DNRE Prepares for Asian Carp Invasion

By now, there probably isn’t anyone in Michigan who hasn’t heard about Asian carp. The exotic imports, which have dramatically altered ecosystems wherever they’ve been allowed to become established, are mere miles from Lake Michigan and fisheries managers are worried about drastic environmental consequences should they find their way into the Great Lakes.

Michigan is concerned about four species of Asian carp – bighead, silver, grass and black carp. Of those, the silver and bighead present the biggest immediate threats.

Both species grow to be large fish that feed on plankton, the underpinnings to the aquatic food chain. Fisheries officials believe they could drastically alter the food chain in the Great Lakes and, because both species are capable of spawning several times a year, ultimately out-compete native species for habitat.

Bigheads are capable of reaching 80 pounds and can consume up to 40 percent of their body weight per day. Silver carp, which can reach 40 pounds, regularly jump out of the water when disturbed by vibrations from boat wakes or jet skis and are capable of causing significant injury to recreational boaters. In areas where these species have become established, recreational fishing has suffered significantly. Where silver carp have become established, recreational boating has declined drastically as well.

Asian carp were imported into the southern United States by the aquaculture industry to help control algae in ponds. Because of flooding, the fish escaped their ponds and became established in the Mississippi River drainage.

Asian carp have spread into the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, a man-made canal that links the Great Lakes to the Mississippi River. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has built electrical barriers in the canal, designed to stop the progress of the carp into the Great Lakes.  However, recent environmental DNA testing indicated that the carp might have breached the electrical barriers. (Environmental DNA shows evidence that the carp have been present because fish leave their genetic markers behind when the lose scales or slime or they defecate.)

In addition, at least one bighead carp has been collected in Lake Calumet, which is beyond the electric barrier, about five miles from Lake Michigan.

Great Lakes states attorneys general have filed lawsuits in federal courts, demanding that the locks on the Chicago waterway be closed to prevent further migration of the carp. Those suits, so far, have not been successful. The federal government has appointed a carp czar who is studying the situation, though a final determination of what is to be done to prevent further spread of the fish will not be made for at least a couple of years.

Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources and Environment has been proactive on the Asian Carp threat, joining the Illinois Department of Natural Resources in a large-scale rotenone treatment of the Chicago waterway, sending three fisheries crews with boats and the department’s inventory of rotenone – a chemical that kills fish by causing them to suffocate – to Illinois in 2009. The action turned up one dead Asian carp, though fisheries officials say more may have sunk and not been recovered.

In addition to participating in the rotenone treatment, the DNRE has begun sampling for Asian carp eDNA in the rivers in the southern part of the state flowing into Lake Michigan. So far those samples have not detected the presence of Asian carp.

In October, the DNRE unveiled an initial new plan for dealing with Asian carp in the Michigan waters of the Great Lakes. Neither a rapid-response plan nor a long-term management strategy, the plan maps out what steps the DNRE should take to address the potential environmental nightmare should Asian carp find their way into Great Lakes waters.

The plan seeks to answer the most obvious, immediate questions such as:

·      What does the Department need to do to adequately address the threat of Asian carp species invading Michigan waters?

·      What sampling strategies are appropriate in addressing this threat?

·      What should our response be if Asian carp, either isolated individuals or abundant populations, are detected in Michigan waters?

·      What are the pros and cons of various possible management strategies?

·      What types of resources (both financial and human) are necessary to adequately address this threat?

The plan has been posted on the DNRE website at www.michigan.gov/asiancarp.

In addition, the DNRE hosted a workshop on Asian Carp prevention in November, which brought in experts from the Great Lakes states, the federal government and Canada, to compare notes of prevention strategies.

No one is certain what might happen should Asian Carp find their way into the Lake Michigan Basin. Although some are optimistic that the big lake would prove too cold to allow the fish to become established, they exist along the same latitudinal gradients in Asia. And some of the river systems in which they have become established are similar to rivers in southern Michigan.

But fisheries officials don’t want to gamble on what might happen, preferring to do whatever is necessary to prevent them from entering Lake Michigan.

Congress has appropriated funds to study control methods. But meaningful action appears to be years away.

Meanwhile, the DNRE is asking anyone who captures or observes what they think are Asian carp to report the incident by calling the Fisheries Division (517-337-1280) or filling out a report form online.

Asian carp are just one example of the potential problems caused by the unintentional translocation of aquatic species. Recreational boaters and anglers should take all precautions to prevent transferring organisms from one body of water to another. Live wells and bilges should be drained every time a boat is removed from a body of water and disinfected before the boat is returned to the water. And leftover bait should be disposed of on land, not dumped into the lake or river.

