Family-Outdoors News Roundup- 12/27/2012
Iowa News-A blizzard was not the way Iowa's pheasant and quail wanted to start winter. About half of Iowa received 6 to 12 inches of wet heavy snow that collapsed most "grassy" cover. The cover that did not collapse was drifted full of snow from the high winds. "This was a bad storm for upland game birds," said Todd Bogenschutz, state upland game biologist for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. "It's very likely we saw some bird mortality with this blizzard." Winter snowfall from December 1 thru March 31 is a good predictor of whether upland bird populations will increase or decrease the following year, and to have upwards of one foot of snow only 20 days into December does not bode well for pheasants, said Bogenschutz. "Iowa had only 17 inches of snow last winter. Parts of Iowa are close to that total already with this first storm," he said. Iowa's pheasant and quail populations were decimated by five consecutive winters of 30-50 inches of snow from 2007 thru 2011. The winter of 2011-12 with only 17 inches of snow led to the first increase in pheasant numbers in years. "Upland bird hunters were hopeful this winter would also be dry and mild to speed a population recovery. Let's hope there are no more storms like this for the rest of the winter," Bogenschutz said.
SIDEBAR: Once Farm Bill Passes, Additional Winter Habitat Available The Iowa Department of Natural Resources and Pheasants Forever chapters will meet jointly next month to discuss methods to improve winter habitat for pheasant and quail. Iowa has 50,000 acres under a new Conservation Reserve Program called Iowa Pheasant Recovery SAFE. Landowners have the opportunity to enroll in this program first come first serve until the acres are gone. Unfortunately county FSA offices cannot enroll Iowa landowners until Congress gives USDA authority to begin enrollment under a new farm bill.
Begin the New Year rejuvenating and connecting with the outdoors by taking a healthy hike on Jan. 1, at a state park close to home. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is hosting free, guided hikes in four state parks and recreation areas on New Year's Day as part of America's State Parks First Day Hikes initiative in all 50 states. Hikes will be offered at Big Creek State Park (Polk County) at 10 a.m.; Walnut Woods State Park (Polk County) at 9 a.m.; Mines of Spain State Recreation Area (Dubuque County) at 1 p.m. and Brushy Creek State Recreation Area (Webster County) at 1 p.m. Visit www.iowadnr.gov/StateParkEvents for detailed information regarding the hikes.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources will continue its popular winter trout stocking on Jan. 5, with a release planned for North Prairie Lake, in Cedar Falls. The DNR has eight winter stockings planned where about 1,500 rainbow trout are released at each location as part of its cool weather trout program that brings trout to areas that cannot support them during the summer months. Anglers will need a valid fishing license and to have paid the trout fee to fish for or possess trout. The daily limit is five trout per licensed angler with a possession limit of 10. Children age 15 or younger can fish for trout with a properly licensed adult, but they must limit their catch to one daily limit. The child can purchase a trout fee which will allow them to catch their own limit.
North Dakota News-Fish House Regulations Winter anglers are reminded that any fish house left unoccupied on North Dakota waters must be made out of materials that will allow it to float. A popular question this time of the year is if campers qualify as legal fish houses. The answer is the same for any structure taken on the ice – if it's left unattended, it must be able to float; if it's not able to float, it must be removed when the angler leaves the ice. Other fish house regulations include: Fish houses do not require a license. Occupied structures do not require identification. However, any unoccupied fish house must have the owner's name, and either address or telephone number, displayed on its outside in readily distinguishable characters at least three inches high. Fish houses may not be placed closer than 50 feet in any direction to another house without consent of the occupant of the other fish house. Fish houses shall be removed from all waters by midnight, March 15, of each year. They can be used after March 15 if they are removed daily.
Michigan News-Kick off your 2013 fitness goals on 'Shoe Year's Day' in Michigan's great outdoors. All "Shoe Year's Day" events are free, and snowshoes will be available on loan at most locations. A Recreation Passport is required for vehicles entering all Michigan state parks and recreation areas. For a list of "Shoe Year's Day" activities, visit: www.michigan.gov/stateparks.
