the Great Lakes

Kentucky Fish/Wildlife to discuss Asian Carp Harvest Program At Nov. 15 Public Meeting

The Fisheries Division of the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources will outline its new Asian carp harvest program during a public meeting set for 7 p.m. (Central) Nov. 15 at the Kentucky Dam Village Convention Center.

 

Fisheries officials say commercial angling is the best way to help control the expanding Asian carp populations in Kentucky and Barkley lakes. Asian carp can present a hazard to boaters and compete with native fish for food.

 

Officials will discuss the Asian carp problem and how the harvest program will be implemented. Whether you are a fishing guide, a person wanting to help with the issue, or are just interested in learning about Asian carp, you will want to attend this meeting.

 

The Asian carp harvest program will include Kentucky Fish and Wildlife observers and trained volunteers whenever commercial anglers are scheduled to fish in normally restricted waters. Observers will monitor Asian carp catch rates and non-target fish catch and disposition at release. Kentucky Fish and Wildlife will post commercial fishing

information and data from this program online at fw.ky.gov.

 

Commercial fishing is the most economic method of removing large quantities of Asian carp from Kentucky and Barkley lakes and their tributaries. This is an opportunity to demonstrate how the commercial fishing industry can work alongside of and co-exist with anglers for the benefit of Kentucky�s native fish species.

 

Everyone interested is invited to attend this meeting. The convention center is located at Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park in Gilbertsville.

 


Hunting & Shooting Products/Issues

New Hoppe's Elite T3 Gun Oil for advanced protection/performance

Hoppe's, an industry-leader in gun care cleaning products and accessories since 1903, has introduced Elite T3 Gun Oil. To provide long-lasting corrosion protection and superior performance, Hoppe's has enhanced the popular Elite Gun Oil with a special T3 additive.

 

The T3 additive contains liquid molybdenum and liquid PTFE, a synthetic polymer with the lowest coefficient of friction known to man. The Elite T3 Gun Oil disperses in a thin coat across the entire surface of the bore and penetrates deep into every pore of the metal to condition the metal and provide long-term protection against fouling.

In addition, the advanced technology provides long-lasting corrosion protection to prevent separation or breakdown of metal surfaces at temperatures ranging from -40 degrees to 320 degrees. When used in combination with Hoppe's Elite Gun Cleaner, Elite T3 Gun Oil offers gun owners lasting protection of their firearm and reduces cleaning time by up to 80 percent.

 

With the reassurance that comes from a clean and well-conditioned firearm, Hoppe's continues to improve the most reliable gun care products on the market. For more information about Elite T3 Gun Oil, visit the product page online.

 

About $7.95 (2 oz) or $12.95 (4 oz bottle)

 

800-423-3537     www.hoppes.com


Weaver New Spotting Scopes

Sit back. Settle in. Get comfortable. And be prepared to dissect every inch of terrain for something to chase. It's the spot-n-stalk game and it all starts right here, right now, with quality glass. Go with anything less and you will soon regret it. Settle in behind our Classic series Spotting Scope and learn just how sweet it is to let your eyes do the walking. Available in either straight or angled eyepiece configurations, our new Classic Series spotting scopes are quality optics at an affordable price.

 

Specifics include:

� 15-45x65mm magnification

� Large ocular lens for comfortable viewing and reduced

eye fatigue

� Fast focus eyepiece for smooth transitions between magnifications

� Straight or angled eyepiece for viewing preference

� Nitrogen-filled for crystal clear images

� Waterproof and fogproof

 

About $388.00 � 398.00

 

800-635-7656

 

[email protected]    www.weaveroptics.com/

 


Weaver Classic 8x32 Binoculars Sweepstakes

Enter for your chance to win a Classic series 8x32

binoculars


Ruger introduces LCP pistols with lasersRuger has introduced the new Ruger LCP and LC9 pistols equipped with LaserMax CenterFire lasers. Now the same award-winning LCP and LC9 pistols are available from the factory fitted with a trigger-guard-mounted LaserMax CenterFire red diode laser.

