Archive for the 'Trapping' Category

Wisconsin Wildlife Federation Appeals National Forest Road Closures

gengberg November 12th, 2008

Wisconsin Wildlife Federation
November 7, 2008

USDA-Forest Service
ATTN: Appeal Deciding Officer
626 E. Wisconsin Avenue
Suite 700
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Re: Appeal of Decision Notice and Finding of No Significant Impact fro Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest Travel Management Project—September 22, 2008
Dear Appeal Deciding Officer:

This correspondence is the formal appeal document of the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation filed pursuant to 36 C.F.R. Part 215 objecting to the Decision of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest Supervisor published in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on September 25, 2008. The Wisconsin Wildlife Federation is the largest conservation organization in the state and is comprised of 161 hunting, fishing, trapping and forestry related groups located throughout the state. We were established in 1949 and are the state affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation. The organizations belonging to the Federation have over 100,000 members and are actively engaged in a broad range of outdoor activities including hunting, fishing and trapping, with many using the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest on a regular basis. The Wisconsin Wildlife Federation filed comments on the Travel Management Plan on August 8, 2008.

The Wisconsin Wildlife Federation has commented on the proposed decision and has reviewed the Decision Record before the Appeal Deciding Officer. Based on this involvement the Federation believes the Decision to close 2363 miles of road to vehicle travel in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest (hereinafter Forest) is arbitrary and capricious, devoid of factual and legal underpinnings justifying the closure, is contrary to law and is based on a seriously inadequate public involvement process. As a result, the Federation is respectfully requesting that the Deciding Officer remand the Decision back to the Forest Supervisor for further public involvement and for the additional opening of substantial road mileage in the forest to vehicular traffic.

Preliminary Comments: The Wisconsin Wildlife Federation has as two of its priorities the protection of fish and wildlife and their habitat and the retention and increase of public access for hunting, fishing and trapping purposes. We are strong supporters of sound conservation principles and have historically been supportive of federal, state and local land management agencies in the accomplishment of their conservation goals when such management is done in a thoughtful, factual and scientific-based manner. However, we do not believe that the subject Forest Travel Management Decision meets those standards. Continue Reading »

U.S. Sportsman Alliance on Target 11-11-08

gengberg November 12th, 2008

November 11, 2008

Making the News:

Get Involved in Workplace Campaigns To Benefit Conservation (Click Here For More)
Federal and state employees and individuals working for participating corporations are reminded to do their part to ensure a healthy future for wildlife conservation by teaming with the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation (USSAF) through the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC). The deadline for participation in the CFC is December 15, 2008.

Longtime Friend of USSA Honored by Mississippi State University (Click Here For More)
The USSA offers its congratulations to a longstanding friend of the conservation movement, James Earl Kennamer, Ph.D., for receiving a prestigious honor from his alma mater, the Mississippi State University (MSU). Kennamer was selected as the 2008 Alumni Fellow for MSU’s College of Forest Resources, an award given to those who have earned special distinction in their professional field.

New Jersey Legislation Allowing Sunday Bow Hunting Moves Forward (Click Here For More)
Senate bill moves to Assembly
At the end of October, the New Jersey Senate passed Senate Bill 802. The legislation authorizes Sunday deer hunting with a bow on private property and state run wildlife management areas. The bill now moves to the New Jersey Assembly for further action.

President-Elect Obama’s Secretary of the Interior (Click Here For More)
Speculation Surrounds Congressman and Environmental Attorney
With the election now determined, speculation is mounting as to who president-elect Barack Obama is considering for key Administration positions. According to the insider political journal, the Politico, U.S. Representative Jay Inslee (D- WA) and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. are in the mix to serve as the next Secretary of the Department of the Interior.

Forward this Message! Do you find this newsletter helpful? Forward it to friends and encourage them to Sign up for the USSA E-mail Network. Continue Reading »

Northwoods Report by Naomi Shapiro 9-1-08

gengberg September 3rd, 2008

 

As of September 1, 2008:  Gary Engberg Outdoors will now be posting the Northwoods Report by outdoor and travel writer, Naomi Shapiro.The report from Naomi covers the Wausau/Central Wisconsin area, Eagle River, and the Sportsman Lodge on Lake of the Woods. Her fishing reports and outdoor happening are fresh and up to the day reports. I welcome Naomi and Ray Smith to the website and hope that you read and find that there are great places to fish and hunt for all species of fish and game.  


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).


1. THIS WEEK'S HEADLINES:


-- Excellent walleye bite continues, with great action for musky and

northern, along with anglers preparing for fall sturgeon season, on the

south end of Lake of the Woods, out of Sportsman's Lodge, Baudette,

Minnesota.


