May 11, 2007 - TOP STORIES
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Minnesota Opener brings weather and walleyes
Elk herds hit highest numbers in more than 65 years
Minnesota Bound launches LIVE Loon Cam
Sturgeon restitution, invasive species among proposed rule changes
Deer herd reduced by half in bovine TB zone
Minnesota Opener brings weather and walleyes
Season officially opens May 12
By Mike Yurk
When it comes to the opening of the fishing season in Minnesota, the story has as much to do with the weather as it does with the fish. One year I remember leaving the Twin Cities on a Friday afternoon on my way to a cabin on Cut Foot Sioux for the opener.
I was wearing a short sleeve shirt and as I drove I had the window down in my van to let the fresh, warm spring breezes in. By the time I got there it had started to get a little chilly. The next morning I got up for the opener and when I looked outside it was snowing.
The weather always plays a big part in fishing but it is never more influential then on the opener. On Saturday morning the 2007 Minnesota fishing season will officially begin.
For this last week most conversations for Minnesota fishermen starts with “where will you be for the opener?” The next question will be “what do you think the weather will be like?”
For most Minnesota fishermen it does not really matter what the weather will be like. They are going to be fishing regardless. It has been a long winter and now it is time to get the boat on the water. The weather will, of course, affect the comfort level of fishermen and it will affect the walleye bite but it is not going to stop people from fishing.
This is the opening of the Minnesota fishing season. Only the opening of the deer gun season compares in importance to Minnesota outdoorsmen. It certainly eclipses Mother’s Day as it does most years when the opener and Mother’s Day are on the same weekend.
I typically join a group of almost 20 fishermen that gather at a cabin called Drakes Hideaway on the shores of Cut Foot Sioux west of Grand Rapids. The excitement will begin to build on the ride north as it seems that most of the state is heading north for the opener. Parking lots of bait shops will be packed with cars and many bait shops will be open not only for the whole day but also all night.
The official opening of the season is right after midnight on Saturday morning. There will be fishermen in Minnesota that will be dropping their first bait overboard as soon as the second hand goes past 12 o’clock. The rest of us will wait until Saturday morning. Shortly after sunrise on Saturday boat launches will be jammed to overflowing as fishermen hit the water. You can always expect crowded conditions for the opener.
For Minnesota the opening of the fishing season means walleyes. Northerns will also be legal then but they are seldom considered worthy in comparison to walleye, especially on the opener. Bass and muskies will have a later opening date.
Last year, it was 12 year old Andre Thomas that put the first walleye in my boat. He and Dennis Virden of Burnsville, Minn and I had been fishing for less then an hour when Andre caught the first walleye of the season. The weather was typical for the Minnesota. It was cold and windy with occasional rain and the threat of snow. Andre caught his fish on a bait rig with a nightcrawler.
We caught our fish in 13 feet of water. That seems to be the magic number for the last couple of openers. Working water from 8 to 15 feet would be good start at finding fish.
Either bait rigs or jigs seem to work the best in the early season. The two most popular baits are either nightcrawlers or minnows. A couple of years ago using shiner minnows on a chartreuse Northland Fireball jig filled my limit on the first day of the season. For bait rigs I like to use gold spinners.
The walleyes will be finished spawning and they will be actively feeding as they fan out across the lakes coming off their spawning beds.
By evening, the results of this years opening day will be in. Regardless of the weather, walleyes will have been caught and more memories made. The crew at Drakes Hideaway will be grilling steaks and bags of walleye fillets will be in the camp refrigerator. The season will have begun.
Fishing will get better in the days ahead as the weather begins to stabilize. Besides if it didn’t snow on the opener would it really be a Minnesota walleye opener.
Minnesota elk herds hit highest numbers in more than 65 years
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation donates $55,000 to ensure future of elk in
Minnesota’s Tallgrass Aspen Parkland
Thief River Falls, Minn. – Winter elk surveys conducted by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources in 2006 show two elk herds that are healthy and growing, according to results announced at a recent Project Advisory Committee (PAC) meeting of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation in Minnesota.