Guided snowshoe hikes offered Saturdays in January at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, located on the south shore of Lake Superior near Silver City in Ontonagon County, is offering guided snowshoe hikes on Saturdays in January.
Through a new partnership between the park and Gogebic Community College, participants will be able to take a ski lift up and then snowshoe down the east side of the ski area on January 5, 12, 19 and 26. The group will stop at East Vista to take in the view, then trek through untouched snow on the way down. Participants are encouraged to bring a camera on this picturesque hike.
The hikes are 1.5 - 2 hours in length and of moderate difficulty, although participants of all skill levels are welcome. Participants should meet at 1 p.m. at the log cabin between the open slope and the chalet near the ski hill. A map is available online with directions.
Snowshoes are available for use at the park for participants who do not have their own; anyone who needs to borrow snowshoes should plan to arrive early.
If the weather is not favorable for snowshoeing, the event may be canceled. Please call the park at 906-885-5206 to inquire about possible cancellations.
For more information on winter recreation opportunities at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, call 906-885-5275 or visit www.mi.gov/porkies.
Becoming an Outdoors-Woman winter program set for Upper Peninsula February 22-24
Women seeking the opportunity to improve their outdoor skills are invited to register for the 12th annual Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) winter program in the Upper Peninsula. The program will be held in Big Bay the weekend of February 22-24.
Nebraska News-Winterfest at Ponca State Park
Rekindle wintertime traditions with family and friends at Ponca State Park in Northeast Nebraska. Join us on December 29 for Winterfest - a celebration of winter and a chance to enjoy some new cold weather experiences:
A yule log quest - followed by a yule log bonfire Lighted hayrack rides Craft activities such as wreath-making and pine cone birdfeeders Refreshments like wassail, hot chocolate and cookies A fruitcake fling and kid's kindling hunt A soup supper featuring chili, oyster stew and chicken noodle soup A wine and cheese tasting (and mini lodge open house) Much, much more!
Wisconsin News-Snow has fallen across most of Wisconsin and temperatures have dropped. The second snow storm of the season has blanketed the half of the state that did not benefit from the snowfall earlier this month.
So after you are done digging out, put the shovel down and wax the skis, gas up the snowmobile and inspect snowshoe varnish and webbing before heading out to celebrate winter.
Some 16-18 inches of snow has piled up from Madison to Milwaukee and Green Bay, whipped into 3-4 foot drifts by high winds, and there maybe more. A couple inches of snow fell in the western and northwestern parts of the state, including Hudson and Ashland with more falling to the east and, including about six inches parts of Eau Claire County and LaCrosse.
Snowmobilers are reminded by state recreational safety specialists not to trespass on snowmobile trails before they are open. Opening of trails is done by county snowmobile trail coordinators based on recommendations from local snowmobile clubs that maintain the trails. Using the trails before they are open can make conditions more difficult for the volunteers, and can also jeopardize the easements that allow trails to cross private lands.
The return of colder weather during the past week began to form some good northern ice, but extreme caution is advised on all state waters. And beware of snow covering dangerous, thin ice.
Where ice has formed, or is starting to form, DNR officials encourages anglers to check in with local bait shops on conditions before going onto the early ice. And when you go out make sure you have a PFD, ice creepers on your boots, extra gloves, and a spud bar to check the ice while walking.
It is best not to go alone, but if you do, tell someone where you are going, when you will be back and carry a cell phone.
While many wait for the ice, there are still open water anglers having spotty success.
Browns and perch have been hitting in Lake Michigan at Lakeshore State Park on spawn sacks and minnows with some success with spoons and plastic. Sauger and walleyes were being caught on the Mississippi River in Pierce County and fishing was steady in Racine County this week with some browns and pike being caught in the marina area.