These two pistols are some of the most popular concealed carry firearms in the nation, and Ruger has now provided more options in this product line by incorporating durable LaserMax CenterFire lasers into factory production models.

The new LCP and LC9 pistols both feature a LaserMax CenterFire trigger-guard-mounted laser with ambidextrous on/off switch. The laser can be adjusted for both windage and elevation, and can be removed easily with an Allen wrench (included). These

rugged, reliable pistols are polymer-framed, hammer-fired, double-action only pistols, and both have won the Shooting Industry Academy of Excellence "Handgun of the Year" award. The LCP is chambered in .380 Auto and has a capacity of 6+1 rounds.

 

The LC9, which is available for sale in all 50 states, is chambered in 9mm Luger and has a capacity of 7+1 rounds. Both pistols are designed for snag free carry in a pocket or holster, and come with both flat bottom and finger groove extension magazine buttplates that can be changed to accommodate the shooter's preference.

 

For more information on the new Ruger LCP and LC9 LaserMax CenterFire laser pistols, visit the Ruger web site

 

About $443.00

 

603-685-2442    www.ruger.com


National

CCRKBA blasts Senate anti-gunners for shifting blame on gun walking

The recent Senate hearing on Operation Fast and Furious before the Senate Judiciary Committee once again provided an opportunity for two leading Senate gun prohibitionists to try spreading the blame for botched gun trafficking, and change the debate to arguments for more gun control, the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms said.

 

The committee questioned Attorney General Eric Holder for two hours on Fast and Furious, and other Justice Department issues. But it was about the seriously mishandled gun trafficking investigation where committee partisans tried their bait-and-switch routine, CCRKBA said.

 

�Senators Charles Schumer and Dianne Feinstein tried to

 link discredited gun walking tactics to the earlier Bush-era Operation Wide Receiver,� said CCRKBA Chairman Alan Gottlieb. �Blaming Bush is �so yesterday�, while their gun control agenda is on tap for tomorrow.�

 

Texas Sen. John Cornyn revealed the stark differences between Wide Receiver, conducted with the full cooperation of the Mexican government, and the Obama administration�s Operation Fast and Furious, done specifically without the knowledge of Mexican authorities, or our own officials assigned to Mexico City.

 

�It�s outrageous, but predictable, that these two partisan gun control fanatics would try such a ruse to confuse the public, and the issue,� Gottlieb stated.

 

 


Congress Considers Testimony on Lawsuit Reform

In testimony before a Congressional committee, Boone and Crockett Club president emeritus Lowell E. Baier told committee members that H.R. 1996, the Government Savings Litigation Act, will help America's fish, wildlife and natural resources agencies do their jobs.

 

The legislation will benefit conservation and sound wildlife management by bringing fairness, transparency and accountability to the Equal Access to Justice Act (EAJA).

 

EAJA is an historic law that allows plaintiffs to recover attorney fees and other expenses from the federal government when they prevail in lawsuits against the government. It was intended for retirees, veterans, small businesses--average citizens who need help finding and paying for a lawyer to correct errors in their earned benefits or to remedy mistaken penalties imposed by federal agencies.

 

In recent years, animal rights and environmental advocacy groups began using lawsuits to protest lawful decisions that they happen to oppose. The groups use EAJA to recoup their legal costs. The most frequent abuses include suing the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other agencies on minor procedural decisions, then collecting settlements and EAJA reimbursements.

 

These private groups are collecting taxpayer dollars and consuming agency resources that could have gone toward wildlife management and conservation programs.  And it's a trend resulting in judges, rather than conservation professionals, shaping the future of wildlife in America.

 

The U.S. House Committee on the Judiciary's Subcommittee on Courts, Commercial and Administrative Law held an Oct. 11 hearing on H.R. 1996. Conservation, agriculture and livestock interests attended to urge passage.  Baier said, "We are resolute that we will not tread on EAJA's historic purpose. But we need to put 'equal' back into the Equal Access to Justice Act by requiring everyone to meet the same eligibility standards."