“Just as exciting, Minnesota DNR held an elk hunt for the second consecutive year where two beautiful 6x6 bulls and one cow were harvested, “noted MN Volunteer District Chairman Kevin Cook. “In 2007 we are currently on pace to set a fundraising record in Minnesota which will mean more funds will be available to fund conservation projects in 2008.”
Elk Foundation Regional Director Ralph Cinfio III says, “This goes to show that the Elk Foundation and our partners are doing great things to ensure the future of elk in Minnesota, that we can restore and enhance habitat and conserve more land. To date, the Elk Foundation and its partners have spent more than $750,000 in Minnesota to benefit elk and other wildlife, like sandhill cranes, sharp-tailed grouse and moose that live on the tallgrass prairie.”
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation dedicates more funding for 2007
At its spring PAC meeting, the Elk Foundation approved funding for a variety of conservation projects in Minnesota, ranging from prescribed burns, food plots and upland brush management – all to improve habitat...
At its recent PAC meeting, the Elk Foundation funded over $55,000 that will impact nearly 5,300 acres of Minnesota’s primary elk range. Project proposals came from DNR, The Nature Conservancy and other Elk Foundation partners. Over $9,000 from the Elk Foundation still remains to fund conservation education and hunting heritage projects in Minnesota.
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation funds permanent land protection in Minnesota
The Elk Foundation State Leadership Team also committed $6,420 in funding to the Great Lakes Conservation Initiative. The Great Lakes states of Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin each contain elk herds ranging from 120 to over 1000 animals. Due to the presence of those herds, each state is presented with growing opportunities to successfully conduct permanent land protection projects as well as stewardship of both public and private lands.
The primary objective of the Great Lakes Conservation Initiative is long-term protection and stewardship of the lands within each state’s elk range. Each state has a clearly defined elk range in which the Elk Foundation can focus its efforts to ensure that each project undertaken by the GLCI will have a direct and long-lasting benefit to local elk populations.
To help protect wild elk country or learn more about the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, visit www.elkfoundation.org or call 800-CALL-ELK
Minnesota Bound launches LIVE Loon Cam
A live look at nature is just a click away!
Watch loons guard their nest and tend their eggs.
www.mnbound.com shows you every captivating moment anytime you want!
GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. - Minnesota Bound is showcasing our state bird like never before. Thanks to cutting edge technology and a pair of cooperating loons, Ron Schara’s crew captures every moment on a live loon nest. You can see for yourself at www.mnbound.com.
The Live Loon Web cam offers viewers an up and close and personal look at loons as they tend their eggs and manage the nest. Minnesotans have long been fascinated by our beautiful state bird, and this loon cam offers a new exploration tool.
“Minnesotans have always loved the loon,” says Ron Schara, host of Minnesota Bound. “With this loon cam, folks can watch this beautiful bird in its most intimate setting. It’s a tremendous learning tool.”
Viewers can log onto www.mnbound.com 24 hours a day to watch the loons as they guard the nest, turn the eggs and switch off with nesting duties. With the nest in a natural lake setting, daytime hours offer best viewing. The loons will incubate the eggs for a 28-day period before hatching.
For interview opportunities, contact Tony Capecchi at (952) 545-9471 or tony@mnbound.com. To learn more about Ron Schara and Minnesota Bound, go to www.mnbound.com.
Sturgeon restitution, invasive species among proposed rule changes
New rules proposed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) would increase the restitution value of lake sturgeon, modify regulations for scientific and natural areas, add three animals to the state’s prohibited invasive species list and allow nonresidents to capture raptors for falconry.
Public comments on the proposals, published in the April 30 edition of the State Register, will be accepted through May 30. The proposed rules may also be viewed on the DNR web site: www.dnr.state.mn.us.
“These changes are based on input from a broad range of stakeholders and a need to update our some of our rules,” said Steve Hirsch, assistant director, DNR Division of Ecological Services.
Comments or questions on the proposed rules may be directed to Steve Hirsch, DNR, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155-4025; (651) 259-5106; or e-mail steve.hirsch@dnr.state.mn.us.
Under the proposed rules:
• Restitution value for lake sturgeon more than 40 inches would increase from $500 to $1,000. Restitution value for lake sturgeon more than 50 inches would be $1,000 plus $100 for each inch over 50 inches.
