Utah Outdoors News, Activities and Events

Jeff's Big Fish we talked about on Saturdays Show

2008-05-12T08:38:00.001-06:00

Here is that fish photo that I talked about on the air. It is located on my mickeyfinnsflybox.com page but many are still asking to see the photo. So here you go! You can put it on your Outdoor page if you want. It was 28" long 13" wide 26" girth with an estimated weight of 8.5 - 9 pounds. It was taken on May 4th on a pattern we call "Poco Loco."

Long Winter Claims Fish in Crouse and Calder Reservoirs

2008-05-12T08:31:00.002-06:00

Vernal -- Two popular fisheries in northeastern Utah have suffered major winter fish kills.

Biologists with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources have confirmed major fish die-offs in Calder Reservoir and Crouse Reservoir.

"It's likely a complete winterkill in Crouse Reservoir," says Ed Johnson, UDWR fisheries biologist. "Calder also had a major die-off, and it may also be a complete kill. We will know more after we can set a few nets. But that won't be for a little while. We need the water to warm up so the fish are more active."

Johnson says biologists do not expect to find a winter fish kill at Matt Warner Reservoir, another popular fishery in northeastern Utah.

"Matt Warner is much larger and deeper, so there is more water to hold oxygen," Johnson says. "Unlike the other reservoirs, it has not had a winterkill since its dam was remodeled."

Biologists tried to reach Matt Warner recently to survey it, but a large snowdrift blocked the road leading to the reservoir.

Matt Warner is the third and highest reservoir on the Pot Creek drainage.

Crouse and Calder

"Crouse Reservoir wasn't much of a surprise," says Roger Schneidervin, regional aquatics manager. "The water level in Crouse was quite low because Diamond Mountain has been in a severe drought for years. Because Crouse is the lowest reservoir in the drainage, it doesn't get the water.

"Calder is much more of a surprise," he says. "There has been only one other time in the last 18 years [that fish died in the winter], and the reservoir was lower that year than it was this time.

Schneidervin says the kill at Calder might be an incomplete kill. "The two biologists who checked the reservoir each saw or heard something they [thought might] be a fish jumping," he says. "We are hoping some of the fish made it through the long winter."

Winterkill – what is it?

Winterkill happens when fish die from either a lack of oxygen or a build up of lethal chemicals in the fish. Both of these things can happen when ice on the surface of the water doesn't allow oxygen to be exchanged between the water and the air.

A variety of factors can cause this to happen.

Fish and other aquatic animal life use oxygen. When ice covers the surface of the water, most of the plants die. The plant decomposition process uses oxygen. The decomposing plant material can also give off toxic chemicals.

Sometimes other toxic chemicals are released from the mud at the bottom of the water. Other natural or human-made sources can also cause toxic chemicals to be in the water.

"Some lakes and reservoirs survive long winters because streams bring in a supply of dissolved oxygen," Johnson says, "but in the case of Calder and Crouse, no waters were flowing in.

"Water depth and total water volume also play a role in winterkill," he says. "Small, shallow lakes cool down quicker. That causes them to freeze earlier, which makes them more likely to winterkill. Larger, deep lakes also have the advantage of holding more dissolved oxygen to begin with."

Bringing the waters back

UDWR aquatic managers are checking other reservoirs in Utah to see if they may have suffered a similar fate. The managers will likely readjust fish-stocking schedules to provide catchable-sized fish to restart or enhance these fisheries. That should make these waters good places to fish in 2008.

###

Contact: Ron Stewart, DWR Northeastern Region Conservation Outreach Manager (435) 781-9453

Ninth annual IGFA Offshore World Championship attracts 63 teams

2008-05-12T08:12:00.001-06:00

27 countries from six continents in Cabo for prestigious catch-and-release tournament

CABO SAN LUCAS, Mexico ---
Sixty-three boats with teams of anglers are set to blast away from the mouth of the Cabo San Lucas harbor early Monday morning signifying the start of the four-day IGFA Offshore World Championship, throughout the week of May 11 – 16.

