Archive for the 'Weekly Reports' Category

Sportsmen Dismayed by Overthrow of Congressman John Dingell

gengberg November 21st, 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 21, 2008 Sharon Hayden (614) 888-4868 ext. 226

Sportsmen Dismayed by Overthrow of Congressman John Dingell

Anti-Hunting Representative Assumes Pivotal Committee Chairmanship
(Columbus, Ohio) - The United States Sportsmen’s Alliance (USSA) expresses its dismay today over the news that U.S. Representative Henry Waxman (D- CA) toppled Representative John Dingell (D- MI) as Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Rep. Dingell has been a tireless champion of sportsmen issues for decades, while Rep. Waxman has a long history of supporting the causes of extremist animal rights and anti-firearm groups. Given the recent call by President-elect Barack Obama for a broad and bipartisan approach to governing, this action raises serious doubts in the eyes of sportsmen.

“Rep. Dingell understood and cared about sportsmen and their devotion to conservation,” said USSA Vice President of Government Affairs, Rob Sexton. “On the other hand, Rep. Waxman, an environmental activist, has consistently earned a 100 percent rating from the leading anti-hunting group in the country, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), which has sought to use the Endangered Species Act to stop hunting.”

Among Rep. Waxman’s anti-hunting votes are:

* against allowing hunting, fishing, and trapping in the East Mojave Scenic Area;
* against the National Wildlife Refuge Improvement Act of 1996 that enshrined hunting, fishing, and trapping as a priority use of wildlife refuges;
* for banning the importation of polar bear trophies and resulting in a loss of conservation funding;

Beyond his strong support of anti-hunting legislation, Rep. Waxman has also been a consistent opponent of Second Amendment rights. According to Sexton, “He has voted for nearly all anti-firearm bills in Congress going back to the so-called ‘Assault Weapon Ban’ and the ‘Brady Bill.’ Both of those bills were punitive and designed to prohibit law abiding citizens from engaging in their constitutional rights.” Continue Reading »

Gary’s Blog 11-18-08 Muskies

gengberg November 19th, 2008

Gary’s Blog for November 19, 2008This is the time of the year when outdoorsmen and women have so many choices of what to do with their spare time. The hunting and fishing opportunities are limitless and continue through the end of the year. Deer hunting opens this weekend and over 650,000 hunters will be in the woods chasing whitetail deer. There is still pheasant, duck, goose, rabbit, squirrels, and grouse seasons open. Like I said, what do you do?
Tuesday, I happened to go muskie fishing with friend, and guide Wally Banfi (608)-644-9823). We decided to go on the Madison Chain of Lakes. The temperature yesterday morning was 14 degrees here at my Wisconsin River home when I took the dog out at 6:30 AM. Wally and I decided to wait till things warmed up and do a few errands before fishing. I’ve been trying to get some video of muskies before I start editing my TV pilot.
We met my cameraman, Daniel Robinson at 12:30 at the boat landing. There still was thin ice around the lake and a few other boats fishing. Our plan was to drift and fish suckers on Bait Rigs Quick Set rigs. Wally had some nice dark suckers from 12 to 14 inches. We had only been on the lake for 5 minutes before we had our first strike. The muskie didn’t have the sucker and got off after biting the tail and our blade attractor. Wally and I had 3 suckers out with two on Thill floats and one with just a rubber-core sinker. All the suckers were attached with rubber bands through the mouth and in front of the dorsal fin to the quick set rig.
Our efforts were concentrated on fishing just outside the weedline. We found some green cabbage and fished in water 8 to 10 feet deep. After losing another fish, we decided to let the fish have the sucker a little longer before setting the hook hard. I got a nice 40 inch fish on the float-less rod right under the boat. A nice chunky fish was photographed and filmed. It was released and swam away. We also had another 4 fish on that came undone soon after the hook set. Then, Wally got another nice 42 inch fish before we left the lake at 3:30 PM. Two fish over 40 in the boat and 5 others that got away.
It was a great day and the photos will soon be posted on this website! Keep fishing till ice comes. The water temperature on the Madison lakes was 39 degrees. As we were fishing, they pulled the piers. But, that doesn’t stop a muskie-hunter! Dress warm!!