Berrien County Man goes FISHIN' Comes home w/ 2 BIG BUCKS!

BENTON TOWNSHIP, MI - A pair of Berrien County men ended up with more than just a couple of fish during a fishing trip earlier this week on the St. Joseph River - they left with a pair of bucks.

Royalton Township resident Bryan Ammeson and St. Joseph resident Scott Stoney were fishing for steelhead from a boat on the river at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday between the M-139 and I-94 bridges when they spotted a pair of bucks fighting near the shore. As the two bucks grappled, their antlers became entangled and they fell into the river. Unable to free themselves, the animals drowned.

"They died four or five feet right in front of me," Ammeson said. "So I ended up hooking them up to the side of the boat and we took them back to shore. We get them up, and one ended up being a 17-point with two drop tines, and another one is a perfect 10-point rack that's just absolutely massive.

"Everybody that I've showed this to so far has said that's one of the biggest deer they've ever seen."

After getting the two deer, Ammeson said he tried unsuccessfully to reach officials with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment. He then contacted Benton Township police and obtained a pair of carcass permits so he could legally claim the animals.

"It all happened so fast," Ammeson said. "We we're just sitting there."

Ammeson has the photos, and the police back up the seeming "fish tale."

"They were both two huge bucks," Benton Township police Lt. Delmar Lange said.

"It's one of those things you hear about and you think, 'Oh, a myth or something like that,'" Lange said. "But as nearly as we can determine, it's factual."

Ammeson said the bucks were processed for their meat, but the heads will be mounted with the antlers interlocked - just as they were when they were first recovered.

Cougar vs. Bear

The Bear - Film by Jean-Jacques Annaud

Bobbers & Bullets

Almost true lies about hunting & fishing

“Why is there so much month left at the end of the money?”-Anonymous

Rhinelander’s Randy Hazelquist invents “Nano Powered” Musky lure

Using the newest state of the art “Nano Technology” Rhinelander fishing legend Randy Hazelquist has developed the first laser motor powered surface musky lure soon to be available at fine fishing tackle stores near you. The bait swims independently returning to the rod at the push of a button.

Hazelquist told reporters he has invested over 59 cents and 5 years in the development of his new line of lures. “These babies go like hell with their cute little laser powered motors…I love watching them go up and down the river…but 4 of my test models were gobbled up by real big muskies or carps or northern pikes or sumpin… I never did git em back gol-dangit anyway.”

The technology is based on discoveries at the University of Wisconsin in Madison which has led the world in research and development efforts for the new micro power source. UW Engineering students have made remarkable strides in the last 24 months bringing both international praise and millions in research dollars to the University.

Many area Fishing Guides have expressed doubts regarding the effectiveness of the new lures with Mr. Dave Doolittle of Lake Tomahawk calling the concept “Kinda goofy and doomed to failure.”

But Hazelquist is undaunted and say they will revolutionize Sport fishing. His occasional fishing Guide Denny Spencer is skeptical telling this reporter “I think Randy has gone off his meds again.”

Hazelquist said he will initially offer 5 or 6 versions of his new baits to be available by next Tuesday Nov.23^rd. They are expected to sell for about $150.00 each not including hooks or the really small little batteries which are an additional $5.00 -Gimme a dozen of each!

Rhinelander DNR says 5 deer were reportedly seen in Oneida County

Responding to continuous negative attacks regarding the pathetically low populations of white tail deer, Rhinelander District DNR Wardens held a news conference to report sightings of over 5 deer in Oneida County in the last 30 days.

“This proves beyond a doubt our herd is healthy and thriving” said Warden in Training Gary B. Gullible. When asked for more details regarding the claim. - NEXT PAGE

Gullible said “look mister you have to believe what we tell ya, have we ever led you astray before?” Bystanders told this reporter that the media people attending the news conference were rolling in the isles with laughter at the Warden’s comment.

Warden in Training Gary B. Gullible went on to say the DNR is considering bringing back the party tag system which enables 4 hunters to apply for one doe tag to be worn by a member of the group each day which enable the four hunters to share a doe. “We will have to limit the number of doe tags made available, right now we’re thinkin next year we’ll be able to award one tag, maybe two.”

With the 2010 Deer gun season only 5 days away, “Those 5 deer better find a safe place to bed down” according to hunting legend Jon Bando of Rhinelander. “With close to 30,000 hunters runnin around in Oneida County, those 5 poor deer are gonna be shot to shit if they don’t hide!” He concluded.