"We have representation of teams from 27 countries on six continents," said tournament director Mike Myatt as he and Alberto Trevino the Secretaria de Turismo de Baja California Sur, welcomed the international anglers to the premier fishing location. Considered the most prestigious catch-and-release billfishing tournament in the world, the event also draws the single largest contingent of international teams ever to compete in a fishing competition.

Countries and territories represented include teams from Angola, Australia, the Bahamas, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada, Costa Rica, Croatia, Grenada, Guatemala,
Italy, Jamaica,
Kenya,
Mexico, New Zealand, Panama,
Papua New Guinea,
Portugal,
Puerto Rico, St. Lucia, Spain,
Sultanate of Oman, Trinidad & Tobago, Turks and Caicos, the United States, Vanuatu and Venezuela. Many of the teams in the ninth annual tournament will be represented by anglers from a number of additional countries.

The U.S. has 14 teams signed on. Both Mexico and Brazil are represented by five teams each; Italy and Angola each have four.

The teams previously qualified by winning one of 130 IGFA sanctioned tournaments held in 38 countries worldwide during 2007. It's the seventh straight year Cabo San Lucas has been chosen as the championship location.

They'll fish for marlin, sailfish and other billfish species with the top team winning engraved watches along with trophies and merchandise. Awards are presented through to the third place finishing team. The final results will be made on Friday at noon PDT.

At the IGFA OWC last year, a team representing its win in Spain's Marina Rubicon Marlin Cup 2006 tournament leaped from the middle of the 62 boat field to a dramatic win by one release fish over a team from Cabo San Lucas. It was the second straight year that a team, on the final day of the four day competition, had an amazing 10 releases of striped marlin to win the championship. Using circle hooks, a total of 335 marlin were caught and safely released alongside the teams' boats.

At a kickoff party Sunday at the Hotel Finisterra, each team participated in a drawing for their four different boats --- ones they hope will guide them daily to multiple bill fish releases. All of the boats are captained by local Cabo guides.

Partners and sponsors for the IGFA Offshore World Championship are Secretaria de Turismo de Baja California Sur, Costa Del Mar, Hotel Finisterra, Guy Harvey Inc., Shimano, Picante Sport Fishing and Yacht Sales, Cabo Yachts, K D & G Sea Life Masterpieces, Hook & Tackle, Momoi Hi-Catch, Murray Products, AFTCO BlueWater, Bodo Muche, Minerva's Baja Tackle, Señor Greenberg's, IWS Scales, King Sailfish Mounts, Pompanette, Pisces Sportfishing, Corona and Modelo S.A DE C.V. Mexico, Don Tyson, Trans Cabo, Eagle Claw, MoldCraft Products, Inc. and API Dock.

Each morning the daily results along with photos of the previous day's round will be posted on the IGFA's home page at www.igfa.org . A list of registered teams can also be found on the web site under the fishing tab on the home page by clicking "tournaments."

Next year, to begin the event's 10^th anniversary, the tournament welcomes the Bonnier Marine Group which will join the IGFA to manage the world championship which began in 2000.

Founded in 1939 the IGFA is a not-for-profit organization committed to the conservation of game fish and promotion of responsible, ethical angling practices through science, education, rule making and record keeping. IGFA members are located in over 125 countries and territories. The IGFA welcomes visitors to its 60,000-square-foot interactive Fishing Hall of Fame and Museum in Dania Beach, Florida.

###

Advance sent May 10, 2008

Contact: Pete Johnson, Johnson Communications, Inc.

Scottsdale, Ariz. 85267

480-951-3654 (ph) 480-951-0040 (fax)

JohnsonCom@aol.com (e-mail)

Make Your Voice Heard On Right-to-Carry in Our National Parks!

2008-05-12T07:59:00.001-06:00

NRA UPDATES - As we reported last week, the U.S. Department of the Interior has issued a proposed rule to eliminate the prohibition on Right-to-Carry in national parks and wildlife refuges. The National Rifle Association led the effort to change this policy and we are very close to winning this important battle.

However, the new rules cannot take effect until after a period of public comment. Our opponents will take advantage of this time to try to convince the Secretary of the Interior to reverse his decision. NRA members must take action now so that the anti-gunners are not allowed to sway this process.

