Last Updated: Aug 31, 2011
North American Waterfowl Management Plan Revision available for review
Deer reported by Oronoco landowner tests negative for CWD
Angler found 21 walleyes over the legal limit on Lake of the Woods
Zebra mussels found in Brophy and Cowdry lakes near Alexandria
Free seedlings at Minnesota State Fair
Waterfowl Hunters Look Forward to a Good Season on Refuges
Hunting seasons to open soon; DNR offers helpful reminders
Youth Program Ties Together Reading, Faith and Fishing
Asian carp search enters new phase on Mississippi, St. Croix, Minnesota rivers
Duck season offers more options, opens one week earlier
Waterfowl Hunting Proposed Late Season Frameworks
Deer licenses on sale Aug. 1; regulation changes announced
Duck and goose numbers improved; wetland conditions excellent
State park reservation system reopens with record-setting results
More ‘keeper’ walleyes to be allowed on Mille Lacs; hunting application deadlines approaching fast
This landmark measure recognizes that recreational anglers, hunters (including trapping) and shooters have been, and continue to be, the foremost supporters and funders of sound fish and wildlife management and conservation in the United States. The bill further highlights that hunting, fishing and recreational shooting occurs on Federal public lands and waters without adverse impacts or effects on other uses or users. Bill 2834’s wording follows the 1997 National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act, a bill that designated fishing and hunting as priority public uses on refuge lands in the U.S. The Refuge Act has curtailed attempts by anti-hunting groups to stop hunting on some public lands where hunting has traditionally occurred.
“The USSA has strongly encouraged such legislation for over a decade to spell out in law that fishing and hunting on federal public lands must be protected from the rising animal rights lobby,” said Bill Horn, former Assistant Secretary of Interior and USSA’s director of federal affairs. “This bill will provide needed protection for years to come.”
If enacted, the Recreational Fishing and Hunting Heritage and Opportunities Act will specify that federal public land management officials shall exercise their authority under existing law, including provisions regarding land-use planning, to encourage the use of and access to federal public lands and waters for fishing, hunting, and recreational shooting. Going forward, all management plans would include provisions for those popular practices.
The new bill will include lands under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service, including lands designated wilderness or administratively classified as wilderness eligible or suitable, and primitive or semi-primitive areas. National parks, however, are excluded from the Act as are wildlife refuges governed by the 1997 Act.
Joining USSA in championing HR 2834 are the American Sportfishing Association, National Rifle Association, Safari Club International, and the Congressional Sportsmen Foundation.
Hunters, anglers, trappers, and shooters across America who use public lands should stay abreast of the developments of this bill and note its positive long-term impact on outdoor heritage recreation on public lands in the future. Contact the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance at 614-888-4868 for more details or visit www.ussportsmen.org.
About the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance:
The U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance (USSA) is a watchdog organization that provides direct lobbying and grassroots coalition support to protect and advance the rights of hunters, trappers, anglers, and scientific wildlife management professionals. The USSA is the only organization exclusively devoted to combating the attacks made on America’s sportsman traditions by anti-hunting and animal rights extremists. This is accomplished through coalition building, ballot issue campaigning and legislative and government relations.
North American Waterfowl Management Plan Revision available for review
NORTH AMERICAN WATERFOWL MANAGEMENT PLAN REVISION AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC REVIEW AND COMMENT
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking public comments on the draft revision of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan (NAWMP, or Plan).
First signed in 1986 between Canada and the United States – with Mexico joining in 1994 -- the NAWMP is held as a leading model for international conservation plans. In large measure this is because it is a living and evolving document, updated periodically with engagement of the broad waterfowl conservation community in all three countries. The final Plan revision is expected to be released by mid-2012.
The draft Plan revision is available for public comment by visiting www.nawmprevision.org; via email to info@nawmprevision.org; or by U.S.
Mail to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - Division of Bird Habitat Conservation, Attn: Draft NAWMP Revision, 4401 North Fairfax Drive MS4075, Arlington, VA 22203.
Comments will be accepted until September 26, 2011.
“The world is changing, challenging waterfowl conservationists like never before to improve the way we do business,” said Fish and Wildlife Service Director Dan Ashe. “The revision of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan will guide us toward improving waterfowl conservation in the face of social, physical, ecological and economic challenges and enable managers to focus on the things that matter most to achieving shared conservation goals. The international Plan Committee is committed to ensuring that stakeholder input is fully incorporated in this important document.”
In the past, NAWMP goals were described in terms of desired waterfowl population numbers to be achieved through science-based habitat conservation and regional partnerships. In the Plan revision, a more inclusive purpose for waterfowl conservation will reflect the full range of fundamental goals identified by Plan stakeholders.
In 2009 and 2010, the Plan Committee held a series of stakeholder workshops in the United States and Canada aimed at gathering input on goals and objectives for waterfowl management and identifying broad-scale
alternative strategies for achieving those objectives. An International
Revision Steering Committee synthesized feedback received at these workshops and through the website, www.nawmprevision.org. A writing team comprising government and nongovernment scientists and waterfowl managers from both Canada and the United States produced the draft Plan revision.
Waterfowl are among North America’s most highly valued natural resources.
According to the Fish and Wildlife Service’s National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation, in 2006, 87.5 million Americans spent $122.3 billion on wildlife-related recreation. This includes 1.8 million U.S. waterfowl hunters who spent nearly $1 billion on trips and equipment.
The North American Waterfowl Management Plan, which celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2011, ranks among the largest and most successful conservation initiatives ever undertaken. As of January 2011, NAWMP partners had raised more than $5 billion dollars and conserved more than
17.3 million acres.
The draft Plan revision considers the entire spectrum of waterfowl management, including needs expressed by the general public, and proposes new goals for waterfowl management. One of those new goals addresses the value of waterfowl and wetlands to society and recognizes the link between human appreciation of waterfowl and wetland resources and conservation of those resources.
The draft Plan acknowledges the strong links among all of these goals and highlights the need for changing the traditional waterfowl management model by advocating for a system that integrates human connections with waterfowl and habitat considerations.
The NAWMP revision’s Action Plan, to be released in the fall, provides more explicit guidance for advancing this integrated waterfowl management philosophy. The Action Plan will serve as a technical road map to aid in implementing the objectives of the Plan revision.
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov. Connect with our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/usfws, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/usfwshq, watch our YouTube Channel at http://www.youtube.com/usfws and download photos from our Flickr page at http://www.flickr.com/photos/usfwshq.
Deer reported by Oronoco landowner tests negative for CWD
A white-tailed deer, recently discovered in southeastern Minnesota near Oronoco, exhibited some symptoms consistent with Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) but was not infected with the disease.
"We appreciate the public awareness about the disease and its potential effects on the deer population," said Lou Cornicelli, big game program coordinator for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). "We are relieved this animal did not have CWD."
A landowner observed the adult male deer on his property walking in a tight circle for a long period of time. He reported the deer to the DNR, which euthanized the animal and took it to the University of Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Lab for testing.