--  Northern bite excellent, with very good musky, smallie, largemouth and

panfish bite, and walleye hitting fair to good, in the Eagle River,

Wisconsin area.


--  Musky biting hard, walleye action picking up dramatically, crappie and

bluegill bite outstanding, and catfish very active in the Wausau/Central

Wisconsin area; while hunters bait for the upcoming bear season, and tune up

their gear for the deer archery season.


- - EDITOR'S NOTE: Information for all upcoming Wisconsin hunting and

trapping seasons is posted at the end of these reports, with gracious thanks

to guide Phil Schweik of Hooksetters Fishing & Hunting Guide Services,

Mosinee, for providing the excellent information.

-----


2. WEEKLY OUTDOOR AND FISHING REPORTS, and current calendars:


***Eagle River, Wis. (VILAS COUNTY) -- as of September 1, 2008:


(Head): Northern bite excellent, with very good musky, smallie, largemouth

and panfish bite, and walleye hitting fair to good, in the Eagle River,

Wisconsin area. 


Northern are putting on an excellent bite in the Eagle River area.  Fish 10

feet of water or less in and around the weeds.  Use a small Mepps, or a

Rapala floating minnow.


Musky action is very good to excellent in the Eagle River area.  Fish weed

edges and break edges in 20 feet of water or less. Small bucktails,

crankbaits and topwaters are all working.


Smallies are hanging in 20 feet of water on hardbottom edges in the Eagle

River area and putting on a strong bite.  Use 3 to 4 inch tube jigs,  or a

lipless crankbait.  Chartreuse and fire tiger are the hot colors.


Largemouth are still holding tight to structure in the Eagle River area, and

providing very good action.  Fish piers, docks, drowned wood and heavy

weeds.   Use a 7 inch ribbon tail worm, a lizard or weedless frog.


Panfish - -crappies, bluegills and perch - -are all hanging together in the

Eagle River area, and are providing very good numbers, and some real nice

sized fish, even while doing some sorting.  Fish 10 feet of water or less in

the weeds.  Use a crappie minnow, or chunk of crawler under a small jig or

under a slip bobber.


The walleye action in the Eagle River area remains fair to good.  Fish 25

feet of water or less, with bottom ranging from mud flats to weed edges.

Use a jig and a minnow, crawler or leech.  While action is day dependent,

the bite will peak early or late in the day.


Now is the time to start getting your gear in shape for the upcoming bear

and deer seasons. The Eagle River area provides excellent hunting

opportunities.  I am an avid hunter and will be happy to answer your

questions, without any obligation (Mat Hegy, Guides Choice Pro Shop, Eagle

River).  


 (Report for the Eagle River Chamber of Commerce based on Creative

Brilliance interview with licensed guide Mat Hegy 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

—–


***Some outdoor activities and events coming up in Eagle River, Wisconsin:


NEW: Eagle River, The Snowmobile Capital of the World®, voted number one  as

The People’s Choice ­ “The Best Wisconsin Town for a Snowmobiling Getaway.”

Thousands from the state and nation voted in The Wonders of Wisconsin

competition.  Eagle River was also ranked number three for “Best Town for a

Fishing Getaway” and “Best Town for a Boating Getaway.”


- - Sun., Sept. 7, 2008:  15th Annual Walter E. Olson Library Foundation

Golf Classic at the Eagle River Golf Course.  $1500 in prizes, two flights;

plus other great prizes and awards. Eagle River Area Chamber of Commerce &

Visitors Center: 800-359-6315; e-mail: info@eagleriver.org; web:

www.eagleriver.org 


– Fri./Sat., Sept. 12-13, 2008:  Run to the Eagle Motorcycle Rally, at the

Eagle River Derby Track.  Eagle River Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitors

Center: 800-359-6315; e-mail: info@eagleriver.org; web: www.eagleriver.org


- -Sat./Sun., Sept. 21-22, 2008:  Paul’s Pro-Am Musky Tournament.

Headquarters at Hiawatha Hideaway on Duck Lake.  Annual event, hosting avid

professional and amateur musky hunters.  Great fun, and plenty of action.

Eagle River Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center: 800-359-6315;

e-mail: info@eagleriver.org; web: www.eagleriver.org


– Fri.-Sun., Oct. 10-12, 2008:  Muskie Fishing School at Wild Eagle Lodge.

Learn how to go after the greatest freshwater gamefish — the legendary

muskie — with expert local guide, Muskie Matt.  Enjoy 3 nights of premier

lodging and meals.  Includes half day guide service with Muskie Matt, and

evening sessions featuring instruction and open discussion.