Non-Partisan Voter Registration Drive To Commence In Louisville: In addition to the myriad other activities that will occur next week during NRA's Annual Meetings in Louisville, NRA-ILA's Grassroots Division will be kicking off the Association's largest voter registration drive ever.

Not Content With Crushing Second Amendment, Bloomberg Disregards The First: A story in today's New York Sun, (http://www2.nysun.com/new-york/gag-on-2nd-amendment-is-citys-aim-in-gun s-suit/) demonstrates that gun-hating Mayor Michael Bloomberg's disdain for the Constitution isn't just limited to his abhorrence of the Second Amendment.

ILA Dinner and Auction At Annual Meetings: The Institute for Legislative Action will hold its Second Annual Dinner and Auction in conjunction with the NRA Annual Meetings in Louisville, Kentucky next Friday evening, May 16^th.

Last Call To Register For Louisville Workshop! This is the last call to register for the NRA-ILA Grassroots Division's FREE
Grassroots Workshop being held next week at NRA's Annual Meetings in Louisville. This Workshop has been a regular part of NRA's Annual Meetings for more than a decade. At this event, you will hear from NRA officers, NRA staff, and your fellow NRA members on what you can do in your own community to ensure victory for the Second Amendment in this year's elections.

Special Session Event Planned For Louisville! In addition to the FREE Grassroots Workshop being held in conjunction with NRA's Annual Meetings in Louisville, the NRA-ILA Grassroots Division is holding an additional FREE "In Their Own Words" Special Session in Louisville.

Grassroots Minute Video: To view this week's "Grassroots Minute" video, please click here: mms://media.streamtoyou.com/nra/2008/ilamin050908.wmv.

Stop BATFE Abuses -- Urge Your Congressman To Cosponsor H.R. 4900:
Continuing concern about the treatment of firearm dealers by BATFE has caused members of the U.S. House of Representatives--with NRA-ILA's full support--to push for new and improved reform legislation. That push has taken the form of H.R. 4900 -- the "Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Reform and Firearms Modernization Act."

Help Protect Your Right to Self-Defense! Last month, Florida became one of a handful of states to enact a law to protect the rights of law-abiding gun owners to keep a firearm in their vehicle for personal protection. Unfortunately, this law is facing opposition by large corporate giants such as Disney, Walmart, Publix, and several others. They have even filed a federal lawsuit to try to overturn this important self-defense law. NRA is committed to fighting for the rights of gun owners in Florida and across the country but we can't fight these attacks alone! We need your help to ensure that all the hard work by the pro-gun community, and all that was accomplished in Florida, isn't defeated by those who want to destroy our rights. Please consider making a contribution TODAY and join NRA in protecting the Second Amendment! To contribute, please click here.

STATE ROUNDUP (please click to see any updates on states not listed below.)

ALABAMA: "Handgun Permit Confidentiality" Passes House! House Bill 700, "Handgun Permit Confidentiality" legislation, has already passed the House and on Tuesday, April 29, it had its second reading in the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee. HB700 would restrict public access to the records of concealed handgun permit holders and prohibit their publication. It is imperative that you contact your State Senator in support of HB700 today! Your State Senator can be reached at (334) 242-7800. To identify your State Senator, or for more contact information, please click here.

ARIZONA: Senate Playing Politics with Our Rights! As the legislative session in Arizona is starting to wind down, a number of important bills that protect our Right to Keep and Bear Arms are being held hostage in the Arizona Legislature. In the Senate there is bickering over other issues such as the budget. The rights of gun owners should NEVER be used as "trade goods" in petty political infighting. For more information on pending legislation and how to take action, please click here.

ARKANSAS: Arkansas Primary Elections, Tuesday, May 20! Tuesday, May 20 is Primary Election Day in Arkansas. Please be sure to go to the polls and "Vote Freedom First." For candidate ratings and endorsements, please call the NRA-ILA Grassroots Division at (800) 392-VOTE (8683) or visit www.NRAPVF.org. For more information about voting in Arkansas, please click here. Remember to Vote Freedom First on Tuesday, May 20!