Deer showing signs of possibly having CWD always are tested when discovered, Cornicelli said. This is the first sick deer found and tested in the CWD zone – which stretches from Wanamingo, Zumbrota and Zumbro Falls southward to Kasson, Byron and Rochester – since sharpshooting ended last winter. None of the 1,181 deer tested in the area have tested positive for the disease.
The CWD zone was established earlier this year after an archery hunter harvested a CWD-positive deer in November 2010. Sampling was conducted last winter, and a deer feeding ban was enacted. Efforts to continue to monitor the area for additional cases of CWD and measures to help prevent its potential spread are in place for the fall hunting season.
"White-tailed deer contract a variety of diseases that express neurological symptoms," Cornicelli said. "Further testing is ongoing to determine what affected this animal."
Individuals should continue to notify DNR if they see a deer exhibiting CWD-like symptoms, which can include walking in circles, drooling, staggering, emaciation and a lack of fear toward humans.
More information about CWD, the DNR's fall surveillance plans, and new regulations for the CWD zone in southeastern Minnesota are available online at mndnr.gov/cwd.
Angler found 21 walleyes over the legal limit on Lake of the Woods
A Nebraska angler’s wallet is nearly $1,200 lighter after a 700 mile fishing trip to northern Minnesota’s Lake of the Woods.
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources conservation officer Robert Gorecki of Baudette was patrolling the nearly 350,000 acre lake on July 31, when he came across James E. Thomsen, 68, of Ashland, Neb. The officer asked Thomsen how the fishing was.
“When I began asking about how many fish he had in possession he got nervous,” said Gorecki.
The current daily and possession limit on Lake of the Woods is six walleyes and not more than one walleye over 28 inches.
At Thomsen’s resort cabin, Gorecki found a freezer containing 53 fillets, or 27 walleyes. Thomsen admitted that several of the fish were over the 28 inch slot limit. He was charged with a gross over-limit of 21 walleyes, and would have to make a court appearance.
“His plan was to leave the following morning, and he did not want to have to come back for a court appearance. He asked several times if ‘this could be taken care of prior to leaving,’” Gorecki said. Thomsen’s boat was held as evidence to ensure he didn’t leave town.
After the officer spoke with the Lake of the Woods County attorney the following morning the charge was reduced to a misdemeanor, but the fine and the restitution amounts remained the same as a gross misdemeanor. Thomsen agreed, paid $1,165 in fine and restitution ($535 fine, and $630 restitution), and plead guilty to the violation.
“After he paid the fine I assisted Mr. Thomsen in hooking his boat trailer to his vehicle, and he left for home. I’m not sure if we will see him here again anytime soon,” Gorecki said.
Anyone witnessing a fishing or wildlife violation is encouraged to contact the nearest conservation officer, law enforcement agency or the toll-free Turn-In-Poacher (TIP) hotline at 800-652-9093. Also, #TIP is available to most cell phone users in Minnesota.
People should contact the Minnesota State Patrol or a DNR regional or area office for the name and phone number of a conservation officer in their area.
Zebra mussels found in Brophy and Cowdry lakes near Alexandria
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) biologists have confirmed a report that zebra mussels are now in Brophy and Cowdry lakes near Alexandria.
Brophy and Cowdry are part of a small chain of lakes less than a mile upstream of Lake Darling and the Alexandria chain of lakes, which were confirmed to have zebra mussels in June 2009. A local homeowner found several zebra mussels attached to rocks in Brophy, nearby his property, and reported it to the DNR. The DNR surveyed Brophy and downstream in Cowdry and found young zebra mussels in both lakes.
“It is very disappointing that zebra mussels found their way into this small chain of lakes,” said Nathan Olson, DNR invasive species specialist in Fergus Falls. “Everyone needs to take extra precautions not to transport these pests to other waters in the area.”
In response to this new infestation, the DNR will:
Additional surveys are planned. Also, it is not known how widespread zebra mussels are in the other connected lakes. The young age of the zebra mussels suggests that a reproducing population likely has been in Brophy and Cowdry lakes for at least a year.
Prior to this discovery of zebra mussels, the DNR worked with the Douglas County Lakes Association and others in the Alexandria area to inspect boats and educate lake users. The efforts were aimed at involving the public in helping prevent the further spread of invasive species into other Alexandria area lakes.
A nonnative invasive species, zebra mussels pose serious ecological and economic threats to Minnesota’s lakes and streams. Heavy infestations can kill native mussels, impact fish populations, interfere with recreation, and increase costs for industry, including power and water supply facilities. Native to Eastern Europe and Western Russia, zebra mussels were first discovered in Minnesota in 1989 in the Duluth harbor.
Boaters are required by law to:
The DNR also recommends people spray or rinse boats with high-pressure and/or hot water, or let them dry thoroughly for five days, before transporting to another body of water.
The DNR has recently begun accelerating its efforts to prevent the spread of zebra mussels and other aquatic invasive species, including launching new inspection and decontamination procedures at several large lakes with zebra mussel infestations and high boat traffic.
The DNR website has additional information on aquatic invasive species www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/index.html.
Fish and Wildlife Service Reopens Comment Period on Revising the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife for the Gray Wolf
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) on August 25 announced the reopening of the comment period on the May 5, 2011, proposed rule to delist the gray wolf population in the Western Great Lakes and revise the listing to remove all or parts of 29 eastern states where the listed species did not historically occur. The action will allow for additional public review and the inclusion of any new information.
Gray wolves were originally listed as subspecies or as regional populations of subspecies in the lower 48 states and Mexico under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and its predecessor statutes. In 1978, the Service reclassified the gray wolf as an endangered species across all of the lower 48 states and Mexico, except in Minnesota where the gray wolf was classified as threatened.
In the rule issued earlier this year, the Service proposed to remove gray wolves in the Western Great Lakes area — which includes Minnesota, Michigan and Wisconsin, and portions of adjoining states — from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife because wolves have recovered in this area and no longer require the protection of the ESA. The Service also proposed to revise the range of the gray wolf (Canus lupus) in all or parts of 29 eastern states, which, based in part on recognition of the eastern wolf (Canus lycaon) as a full species, were not part of the historical range of the gray wolf.
The comment period for this proposed rule closed on July 5, 2011, and the Service received significant comments from states and other stakeholders concerning North American wolf taxonomy. The Service is seeking all information, data, and comments from the public with respect to any new information relevant to the taxonomy of wolves in North America. Written comments on this proposal may be submitted by one of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments to Docket No. [FWS-R3-ES-2011-0029].
U.S. mail or hand-delivery: Public Comments Processing, Attn:
Docket No. [FWS-R3-ES-2011-0029]; Division of Policy and Directives Management; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, MS 2042-PDM; Arlington, VA 22203.
All comments and materials, as well as supporting documentation used in preparing the proposed rule will be made available for public inspection.
The notice reopening the comment period will publish in the Federal Register on August 26, 2011. Comments must be received within 30 days, on or before September 26, 2011. The Service will post all comments on http://www.regulations.gov. This generally means the agency will post any personal information provided through the process. The Service is not able to accept email or faxes.
More information is available online at http://www.fws.gov/midwest/wolf/.