Gun deer hunters have one final opportunity this year to harvest a deer in the chronic wasting disease management zone of south central Wisconsin. The season, called the Holiday Hunt, runs Dec. 24 through the end of the ongoing late archery hunt, Jan. 6, 2013.
Hunters can fill unused antlerless tags, unused Gun or Archery Buck Carcass Tags or CWD Deer Carcass Tags. Bonus buck rules apply. Deer can be harvested with the use of any legal firearm, bow or crossbow. Archery hunters must meet legal blaze orange requirements during this open firearm season. This includes the wearing of at least 50 percent blaze orange outer clothing above the waste. The goal of the holiday hunt is to provide additional hunting opportunity as well as herd control.
SIDEBAR: Once Farm Bill Passes, Additional Winter Habitat Available The Iowa Department of Natural Resources and Pheasants Forever chapters will meet jointly next month to discuss methods to improve winter habitat for pheasant and quail. Iowa has 50,000 acres under a new Conservation Reserve Program called Iowa Pheasant Recovery SAFE. Landowners have the opportunity to enroll in this program first come first serve until the acres are gone. Unfortunately county FSA offices cannot enroll Iowa landowners until Congress gives USDA authority to begin enrollment under a new farm bill.
Begin the New Year rejuvenating and connecting with the outdoors by taking a healthy hike on Jan. 1, at a state park close to home. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is hosting free, guided hikes in four state parks and recreation areas on New Year's Day as part of America's State Parks First Day Hikes initiative in all 50 states. Hikes will be offered at Big Creek State Park (Polk County) at 10 a.m.; Walnut Woods State Park (Polk County) at 9 a.m.; Mines of Spain State Recreation Area (Dubuque County) at 1 p.m. and Brushy Creek State Recreation Area (Webster County) at 1 p.m. Visit www.iowadnr.gov/StateParkEvents for detailed information regarding the hikes.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources will continue its popular winter trout stocking on Jan. 5, with a release planned for North Prairie Lake, in Cedar Falls. The DNR has eight winter stockings planned where about 1,500 rainbow trout are released at each location as part of its cool weather trout program that brings trout to areas that cannot support them during the summer months. Anglers will need a valid fishing license and to have paid the trout fee to fish for or possess trout. The daily limit is five trout per licensed angler with a possession limit of 10. Children age 15 or younger can fish for trout with a properly licensed adult, but they must limit their catch to one daily limit. The child can purchase a trout fee which will allow them to catch their own limit.
North Dakota News-Fish House Regulations Winter anglers are reminded that any fish house left unoccupied on North Dakota waters must be made out of materials that will allow it to float. A popular question this time of the year is if campers qualify as legal fish houses. The answer is the same for any structure taken on the ice – if it's left unattended, it must be able to float; if it's not able to float, it must be removed when the angler leaves the ice. Other fish house regulations include: Fish houses do not require a license. Occupied structures do not require identification. However, any unoccupied fish house must have the owner's name, and either address or telephone number, displayed on its outside in readily distinguishable characters at least three inches high. Fish houses may not be placed closer than 50 feet in any direction to another house without consent of the occupant of the other fish house. Fish houses shall be removed from all waters by midnight, March 15, of each year. They can be used after March 15 if they are removed daily.
Michigan News-Kick off your 2013 fitness goals on 'Shoe Year's Day' in Michigan's great outdoors. All "Shoe Year's Day" events are free, and snowshoes will be available on loan at most locations. A Recreation Passport is required for vehicles entering all Michigan state parks and recreation areas. For a list of "Shoe Year's Day" activities, visit: www.michigan.gov/stateparks.
Guided snowshoe hikes offered Saturdays in January at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, located on the south shore of Lake Superior near Silver City in Ontonagon County, is offering guided snowshoe hikes on Saturdays in January.
Through a new partnership between the park and Gogebic Community College, participants will be able to take a ski lift up and then snowshoe down the east side of the ski area on January 5, 12, 19 and 26. The group will stop at East Vista to take in the view, then trek through untouched snow on the way down. Participants are encouraged to bring a camera on this picturesque hike.