CALIFORNIA: Urgent Action Needed to Protect Our Rights! Three threats to our Second Amendment rights are still pending action in the California Legislature and we must take action today to preserve our freedoms. Legislation to prohibit the sale of firearms at the Cow Palace, severely restrict the sale of ammunition, and require "smart guns" could all be heard or voted on soon. Please click here for more information and to learn how to take action.

CONNECTICUT: Legislature Adjourns Without Passage of Gun Bills The Connecticut Legislature adjourned Wednesday, May 7 after an unusual legislative year. Despite the fact that lawmakers were expected to hear the largest number of anti-gun bills to be considered in years, no pro-gun or anti-gun legislation was passed. Please continue to check back to www.NRAILA.org for updates.

DELAWARE: "Landowner Liability Protection Act" Delayed in Committee! As we previously reported, House Bill 341, "Landowner Liability Protection Act," was scheduled for a vote in the House Housing & Community Affairs Committee, but was delayed because of opposition from the Delaware Trial Lawyers Association. HB341 would ensure that landowners who allow public hunting access incur no liability for property damage or personal injuries caused by hunters -- regardless of whether the damage occurs on or off the landowner's property. If HB341 is not enacted, landowners will continue to deny access to hunters for fear of being sued. Please contact the members of the House Housing & Community Affairs Committee
TODAY
and respectfully urge them to support this crucial piece of legislation. To find contact information for the committee members, please click here.

FLORIDA: Help Protect Your Right to Self-Defense! Last month, Florida became one of a handful of states to enact a law to protect the rights of law-abiding gun owners to keep a firearm in their vehicle for personal protection. Unfortunately, this law is facing opposition by large corporate giants such as Disney, Walmart, Publix, and several others. They have even filed a federal lawsuit to try to overturn this important self-defense law. NRA is committed to fighting for the rights of gun owners in Florida and across the country but we can't fight these attacks alone! We need your help to ensure that all the hard work by the pro-gun community, and all that was accomplished in Florida, isn't defeated by those who want to destroy our rights. Please consider making a contribution TODAY and join NRA in protecting the Second Amendment! To contribute, please click here.

Management Plan for Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge is Opened for Comments: The Fish and Wildlife Service has drafted a 15-year management plan for the 21,500-acre Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge. Deer and feral hog hunting is provided on the refuge. The four management alternatives would either maintain hunting opportunities at current levels or expand those opportunities to turkey hunting. It is important to the future of hunting on this refuge that hunters in the community and in the state review the draft plan and submit comments to Cheri Ehrhardt, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, PO Box 6504, Titusville, FL 32782 or e-mail to LakeWoodruffCCP@fws.gov. The plan can be viewed at http://fws.gov/southeast/planning. Comments are due by May 23.

GEORGIA: Governor Perdue Needs to Hear from You Today! On April 4, the Georgia legislature passed House Bill 89 and sent it to Governor Sonny Perdue (R) for his consideration. This NRA-supported measure makes numerous improvements to Georgia's Right-to-Carry laws and represents the most comprehensive pro-gun reform measure to pass in nearly 20 years. Unfortunately, more than a month later, Governor Perdue has yet to sign this critical pro-gun reform measure into law, and during a news conference yesterday he expressed some uncertainty over whether he would sign HB89 into law. It is critical that Governor Perdue hear from you TODAY! Please call and email the governor and respectfully urge him to protect our right to self-defense by signing this important legislation TODAY. The Governor can be reached by phone at (404) 656-1776 or via email by clicking here.

ILLINOIS: Anti-Gun Bill Heads to Full Senate! On Thursday May 1, the Illinois House of Representatives passed House Bill 5191. This dangerous bill would create a new path that the anti-gun community could take in order to revoke FOID cards from gun owners with children. Your FOID card could be revoked if a minor is able to gain access to your firearm on more than one occasion, if the government has decided (with little opportunity for a challenge) that your child has met the basic criteria for a severe or major mood disorder or severe conduct disorder. Much of this revocation process can be based on allegations that may not be supported by independent judicial findings, or "documented" cases where the FOID Card holder is unable to challenge or appeal the "documentation." HB5191 will now head to the State Senate and we must let our opposition be known. Please call your State Senator and urge him or her to defeat this outrageous bill. You can find the contact information for you State Senator by clicking here.