The ESA provides a critical safety net for America’s native fish, wildlife and plants. The Service working to actively engage conservation partners and the public in the search for improved and innovative ways to conserve and recover imperiled species. To learn more about the Endangered Species Program, visit http://www.fws.gov/endangered/.
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov. Connect with our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/usfws, follow our tweets at www.twitter.com/usfwshq, watch our YouTube Channel at http://www.youtube.com/usfws and download photos from our Flickr page at http://www.flickr.com/photos/usfwshq.
Free seedlings at Minnesota State Fair
Giving Away Seedlings at the Fair For 20 Years...
At its State Fair booth, Minnesota Forest Industries to highlight its $8.9 billion economic impact and 30,000 jobs statewide with theme: 'Jobs do grow on trees...and we grow a lot of trees!'
Minnesota Forest Industries (MFI), has been a Minnesota State Fair favorite for 20 years by giving away free seedlings at its booth in the Education Building. And this year, MFI is reminding fairgoers that jobs grow on trees, too - more than 30,000 jobs statewide, to be exact.
The theme of MFI's booth this year is "Jobs do grow on trees...and we grow a lot of trees!" Visitors to the booth will see a 6' foot tall "jobs tree" highlighting more than 40 different professions that are part of the state's $8.9 billion forest products industry. Booth visitors will also be able to view the names of nearly 300 Minnesota cities that are home to businesses from which the forest products industry purchases goods and services.
And, of course, fairgoers will also be able to pick up one of the 15,000 Red Pine seedlings that will be given away during the Aug. 25 - Sept. 5 fair.
"Everyone in Minnesota is positively affected by this industry, either as an employee, a company from which we buy goods and services, or as a consumer using the many fine paper and wood products made right here," said Wayne Brandt, MFI's executive vice president. "Anyone interested in furthering their career - from accountants to engineers, loggers to biologists and much more - is encouraged to stop by our booth or log on to minnesotaforests.com to learn more."
Brandt added that each year, more than 20 million seedlings are planted in Minnesota, and that twice as much wood is grown as is harvested each year.
"Minnesota has more large trees today than it had 50 years ago, and that's due to the dedication of the hardworking people who go to great lengths to properly manage this valuable renewable resource," said Brandt.
Minnesota Forest Industries is an association representing these state forest products companies: Bell Timber; Boise, Inc; Forest Capital Partners; Hedstrom Lumber Company; Louisiana Pacific; Minnesota Power; Norbord Minnesota; Potlatch Land and Timber; Sappi Fine Paper North America; UPM, Blandin Paper Mill; and Verso Paper, Sartell Mill . MFI members encourage conservation, proper forest management and industry development that foster sound environmental stewardship, multiple use of timber lands and sustainable, long-term timber supply. MFI's web address is minnesotaforests.com.
Waterfowl Hunters Look Forward to a Good Season on Refuges
Practice those duck calls, and check your decoys. Waterfowl hunting season is almost here, and signs point to a good year on national wildlife refuges.
The preliminary 2011 North American waterfowl survey, released by the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service in late July, totaled 45.5 million, up 12 percent from last year’s 40.8 million. These counts are based on aerial surveys of breeding waterfowl conducted annually since 1955, and each year the information helps determine the hunting regulations on season length, dates and bag limits.
Several hundred of the country’s 553 national wildlife refuges welcome waterfowl hunting as a traditional recreational use and wildlife management tool under the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997. Many hunters name refuges such as Edwin B. Forsythe in New Jersey, Anahuac in Texas and Lower Klamath in California among their favorite waterfowl hunting destinations.
At scenic Lower Klamath Refuge, established as the nation’s first waterfowl refuge in 1908, hunt program coordinator Stacy Freitas says it’s easy to see the refuge’s appeal to hunters. “We are one of the first stops in the Pacific Flyway when birds return in the fall from nesting areas in Canada,” says the biological science technician. Ducks and geese flock to the refuge’s marshes and grain fields located in the shadow of 14,000-foot Mt. Shasta. Some hunters take aim from refuge pit blinds and free-roam areas; Freitas and her husband prefer to shoot from a layout boat. “For most hunters, it’s not just about shooting birds,” she says. “It’s about watching the sunrise, listening to nature, the whole experience. You kind of feel one with nature, but hopefully you get dinner out of the process.”
At Anahuac Refuge in Texas, huntable species include blue- and green-winged teal, mottled ducks, gadwalls, pintails and shovelers, as well as snow geese, greater white-fronted geese, Ross’s geese and Canada geese. American coots are also fair game. Hunting areas can be reached by foot or by boat. An accessible hunt blind is available for hunters with a disability.
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All waterfowl hunters, 16 years of age and older, must buy a $15 federal duck stamp each year; the proceeds support wetland conservation. Hunters also need a current state license and, in some cases, a refuge hunting permit. Hunters must use non-toxic, lead-free shot.
Your Guide to Hunting on National Wildlife Refuges can help you find a hunt location and the conditions you want. Many refuges, such as Parker River Refuge in Massachusetts, hold special youth hunts each year to teach conservation, shooting skills and safety to beginning hunters. Some refuges, such as Bombay Hook Refuge in Delaware, designate special hunt days for hunters with disabilities. Others, such as Sherburne Refuge in Minnesota, have special blinds for people with disabilities. The hunting guide also includes wetland management districts open to waterfowl hunting in the Dakotas, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin and Montana.
Other wildlife refuges popular with waterfowl hunters include:
Cache River National Wildlife Refuge, AR Delta National Wildlife Refuge, LA Devils Lake Wetland Management District, ND Iowa Wetland Management District and Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge, IA Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, MA Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge, TN Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge, CA Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge, MN Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge, MN, WI, IA, IL Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge, AK
More 2011 waterfowl hunting information is available from the Division of Migratory Bird Management and the Office of Law Enforcement.
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov. Connect with our Facebook page, follow our tweets, watch our YouTube Channel, and download photos from our Flickr page.
Hunting seasons to open soon; DNR offers helpful reminders
Minnesota’s dove, rail and snipe seasons – the first small game hunting seasons of the fall – will open Thursday, Sept. 1, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
The state’s sandhill crane and early goose seasons open Sept. 3, followed by the small game and archery deer seasons on Saturday, Sept. 17. The duck season opens Sept. 24, the pheasant season Oct. 15, prairie chicken (by permit only) Oct. 22 and the statewide firearms deer season on Nov. 5. Youth waterfowl day is Sept. 10. Take a Kid Hunting Weekend is
Sept. 24-25.
“Before long, the crisp mornings and the sight of orange- or camo-clad hunters will be common again,” said Dennis Simon, DNR wildlife chief. “Hunters should take a good look at the regulation book this year as a number of season, bag limit, and other changes have been implemented in the name of opportunity and simplicity.”
The 2011 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Handbook is available online at mndnr.gov. Copies soon will be available wherever hunting licenses are sold.
Simon said ruffed grouse, waterfowl, and deer numbers look good this year. Pheasant numbers, he predicted, will be down from last year. This is due to mortality from last winter’s deep snow and tough winter roosting conditions, plus a protracted cool, rainy spring that reduced survival rates of newly hatched chicks.
