Phil Pash's Great Outdoors    (Phil has been writing about outdoors since the late 1970s).           Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2010 (Vol. 6, No. 16)                  Pat Quinn Accepts Endorsement from Brady Gun Control Bunch--From a Illinois State Rifle Association-Political Victory Fund news release (ISRA-PVF) is a political action committee affiliated with the ISRA: The ISRA-PVF is delighted to learn Gov. Pat Quinn's re-election campaign has received the endorsement of the nation's most active gun control organization--the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence (BCPGV). Now that Quinn has accepted the BCPGV endorsement, the voters of Illinois finally know for sure just where Quinn stands on the issue of private firearm ownership. It is well known BCPGV only endorses political candidates who are tightly aligned with the organization's ideals. Thus, it is now safe to assume Quinn marches in lockstep with the most radical elements of the gun control movement. Likewise, it is now safe to assume the following about Quinn: He supports a legislative agenda that would result in the banning and confiscation of most of the sporting firearms owned by law-abiding American citizens; he supports the establishment of a complex regulatory environment that would make it impractical, if not impossible for law-abiding firearm retailers to stay in business; he supports a gun control agenda that would drive thousands of jobs out of Illinois and starve the state's coffers of millions of much-needed tax dollars; he supports mandated design requirements that would render most of the sporting firearms in use today too expensive, too complicated and too impractical to own; he will continue to deny law-abiding citizens the right to employ defensive firearms to protect themselves and their families--even in their own homes; and he supports a legislative agenda that punishes law-abiding firearm owners while ignoring the true cause of gun violence--the career criminals who roam our streets with impunity. "Although the BCPGV billed today's event as their endorsement of Pat Quinn, I see things a bit differently," said ISRA-PVF spokesman Richard Pearson. "What I saw today was Pat Quinn endorsing the BCPGV's extremist campaign to eliminate private firearm ownership. In light of the recent Supreme Court decisions in the Heller and McDonald cases, it is clear Quinn is out of touch with the intent of our Constitution. Furthermore, opinion polls show decreasing public support for woefully ineffective gun-control proposals such as those advanced by Quinn and his friends at the BCPGV. Certainly, Quinn is totally out of step with the mainstream public who he wishes to represent in the governor's mansion. The Quinn camp will claim long and loud that he seeks only to impose 'reasonable' gun control measures. But, before buying that malarkey, it is important to keep in mind the BCPGV's gun control agenda is anything but 'reasonable.' In fact, the BCPGV is so extreme the organization gave President Obama an 'F' rating because they felt Obama is too 'pro-gun' for their taste. It is hard to imagine what must be going on inside the heads of people who actually believe Obama is too pro-gun. As with so many other issues, Pat Quinn's acceptance of the BCPGV's endorsement demonstrates he cannot resist latching on to the radical fringe whenever it comes his way." ..... Gov. Pat Quinn got the endorsement of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, a national group that happens to share the name of Quinn's Republican challenger but has very different views when it comes to gun control, said a Chicago Tribune post on its Web site. Paul Helmke, president of the gun control group, said Quinn has worked to restrict the flow of guns into the state while his opponent, Sen. Bill Brady of Bloomington, "has taken the attitude that more guns in more places is somehow going to make us safer." A spokeswoman for Sen. Brady dismissed the idea his stances were extreme, saying they are in line with someone who is a sportsman and who supports the constitutional right to own guns. Helmke and others gathered at the endorsement announcement echoed themes the Quinn campaign has highlighted for weeks, dubbing Brady too "extreme" when it comes to gun control issues. Helmke and others noted Brady does not support a ban on assault weapons and voted against a measure that would make so-called "straw purchases" a crime. Those purchases involve someone buying a gun and then giving it to someone who does not qualify to own one under state law. Quinn was also joined by U.S. Rep. Danny Davis and family members of those who have died in gun violence. "We have in our state a need for a governor with fortitude, not someone who is going to be patting on the back those who have straw purchases at gun shows, patting on the back those who would sell assault weapons to the wrong people," Quinn said. "We've got to say no to that and we've got to say yes to life." (It's all Chicago Democratic machine B.S. with Mayor Daley and maybe even Obama in the background pulling strings like puppet-masters. That same machine produced Blago, and then a bunch of morons who shouldn't be allowed to reproduce, let alone vote, voted him back in. What could you people have been thinking? Now the Democrats want us to continue on the same road with a sanitized version of Blago, but with less ego. Haven't you learned anything about electing Illinois Democrats who are/were part of the Chicago machine to anything? Obama was backed at the scene of the crime--Chicago--Aug. 5 to help Democrats in Illinois with fund-raisers. The Chicago Sun-Times said he sprinted through three fund-raisers, hauling in about $1 million for Democratic Senate contender Alexi Giannoulias--another dandy who needs a thorough background check--and $1.5 million for the Democratic National Committee. State Treasurer Giannoulias already is in a fight. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has launched the television ad "Economic Failure" throughout Illinois to highlight Giannoulias' anti-business record. With an unemployment rate higher than any of its neighbors the last thing Illinois needs is more economic failure. "Illinois voters want a candidate with common sense policies that create jobs, not a pattern of highly questionable activity that has left a trail of economic problems," said Bill Miller, national political director for the Chamber. "This ad will remind Illinois' voters that a candidate's record matters when it comes to job creation, especially at a time when more than 1 in 10 people in Illinois are looking for work." Ultimately, the federal government had to come in and takeover his family bank where he was an executive. As State Treasurer, Giannoulias also lost $85 million in college savings for Illinois parents, said Miller. The November hunting season is closer than you think--PJP).   * * *        Battle To Ban Lead in Hunting and Fishing Is On--A coalition of conservation, hunting and veterinary groups filed a formal petition with the Environmental Protection Agency requesting a ban on the use of toxic lead in hunting ammunition and fishing tackle. Major efforts to reduce lead exposure to people have greatly reduced the amount of lead in the environment, but toxic lead is still a widespread killer in the wild, harming bald eagles, trumpeter swans, endangered California condors and other wildlife. "It's long past time to do something about this deadly--and preventable--epidemic of lead poisoning in the wild," said Jeff Miller of the Center for Biological Diversity. "Over the past several decades we've wisely taken steps to get lead out of our gasoline, paint, water pipes and other sources that are dangerous to people. Now it's time to get the lead out of hunting and fishing sports to save wildlife from needless poisoning." The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), the trade association for the firearms, ammunition, hunting and shooting sports industry, announced its opposition to the petition. NSSF said the petition, filed by several agenda-driven groups including the CBD, erroneously claims the use of traditional ammunition by hunters is inconsistent with the Toxic Substance Control Act of 1976. "There is simply no scientific evidence the use of traditional ammunition is having an adverse impact on wildlife populations that would require restricting or banning the use of traditional ammunition beyond current limitations, such as the scientifically based restriction on waterfowl hunting," said NSSF President Steve Sanetti. Sanetti cited recent statistics from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) showing from 1981 to 2006 the number of breeding pairs of bald eagles in the U.S. increased 724 percent. And much like the bald eagle, raptor populations throughout the U.S. are soaring. Also fueling concerns over the CBD petition is the likely ramification a ban on traditional ammunition would have on wildlife conservation. The federal excise tax manufacturers pay on the sale of the ammunition (11 percent) is a primary source of wildlife conservation funding and the financial backbone of the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation. The bald eagle's recovery, considered to be a truly great conservation success story, was made possible and funded by hunters using traditional ammunition--the very ammunition organizations like the CBD are now demonizing. "Needlessly restricting or banning traditional ammunition absent sound science will hurt wildlife conservation efforts as fewer hunters take to the field," said NSSF Senior Vice President and General Counsel Lawrence G. Keane. "Hunters and their ammunition have done more for wildlife than the CBD ever will. And the CBD's scientifically baseless petition and endless lawsuits against state and federal wildlife managers certainly do not serve the wildlife that the organization claims to protect." An estimated 10 million to 20 million birds and other animals die each year from lead poisoning in the U.S., claims the CBD petition. This occurs when animals scavenge on carcasses shot and contaminated with lead bullet fragments, or pick up and eat spent lead-shot pellets or lost fishing weights, mistaking them for food or grit. "The science on this issue is massive in breadth and unimpeachable in its integrity," said George Fenwick, president of American Bird Conservancy. "Hundreds of peer-reviewed studies show continued lead poisoning of large numbers of birds and other animals, and this petition is a prudent step to safeguard wildlife and reduce unacceptable human health risks." American Bird Conservancy, Center for Biological Diversity, Association of Avian Veterinarians, Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility and the hunters' group Project Gutpile are asking for the ban under the Toxic Substances Control Act, which regulates dangerous chemicals in the U.S. "As a hunter in California, compliance with the recent state non-lead ammunition regulation has been simple," said Anthony Prieto, a hunter and co-founder of Project Gutpile, a hunter group that provides educational resources for lead-free hunters and anglers. "I still get to hunt, there is no toxic impact on wildlife or my health and copper bullets shoot better." The petition references almost 500 scientific studies, most of which have been peer-reviewed, that starkly illustrate the widespread dangers from lead ammunition and fishing tackle. Lead is an extremely toxic substance that is dangerous to people and wildlife even at low levels. Exposure can cause a range of health effects, from acute poisoning and death to long-term problems such as reduced reproduction, inhibition of growth and damage to neurological development. In the U.S., 3,000 tons of lead are shot into the environment by hunting every year, another 80,000 tons are released at shooting ranges and 4,000 tons are lost in ponds and streams as fishing lures and sinkers. At least 75 wild bird species are poisoned by spent lead ammunition, including bald eagles, golden eagles, ravens and endangered California condors. Despite being banned in 1992 for hunting waterfowl, spent lead shotgun pellets continue to be frequently ingested by swans, cranes, ducks, geese, loons and other waterfowl. These birds also consume lead-based fishing tackle lost in lakes and rivers, often with deadly consequences. Lead ammunition also poses health risks to people. Lead bullets explode and fragment into minute particles in shot game and can spread throughout meat that humans eat. Studies using radiographs show  numerous, imperceptible, dust-sized particles of lead can infect meat up to a foot and a half away from the bullet wound, causing a greater health risk to humans who consume lead-shot game than previously thought. A recent study found up to 87 percent of cooked game killed by lead ammunition can contain unsafe levels of lead. State health agencies have had to recall venison donated to feed the hungry because of lead contamination from lead bullet fragments. Nearly 10 million hunters, their families and low-income beneficiaries of venison donations may be at risk.    * * *        Putting Wolf Back on Endangered Species List Decried by Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Montana--The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation is calling for immediate Congressional review and reform of the Endangered Species Act following a judge's decision to reinstate full federal protection for gray wolves. The Aug. 5 ruling means state wildlife agencies no longer have authority to manage skyrocketing wolf populations--even in areas where wolf predation is driving cow elk, moose and elk calf survival rates below thresholds needed to sustain herds for the future. RMEF says the judge has opened a door for perhaps the greatest wildlife management disaster in America since the wanton destruction of bison herds over a century ago. "When federal statutes and judges actually endorse the annihilation of big-game herds, livestock, rural and sporting lifestyles--and possibly even compromise human safety--then clearly the Endangered Species Act as currently written has major flaws," said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO. "We have already begun contacting the Congressional delegations of Idaho, Montana and Wyoming to ask for an immediate review of this travesty--and reform of the legislation that enabled it." Allen pointed out an irony, if not an outright error, in the decision issued by U.S. District Judge Donald Molloy. "Judge Molloy said wolves in the northern Rockies are a single population that cannot be segmented based on political boundaries. But he essentially did that very thing himself because he considered only the wolf population within the U.S. There are 75,000-plus gray wolves across Canada, yet Judge Molloy stopped at the border and did not consider the entire Rocky Mountain population. The gray wolf is simply not an endangered species," said Allen. Animal rights groups who continue to litigate over wolves are "gaming the system for their own financial benefit," he added, saying, "There are no elk in Iowa, but we are not suing folks to reintroduce them. This is simply a financial scam for the animal rights groups, and it's all being paid for by the American taxpayer." Additionally, Allen urged the governors in Idaho, Montana and Wyoming to begin the process of formally implementing "the 10(j) rule" as provided within federal law. For all species reintroductions classified as a "nonessential, experimental population," as is the case with gray wolves under the Endangered Species Act, the 10(j) rule allows states more flexibility to mitigate for unacceptable impacts on big game populations, livestock and domestic animals. More at www.rmef.org. ..... Montana wildlife officials also decried the federal court decision that placed the recovered Rocky Mountain gray wolf back on the federal list of threatened and endangered species. "We believe we made arguments to the judge that he could have relied on to uphold the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's decision to delist the wolf," said Joe Maurier, director of Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. "We will carefully examine the ruling to determine what options remain open to Montana's wildlife managers." While the decision by Federal District Judge Donald W. Molloy in Missoula, Mont., takes away state management of the wolf, the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission officially asked FWP to immediately appeal the ruling to the 9th Circuit Court and to aggressively seek management options with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. "If we understand the ruling correctly, Judge Molloy is telling the federal government that because Wyoming still doesn't have adequate regulatory mechanisms to manage wolves, you can't delist the wolf in Montana and Idaho," Maurier said. "We simply can't manage wildlife successfully in that environment. We must have the ability to manage wildlife, to do our job, to seek a balance among predator and prey. As a practical matter, as wildlife managers, we need the authority to respond to the challenges wolves present every day." The federal court decision reinstates Endangered Species Act protection for wolves in the northern Rocky Mountains, with federal law guiding Montana's wolf management options. With the ruling, a general wolf hunting season in Montana is prohibited. Wolves in the Northern Rocky Mountains were removed from federal protection in March 2009, a decision that was almost immediately challenged by a coalition of 13 groups seeking to put wolves back on the endangered species list. The recovery of the wolf in the northern Rockies is one of the fastest endangered species comebacks on record. In the mid-1990s, to hasten the overall pace of wolf recovery in the Northern Rockies, more than 60 wolves were released into Yellowstone National Park and central Idaho. The minimum recovery goal for wolves in the northern Rocky Mountains was set at a minimum of 30 breeding pairs--successfully reproducing wolf packs--and a minimum of 300 individual wolves for at least three consecutive years. This goal was achieved in 2002, and the wolf population has increased every year since. The wolf population in the Northern Rocky Mountain Recovery Area, which comprises parts of Montana, Idaho and Wyoming, was estimated to be at least 1,706, with 242 packs, and 115 breeding pairs at the end of last year. About 525 wolves were estimated to inhabit Montana, in 100 packs and 34 breeding pairs.     * * *        Midwest Wildlife Officials Also Want Gray Wolf Removed from Endangered Species List--Administrators from the natural resource agencies in 13 Midwestern states and three Canadian provinces have signed a joint resolution urging the U.S. Department of the Interior's Fish and Wildlife Service to remove the gray wolf from the federal endangered species list. "Wisconsin, Minnesota and Michigan all have achieved the primary goal of the Endangered Species Act, and that is sustainable wolf populations," said Wisconsin DNR Secretary Matt Frank. "It's clear in our minds that now is the time to turn over management of the wolf to the respective state natural resource management agencies." The resolution was inked at a recent Board of Directors meeting of the Midwest Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. The association represents Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Kentucky, Nebraska, Kansas and Missouri and the Canadian provinces of Alberta, Ontario and Saskatchewan. All states and provinces signed the resolution, including those with no known gray wolf populations at this time. With the growth of the wolf population in Wisconsin and Michigan, there have been some problems with wolves killing livestock, pets and hunting dogs. Although owners of livestock and hunting dogs have been compensated for their losses, transferring management of wolves to state natural resource agencies will allow better control of the population and greater protections for livestock and pet owners. "Overall, support for recovery of the wolf in the Midwest has been strong, but as the population continues to grow states need authority to manage wolves within their borders, including the ability to remove problem wolves, if broad public support for wolves is to continue," Frank said. In April 2010, Wisconsin submitted a state petition to the Department of the Interior requesting the wolf be removed from the endangered species list in Wisconsin. Wisconsin's petition joined a similar action by Minnesota filed in March 2010. Wisconsin's estimated wolf population at the end of the 2009-10 winter was more than 700. "Wisconsin has worked cooperatively with the Department of the Interior on wolf recovery for more than 30 years and has fully supported Interior's recent efforts to delist the gray wolf," said Frank. "We believe, and scientific evidence supports, that delisting and transferring management of the wolf to Wisconsin is timely and will lead to improved management through effective action on problem wolves." To aid citizens in avoiding wolf depredations, DNR biologists have created a new wolf depradation alert system that sends an e-mail alert to subscribers with a link to details and a caution area map as soon as a depredation can be verified. The new web-based alert has more than 3,400 subscribers. Among them are hunters who began training hunting dogs on July 1.     * * *        Jerry McKinnis, Two Others To Buy BASS from ESPN--ESPN Inc., announced Aug. 3 it has reached an agreement in principle to sell BASS, LLC, to a group of investors led by Don Logan, Jerry McKinnis and Jim Copeland. BASS is the largest membership organization of bass anglers in the U.S. with more than 500,000 members. It was purchased by ESPN in 2001 and includes several media platforms, including three magazines and a popular Web site. The purchasing party will assume ownership of all BASS assets after the completion of the sale. "The investor group, with its enthusiasm for the brand, will continue to serve BASS' interests with anglers," said Traug Keller, ESPN senior vice president, production, business divisions. As part of the agreement in principle, BASS' core television programming assets--the Bassmaster Elite Series and Bassmaster Classic--will remain on ESPN networks. Investor and outdoorsman McKinnis has a long history with ESPN as the host of the network's second longest-running show, "The Fishin' Hole," which aired from 1980 until 2007. Retired Time Inc., executive and avid angler Logan at one time oversaw Time Inc., America Online, Time Warner Cable and the Time Warner Book Group before his retirement from the media giant in 2002. Georgia native Copeland retired as U.S. and Global CEO of international financial services firm Deloitte in 2003 and currently serves on the board of directors of three Fortune 500 companies. "I am eager to begin working with the anglers, sponsors and supporters to bring an even more exciting BASS business to its fan base," said McKinnis. "This group is looking forward to working with the fishing industry's strongest brand and plans to make BASS even more relevant in the multimedia world," said Logan. Until a sales transaction is finalized, BASS will continue to operate under ESPN's ownership. For more than 40 years, BASS has served as the authority on bass fishing. The organization advances the sport through advocacy, outreach and its expansive tournament structure while connecting directly with the passionate community of bass anglers through its Bassmaster media vehicles. The Bassmaster brand and its multi-media platforms are guided by a mission to serve all fishing fans. Through its industry-leading publications Bassmaster Magazine, BASS Times and Fishing Tackle Retailer; comprehensive Web properties in Bassmaster.com, BASSInsider.com and ESPN2 television programming, Bassmaster provides rich, leading-edge content true to the lifestyle. BASS oversees the Bassmaster Tournament Trail, which includes the Bassmaster Elite Series, Bassmaster Opens, BASS Federation Nation and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bassmaster Classic. BASS offers an array of services to its more than 500,000 members and remains focused on issues related to conservation and water access. The organization is headquartered in Celebration, Fla.     * * *        T. Boone Pickens Becomes Partner in FLW Outdoors, Which Has New Sponsorship from Walmart--T. Boone Pickens has become an equity holder and partner in FLW Outdoors, and maybe coincidentally or not,  FLW Outdoors announced a few days later it has agreed to a long-term sponsorship with Walmart to become the title sponsor of FLW Outdoors, beginning in 2011. Irwin L. Jacobs, chairman of FLW Outdoors, said, "Boone and I have been friends and business associates for more than 25 years. We recently were discussing what we could do together to create a significant positive impact on the incredible outdoor resources our country has to offer. As we discussed my involvement with FLW Outdoors, Boone didn't hesitate to recognize that fishing and the outdoors clearly represent the largest opportunity for all walks of life to enjoy one of nature's best and most important wonders--the outdoors. Boone's love and passion for the outdoors, along with his incredible business acumen, will surely bring a great deal of excitement and growth to FLW Outdoors and to the many constituencies we serve." "I'm supporting Irwin in this initiative because it presents a unique opportunity to develop an appreciation and respect for the outdoors in a new and unique manner. I think it has a great future," Pickens said. "I feel privileged and honored to be a part of this as fishing, hunting and the outdoors have been an important part of my life. With partners like the National Guard and Walmart, plus many more great American companies and organizations supporting this common goal, I want and hope to see more young people and their families participating and enjoying the outdoors," Pickens added. Pickens, founder and chairman of BP Capital Management, is principally responsible for the formulation of the energy futures investment strategy of the BP Capital Investment Funds, among one of the nation's most successful energy-oriented investment funds. Pickens is also aggressively pursuing a wide range of other business interests, from wind power and ranch development initiatives to Clean Energy, a company he founded. FLW Outdoors, named after Forrest L. Wood,  legendary founder of Ranger Boats, is the largest fishing tournament organization in the world offering anglers worldwide the opportunity to compete for millions over the course of 189 tournaments in 2010. FLW Outdoors has also taken fishing mainstream with FLW Fantasy Fishing awarding the largest prizes in the history of fantasy sports.  Per FLW Outdoors' policy, terms of the agreement with Walmart were not disclosed. This new partnership will serve as a key component in combining several marketing and promotional opportunities including, but not limited to, Walmart in-store product marketing and promotions, "retailtainment" at fishing tournaments and at Walmart stores and advertising and marketing through FLW Outdoors' worldwide media owned outlets. "Many Walmart customers have a deep commitment to the outdoors. To them, time spent fishing represents 'living better,'" said Stephen Quinn, executive vice president and chief marketing officer of Walmart. "Through this partnership, we see another way to connect with this important segment of our customer base while nurturing additional interest in fishing at all levels, whether professional or recreational." Local Walmart stores will be offering in-store family-friendly events, such as fishing simulators, and an expanded assortment of fishing gear for sale. Individual stores will also play supporting roles for FLW tournament events around the country. Walmart will serve as title sponsor across multiple circuits of FLW Outdoors including the FLW Tour. As part of the sponsorship, Walmart will receive exposure and prominent presence across the multiple platforms of FLW Outdoors, including all bass and walleye events, FLW Outdoors' multiple web sites, FLW Fantasy Fishing, FLW Outdoors Magazine, "FLW Outdoors" television show, broadcast to over 500 million households in 24 countries and additional marketing functions operated by FLW Outdoors. Walmart began its sponsorship of FLW Outdoors in 1997 and that commitment served as the first of its kind for the world's largest retailer and for the sport of bass fishing. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., (NYSE: WMT) serves customers and members more than 200 million times per week at more than 8,400 retail units under 55 different banners in 15 countries. With fiscal year 2010 sales of $405 billion, Walmart employs more than 2 million associates worldwide. More at  www.walmartstores.com. More about FLW Outdoors at www.FLWOutdoors.com.      * * *        Rockford Area News & Notes ... and Maybe More Comments--Don Vandermeer of Loves Park caught a five-bass limit weighing 14 pounds, 14 ounces July 24 to win the FLW BFL Great Lakes Co-angler Division on the Mississippi River and $2,019. Vandermeer  used white frogs in the Lansing Pool to catch his limit. Curt Samo of Rochelle was seventh in the angler division with five bass weighing 14-5 for $673. Mike Brueggen of LaCrosse, Wis., was the angler winner with five bass/15-10 for $4,037. Nick Kasten, Lake Geneva, Wis., was fifth in co-angler with five bass, 12-15, for $404 and Tyler Christopherson, Chana, Ill., was sixth in co-angler with five bass, 12-10, for $370. The next and final Great Lakes tourney is scheduled Aug. 28-29 on the Mississippi at LaCrosse. After that tourney, the top 40 boaters and co-anglers based on points will qualify for the regional championship at Kentucky Lake in Gilberstville, Ky., on Oct. 21-23. More at www.FLWOutdoors.com or call (270) 252-1000. ..... The 2010 Rock River catfish tourney to benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital raised more than $1,600, according to organizer Luke Bufalo of the Web site RockfordFishing.com. The event was held July 17 from midnight to noon. Entrants could fish from shore or boat on the Rock River from Beloit (Wis.) dam to the former Ace of Diamonds site near Chicago-Rockford International Airport, and on the Pecatonica River from Pec to Rockton. Charles Beeler had the biggest single catfish of 31 pounds for $500, said Bufalo, and Richard Schlagel had the heaviest three-fish stringer of 16 pounds for $250. Weigh-in was on the stage at Old Settlers' Day in Rockton. Tourney photos are posted on the www.RockfordFishing.com site. Registration fee was $5 per angler, and all that money went to St. Jude, said Bufalo, who added, "Awesome tournament and the most reported from any fishing tournament in the area." ..... When Denny Sands of Lakeside Bait, Tackle & Boat Rental at Shabbona Lake in DeKalb County sends out an e-mail about big fish being caught, I believe him. And some real monsters have come out of the 300-acre-plus lake recently--like a 21-inch, 4.8-pound largemouth bass on a plastic worm on Aug. 8, a lake-record 35-inch, 22.75-pound channel catfish on chicken liver by Dave Todd and a giant muskie of 49.5 inches and 30.65 pounds on Aug. 9. The muskie was caught near the entrance to the lake's no-motor zone by an unnamed angler, who kept it to have it mounted. Shabbona, of course, has a history of producing record fish--four state-record muskie and two state-record crappie over the years. Todd's big catfish comes at a good time since the lake's Catfish Open is coming up Aug. 21. Sands' business started staging the open tournaments last year and continued them this year. Four already have been held--for walleye in April, crappie in May, bass in June and bluegill in July. After the Catfish Open, the Muskie Open is slated Sept. 18. Both will have hours of 6 a.m.-7 p.m. and prizes of $100, $50 and $25 for the top three places. A walleye stocking donation jar will be inside Lakeside Bait, Tackle & Boat Rental, and if an angler donates $5 or more and places first, their cash prize will be doubled. Pokanoka's Cafe also will be offering its "Dollar Day Specials" on Saturday, Aug. 21. More at http://www.shabbonalake.com/online.html or call (815) 824-2581. ..... Northern Illinois Rifle and Pistol Club, in conjunction with the NRA, will sponsor a NRA Women On Target instructional clinic during which women and girls can learn to shoot pistols and rifles. It will be held Saturday, Sept. 18, at the club grounds, 3660 Harrison Road, northwest of Rockford. Registration deadline is Sept. 11, and cost is $25 for one of two sessions, or $35 for both. Both the morning and afternoon sessions will be limited to 15 each. More information or signup is available from Michael Huff at (815) 544-0734 or e-mail Pahuff12@gmail.com. ..... A 2 1/2-foot alligator that eluded police and animal control workers earlier was finally captured Aug. 6 in a trap on a branch of the Chicago River, said NBCChicago.com. This isn't the first time a gator has been spotted in the Chicago River. Last year around the same time, a small alligator was spotted sunning itself along the banks of the river and animal control officers managed to catch him. It's illegal to own an alligator in Illinois. ChicagoBreakingNews on the Tribune Web site also covered the story, saying the location was behind Lane Tech. Chicago Animal Care & Control Commission executive director Cherie Travis said the gator likely was a pet someone released. "Anything's cute when it's little, including a baby alligator, and it probably was released because it was getting bigger, and acting more like what it is--a wild animal," Travis said. It's like that giant snake found July 27 along Bypass 20 near Meridian in Rockford. WIFR-TV-23 said it was a python between 6-10 feet long. The TV station quoted Winnebago County Animal Services as saying the snake was run over by a vehicle, but lived. The snake is not native to the area and probably was someone's pet, either released or escaped. Or the fish Ross Goodman of Rockford caught from the Kishwaukee River between Baumann Park and Espenscheid Forest Preserve. He and his fishing buddy, Dave Harmon, thought it might have been a piranha, said the Rockford daily. However, Dan Sallee, DNR regional fisheries administrator, examined pictures of the fish and said it was most likely a pacu, which is closely related to the piranha. "We get one or more pacu (reported) a year," Sallee thought it probably was raised in someone's aquarium, had gotten too big and was released in the river by the owner. He emphasized people should never release a captive fish to the wild because it can be a source of disease or ecological degradation. "Either donate your fish back to the aquarium shop or destroy them," he said. "But do not release them." Years ago, I reported, a piranha was caught on hook-and-line from the Kishwaukee River, and piranhas have been found in Lake Columbia, a cooling plant lake near Baraboo, Wis. Other exotic invaders have been discovered in the Rock River. In 2003, the Wisconsin DNR captured a 24-inch-long giant snakehead (Channa micropeltes), also called the red snakehead, while conducting a fish survey of the Rock River between Janesville and Beloit. Also, in 2005, an Asian bighead carp was confirmed by the Illinois DNR, the first time the species was found in the Rock. That same year a small alligator was found on the Ledges golf course in Roscoe. The Dangerous Animals Act forbids Illinois residents to own dangerous animals, which legislators have determined include lion, tiger, leopard, ocelot, jaguar, cheetah, margay, mountain lion, lynx, bobcat, jaguarundi, bear, hyena, wolf or coyote, or any poisonous or life-threatening reptile, like an alligator. Giant snakes could kill you, too. ..... Northern Illinois Rifle and Pistol Club (NIRPC) will have its next gun and knife show Sept. 25-26 at the Winnebago County Fairgrounds, Pecatonica. Hours 8 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday and 8 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sunday. Admission $5. NIRPC is reachable at P.O. Box 1104, Rockford, IL 61105, or www.nirpc.com. The Gun Show Hotline is (815) 964-6134. ..... Rockford Hawg Hunters BASS Chapter tournament schedule: Sunday, Sept. 12, Pewaukee Lake, Wis.; Sunday, Sept. 26, Lake Wisconsin, Whalens Grade; Sunday in October, Just 4 Fun Tournament, selected in October. More information from the Hawg Hunters Web site at www.basshawg.com, e-mail basscast@basshawg.com or call Mark at (815) 765-2056, Jeff at (815) 742-5532 or Mike at (815) 566-5469. ..... United Sportsmen's Youth Foundation will hold a gun auction on Sunday, Sept. 19, at Rock Hollow Hunt Club (www.rockhollowhuntclub.com), 1931 Route 75 East, Freeport. Viewing will be 9 a.m.-noon, the auction 1-4 p.m. Tickets for the buy-sell-trade event will be $10. Tractors, boats and ATVs also may be offered. Go to www.usyf.com, e-mail usyf1931@hotmail.com or call (815) 599-5690. ..... Winnebago County Chapter of Pheasants Forever information from Bob Batutis, 4040 Charles St., #209, Rockford, IL 61108, fax (815) 399-7099, call (815) 399-4610 and leave message or http://wcil.pheasantsforever.org. Or e-mail davegrass@earthlink.net. ..... RockfordFishing.com has two events left on its Rock River Bass Circuit--Sept. 19 and Oct. 2--on the Rock between Rockton Dam to the north and Fordam Dam to the south and the Pecatonica River to the Illinois 75 bridge at Harrison. They will launch and weigh in at Rockford Sportscore boat basin, and are opens, meaning fish one or two. Entry fees are $150 per boat with two anglers in each boat, and $10 optional for the big-fish pot. Entry fees will be paid back 80 percent to 20 percent of the field, with big fish 100 percent payback. Both have the same time schedule: Late registration at 5 a.m., pre-launch meeting at 5:30, takeoff at 6 and weigh-in at 3 p.m. Interested anglers can sign up online at www.RockfordFishing.com or call (815) 505-3677. ..... Rock Valley Anglers are planning a North vs. South (Northern Illinois Chapter vs. Southern Wisconsin Chapter) bass-fishing tournament for Aug. 28 on Lake Waubesa of the Madison chain for stateline bragging rights. NI vice president Lon Ritz is organizing the event, and says the top prize could be $500 based on at least 20 boats. Entry fee is $65 per two-person boat and $10 for the big bass pot. Entry deadline is Aug. 21. Fishing will be 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. out of the Green Lantern boat dock on Waubesa. Parking and boat launch also available at Babcock Park. Pre-tourney meeting will be at 5:30 a.m. More information from Lon Ritz, 37778 Falling Leaf Drive, Rockford, IL 61109. Call (815) 543-1484 with any questions. ..... The Illinois State Rifle Association Range in Bonfield, near Kankakee, has a variety of activities for shooters who want to improve their shooting skills. Weekly leagues--Tuesday Night High Power, be there at 5 p.m.; Wednesday Bench Rest, 3 p.m.; and Thursday Smallbore, 5 p.m. Other leagues--Springfield pistol on Oct. 24; Glock on Aug. 29; Bullseye on Aug. 22 and Sept. 12. There are fees for each league match; they vary by league. More information and applications: E-mail member@isra.org, call the ISRA office at (815) 635-3198 or write to Illinois State Rifle Association, P.O. Box 637, Chatsworth, IL 60921, fax number (815) 635-3723.   * * *        Better Find Out Where They Stand on Sportsmen's Issues--At least one Rockford-area gun club says it's important to know where people running for the "new" Winnebago County Forest Preserve District board stand on sportsmen's issues such as hunting and shooting ranges. Looking at the list of names, I can see several who will fit in the "anti" category. Any ideas? Thirty-five people filed petitions for seven Winnebago County Forest Preserve Commissioner seats. Commissioners will be elected at large based on the number of votes they receive in the November election. The top three vote-getters will get six-year terms, the next two candidates get four-year terms and a two-year term is given to the candidates with the sixth and seventh highest pluralities. The candidates: Judith Barnard, Rockford; James B. Dunn, Pecatonica; Jasper "Jay" Ferraro, Roscoe; Rogene A. Hamilton, Pecatonica; Audrey L. Johnson, Rockford; Mary McNamara Bernsten, Rockford; Craig A. Peterson, Pecatonica; Donald L. Shriver, Rockford; Samuel P. Stanfa, Rockford; Jude Torre, Cherry Valley; Daniel T. Williams Jr., Rockford; Jack R. Cook Jr., Rockton; Michael P. Eickman, Rockton; Robert A. (Bob) Grabbert, Loves Park; Brian Jenkins Leggero, Rockford; Lee G. Johnson, Rockton; Randal L. Olson, Pecatonica; Ron Schneider, Machesney Park; Richard Sneath, Pecatonica; Lenae Weichel, Rockford; Vardman "Bud" Turner, Machesney Park; Helen C. Yetterberg, Rockford; Michael A. White, Roscoe; Craig G. Campbell, Rockford; Wayne Mims, Rockford; Marjorie Veitch, Rockford; Gloria M. Lind, Rockford; Ruth M. Garrett, Rockford; Jeffrey Flemming, Rockford; James F. (Jim) Benkovich, Roscoe; Cheryl A. Maggio, Rockford; Clinton J. Cole, Rockton; Tom Hawes, Roscoe; Jeff Tilly, Rockford; and Loren J. Hainchek, Rockton.    * * *        Asian Bighead Carp May Have Spent Most of Its Life in Lake Calumet--A six-year-old Asian bighead carp that was caught in the waters of Lake Calumet just outside Lake Michigan in late June may have lived nearly its entire life in waters of Great Lakes origin, according to tests and analysis conducted by Southern Illinois University-Carbondale (SIUC) and Illinois Aquaculture Center. The tests looked at chemical markers in the inner ear bones, or otoliths, of the fish. Otoliths incorporate chemicals into their structure that are unique to the environments in which they live. They have been used in recent years to reconstruct the environmental history of individual fish or fish stocks. "The inferences about the environmental history of this fish should be viewed as preliminary and inconclusive given the data limitations and assumptions. But it is very plausible  this fish originated in the Illinois River and then moved or was transported to Lake Calumet or Lake Michigan during the early portion of its life," said Dr. Jim Garvey, director of the SIUC Fisheries and Illinois Aquaculture Center. The bighead carp, which measured 34.6 inches and weighed nearly 20 pounds, remains the only Asian carp found above the electric barrier despite extensive sampling and search operations since June 22 throughout the Chicago Area Waterway System (CAWS). "While this report does not have all the answers, it does suggest to us the fish caught in Lake Calumet may have been put there by humans, perhaps as a ritual cultural release or through bait bucket transfer. It underscores the need for the public to be even more vigilant and educated about Asian carp and the importance of not furthering the spread of these invasive species," said Illinois Department of Natural Resources Assistant Director John Rogner. The DNR will continue to work with nearly 60 Chicago area bait shops in September to test for Asian carp DNA and educate bait shop owners on how to tell the difference between Asian carp minnows and other fish with similar characteristics that are commonly used as bait. Sampling above the electric barriers also remains an important and continued effort in the Asian Carp Control Strategy Framework, which includes both short- and long-term actions to stop the migration of Asian carp into the Great Lakes. Sampling and monitoring will continue at five fixed sampling stations throughout CAWS as detailed in the Asian Carp Regional Coordinating Committee (RCC)  plan. Barrier defense operations will also continue to remove silver or bighead carp in downstate waters where the fish are known to be present. More at www.asiancarp.org. It was the first actual Asian carp seen above the barrier, although scientists have reported numerous findings of their DNA in waterways between the barrier and Lake Michigan. The discovery intensified calls by environmentalists and neighboring states to close shipping locks on the waterways and separate the man-made connection between the Great Lakes and Mississippi River basins. Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio, Minnesota and Pennsylvania have filed a federal lawsuit seeking those actions. Shippers and other Chicago-area industry groups say such measures are unnecessary and would damage the region's economy.    * * *        SIU Gets Contract To Study Asian Carp--Southern Illinois University-Carbondale is getting $1.1 million from the state to try to find benefits that can be derived from the Asian carp infesting some rivers. As part of the contract with the state Department of Natural Resources, the Carbondale school's researchers will seek to pinpoint ways to establish a new fishery that could harvest and market the fish. Asian carp are in the Mississippi, Illinois, Missouri and Ohio rivers. They can grow to 100 pounds or more, and they can crowd out native species and damage their habitat. Officials are working to keep the invasive carp out of the Great Lakes, which are popular for sport and commercial fishing. * * *      Even Before Flooding, Rivers and Lakes Deadly for Some--Even before heavy rain started flooding on waterways in Illinois and Wisconsin at the end of July, those waters were proving deadly for some this summer (all information generated by the Associated Press unless otherwise noted): In at least one instance, high river water played a key role. Boaters William Crosby, Michael Christopherson and Keith Stowers rescued two men, a woman and three children after the group was nearly swept away by the Rock River's swift current at 6:45 p.m. Aug. 5, said the Beloit Daily News. The group of six was spotted near a sandbar downstream from Preservation Park (on U.S. 51/Riverside Drive) in the Town of Beloit. According to reports, the three adults and three children were out of their boat and swimming along a sandbar when the current swept all six of them down the river. Stowers, Crosby and Christopherson used life jackets and their boats to rescue them. One of the men who needed help was unconscious, Crosby said. The two men were  transported by ambulance to Beloit Memorial Hospital and were treated and released, said the paper. ..... Also last week, a man drowned in Lake Sule at Rochelle, said WTVO-TV-17. Multiple fire departments were called to the scene and sent divers into the water. The victim was eventually found 20 to 30 feet from shore. Paramedics recovered him and performed CPR. He was taken to Rochelle Community Hospital where he was pronounced dead. The lake was marked with a no swimming sign, said the TV station. ..... Numerous media reported on the two men and two women out for a sail on Lake Michigan early Aug. 6, who went for a swim without anchoring their boat, leading to the drowning of one man, the continued search for the other and the dramatic rescue of the women--who managed to tread water for five hours, said the Chicago Sun-Times Web site. One of the women could not swim well, but still managed to keep her head above water without a life preserver until a passing boater spotted her and her friend at about 6:30 a.m. Aug. 7. "Her will to survive outweighed mother nature," said Chicago Police Marine Unit Sgt. Jim van Vranken, who added even his specially trained Marine Unit officers would have a hard time surviving that long in 65-degree waters. Both women were taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital, where they were listed in fair condition. One was showing signs of pneumonia, officials said. Their identities were not released. The men and one of the women are in their 20s. One woman is 19. The dead man was found in the lake about a half-mile east of Soldier Field at about 9:30 a.m. They were not the owners of the 16-foot sailboat named "Jones' Arc", but they had permission to take it out, van Vranken said. They left from Burnham Harbor behind Soldier Field and decided to go for a swim at about 1 or 1:30 a.m. There was no indication alcohol was involved, said van Vranken. Dr. Chad Wasson of Naperville and friend Bill Duran of Mokena were the two boaters who rescued the women after spotting them in the water, said WBBM-AM. They were headed out to start fishing. ..... The search continued on the Kaskaskia River near Okawville in southern Illinois for a missing swimmer. Authorities say the unidentified man was last seen swimming the river in Washington County about 8 p.m. Aug. 1. Searchers using spotlights and sonar failed to find the man by early Aug. 2, and the search was halted after about six hours. ..... Authorities were investigating a tug boat operator's discovery of a body in the Mississippi River north of Burlington, Iowa. The Des Moines County sheriff's office said the body was spotted floating in the river July 26 on the Iowa side of the channel across from Oquawka, Ill. Deputies recovered the male body near the Casey Barrow boat landing. Investigators say it appears the body had been in the water around two to three weeks. ..... Authorities in Chippewa County (Wis.)  recovered the body of a teenager who died after crashing into a rocky cliff on a rope swing. Sheriff's Capt. Eugene Gutsch says the 16-year-old boy disappeared July 26 in a swimming hole near Lake Wissota in the Town of Layfayette. Gutsch says the boy swung away from the cliff next to Paint Creek, but instead of dropping into the water, he didn't let go and crashed into the rocks. The Eau Claire Leader-Telegram says dive teams from multiple law enforcement agencies searched the area until finding the boy's body shortly before dark. ..... A Wisconsin man who was tubing in southeastern Minnesota was killed after he became submerged under a barge. The Houston County (Minn.) Sheriff's Office identified the victim as 27-year-old Andrew J. Revels of La Crosse. He was tubing July 31 on Lawrence Lake, which is connected to the Mississippi River north of the town of Brownsville, Minn., when he fell from his tube and went underneath a nearby barge. Authorities were notified when Revels did not emerge from the water. Emergency personnel from Houston County, Winona and La Crosse initiated a search and used a tugboat to separate the barge. Revels' body was found about 10:15 p.m., still wearing his lifejacket. ..... The Pierce County (Wis.) Sheriff's Department said a 44-year-old Minnesota man drowned after trying to go for a late-night swim in the Mississippi River Aug. 1. The victim was identified as Curtis Allen Golla of Woodbury. Authorities say he was standing on a dock near a houseboat in Hager City, Wis., when he decided to jump into the river. Witnesses saw him enter the water but say he didn't resurface. A group of people in the area found Golla submerged in about 10 to 12 feet of water. They located sheriff's deputies who started life-saving measures, but Golla died a short time later at a Red Wing, Minn., hospital. ..... Rivers all have current, but big lakes also can have current: The search resumed July 27 for a teenager swept out into Lake Michigan while swimming with friends off the Sheboygan (Wis.) shore. Authorities say the 19-year-old Milwaukee man was swept out into the lake by a strong undertow near the Edgewater Power Plant. Witnesses said he was swimming about 75 to 100 feet offshore and was pulled farther out in the lake. The Sheboygan Press reports authorities have been called to the Sheboygan County lakeshore 40 times since June 1, compared to 17 times last summer. A 9-year-old girl drowned in the lake in June. ..... Racine County (Wis.) sheriff's deputies on boat patrol found the body of a 12-year-old boy floating in Lake Michigan. Authorities say the boy was found outside North Beach's designated swimming area about 7 p.m. July 25. Life guards end their watch at 6 p.m. every day at the Racine beach.  * * *      Flooding Stops Parts of Rock River Sweep Cleanup, Some Efforts Rescheduled--Heavy rain and the resulting flooding dealt a severe blow to a worthwhile effort--the cleanup of the Rock River from its beginning in Wisconsin's Horicon Marsh to its mouth at Rock Island, which was planned for Saturday, July 31, by RockRiverSweep.org. "After careful consideration of water conditions and the safety of our volunteers, the following sections have determined to postpone the Rock River Sweep in their community or area," said Frank Masterman, founder and volunteer staff member on the Web site, www.RockRiverSweep.org. "We at RockRiverSweep.org fully support their decisions. There is not one piece of trash or litter out there worth risking life or limb for. Rescheduled dates will be determined individually by section and have not yet been selected. Please monitor our Web site at www.rockriversweep.org, our Facebook page at Rock River Sweep.org and your local media sources for updated information and additional section postponements as they come in. Do not forget, we have not failed. We have only encountered an obstacle. How we handle this obstacle is up to us. I say that we accept life as it comes to us, adjust where necessary, celebrate the day for what it may bring and alter our plans accordingly." The Rock was divided into 28 sections from Horicon to Rock Island, and each section has a coordinator. Contact information for those coordinators can be found on the Web site. In Illinois, sections for Rockford, Byron and Grand Detour were postponed with no new dates announced. Rockton and Sterling have rescheduled for Aug. 14, and Oregon and Rock Falls for Aug. 21. In Wisconsin, Watertown was cancelled, Hustisford postponed with no new date and Janesville and Waupun were on schedule for July 31. Rock River Sweep says it is a grass-roots, not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving the health and ecosystem of the Rock River and its tributaries in Wisconsin and Illinois by partnering the communities along its banks into a unified, volunteer effort of river revitalization and annual cleanups by volunteers. Three small branches of the river go into Horicon in central Wisconsin and one main stem comes out, flowing approximately 285 miles to empty into the Mississippi River. The river provides an aquatic resource of some 12,400 acres in Illinois. Dams at Rock Island, Milan, Sterling (Rock Falls), Dixon, Oregon, Rockford and Rockton cause tailwater and lake habitats in addition to the slough, side channel, main channel and main channel border habitats naturally occurring. It flows through a number of good-sized cities--Jefferson, Fort Atkinson, Janesville and Beloit in Wisconsin and South Beloit, Rockton, Roscoe, Machesney Park, Loves Park, Rockford, Byron, Oregon, Dixon, Rock Falls, Sterling, East Moline, Moline and Rock Island in Illinois. Regarding the most recent flooding, Masterman said, "I believe we may be looking at water-level readings for the record books when all is said and done." He may be contacted by e-mail at contact@rockriversweep.org.   * * *        News & Notes from Around Illinois--The World Shooting and Recreational Complex in Sparta is hosting the annual Amateur Trapshooting Association Grand American Trapshooting Championships Aug. 3-14. More at www.shootata.com. .....  The Illinois Digest of Hunting and Trapping Regulations 2010-2011 is available to view online through the IDNR Web site at www.dnr.illinois.gov/PDF/HuntTrapDigest.pdf. You can also pick up a free copy at Conservation World at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield Aug. 13-22 and at the Conservation Village area at the Du Quoin State Fair Aug. 28-Sept. 6. The booklet will also be available soon at IDNR regional offices. ..... Remaining 2010 Illinois Non-Resident Archery Deer Combination Permits (one either-sex and one antlerless-only) went on sale Aug. 3 over the counter from IDNR license and permit agents, through the DNR Direct Online License and Permit system at www.dnr.state.il.us/license.html or by calling toll-free (888) 6PERMIT (888-673-7648). All non-resident hunters who applied for a combination archery permit during the June 2010 application period will receive their permits in the mail by mid-August, said the DNR. ..... Illinois resident deer hunters can purchase 2010 Illinois Archery Deer Hunting Permits (combination archery and antlerless-only archery permits) online at www.dnr.state.il.us/license.html or over the counter from DNR Direct permit sale locations throughout Illinois beginning Aug. 3. The archery deer season opens Oct. 1. ..... Aug. 16 is the deadline to apply for the second lottery for resident and non-resident Illinois firearm and muzzleloader deer permits for the 2010 season. Go to www.dnr.state.il.us/license.html. ..... The Illinois Youth Either-Sex Firearm Deer Hunt is Oct. 9-10. Permits are available over the counter from DNR Direct license and permit vendors beginning Aug. 3. Go to www.dnr.state.il.us/license.html. For a list of IDNR and public land sites open for hunting during the youth firearm deer hunt, go to www.dnr.state.il.us/admin/pdf/YouthDeer2010SitesOpen.pdf. ..... Call   (217) 524-6514 to apply for free dove hunting permits for open areas and dates. Details at www.dnr.state.il.us/admin/10/Dove2010.pdf. Dove hunting at the areas listed is by permit only for the first five days of the season Sept. 1-5. ..... The deadline to apply for the second lottery for 2010 Illinois fall shotgun turkey permits is Aug. 23. Hunters can apply online through DNR Direct or with an application form available at www.dnr.state.il.us. ..... Applications for the 2010 Illinois free upland game hunt permit program are available online through Aug. 31 at www.dnr.state.il.us/UplandGame/Index.htm. ..... The Illinois Public Hunting Areas Report for the 2009-10 hunting season is now available at www.dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/programs/Hunting/Iphar/index.html. The report provides Illinois public land hunting effort and harvest data, including data on trends in wildlife harvest, public land use and sites available for hunting opportunities throughout Illinois. The IDNR managed 194 public hunting sites during the 2009-10 hunting season. ..... IDNR Division of Fisheries has certified two new state records. The new state-record pumpkinseed sunfish, just added this year, was caught on Sept. 9, 2009, by Pat Crumrine of Washington at the Emiquon Preserve in Fulton County. It was 8.75 inches in length and weighed .64 pounds. The new state-record bighead carp was caught on May 4, 2010, by Jack Bailey of Salem from the Kaskaskia River in Clinton County. It measured 51.5 inches in length, had a girth of 33 inches and weighed 69 pounds. The former record-holding bighead carp weighed 64 pounds and was caught at Horseshoe Lake in Madison County in June of 2008. For more information on catching fish and fishing opportunities in Illinois, check out www.ifishillinois.org. ..... Conservation World at the Illinois State Fair Aug. 13-22 in Springfield isopen daily from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. The 30-acre park is located on the northwest corner of the fairgrounds, with free activities and exhibits. New is an area dedicated to encouraging families to enjoy outdoor recreation activities, building on the statewide initiative intended to "Leave No Child Inside." ..... Registration is open for a Becoming an Outdoors Woman workshop to be held Sept. 24-26 at Pere Marquette State Park, Grafton. Cost is $145, which includes four classes, meals, lodging, the use of equipment and giveaways. Go to www.dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/bow. ..... The IDNR Division of Wildlife Resources is honoring four landowners as Wildlife Landowners of the Year for their efforts to restore and develop wildlife habitat on their private properties. The property owners are enrollees in the IDNR Acres for Wildlife program and have developed their properties into showcases of how private property can be managed for the benefit of wildlife. The award winners: Jack and Kate Schroeder, Morris, Grundy County; Joe and Janice Furlong, Charleston, Coles County; Jim Leitner and Lorna Sifford, Alhambra, Greene County; and Jay Lewis, Mt. Vernon, Jefferson County. Landowners interested in participating in the IDNR Acres for Wildlife program should go to www.dnr.state.il.us/orc/Wildliferesources/AFW. ..... Illinois Endangered Species Protection Board will meet Friday,  Aug. 13, at 10 a.m. at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, 30239 S. State Route 53, Wilmington. The meeting is open to the public. For more information, call (217) 785-8687. ..... Sandhill cranes are making a major comeback in Illinois. So says Brad Semel, a natural heritage biologist whose research shows sandhills have recently been increasing by 30 percent per year in northeast Illinois, said Jeff Lampe of the Peoria Journal Star. Prior to 1987, sandhills had not been documented nesting in Illinois since 1887. Since the first nests were spotted in Lake County, sandhills have steadily moved south and along with mute swans are the only wetland birds whose numbers are on the rise over the past 35 years. "We've also had confirmation in Jo Daviess County and they're spilling down the western boundaries also," Semel said. "We're definitely reaping the benefits of cranes in Wisconsin and their population expanding." In recent years there have been reports of nesting sandhills in Lee, Adams, Vermilion and Henry counties, as well as reports of cranes spending the summer in Marshall County along the Illinois River. "Within a few years, if they aren't already nesting (on the Illinois River), I'm sure they will be," Semel said. ..... The Illinois Conservation Foundation will hold its first Illinois Celebrity Whitetail Hunt Nov. 1-7 at Heartland Outfitters in Adams and Brown counties. Cost is $4,800 for a six-night, five-day hunt that includes lodging, meals, refreshments, guides, tree stands, processing, licenses, permits and transportation to and from local airports. Participants also will receive an Elite Archery bow-and-cam travel case valued at more than $1,000. Celebrity hunters will include ex-major leaguers Bruce Sutter, Danny Cox, Ken Dayley, current St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Brad Penny and mixed martial arts fighter Dan Henderson. The hunt is limited to the first 10 to sign up. If interested, call Ron Allen at (217) 725-7602 or Mark Spangler at (630) 484-5749. ..... Tickets still are available, but time is running out for a chance to win prizes up to $100,000 in the Illinois Sportsman's and Parks Raffle from the Illinois Conservation Foundation (ICF) and Friends of Illinois Parks. The drawing will be held Sept. 1, and tickets are available until 5 p.m. Aug. 31. Tickets are $100 each and available from ICF and Friends of Illinois Parks, online at www.isp-raffle.com or call (217) 523-4554. Only 4,000 tickets will be sold. Proceeds will support programs in local park districts, forest preserve districts and recreation agencies--as well as youth outdoor recreation and natural resources protection programs throughout Illinois. ..... The annual fish salvage below the Evergreen Lake spillway did not go as planned July 14. In the spring when high water overtops the dam, fish are washed into the spillway. A large fence holds fish in a 150-foot-by-150-foot holding pool at the base of the dam. Most years volunteers gather in June and net 75-100 muskie and several large saugeye out of the pool and haul them back into the lake. This year participants could only grimace after seeing several large, dead fish. "There were probably a dozen or a dozen and a half (muskie) over 40 inches and probably 50 or 60 total that were dead," said Mike Steffa, who manages Evergreen Lake. Steffa said high water well into June delayed the rescue. Once water stopped running over the dam, hot temperatures and huge numbers of Asian carp took a toll. "When they turned the switch on the electro-fishing boat there were carp jumping everywhere," Steffa said. Some lakes with muskie populations install fences at the top of the dam to keep fish from washing over. That's not an option at Evergreen because Steffa said "there's too little clearance from the top of the spillway and the bottom of the road" that passes over the dam. ..... The Illinois DNR has amended an algae advisory for parts of Clinton Lake after sampling results revealed little to no toxicity from recent algae blooms. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency took four water samples from the lake for potential blue-green algae blooms. Two samples detected no toxicity, while two other samples detected very low levels of toxicity. Test results show low levels of the type of algae that could cause a concern for public health. However, IDNR recommends the public avoid recreational contact in water bodies that contain algae blooms. ..... Katheryn E. Billing of Batavia High School, Alexandria Clark of Rock Island High School, Michael Frank of Oak Park-River Forest High School and Tea Sefer of Chicago Lincoln Park High were winners of the 2010 Illinois Conservation Foundation Youth Achievement Scholarships, an outreach program recognizing high school juniors and seniors in Illinois for their work and dedication to preserving, promoting, enhancing or supporting natural resources conservation. Each received a $1,000 scholarship. The scholarship program is supported through funds raised at the annual Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame Banquet. ICF, an IRS 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, supports programs of the Illinois DNR. More at www.ilcf.org. ..... Jerry Walker of Zeigler caught a five-bass limit weighing 12 pounds, 2 ounces on July 17 to win $5,122 in the FLW BFL Illini Division tournament on the Ohio River. Aaron Arning of Walnut Hill caught a five-bass limit weighing 8-11 to win $1,561 in the Co-angler Division. The next and last Illini Division tournament is scheduled Sept. 25-26 on the Ohio River out of Golconda. After that event, the top 40 boaters and co-anglers based on points will qualify for the regional championship at Lake Barkley in Kuttawa, Ky., on Oct. 7-9. More at www.FLWOutdoors.com. ..... Illinois has new regulations in effect for road kill and salvage deer (find details through the "To Report a Road Kill Deer" link on the IDNR Web site home page at http://dnr.state.il.us). ..... Bullfrog season started June 15 and runs through Aug. 31 in Illinois. A fishing license is required to hunt frogs, which may be taken by hand, pole and line, pitchfork, landing net, bow and arrow, spear or gig. The daily limit is eight frogs and the possession limit is 16. ..... The McLean County Department of Parks & Recreation is accepting applications through 6 p.m. Aug. 31 for its antlerless shotgun deer hunt in COMLARA Park at Hudson Nov. 19-21 and Dec. 2-5. A valid permit for either McLean or Woodford County is required to participate. Details are at http://mcleancountyil.gov/parks/eventdetail.aspx?EID=32 or contact Mike Steffa at (309) 726-2022, extension 230; e-mail michael.steffa@mcleancountyil.gov or visit www.mcleancountyil.gov/parks. ..... Illinois squirrel hunting season opened Aug. 1 and continues through Feb. 15 (except closed in counties open to firearm deer hunting Nov. 19-21 and Dec. 2-5). Squirrel hunting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. The daily limit is five squirrels with a possession limit of 10. ..... Nominations are now being accepted by the Illinois Conservation Foundation (ICF) for the 2011 class of the Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame, which honors individuals who have made significant commitments to natural resource protection and outdoor recreation in Illinois. Complete details at www.ilcf.org. Nominations should be submitted no later than Sept. 17. More information from Ron Allen at (217) 557-6797 or e-mail Ron.Allen@Illinois.gov. ..... As of June 28, 2010, the IDNR said Illinois had a total of 294 confirmed cases of chronic wasting disease (CWD) since 2002 (years are reported by fiscal year: 2010 is the period from July 1, 2009, through June 30, 2010, etc.). Total CWD cases per county: Boone 109, DeKalb 31, LaSalle 1, McHenry 23, Ogle 3, Stephenson 2, Winnebago 125, total 293. 2010 CWD cases per county: Boone 14, DeKalb 3, McHenry 3, Stephenson 1, Winnebago 16, total 36. ..... Reservations for most Illinois DNR campsites, cabins, group campsites and picnic shelters can be made online beginning July 7. Reservations can be made on the ReserveAmerica Web site at www.reserveamerica.com using Visa and MasterCard. IDNR camping and shelter reservations will no longer be taken through the mail or over the phone. Reserving campsites and shelters through ReserveAmerica's site will allow users to receive instant confirmation of their reservations at IDNR sites. Reservations for regular campsites and group campsites require a $5 non-refundable reservation fee and payment of the full camping and utility fees at the time the reservation is made. Camping fee information for IDNR sites is available at www.dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/PARKS. Payment of the entire camping and utility fee amount will guarantee the reservation will be held for the entire length of the stay. ..... For information on fishing in Illinois, check out the 2010 Illinois Fishing Information guide at http://www.dnr.state.il.us/fish/digest or check the Web site www.ifishillinois.org. ..... The ILFishing.com (http://www.ilfishing.com) 2010 Fish Photo Drawing, sponsored by Midwest Fly Fishing Magazine, has begun. Anglers who submit a fish photo are eligible to win one of five $75 cash prizes. Entries must be received by Oct. 31. The random drawing is open to Illinois residents at least 15 years of age. Rules are posted at: http://www.ilfishing.com/drawing.html. More from Kevin Patton, 707 Westgate Road, Washington, IL 61571, phone (309) 444-9958, e-mail ilfishing@ilfishing.com. ..... The new license year for Illinois fishing, hunting and sportsmen combination licenses began April 1. Illinois licenses are available from DNR Direct license and permit vendors, online through the IDNR Web site (www.dnr.state.il.us) or by calling (888) 6PERMIT (888-673-7648). The 2010 annual licenses are valid through March 31, 2011, unless otherwise noted. ..... The 11th annual OutdoorIllinois photo contest is now open for entries. All winning images will be published in the February 2011 issue of OutdoorIllinois--the sixth annual photographic issue. The photo contest is open to all Illinois residents, and entries are due by 5 p.m. Aug. 6. Contest guidelines and more information available at www.dnr.state.il.us/photos or call (217) 785-0975. ..... The IDNR and participating partners sponsor wingshooting clinics at sites throughout Illinois to help improve the shooting skills of hunters, youth and women. For a complete schedule, check the IDNR Web site at http://dnr.state.il.us. ..... Hunters in Illinois are encouraged to sign up for an Illinois Hunter Education Program safety course. The course consists of a minimum of 10 hours of instruction and is worthwhile for novice or experienced hunters. The courses cover the basics of hunter responsibility, wildlife conservation and identification, firearms and ammunition, field safety, wildlife management, first aid, archery, muzzleloading and state regulations. Those completing the minimum 10 hours of instruction and successfully completing the final examination will receive a State of Illinois Certificate of Competency and a graduate patch. More details at http://www.dnr.state.il.us/safety. .....  Xtreme Hunts in association with the Women Bowhunters Association will stage an All Ladies Bow Hunt Oct. 4-8 with a Couples Bow Hunt to follow Oct. 11-15, both in Pike County, known for its high quality deer population. The ladies hunt is $1,800 per huntress and the couples hunt is $3,000 per couple. More at  Xtreme-hunts.com or e-mail tony@xtreme-hunts.com. ..... More on Asian carp at www.asiancarp.org. ..... The Illinois Walleye Trail's 2011 season will begin this October. Details at http://www.prairielandeyes.com. ..... The fifth annual Chad Morgenthaler (pro angler/guide) Bass Tournament to benefit Illinois Special Olympics, presented by Jasper Engines and Transmissions, is set for Aug. 28 on Rend Lake out of Sailboat Harbor. More information from Jeff Henson at (800) 394-0562 or e-mail jhenson@soill.org. ... The Evergeen Lake boat rental and bait shop on the lake near Hudson is open for the season, said Mike Steffa, director of McLean County Department of Parks and Recreation. Boat rental is available Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., plus new Mercury outboards and kayaks. The bait shop is open 6 a.m.-6 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays and 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays. More from (309) 726-2022, extension 230, www.mcleancountyil.gov/parks or e-mail michael.steffa@mcleancountyil.gov. * * *        Wingshooting Clinics Scheduled in Illinois--The IDNR and participating partners will sponsor wingshooting clinics at sites throughout Illinois to help improve the shooting skills of participants. Youth/Women's clinics are designed to teach participants basic firearm and hunter safety and the fundamentals of wingshooting. Hunter clinics are designed to enhance the wingshooting skills of hunters and provide sound wingshooting practice techniques. The clinics are conducted on weekends throughout the spring, summer and early fall. For a complete schedule, check the IDNR Web site at http://dnr.state.il.us. Upcoming clinics include: Aug. 21-22, Youth/Women, Shabbona Lake State Park, DeKalb County, (815) 758-2773; Aug. 21-22, Youth/Women, Raycraft Farm, Piatt County, (217) 935-6860; Aug. 28-29, Hunter, Raycraft Farm, Piatt County, (217) 935-6860); Sept. 11-12, Youth/Women, Stephen A. Forbes State Park, Kinmundy, (618) 547-3381; Sept. 11-12, Youth/Women, Johnson-Sauk Trail State Park, Kewanee, (309) 853-5589; Sept. 18-19, Hunter, Des Plaines Conservation Area, Wilmington, (815) 785-8129; Sept. 25-26, Youth/Women, South Fork Dirt Riders Park, Kincaid, (217) 496-3113; Sept. 26, Youth, Decatur Gun Club, Decatur, (217) 521-9469.     * * *        July Temperatures, Rainfall Above Average in Rockford, Chicago--The cities of Rockford and Chicago, both in the north, saw above-average temperatures and above-average rainfall during July. The National Weather Service in Romeoville said Aug. 1 the average high temperature was 87.1, or 3.6 degrees above normal in Chicago during July. About 8.8 inches of rain fell in the city. That's about 5.3 inches above normal. Chicago broke two daily rainfall records during July when 2.79 inches of rain fell on July 23 and when 3.64 inches of rain fell July 24. This July was the third-wettest since records were started in 1871. In Rockford, the average high temperature was 85.4 degrees, or 2.3 degrees higher than normal. Rainfall was 9.4 inches, or 5.3 inches more than normal. It was the third-wettest July in Rockford since records started in 1906.   * * *          Otis McDonald, Whose Case Went to U.S. Supreme Court, Applies for Chicago Handgun Permit--The man whose lawsuit successfully challenged Chicago's ban on handguns has applied for a permit that would allow him to keep a handgun in his home, said the Associated Press. Seventy-six-year-old Otis McDonald's case went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court before the city was forced to get rid of its 28-year-old ban on handguns. McDonald applied July 26 and says he plans to buy a .45-caliber handgun. He says he's already completed the four hours of classroom training and an hour on a firing range needed to get the permit. Each handgun requires a $100 permit, and McDonald says he worries that fee could deter law-abiding citizens from buying weapons. Chicago police say they've accepted more than 80 handgun applications since the process began. The other plaintiffs in McDonald's case also have applied.   * * *        Just a Quick Thought--A foreign country suffers a disaster and here in the U.S. big shots and celebrities trip over one another to help. But when a tornado, flood, big snowstorm or something like that hits in a rural area of the U.S. you don't hear as much about the losses and suffering. Why do you think that is?   * * *        Illinois Recommends 60-Day Duck Hunt, 85-Day Goose Season in North--The Illinois DNR is recommending 60-day duck seasons in all zones, 85-day Canada goose seasons in the North and Central Zones and a 66-day Canada goose season in the South Zone for the 2010-11 waterfowl season. The recommendations include opening the regular duck and Canada goose seasons on Oct. 16 in the North Zone, Oct. 30 in the Central Zone and Nov. 25 in the South Zone. The recommendations also include a statewide September Canada goose season of Sept. 1-15 and a 16-day teal season of Sept. 4-19. The state's proposed waterfowl seasons will be forwarded to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) for final approval later this summer. While Illinois is recommending duck season dates based on the expectation of a 60-day season, FWS will not determine the duck season length until late July. "We expect these proposals will provide waterfowl hunters in Illinois with good opportunities this fall," said IDNR Director Marc Miller. "These recommendations are based on a thorough examination of results from our annual survey of hunter preferences, aerial waterfowl surveys, duck harvest data and weather data as we try to provide the best hunting opportunities possible in each zone." Illinois established duck season dates for the North and Central Zones for a five-year period beginning in 2006. The IDNR annually reviews the start date of the season in the South Zone and is recommending the later start alternative of Nov. 25 this year. "The IDNR developed the five-year plan to provide waterfowl hunting season dates with the primary goals being to select season dates and zone lines that a) maximize hunter satisfaction by maximizing days afield and waterfowl numbers available to hunters, and b) that help retain and recruit waterfowl hunters," said John Buhnerkempe, chief of the IDNR Division of Wildlife Resources. "This plan resulted in standard season dates for the North and Central Zones, and a decision to annually assess season dates in the South Zone because of the difficulties in meeting the conflicting demands of hunters in that part of the state." Preliminary results of the 2009 Illinois Waterfowl Hunter Survey indicated 56 percent of North Zone duck hunters thought last season's dates of Oct. 17-Dec. 15 were about right, while 28 percent thought they were too early and 12 percent said they were too late. In the Central Zone, the survey indicated 53 percent of duck hunters thought last season's dates of Oct. 31-Dec. 29 were about right, while 23 percent thought they were too early and 18 percent said they were too late. "Wildlife Division staff recommended a later opening in the South Zone for 2010-11 based on a thorough analysis of data relevant to the goals established in the five-year plan," Buhnerkempe said.  "The data, and hunter preference information from our annual hunter survey, were keys to our recommendation." In the South Zone, the 2009-10 duck season dates were Nov. 14-Jan. 12. The preliminary results of the 2009 Illinois Waterfowl Hunter Survey showed 56 percent of duck hunters thought the season was too early, 28 percent thought it was about right, 12 percent thought it was too late and 5 percent were not sure. Asked for their preference for the 2010-11 season, 66 percent of South Zone duck hunters preferred a later season (Nov. 25-Jan. 23), while 29 percent preferred an earlier season (Nov. 13-Jan. 11). "Our analysis of 10 years worth of data found--including five years each of early and late openers--suggests a later start to the duck season in the South Zone has resulted in more hunter days afield and higher duck harvests than with earlier season dates," Buhnerkempe added. "Aerial duck survey data for the past 10 years indicated no difference in the number of duck use days in the South Zone if the season starts Nov. 13 versus Nov. 25." Director Miller last February asked FWS to consider changes to the current zone/split guidelines for the 2011-2015 duck seasons. Specifically, he requested consideration of an option that would allow Illinois to use up to four zones for duck hunting. "Adding a fourth hunting zone in Illinois would make it easier to set season dates that meet hunter preferences, boost hunter satisfaction and help retain and recruit hunters in the South Zone and throughout the state," Miller said. "In the meantime, we need to focus on using the best available information on hunter preference and on data that suggests when and where hunters can have the best opportunities in the field." The recommendation for the regular Canada goose season calls for a continuous 85-day season in the North Zone ending next Jan. 8, a split 85-day season in the Central Zone ending next Jan. 31 and a split 66-day season in the South Zone ending next Jan. 31. Illinois is also recommending snow goose seasons for 2010-11 that open with the regular waterfowl seasons and run continuously through the end of each zone's regular Canada goose season. Conservation Order snow goose hunting would open the day after the regular Canada goose season ends in each zone and would continue through March 31, 2011. The white-fronted goose season opens later than the Canada goose season in the North and Central Zones because federal rules allow only 72 days and there are more white-fronts in those zones later in the season. The recommendation for the September Canada goose season (Sept. 1-15) includes a daily limit of five geese in the Northeast, North and Central Zones and a daily limit of two geese in the South Zone. Illinois' recommended 16-day teal hunting season of Sept. 4-19 has a daily limit of four teal (possession limit of eight). Hunters should be on the lookout for public meetings to help set waterfowl dates for the next five years, as was done in 2006. Boundary lines between zones could also be under review. "We're essentially going back to square one and trying to formulate five or six alternatives for people to consider," said Buhnerkempe.  Unlike in 2006, a five-year framework will also be established for the South Zone to avoid annual debates. * * *        Quinn Backs Illinois DNR Effort for Fourth Duck Hunting Zone in State-- Gov. Pat Quinn is asking the U.S. Secretary of the Interior to consider granting Illinois more flexibility in setting future duck hunting seasons for the 2011-2015 seasons to enhance hunting opportunities and help retain and recruit waterfowl hunters. Federal rules only allow changes in duck hunting zones every five years and 2011 is the next opportunity states will have to change the rules regarding duck zones and split seasons. Quinn sent a letter to Interior Secretary Ken Salazar outlining the advantages of allowing Illinois to establish a fourth duck hunting zone. Current federal regulations allow states to be split into only three duck hunting zones, or two zones that can be split in two season segments within each zone or one zone that can be split into three season segments in each zone. The elongated geography of Illinois, with 430 miles from north to south, makes timing of waterfowl hunting seasons in the current three-zone configuration more difficult and contentious. "A fourth zone would help alleviate the conflicts that are arising in Illinois when zones are forced to be too large to accommodate the weather conditions and available wetland habitats in all parts of a duck zone," Quinn wrote. Illinois DNR Director Marc Miller formally requested four duck zones (or three zones with a split into two season segments in each zone) be considered in a letter to the Interior Department's U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) last February. When the wildlife staff from the IDNR recently participated in the Mississippi Flyway Council meeting, they promoted the proposal for duck zone changes. "I commend the hard work of IDNR Wildlife Chief John Buhnerkempe, our state waterfowl biologist Ray Marshalla and others in advocating for expanded hunting opportunities for duck hunters," Miller said. "Our wildlife professionals collaborated with other state representatives throughout the country to push for this needed change." All four Flyway Councils (including both the Upper and Lower Region Regulations Committees of the Misissippi Flyway Council) met in July and endorsed allowing states additional options for duck hunting zones for the 2011-2015 seasons. The new options would include four zones with no splits, and three zones with splits into two season segments. The FWS Service Regulations Committee was expected to consider the proposal at its meeting. This committee is comprised of FWS personnel.     * * *        Dewitt County Man Arrested for Alleged Animal Torture and Other Wildlife Violations--Illinois Conservation Police arrested a Clinton man after a grand jury indictment that included one felony count of animal torture and numerous other Illinois animal and wildlife code violations. Indicted was 21-year-old Clay A. Reeves, who allegedly ran over several deer with an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) in February of this year. He was taken into custody without incident and transported to the DeWitt County Jail. DeWitt County State's Attorney Richard Koritz said Reeves was released from jail after posting $15,000 bond. He hasn't entered a plea. Reeves is alleged to have used an ATV to run down several whitetail deer on Clinton Power Station property in DeWitt County. An injured deer was observed by a citizen who called the Conservation Police, leading to the discovery of seven deer that had been run over. The indictment was the result of a nearly six-month investigation. Reeves is charged with seven counts each (more than 56 counts) of: Cruel treatment of animals (Class A misdemeanor), unlawful taking of deer by use or aid of a motor vehicle (Class A misdemeanor), unlawfully pursue or intentionally harass deer by use or aid of motor vehicle (Class A misdemeanor), unlawful taking of deer by use of lights connected to vehicle (Class A Misdemeanor), unlawful taking of deer, illegal methods (Class B misdemeanor), unlawful taking of deer during closed season (Class B misdemeanor), criminal trespass to real property (Class B misdemeanor), hunting without permission (Class B misdemeanor) and hunting between one half-hour after sunset and one half-hour before sunrise (Class A misdemeanor). A Class 3 felony is punishable by 2-5 years in jail and/or a $25,000 fine; Class A misdemeanors are punishable by six months to one year in jail and up to $2,500 in fines; and Class B misdemeanors are punishable by one to six months in jail and up to $1,500 in fines.    * * *        Wisconsin Plans Sampling, Testing of Hunter-Harvested Deer in CWD Zone--Sampling and testing of hunter-harvested deer for chronic wasting disease (CWD) will take place primarily within the disease management zone of southern Wisconsin in 2010, according to state wildlife officials. "Our overall goal is to maximize our ability to detect trends in disease prevalence and distribution and assess the impacts of CWD management," said Davin Lopez, CWD coordinator for the DNR. To that end, mandatory sampling of adult deer will take place in the western (parts of Dane and Iowa counties) and eastern (parts of Rock and Walworth counties) monitoring areas, and within an 84 square-mile area that encompasses Devil's Lake State Park "where long-term monitoring of disease patterns is important to understanding the dynamics of this disease," said Lopez. Active surveillance using solicited but voluntary sampling will also be conducted in the area surrounding the western monitoring area in parts of Dane, Iowa, Richland and Sauk counties and along the northeastern and eastern portions of the CWD Management Zone (CWD-MZ) in parts of Dane, Dodge, Jefferson, Walworth and Waukesha counties. The CWD Management Zone covers all or parts of 18 counties and 22 deer management units (DMU) in southern Wisconsin. Wildlife biologists will also be asking hunters to submit deer for sampling from areas around three deer farms in Crawford, Jefferson and Portage counties where CWD has previously been found in captive cervids. Overall, DNR is planning to sample 8,950 adult deer in 2010. Through Aug. 4, more than 159,000 free-ranging deer in Wisconsin have been analyzed for CWD with 1,354 testing positive for the disease. All positive deer were from within the current CWD-MZ.    * * *        DNR: Fish Virus Not Found in Any Wisconsin Lakes Tested--The potentially deadly VHS fish virus did not spread to any inland Wisconsin waters that were tested for the virus in 2010, according to state fisheries officials. None of the fish DNR fisheries biologists collected from nearly 70 lakes and rivers this spring tested positive for viral hemorrhagic septicemia. "We're pleased VHS hasn't spread inland and we appreciate the efforts anglers and boaters have made to keep Wisconsin's fish healthy," said Mike Staggs, Wisconsin's fisheries director. "These results show taking the prevention steps can contain the disease as well as help prevent the spread of other aquatic invasive species." Earlier this year, Cornell University researchers reported finding VHS in Lake Superior fish collected in summer 2009, but no fish kills were evident in that lake in 2009 or 2010 because of VHS, and none of Wisconsin's 2010 testing suggested the virus had spread from that massive lake to inland lakes or streams. VHS can infect several dozen fish species in Wisconsin and can cause them to bleed to death; a recent Michigan State University study shows muskellunge are most susceptible, followed by largemouth bass, yellow perch, rainbow trout, brook trout, brown trout, Chinook salmon and coho salmon. The virus was first detected in Wisconsin in May 2007 when dead fish collected from the Lake Winnebago and Lake Michigan systems were tested and were positive for the virus. Lake Michigan fish again tested positive for the virus in 2008 and 2009. DNR's 2010 testing involved crews collecting 3,586 fish from 27 inland lakes and rivers throughout Wisconsin. The fish were all collected between March 24 and May 27 before the water temperatures rose above 60 degrees Fahrenheit, and the goal was to get a total of 150 fish from each water body of various species susceptible to the virus. The wild fish DNR collected eggs from for its hatchery operations also were tested for VHS and other viruses. The resulting offspring of these fish were also tested for viruses about before they were transferred from DNR hatcheries into lakes or rivers. VHS was not detected in any fish from the state hatcheries.    * * *         Wisconsin DNR Tweaks Old CWD Plan into 15-Year Version--State wildlife officials have tweaked their long-range plan to fight chronic wasting disease in Wisconsin deer. The DNR introduced a five-year plan last summer that called for monitoring captive cervid populations, prohibiting carcass movement out of CWD zones and a statewide baiting and feeding ban. The DNR pulled the plan back for revisions after a panel of experts felt the agency needed to be more aggressive. The DNR's new version spans 15 years. Changes include taking over regulation of all cervid farm fencing from agriculture officials, conducting intensive sampling around infected deer found outside current disease zones and stepping up local herd reduction in such cases, including using sharpshooters. The DNR will take public comments on the plan through Aug. 8. "We have data about the devastating effects of CWD on deer herds in Colorado and Wyoming," said Davin Lopez, CWD project leader. "We'll be using these data along with our experience and knowledge gained over the past eight years in Wisconsin to guide our future actions as we fight to protect our deer herd and our deer hunting tradition." The 15-year CWD Response Plan reflects input from a diverse number of sources, including a citizen stakeholder advisory group, the Wisconsin Conservation Congress and an independent panel of experts in animal disease and other related fields from around the country that reviewed and suggested modifications to the plan. "Nonetheless, no matter how strong the plan is, it will only be successful if it has the support and associated active participation of our partners and the public," Lopez said. "Successfully controlling and managing CWD in Wisconsin will require a sustained effort over many years, likely far beyond this 15-year plan. It is very challenging for everyone involved, but the alternative of letting the disease spread uncontrolled is much and unacceptably worse." The plan is available on the DNR Web site.   * * *        First Week of Deer Observation Survey Brings in More Than 800 Reports--The first week of Operation Deer Watch, a program that asks citizens to report deer observations during the months of August and September, produced 818 observation reports, filed by 420 individuals, according to Wisconsin DNR wildlife biologists monitoring the program. "This is a great response for the first week of a new program," said Tom Hauge, director of the DNR Bureau of Wildlife Management. "We welcome the extra eyes in the woods and appreciate the intense interest folks have in their natural resources and especially in the wildlife around them." Reports have come in from all corners of the state, said Brian Dhuey, DNR research scientist, "we've received reports from 111 of our 139 DMUs (deer management units). DMU 77M (Milwaukee and parts of Ozaukee, Washington, Waukesha, Sheboygan, Racine, Kenosha and Manitowoc counties) has the most reports at 45, followed by DMU 64 (parts of Manitowoc, Calumet, Brown and Outagamie counties) with 29 reports." "Operation Deer Watch is one of many volunteer efforts that can fit under the umbrella of citizen science," said Hauge. "For decades deer hunters have contributed to a huge volume of deer harvest data every time they registered their deer. Wisconsin has what is probably the most extensive record of deer sex, age and condition reports of any state in the country thanks to their efforts." Each year, biologists use a formula to estimate deer populations. The formula includes the number of deer harvested from the hunting seasons, the percentage of yearling bucks and does harvested, the buck recovery rate and a fawn-to-doe ratio to estimate the population in each deer management unit. Data from Operation Deer Watch will be used with DNR observations to help determine the fawn-to-doe ratio. Another opportunity for deer hunters to contribute is by sending in a Deer Hunter Wildlife Survey. Started in 2009, that survey asks hunters to send in their observations of deer, raccoon, skunk, porcupine, red and gray fox, turkey, ruffed grouse, coyote, bear, otter, fisher, bobcat, house cat, badger, wolf, opossum or other wildlife not normally seen in their area. Since deer hunters often spend many quiet observation hours in the woods, they can provide valuable information about species that are often very difficult to measure. In the first season, hunters filed reports covering approximately 20,000 hunting outings and 120,000 hours of observation. A summary of the 2009 season is available on the DNR web site at dnr.wi.gov. The 2010 version of the Deer Hunter Wildlife Survey starts Sept. 18, the first day of the 2010 archery deer season. Also, while the DNR this year is investing a record amount of its resources in deer research, important field work will occur in Shawano, Waupaca and Outagamie Counties. Two research projects include estimating the survival rates of bucks and recruitment of fawns especially in relation to predator impacts on deer populations. Details on other deer-related research projects will be shared later as they are planned. Researchers from the DNR, UW-Madison's Department of Wildlife Ecology, UW's Applied Population Laboratory and the UW-Stevens Point are all involved in parts of the research which has been requested by hunters and recommended by a scientific review panel of North American wildlife experts charged with reviewing Wisconsin's use of the SAK population estimation technique. The Wisconsin Conservation Congress and Whitetails Unlimited are also participating in the effort. Researchers will be looking for help from additional partners to increase the capacity for gathering valuable information through these research studies. This is a chance for hunters to take an active role is gathering information about deer numbers in the state. Federal Wildlife Restoration Act funds will be used to conduct the research projects aimed at improving knowledge of Wisconsin's deer population. The University of Wisconsin is a key partner in these research efforts.   * * *        News & Notes from Around Wisconsin--A firm contracted by Clean Lakes Associates, Monona, was to chemically treat algae and invasive, nuisance aquatic plants in Lakes Mendota, Monona and Waubesa, weather permitting, the DNR said. Treatments were to be directed towards filamentous algae and nuisance invasive aquatic vegetation, such as Eurasian water milfoil. Spraying was to take place only within 100 feet of shore where plants cannot be cut by mechanical harvesters. After treatment, yellow signs are posted, one facing inland and the other facing the water, notifying the public spraying has taken place. More info from Dane County at (608) 224-3730 or Clean Lakes at (608)221-1156. ..... The first signs of oak wilt, a tree-killing fungal disease, are now appearing in trees in counties in the southern two-thirds of Wisconsin. "The first symptoms of oak wilt are branches with wilted leaves and leaves on the ground in summer when you wouldn't expect to see that," said Kyoko Scanlon, a forest pathologist with the DNR Division of Forestry. "These are not the brown, dry leaves you see in autumn. These are partially green to bronze-green and are not completely dry." Oak wilt affects trees in both the red oak and white oak groups. Once a tree is infected with oak wilt, water and nutrients can't move upward from the root system, and that causes the tree's leaves to wilt and fall. Eventually, oak wilt will kill the tree. The University of Wisconsin's Plant Disease Diagnostic Clinic can help verify the presence of oak wilt. A sample must be sent to the clinic, and a small fee is charged for the service. The clinic can be reached at (608) 262-2863 or at www.plantpath.wisc.edu/pddc. ..... Landowners and forest managers across northern Wisconsin are noticing a browning of aspen and alder leaves this summer. The trees are not dying, say DNR foresters, they are under attack by two insects. "On the aspen we have a caterpillar called the aspen blotchminer," said Brian Schwingle, DNR Forestry entomologist, "and our alder are being attacked by the alder flea beetle." He added that regardless of the unsightly browning of the leaves caused by the insects, the trees will survive. ..... Antlerless deer (bonus) carcass tags for regular deer management units, and hunting access permits for state park deer management units go on sale starting Aug. 21. Tags and permits will be sold at the rate of one per person per day. Tags and permits for odd-numbered units will be available for sale on Aug. 21 from noon until midnight. Tags and permits for even-numbered units will go on sale beginning Aug. 22 at noon. Sales will continue  Aug. 23 for all remaining tags and will continue until sold out or until the hunting season ends. More at dnr.wi.gov or call toll free to (877) 945-4236. ..... More than 3,400 dog trainers, pet owners and others interested in keeping track of recent wolf activity have signed up for an e-mail or wireless service that sends out an alert when wolves attack hunting dogs or pets in Wisconsin. Records show 3,462 subscribers now receive e-mail alerts of new caution areas and recent wolf depredations through GovDelivery, a e-mail notification service provided by the DNR. More at dnr.wi.gov. Since Jan. 1, wolves have killed 12 and injured seven dogs. Eight of the fatal attacks have been on trailing hounds since opening of the bear trailing hound training season on July 1. ..... Black bear sightings are becoming more common in southern Wisconsin as bruins find areas previously considered occasional or rare for bear sightings suitable for occupancy. A 2008 bear population study estimated Wisconsin's population at between 26,000 and 40,000 bears, up from 1989, when the population was estimated at 9,000. A newer population study is scheduled to be repeated in 2011. "Since March of this year we've logged more than 140 sighting reports in areas where bears were seen occasionally or rarely," said the DNR's Linda Olver. People who require assistance with a nuisance bear should contact the Wildlife Services 24-hour hotline at (800) 433-0663 for southern Wisconsin and (800) 228-1368 for northern Wisconsin. ..... Wisconsin wardens say they are shifting from educating boaters about invasive species regulations to enforcing them. DNR officials say boat inspectors and other state officials observed 182 people from May through late July drive away from boat launches with invasive plants attached to their watercraft. It's illegal in Wisconsin to launch or leave landings with any aquatic plants and animals attached. DNR officials say they've worked for years to educate the public about the regulations. Now the DNR's chief warden, Randy Stark, says it's time to start issuing citations. ..... Five of the seven whooping crane chicks that hatched this spring at Necedah National Wildlife Refuge have apparently died. The deaths are a setback to wildlife officials hoping to boost the population of the endangered birds. Joan Garland of the International Crane Foundation says one chick has been found dead. She tells Wisconsin Public Radio four other chicks are missing and were possibly killed by predators. Even with two survivors, the crane migration will still go on this fall. Garland says she hopes the two will be among the 24 birds migrating south for the first time this fall. They'll either migrate behind older cranes or an ultralight aircraft. ..... The Wisconsin State Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation contributed $10,000 to help purchase a 66-acre parcel of land that will become part of the new Hallie Marsh Wildlife Area near Chippewa Falls. The state chapter has contributed $20,000 to the Hallie Marsh project so far, and plans to invest more in the future. Project partners have purchased nearly 600 acres to add to this new state wildlife area in Chippewa County, which will be open for public use including hunting and trapping, hiking and bird watching. The property is home to deer, grouse, waterfowl, wild turkeys and a variety of non-game animals and songbirds. In December of 2006, the state chapter contributed $5,000 in concert with Chippewa Valley Pheasants Forever, Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund and a North American Wetlands Conservation Act grant to aid in the purchase of 220 acres. Then, in August of 2009, NWTF contributed an additional $5,000 toward the purchase of a 70-acre parcel, partnering with the above groups and Ducks Unlimited. To date, the Wisconsin State Chapter has spent $111,400 to purchase 11,563 acres of land or conservation easements to preserve wildlife habitat and provide additional hunting areas throughout the state. ..... Wisconsin officials say 3M Co. has agreed to pay $150,000 to settle allegations of air-pollution violations at its Prairie du Chien  facility. The state attorney general's office said July 27 the company had modified an air-pollution source without a required permit. The office also accuses 3M of failing to follow a plan that makes sure certain machinery remains in compliance with air-pollution standards. Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen says the company has also agreed to complete two projects designed to reduce the facility's carbon-dioxide emissions. The judgment order signed July 26 says the 3M facility is currently in compliance with its air-pollution permit. ..... The 41-pound, 8-ounce brown trout Roger Hellen of Franksville caught in Lake Michigan on July 16 is now a Wisconsin state record fish, said the DNR. The previous record was 36 pounds, 8.9 ounces and 40.5 inches caught Aug. 23, 2004, in Lake Michigan in Kewaunee County. Hellen caught the new record north of Racine while competing in the Salmon-A-Rama tournament. The fish measured 40.6 inches and was weighed on a certified scale at a local meat market, according to Cheryl Peterson, the state fisheries technician who weighed, measured and processed the fish at the tournament. With that certified weight, Hellen's fish would appear to squeak by the 41-7 world record brown trout caught last year in the Big Manistee River in Michigan. Hellen is asking the International Game Fish Association to confirm it's a world record. Hellen's is the ninth state record set this year, and the first for a fish caught by hook and line. The other records have been for fish taken using alternate methods, including a spearing record for lake sturgeon and six bowfishing records. One of those bowfishing records, for smallmouth buffalo, was established for the first time in March and has changed hands twice since, once in April and again on July 1. ..... Some season dates--fall turkey: Statewide Sept. 18-Nov. 18, late season in turkey management zones 1-5 only, Nov. 29–Dec. 31; Canada goose Horicon and Collins Zones: Season dates are tentative and subject to change up until the state Natural Resources Board meeting on Aug. 11. Horicon Zone is proposed for Sept. 16-Dec. 16 (first time period Sept. 16-Oct. 31, second period Nov. 1-Dec. 16). Collins Zone is proposed for Sept. 16-Nov. 19 (first period Sept. 16-Oct. 3, second period Oct. 4-24, third period Oct. 25-Nov 19.) Horicon and Collins hunters are expected to receive six harvest tags for their time period; sharptailed grouse: Oct. 16–Nov. 7; bobcat: Period one and north of Hwy. 64 Oct. 16–Dec. 25, period two Dec. 26–Jan. 31; fisher: Oct. 16–Dec. 31; otter: North Zone Nov. 6–April 30, Central Zone Nov. 6–March 31, South Zone Nov. 6–March 31; sturgeon, upriver Lakes Poygan, Winneconne and Butte des Morts: Feb. 12, 2011, for 16 consecutive days unless harvest cap is triggered. Permits from (888) 936-7463 (888-WDNR-INFo) from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. ..... What's new for fall 2010? Beginning this fall, hunters may use dogs to hunt wild turkeys throughout the state. This is the result of a pilot program that ran in a limited nine-county area and was extended statewide following review. 2010 marks the second year of a two-year trial period for the extended fall turkey season in Zones 1-5. After evaluation by the DNR, a rule change that would continue the season in future years may be proposed. ..... The Wisconsin State Fair opens Thursday, Aug. 5, and runs through Sunday, Aug. 15, at State Fair Park in West Allis. More information is available on the Wisconsin State Fair Web site. Visitors to Natural Resources Park in the southwest corner of the fairgrounds can talk with DNR staff, learn about Wisconsin's fish, forests and other natural resources through live displays and participate in hands-on activities. ..... Matt Groppi is the new DNR conservation warden serving Ozaukee County. He is the son of former Roman Catholic priest and civil rights activist James Groppi, who died in 1985. Warden Groppi is now responsible for conservation and environmental law enforcement activities and outdoor safety programs in Ozaukee County as well as on Lake Michigan out of Port Washington. He is originally from Milwaukee where he grew up fishing for salmon and trout on Lake Michigan. He received a Bachelor of Science degree from UW-Stevens Point where he majored in resource management and minored in environmental law enforcement. While at Stevens Point, he worked as a teaching assistant for the Environmental Enforcement Course, served as an officer of the Student Law Enforcement Association and completed warden internships in Wisconsin and Minnesota. He was hired by the DNR in January 2008 and was completing the year-long training process when he was called to active military duty. He served in the U.S. Army Reserves with a military police unit out of Sheboygan in Afghanistan for a year and was deployed with the same unit to Mosul, Iraq, in 2004. Groppi returned to Wisconsin from Afghanistan in fall 2009 and completed his DNR training. As part of that training, he worked in Door, Jefferson, Lafayette, Manitowoc, Waukesha and Waupaca counties. Groppi is an avid outdoorsman and enjoys hunting, fishing, hiking, camping and wildlife watching. He lives in Cedarburg. He can be reached at (262) 618-4919 or by e-mail at Matthew.Groppi@Wisconsin.gov. ..... Sportsman Channel's national Hunt.Fish.Feed Tour continued in Milwaukee where it helped feed more than 400 of those in need at St. Benedict's Community Meal. The network partnered locally with Time Warner Cable to create a summer BBQ complete with venison Sloppy Joes, corn on the cob, pasta salad and watermelon. Hunt.Fish.Feed.SM is a unique outreach program that taps an underutilized food source--game meat and fish donated by sportsmen--to feed those struggling with hunger across America. More at www.huntfishfeed.org or  www.thesportsmanchannel.com. ..... The amount of waste sent to landfills in Wisconsin decreased sharply in 2009, according to data compiled by the DNR. The amount of out-of-state waste disposed of in state landfills declined even faster than waste generated within the state. Every year, landfills are required to report to the DNR the tonnages of all waste received at their facilities from both in-state and out-of-state sources. The total amount of waste disposed of in landfills in 2009 dropped 15 percent, from 10.3 millions tons in 2008 to 8.8 million tons. Waste from households, institutions and commercial establishments (referred to as municipal solid waste) dropped the most--22 percent from 2008 to 2009 (6.2 to 4.8 million tons). During the same period, waste coming to Wisconsin landfills from other states decreased 31 percent. After peaking in 2004 at 2.2 million