Magazine Ban Bill Up for Consideration! The House could take up Senate Bill 1007, which would ban the manufacture, possession, delivery, sale, and purchase of standard capacity ammunition magazines capable of holding more than ten (10) cartridges. This bill is worded so broadly that it would also ban certain firearms, such as some Henry rifles, which have attached tubular magazines capable of holding more than ten rounds of ammunition. This lever-action rifle, whose design dates back to the 1860s, could be prohibited under SB 1007, making this bill far more than a magazine ban. Please contact your State Representative and respectfully urge him or her to oppose SB 1007. Contact information can be found here.

KENTUCKY: National Rifle Association Specialized License Plates! Beginning Friday, May 9, we will be working to create a specialized NRA license plate for the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The Kentucky Department of Motor Vehicles is charged with producing the plates but under state law at least 900 applications for the special NRA license plate must be received or the plate will not be produced. This is an ideal way to show your pride in NRA and the Second Amendment! For more information on how to order, please click here.

Kentucky Primary Elections, Tuesday, May 20! Tuesday, May 20 is Primary Election Day in the Bluegrass State. Please be sure to go to the polls and "Vote Freedom First." For candidate ratings and endorsements, please call the NRA-ILA Grassroots Division at (800) 392-VOTE (8683) or visit www.NRAPVF.org. For more information about voting in Kentucky, please click here. Remember to Vote Freedom First on Tuesday, May 20!

LOUISIANA: NRA-Backed Right-to-Carry Reform Bills on the Move! This past week, the Senate approved Senate Bill 142. SB 142, the NRA-backed concealed carry permit confidentiality bill now heads to the House for consideration. On Monday, May 12, the Louisiana House will vote on House Bill 199. HB 199 would allow Louisiana concealed carry permit holders to protect themselves on college and university campuses and remove the state restriction on "gun-free school zones" for permittees. Please contact your State Representatives and respectfully urge them to support HB 199 and to resist any amendments that State Representative Wooton does not support. Call your State Representatives in Baton Rouge on Monday at (225) 342-6945 or send them emails in support of HB 199 over the weekend. Email addresses can be found here.

"Assault Weapons" Ban Legislation Pulled From Committee Agenda! The House Administration of Criminal Justice Committee was scheduled to hear arguments for House Bill 68 and House Bill 78, both sponsored by State Representative Cedric Richmond (D-New Orleans). On Wednesday, May 7, Representative Richmond decided to pull both bills out of the committee and it is anticipated that they will not be heard this session. HB68 seeks to ban pump-action firearms as well as semi-automatics, and millions more firearms than the Clinton "assault weapons" ban of 1994-2004. HB 78 would have created a limited ban on the possession of so called "assault weapons" by some people and would have opened the door in the future to broader prohibitions. Thank you to the law-abiding, gun-owning community in Louisiana for all the emails and phone calls that stopped these egregious attacks on our rights from being heard! Please keep checking www.NRAILA.org and your email for updates of other important legislation this session.

Plan for Red River National Wildlife Refuge Includes Hunting: The Fish and Wildlife Service has issued a draft plan for the Red River National Wildlife Refuge, a unit of the North Louisiana Complex. Plans to expand current hunting opportunities are included in the Service's proposal for managing the refuge over the next 15 years. Comments will be accepted until May 14th and can be sent via electronic mail to: tina_chouinard@fws.gov. The plan is available for review at http://southeast.fws.gov/planning, or may be mailed to Tina Chouinard, Natural Resource Planner, Fish and Wildlife Service, 6772 Highway 76 South, Stanton, TN 38069. In order to assure that sportsmen's interests are anchored in this planning process, it is important that hunters take the time to submit comments.