Other information hunters should know includes:
Youth Program Ties Together Reading, Faith and Fishing
Wayzata, Minnesota - Smiles were big as the church group "Fish On Kids" enjoyed the last event of four, culminating with time on Lake Minnetonka with professional anglers. The program, orchestrated by Trisha Ragner of St. Philip the Deacon Lutheran Church of Plymouth, Minn., was tied to the new outdoors-based children's book series: Fish On Kids Books by K.J. Houtman. The fifteen elementary and middle school students, eight boys and seven girls, met each month since May with devotions and a book discussion, plus tips from a visiting pro-angler. Each participant received their own rod and reel combo and mini-tackle box in addition to a set of the books as part of their registration fee.Asian carp search enters new phase on Mississippi, St. Croix, Minnesota rivers
The search for Asian carp in the St. Croix and Mississippi rivers will continue next week with a new round of environmental DNA (eDNA) testing, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced.
Also, the Minnesota River has been added to this round of testing because of its proximity to the Mississippi River.
The ad hoc Minnesota Asian Carp Task Force, made up of state and federal natural resource agencies and the University of Minnesota, will initiate a new round of sensitive eDNA sampling in four stretches of the St. Croix and Mississippi rivers. The testing will be done at 225 locations in those two rivers and 50 locations in the Minnesota River.
The process, which should begin Wednesday, Sept. 14, involves taking a liter of water from each location, filtering it, and analyzing it for the presence of DNA left by two species of invasive Asian carp, silver and bighead.
The testing is part of a multi-prong, long-term effort to determine the presence and distribution of invasive Asian carp in the rivers, and to identify and implement ways to slow their upstream spread.
The DNR recently completed a nine-day search of Asian carp in the St. Croix River using nets and electro-shocking gear, and no invasive carp were caught. The testing followed positive eDNA tests in June that showed the presence of silver carp DNA about 50 miles upstream from the river’s mouth.
In addition to its own netting and electro-shocking efforts, the DNR hired a commercial fisherman with experience netting Asian carp in Illinois. After four days of netting, the operator did not catch any carp in what he believed would be the fishes’ preferred backwater habitats in the St. Croix River.
“This is good news because it suggests Asian carp may be in low numbers in the St. Croix River, and perhaps only a few individuals,” said DNR Commissioner Tom Landwehr. “It also suggests we have some time to research and implement barriers that can help slow their spread.”
The next round of eDNA sampling will be done in previously untested sections of all three rivers; in addition, researchers plan to retest sections of the St. Croix and Mississippi rivers that were sampled in June.
The June results from the Mississippi River may have been unreliable because the river was near flood stage, researchers say, and they want to see if the St. Croix results come back positive again:
Results will be available as samples are processed. The first round of results should be available by mid-October.
All fish, including Asian carp, shed DNA material into the environment through mucus and excrement. DNA floats on the water surface and accumulates in eddies and backwater areas. The presence of individual fish species can be detected by collecting water samples in those areas and filtering them in the lab for DNA.
The testing is being coordinated by the DNR and the National Park Service, with assistance from the University of Minnesota and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The same company, eDNA Solutions of Indiana, that conducted the June testing will perform the next round of laboratory tests.
The DNR is continuing to investigate funding, feasibility and development of a diversionary sonic and bubble barrier for the St. Croix River. Fisheries managers are currently looking into the effectiveness of such barriers in other locations.
The barriers work by using sound and bubbles to divert fish away from river mouths. Such technologies are experimental, especially on a river as large as the St. Croix, DNR officials say, and would not provide a 100-percent deterrent to Asian carp, but might keep their numbers at a manageable level while long-term control methods are developed.
Search continues for Asian carp in St. Croix River
After a five-day search, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) fisheries staff did not capture any Asian carp in the St. Croix River, but efforts to locate them continue this week.
Last week, DNR fisheries biologists used trawling techniques and electro-shock fishing methods to sample fish populations in two stretches of river. On Aug. 15 and Aug. 16, crews sampled sections of the river below the St. Croix Falls dam. This is where 22 out of 50 environmental DNA (eDNA) samples taken in June suggested the presence of silver carp, an invasive species.
From Aug. 17 to Aug. 19, fisheries crews searched the lower reaches of the river near Prescott, Wis., where a bighead carp, another Asian species, was caught by a commercial fisherman in April.
No Asian carp were caught during the searches.
“This is good news because it suggests that if Asian carp are present, the population could be very low, perhaps only a few individuals,” said DNR Commissioner Tom Landwehr.
Starting Tuesday, a commercial fisherman hired by the DNR will begin using large nets to try to capture Asian carp in the St. Croix. The gear is larger than what DNR fisheries crews typically use. The fisherman may also use large seine nets. Both techniques have been effective in catching Asian carp. The contract for the commercial operation was expedited in response to the positive eDNA results announced earlier this month.
This week, the DNR will also present information to the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council (LSOHC) about a proposed sonic bubbling system that would discourage Asian carp from entering the St. Croix River. The LSOHC recommends spending to the Minnesota Legislature for a portion of the Land, Clean Water and Legacy Amendment approved by voters in 2008.
The system would use a combination of bubbles and sound to direct the invasive species away from the river’s mouth. Asian carp are sensitive to noise, and the device would be calibrated to target Asian carp.
Scientists believe the barrier would not be a 100-percent deterrent to Asian carp, but it could keep populations low while other control methods are developed.
Bighead and silver carp are voracious eaters, capable of eating 5 to 20 percent of their body weight each day. Asian carp feed on algae and other microscopic organisms, often outcompeting for food with native fish. Scientists believe the fish could severely disrupt the aquatic ecosystems of Minnesota waters.
eDNA tests suggest presence of invasive silver carp in St. Croix River
Water samples from the St. Croix River have tested positive for genetic material from silver carp, suggesting the invasive, leaping Asian species may be present in the river as far north as the dam at St. Croix Falls, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
Known as environmental DNA (eDNA) testing, the results do not provide any information on number of fish present, their size or whether they are breeding.
To date, no silver carp have been caught in the St. Croix River, either by anglers or commercial fishing operators. Only two bighead carp, a different Asian species, have been caught in the river – one in 1996 and another on April 18 of this year.
The discovery has prompted the DNR to take several actions.
“Our immediate goal is to mobilize as much effort as possible to confirm the presence of live silver carp in the St. Croix,” DNR Commissioner Tom Landwehr. “The results raise the profile and the level of urgency around the Asian carp issue not just for the DNR, but for all agencies, conservation groups, municipalities and river users who have a stake in the health of the St. Croix and the Mississippi.”
The DNR will soon contract with commercial fishing operators to begin using nets on the St. Croix to try to capture live silver carp in the same areas where eDNA tests were positive. DNR staff will also use nets and boats outfitted with electric shocking capabilities to search for fish. DNR operations could start next week; commercial netting operations are expected to start by the end of August.
