January 15, 2010
MINNESOTA SPORTSMEN’S SHOW has the outdoors covered!
DNR considering five new muskie waters
MINNESOTA SPORTSMEN’S SHOW has the outdoors covered!
ST. PAUL, MN - While Minnesota winters have their own charm, for many outdoor enthusiasts, it’s the summer season that sizzles. We’ve got the outdoors covered at the 40th annual Minnesota Sportsmen’s Boat, Camping and Vacation Show. The five-day event opens Wednesday, January 13 and runs through Sunday, January 17 at Saint Paul RiverCentre.
New at the Sportsmen’s Show is a huge, expanded tackle section in RiverCentre’s exhibition hall. More than 70 booths, many occupied by new-to-the-show exhibitors, promise to provide the best selection of products on the market. Anglers will be well prepared for the May opener after taking in the vast displays of fishing tackle, rods, reels, sonar equipment, GPS systems and accessories at the Show.
The boating section of the Show features powerboats, fishing boats, pontoons and personal watercraft. Crestliner and Lund boats are showing exclusively at the Sportsmen’s Show this month. Plus, there are marine accessories, electronics, docks and lifts to view.
Recreational vehicles (RVs) range from folding camping trailers and truck campers to motor homes to fit every budget. Van conversions, sport utility vehicles and ATVs are also included. There’s a great assortment of hunting and camping gear at the Show, and scores of representatives from fishing and hunting lodges, campgrounds, resorts, fly-ins and outfitters will be on hand to help plan next summer’s vacation.
Respected outdoors pros offer free seminars every day. Fans of Lindner’s Angling Edge TV programs get a double treat. Dave Csanda will be at the show Wednesday through Friday, while James Lindner appears on Saturday and Sunday. Hunters sharing their expertise are Judd Cooney (Wednesday through Friday), and Todd Amenrud (Saturday and Sunday.) Dog trainer Jason Dommeyer appears daily. Ron Schara, journalist, author and TV personality, hosts the special “Kids’ Fishing School” on Saturday and Sunday mornings.
Making her first appearance at the Sportsmen’s Show is Twiggy, the Water-Skiing Squirrel. This little critter has some amazing skills, which she’ll be showing off every day. Her trainer, Lou Ann Best, will be there to tell her story. Look for wolves, a cougar, foxes and other live animals at the new Wolves, Woods & Wildlife display, too.
All family members can pick up archery skills at the DNR-sponsored Archery Shoot. Learn how it’s done from members of the championship-winning White Bear Lake High School archery team. Other highlights include daily appearances by the Bikini Ice Fishing Team, a fun splat ball range, and the always-popular live trout pond.
The Minnesota Sportsmen’s Show will be open Wednesday through Friday from noon to 9 p.m. On Saturday the show is open from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m., and on Sunday from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Admission is $9.00 for adults, $2.50 for children aged six to 12, and free for children five and under.
The event is produced by Cenaiko Productions, Inc. of Minneapolis. For more information, call 763-755-8111 or go to www.stpaulsportshow.com.
2010 SPORTSMEN’S SHOW SPECIAL FEATURES
Twiggy the Water Skiing Squirrel
Ready to see some daredevil water skiing? No one does it better than Twiggy the Water Skiing Squirrel! The very first Twiggy was rescued in 1978 by Chuck and Lou Ann Best, after being blown from her nest during Hurricane David. She became a pampered family pet, accompanying the Best’s everywhere. On a lark, Chuck taught Twiggy how to ski behind his daughter’s toy remote controlled boat.
The rest is history. Twiggy’s amazing prowess caught the attention of the media, and she was on her way to becoming a star.
Since then, Twiggy (in several incarnations) has appeared on hundreds of broadcast shows, from “Good Morning America” to “Late Night with David Letterman” and “The Rosie O’Donnell Show.” She has also been the spotlight in magazine and newspaper articles worldwide, and has been featured in movies and television commercials. Naturally, Twiggy is a safety-conscious critter, and insists on wearing a life jacket while skiing. She loves the attention from her fans, and is anxious for you to come see her.
Wolves, Woods & Wildlife
What better way to develop an appreciation for the outdoors than to learn about those we share it with? The Wolves, Woods & Wildlife Center offers the opportunity to meet and learn about the creatures and critters that roam the Minnesota wilderness.
This new attraction features live wolves, bobcats, cougar, foxes, raccoons and more. All the animals are indigenous to Minnesota. Meet Jake the cougar, Fingers the golden raccoon, wolves Zuni, Dakota and Chanook and all the others.
Terri Petter, known as the “Director/Wolf Keeper” at this nonprofit educational group, is passionate about all animals, but especially wild animals. She stresses that just because an animal is classified as wild does not mean they are wild, mean or aggressive. It just means they are from the wild. Her organization is designed to help people of all ages create a lasting relationship with nature, by learning more about Minnesota’s wildlife.