tons, out-of-state waste has fallen by almost half. The 2009 total of 1.2 million tons was the lowest since 1997. The majority of out-of-state waste comes from Illinois and Minnesota. ..... DNR Secretary Matt Frank announced veteran staffer Al Shea will replace Deputy Secretary Pat Henderson, who is leaving the agency to pursue options in the private sector. Henderson has served as deputy since 2007. Shea, a 30-year veteran of natural resources government service, has served as administrator of the agency's Air and Waste Division since 2003. Frank also announced 30-year DNR veteran Sue Bangert will succeed Shea as the agency's Air and Waste Administrator. Bangert has served as deputy administrator of that division since July 2007. ..... Matt Seguin is the new park manager for Governor Dodge State Park near Dodgeville. He succeeds Mike Dampf, who transferred to the agency's wildlife program at Spring Green. Seguin is now responsible for overseeing operations and enforcement at the 5,300-acre park in Iowa County. The new park manager has worked at Governor Dodge as a ranger since 2006. Previously, he was a property manager at Kinnickinnic State Park and also worked at the Black River State Forest. "Matt started his parks career early, working in and ultimately managing the family-owned campground at Lyndon Station," noted park superintendent Kathy Gruentzel, Dodgeville. ..... The Ruffed Grouse Society (RGS) will conduct its second annual Habitat Improvement Project at the Squaw Creek Dam Area in Phillips on Aug. 14. Volunteers will meet at  Lionite Park, north of Solberg Lake, at 7:30 a.m. More from Tony Blattler at (715) 332-5121 or by e-mail to tbblattler@pctnet.net or Jim Teal at (715) 339-4346. ..... The Anglers Insight Marketing (AIM) tourney on Wisconsin's Green Bay July 1-3 produced record catches of walleye. Scott Allen upped the series big fish record to 32.25 inches, 14.25 pounds under the AIM catch-record-release format. The previous mark was 12.25 pounds. Perry Good broke the one-day basket record with seven fish for 55.17 pounds on the first day--an average of 7.9 pounds. The previous mark was 48.48 pounds. Good finished 10th for a $3,875 payout. Robert Blosser, who won, did so with a three-day total of 21 fish/139.46 pounds, an average of 6.6 pounds. The previous mark of 102.51 pounds was broken by 21 pros. Blosser's victory was worth $30,000 out of a total pro purse of $99,000--another AIM record based on the 66 entries. The tourney results also shuffled the JJ Keller Fishing Team Angler of the Year standings after two qualifying events. Keith Kavajecz is the new leader with 177.4 points, followed by Blosser (172.7) and Jarrad Fluekiger (170.7), the Bay City champ. Sixty-nine anglers have scored points so far. Next event will be the South Dakota Walleye Classic Festival Aug. 12-14 on the Missouri River at Alaska, S.D. More at www.aimfishing.com. ..... Wisconsin pro Brett Wilkens of Kiel and co-angler Derek Navis of Waupun caught three walleyes weighing 6 pounds, 6 ounces to win the FLW Walleye Tour Eastern Division tournament July 17 on Lake Winnebago out of Oshkosh, Wis. Wilkens had a three-day catch of 13 walleyes weighing 26-6. He won by 7 ounces over his closest competitor and took home $17,973 for his efforts. Mark Keenan, Appleton, Wis., was second with 10 walleyes, 25-13, for $5,833. Bob Miller of Oshkosh led the tournament wire-to-wire to earn the victory in the Co-angler Division and $3,094. His three-day weight of 10 fish totaled 33-11. Eugene Little, Milton, Wis., was second with nine walleyes, 25-15, for $1,237. Navis was third with nine walleyes, 19-10, for $928. 124 anglers competed. After a wicked storm blew through the night before the tourney started, dumping almost 5 inches of rain on an already saturated area, the bite became almost non-existent, said the National Professional Anglers Association (www.npaa.net). The first day produced only 36 fish while the second day was a little better with 71 walleye. The field was cut to the top 10 for the third day and the bite remained challenging. The Winnebago system is known for a tougher bite in July and August, but the unstable weather kept the catch down significantly. In FLW Walleye Tour competition, pros and co-anglers are also competing for valuable points in the hope of qualifying for a shot at the 2010 FLW Walleye Tour Championship held on Leech Lake in Walker, Minn., Sept. 23-25. More at www.FLWOutdoors.com. ..... Rules that went into effect July 1 are designed to prevent new introductions of three invasive species--people must have a license to possess wolf-dog hybrids, feral or wild swine and mute swans in captivity. Also as of July 1, it is illegal to release any of these species into the wild and such releases can result in penalties of up to $1,142, as well as restitution costs for any damage caused by these animals. "All three species have proven their ability to exist in the wild in Wisconsin," says Scott Loomans, DNR wildlife regulations specialist. "Wild and feral swine for instance, are opportunistic omnivores that eat an amazing amount and variety of plants and wild animals." More information and all of the new regulations are available on the captive wildlife page of the DNR Web site, http://dnr.wi.gov. ..... Dog trainers, pet owners and others interested in keeping track of recent wolf activity can now sign up for an e-mail or wireless service that will send an alert anytime wolves attack hunting dogs or pets. The new feature relies on a service called GovDelivery. From the DNR home page, search for "dog depredation by wolves" and follow the instructions for subscribing to the alerts. It is possible to unsubscribe at anytime. Wisconsin's dog training season opened July 1 and runs through Aug. 31 leading up to the opening of the 2010 Wisconsin black bear hunting season on Sept. 8. The bear hunting season runs through Oct. 12. It is legal during this training period for hunters with a class A or B bear hunting license to train dogs on wild bear on public property open to bear-dog training. "This new system will give dog trainers rapid alerts to problem areas with information that can help them avoid attacks on their dogs," said Adrian Wydeven, DNR wolf ecologist. "We will post new alerts just as soon as attacks are confirmed. We'll also continue to maintain our wolf alert Web pages with documentation of all attacks throughout the current season." ..... The Winnebago System walleye population and its walleye fishery are the topic of public meetings as the state starts updating its plan for managing both. Meeting dates and locations: Aug. 10, Menasha, 7 p.m., Germania Hall, 320 Chute St.; Aug. 11, Quinney, 7 p.m., Quinney Fishing Club, Quinney Road; and Aug. 12, Fond du Lac, 7 p.m., Marghael's Hall, N7688 Van Dyne Rd. ..... Turtle season opened statewide July 15 and runs through Nov. 30. The open season does not include those species that are listed as endangered or threatened. The ornate box turtle, Blanding's turtle and the wood turtle are protected and may not be taken at any time. Anyone who collects or possess native Wisconsin unprotected aquatic turtles must have one of the following licenses: Fishing, Small Game, Sports, Conservation Patron, Setline or Set or Bank Pole. Check the DNR Web site for complete rules and regulations. ..... Wisconsin hunters planning for the late-year seasons should register now for required hunter education certificate courses to avoid being sidelined this fall. "Nearly all of the volunteer hunter education instructors are hunters themselves and enjoy hunting in the fall," says Conservation Warden Tim Lawhern, who also serves as the state's hunting education administrator. "The hunter education program offers about 1,200 courses every year, but very few of them are offered from October through December."  Anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1973, must have completed a hunter education course and show the certificate to purchase any hunting license in Wisconsin. Also, recreational safety students are required to obtain a Wisconsin DNR Customer ID Number before the completion of any recreational safety class and must provide that Customer ID Number to the instructor. To find a course, visit the DNR Web site, and look under the heading of Recreational Safety Course - Upcoming Classes. ..... Wisconsin's Natural Resources Board will meet at the Barkers Island Inn in Superior on Tuesday, Aug. 10, from 10 a.m. to noon, and on Wednesday, Aug. 11, beginning at 8:30 a.m. The public is invited to attend and may address the board about natural resources and environmental matters. People interested in addressing the board must contact Laurie Ross, Natural Resources Board Liaison, at (608) 267-7420 or e-mail laurie.ross@wisconsin.gov prior to 4 p.m. on Aug. 6. Agenda and public appearance information is located at http://dnr.wi.gov/org/nrboard. ..... Full results of the 2010 Wisconsin Waterfowl Breeding Population Survey will be posted on the Waterfowl in Wisconsin page of the DNR Web site, www.dnr.wi.gov. ..... The 2010 Fall Turkey and 2011 Spring Turkey Regulations are included in the 2010 Small Game Regulations pamphlet available on the Hunting Regulations page of the DNR Web site and in hard copy at license vendors. More information is available on the wild turkey page of the DNR Web site. The Fall 2010 Wild Turkey Season will run from Sept. 18 through Nov. 18, with an extended season running from Nov. 29 through Dec. 31 for Zones 1-5 only. Applications cost $3 and can be purchased over the internet through the Online Licensing Center, at license sales locations or by calling toll-free 1-877-WI LICENSE (1-877-945-4263). ..... Hunting dates for Wisconsin's two ruffed grouse management zones: Sept. 18 through Jan. 31, 2011, for Zone A and Oct. 16 through Dec. 8. for Zone B. Daily bag limits are 5 birds per day in Zone A and 2 birds per day in Zone B. Possession limits are twice the daily bag limit. ..... Outdoor enthusiasts and hunters can help the state monitor the brood production of a variety of game birds including pheasant, ruffed grouse, turkey, quail, gray partridge, prairie chicken and sharptailed grouse by reporting sightings on the Game Bird Brood Observation survey page of the DNR Web site. The survey period runs June 13 through Aug. 21. More from Brian Dhuey at (608) 221-6342. ..... Staying on top of developments and progress in Wisconsin's $2 million investment in deer research is only a mouse-click away at a new Whitetail Deer Research Projects page on the DNR Web site. To register for updates, people can go to www.dnr.wi.gov and click on the Whitetail Deer Research Projects button under the features column, then click on the link for subscribe to deer research projects, enter their e-mail address and follow the sign-up instructions. When the subscription list appears scroll to the bottom and check Wisconsin Deer Research. When the page is updated, subscribers will receive an e-mail alerting them to new information posted on the page. ..... Effective June 1, only firewood gathered or purchased from a vendor who cut it within 25 miles of a state-managed property, or state-certified wood, may be brought onto the property. This change was made to reduce the risk of bringing in destructive forest diseases and insects. A previous law had allowed firewood cut or gathered up to 50 miles from a state property to be brought in but a newer study by forest health experts led to the adoption of the more protective 25-mile distance. Insect pests such as emerald ash borer and gypsy moth and diseases like oak wilt and Dutch elm disease spread to new areas easily in firewood, and collectively have already killed millions of trees in Wisconsin. More at www.wiparks.net. ..... Southwest Wisconsin residents are asked to report black bear sightings to DNR wildlife biologist Becky Roth, Spring Green, at (608) 588-3432 or e-mail Rebecca.roth@wisconsin.gov. ... The 2009 Wisconsin Big Game Hunting Summary is available in printed and online versions. The summary contains harvest totals for all deer, black bear and turkey seasons and additional reports on deer ages, agricultural damage shooting, chronic wasting disease seasons, tribal harvests and hunting incidents. The reports can be found online on the Wisconsin Wildlife Surveys page of the DNR Web site, www.dnr.wi.gov. Printed copies are available from Jason Fleener at (608) 261-7589 or jason.fleener@wisconsin.gov. ..... The 2010 Wisconsin deer hunting seasons structure map is available on the DNR Web site at www.dnr.wi.gov. The map identifies Deer Management Units (DMU) as regular, herd control or chronic wasting disease management earn-a-buck. The complete 2010 Deer Hunting Regulations will be available later this summer. ..... The 2010 hook-and-line game fish season opened May 1 on inland waters for walleye, sauger and northern pike statewide. The largemouth and smallmouth bass southern zone opened May 1, while the northern bass zone for catch and release only was May 1-June 18. From June 19 to March 6, 2011, there's a minimum length limit of 14 inches with a daily bag limit of five fish in total. Muskie season opened May 1 in the southern zone and May 29 in the northern zone. The northern zone is the area north of Highways 77, 64 and 29, with Highway 10 as the dividing line. The seasons for rock, yellow and white bass, panfish, bullheads and rough fish, catfish, cisco and whitefish are open all year. Check the 2010-11 Guide to Wisconsin Hook and Line Fishing Regulations for special regulations listed by county, for regulations on the Great Lakes and boundary waters and for tributary streams to Green Bay and Lake Michigan. The complete guide is also available at DNR offices and license agents. Fishing licenses can be purchased online, at DNR license vendors or by calling toll-free (877) WI LICENSE (877-945-4236). Wisconsin residents and non-residents 16 years old or older need a fishing license to fish in any waters of the state. Residents born before Jan. 1, 1927, do not need a license, nor do people who exhibit proof they are in active service with the U.S. armed forces and are a resident on furlough or leave. ..... Wisconsin DNR has added a text messaging option to ways the public can report hunting, fishing, trapping, recreational vehicle and environmental violations. DNR is launching tip411, an Internet-based tool that enables the public to text message an anonymous tip to DNR. Hotline operators respond back creating a two-way anonymous "chat." Anyone with a cell phone with texting service can now send an anonymous tip to Wisconsin DNR from 7 a.m.-10 p.m. by texting the word TIPWDNR and the tip information to 847-411 (tip411). ..... Wildfire season is here. For daily burning restrictions call the DNR's toll-free hotline at (888) WIS-BURN (947-2876).     * * *      Indiana Will Erect Mesh Barriers To Block Asian Carp--The Indiana DNR will take a lead role in implementing a short-term step to address the advance of Asian carp up the Wabash River system and their potential movement into the Maumee River, a tributary to Lake Erie. The focal point is Eagle Marsh, a 705-acre restored wetland near Fort Wayne that DNR staff identified as a possible pathway for Asian carp passage under certain flood conditions. The marsh is just north of Fox Island County Park near the intersection of Interstate 69 and U.S. 24. A permanent solution to prevent Asian carp from being able to pass through this area during flooding conditions will take more time to develop, design and construct. Therefore, as an immediate preventive measure, the DNR will install mesh fencing across a section of the marsh, creating a barrier against passage of Asian carp between the Wabash and Maumee drainage basins. The DNR convened a recent meeting in Fort Wayne to address the potential carp movement and explore solutions, and the consensus was the mesh barrier is the best short-term option to pursue. The Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Allen County Soil and Water Conservation District and the Little River Wetlands Project that manages Eagle Marsh were represented at the meeting. The fencing will be substantial enough to withstand floodwaters but will be designed so it does not increase flood elevations and cause property damage. The  Army Corps of Engineers will provide design guidance on the fencing. The goal is to have the fencing installed this summer. Additional monitoring will be conducted and more aggressive action taken if the threat warrants. Although Chicago waterways remain the likeliest entry point for Asian carp into the Great Lakes, the Corps of Engineers is tasked with finding other potential pathways throughout the Great Lakes basin. Corps officials have identified several sites they are investigating to determine the risk of Asian carp advancement, including the Eagle Marsh area. Although the Wabash and Maumee basins drain in opposite directions and have no direct connection under normal conditions, their waters do comingle under certain flood conditions. Eagle Marsh straddles a natural geographic divide created by glacial movement during the ice age. The broad wetland marsh extends across the divide into two key drainage ditches--McCulloch Ditch and Junk Ditch. McCulloch drains west into the Little River and eventually the Wabash River near Huntington, while Junk Ditch drains northeast into the St. Marys River and then the Maumee River. If Asian carp cross the divide at Eagle Marsh and reach the Maumee, they would be in the Lake Erie drainage basin and additional more costly and invasive steps would be required to protect the Great Lakes from the threat. The DNR and Corps of Engineers are working with U.S. Geological Survey to analyze historic flood data and determine the depth and duration of flooding in the Eagle Marsh area. Asian carp, a generic term for four species of non-native carp, were first detected in Indiana in 1996 at Hovey Lake Fish & Wildlife Area in the southwest corner of the state. Subsequent DNR surveys located bighead carp and silver carp in low abundance in the Wabash River or its tributaries, but the location of those findings show the fish moving upstream. A 2008 survey collected a total of 25 silver carp and two bighead carp over a 105-mile stretch of the Wabash River. Adult bighead carp have been found below the dam at Roush Lake near Huntington, and silver carp have advanced to the Mississinewa River near Peru. In late May, a DNR biologist found evidence of silver carp spawning near Lafayette, 105 river miles downstream from the mouth of the Little River. For a map of the Eagle Marsh area, go to www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/files/fw-AsianCarpMap.pdf. * * *      Some of the Things Happening in the Gulf You Might Not Otherwise Read About--Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Enforcement Division agents with the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) arrested a Chauvin man Aug. 5 for allegedly falsifying trip ticket information. Jessie Lambas, 58, allegedly falsified trip ticket documents dated from May and June of 2009 in order to file a claim with BP America due to the Transocean Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Lambas was charged with three felonies for filing false public records, injuring public records and theft by fraud. The trip tickets were filed with LDWF on May 27 and represented 5,644 pounds of shrimp with a value of $10,237.50. Lambas stated he received three payments from BP America totaling $3,000 from May 24 to July 14. SIU agents met with Lambas on July 26 and 31 after receiving a complaint from the department's trip ticket section that Lambas did not possess a commercial fishing license in 2009. Lambas does have a wholesale/retail seafood dealer's license that allows him access to trip tickets issued to the wholesale/retail seafood dealer. Lambas stated he filed trip tickets from 2010, but the department does not have any record of issuing Lambas trip tickets in 2010, according to the arrest warrant. The warrant also states the trip tickets under question match the 50 trip tickets he was issued in 2008. If convicted, Lambas faces fines up to $5,000 and up to five years in jail with or without hard labor for each charge of falsifying and injuring public records. For the fraud charge, Lambas faces a fine up to $10,000 and up to 10 years in jail with or without hard labor, said Col. Winton Vidrine, head of LDWF's Enforcement Division. ..... "The oil spill is an environmental disaster that could affect ducks and duck hunters for years to come. It would appear diving ducks like scaup, canvasbacks and redheads will be most at risk because they sit in the coastal bays where there has been a lot of oil in recent weeks."