DNR officials said they will proceed with development of a bubble or sonic barrier at the mouth of the St. Croix River at Prescott, Wis., pending results of the additional carp sampling. Scientists believe such a barrier would not be a 100-percent deterrent to Asian carp, but if the populations are low, the barrier could help keep additional carp out of the river while other population control methods are developed.
The DNR is considering a variety of funding sources, including requesting assistance from the Minnesota Legislature, for the barrier. A recent estimate put the barrier’s construction cost (for materials alone) at $7 million.
NO eDNA POSITIVES ON MISSISSIPPI RIVER; MORE TESTING TO BE DONE
eDNA testing is a new but scientifically accepted method of screening water samples for genetic material originating from an aquatic animal’s mucus or excrement. On June 28, a private contractor collected 50 samples from a 4.3-mile stretch of the St. Croix River. The sample area started at the St. Croix Falls Dam and went downstream to near the town of Franconia. The sample area was roughly 48 to 52 miles upstream of the river’s confluence with the Mississippi River at Prescott, Wis.
On June 29, the same contractor, Environmental DNA Solutions from Granger, Ind., took 50 samples from the Mississippi River in St. Paul. The samples were collected in a river stretch starting at Lock and Dam 1 (Ford Dam) and ending 3.6 miles downstream at Pike Island. The DNR received the test results on Aug. 4.
All 100 samples from the St. Croix and Mississippi rivers were tested for three species of Asian carp: black, bighead and silver. The three species could cause serious damage to Minnesota’s native fish and aquatic systems by filter-feeding vast amounts of plankton, a key foundation of a river’s ecosystem and food chain.
All 100 samples tested negative for bighead and black carp. All the samples tested negative for silver carp in the Mississippi River. Scientists cautioned that the negative results on the Mississippi River do not mean silver carp are not in the river. They said the Mississippi was at flood stage during the testing process, which could have limited the accumulation of carp DNA.
DNR staff note that bighead and silver carp have been caught in the Mississippi downstream of Lake Pepin.
In contrast, the positive samples from the St. Croix River were more conclusive. Twenty-two of 50 samples (44 percent) tested positive for silver carp along the 4.3-mile stretch of river.
TASK FORCE TACKLES CARP ISSUE
A Twin Cities-based Asian Carp Task Force brought together in January by National Park Service officials with the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, will immediately begin planning for a new round of eDNA testing in both rivers.
Made up of federal, state and local partners, the task force was responsible for initiating the most recent round of eDNA testing, which cost about $17,000. Two nonprofit organizations funded the testing. The St. Paul-based Mississippi River Fund contributed $10,000 and St. Croix National Scenic Riverway Fund of the St. Croix Valley Foundation contributed $7,200. The St. Croix Valley Foundation is based in Hudson, Wis.
The St. Croix Falls Dam and Lock and Dam 1 on the Mississippi River were chosen as sites for the initial round of eDNA testing because they are river barriers where Asian carp might accumulate, and they are located further upstream than where most commercial fishing and routinely conducted DNR surveys take place. The next round of testing will occur above those dams and elsewhere in the two rivers. Scientists want to test for Asian carp above Lock and Dam 1 in St. Paul and above St. Anthony Falls in Minneapolis.
“Our task is to stop or slow down these fish as far south as possible while we continue to develop technologies and techniques to slow down their spread,” said Paul Labovitz, superintendent of the Mississippi National River & Recreation Area.
Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton recently signed a bonding bill, approved by the Minnesota Legislature, funding a $16 million upgrade of the Coon Rapids Dam on the Mississippi River. The dam improvements are designed to provide a permanent barrier to the upstream migration of Asian carp to the upper reaches of the Mississippi River. Construction should begin 2012.
DNR GETS HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE IN EFFORT TO CAPTURE SILVER CARP
DNR fisheries experts say silver carp are extremely skittish and difficult to catch with traditional netting and fish-shocking equipment.
However, two DNR fisheries biologists recently returned from the Illinois River, where they received first-hand training from commercial fishing operators in capturing Asian carp, which have established significant populations there. The training will prove valuable as the DNR begins its own search for the species on the St. Croix.
Just as it looked like the growing, recovered population of Western Great Lakes (WGL) gray wolves was going to be taken off the federally endangered species list and returned to state management, a new roadblock threatens long delayed delisting. This time the hurdle is the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (FWS) latest proposed Endangered Species Act (ESA) delisting rule inexplicably finding that there are now two separate wolf species roaming Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan. U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Director of Federal Affairs Bill Horn, who is a former Assistant Secretary of the Interior in charge of the FWS and ESA, joined Wisconsin’s Department of Natural Resources’ Secretary Cathy Stepp at a press conference last week to challenge the FWS’s two species proposal.
The FWS has issued proposed regulations (for a third time) to remove the WGL population of gray wolves from the endangered species list. Since the WGL wolf numbers exceed recovery goals by 600 to 1,000 percent, delisting is fully warranted. But the proposed delisting rule includes a nasty surprise: it says there are two separate wolf species in the WGL region – gray wolves (Canis lupus) and eastern wolves (Canis lycaon). The FWS does not know how many of each roam the region, but still believes gray wolves are recovered.
“This ‘two species’ finding is a trick deal which undermines needed WGL wolf delisting,” stated Bill Horn, USSA Director of Federal Affairs. “Since the FWS acknowledges it does not know how many of the nearly identical eastern wolves (C. lycaon) are present in the WGL region, the agency cannot scientifically demonstrate that gray wolf (C. lupis) numbers do in fact meet recovery goals. Animal rights opponents of wolf delisting (and state management) will jump all over this fatal flaw in their next round of federal court filings.”
In fact, the best scientific data demonstrates – and almost all wildlife professionals agree – that the WGL wolves are a single discrete population that is more than recovered. In contrast, one FWS staff biologist has advanced the suspect two species theory that undermines delisting. This is counter to other information about the WGL wolves.
A recent affidavit filed by the US Sportsmen’s Alliance included conclusions by Dr. Lissette Waits, one of the nation’s wildlife and wolf genetics experts. This information emphatically concluded that there are not two separate wolf species in the Western Great Lakes region. Dr. Waits holds a PhD in Genetics from the University of Utah and is a tenured associate professor of Fish and Wildlife Resources at the University of Idaho. She has worked on the intersection between genetics and wildlife management, is a member of the FWS red wolf recovery team, has led a red wolf contract research project for FWS, and has studied gray wolves and wolf/coyote hybridization as well.
Wisconsin DNR also agrees that there is only one species present and that the wolves are fully recovered. Its wolf population surveys show more than 1,000 animals in a single population that continues to grow and expand. Growing numbers of unmanaged wolves cause biological problems (excessive predation) and social troubles as well; wolves are well known for preying on domestic animals, including dogs, horses, and cattle. State wildlife officials are barred from managing wolves until the animals are taken off the federal list of endangered species by the FWS.
“For years, science has shown that these wolves have far exceeded recovery goals,” said Rob Sexton, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance vice president of government affairs. “Additionally, we hope that the Service will look at the prevailing scientific facts that show only one wolf population exists within the Western Great Lakes region, and it will avoid letting the antis use this unsupported claim as another roadblock to rightfully returning wolves to state management.”