Bobbers and Bullets will publish a full report showing deer kill numbers, DUIs, divorce filings and other bench orders as soon as the deer gun season ends on November 28^th. –Run, Bambi run!

WI DNR defends using mechanical decoy deer, may use decoy Wardens

For those unfortunate hunters who have shot and been arrested for shooting a mechanical deer decoy the thought of the DNR setting up mechanical wardens throughout the state sends chills up the spine.

Local hunting, fishing and beer drinking legend Denny Spencer calls the plan “Outrageous and just plain not very nice!”

Mr. Spencer had the miss-fortune of shooting a DNR deer several years ago which reportedly cost him over $150,000 and another fortune in ribbing from friends and family. “I only shot at it 5 times… and I don’t ever want to go through that again…and the thought of some fake Wardens standing on a hilltop watching or taking pictures of me is scary… really scary!”

With recent budget cuts DNR officials claim the new “officers” will save money and cut down on the poaching problem and enjoyment of the deer hunting experience. “Our mechanical friends will help us enforce the game laws and allow us (real guys) to spend more time in the restaurants drinking coffee where we do our best work” said Warden Willie Ketchme from central Wisconsin.

Ketchme would neither confirm nor deny reports of a similar mechanical decoy being developed in the version of a Walleye to be introduced next spring. “We’re still thinkin on it” he said.

Reportedly the “Wardens” are so lifelike in appearance and movement that DNR employees couldn’t tell the difference from 25 yards when standing next to a human Warden. In a related story Wiesel’s Exotic Dance Club in Three Lakes announced they would be featuring five mechanical strippers during the upcoming 9 day deer hunting season as a novelty. –Mechanical lap dance anyone?

Calling for Order in Wolf Debate

Many hunters are rightfully angry that a federal judge has put the gray wolf back under federal protection based on legal technicalities. Taking management away from state authorities allows wolves to multiply and spread. Wolves are already so plentiful they are cutting down herds of elk, moose, and deer, and are also killing livestock and pets. Wolves need to be controlled and we must continue toward that goal in an orderly fashion.

We sportsmen want to bring wolves under state management because this will sustain wolves, control the problems that wolves cause, and protect wolves from poachers. To do so, we look forward to working with other affected citizens, government, and other allies to clear up the legal technicalities and finalize the transfer to state management. This way wolves will be managed the same way as other wildlife based on the best available science with protections against illegal killing.

State management of wolves is best for the wolves and people, and wolf populations are so large now that the time is past due.

State management will be the best deal wolves have ever had. Wolves have never been managed sustainably in the lower 48 states. State and federal governments purposefully eradicated wolves, and then restored them under complete federal protection. This full protection has restored wolf numbers far beyond recovery goals: all 6 states with gray wolves in the lower 48 have at least doubled the number of wolves beyond their recovery goals. Idaho is at least 8 times over its goal. There are about 3,000 wolves in Minnesota, 600 each in Wisconsin and Michigan, at least 800 wolves in Idaho, 500 in Montana, and 300 in Wyoming.

Switching to state management will not be easy: federal and state managers have tried it 3 times in the last 7 years, having each effort struck down either because the law was fuzzy on how it could happen or too strict about why it cannot. These interpretations in federal district court are the latest examples of judges second-guessing government experts – an error for which the next highest appeals court has admonished its judges.

To achieve state management, hunters need to turn their anger into passion, speak up, and ask for hard but fair commitments from state and federal government. We need passion the way Theodore Roosevelt had passion in creating American conservation, which is our legacy and heritage to perpetuate. We need to stay in the arena of debate and decision and stay out of the bogs of blame and bad-mouthing. It is self-defeating to blame or antagonize federal and state officials. They agree with us on what needs to happen and we need their help. We need hard commitments from them to try new approaches within current law and, ideally, to change law and policy to close loopholes.

This complex task is already underway through a cooperative partnership between the state and federal governments. The Obama Administration has already filed an appeal of the recent federal court ruling. States have petitioned for greater management authority. Legislators from Montana, Wyoming and Idaho have begun meeting to devise a solution and have invited the federal government’s participation. We appreciate these straight-up attempts that demonstrate the resolve of our government. We acknowledge the sovereign authority of each state to manage its own laws and budgets.

Finally, as we seek hard commitments from government, we also need to draw a hard line for ourselves: we are sportsmen, not wolf-haters. Statements on the Internet about poaching wolves are an affront to the American conservation ethic. Illegal killing is wrong, self-defeating, and exactly opposite of how sportsmen created conservation and the privilege of ethical hunting in the first place. Hunters in America fought poachers and pushed for laws to regulate hunting. Later, sportsmen paid fees and taxes on our own licenses and equipment to fund wildlife restoration that brought wildlife back to abundance, including the game we hunt. Ours is a history of self-restraint and respect for wildlife.