• A permit would be required to hold orienteering, geo-caching and athletic events at scientific and natural areas.
• Portable stands that do not damage trees or vegetation would be allowed on scientific and natural areas for hunting where it’s permitted and for wildlife observation.
• Northern snakehead fish, tubenose gobies and New Zealand mud snails would be added to the state’s prohibited invasive species list. Northern snakehead fish has not been found in Minnesota, but has been reported in the wild in 10 states. Tubenose gobies and New Zealand mud snails have been found in the St. Louis River Estuary and Lake Superior, but have not been found in inland waters of the state to date.
• Nonresidents would be allowed to take raptors from the wild for falconry. This change would increase opportunities for Minnesota residents to take raptors in other states, because a number of states have reciprocity provisions that allow nonresidents to take raptors only if their home state allows nonresident take.
DNR solicits comments on many trail proposals
Motor vehicle use, state forest lands, Crow Wing County
The Minnesota DNR is accepting comments on its motor vehicle use classification and route designation proposals for state forest lands in Crow Wing County. The DNR will present information and receive comments on its proposals at a public meeting in June. The meeting will be co-hosted by the DNR and Crow Wing County.
A public meeting on the proposals will be held on Thursday, June 21, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Northland Arboretum, 14250 Conservation Drive in Baxter. The first hour of the meeting will be an open house where the map and summary materials can be viewed. After that, DNR and Crow Wing County land managers will present the proposals, respond to questions and accept comments. The DNR classification proposal, road and trail designation plan, and related maps are on the DNR Web site at www.dnr.state.mn.us.
Road/trail access proposal, Sturgeon River State Forest, changes to Taconite State Trail
The Minnesota DNR is seeking public comments on its draft forest classification and motor vehicle route designation plan for the Sturgeon River State Forest in the northwestern part of St. Louis County. The plan includes a proposed motor-use classification and route designations for the Sturgeon River State Forest, and for adjacent DNR Forestry-administered lands located immediately outside of state forest boundaries. The DNR is also inviting comment on allowing motorized use on a portion of the Taconite Trail.
The DNR invites interested persons to attend a public meeting on the road and trail access proposal and the Taconite Trail amendment on Tuesday, July 10 at the Ironworld Discovery Center located approximately 1.5 hours north of Duluth, and west of Virginia at 801 SW Highway 169 in Chisholm. The meeting will run from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
The forest classification and route designation proposals and the Taconite Trail amendment are available on the DNR Web site at www.dnr.state.mn.us or at www.findthetrails.com. Copies may also be viewed at the DNR’s Tower Area Office, located at 650 Highway 169 in Tower, during regular office hours.
Written comments, questions, or requests for copies of the planning documents, should be directed to Brian McCann, DNR Trails & Waterways, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155-4052; to brian.mccann@dnr.state.mn.us, or by calling (651) 259-5627 or Toll Free 1-888-MINNDNR (646-6367). The TDD number is 651/296-5484 or Toll Free 1-800-657-3929. Written comments will be accepted until 4:30 p.m. Friday, July 20, 2007.
Forest classification, motor vehicle access, state forest lands in Cook County
The Minnesota DNR will hold a public meeting on its forest classification and motor vehicle route designation proposal for state forest lands in Cook County on Tuesday, May 22, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Arrowhead Center for the Arts, 51 West Fifth Street, Grand Marais. The proposal has been developed in collaboration with Cook County, the U.S. Forest Service and the Grand Portage Band.
The DNR’s Cook County forest classification and route designation proposals are available on the DNR Web site at www.findthetrails.com. Copies may also be viewed at the Grand Marais Area Forestry Work Station, 1356 East Highway 61, Grand Marais.
Comments, questions or requests for copies of the planning documents should be directed to Brian McCann, DNR Trails & Waterways, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155-4052; to brian.mccann@dnr.state.mn.us, or by calling (651) 259-5627 or toll free 1-888-MINNDNR. Written comments will be accepted until 4:30 p.m., Thursday, May 31.