Why the FWS has taken this two species proposal step, contrary to the best scientific evidence, remains unknown. USSA is concerned Obama Administration politics are to blame. “This trick deal allows the Administration to tell the Western Great Lakes states and hunters that it favors delisting, while winking and nodding to its activist pals that delisting is set up to fail,” said Horn.
Wolves are well documented for causing damage to private property and for reducing deer herds. Packs of WGL gray wolves have attacked hunting dogs, livestock and pets across the region where the large canines roam. Wisconsin DNR chief legal counsel Tim Andryk reports that the plentiful wolves in that state have cost his department more than $1 million in restitution fees to reimburse owners for killed livestock, hunting dogs, and killed and consumed pets. Nearly a dozen dogs –most of them hunting dogs--have been killed by wolves this year in Wisconsin—and hunting seasons open there soon, and more dogs will be harm’s way.
Joining the USSA in its position on one-wolf, one-problem exists are: Wisconsin Bear Hunters Association, Dairyland Committee of Safari Club International Chapters of Wisconsin, Whitetails of Wisconsin, and Wisconsin Firearms Owners, Rangers, Clubs, and Educators, Inc.
Duck season offers more options, opens one week earlier
A season of change is coming for Minnesota waterfowl hunters.
Opening day, opening day shooting hours and the annual youth waterfowl hunt all will be earlier than in the past. Bag limits for wood ducks and hen mallards will be higher than last year. And north and south hunting zones have been added to provide additional hunting opportunity.
“We needed a change,” said Tom Landwehr, commissioner for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). “We heard from waterfowl hunters that they supported these changes, and with waterfowl hunter numbers at record lows, we don’t expect season changes to negatively affect breeding populations.”
Landwehr said the 60-day, six-duck limit waterfowl season will open Saturday, Sept. 24, opening day shooting will start one-half hour before sunrise and youth waterfowl day will be Saturday, Sept. 10. Duck bag limits are consistent with most other states in the Mississippi Flyway.
“The changes are designed to maintain Minnesota’s waterfowl hunting tradition by increasing opportunity and better utilizing the federal regulatory framework set by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service under which we operate,” Landwehr said.
The changes reflect input from a recently formed citizen waterfowl hunting focus group.
This year’s earlier-than-usual opener will allow hunting when greater numbers of migrating wood ducks and blue-winged teal are around, yet maintains late-season opportunities.
Hunting north of Minnesota Highway 210 – the North Duck Zone – will be allowed continuously through Tuesday, Nov. 22. Hunters in the South Duck Zone – anywhere south of Highway 210 – will have a split season. Hunting will be allowed Sept. 24-25 to take advantage of early migrations then close for five days. The season in the south will resume on Saturday, Oct. 1, and continue through Sunday, Nov. 27, Thanksgiving holiday weekend.
“As we set this year’s season, we looked hard for ways to improve hunter opportunities and satisfaction while maintaining healthy waterfowl populations,” said Landwehr. “I believe this framework strikes that balance.”
Legal shooting hours on Sept. 24 will be one-half hour before sunrise rather than the 9 a.m. start that has been in place for the past seven years. Shooting hours end at 4 p.m. daily statewide until Saturday, Oct. 8, when hunting will be allowed until sunset.
Hunters will be able to keep up to four mallards, two of which may be hens, and three wood ducks. The hen mallard and wood duck limits increased by one compared with recent years. Daily limits for pintail, scaup and redhead remain at two. Hunters may still take one canvasback and black duck. The possession limit is twice the daily bag limit.
Minnesota's 2011 mallard breeding population is estimated at 283,000, which is 17 percent higher than last year’s estimate of 242,000 breeding mallards, 3 percent above the recent 10-year average and 26 percent above the long-term average. The continental population is 9 percent above 2010 and 22 percent above the long-term average.
"While we are very concerned waterfowl hunter numbers have been in decline in Minnesota, the Dakotas and Canada,” said Landwehr, “fewer hunters has resulted in lower duck harvests. In Minnesota, we are confident our mallard population is strong enough to absorb an increase in harvest, given the reduced pressure.”
The special September Canada goose season will remain similar to last year. September Canada goose season opens Saturday, Sept. 3, and runs until Thursday, Sept. 22 statewide, with a bag limit of five Canada geese per day.
The opening of the 85-day regular Canada goose season coincides with the opening of duck season on Saturday, Sept. 24, and retains a daily bag limit of three. Hunters north of Minnesota Highway 210 may hunt continuously through Saturday, Dec. 17. Hunters in the south zone may hunt Sept. 24-25 and resume on Saturday, Oct. 1, continuously through Thursday, Dec. 22. Another goose zone near Rochester will provide additional late hunting opportunity.
Minnesota's traditional Youth Waterfowl Day will be conducted Saturday, Sept. 10, two weeks before the regular duck opener. It is timed to provide youth with an opportunity to hunt abundant early migrating teal. To participate, youth 15 and younger must obtain a free small game hunting license, a Harvest Information Program (HIP) certification, and be accompanied by a non-hunting adult. Duck limits will be the same as the regular season and youth will be able to take five Canada geese.
“I’m really looking forward to this waterfowl season, and I hope Minnesota’s duck hunters are, too,” said Landwehr. “Given favorable weather conditions, Minnesota hunters should see more birds in the sky and more in their bag. And if that happens – and the entire conservation community continues to work together on providing the food, cover, nesting and refuges areas that waterfowl need – it will be a good thing for hunters, waterfowl, and the businesses whose livelihoods are linked to hunting.”
Hunters should consult the waterfowl hunting regulations supplement for additional details. The booklet will be available at all license vendors and online by late August.
Waterfowl Hunting Proposed Late Season Frameworks
Washington D.C. - The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced proposed hunting season lengths for the upcoming 2011-2012 late waterfowl seasons. The proposed federal frameworks include duck hunting season lengths of 60 days in both the Atlantic and Mississippi Flyways, 74 days in the Central Flyway (with an additional 23 days in the High Plains areas), and 107 days in the Pacific Flyway. The proposed frameworks also include a full season on pintails with a 2 bird daily bag limit in nationwide, and a full season on canvasbacks with a 1 bird daily bag limit nation-wide.
States select their season from within the federal frameworks that establish the earliest season beginning and latest ending dates and the maximum season length and bag limits. The proposed late season waterfowl frameworks will appear in a mid-August edition of the Federal Register for public comment. Flyway-specific highlights of the proposed late-season frameworks are below:
Atlantic Flyway (Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia):
- Ducks: A hunting season is proposed of not more than 60 days
between September 24, 2011, and January 29, 2012. The proposed daily bag limit is 6 and may include no more than 4 mallards (2 hens), 4 scoters, 3 wood ducks, 2 redheads, 2 hooded mergansers, 2 scaup, 1 black duck, 2 pintails, 1 canvasback, 1 mottled duck, and 1 fulvous whistling duck.