 

Currently, individuals are eligible to use EAJA if their net worth does not exceed $2 million. Businesses are eligible provided their net worth does not exceed $7 million.

"H.R. 1996 would extend these same eligibility requirements to nonprofit organizations. As EAJA stands today, special interest groups are eligible to recoup legal fees regardless of their net worth. That's an inequity that needs repair," said Baier. "To be clear, this measure will not prevent litigation. It relieves taxpayers of paying the legal bills of big-business animal rights and environmental advocacy groups."

 

H.R. 1996 would make EAJA consistent with the 205 other federal fee shifting statutes, all of which limit 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organizations to the same eligibility requirements that apply to private citizens and small businesses.

 

Baier said, "The Congressional Research Service in 2009 determined that EAJA was an anomaly in this regard. That's a glaring privilege for nonprofit groups that is the antithesis of equality and fairness."

 

Federal oversight and accounting of EAJA payouts are virtually absent. Total costs are unknown. One attorney tracking the issue estimates 12 animal rights and environmental advocacy groups alone filed over 3,300 lawsuits and recovered more than $37 million in EAJA funds over the past decade. Boone and Crockett research shows EAJA actual costs exceeding $50 million per year from litigation by the top 20 environmental litigants.

 

H.R. 1996 requires reporting exact costs.

 

He explained that when EAJA was enacted in 1980, it required an annual report of the number of cases processed and total attorney fees reimbursed. That reporting ended in 1995. H.R. 1996 reinstates EAJA reporting requirements, beginning with an audit of prior unreported years.  Baier added that EAJA also has hidden costs such as conservation agency personnel time spent reviewing procedures, defending complaints and often re-doing entire processes.

 

H.R. 1996 was introduced by Rep. Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming. Sen. John Barrasso of Wyoming introduced a companion version in the U.S. Senate. The bills together share the title Government Litigation Savings Act.

 

 


Regional

Great Lakes Water Levels for Nov 11, 2011 

WEATHER CONDITIONS

The Great Lakes basin experienced warmer than average temperatures at times during the past week; in fact, some areas exceeded the 60 degree mark.  Some locations across the Superior and Michigan-Huron basins did receive light rainfall this week, with the first measurable snowfall of the season occurring near Lake Superior on Wednesday night.  Looking ahead to the weekend, expect cloudy conditions with a chance for some light precipitation on Sunday and temperatures near seasonal averages.  Wet weather is expected to continue on through the early part of next week. 

LAKE LEVEL CONDITIONS

Currently, Lake Superior and Lake Michigan are 2 and 5 inches, respectively above their levels of a year ago.  Lakes St. Clair, Erie, and Ontario are 7, 11, and 4 inches, respectively higher than they were at this time last year.  Over the next thirty days, Lakes Superior and Michigan-Huron are each projected to drop 2 inches from their current levels.  The water levels of Lakes St. Clair, Erie and Ontario are forecasted to decline 2, 2, and 3 inches, respectively, over the next month.  All of the lakes are in their period of seasonal decline. 

FORECASTED MONTHLY OUTFLOWS/CHANNEL CONDITIONS

Lake Superior's outflow through the St. Mary's River and the outflow from Lake Huron into the St. Clair River are projected to be below average for the month of November. 

The outflow from Lake St. Clair into the Detroit River is expected to be near average throughout the month of November.  Lake Erie's outflow through the Niagara River and the outflow of Lake Ontario into the St. Lawrence River are both predicted to be above average in November.

ALERTS

Lake Superior's water level is currently below chart datum.  Users of the Great Lakes, connecting channels and St. Lawrence River should keep informed of current conditions before undertaking any activities that could be affected by changing water levels.  Mariners should utilize navigation charts and refer to current water level readings.