Minnesota DNR “Archery in the Schools” Archery Shoot
The Minnesota DNR-sponsored archery shoot, based on their “Archery in the Schools” program, has become a Sportsmen’s Show favorite. Members of the four-time state championship White Bear Lake High School archery team, along with DNR-trained and certified instructors, will use the same equipment as in the educational program while imparting their skills to both kids and adults. Give archery a try, for a mere $2. It’s open continuously throughout the show.
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Bikini Ice Fishing Team
The Bikini Ice Fishing Team is a group of beautiful young models who drill holes, bait hooks and drop their lines when not modeling. Really! And they’ve become excellent anglers. The group is dedicated to inspiring women to get out ice fishing, enjoy the outdoors and live healthy lifestyles.
Splat Ball Range
Get yourself a workout and have fun, too! The Splat Ball Range, sponsored by Northside Sports Paintball, gives you a chance to work off some steam and challenge your friends and family to a good old-fashioned splat ball fight.
Live Trout Pond
One of the most treasured traditions at the Sportsmen’s Show is wetting a line at the Live Trout Pond. Once you make a catch, it’s yours to take home. Kids love this one, but there certainly isn’t an age limit!
OUTDOOR PROS AT THE SPORTSMEN’S SHOW
ST, PAUL, MN—The Minnesota Sportsmen’s Show features free informative seminars designed for all outdoor enthusiasts. Now in its 40th year, the Sportsmen’s Show runs January 13 to 17 at Saint Paul RiverCentre.
Meet the professionals appearing at this year‘s show:
DAVE CSANDA: A veteran outdoor communicator, Dave Csanda spent 28 years as an editor of In-Fisherman publications and co-host of In-Fisherman Television. In 2005, Dave rejoined his friends at Lindner Media Productions to tackle diverse and exciting new challenges in the creation of Angling Edge TV, educational DVDs, television commercials and promotional videos for the outdoor industry. He frequently contributes educational articles to a variety of fishing and outdoor publications.
Dave has fished from Alaska to Australia, Europe to South America, and all across the U.S. and Canada for many species of fish. An award-winning outdoor writer, he has co-authored numerous books and videos. He is also a recipient of the prestigious Walleye Unlimited USA Man of the Year Award for his contributions to sport fishing. Dave will be covering “Big Walleyes and Artificial Lures” and “Trophy Pike Tactics” during his seminars scheduled Wednesday through Friday.
JUDD COONEY: Judd Cooney grew up hunting, fishing, bow hunting and trapping in rural Luverne, Minnesota. By the seventh grade, he knew that he wanted to spend his life in the outdoors.
With a degree in wildlife management under his belt, Judd went to work for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. During a stint in the Army, he was post game warden at Fort Carson near Colorado Springs. He then spent several years as a Colorado wildlife conservation officer, where he began adding outdoor writing and photography to the mix of his endeavors.
In 1977, Judd started his own guiding and outfitting business, while also doing some serious hunting on his own. He has been a senior member of the Pope & Young
Club since 1980, and was elected to the Bowhunters Hall of Fame in 2001. His Iowa
Trophy Whitetail Outfitters business specializes in guiding groups in both whitetail and turkey hunting. He has been a member of the Outdoor Writers Association for 42 years, and is the recipient of their prestigious Ham Brown Award.
Judd’s seminars will explore “Whitetail Tactics and Techniques” and “Turkey Tactics and Techniques,” both from an outfitter’s perspective. His sessions are scheduled Wednesday through Friday.
JAMES LINDNER: Recognized as one of the best directors and producers in the outdoor industry, James Lindner is the son and nephew—respectively—of Ron and Al Lindner, two of the best known anglers in the industry.
James has been involved in nearly every production aspect of In-Fisherman television shows for the past 20 years. He and his TV and video teams have created over 50 award-winning programs. They have captured more awards than any fishing television show produced in the history of outdoor programming. James is currently the executive director of Lindner Media Productions, formed in 1998 after the family sold the In-Fisherman network.
James grew up on fishing. Following in the family’s tradition, he served his apprenticeship as a guide starting at age 14, and spent his college-age summers guiding at a Canadian camp.
A top grade bass tournament fisherman, James has dominated the Canadian American Smallmouth Bass circuit, with wins and high placing in many events. He also is well known as a multi-species fisherman; his prowess with muskies is legendary.
James’ seminar topics are “Musky Logic” and “The Angling Edge.” In the latter seminar, he will take an in-depth look at modern electronics, location and presentation strategies for catching fish of all species. James will be at the Sportsmen’s Show on Saturday and Sunday.