MICHIGAN: Registration Reform Bill Sent to Senate Judiciary Committee! House Bill 4490 sponsored by State Representative Paul Opsommer (R-93) and House Bill 4491 introduced by State Representative Joel Sheltrown (D-103) have passed the House and have been assigned to the Senate Judiciary Committee. A hearing date has not been scheduled yet. The bills would repeal the required "safety inspection" for newly obtained handguns. Michigan law requires anyone who comes into possession of a pistol to take it to the police or sheriff's department for a safety inspection. The requirement of a safety inspection is a burdensome waste of time for law-abiding gun owners and the bills will end that inconvenience. Please contact members of the Senate Judiciary Committee and respectfully urge them to support these necessary pieces of legislation. For committee member contact information please click here.

MISSOURI: Senate Passes Major Firearms Reform Legislation! On Monday, May 5, by a vote of 30 to 4, the Missouri Senate passed House Bill 2034. This bill makes a series of positive changes to various areas of Missouri's firearms statutes, including: sweeping and meaningful protections of shooting ranges and hunting preserves; liability protection for landowners allowing public hunting access; prohibiting the unlawful refusal to transfer a firearm by denying a sale to a person entitled to possess a firearm under state and federal law; eliminating the six-month residency requirement in order to apply for a license to carry a concealed firearm; sealing "permit to acquire" concealable firearm records; and makes necessary revisions to existing statutes regarding the possession of explosives and felony possession of firearms. HB 2034 now goes back to the state House of Representatives for final consideration. Please contact your State Representative TODAY and strongly encourage him or her to support the Second Amendment, and Missouri's time-honored hunting and sport shooting heritage by voting in favor on HB2034. You can find your State Representatives by clicking here.

MONTANA: BLM to Close Land to Recreational Shooting Outside Helena: The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public comment on its proposal to close land within the 4,700-acre North Hills Recreation Area located northeast of Helena. BLM proposes to close the entirety of Section 34, Township 12 North, Range 3 West. This would close several user-created shooting areas that are located adjacent to the main access road to the Recreation Area. The area would not be closed to hunting during the big game season. All BLM lands outside of the closed area would remain open yearlong to recreational shooting. The deadline for comments is June 15th. Comments should be submitted to BLM Butte Field Office, 106 North Parkmont, Butte, MT 59701 or electronically to pzurcher@blm.gov. A public meeting will be held May 29th at 7:00pm at the Montana Association of Counties at 2715 Skyway Drive, Helena. For additional information you may call 406-533-7638.

NEBRASKA: Nebraska Primary Elections, Tuesday, May 13! Tuesday, May 13 is Primary Election Day in the Cornhusker State. Please be sure to go to the polls and "Vote Freedom First." For candidate ratings and endorsements, please call the NRA-ILA Grassroots Division at (800) 392-VOTE (8683) or visit www.NRAPVF.org. For more information about voting in Nebraska, please click here. Remember to Vote Freedom First on Tuesday, May 13!

NORTH CAROLINA: Management Plan for Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge is Opened for Comments: The Fish and Wildlife Service has drafted a 15-year management plan for Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge, a 8,400-acre refuge that spans Anson and Richmond Counties, NC. Deer, feral hog, turkey and small game hunting is provided on the refuge. The three management alternatives would either maintain hunting opportunities at current levels or expand those opportunities. It is important to the future of hunting on this refuge that hunters in the community and in the state review the draft plan and submit comments to Jeffrey Bricken, Refuge Manager, Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge, 5770 US Highway 52 North, Wadesboro, NC 28170. The plan can be viewed at http://southeast.fws.gov/planning and comments may be e-mailed to Jeffrey_bricken@fws.gov. Comments are due May 22.

OKLAHOMA: Senate Gives Final Approval to Right to Hunt Ballot Measure! On Monday, May 5, the Oklahoma Senate passed Senate Joint Resolution 38, a measure authored by State Senator Glenn Coffee (R-30) and State Representative Randy Terril (R-53), by a vote of 46 to 0! With this vote Oklahoma voters will be asked to approve a state constitutional amendment to protect the right to hunt, fish and harvest game, in this November's General Election. If passed by the voters this fall, Oklahomans will have established the nation's most comprehensive and meaningful constitutional protections for hunters and sportsmen. Such language will serve as a model for others states in our on-going efforts to defend our hunting heritage from attacks by well-funded, radical anti-hunting groups such as the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). Please call and thank your Senator for voting in support of SJR 38 and protecting Oklahoma's cherished heritage! To find your State Senator please click here.