 

 

Superior

Mich-Huron

St. Clair

Erie

Ontario

Level for Nov 11

600.98

577.76

573.88

571.42

244.75

Datum, in ft

601.10

577.50

572.30

569.20

243.30

Diff in inches

-1

+3

+19

+27

+17

Diff last month

-1

+1

-3

-4

-2

Diff from last yr

+2

+5

+7

+11

+4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


General

Most licenses bought at Local Retailers
61% buy locally, 25% buy online

FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla. � As state game agencies around the country employ the internet to make hunting and fishing licenses easier for sportsmen to buy and information on sporting regulations simpler to obtain, the traditional route of purchasing a license at a local retailer before heading outdoors remains a popular option. Research conducted by HunterSurvey.com and AnglerSurvey.com found that 58 percent of those hunters surveyed still purchase their licenses through a retailer, while 61 percent of surveyed anglers bought theirs at a local store as well. Retailers often count on their role as a sporting license vendor to lead to additional sales of hunting- and fishing-related equipment when consumers visit to buy a permit.

 

Game agency efforts at using the internet have not gone unrewarded however, and there is plenty of evidence that a

sizable number of sportsmen appreciate the convenience

on-line availability provides. As many as 24 percent of hunters and 25 % of surveyed anglers reported purchasing licenses online.  Additionally, more than 17 percent of

hunters and just over 14 percent of fishermen bought permits directly through a game agency or government office or through some other source. Of 5,750 hunters and shooters surveyed, 90 percent said they had either purchased a license or planned to purchase a license this year. Nearly that same percentage of the 2,391 anglers surveyed had either purchased or planned to purchase a license.

 

�This indicates a real win-win for game departments, sporting goods retailers and sportsmen,� said Rob Southwick, president of Southwick Associates, which designs and conducts the surveys at HunterSurvey.com, ShooterSurvey.com and AnglerSurvey.com

 


Michigan

MI increases Snowmobile Trail Permit Fee

Comes with Support from Mich. Snowmobile Assoc and DNR

The 2011 snowmobile season marks the next stage of a new fee structure for snowmobile permit fees.  This season the price for a permit is $45, an increase of $10 over last

year�s price.  The fee will remain $45 through the 2015 snowmobile season.  A state law signed in 2008 provided for the incremental increase in snowmobile trail fees, which support maintenance and grooming of the state�s snowmobile trail network.

 


NRC Votes to Remove Baiting Ban from Presque Isle County and Southern Iosco County

Deer hunters will be allowed to use bait in Presque Isle County and southern Iosco County in Deer Management Unit (DMU) 487, after the Natural Resources Commission changed regulations at its meeting in East Lansing today (Nov. 10). Recreational feeding of deer in DMU 487 remains prohibited.

 

The NRC � which has authority for determining acceptable means and methods of take for hunting in Michigan � had previously reversed a three-year ban on baiting deer in the Lower Peninsula, but maintained the prohibition in the six-county DMU 487 in the northeastern Lower Peninsula. DMU 487 is the area where biologists are most concerned about bovine tuberculosis in the deer herd.

 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, however, recently changed the status of Presque Isle and Iosco counties, regarding tuberculosis in the cattle herd. As a result, only the four core counties of DMU 487 � Montmorency, Alpena, Alcona and Oscoda � remain in the Modified Accredited Zone, which require additional tuberculosis testing for cattle shipped from the area.

 

In the interest of maintaining consistency between baiting

regulations and TB-testing requirements in the area of concern, the NRC decided to lift the bait ban in parts of DMU 487. Effective immediately, hunters may use up to two gallons of bait in Presque Isle County and in southern Iosco County. Baiting remains illegal in the northern tier of townships � Oscoda, Plainfield, Wilber, Au Sable and Baldwin � in Iosco County and in Montmorency, Alpena, Alcona and Oscoda counties.

 

Hunters are reminded that they may use no more than two gallons of bait per hunting site and bait must be distributed over a 100-square-foot area. Bait is defined as any substance � including mineral blocks or salt licks � that is intended to be ingested.