- Geese: For light geese, States would be able to select a 107-day season between October 1, 2011, and March 10, 2012, with a daily bag limit of 25 birds and no possession limit. Seasons for Canada geese would vary in length among States and areas depending on the populations of birds that occur in those areas. The daily bag limit will be 5 birds in hunt zones established for resident populations of Canada geese. In hunt zones established for migratory populations, bag limits will be 5 or fewer and vary among States and areas. For Atlantic brant, the season length may be 50 days with a daily bag limit of 2.
Mississippi Flyway (Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee and Wisconsin):
- Ducks: A hunting season is proposed of not more than 60 days between September 24, 2011, and January 29, 2012. The proposed daily bag limit is 6 and may include no more than 4 mallards (2 hens), 3 wood ducks, 1 mottled duck, 2 redheads, 2 scaup, 2 pintails,1 black duck, and 1 canvasback. The proposed daily bag limit of mergansers is 5, only 2 of which may be hooded mergansers.
-Geese: Generally, seasons for Canada goose would be held between September 24, 2011, and January 31, 2012, and vary in length among States and areas. States would be able to select seasons for light geese not to exceed 107 days with 20 geese daily between September 24, 2011, and March 10, 2012; for white-fronted goose the proposed season would not exceed 74 days with a 2-bird daily bag limit or 88 days with a 1-bird daily bag limit between September 24, 2011, and February 15, 2012; and for brant it would not exceed 70 days with a 2-bird daily bag limit or 107 days with a 1 bird daily bag limit between September 24, 2011, and January 31, 2012. There is no possession limit for light geese.
Central Flyway (Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and portions of Colorado, Montana, New Mexico and Wyoming):
- Ducks: Duck seasons are proposed to be held between September 24, 2011, and January 29, 2012. The daily bag limit would be 6 ducks, with species and sex restrictions as follows: mallard ? 5, no more than 2 of which may be females; wood duck ? 3; scaup, pintail, and redhead ? 2; mottled duck, and canvasback ? 1. The mottled duck season will begin 5 days after the beginning of the regular season in Texas. The possession limit would be 2 times the daily bag limit. In the High Plains Mallard Management Unit (roughly west of the 100th Meridian), a 97-day season is proposed. The last 23 days would be able to start no earlier than December 10, 2011. A 74-day season is proposed for the remainder of the Central Flyway.
- Geese: States may select seasons between September 24, 2011 and February 12, 2012 for dark geese and between September 24, 2011, and March 10, 2012, for light geese. East-tier States would be able to select a 107-day season for Canada goose season with a daily bag limit of 3. For white-fronted geese, States would be able to select either a 74 day season with a daily bag limit of 2 birds or an 88-day season with a daily bag limit of 1 bird. In the West-tier, States may select a 107-day dark- goose season with a daily bag limit of 5 birds. In the Western Goose zone of Texas, the State would be able to select a 95-day season with a daily bag limit of 5 dark geese (including no more than 1 white-fronted goose). For light geese, all States would be able to select a 107-day season with a daily bag limit of 20 and no possession limit.
Pacific Flyway (Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and portions of Colorado, Montana, New Mexico and Wyoming):
- Ducks: Under the proposal, States are allowed a 107-day general duck season between September 24, 2011, and January 29, 2012. The proposed daily bag limit is 7 ducks, including no more than 2 mallard hens, 2 redheads, 2 pintails and 1 canvasback. In addition, an 86 day season for scaup can be chosen with a daily bag limit of 3.
- Geese: 107-day seasons are proposed for the Pacific Flyway between September 24, 2011, and March 10, 2012. Proposed basic daily bag limits are up to 10 light geese and 4 dark geese. There are exceptions to the basic bag limits and season structures for geese in many States, so consult State regulations for specific details. In California, Washington and Oregon, the dark goose limit does not include brant. For brant, the proposed season lengths are 16 days in Oregon and Washington and 30 days in California, with a 2-bird daily limit. Washington and California are able to choose seasons in each of the two zones described in state regulations.
The Service's 2011 Waterfowl Population Status Report summarizes information about the status of duck and goose populations and habitat conditions during spring of 2011. The preliminary estimate of total ducks from the 2011 Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey was 45.6 million birds. This estimate represents an 11% increase over last year's estimate of 40.8 million birds and is 35% above the long-term average. The 2011 total pond estimates (in Prairie Canada and the United States combined) was 8.1 million, an increase of 22% over last year and a 62% increase above the long-term average.
Annual survey results guides the Service's waterfowl conservation programs under authority of the 1918 Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The Service works in partnership with state biologists from the four flyways ? the Atlantic, Mississippi, Central and Pacific ? to establish regulatory frameworks for waterfowl hunting season lengths, dates, and bag limits. Combined, these results form the largest data set on any wildlife species group in the world. They help provide equitable hunting opportunities while ensuring the long-term health of waterfowl populations.
To see the "Status of Waterfowl" report as well as last year's harvest figures, please see http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/. To view a video of the Status of Waterfowl video visit:
http://flyways.us/status-of-waterfowl/video-report/.
The mission of the Service's Migratory Bird Program is to ensure long-term ecological sustainability of migratory bird populations and their habitats for future generations, through careful monitoring, effective management, and by supporting national and international partnerships that conserve habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife.
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov. Connect with our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/usfws, follow our tweets at www.twitter.com/usfwshq, watch our YouTube Channel at http://www.youtube.com/usfws and download photos from our Flickr page at http://www.flickr.com/photos/usfwshq.
Deer licenses on sale Aug. 1; regulation changes announced
Minnesota hunters will be able to purchase 2011 deer licenses starting Monday, Aug. 1, the same day the state’s hunting regulation booklet is available online at www.mndnr.gov/buyalicense. Booklets will be available in mid-August.
This year’s archery season opens Saturday, Sept. 17. The general firearms season opens Saturday, Nov. 5. The deadline for lottery permit applications is Thursday, Sept. 8.
“We’re looking forward to another good season,” said Lou Cornicelli, big game program coordinator for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). “Deer populations are at or near goals throughout much of the state.”
Cornicelli said hunters will discover several new regulations for the upcoming deer season. The changes, he said, reflect the agency’s interest in regulation simplification and the protection of the state’s deer from Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD).
Significant changes for 2011:
The DNR still uses the lottery in areas where antlerless deer harvest is restricted and managed and intensive harvest designations when additional antlerless deer harvest is needed. This year, 27 percent are managed and 17 percent are intensive areas.
Firearm and muzzleloader lottery either-sex permits
Hunters may once again apply for either-sex or special hunt permits in both the firearm and muzzleloader seasons. In a change from previous years, hunters successful in the lottery can use their permit in either the firearm or muzzleloader season, provided they have a valid license for that season. The deadline for lottery and special hunt applications is Thursday, Sept. 8.
Although a hunter can be selected for both licenses, successful applicants still can only take one deer. In the case of special hunts, a person may draw both a firearm and muzzleloader permit, in which case they must adhere to the bag limits established by each special hunt.
This year’s lottery deer areas are: 103, 108, 119, 234, 235, 237, 238, 250, 251, 252, 253, 274, 275, 276, 277, 278, 279, 280, 281, 282, 283, 284, 285, 286, 288, 289, 290, 291, 294, 295, 296 and 299.