Eagle River Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center: 800-359-6315;

e-mail: info@eagleriver.org; web: www.eagleriver.org


GENERAL:  The fall season in Eagle River, Wisconsin means many things:

Beautiful crisp weather, pristine forest with the fall colors of vibrant

reds, golds, and yellows; 1200 lakes including the Eagle River Chain of 28

lakes (the largest freshwater chain of lakes in the world), providing

excellent fall fishing along with unmatched deer, bear, bird, and waterfowl

hunting.  Great time for hiking, biking, birding, picnicking, fall

festivals, fabulous fishing, hunting, exploring and just plain relaxing.

Eagle River Chamber of Commerce; 800-359-6315; 715-479-6400; web:

www.eagleriver.org Continue Reading »

Wisconsin Sportsfest Coming Soon, Great Raffle for Helping the Outdoors

gengberg August 10th, 2008


LAST CHANCE TO BUY!!!

 

Sportsmen Hold Huge Raffle and Outdoor Expo in Wisconsin

Over $600,000 in cash & prizes including 8 vehicles, 3 Harleys & much more!

NEED NOT BE PRESENT TO WIN

***Great Camp Sites Available***

Hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash and prizes are “up for grabs” in a new Wisconsin fundraising event administered by the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation and the Wisconsin Wildlife Conservation Fund.

Proceeds from this raffle will help protect hunting, fishing, and trapping across the state.

The 2008 Wisconsin Sports Fest is slated for Friday, August 15 and Saturday August 16 at the Sunnyview Exposition Center in Oshkosh.  More than 350 prizes will be given away during the two-day event.  The prize list includes eight vehicles (seven trucks and one car),  eight ATVs,  five boats with motors, 21 hunts and other vacations, three Harley Davidson motorcycles (including a Limited Edition 105th Anniversary Dyna), over 120 guns and bows, numerous steel trailers and over $100,000 in cash.  A complete prize list and official rules can be found at www.WiSportsFest.org.

In addition to huge raffles, live entertainment will appear on stage on both Friday and Saturday nights, headlined by Leon Russell and Poco.  Other groups appearing include Austin’s Rosie Flores, the Commander Cody Band, Blueheels and the Honky Tonk Twisters.

Outdoor personalities including Jim Zumbo - Jim Zumbo Outdoors, Bob Walker and Paul Butski - Sportsmen’s Outdoor Strategies, Ray Eye - Winchester Turkey Revolution, Dan Small - Outdoor Wisconsin Television, Jeff Gagnow - No Excuses TV, Brian & Mark Smith - Raghorn’s Wild Adventures TV, Justin Gaiche - Hook’d Up TV and Jeffrey Fredrick - Turkey Calling Champion will be on hand to entertain attendees.

Nashville’s own Irlene Mandrell will be greeting attendees and signing autographs.

The Wisconsin Sports Fest is being held in cooperation with Deerassic Park and the National Whitetail Deer Education Foundation.  They are the architects of the Deerassic Classic, after which the Sports Fest is modeled.  That event is now in its sixth year and attracts over 30,000 attendees.  For more information about the Deerassic Classic, visit www.deerassic.com.

The Wisconsin Sports Fest is being sponsored by numerous businesses in and out of Wisconsin, including Cabela’s and its Richfield, Wisconsin store, Budweiser - Wisconsin Distributors Appleton, Harley Davidson of Appleton, John Deere - Serwe Implement and Ernie Von Schledorn family of vehicle dealers.

Wisconsin Sports Fest ticket packages and prices range from $25 to $200.  You NEED NOT be present to win.  For more information or an up to date listing of ticket agents visit www.WiSportsFest.org or call (614) 888-4868 ext. 201.

Tickets can be purchased throughout Wisconsin at www.wisportsfest.org

New Sportsmmen Alert Network

gengberg July 27th, 2008

U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance

801 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: Sharon Hayden (614) 888-4868 ext. 226

July 22, 2008

Getting Sportsmen Information Fast
  The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance (USSA) is kicking off the new U.S. Sportsmen’s Alert Network.   This new program informs and unites sportsmen through e-mail news releases and the weekly On Target e-newsletter.  The new U.S. Sportsmen’s Alert Network is communicating with nearly 400,000 members so far.

“The network allows for the USSA and its partners to get critical information to sportsmen in a timely manner,” said USSA Senior Vice President Rick Story.  “We can immediately mobilize sportsmen for action whenever their rights are threatened in the states, before Congress, right down to the local level.”

There is a lot more to protecting the future of the outdoors than simply voting for good candidates at election time, Story said.

“The process by which laws are made is a participatory endeavor,” he said. ” Even a bad legislator will vote right if given the political reasons to do so. The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alert Network is the most important tool yet to make sure hunters, anglers, trappers and wildlife management get a fair shake in the forums that make public policy.” Continue Reading »