 

The Department of Natural Resources prefers that hunters not use bait. Baiting regulations are designed to minimize both nose-to-nose contact, as well as indirect contact, among animals. Hunters who use bait are asked to move their bait sites periodically to prevent repeatedly drawing animals to the same location.

 

An informational video has been produced by the DNR and Michigan United Conservation Clubs about the legal way to bait deer in Michigan. A link to the video can be found on the DNR�s website at www.michigan.gov/dnr.


Minnesota

Scaup mortality continues on North Central lakes

Wildlife managers from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) are again finding dead lesser scaup on Lake Winnibigoshish this fall.

 

Although not yet confirmed, the ducks are suspected to have died from acute infestation of intestinal parasites called trematodes, which are carried by Faucet snails, an invasive species that inhabits lakes. Lesser scaup feed on the snails and become infected with the trematodes.

�So far, about 100 to 200 dead scaup have been observed along the northwestern shoreline of Winnie in the Third River Flowage area,� said Area Wildlife Manager Perry Loegering, who along with office staff conducts weekly searches of the west shore of Winnie, Bowstring and Round lakes. A small number of sick and dead scaup have been observed on Bowstring and Round lakes as well.

 

�Faucet snails have not been found in Bowstring or Round lakes, so we think the birds are moving from lake to lake feeding on Winnie but getting sick on the other lakes,�

Loegering said.  The DNR Wetland Wildlife Research

Group is studying Faucet snails in infested waters to learn more about their habitat use, abundance and parasite prevalence. These waters include Winnie, Upper and Lower Twin lakes, Shell River, First and Second Crow Wing lakes, and Crow Wing River.

 

Officials continue to sample Round and Bowstring lakes to facilitate early detection of Faucet snails. They are also sampling areas where scaup are feeding to learn where scaup are most likely to encounter snails.

 

Die-offs of lesser scaup have occurred on Winnie in 2007 and 2008 when an estimated 8,000 and 2,000 scaup died, respectively. About 2,000 scaup were estimated to have died on Bowstring in 2010.

 

The DNR reminds hunters, anglers and other recreation boaters to check their boats, trailers, anchors, decoys and lines, and other submersed equipment when moving between waters. The best way to reduce the spread of Faucet snails is to prevent their transport.


Ohio

Ohio's Youth Deer-Gun hunting season set for Nov 19-20

COLUMBUS, OH - Ohio's youth deer-gun hunting season will be held Saturday and Sunday, November 19-20, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife.

 

The youth deer-gun season is open statewide to hunters 17 years old and younger. Plugged shotguns using slugs, muzzleloaders .38 caliber and larger, handguns .357 caliber or larger, and bows are legal. All participants must wear hunter orange, possess a valid Ohio hunting license and a $12 youth-deer permit, and must be accompanied by a non-hunting adult in the field.

Last year youth hunters killed 8,445 deer during the two-day season. The Division of Wildlife anticipates more than 60,000 youth hunters will participate in the upcoming hunt.

 

Youth hunters can commemorate their achievement with a First Harvest certificate available at wildohio.com. Upload a photo and type in the youth hunter�s information and a certificate will be e-mailed within a few days to you for print.

 

Hunters can also share photos of their success in the field online by visiting www.wildohio.com and clicking on Photo Gallery. The photo submission process is easy and posted photos may be e-mailed to a friend.

 

All other regularly scheduled hunting seasons will continue during the two-day youth season. However, other hunters, including deer-archery hunters, are required to wear hunter orange during this period.

 

This year, Ohio's deer-gun season runs November 28

through December 4, and the weekend of December 17-18.

Details regarding Ohio's various hunting seasons, including those exclusively for young hunters, can be found in the 2011-12 Ohio Hunting Regulations or by visiting wildohio.com.