Today we are asking for wolves to be brought under modern state management. We will pursue this goal with the diligence we take to hunting itself, working professionally with the agencies, seeking allies, and pushing forward the policies that will prevent this tragedy from happening again with other wildlife.


Boone and Crockett ClubLowell E. Baier, President

Mule Deer FoundationMiles O. Moretti, President/CEO

Pope and Young ClubRoger Atwood, President

Rocky Mountain Elk FoundationM. David Allen, President/CEO

Safari Club International and Safari Club International FoundationDr. Larry Rudolph, President

Wild Sheep FoundationGray N. Thornton, President/CEO

Wildlife Management InstituteSteven A. Williams, President

Rick Mercer Visits Algonquin Park

Michigan Hunting Guide

2010-2011 Hunting Seasons Dates

Deer

Early Antlerless Only** Sept. 16 - Sept. 20 Youth and Disabled Veterans Sept. 25 & 26 Special Disabled Firearm Hunt Oct. 14 - Oct. 17 Archery Oct. 1 - Nov. 14 Dec. 1 - Jan. 1

Regular Firearm Nov. 15 - Nov. 30 Muzzleloading Dec. 3 - Dec. 12 (Upper Peninsula) Dec. 3 - Dec. 19 (Southern Lower Peninsula) Dec. 10 - Dec. 19 (Northern Lower Peninsula) Late Antlerless Only** Dec. 19 - Jan. 1

BLACK BEAR*

Sept. 10 - Oct. 26 (Upper Peninsula, except Drummond Island) Sept. 10 - Sept. 25 (North Baldwin area) Sept. 10 - Oct. 21 (Drummond Island)

Sept. 17 - Sept. 25 (Gladwin, Baldwin and Red Oak areas) Oct. 8 - Oct. 14 (Red Oak area – archery only)

OTHER SPECIES

Cottontail Rabbit & Varying Hare Sept. 15 - March 31 Elk*  Aug. 31 - Sept. 3  Sept. 24 - Sept. 27  Oct. 16 - Oct. 20 Dec. 4 - Dec. 12 Jan. 12 - Jan. 16 (if necessary) Pheasant  Oct. 9 - Oct. 31 (Upper Peninsula) Oct. 20 - Nov. 14 (Lower Peninsula) Dec. 1 - Jan. 1** Quail Oct. 20 - Nov. 14

Ruffed Grouse Sept. 15 - Nov. 14 Dec. 1 - Jan. 1 Squirrel (Fox and Gray) Sept. 15 - March 1 Waterfowl (Ducks and Geese)  For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/hunting and click on Waterfowl. Wild Turkey** Sept. 15 - Nov. 14 Woodcock Sept. 25 - Nov. 8

* limited licenses available ** in selected areas

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Pure Michigan Hunt: You Could Win!

Apply now through Dec. 31. | Each application costs $4.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment is inviting hunters to test their luck by entering to win the Pure Michigan Hunt. Three lucky hunters will be selected to win a special hunting license package that includes elk, bear, antlerless deer and turkey hunting during any open season for each species. Winners will also receive first selection of hunting sites during the reserved hunts at managed waterfowl areas.

For more information or to enter, visit www.michigan.gov/puremichiganhunt.

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Share the Tradition Safely

As you know, hunting is more than just a sport here in Michigan – it’s a tradition. It’s an annual ritual passed down from generation to generation, with families heading out into Michigan’s great outdoors to enjoy hunting grounds and game that are the envy of sportsmen and sportswomen across the country. Safe hunting begins with teaching responsibility, ethics, wildlife conservation, survival and first aid.

Successful completion of a hunter education class is required of all first-time hunters born on or after Jan. 1, 1960.

Fact: Nearly 30,000 new hunters complete Michigan’s hunter education course each year.*

For more information about courses in our area, visit www.michigan.gov/hunting and click on hunter education.

*Source: Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment

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Sportsperson’s Discount

Individuals receive a 15 percent discount when they buy four or more hunting or fishing licenses at the same time. The waterfowl hunting license, 24-hour fishing license and all-species upgrade license are not eligible for the discount.

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E-Licenses

Michigan’s E-License system lets hunters and anglers purchase licenses, applications and permits 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Visit www.mdnr-elicense.com to:

• Buy most hunting licenses, special hunting applications and kill tags. Some can even be printed from your computer.
• Give the gift of Michigan’s outdoors. Gift cards are available in denominations of $15, $30 and $50 and can be redeemed online for licenses for fishing, hunting and other outdoor activities.