Local Column River Currents 11-17-08

gengberg November 19th, 2008

    It’s almost here, that nine-day period starting this Saturday, November 22 when about 650,000 hunters take to Wisconsin’s woods and fields hoping to bag a deer or two for themselves and friends. This is the 157th statewide gun deer season in Wisconsin with the deer herd now estimated to be somewhere between 1.5 and 1.7 million deer.
The discovery of CWD (chronic wasting disease) in 2002 in southwest Wisconsin changed deer hunting for some in this part of the state and some hunters even quit hunting due to the disease even though there has never been any problem with the disease affecting humans if the deer is properly cleaned and processed.
This area of Wisconsin is part of the 11-county South Central Region (SCR) where most of the land is within the chronic wasting disease Management Zone (CWD-MZ). Many rules and regulations have been made simpler unlike past deer hunting seasons where there were many statewide regulations and special seasons for the CWD zones. The special CWD zones have been combined into one large zone (the CWD-MZ) of 8,849 square miles and 18 Deer Management Units in 19 counties. Long gone are the smaller zones like the Disease Eradication Zone which has been included into the larger zone.
The main difference in the CWD-MZ and the rest of the state is that the entire CWD-MZ is unlimited Earn-A-Buck during the nine-day season, the muzzleloader season, the late archery season, and the late hunt. The other differences are; there is an antlerless-only season from December 11 to 14, deer tags are free in the CWD-MZ zone after you purchase a license, and free deer testing.
There is a new program for donating venison called Target Hunger. These days, there are many families looking for alternative ways to feed their families. Initially, the DNR paid for processing deer for donation to food pantries. But, with the hard times that the DNR is facing there no longer is funds available to pay for this program. But, this deer there is a new program in place to help the needy. Don Bates, the CWD operations chief, said that, “Hunters will be able to drop off their deer at participating meat processors as well as at Department of Natural Resources operated stations where Target Hunger volunteers will be present.” Continue Reading »

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 »

Friends of the Lower Wisconsin Riverway (FLOW) Our River Needs Your Help

gengberg November 16th, 2008

Dear FLOW members,Once again OUR river needs YOU to get involved in a Riverway issue. I am asking you to respond immediately to this latest threat by writing back with an email sharing your thoughts; whether you agree or disagree with me. Please contact Riverway property owners and anyone else you know who may be able to chime in on this matter. I will print out the letters and take them to the meeting described below on Monday. It will be great if you can attend the meeting in person also but if not, your words in print are very important. Please read the details from the experts, Dave and Jean, in the attached document and give me a call with questions and if you would like to car pool to the meeting.

Timm Zumm Co-chair: Friends of the Lower Wisconsin Riverway (FLOW) 608-575-0325

My thoughts concerning the Crystal, Fish, Mud Lake District pumping into the beautiful Lower Wisconsin River:

This Lake District has had ample opportunity for years to try to get something to work and at this point in time should accept that some things are just not meant to be.

I have a great deal of sympathy for them and will offer the service of FLOW volunteers to help them relocate their structures or whatever else it takes to stop pumping polluted water into the river. It’s sad, but my understanding is they could have already relocated, using FEMA assistance, for less money than what they have spent on trying to pump groundwater. They may not have to relocate if they eliminate basements and put in holding tanks and grey water recycling systems.

I would not be allowed to put my boat into their lakes if I did not have the hull cleaned of contaminates first. They can NOT be allowed to continuing pumping anything but clean/clear/safe water into OUR River! The picture below shows the area near the Prairie du Sac dam where they are discharging green yuk. This is where my kids and dogs and I used to recreate. If these lake district people insist that there is nothing wrong with the water they’re discharging… then I would like to see them commit in writing that they will bring their children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and dogs swimming here on a weekly basis.
_____________________________________________
From: Sen.Miller [mailto:Sen.Miller@legis.wisconsin.gov]
Sent: Tuesday, October 28, 2008 2:15 PM
Subject: 11.17.08, Sen. Miller Public Information Meeting on Fish Lake

For Immediate Release Contact: Mark Miller
October 28, 2008 608-266-9170

Sen. Miller Announces Public Information/Listening Session on Fish, Mud & Crystal Lake

Senator Miller will host a public information meeting and listening session on Fish, Mud and Crystal Lake on November 17, 2008. The listening session will give residents the opportunity to express their concerns with the continued flooding and provide information about the action currently being taken.

Representatives from the Department of Natural Resources, Lower Wisconsin State Riverway Board, Dane County and the Lake District will also be present to answer questions. All members of the public are welcome to attend.