 

The 2011-2012 licenses are not printed on weatherproof paper. Sportsmen and women need to protect their licenses and permits from the elements by carrying them in a protective pouch or wallet.

 

Youth hunters that want to donate venison to the needy can do so at no cost. The Division of Wildlife is collaborating with Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry to help pay for the processing of donated venison. All hunters who donate their deer to a food bank are not required to pay the processing cost as long as funding for the effort lasts. More information about this program can be found online at www.fhfh.org.

 

The ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR Web site at www.ohiodnr.com.

 

For more information, contact:

Karen Norris, ODNR Division of Wildlife Central Ohio, 614. 644. 3925

John Windau, ODNR Division of Wildlife Northwest Ohio, 419. 424. 5000

Jamey Graham, ODNR Division of Wildlife Northeast Ohio, 330. 644. 2293

Lindsay Linkhart, ODNR Division of Wildlife Southeast Ohio, 740. 589. 9930

Kathy Garza-Behr, ODNR Division of Wildlife Southwest Ohio, 937. 372. 9261


Pennsylvania

Game Commission offers advice to prevent Hypothermia

New regulation to require some hunters to use PFD starting in 2012 

HARRISBURG � Pennsylvania Game Commission Hunter-Trapper Education Division Chief Keith A. Snyder is reminding hunters, trappers and other outdoors enthusiasts to plan well to avoid hypothermia.

"Anyone heading afield for late fall and winter hunting and trapping seasons should be aware of the threat of hypothermia and how to combat it," Snyder said. "Hypothermia occurs when exposure to the wind, cold and wetness drain heat from the body faster than it can be produced. "Extreme cold is not required for hypothermia to develop, and most cases occur when the air temperature is between 30 and 50 degrees. The best way to combat hypothermia is to dress properly and avoid getting wet."

Non-absorbent, wicking long underwear of polypropylene or a similar synthetic base layer, covered by a layer of wool or other insulating material, such as fleece, followed by a breathable waterproof outer shell would be good in most wet-weather situations. The rain gear can be carried in a small pack, but should be put on before the other clothes become wet because once a person gets wet, he or she risks hypothermia. A warm hat and gloves also help to prevent heat loss.

"Wet clothing should be exchanged for dry clothing as soon as possible, especially if it is windy," Snyder said. "Getting out of the wind and rain promptly can mean the difference between a safe outing and a life-threatening ordeal." One of the most important defenses against hypothermia is recognition and treatment of the early symptoms. Uncontrolled shivering is the first signal of the onset of hypothermia. It also is one of the few symptoms the victim may recognize.

As hypothermia sets in, slurred speech, frequent stumbling, loss of manual dexterity, memory lapses, exhaustion and drowsiness occur. Often a victim will not notice these signs, so hunting partners should watch each other when wind, water or cold create the potential for hypothermia. "It is wise to get out of the wind and cold, remove wet clothing, and warm the body before hypothermia sets in," Snyder said. "Once the telltale symptoms are recognized, these steps are absolutely critical: Stop, take shelter, remove wet clothes and warm the body."

If only mild impairment is evident, warm drinks and dry clothes will probably solve the problem. High-energy foods can help provide fuel for metabolic heat production. Powdered sweetened gelatin mixed with warm water makes a high-energy emergency drink. A warming fire or other heat source can help speed the recovery. Wrapping in a blanket or crawling into a sleeping bag, if available, also will speed recovery.

In advanced cases of hypothermia, drowsiness may lead 

to unconsciousness and, ultimately, death, unless action is taken to provide warmth. In these cases, emergency medical assistance is needed as soon as possible. The early warning signs of hypothermia occur as the body shuts down circulation to the limbs and nonessential organs in an attempt to maintain its core temperature. As more energy is drained, survival becomes dependent upon stopping the outflow of heat and supplying warmth from external sources.
 