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More Michigan Hunters Can Use Crossbows

In August, Michigan broadened the rules for using crossbows. They may now be used by any hunter 10 and older anywhere in Michigan. However, they can only be used from Dec. 1 through March 31 by hunters with disabilities.

A crossbow stamp is required in addition to a valid hunting license. Stamps are FREE and are available from all license agents or online at www.michigan.gov/dnre.

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Protecting Our Hunting Land

Outdoor activities have long been a rich part of Michigan’s heritage. Fathers and mothers share family traditions with their children while hunting on chilly autumn mornings. I want to make sure that this special way of life can continue to be passed on for generations to come.

We must also protect the vital role hunting plays in our economy. When visitors from all over the country come to enjoy Michigan’s excellent hunting grounds, they pump money into our economy by staying at our hotels, eating at our restaurants and shopping in our stores.

That’s why I was proud to vote for a law to replace any hunting land sold by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment with an equal amount of new public hunting land.

Preserving our hunting land will protect our special heritage and the income that many of our residents rely on to help provide for their families. It will also ensure that Michigan remains a top destination for those who want to enjoy our outdoors and spend their money here doing it.

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Hunting and Trapping Zones

Michigan is divided into Hunting and Trapping Zones 1-2-3.

Zone 1 includes all of the Upper Peninsula.

Zones 2 and 3 are divided as follows:

From the Lake Michigan shoreline north of Muskegon Lake easterly on Memorial Drive to Ruddiman Drive to Lake Avenue, easterly on Lake Avenue to M-120 in North Muskegon, northeasterly on M-120 to M-20, easterly on M-20 to US-10, easterly on US-10 to Garfield Road in Bay County, northerly on Garfield Road to Pinconning Road, easterly on Pinconning Road to Seven Mile Road, northerly on Seven Mile Road to Lincoln School Road (County Road 25) in Arenac County, northerly on Lincoln School Road to M-61, easterly on M-61 to US-23, easterly on US-23 to center line of AuGres River, southerly along center line of AuGres River to Saginaw Bay, easterly 90 degrees east for 7 miles into Saginaw Bay, then northerly 78 degrees east to the International Boundary.

Exception: The waterfowl hunting zone lines differ from those above. Refer to the 2010-2011 Waterfowl Hunting Digest for waterfowl zone descriptions.

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Rifle and Shotgun Zones

Michigan is also divided into a northern rifle zone – where rifles may used for firearm deer hunting – and a southern shotgun zone – where only shotguns, muzzleloading firearms and certain handguns may be used for deer hunting.

The dividing line between the northern rifle zone and the southern shotgun zone is as follows:

Starting at a point on the Lake Michigan shoreline directly west of M-46, then easterly to M-46, then easterly along M-46 to US-131 at Cedar Springs, southerly on US-131 to M-57, easterly on M-57 to Montcalm Road on the Kent-Montcalm county line, southerly on Montcalm Road and the Kent-Ionia county line to M-44, easterly on M-44 to M-66, northerly on M-66 to M-57, easterly on M-57 to M-52 near Chesaning, northerly on M-52 to M-46, easterly on M-46 to M-47, northerly on M-47 to US-10 west of Bay City, easterly on US-10 to I-75, northerly on I-75 and US-23 to Beaver Road (about 1 mile north of Kawkawlin), easterly to Saginaw Bay, north 50 degrees east to the International Boundary

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Outdoorsmen Can Handle Tough Situations

The pick-up truck driver and the dog

A Lady was telling her neighbor that  she saw a man driving a pick-up truck down theinterstate, and a dog was   hanging on to the tailgate for dear life. 
She said if the pick-up truck driver   hadn't been going so fast in the other direction, she would have tried to  stop  him. 

 

 

A few weeks later, her neighbor   saw this truck at the Bass Pro Shop in Daphne, Alabama. The pick-up truck driver is a local   taxidermist with a great sense of humor.And it's not a dog, it's a coyote.

 

Can you imagine how many people try to stop this guy?

Fishing at Lake of the Clouds

Lake of the Clouds fishing from Jenny Olsen on Vimeo.

Two By Two

A group of friends went deer hunting and paired off in twos for the day. That night, one of the hunters returned alone, staggering under the weight of an eight-point buck.
"Where's Henry?"
"Henry had a stroke of some kind. He's a couple of miles back up the trail."
"You left Henry laying out there and carried the deer back!?!"
"A tough call," nodded the hunter, "but I figured no one is going to steal Henry."