Archive for the 'Outdoor Events' Category

400 State Trail Officially Reopened After Floods

gengberg November 19th, 2008

Welcome to the 400 State Trail and thank you for your interest in the Park System operations!
400 State Trail:
• Became a state trail in 1993.
• It is 22 miles long (412 acres), located between Elroy and Reedsburg.
• This rail bed trail features wetlands and rock outcroppings along the Baraboo River. It is part of the “Bike 4 Trails” System which covers over 100 miles (bike4trails.com). The Elroy-Sparta, Hillsboro, and Omaha Trails all meet in Elroy.
• Major facilities include:
A renovated depot in Reedsburg serves as the trail headquarters. Bike
rental is available.
A separate 7 mile horse trail between Wonewoc and La Valle runs parallel
to the surfaced trail.
Wayside interpretive stops depict life along the Baraboo River.
Parking and restrooms in Elroy, Union Center, Wonewoc, and La Valle.
Number of Visitors
• Annual Visitation in 2007 was 44,775.
Economic Impact ($32.08 spending/visit day from Gateway Communities Report)
• Key local businesses supported by visitors to Elroy, Union Center, Wonewoc, La Valle, and Reedsburg include motels, B & B’s, campgrounds, gas stations, bike rentals, restaurants, gift shops and grocery stores.
• Community Events with strong links to the trail:
Hill Country Trail & River Challenge (a Triathlon) is held in September.
Property resources
• Operating budget: Supplies, utilities, services, and vehicles: $18,236
LTE staff: $9,880
• Friends Group has 12 members. / Volunteer Support: 200 hrs.

We appreciate your interest and support for the 400 State Trail.
Please contact Ron or Lenore at 608-337-4775 for additional information.

Salmon Sunday

gengberg November 19th, 2008

The annual “Salmon Sunday” event was held yesterday at Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire. It’s fascinating - the wildlife biologists explain their role and show how fish produce eggs and fertilize them. It’s something everyone should see (especially kids). So, I put together a short documentary and I thought you would be interested to see it.

Here’s a link to the “Salmon Sunday” video on YouTube (~6 minutes):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-RYSgPnqlY

Hint: click the “watch in high quality” link below the bottom right of the player for a better experience.

Please leave a comment or vote on the video to let me know how you like it. Also, please share this with your friends - the wildlife biologists in every state do great work and it would be good if more people knew about it!

Tight lines,
Joe Pych
Founder
Hooked-in Fishing Reports
http://www.hooked-in.com/

Restoring a Lake Decimated by Flooding

gengberg November 19th, 2008

Restoring a lake decimated by flooding
By Diana Newton
Rotary International News — 23 October 2008
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Hobbins (left) and Small at the launch of the Lake Delton Fisheries Restoration Project. Photo courtesy of J.B. Hobbins

Rotarian J.B. “Ben” Hobbins imagines the day when a fisherman trolling Lake Delton, in southern Wisconsin, USA, will turn to a buddy and say, “Let’s try Rotary Reef.”

The right to name a reef is one part of the fundraising efforts underway as Hobbins and Dan Small, host of Outdoor Wisconsin and a writer and radio show host, seek support for an ambitious project to restore fisheries to Lake Delton.

On 9 June, massive downpours caused the lake to burst open, its water draining into the Wisconsin River. Several homes, as well as the fish population, were wiped out.

Noting that Lake Delton is critical to Wisconsin’s multibillion-dollar tourism industry, Hobbins says, “I knew I had to do something.” Hobbins, who is a member of the Rotary Club of Madison, launched the Lake Delton Fisheries Restoration Project in late August.

“His work on the Lake Delton restoration project is an outstanding example of what one Rotarian’s service can mean for the larger community,” says Bob Dinndorf, president of the Madison club. “J.B. recognized how he could fill a gap in the project that could not be done by the Department of Natural Resources or other agencies.”

The Wisconsin DNR has said it can restock northern pike and walleye, but that it needs help to restock other species. Hobbins and Small established www.restorelakedeltonfisheries.com to rally support and raise funds.

As CEO of Lake Resources Group/IronClad Lures, a fishing tackle and outdoor products manufacturer, Hobbins has connections with outdoor enthusiasts and is optimistic that the broader Rotary community also will appreciate the project’s value.
Stewardship

“This project is an opportunity for Rotary to show leadership,” Hobbins says. “We can hold Rotary up to the world as a steward.”