"Awareness of the signs followed by prompt attention to the problem can save lives," Snyder said. "Keep hypothermia in mind whenever you are outdoors and the weather turns wet or cold." "Cold water shock causes an involuntary gasp, often resulting in aspiration of water, hyperventilation, breathlessness and a reduced ability to control breathing and to swim," Snyder said. "A life jacket greatly increases your chance for survival in cold water. It also increases the amount of time for you to be rescued."

Hunters have many different styles of approved life jackets available that offer comfort and maneuverability, including several Type III and V life jackets specifically designed for waterfowl hunters.

"Waterfowl hunters in small boats are at a greater risk," Snyder said. "While hunting, you often reach overboard while setting or retrieving decoys, retrieving downed game, and may have dogs entering and exiting your boat. Worse yet, you may stand or move quickly in the heat of the hunt. Any of these activities may result in an unexpected fall overboard.

 

"However, there are several late season hunters and trappers who may use one of these types of boats, canoes or kayaks, so we wanted to make sure everyone is aware of the recent change in Fish and Boat Commission regulation."  Should you accidentally fall into the water, Snyder said that you should not panic; try to get control of your breathing and hold onto something or stay as still as possible until your breathing settles down.

 "When your breathing is under control, perform the most important functions first before you lose dexterity, which can occur within 10 or 15 minutes after falling into cold water," Snyder said. "Get out of the water quickly and try to get back into your boat, even if it is full of water or capsized, before you lose full use of your hands, arms and legs. Get as much of your body out of the water as possible as the rate of heat loss will be slower when partially submerged in water.
 

"If you cannot get out of the water quickly, act to protect against rapid heat loss. Stay as motionless as possible, use the Heat Escape Lessening Posture (HELP) position to protect the high heat loss areas of your body, and keep your head and neck out of the water. Safety typically looks closer than it actually is on big water, so staying with the boat is usually a better choice than swimming for shore.

 


Wisconsin

New firearm rules take effect on opening day of gun deer hunt

MADISON -- New legislation signed Friday by Gov. Scott Walker modifies state law concerning the manner in which long-barreled firearms, bows and crossbows can be transported in motor vehicles or placed in or on stationary vehicles.

 

The new law will be published in time to take effect Nov. 19, opening day of the traditional, nine-day, 2011 gun deer season. In its essence, the new law can be boiled down to a single statement, said Tim Lawhern, DNR division of enforcement and science administrator.

 

�Unless otherwise prohibited, you can carry a long gun, uncased and unloaded, in or on a motor vehicle in Wisconsin at any time,� Lawhern said. The DNR has prepared a frequently asked questions on Wis. Act 51 page that available on the law enforcement pages of the DNR website.

 

While the law has changed, Lawhern said, there will still be many people who will continue to use a carrying case to transport unloaded firearms in motor vehicles, as hunters have been and will continue to be advised in hunter education courses. �It�s a great way to protect your investment in your firearms,� Lawhern said.

 

As is always the case with a new law, Lawhern said, the first year is an educational opportunity. DNR chief warden Randy Stark has already provided the state�s warden force with detailed instructions on the new law and its enforcement. Wardens will use a mix of enforcement, communication and education to help hunters understand and comply with the new law, Lawhern said.

 

�We are always ready to help people in the field, to answer their questions and to provide advice,� Lawhern said.

Here are a few things hunters might need to know about the new law:

  • A caveat to the uncased long gun rule � the new legislation does not change Wisconsin law regulating the practice of shining (illuminating) wild

animals at night with artificial light. It will still be 

illegal to possess a firearm of any kind, loaded or unloaded, while shining wild animals.

  • stationary non-motorized vehicle, such as a hay wagon, so long as it is not attached to a motor vehicle. Previously, hunting from any vehicle was prohibited, without the distinction of whether the vehicle was motorized or stationary. This change previously had been sought by warden administrators. �People used to have to take one or more wheels off the hay wagon to comply with the letter of the law,� Lawhern said.

  • It will be legal to possess and transport uncased bows and crossbows in a vehicle. However, bows may not have an arrow nocked. A crossbow may not be cocked unless it is unloaded (meaning the bolt or arrow is removed) and cased.