--Dr. Frank Rohwer, Louisiana State University. ..... Cargill Deicing Technology presented a check for $200,000 to Ducks Unlimited at the Louisiana State DU Convention. The donation supports DU's ongoing efforts to provide sufficient wintering habitat for waterfowl along the Louisiana coast. "Habitat conservation in this area is essential to sustaining populations of North American waterfowl and to securing the future of North America's waterfowling heritage, and as such has long been a top priority for Ducks Unlimited," said Bob Dew, DU manager of conservation programs in Louisiana. "With the added challenges caused by the current oil spill situation in the Gulf and the recent foraging habitat shortfall estimates from Gulf Coast Joint Venture scientists, waterfowl are facing an uncertain future along the Gulf Coast." The Louisiana coast is arguably the most important region for wintering waterfowl in North America. Rich in waterfowling history, it provides continentally significant winter habitat for up to 13 million waterfowl and multitudes of other wetland-dependent birds and wildlife. The commitment of $200,000 from Cargill Deicing Technology, which is a producer and distributer of winter snow-fighting products and services, will support restoration of approximately 3,500 acres of coastal marsh habitat between Avery Island and Weeks Bay in Iberia Parish. Cargill Deicing Technology, which operates a rock salt mine at Avery Island, is a business unit of Minneapolis-based Cargill. DU is the world's largest non-profit organization dedicated to conserving North America's continually disappearing waterfowl habitats. Established in 1937, DU has conserved more than 12 million acres thanks to contributions from more than a million supporters across the continent. Guided by science and dedicated to program efficiency, DU works toward the vision of wetlands sufficient to fill the skies with waterfowl today, tomorrow and forever. More at www.ducks.org. ..... Alabama Unified Command's efforts to recover wildlife along the Gulf Coast were enhanced with the donation of a special boat from singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett. The popular entertainer donated a boat,  built by Dragonfly Boatworks in Vero Beach, Fla., specifically designed to navigate the shallow waters and marshes of the Gulf Coast to retrieve injured wildlife. The vessel was given to the Friends of the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, a non-profit organization that supports Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge is located in coastal Alabama and is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Shallow Water Attention Terminal (S.W.A.T.) boats are built on a flat hull and operate in waters as shallow as 8-10 inches. This particular boat was designed by Mark Castlow and Jimbo Meador, co-owners of Dragonfly Boatworks, who recognized the need for a boat with the ability to operate in shallow waters and marshy areas. "Castlow and Meador recognized a need, identified a solution and made it happen with the help of Jimmy Buffett," said Bon Secour refuge manager Jereme Phillips. "Friends of Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, our refuge support group, closed the loop to facilitate the donation by accepting the boat on behalf of the refuge. We are immensely grateful to Mr. Buffett for his gift and concern for our treasured wildlife." The boat was scheduled to begin wildlife recovery operations during the week of July 19 with a two-person crew trained for the safe recovery of injured wildlife. The S.W.A.T boat joins a fleet of 14 wildlife recovery boats. More at www.fws.gov/bonsecour. For information about the Gulf oil spill response effort, visit www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com. ..... A new 13-week TV series aims to show an up-close view of the devastating impact of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill on Gulf of Mexico boating and fishing communities. Airing Sundays at 9 a.m. (CDT) on FOX Sports Net and presented by BoatUS Angler, "Cabela's Fisherman's Handbook" portrays a realistic picture of conditions out in the field. Traveling to the region with show host and TV fishing personality Wade Middleton is Chris Edmonston of BoatUS, who presents segments on how to avoid and take care of oil spill damage to your boat, hurricane preparedness and boating safety topics. The show repeats on Fridays at 3 p.m., but check local listings to be sure. More at www.BoatUS.com/oilspill or www.BoatUSAngler.com. ..... Oil spill response and recovery, as well as implementation of the Governors' Action Plan, were among the topics for the Gulf of Mexico Alliance's Implementation and Integration Workshop Aug. 4-5 at the Beau Rivage Hotel in Biloxi, Miss. The Gulf of Mexico Alliance (GOMA)--Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida--was formalized in 2004 as the result of a shared vision for a healthy and resilient Gulf region. More at visitwww.gulfofmexicoalliance.org. * * *      Recreational Fishing Alliance Blasts Presidential Order, Calling BO 'King Obama'--President Barack Obama used his presidential privilege on July 19 to circumvent the legislative process, signing a new ocean protection law that's vastly similar to legislation which has languished in Congress for nearly a decade. While environmental groups are hailing it a momentous day for America's oceans, the Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA) said these are sad times for our democratic process. "Rep. Sam Farr of California has been pushing this ideological hogwash through the House for nearly 10 years, but every time his doomsday bill gets debated in committee it is tossed out for being utter nonsense and a bureaucratic nightmare," said RFA Executive Director Jim Donofrio. "Our President appears to be infatuated with nonsense and bureaucracy, and once again proves his authority to rule is more powerful than the legislative process alone, signing his name to decrees as if he were king." The San Jose Mercury News in Congressman Farr's home district said the new policy secures Farr's long-time vision for the creation of a National Ocean Council to coordinate the many layers of state and federal regulation on such matters as off-shore drilling, shipping and fishing. "At a time when science knows the oceans are dying and several politicians have known it, there's never been a crisis to drive policy, until now," said Farr, a California Democrat whom the San Jose Mercury News says has tried unsuccessfully to win a similar oceans conservation plan through legislation known as Oceans 21. "This is a giant step forward," Farr said of the presidential order, calling the decree the "clean water and air acts for the ocean." Oceans 21 failed to gain Congressional support because of its ability to restrict access to public resources while creating a new bureaucratic hierarchy with unprecedented power to regulate fisheries and implement ocean zoning without oversight or public input. The RFA has been at the forefront of exposing Oceans 21 for the farce it is, and RFA has been a leader in preventing its passage through legislative channels. On June 18, 2009, the RFA was the only national recreational fishing organization asked to testify before Congress in opposition of the bill. "We claimed all along this Ocean Policy Task Force was being orchestrated as Oceans 21 legislation, with the expectation of the environmental groups it gets passed by royal decree," said Donofrio. "For Mr. Farr to resort to such hyperbole by claiming our oceans are dying in order to get folks to swallow his ideological pill is disingenuous at best." The threat of a pending presidential order that would restrict recreational fishing set off a media firestorm in March when a national opinion piece on ESPN warned efforts of the Obama Administration's Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force and its involvement in implementing a policy of "marine spatial planning" could ultimately effect the management of and public access to the nation's natural public resources. In response, Donofrio said at the time he was unnerved by glaring similarities of the presidential plan and Rep. Farr's H.R. 21, the Ocean Conservation, Education and National Strategy for the 21st Century Act. "This appears to be an attempt by the Executive Branch to circumvent the established legislative process and enact policy that failed as legislation 5 years in a row," Donofrio said at the time, adding RFA still believes enacting laws through executive order and proclamation sets a dangerous precedence. "Not only does this new National Ocean Council threaten to override our current federal fisheries management process, it threatens the integrity of our regional fishing councils and creates an overarching bureaucracy which could summarily dismiss all input from stakeholders," Donofrio said. "Our current fisheries management process might need some adjustment, but this presidential decree just sets up such an incredible bureaucratic infrastructure that Americans could find it very hard to find opportunities to fish in the future, particular in terms of coastal access," Donofrio said. Reports say the new National Ocean Council is being co-chaired by John Holdren, director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, and Nancy Sutley, chairwoman of the Council for Environmental Quality. The council also will include the secretaries of all cabinet-level federal agencies and representatives of other federal environmental and economic agencies, which will oversee planning done by nine regional bodies. The RFA said more government appointments from the top down will ensure local stakeholders can expect to get less input in the future. "Mr. Obama has made it very clear he and his administration know better than we do," said Donofrio. "It's sad to watch a guy like Congressman Farr step up and embrace the arbitrary process of executive privilege as opposed to the democratic process of review and debate in the House. Clearly it's a win for the California Democrat who wrote an ill-conceived law which had no support from the public, none from the stakeholders and no support from fellow legislators on the committee, yet he still got his law passed by sovereign declaration," Donofrio said. "Doesn't that just speak volumes about our current political climate in Washington?" * * *      New 'Songs from the Tackle Box' CD Will Help Recycled Fish--A new album from Patriot Records of Oklahoma City, Okla., features 13 songs that don't just celebrate our waters, they help care for them. A percentage of every CD sold benefits Recycled Fish, the national non-profit organization of "anglers living a lifestyle of stewardship, because our lifestyle runs downstream." Sounds on the CD range from straightforward country to blues, folk and swing from both male and female artists; independent and internationally known alike. "We reviewed over 300 submissions for this album," said Randy Heavin, Patriot Records CEO. "We put two years of research, testing, licensing and production into this project to ensure this isn't another cheesy bargain bin compilation. What we've come up with is a product anyone can enjoy." "Songs from the Tackle Box" is packed with catchy melodies and lyrics, containing performances by Ty England, Jason Allen, Randy Joe Heavin, Ben Winship and David A. Thompson, Mollie O'Brien, Floyd VanLaningham, Ken Gaines, Scott Cook, Jimmy Weber, Andrew McNight and Gov't Plant. The CD costs $12, or can be downloaded for $10.99. To hear tracks and purchase a copy of the CD or digital downloads, visit www.SongsFromTheTackleBox.com. For more on Recycled Fish and its mission to teach anglers about living a "lifestyle of stewardship both on and off the water," visit www.RecycledFish.org. * * *     NEWS AND NOTES FROM ACROSS THE COUNTRY:            FISHING--Kevin VanDam, the Kalamazoo, Mich., whiz, closed in typical fashion on the Alabama River July 31, scoring his sixth and third consecutive Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year title. VanDam's 20-year career has played out like an assault on the BASS record book. Consider: VanDam notched his 19th BASS career victory at the Evan Williams Bourbon Trophy Triumph, which ties him for the most victories with Roland Martin. Paired with his earlier February Classic win, VanDam is only the second angler to score both of the most prestigious titles in the sport in same season. And VanDam netted $200,000 to push his career earnings to more than $4.5 million, by far the most in BASS' 40-year-plus history. "I never get tired of winning," said VanDam, 42. "This title was the hardest for me to accomplish so it means that much more. I take nothing for granted because I face competition every day that can beat me. It's easy to stay motivated when that's the case." With 10 and 26 pounds, VanDam won over Edwin Evers, Talala, Okla., 10/24; Terry Butcher, Talala, Okla., 10/22-12; Tommy Biffle, Wagoner, Okla., 10/21-10; and Cliff Pace, Petal, Miss. 10/21-7. Skeet Reese, Auburn, Calif., with 10/21-7, was sixth in the tourney and third in the AOY race (behind VanDam and Evers) after he held a commanding lead to kick off the Postseason. He smashed VanDam in the regular season with six top-five finishes and two victories, but in the end, it wasn't enough. Finishing fourth in the AOY race was Butcher, Evers' brother-in-law, while Aaron Martens of Leeds, Ala., was fifth. The points: VanDam 275, Evers 265, Reese 260, Butcher 252 and Martens 244. More at www.Bassmaster.com. ..... More than 88,000 participants logged into Bassmaster.com and registered a vote for their favorite angler in the Toyota Tundra Fan Favorite Contest. Not surprisingly, much like the Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year competition, Skeet Reese and Kevin VanDam were at the top. VanDam, in typical fashion, came through, scoring 36% of the vote and earning the coveted honor while Reese finished close behind in second. The sweepstake ran June 29-July 25 and fans were able to watch videos of the 12 Bassmaster Elite Series Postseason qualifying pros and vote on their favorite. ..... Kevin Hawk, originally of Ramona, Calif., but recently of Buford, Ga., crossed the stage with a five-bass limit weighing 14 pounds, 13 ounces Aug. 8 to claim the title of Forrest Wood Cup champion on Georgia's Lake Lanier. Hawk, with a four-day total of 20 bass for 50-14, won by a 2-6 margin over Cody Meyer of Grass Valley, Calif., who caught five bass weighing 9-13 for a four-day total of 20 bass for 48-8. The Aug. 8 final weigh-in marked the finale of the 2010 Forrest Wood Cup, which featured 78 of the world's best professional bass anglers. Hawk, who would have earned $500,000 for his Forrest Wood Cup victory, was pleasantly surprised when T. Boone Pickens, a new equity partner in FLW Outdoors, personally contributed $100,000 to the champion. With that, Hawk took home $600,000 for his victory. Larry Nixon, Bee Branch, Ark., was third with 19 bass, 47-3. Dereal Rodgers of Camden, S.C., won the Co-angler Division on Aug. 7 with 14 bass weighing 27-3. The win earned Rodgers $65,000 and comes on the heels of being crowned the 2009 FLW Tour Co-Angler of the Year. Coverage of the event will be broadcast on VERSUS on Oct. 10. ..... The American Sportfishing Association (ASA) used the opening day of the industry's 53rd International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades (ICAST) to launch a renewed effort to unite the sportfishing industry and the country's 60 million anglers with one united voice to keep the nation's public waters open, clean and abundant with fish. Across the country, preventing or limiting recreational anglers from accessing public fisheries resources is being touted as a new way to manage fish populations, undermining the achievements of proven fisheries management methods that focus on conservation and promote sustainable fishing. As a result, the past 10 years have seen a dramatic increase in bans or efforts to ban recreational fishing from the Atlantic to the Pacific and from the Gulf of Mexico to the Great Lakes. "If this alarming trend continues, anglers nationwide may risk similar restrictions being implemented on their favorite lakes, rivers and streams," ASA President and CEO Mike Nussman said. "The voice of 60 million conservationist anglers who promote conservation over preservation must be heard by legislators, regulators and environmentalists." Through policy, science and conservation, KeepAmericaFishing works to minimize access restrictions, promote clean waters and restore fish populations. With its conservation partners, KeepAmericaFishing works to limit science-based closures to areas in which they are clearly beneficial to the health of the fishery. At www.KeepAmericaFishing.org, anglers, retailers, manufacturers and other recreational fishing-dependent businesses will find the latest news regarding fishery closures and KeepAmericaFishing efforts to keep them open, clean and abundant with fish. ..... Greg Bernal, 47, of Florissant, Mo., was fishing in the Missouri River just before 1 a.m. July 20 when he snagged a 130-pound blue catfish measuring 57 inches long and 45 inches in girth. STLtoday.com, Web site for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, reported it appears to be a state record, topping a 117-pound catfish caught on a trotline in the Osage River in 1964. Bernal said he fought the fish for 15 minutes and spent another half-hour lifting it into his boat near the Columbia Bottom Conservation Area. His girlfriend, Janet Momphard of St. Charles, Mo., helped. Officials said Bernal's fish appears to be a world record-setter among blue catfish, beating a 124-pounder caught in the Mississippi River in 2005 by an Alton, Ill., angler. Of those caught in Missouri, the biggest previous blue catfish listed on the state Department of Conservation Web site weighed 103 pounds and was taken in the Missouri River in 1991. ..... An Illinois dentist caught a 380-pound lemon shark while fishing off the coast of South Carolina July 22. Stephen Liesen of Quincy needed 30 minutes to reel in the fish thought to be the largest lemon shark ever caught in South Carolina waters. The Island Packet of Hilton Head Island reports the state Natural Resources Department's Web site lists the record at 370 pounds caught by R.L. Price of Ladson in 2002. ..... Pro Jason Feldner of Minnewaukan, N.D., and co-angler Don Karlgaard of East Gull Lake, Minn., caught five walleye weighing 15 pounds, 13 ounces July 31 to win the FLW Walleye Tour Western Division tournament on North Dakota's Devils Lake. Feldner had a three-day catch of 15 walleye weighing 48-14. He won by more than two pounds over his closest competitor in the tourney, featuring anglers from 17 states and Canada, and  took home $17,750. Karlgaard's Co-angler Division victory was worth $6,798 for 48-5. More at www.FLWOutdoors.com ..... BASS announced the organization will head to Alabama, the state where it was founded more than 40 years ago, in 2011 for the Bassmaster Elite Series Postseason, the third consecutive year the Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year will be awarded in the River Region. The Postseason is set for July 23-30 and will again be played out on two productive Alabama fisheries, with the first leg, the Trophy Chase, set for Lake Jordan out of Wetumpka and the finale, the Trophy Triumph, slated for the Alabama River from Montgomery. Rich with BASS history, Alabama has hosted 11 Bassmaster Classics and will also host two Elite Series regular-season events in 2011. This July, the Bassmaster Elite Series will end and the 2010 AOY will be crowned in downtown Montgomery, the city where BASS was founded in 1968 and headquartered for more than 35 years. More at www.Bassmaster.com. ..... A new era in women's professional bass fishing is on the horizon. The anglers of the newly-formed Lady Bass Anglers Association (LBAA) take to the waters of Lake Dardanelle in Russellville, Ark., for their Kickoff Tournament Sept. 16-18. Entry deadline is Aug. 17. More information from co-founders Cheryl Bowden at (214) 738-7517 or Secret York at (270) 748-9041. ..... The first National Guard FLW College Fishing All-America Team, as you might expect, is dominated by anglers from warm-weather schools. But there were several who fished for cold-weather or moderate-weather schools to make it--Reed Frazier, Oregon; Tyler Moberly, Eastern Kentucky; Kevin Moeller, Ohio State; Jesse Schultz, Indiana; Kalem Tippett, Murray State; and Dustin Vaal, Indiana. The team, selected by FLW Outdoors Magazine Editor Colin Moore and staff, represents the best among the nation's college anglers. The list of 20, headed by the 2010 national champions from the University of Florida, Jake Gipson and Matthew Wercinski, was compiled based on individual efforts and team contributions during the 2009 FLW College Fishing season. The team is featured in the August/September issue of FLW Outdoors magazine. The list also can be viewed at www.FLWOutdoors.com. ..... In his first FLW Tour win, pro Brent Long of Cornelius, N.C., took the final event of the 2010 tour season on Alabama's Lake Guntersville June 26 to help Cynthia Storey of Mankato, Minn., win $5,000 in FLW Fantasy Fishing competition. Storey's Fantasy Fishing team was led by Long which helped her earn 11,172 points toward her season total. Storey has put herself in position to win the $50,000 grand prize which is based on accumulated points from all five FLW Tour stops. More at www.FantasyFishing.com. ..... The Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA) and American Sportfishing Association's (ASA) prestigious Homer Circle Fishing Communicator Award was presented to outdoor writer and conservation supporter Robert Montgomery. The award recognizes a journalist who exemplifies the spirit, dedication to fishing, extraordinary talent and commitment to mentoring the next generation of sportfishing communicators as displayed by Circle during his storied career. A graduate of the University of Missouri's School of Journalism, Montgomery is a teacher by natural disposition. He started by writing magazine articles while working as a high school English and journalism teacher. He continued teaching, to a much larger audience, when he became Bassmaster magazine's first and, so far, only conservation writer in 1985. Montgomery writes mostly for BASS Times and Bassmaster, as well as Stratos, an in-flight publication. He is also author of "Better Bass Fishing," published by Countryman Press. More at www.professionaloutdoormedia.org or www.asafishing.org. ..... Jim Dieveney of Screven, Ga., caught a flathead catfish on the Altamaha River on July 11 that ties the current state record. Dieveney reeled in an 83-pound, 52.5-inch flathead, according to the Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division. The most recent state record for a flathead also was caught on the Altamaha River (and also by a Screven resident) in 2006. More at www.gofishgeorgia.com. ..... "WFN NEWS," the industry's first news program reporting on the stories and events that shape the fishing industry, airs each Tuesday night on the World Fishing Network. WFN is the only 24/7 television network dedicated to all segments of fishing with programming that covers instruction, tips, tournaments, travel, food, boating, outdoor lifestyle and more. Originally launched in December 2005, today WFN and WFN HD are available in more than 20 million households through North American cable, satellite and telecommunications distributors. In the U.S., distributors include AT&T U-verse, Charter Communications, Comcast, DISH Network and Verizon FiOS. More at www.WFN.TV.             