Hobbins and Small hope to raise $300,000. Virginia-based FishAmerica Foundation, the conservation and research foundation of the American Sporfishing Association, has already pledged up to $10,000 a year for three years.

“If all of our [Rotary clubs] did just one small fundraiser–a fish fry, for example–that could really add up,” Hobbins says. “Everyone can be a part of the success.”

Hobbins learned about service from his grandfather, Delbert Forsberg, the 1963-64 president of the Madison club and a Paul Harris Fellow. Forsberg often brought home foreign cash and coins for Hobbins from travels he made as a Rotarian.

“I still have those coins in a cigar box,” Hobbins says. “His travels and that pocket change sparked my own interest in living abroad and in the wonder of this planet’s cultures and religions.”

Hobbins lived for 18 years in Europe, where he was active with the American Chamber of Commerce in France. He only recently moved back to the United States, immediately joining Rotary.

“Rotary goes hand in hand with everything else I do,” Hobbins says. “It’s internal to me to help, and our Rotary network is so strong.”

Northwoods Report by Naomi Shapiro 11-17-08

gengberg November 19th, 2008

As of November 17, 2008:

Fishing, Outdoor, and Event Reports for
Eagle River, Wisconsin,
Wausau/Central Wisconsin area;
Lake of the Woods and Rainy River out of Sportsman’s Lodge (Baudette,
Minnesota).
—–
EDITOR’S NOTE: No reports will be issued on Monday, Nov. 24, 2008. Reports
will resume on their normal schedule, on Monday, Dec. 1, 2008.
—–

THIS WEEK’S HEADLINES:

– Good action for musky, walleye, northern and crappies in the Eagle River,
Wisconsin area.

– Walleye continue to hit hard and often on the south end of Lake of the
Woods, out of Sportsman’s Lodge, Baudette Minnesota.

– Big muskies and northerns hitting hard, with good walleye action, and the
deer rut in full swing, in the Wausau/Central Wisconsin area.

—–

WEEKLY OUTDOOR AND FISHING REPORTS, and current calendars:

***Eagle River, Wis. (VILAS COUNTY) — as of November 17, 2008:

(Head): Good action for musky, walleye, northern and crappies in the Eagle
River, Wisconsin area.

With the water temps in the low 40s in the Eagle River area, musky are
starting to bite aggressively and the action is consistently ramping up.
Fish over the dying/”garbage” weeds at the deep edge, OR fish over
hardbottom outside of the weed beds. The musky are slowly migrating to the
steepest edges on the deepest parts of lakes in the Eagle River area. Use
12-14 inch suckers on quick strike rigs, or cast rubber baits such as
Bulldawgs or Suzy Suckers. Deep diving crankbaits such as Depth Raiders and
Ernie’s are also working well.

Walleye action in the Eagle River area is good. Fish 15 to 30 feet of
water, over hardbottom areas. Use a jig and a minnow.

Northern are still hanging in and around the weeds in 15 feet of water or
less in the Eagle River area. Good action using medium suckers or chubs
under a slip bobber, or casting a Husky Jerk or smaller musky bait

Crappies are suspending two to six feet off the bottom in 20 to 30 feet of
water in the Eagle River area. Use a crappie minnow under a slip bobber.
Good action. Some perch are being caught while fishing for walleye in the
Eagle River area. Sizes are a mixed bag.

(Report for the Eagle River Chamber of Commerce based on Creative
Brilliance interview with licensed guides, Mat Hegy and “Ranger Rick”
Krueger of Guides Choice Pro Shop).

Contact info for Eagle River:
* Eagle River Chamber of Commerce; 800-359-6315; 715-479-6400; e-mail:
info@eagleriver.org; web: www.eagleriver.org
* Guide’s Choice Pro Shop, 715-477-2248
* George Langley, Eagle River Fishing Guides Association, 715-479-8804.
e-mail: fishing@eaglesportscenter.com Continue Reading »

Outdoor Horizons Radio Interview with DNR Fisheries Specialist, Scott Harpold at the Recent Leech Lake Muskie Stocking plus more…

gengberg November 16th, 2008

Guides and outdoormen Wally Banfi, Tony Puccio, and Gary Engberg talk local fishing opportunities in southern Wisconsin on the Wisconsin River, Lake Wisconsin, and the Madison Chain of Lakes for walleyes, sauger, northern pike, and muskies.