  • When in or on a vehicle which is stationary, long guns can be both uncased and loaded. A stationary vehicle can have the motor running. �Stationary� means not moving, regardless of whether the motor is running. This allows a hunter, at a stationary vehicle, to place a loaded gun on a clean, dry surface.

Wisconsin hunters, as a group, are among the best trained and safest hunters in the world, said Lawhern. This is thanks in large part to the legions of volunteer hunter safety instructors who donate their time each year to educate new hunters.

 

�Our hunters have established an enviable safety record,� Lawhern said. �We fully expect the vast majority of hunters in Wisconsin will continue to use common sense and safe practices when handling firearms. For most of us, these practices have become second nature. �Here are the four basic rules of gun safety, as taught in hunter education:

  • Treat every firearm as if it is loaded.

  • Always point the muzzle in a safe direction.

  • Be certain of your target and what�s beyond.

  • Keep your finger outside the trigger guard until ready to shoot.

For more info: Tim Lawhern, DNR enforcement and science division administrator, (608) 264-6133


Other Breaking News Items

(Click on title or URL to read full article)

 

With fears of Asian carp fading, a sleek campaign to revive public concern
In an attempt to keep the public engaged in the Asian carp dilemma, the Natural Resources Defense Council organized a recent event highlighting Chicago architect and author Jeanne Gang's new book about transforming Chicago's waterways.

 

EDITORIAL: All the way around the lake
They're down in the dumps economically, so it�s not surprising that fewer Americans are crossing the border to visit Thunder Bay and beyond.

 

Erie fishery is at risk until algae dealt with
A recent conference highlighted some of the problems contributing to algal blooms in Lake Erie, as well as some possible remedies.

 

GOP effort to stop FCC's 'net neutrality' push fails

Senate Democrats voted down a Republican-led effort to stop the Federal Communications Commission from enforcing new "net neutrality" regulations that critics have called a federal takeover of the Internet.

 

Steve LaTourette says
Although invasive species are a serious problem in the Great Lakes, LaTourette does have research to back his assertion that they haven�t been spreading through ballast water. On the Truth-O-Meter, LaTourette�s claim rates True.

 

House says states can�t regulate ballast
New York�s strict new standards for keeping invasive species out of ships� ballast on the St. Lawrence Seaway took a hit in Congress, and probably won�t get a second chance on Capitol Hill, a congressional source said Monday.

 

Removing dam might help Lake Erie
Engineers say Ballville Dam, a 100-year-old structure on the Sandusky River near Fremont, Ohio, needs repairs totaling millions of dollars. A biologist has estimated that removal of the dam would expand walleye spawning beds in the Sandusky River to as much as 15 times what they are now.

Anti-bully law may overstep Constitution

D.C.�s Anti-bullying referencing an open-ended restriction on references to people�s �distinguishing characteristics� is unconstitutionally vague under rulings like Botts v. State (2004). The bill�s violation of the First Amendment is even clearer as applied to adults in public parks and at the U. of the District of Columbia, since adults and college students have broader free speech rights than high school students.

 

$2.6-million makeover readies old industrial site for role in Detroit International Wildlife Refuge
After a $2.6-million makeover, a new piece of the Detroit International Wildlife Refuge -- a former 44-acre industrial property -- will be ready a year from now for its close-up.

Great Lakes 'heading for trouble'
The Great Lakes are suffering from "massive ecosystem breakdowns" and are "heading for trouble" says wildlife expert Andy Buchsbaum.

 

Fishing for a living in Detroit
The fish population in the Detroit River is a small fraction of what it was in the 19th century, when fisheries flourished and were considered among the most lucrative in the Great Lakes.

Asian carp invasion: Can we fish our way out of the problem?
As urgency rises over need to halt the migration of invasive Asian carp into the Great Lakes, a new solution comes forward: Eat them.

 

 

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