BOATING--Fishing Holdings, LLC, a manufacturer and marketer of fiberglass fishing boats owned by an affiliate of Platinum Equity, announces its acquisition of Triton Boats from Brunswick Corporation. Terms of the transaction are not disclosed. Triton founder Earl Bentz will join Fishing Holdings and resume his role at the helm of Triton Boats. Additionally, several key members of Triton's executive management and sales representative group will remain on board the Triton team and will continue to lead the brand from their Tennessee office. Triton fiberglass boats will be built in Flippin, Ark., where production will begin this fall. Brunswick will continue to manufacture Triton aluminum boats under a license agreement. More at www.tritonboats.com. Fishing Holdings, headquartered in Flippin, Ark., is owned by an affiliate of Platinum Equity. Fishing Holdings is the nation's premier manufacturer of fiberglass fishing boats, including the legendary Ranger, Stratos and Triton brands. Platinum Equity is a global firm specializing in the merger, acquisition and operation of companies that provide services and solutions to customers in a broad range of business markets, including information technology, telecommunications, logistics, metals services, manufacturing and distribution. Since it's founding in 1995 by Tom Gores, Platinum Equity has completed more than 100 acquisitions with more than $27.5 billion in aggregate annual revenue at the time of acquisition. More at www.platinumequity.com.             HUNTING--Christine L. Thomas, UW-Stevens Point College of Natural Resources, and Frederick D. Maulson of the Great Lakes Indian Fish & Wildlife Commission are among 18 people appointed by Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar and Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to the Wildlife and Hunting Heritage Conservation Council, a group created earlier this year to advise the two departments about recreational hunting and shooting sports activities and associated wildlife and habitat conservation. The 18 will serve on the council for two years. The council is an official advisory group under the Federal Advisory Committee Act that will help to promote and preserve America's hunting heritage for future generations. It will also provide a forum for sportsmen and women to advise the federal government on policies related to wildlife and habitat conservation endeavors that (a) benefit recreational hunting; (b) benefit wildlife resources; and (c) encourage partnership among the public, the sporting conservation community, the shooting and hunting sports industry, wildlife conservation organizations, the states, Native American tribes and the federal government. The new council replaces and improves upon the previously existing Sporting Conservation Council by expanding membership to include the hunting and shooting sports industries, as well as including broader representation from the nation's major hunting organizations. The council's charter also more clearly defines its responsibilities in supporting the public, the sporting conservation community, the shooting and hunting sports industry, wildlife conservation organizations and the state and federal governments. The five federal agencies playing a key role in supporting and maintaining America's hunting heritage--the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, Natural Resource Conservation Service and Farm Service Agency--will appoint organizational members to the council to provide additional support, guidance and coordination. ..... More women than men took up hunting last year, according to new net figures from the National Sporting Goods Association. While total hunters in the U.S. decreased slightly (.05 percent) between 2008 and 2009, the number of female hunters increased by 5.4 percent, netting 163,000 new participants. Growth areas for women included muzzleloading (up 134.6 percent), bowhunting (up 30.7 percent) and hunting with firearms (up 3.5 percent). Data also show women outpaced men among net newcomers to target shooting with a rifle, where female participation grew by 4.1 percent. New hunters and shooters are cause for celebration because more participation helps with funding for conservation, according to officials with National Hunting and Fishing Day. Congress established NHF Day, set for Sept. 25, to recognize America's sportsmen and women for their leading role in fish, wildlife and habitat conservation. More at www.nhfday.org. ..... The Fall Hunting Classics at Bass Pro Shops--events that some 6.5 million people are expected to attend this year--will be held between Aug. 6 and 22 at 51 Bass Pro retail locations across the United States and Canada--and they are free. Visit www.basspro.com/classics for individual store locations and listings of seminar pros, topics and times. Hunting and fishing sportsmen directly support 1.6 million jobs, spend more than a billion dollars just on licenses, stamps, tags and permits, and they generate $25 billion a year in federal, state and local taxes. More than 12.5 million hunters and shooting sports enthusiasts pump $24.9 billion into the economy each year (Statistics can be accessed online at www.sportsmenslink.org). In addition, customers will be able to register for a sweepstakes to win a 3-day spring turkey hunt in Kansas (visit www.basspro.com/winahunt for details). Plus, one winner in every store will win a RedHead Hunting Gear Package with a retail value of $560 (U.S.), $733 (Canada). Customers may also enter online at www.basspro.com. ..... Use of crossbows in North Carolina is now considered a legal hunting method that may be used by licensed hunters anytime bow-and-arrow hunting is allowed. This change in hunting regulations has prompted an increase in crossbow sales. What has not changed are the requirements for legally purchasing a crossbow in North Carolina. State law requires anyone buying or otherwise receiving a crossbow in North Carolina first obtain a pistol permit from the sheriff's office in their county of residence or hold a valid concealed handgun permit. Questions about obtaining pistol permits and issuance of concealed handgun permits should be directed to the local sheriff's department. The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission does not regulate the sale or purchase of firearms and crossbows. ..... Ted Nugent won a recent public opinion poll and will have his picture on the October cover of Outdoors Magazine. The magazine's poll was to determine "Favorite Celebrity Hunter." "Nugent was the hands-down winner of the poll," said James Austin, president of Elk Publishing. "Almost 1,000 people voted and over 40 percent of them chose Ted as their favorite hunting celebrity." Not only will the October issue feature the famed hunter/rocker on the cover, it also will include a story written by one of his friends, Jeff Zimba, detailing the development of the Ted Nugent Kamp for Kids, which introduces hundreds of children between ages 9-14 to the outdoors every year. "There are a lot of outdoor personalities who talk the talk, but only a select few walk the walk like Nugent does," said Austin.            SHOOTING--Cheaper Than Dirt! announced it has begun selling firearms online in addition to its broad selection of ammunition and firearms accessories. The move follows two years of rapid growth for the Fort Worth-based company. Robust sales of ammunition and firearms accessories in 2008, 2009 and the first part of 2010 have prompted the company to expand into pistol, rifle and shotgun sales, said CEO Michael Tenny. The company's Web site is www.CheaperThanDirt.com. ...... Retired Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Brian Zins won his 10th title at the National Rifle Association National Pistol Championships held July 13-17 at Camp Perry near Port Clinton, Ohio. Zins, of Poland, Ohio, shot consistently high scores throughout the event, winning the .22-caliber crown and placing in the top three for the center fire and .45-caliber championships. His aggregate score was 2650-134X. No national champion has won more titles. More at www.nrahq.org/compete. ..... The 2010 National 4-H Shooting Sports Invitational June 28-July 3 in Kerrville, Texas, set a record with 516 4-H youth participants representing 31 states. Total event attendance including participants, coaches, parents, familymembers and 4-H faculty and volunteers was estimated at 1,500. State teams and individual 4-H youth competed throughout the week demonstrating their skills in shotgun, air rifle, air pistol, smallbore rifle, smallbore pistol, compound archery, recurve archery, muzzleloading rifle and hunting skills, wildlife ID/mangement and decision-making. The National 4-H Shooting Sports Program operates under the auspices of the National Institute of Food & Agriculture and Extension System in the United States Department of Agriculture. There are active 4-H shooting sports programs in 47 states with more than 200,000 youth participating under the direction of several thousand trained volunteers. Funding is managed through the National 4-H Council, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. More at www.4-hshootingsports.org.            ENVIRONMENT--The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a new Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) general sign-up will run Aug. 2 through Aug. 27. Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever Farm Bill Biologists are prepared to work with landowners through the entire sign-up period, said Dave Nomsen, PF and QF Vice President of Government Affairs. The new general CRP sign-up will be the first since 2006, and landowner demand is expected to be strong, especially considering the USDA has updated soil rental rates since that last general sign-up. The new sign-up arrives in time to address the 4.4 million acres of CRP expiring on Sept. 30. This February at PF's National Pheasant Fest, USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack announced his pledge to keep CRP fully enrolled at the federally-mandated (via the 2008 Farm Bill) maximum level of 32 million acres. With an additional 14.2 million acres of CRP slated to expire between 2011 and 2013, the new general sign-up is the critical first step, said Nomsen. ..... Gov. Ted Strickland, joined by several state agency directors, announced both short- and long-term action plans to help restore Grand Lake St. Marys, Ohio's largest inland lake. Grand Lake St. Marys contains an excessive amount of reactive phosphorus which is continually recycled. Cyanobacteria (also known as blue-green algae) absorb the phosphorus as they grow, which contributes to the growth (or blooms) of cyanobacteria. Phosphorus is continually added to the lake from external sources in the watershed. Addressing both these issues is critical to efforts to restore the lake. Grand Lake St. Marys straddles the Auglaize-Mercer County line and covers nearly 13,500 acres. Constructed in the mid-1800s to store water for the Miami-Erie Canal, the lake was established as one of the first state parks in 1949. Over the years, Great Lake St. Marys has been a popular recreational lake for boating, fishing and swimming. It is also the drinking water supply for the city of Celina, which has a population of approximately 10,000. The Ohio DNR maintains a campground, three public beaches and several picnic areas at a state park along the lake. For additional information on the action plan, go to www.epa.ohio.gov/portals/47/citizen/GLSMactionplan.pdf ..... Alligator gar restoration efforts by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources began last year in the western part of the state. Fisheries biologist Paul Rister said it's not clear how the fish will react to their new home. "Because they have been absent from our rivers for so long, we're unsure if we have the habitat that alligator gar prefer," he explained. "Only time will tell if they become established in western Kentucky." Western Kentucky has longnose, shortnose and spotted gar, all three of which are common species. While local residents may call all of these alligator gar, the truth is no one has seen an alligator gar in Kentucky waters since the late 1970s. Alligator gar were once native to the backwaters, sloughs and bayous of the Mississippi, lower Ohio, Tennessee and Cumberland rivers. However, this species disappeared from the state for a variety of reasons, including habitat loss for spawning fish and juvenile gar. Similar restoration efforts are also underway by state and federal agencies in Missouri, Illinois, Tennessee and other Southeastern states. In 2009, Kentucky Fish and Wildlife reintroduced approximately 4,700 juvenile alligator gar back into select rivers and creeks along the Mississippi and lower Ohio rivers. More of these fish are being stocked this year. With the goal of this project as a restoration effort, fish will only be stocked where they once occurred naturally. Because alligator gar grow slowly, it will take many years before these fish begin reaching large sizes. Female alligator gar do not become mature until age 11, while males reach maturity at age 6. This restoration effort provides fisheries biologists a unique opportunity to learn about the alligator gar's biology, movements and habitat preferences in Kentucky. Surgically implanted transmitters in some of the fish will allow researchers to track them. Kentucky Fish and Wildlife's ultimate goal is to develop a self-sustaining, natural population of alligator gar in western Kentucky that can provide the opportunity for a recreational sport fishery. ..... On July 6, a team of biologists from the Maryland DNR Monitoring and Non-Tidal Assessment Division spotted several suspected zebra mussel adults for the first time in the lower Susquehanna River below the Conowingo Dam. These findings indicate a population of this non-native, invasive mussel is established in this part of the Susquehanna. The first-ever sightings of zebra mussels in Maryland occurred in the lower Susquehanna River upstream of the Conowingo in November 2008. Zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) have caused more than $5 billion in damages and economic losses in North America since they were introduced into the Great Lakes during the 1980s. Based on studies conducted in the Hudson River Estuary, New York, the potential impacts of zebra mussels on the freshwater to slightly brackish portions of Maryland's aquatic ecosystem could be substantial, with effects on all aspects of the food web from plankton to fish by outcompeting native species, filtering all available plankton and rapidly colonizing large areas. "The good news is, at least for now, the density of zebra mussels appears to be low," said DNR biologist Jay Kilian. ..... Researchers with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Fish and Wildlife Research Institute collected two juvenile red lionfish (Pterois volitans) from the Gulf. With the exception of a probable aquarium release from the Tampa Bay area, the discovery of these lionfish marks the first time this non-native species has been documented in Gulf waters north of the Tortugas and the Yucatan Peninsula. FWC scientists believe the two juvenile lionfish, measuring approximately 2.5 inches in length, are either evidence of a spawning population on the Gulf's West Florida Shelf or they were transported to the area by ocean currents from other potential spawning areas, such as the waters off the Yucatan Peninsula. Either of these scenarios could indicate an expansion of the range of this species in the eastern Gulf. Lionfish are venomous fish that have been sighted in Atlantic coastal waters of the United States since the mid-1990s and have been reported more recently in the waters of the Florida Keys and Dry Tortugas. More info at http://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.aspx?SpeciesID=963.            LAW ENFORCEMENT--An 18-year-old Mattawa, Wash., man has been charged with attempted first-degree murder after shooting at a Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) police captain July 17. The man is being held in Grant County Jail on $1 million bail, along with his 60-year-old father, who drew a knife on another WDFW police officer. The father has been charged with second-degree assault, and is being held on $100,000 bail. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement has also placed holds on both men. The two were arrested  following a vehicle pursuit by WDFW and the State Patrol on State Route 28 near Ephrata. The incident began about 8:30 p.m. July 17 when WDFW Officer Chad McGary was checking anglers at Crab Creek, a popular fishing area.  McGary contacted the 18-year-old, who had been fishing but did not possess a fishing license. As McGary was escorting the suspect back to his vehicle, to confirm whether he had purchased a license, the man drew a gun and pointed it at the officer. The man's father also approached the officer, brandishing a knife. The young man then escaped to a car and was pursued by WDFW Capt. Chris Anderson. During the pursuit, the suspect turned his vehicle around and drove toward Anderson's marked police vehicle, firing shots and penetrating the driver's side door with one round. Anderson returned fire after the suspect attempted to shoot at him a second time. After a pursuit of several miles, the suspect was apprehended after his car stalled.            OTHER--Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials said the female grizzly responsible for injuring two people and killing a Grand Rapids, Mich., man at a campground near Cooke City July 28 was euthanized, but the bear's three yearling cubs will be sent to a zoo as soon as possible. Bear hair, saliva and tissue samples collected by investigators and tested by a DNA identification lab in Laramie, Wyo., confirmed the captured adult bear was responsible for the attack. Investigators also found a bear-tooth fragment in a tent at the site. The 300- to 400-pound grizzly had a chipped canine tooth that matched the fragment. Tent or sleeping bag fibers also were found in the captured bears' scat. Tents were ripped or damaged during the attacks, yet no food was found in the victims' tents. "Everyone appeared to have followed all food storage regulations," FWP spokesman Ron Aasheim said. "This is a tragedy caused by a bear for absolutely unknown reasons. Our hearts and prayers go out to all the families, and especially to the Kammer family in Grand Rapids," Aasheim said. FWP officials coordinated an investigation of the attacks at Soda Butte Campground in the Gallatin National Forest on the northeastern border of Yellowstone National Park. FWP Supervisor Pat Flowers in Bozeman said based on the circumstances of the three separate attacks on sleeping campers, and following discussions with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the adult bear was euthanized. Under Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee Guidelines, an agreement among eight state and federal agencies, it is advised grizzly bears that display unprovoked aggressive behavior toward humans, or that cause substantial human injury, including loss of human life, be removed from the population. "We want to find out if the unusual predatory behavior of this bear on humans is related to any physical condition or ailment," said Chris Servheen, the grizzly bear recovery coordinator for the FWS. "We will perform an autopsy on this bear because this is the only way to determine this." Investigators found Kevin R. Kammer, 48, of Grand Rapids, Mich., dead at the campground July 28. Two other people--Deb Freele, 58, of London, Ontario, and Ronald Singer, 21, of Alamosa, Colo.--were bitten and later treated at a hospital in Cody, Wyo. FWP officials, in cooperation with the Gallatin National Forest, the National Park Service, the Park County Sherriff's Office and the Wyoming Game and Fish Department worked for two days at the site collecting forensic evidence of the attacks and setting bear traps in and near the campground. The last of the three yearling cubs was captured July 30. ..... Driving for Earnhardt Ganassi Racing, Jamie McMurray, in the No. 1 Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet, raced to victory in NASCAR's biggest race of the summer, the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. McMurray, the winner of this year's Daytona 500, joined Jimmie Johnson (2006) and Dale Jarrett (1996) as the only drivers to win both the Daytona 500 and the Brickyard in the same season. The victory also gave team owner Chip Ganassi a rare trifecta: He's the only car owner to win the Daytona 500, the Brickyard and the Indianapolis 500 in the same season. "This is a proud day for all of us at Bass Pro Shops, Tracker Marine, our Tracker dealers across America and our associates," said Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris. "We are very proud of Jamie and the importance of this win at this historic track." Bass Pro Shops has 56 retail stores in 26 states and Canada visited by more than 100 million people annually, plus other properties/holdings. More at www.basspro.com. ..... Cabela's will be the presenting sponsor of Pheasants Forever's signature event, National Pheasant Fest 2011, coming to the Qwest Center in Omaha, Neb., Jan. 28-30, 2011. This will be PF's seventh such event, and the second in Nebraska. The event combines a national consumer show, habitat seminar series and family event complete with puppies, tractors, shotguns and art. The annual gathering has grown into the nation's largest event for upland hunters, farmers, sport dog owners and wildlife habitat conservationists. The 24,205 attendees at National Pheasant Fest 2005 had a $2.5 million impact on the city of Omaha. Cabela's is headquartered in Sydney, Neb., and has called the state home since 1961. More at www.pheasantfest.org. --30--