Hunting for deer, pheasants, and other game is discussed with the approaching deer season. The interview is with DNR Fish Technician, Scott Harpold during last week’s stocking of Leech Lake strain muskies on the Lake Monona where Gary caught up with him. Plus more outdoor tips and info. Tune into Outdoor Horizons Saturdays at 8:00 AM on WTDY 1670 AM in Madison, Wisconsin. Or go to wtdy.com where the shows are archived or this website

icon for podpress  Outdoor Horizons Radio with Scott harpold 11-15-08: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Wisconsin Smallmouth Alliance Responds

gengberg November 16th, 2008

—– Forwarded Message —-
From: Steve Winters
To: Friends of the Lower Wisconsin Riverway
Sent: Saturday, November 15, 2008 8:07:30 PM
Subject: Re: OUR river needs YOUR help again!!!I am Steve Winters, Vice President of the Wisconsin Smallmouth Alliance. It is amazing to me that anyone would be allowed to pump contaminated water into any river in our state, let alone the flagship of them all, the Wisconsin River. Even the papermills upstream stopped polluting the river by the early ’80’s, and are, for the most part only pumping water back into the river that is as clean or cleaner than they pumped out. There should be no exceptions made for anyone to do otherwise, as the Wisconsin River is one of our most utilized and publicly visible natural resources. Sincerely, Steven Winters

FLW Announces 2009 Walleye Tour Schedule

gengberg November 15th, 2008

WALMART FLW WALLEYE TOUR SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED FOR 2009MINNEAPOLIS, Nov. 13, 2008 - FLW Outdoors announced its 2009 Walmart FLW Walleye Tour presented by Berkley schedule with a restructured payback that offers larger awards deeper into the field. The tour will still feature top pro awards of $100,000 in each qualifier and a top pro award of $150,000 in the lucrative FLW Walleye Tour Championship while 50th place awards in each qualifier jump to $3,000 in the pro division.

Anglers competing will fish a diverse schedule that opens April 15-18 in Port Clinton, Ohio, on Lake Erie. The second tournament will be on the Mississippi River from May 6-9 in Red Wing, Minn. Leech Lake in Walker, Minn., will host the third qualifying tournament June 10-13 with the final event July 15-18 in Oshkosh, Wis., on Lake Winnebago. The FLW Walleye Tour Championship will return to the Missouri River in Bismarck, N.D., Sept. 30-Oct. 3. Continue Reading »

PETA Calls for Under 18 Hunting Ban

gengberg November 14th, 2008

U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance801 Kingsmill Parkway, Columbus, OH 43229

Ph. 614/888-4868 • Fax 614/888-0326

Website: www.ussportsmen.org • E-mail: info@ussportsmen.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Greg R. Lawson (614) 888-4868 ext. 214

November 13, 2008 Sharon Hayden (614) 888-4868 ext. 226

PETA Calls for “Under-18″ Hunting Ban

Letter to Arizona Governor Exploits Tragedy

(Columbus, Ohio) - The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance (USSA) decries the most recent effort of the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) to ban hunting in Arizona.

On November 11, PETA sent a letter to the Governor of Arizona, Janet Napolitano, urging support of legislation that would ban hunting by anyone younger than 18.

PETA is attempting to exploit recent November 5 news coverage of a tragedy in which an eight year-old boy allegedly shot and killed his father, Vincent Romero, and Timothy Romans with a .22-caliber rifle. The organization claims that the violent act was fomented by a recent family prairie dog hunting trip.

PETA told Gov. Napolitano that hunting teaches “children to see others as nothing more than living targets.”

“PETA always uses the most distasteful tactics to make headlines. In this case it is exploiting a tragic situation to advance its anti-hunting agenda,” said USSA Executive Vice President Rick Story.

“There is no reason to believe that banning hunting for youth would have prevented this act”, Story said. “A ban on hunting for those under 18 will prohibit thousands of law abiding, responsible sportsmen and their children from engaging in a time honored tradition”, he said.

The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance is a national association of sportsmen and sportsmen’s organizations that protects the rights of hunters, anglers and trappers in the courts, legislatures, at the ballot, in Congress and through public education programs. For more information about the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance and its work, call (614) 888-4868 or visit its website, www.ussportsmen.org.

Stormy Kromer’s Bear Hunting Camp at Lambeau Field

gengberg November 14th, 2008

Stormy Kromer’s Bear Hunting Camp at Lambeau Field
Sunday, November 16, 2008

Win a Lambeau Field Stormy Kromer

Stop by Stormy Kromer’s Bear Hunting Camp this Sunday at Lambeau Field’s Tundra Tailgate Zone! You don’t need game tickets to get in the TTZ.
Bear Hunting Camp at the Tundra Tailgate ZoneWhere & When
Sunday, November 16
8:00 am– 1:00 pm
Tundra Tailgate Zone at Lambeau Field

Are you a good shot?