November 17, 2008
5:30pm
Town of West Point
N2114 Rausch Road
Lodi, WI 53555

Senator Miller represents the 16th Senate District which includes Eastern Dane County, Southern Columbia County and a portion of Sauk County.

Coal Plant Proposal Rejected for the First Time in Wisconsin History

gengberg November 12th, 2008

Citizens Utility Board Clean WisconsinFighting the Utilities, Saving you Money Your Environmental Voice Since 1970

For Immediate Release: November 11, 2008

Contact: Contact:

Charlie Higley, Citizens Utility Board Katie Nekola, Clean Wisconsin

office: 608-251-3322 x. 14 office: 608-251-7020 x. 14

cell: 608-843-6996 cell: 608-212-8751

Coal Plant Proposal Rejected for First Time in Wisconsin History

Historic Decision will Save Ratepayers Money and Reduce Pollution

Madison, Wis - Wisconsin regulators rejected a proposal to build a conventional coal plant for the first time in state history today when the Public Service Commission voted unanimously to reject Alliant Energy’s highly controversial $1.26 billion coal plant on the shores of the Mississippi River in Cassville, Wisconsin.

“Today’s historic decision will help move our state toward a strong clean energy economy,” said Katie Nekola, energy program director and attorney at Clean Wisconsin an environmental organization that fought Alliant’s application to construct the coal plant since it was first filed before the Public Service Commission in February 2007. “Stopping dirty coal plants is critical to reducing global warming pollution and creating jobs by paving the way for alternatives like wind, solar, and smart biomass technology,” she said.

The rejection of Alliant’s coal plant highlights the changing atmosphere of energy policy in Wisconsin. The project faced unprecedented opposition; the public by a 10-1 margin, the Wisconsin Industrial Energy Group, the Wisconsin Paper Council, and RENEW Wisconsin, all joined Clean Wisconsin and Citizens Utility Board (CUB) in opposing the construction of the coal plant.

“Building coal plants has never made sense from an environmental perspective, and no longer makes sense from an economic perspective,” said Charlie Higley, executive director of CUB. “When cleaner alternatives would save ratepayers $800 million, the perception that dirty coal is cheap is nothing but hot air.”

Shifting away from coal and moving toward renewable energy sources and energy efficiency will help promote growth in Wisconsin’s economy. A recent national report demonstrated that Wisconsin could create 37,000 family-supporting jobs in the coming years by investing in clean energy technologies like wind, solar, biofuel and geothermal power as well as energy efficiency.

“The Commission’s leadership in rejecting Alliant’s dirty coal plant protects Wisconsin’s ratepayers and environment,” said Nekola. “Clean energy production will drive America’s economy in the coming years, and this victory will position Wisconsin to become a leader in the clean energy economy.”

###

The Citizens Utility Board of Wisconsin is a member-supported nonprofit organization that advocates for reliable and affordable utility service. CUB represents the interests of residential, farm, and small business customers of electric, natural gas, and telecommunication utilities before regulatory agencies and the courts.

Clean Wisconsin, an environmental advocacy organization, protects Wisconsin’s clean water and air and advocates for clean energy by being an effective voice in the state legislature and by holding elected officials and corporations accountable. Founded in 1970 as Wisconsin’s Environmental Decade, Clean Wisconsin exposes corporate polluters, makes sure existing environmental laws are enforced, and educates citizens and businesses.

Gary Engberg Outdoors Fishing Report for Lake Wisconsin, the Wisconsin River, and the Madison Chain

gengberg November 10th, 2008

Outdoor Horizons Radio for November 8, 2008 WTDY 1670 AM

gengberg November 10th, 2008

Fishing and hunting tips and reports from pro anglers and guides Wally Banfi, Tony Puccio, and Gary Engberg. Tune in here, on line, or live Saturdays at 8:00 AM on WTDY 1670 AM.

icon for podpress  Outdoor Horizons Radio 11-10-08: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Gary Yamamota’s Weekly Ezine Newsletter Vol. 9 No. 35 11-7-08

gengberg November 7th, 2008

Welcome to Gary Yamamoto’s Ezine NewsletterNovember 7, 2008 ~ Vol. 9 No. 35

Gary Yamamoto’s Ezine is the best way for our customers, friends, anglers, tackle shops, retailers, distributors, the press and the media to find out first about the newest Yamamoto products, press releases, hot new colors, top pro tips and industry-leading research on innovative fishing tactics.
New Colors Added to 7-inch Senko

Click here to see our: 7-inch Senko

Model series: 9X-05
New colors added: 051, 157, 196, 213, 301, 305, 306, 318, 323, 330, 900*, 901*, 908*, 912*, 925*, 927* (* = two-tone laminates)

In recent years, anglers have been making an overall trend toward bigger lures of every kind - heavier, bulkier jigs, longer 10-inch worms, beefy swimbaits, supersize jerkbaits, giant spoons and so on. Everything’s gotten bigger.