The hikes are 1.5 - 2 hours in length and of moderate difficulty, although participants of all skill levels are welcome. Participants should meet at 1 p.m. at the log cabin between the open slope and the chalet near the ski hill. A map is available online with directions.
Snowshoes are available for use at the park for participants who do not have their own; anyone who needs to borrow snowshoes should plan to arrive early.
If the weather is not favorable for snowshoeing, the event may be canceled. Please call the park at 906-885-5206 to inquire about possible cancellations.
For more information on winter recreation opportunities at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, call 906-885-5275 or visit www.mi.gov/porkies.
Becoming an Outdoors-Woman winter program set for Upper Peninsula February 22-24
Women seeking the opportunity to improve their outdoor skills are invited to register for the 12th annual Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) winter program in the Upper Peninsula. The program will be held in Big Bay the weekend of February 22-24.
Nebraska News-Winterfest at Ponca State Park
Rekindle wintertime traditions with family and friends at Ponca State Park in Northeast Nebraska. Join us on December 29 for Winterfest - a celebration of winter and a chance to enjoy some new cold weather experiences:
A yule log quest - followed by a yule log bonfire Lighted hayrack rides Craft activities such as wreath-making and pine cone birdfeeders Refreshments like wassail, hot chocolate and cookies A fruitcake fling and kid's kindling hunt A soup supper featuring chili, oyster stew and chicken noodle soup A wine and cheese tasting (and mini lodge open house) Much, much more!
Wisconsin News-Snow has fallen across most of Wisconsin and temperatures have dropped. The second snow storm of the season has blanketed the half of the state that did not benefit from the snowfall earlier this month.
So after you are done digging out, put the shovel down and wax the skis, gas up the snowmobile and inspect snowshoe varnish and webbing before heading out to celebrate winter.
Some 16-18 inches of snow has piled up from Madison to Milwaukee and Green Bay, whipped into 3-4 foot drifts by high winds, and there maybe more. A couple inches of snow fell in the western and northwestern parts of the state, including Hudson and Ashland with more falling to the east and, including about six inches parts of Eau Claire County and LaCrosse.
Snowmobilers are reminded by state recreational safety specialists not to trespass on snowmobile trails before they are open. Opening of trails is done by county snowmobile trail coordinators based on recommendations from local snowmobile clubs that maintain the trails. Using the trails before they are open can make conditions more difficult for the volunteers, and can also jeopardize the easements that allow trails to cross private lands.
The return of colder weather during the past week began to form some good northern ice, but extreme caution is advised on all state waters. And beware of snow covering dangerous, thin ice.
Where ice has formed, or is starting to form, DNR officials encourages anglers to check in with local bait shops on conditions before going onto the early ice. And when you go out make sure you have a PFD, ice creepers on your boots, extra gloves, and a spud bar to check the ice while walking.
It is best not to go alone, but if you do, tell someone where you are going, when you will be back and carry a cell phone.
While many wait for the ice, there are still open water anglers having spotty success.
Browns and perch have been hitting in Lake Michigan at Lakeshore State Park on spawn sacks and minnows with some success with spoons and plastic. Sauger and walleyes were being caught on the Mississippi River in Pierce County and fishing was steady in Racine County this week with some browns and pike being caught in the marina area.
Gun deer hunters have one final opportunity this year to harvest a deer in the chronic wasting disease management zone of south central Wisconsin. The season, called the Holiday Hunt, runs Dec. 24 through the end of the ongoing late archery hunt, Jan. 6, 2013.
Hunters can fill unused antlerless tags, unused Gun or Archery Buck Carcass Tags or CWD Deer Carcass Tags. Bonus buck rules apply. Deer can be harvested with the use of any legal firearm, bow or crossbow. Archery hunters must meet legal blaze orange requirements during this open firearm season. This includes the wearing of at least 50 percent blaze orange outer clothing above the waste. The goal of the holiday hunt is to provide additional hunting opportunity as well as herd control.
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