Come by Stormy Kromer’s Bear Hunting Camp at Lambeau’s Tundra Tailgate Zone and try your hand at Bear hunting! (Fear not– no actual bears will be harmed at our camp. We’ll leave that to the Packers.) If you’re a good enough shot, you could win a Lambeau Field Stormy Kromer Cap or a Stormy Kromer tee shirt.

Stormy Kromer Mercantile
1238 Wall Street
Ironwood, Michigan 49938
www.stormykromer.com

Can’t Make it to Lambeau Field? We’ve just added more items to our sales & specials section.

If you don’t have a Lambeau Field Stormy Kromer yet, you can get one on the Packers Pro Shop website.

Pass It On Program of Pheasants and Quail Forever Endorsed by the National Forum on Children

gengberg November 14th, 2008

News ReleasePF/QF Partner Pass It On Endorsed By National Forum on Children and Nature

Only project endorsed with focus on hunting

Saint Paul, Minnesota - Pass It On - Outdoor Mentors, Inc., a Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever partner, has received an endorsement from the National Forum on Children and Nature as one of 30 projects nationwide that demonstrate new and creative ways to reconnect kids with nature. Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever note that Pass It On was the only project with a focus on hunting and firearms to receive an endorsement.

Pass It On - Outdoor Mentors partners with youth mentoring organizations and outdoor groups to recruit mentors who share their love and passion of the outdoors with a child. Targeting “at-risk” youth, Pass It On - Outdoor Mentors gives children who have limited opportunities the chance to experience first-hand the thrill of time spent afield to learn to hunt, fish, camp and hike under the tutorage of a caring adult mentor.

Recognizing an urgent need to reconnect kids with nature, The Conservation Fund launched the National Forum on Children and Nature in 2007. Over the past year, the Forum received 560 proposals from projects seeking endorsement. Forum advisory panels culled the best ideas for investment in children’s health through nature, particularly in the areas of education, technology and community. Ultimately, the Forum endorsed 30 projects, based on their relevance, impact and sustainability. Pass It On - Outdoor Mentors, Inc. is one of these 30.

“Hunting and conservation are closely tied, and we’ve partnered with the Pass It On program because it matches adults with a passion for hunting with youth that want to learn to hunt,” said Howard Vincent, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever President and CEO and Pass It On Board of Directors member, “We will continue to work with and support the Pass It On program’s mission to instill hunting and conservation ethics in America’s youth.” Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever will be partnering with Pass It On going forward to further PF/QF’s No Child Left Indoors® initiative. This new initiative is part of a national movement aimed at getting youth unplugged from electronics and turned on to the outdoors, nature and wildlife. The No Child Left Indoors® initiative is carried out through youth habitat projects, youth and family community events and youth outdoor education programs hosted by PF/QF chapters and volunteers across the country.

“We are honored with this endorsement by the National Forum on Children and Nature,” commented Mike Christensen, President of Pass It On - Outdoor Mentors, Inc. and a member of the Keeper of the Plains Chapter of Quail Forever in Wichita, Kansas, “We look forward to working closely with the Forum to build upon our past successes and to expand the Pass It On - Outdoor Mentors program to give children across the country more opportunities to enjoy time outdoors with a mentor showing them the way.”

About Pass It On - Outdoor Mentors, Inc.
Pass It On - Outdoor Mentors, Inc. began as a partnership between Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks. Over the last six years, over 8,000 children have been introduced to hunting, fishing and other traditional outdoor sports alongside a caring mentor. Partnering with outdoor organizations, Pass It On connects children who want to learn about the outdoors with volunteers who want to pass on their outdoor heritage and have the expertise and experience to do so. The partnership with youth mentoring organizations assures that the mentoring relationships are safe for both the child and mentor. Outdoor organizations see more participants, mentoring organizations see more children being mentored and the children get outdoors…truly a win-win-win for all.

About Pheasants Forever
Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever are non-profit conservation organizations dedicated to the protection and enhancement of pheasant, quail, and other wildlife populations in North America through habitat improvement, land management, public awareness, and education. PF/QF has more than 129,000 members in 700 local chapters across the continent.

Media Contact:
Anthony Hauck (651)209-4972

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