It wasn’t long ago that such massive baits would’ve been considered way too big to be bass lures. The swimbait craze is what’s helped change that thinking, and now bigger and bigger baits of every variety are in vogue. We’re rewriting the book on what’s practical in terms of lure sizes for bass fishing.

Part of the overall trend to ‘big up’ baits has been that our 7-inch Senkos are being used by more anglers in more situations and places than ever before, which is good. Our 7-inch Senkos do catch a better grade of fish for you.
Double Up Your Swimbait Success with 7-inch Senkos

One special tactic used by swimbait anglers is to toss back 7-inch Senkos as ‘follow up’ baits when fishing big swimbaits.

Big bass that follow but do not strike swimbaits are a common (and heart-breaking) occurrence.

Swimbait anglers have been jonesing for some way to convert these frequent followers into strikers, and the 7-inch Senko is it.

It’s simple. Keep a big Senko rigged (either wacky, weightless or weighted Texas rig) and ready to throw back at big followers.

Toss one back into the area (either where the big bass was last seen, was coming from or headed to) and enjoy a second shot at finicky behemoth bass that follow but won’t bite swimbaits.

Some anxious anglers throw back right away with the Senkos, right in on the follower while the fish is still visible/active. Others coolly wait to calm their nerves. Let the brute begin to regret it missed the potential meal that got away… then lob the big, fat, succulent Senko in front of the sulking trophy after a wait of one to several minutes!

It’s always a gamble, but ’sleeping on them’ by waiting even longer - up to 5-10 minutes without casting before you follow-up with the big Senko can be intense - if you have the steely wherewithal to wisely wait.
7-inch Senkos Mexican Style Continue Reading »

Local Column River Currents 11-3-08

gengberg November 6th, 2008

 Fish Rivers for Fall Walleye and Sauger Action

   Living on the Wisconsin River allows me the luxury of being able to fish for my favorite fish species, the walleye and sauger all year long. That’s the great thing about living where I do since the walleye and sauger seasons never close on most rivers in Wisconsin. Locations and techniques change from season to season, but there is always a tactic that let’s you catch fish. A vast majority of the walleyes and saugers that I catch are released, but I love to eat fish and keeping a few legal fish doesn’t hurt the river’s population.
This time of the year, many anglers have put their boats away till next spring. But, the months of November and even December can provide some great river fishing for both walleyes and saugers and the best thing about fishing this time of the year is that you often have the Wisconsin River and most others to yourself. Many other anglers have switched gears and are now hunting deer, pheasants, ducks, and geese so this is why you’ll find so few anglers on the water. Most of my river fishing is done on the Wisconsin and Mississippi Rivers in Wisconsin and the Missouri River in the Dakotas. But, a vast majority of what I’m going to tell you will apply to rivers throughout the Upper Midwest.
Walleye and sauger fishing can be excellent in the fall and even throughout the winter if you can launch your boat and keep the guides on your rod open. The fish stay active all winter and don’t shut-down like some most other species that rarely feed actively in the cold water months. This also is a great time of the year to catch big trophy fish! Big walleyes and saugers feed actively even in winter.
Some years, I have been able to fish well into December and there also are the sunny days in January and February when you can get out on many rivers in the state. Sometimes, you might need a shovel and some ice melting-salt to clear a boat landing. I always make sure that I have these things with me this time of the year. But, fishing is possible and often very good. The Mississippi and Wisconsin River usually stay open all winter, so the only problem that you’ll find is access to the rivers.
Walleye professional and guide, Tony Puccio, and I have made it our “fall ritual” to fish during the Wisconsin deer gun season which falls on the third week of November. Some years, we may be fishing in cold and snow while other years the weather can be very bearable. The important thing though is that the walleyes and saugers are usually biting and active when you find them. The obvious key is to find the fish! Continue Reading »

Next »