Other changes
Because deer herds are largely within goals, there will be no early antlerless deer season this year, and no youth-only antlerless areas available this year. The DNR will continue to monitor harvest and population size, and may use these designations in the future. Also, the 16-foot height restriction for permanent deer stands has been eliminated.
Cornicelli urged hunters to familiarize themselves with 2011 regulations before the hunting season begins. Due to delays created by the state shutdown, the hunting regulations booklet will not be available until mid-August wherever hunting and fishing licenses are sold, but hunters may access an online version of the regulations at www.mndnr.gov/regulations/hunting.
Deer hunters are also encouraged to review new deer hunting regulations, permit area designations and boundary changes before the Thursday, Sept. 8 application deadline for either-sex deer permits in lottery areas, and for all special hunts.
Additional information about the 2011 deer season can be found at www.mndnr.gov/deer
Duck and goose numbers improved; wetland conditions excellent
Minnesota’s 2011 breeding duck and goose populations improved from last year, according to results of the annual Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) spring waterfowl surveys.
The state’s estimated breeding duck population was 687,000 compared with last year’s estimate of 531,000. This year’s estimate is 11 percent above the long-term average of 622,000 breeding ducks.
This year’s mallard breeding population was estimated at 283,000, which was 17 percent higher than last year’s estimate of 242,000 breeding mallards, 3 percent above the recent 10-year average and 26 percent above the long-term average.
The blue-winged teal population was 214,000 this year compared with 132,000 in 2010, and near the long-term average of 219,000 blue-winged teal.
The combined populations of other ducks, such as wood ducks, ring-necked ducks, gadwalls, northern shovelers, canvasbacks and redheads, was 191,000, which is 22 percent higher than last year and 7 percent above the long-term average.
The estimated number of wetlands (Types II-V) was 360,000, up 33 percent from last year, 44 percent above the long-term average, and the highest wetland count on record.
“When you combine the wet conditions across much of Minnesota last fall, lots of snowpack, and above average spring precipitation, it’s not surprising that we saw record wetland numbers across the survey area this spring,” said Steve Cordts, DNR waterfowl specialist. “With such good wetland conditions, I would expect production, or the number of young ducks hatched, to be good this year.”
The same waterfowl survey has been conducted each May since 1968 to provide an annual index of breeding duck abundance. The survey covers 40 percent of the state that includes much of the best remaining duck breeding habitat in Minnesota. A DNR waterfowl biologist and pilot count all waterfowl and wetlands along established survey routes by flying low-level aerial surveys from a fixed-wing plane. The survey is timed to begin in early May to coincide with peak mallard nesting activity. The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service provides ground crews who also count waterfowl along some of the same survey routes. This data is then used to correct for birds not seen by the aerial crew.
The Canada goose population was estimated at 370,000, which was higher than last year’s estimate of 311,000. The number of breeding Canada geese in the state remains high, but has been relatively stable over the past 10 years. Since 2001, the DNR has conducted a helicopter survey of nesting Canada geese in April. The survey, which includes most of the state except the Twin Cities metro area, counts Canada geese on randomly selected plots in prairie, transition and forested areas.
Although breeding duck numbers increased relative to last year, the goal in the DNR’s Duck Recovery Plan is to attract and hold a breeding population of 1 million ducks while maintaining Minnesota’s rich waterfowling tradition.
“We remain committed to improving breeding and migration habitat for waterfowl in the state as one of our highest priorities,” said Dennis Simon, DNR Wildlife Section chief, “but we also realize it will require the DNR and all our partners to continue to focus our efforts to accomplish that long-term goal.”
The status of breeding duck populations and wetland conditions in other areas of North America is good to excellent. Total breeding duck numbers increased 11 percent from last year and were 35 percent above the long-term average. Mallard breeding populations increased 9 percent from last year and were 22 percent above the long-term average. Wetland habitat conditions in the Dakotas and southern Canada are near record high levels this spring.
The Minnesota waterfowl report can be viewed online at www.mndnr.gov/hunting/waterfowl.
DNR will announce this fall’s waterfowl hunting regulations in early August.
State park reservation system reopens with record-setting results
The number of camping and lodging reservations made between 8 a.m. and midnight yesterday was a new record high, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). On Tuesday, July 26, the first day the reservation system was open following the government shutdown, some 4,140 reservations were made for a total of 11,489 nights of camping and lodging.
“We had 162 reservations in the first five minutes,” said Bill Anderson, reservation system manager for the DNR’s Division of Parks and Trails. “It was by far the busiest day in the history of our reservation system. The previous all-time high was 1,761 reservations on June 2, 2008, the date when Minnesota state parks began allowing reservations a full year in advance (up from the previous policy of 90 days in advance maximum).
Approximately three-fourths of the reservations made yesterday were for overnight stays in 2011, the rest were for 2012. The highest number of reservations were for Itasca (379 reservations), Lake Carlos (278), Wild River (169), Sibley (167) and Bear Head Lake (160) state parks. Others with more than 100 reservations included Temperance River, Tettegouche, Jay Cooke, Gooseberry Falls, Forestville/Mystery Cave, Whitewater, Split Rock Lighthouse, William O’Brien, McCarthy Beach and Father Hennepin state parks.
All but two of the 74 Minnesota state parks and recreation areas have reopened following the shutdown. Camden and St. Croix state parks remain closed due to extensive storm damage.
Standard campsites can be reserved for $12 to $20 a night (plus $5 for electric hook-ups), not including vehicle permits, which are required to enter Minnesota state parks. Vehicle permits are $5 for one night or $25 for a 12-month permit providing unlimited access to all 74 Minnesota state parks and recreation areas.
Due to the high call volume the reservation system has been experiencing since yesterday, the DNR recommends making reservations online at stayatmnparks.com, if possible. For those who prefer to speak with an operator, reservations can be made at 866-857-2757.
“Reservations are recommended but not essential,” Anderson said. “Up to thirty percent of campsites at Minnesota state parks are nonreservable and available to campers on a first-come, first-served basis.”
For more information, including descriptions of each park’s scenery, wildlife and recreational opportunities, call 651-296-6157, toll-free 888-646-6367 or visit mndnr.gov. Some parks have online virtual tours, which allow visitors to preview the park before their trip.
More ‘keeper’ walleyes to be allowed on Mille Lacs; hunting application deadlines approaching fast
Minnesota’s state government shutdown will not affect upcoming hunting seasons or prevent a mid-season walleye regulation change at Lake Mille Lacs.
“Some application deadlines are approaching fast but that’s the only significant impact to hunters,” said Ed Boggess, director of the Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) Fish and Wildlife Division. “On the angling side, we moved quickly to implement a more liberal walleye length limit regulation on Lake Mille Lacs.” The upcoming regulation change is based on an evaluation of the 2011 walleye harvest through June 30 that deemed a change was warranted.
Effective 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, July 27, the walleye length limit regulation on Lake Mille Lacs will change to a 20- to 28-inch protected slot. Currently the walleye regulation is an 18- to 28-inch protected slot.
As DNR services resume operation, the following items relate to hunters and anglers:
© 2011 Outdoors Weekly