TODD AMENRUD: Todd Amenrud is a full time sportsman whose job keeps him in the outdoors much of the year. He is addicted to bow hunting for whitetail and spends considerable time researching, studying and learning about them. He also hunts other big game, turkey and waterfowl throughout the country and Canada. Todd has written three books on whitetail, including Details for Whitetail. He has trained extensively on whitetail management, habitat improvement and planting food
plots. In addition, he is certified through the state of Minnesota as an instructor for bow hunter education, firearms safety and advanced hunter education. He currently writes columns in over 60 outdoor and general circulation publications.
At the Sportsmen’s Show, Todd’s Saturday and Sunday seminars include “Calling and Rattling Mature Bucks” and “Secrets to Growing Trophy Bucks.”
JASON DOMMEYER: Jason is co-owner of Cannon River Kennels in Randolph, Minnesota. His 19 years of experience as an amateur and professional competitor makes him one of the top “newcomers” in the dog training arena. He has a unique perspective on training gained from his experience as a professional upland and waterfowl guide. His philosophy of “finesse training” and his ability to customize his approach to each dog’s needs have made him a highly sought-after trainer in the Upper Midwest. During his daily seminars, Jason will demonstrate and discuss techniques that not only create a good hunting dog, but a quality pet.
RON SCHARA: Ron Schara has been sharing the great outdoor experience with his readers and viewers for nearly three decades. This journalist and author is host of television’s “Minnesota Bound” and the radio series “Call of the Wild.” Schara grew up loving the outdoors in northeast Iowa’s rugged bluff country. His knowledge and understanding of our natural surroundings is more than a journalist’s assignment. He has combined his degrees in journalism and fish/wildlife biology into a lifelong quest to bring the outdoors to the public. His special Kids’ Fishing School is fun for both children and adults. The sessions are scheduled Saturday at 11 a.m. and Sunday at noon.
The Minnesota Sportsmen’s Show is one of the Upper Midwest’s largest exhibitions of boats, recreational vehicles, fishing gear and camping equipment. Cenaiko Productions, Inc. of Minneapolis produces the event.
Doors to RiverCentre will be open for the Sportsmen’s Show Wednesday through Friday from noon to 9 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is $9.00 for adults and $2.50 for children aged six to 12, with children five and under admitted free of charge. For more information, call 763-755-8111 or go to www.stpaulsportshow.com
DNR considering five new muskie waters
In response to growing interest in muskellunge fishing, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is considering the stocking of muskie in five new waters starting in the fall of 2011.
Proposed for muskie management are Roosevelt Lake in Cass and Crow Wing counties; Upper South Long Lake and Lower South Long Lake in Crow Wing County; Tetonka Lake in Le Sueur County; and the Sauk River Chain in Stearns County.
“All of these waters meet or exceed the biological and physical criteria for muskie management,” said Dirk Peterson, DNR acting fisheries chief. He said there are eight key biological considerations,
including:
- Proposed muskie waters must be greater than 500 acres.
- Waters must contain adequate numbers and species of prey fish.
- Water clarity must be moderate to clear.
- Gillnet catches for northern pike must be three or less.
- Waters must have the potential to produce a trophy fish.
“All five proposals are consistent with our management approach,”
said Peterson. “Also they have been selected in part because of their geographic location. These lakes represent a strategic approach to provide muskie fishing where opportunity is limited.”
The muskie is one of Minnesota’s largest fish, growing to more than 50 pounds and more than 50 inches in length. Anglers have become increasingly interested in the so-called “fish of 10,000 casts” now that 50-plus inch fish can be caught in Lake Mille Lacs, Lake Vermillion
and other waters that have been stocked since the 1980s.
“As muskie grew in size and abundance, so did interest catching them,” said Peterson, noting that muskie anglers are the fastest-growing segment of Minnesota’s fishing population. He said the DNR is addressing the trend of increasing interest in muskie through a long-range northern pike and muskie plan that was developed with stakeholder input. That plan calls for adding up to eight new muskie waters by 2020.
Today’s announcement of the five waters under consideration marks the beginning of a lengthy process to determine if the lakes will eventually become muskie waters. The DNR will post information on the proposed stocking at boat landings at the five lakes this spring, conduct public input meetings this summer and fall, and accept public comments until early next winter. If the DNR decides to move forward with the proposals, stocking would start in 2011. It would be 12 to 15 years after that before the fish reach 48-inches, the minimum size at which a muskie can be kept.
“Our process will be very transparent,” said Peterson, who noted the agency recognizes the muskie’s mystique appeals to a certain segment of anglers and generates the opposite reaction in others. The proposal will be discussed at the upcoming DNR stakeholder roundtable and later by a citizen advisory committee that is focusing on northern pike and muskie management.
Currently, muskies are found in 116 Minnesota water bodies. Of these, 64 are waters that have been stocked by the DNR.
© 2010 Outdoors Weekly