Forest access proposals, southern St. Louis, Carlton counties
Following a series of open houses and a collaborative effort with St. Louis County, the Minnesota DNR is seeking comments on its forest classification and motor vehicle route designation proposal for southern St. Louis and Carlton counties. The plan includes proposed forest classification and route designations for the Cloquet Valley State Forest and for scattered DNR forest lands located outside of state forest boundaries throughout southern St. Louis and Carlton counties.
The DNR will hold two public meetings on this proposal. The first will be on Wednesday, June 20 at the Cotton Community Center located approximately 30 miles north of Duluth near the intersection of Arkola Road and Highway 53 (west frontage road) in Cotton. The second meeting will be on Thursday, June 21, at the Rice Lake Town Hall, 4107 West Beyer Road, Duluth. Both meetings are from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Proposals are available on the DNR Web site at www.dnr.state.mn.us or at www.findthetrails.com. Copies may be viewed at the DNR’s Cloquet Area Foresty Office, 1604 South Highway 33, Cloquet, during regular office hours.
Written comments, questions, or requests for copies of the planning documents, should be directed to Brian McCann, DNR Trails & Waterways, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155-4052; to brian.mccann@dnr.state.mn.us, or by calling (651) 259-5627 or toll free 1-888-MINNDNR (646-6367). Comments will be accepted until 4:30 p.m. on Friday, June 29.
Deer herd reduced by half in bovine TB zone
DNR News
A seven-week operation designed to protect the long-term health of deer and cattle from bovine tuberculosis (TB) has resulted in 488 deer being removed from a nine-mile radius of Skime, a small community in northwestern Minnesota.
The sharp shooting effort reduced by about half the number of deer potentially infected with bovine TB, a disease that has been detected in cattle herds and wild deer near Skime during the past two years. The operation, in which the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) contracted sharpshooters from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services, began Feb. 22 and ended in early April. The total number of deer removed represents 42 to 63 percent of the February population estimate.
“From the standpoint of deer removal, this was a very successful effort,” said Dr. Michelle Powell, DNR wildlife health program coordinator. “Reducing the number of wild deer infected with bovine TB now, while the problem is in only a few deer in a localized area, will protect the long-term health of Minnesota’s deer population and minimize the risk of deer-to-deer or deer-to-cattle transmission of the disease.”
Lymph node samples taken from each deer are being tested for the disease with final results expected in late summer. Lesions consistent with bovine TB were found in six deer (four adult females and two yearlings) in the southwest portion of the bovine TB zone.
Bovine TB is a progressive, chronic bacterial disease that affects primarily cattle, but also deer. The disease compromises the immune system and can lead to death from related causes. The disease has also caused economic hardship for cattle producers statewide who face mandatory testing of cattle and restrictions on cattle movement.
The DNR plans continued surveillance efforts during the fall hunting season to better determine the prevalence and distribution of the disease among the larger deer population and further evaluate the effectiveness of the deer removal effort.
Of the 488 deer removed, 219 were adult females, 30 were adult males, 38 were yearling females, 34 were yearling males, 82 were female fawns and 85 were male fawns. Meat from deer with no obvious bovine TB infection was salvaged and released for human consumption.
The DNR provided information and food safety guidelines for proper handling and cooking of venison. In addition to the deer removal effort, the DNR has been enforcing a recreational deer-feeding ban in a 4,000 square mile area of northwestern Minnesota. All of the 22 potentially illegal feeding sites identified by DNR conservation officers during an aerial survey this past winter have been removed, according to Capt. Roger Tietz, DNR regional enforcement manager.
“So far we’ve had excellent cooperation and we will continue to enforce the feeding ban,” Tietz said. “Local prosecutors are fully supportive of DNR efforts to eliminate illegal deer feeding and we will continue to monitor the situation through the fall hunting season and beyond.”
During the fall deer season, the DNR will define a special permit area and use special hunts, permits and extended seasons to allow hunters to help manage the disease in wild deer. In addition, the DNR is working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Board of Animal Health and others to provide funding that will allow cattle producers and landowners to erect fences to keep deer away from cattle feeding areas.
© 2007 Outdoors Weekly Corporation