OREGON: Oregon Primary Elections, Tuesday, May 20! Tuesday, May 20 is Primary Election Day in Oregon. Please be sure to vote Freedom First. For candidate ratings and endorsements, please call the NRA-ILA Grassroots Division at (800) 392-VOTE (8683) or visit www.NRAPVF.org. For more information about voting in Oregon, please click here. Remember to Vote Freedom First on Tuesday, May 20!

RHODE ISLAND: Anti-Gun ("Microstamping") Bills Being Heard in Committee! After being pulled from the agenda of the House Judiciary Committee, House Bill 7834 has been referred to the House Finance Committee. HB7834, the "microstamping" proposal would ban the sale of semi-automatic handguns not equipped with so-called "microstamping" technology. HB7834's Senate companion bill, Senate Bill 2720, is being held up for further study in the Senate Committee on Judiciary. Please contact the members of the House Finance Committee as well as the members of the Senate Committee on Judiciary IMMEDIATELY and respectfully urge them to oppose H7834 and S2720 respectively! For committee member contact information please click here.

SOUTH CAROLINA: Right to Hunt Amendment Still Needs Work! NRA continues to work with key State Senators in Columbia to fix H 3202, the Right to Hunt and Fish Constitutional Amendment. Originally, this legislation would have allowed South Carolina voters to vote on an amendment to the South Carolina Constitution that would have recognized the Right to Hunt and Fish for future generations. This version included two of the most important protections--protecting the right to hunt species "traditionally pursued," and the right to use "traditional methods" for taking game. In the Senate, however, these critical points were removed through amendments. Negotiations have led to a new version, which does protect hunting wildlife "traditionally pursued," but still falls short of protecting "traditional methods." The only way to ensure hunting is fully protected in the Palmetto State is if H 3202 includes language that protects "traditional methods" used for taking game. Please contact your State Senator and respectfully urge him or her to work with NRA to ensure H 3202 includes specific protections for hunting game "traditionally pursued," as well as for using "traditional methods" for taking game. To find your State Senator please click here.

TENNESSEE: Bill Seeks to Create NRA License Plates and Aid Hunter Education in the Volunteer State! House Bill 2453, sponsored by State Representative Eric Swafford (R-25), would create a National Rifle Association license plate and allocate 50% of the funds toward hunter education. HB2453 is currently in the House Transportation Committee. Please continue checking www.NRAILA.org and your email for updates.

WEST VIRGINIA: West Virginia Primary Elections, Tuesday, May 13! Tuesday, May 13 is Primary Election Day in West Virginia. Please be sure to go to the polls and "Vote Freedom First." For candidate ratings and endorsements, please call the NRA-ILA Grassroots Division at (800) 392-VOTE (8683) or visit www.NRAPVF.org. For more information about voting in West Virginia, please click here. Remember to Vote Freedom First on Tuesday, May 13!

On-the-Water Boat Show at Jordanelle State Park

2008-05-06T21:33:00.000-06:00

ON-THE-WATER BOAT SHOW AT JORDANELLE STATE PARK Heber - Jordanelle State Park hosts the On-the-Water Boat Show Friday, May 16 from noon to 7 p.m., and Saturday, May 17 and Sunday, May 18 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. This event launches Utah Safe Boating Week.

Area boat dealers will showcase new model boats for purchase at great prices. Test drive a new boat before you buy it. Bring your boat for a free boat safety check by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. If your boat passes inspection, your day-use entrance is free!

Hamburgers, hotdogs and drinks will be available at very reasonable prices. Day-use fees are $10 per vehicle. Online discount coupon available May 12 at www.stateparks.utah.gov.

Jordanelle State Park is located off US 40 at the Mayflower Exit 8.
For more information, please call (801) 538-7220 or 877-UT-PARKS

2008-05-03T07:01:00.000-06:00

Brown lake rainbow

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EVEN THE BEST BOAT TRAILERS WILL HAVE PROBLEMS IF NEGLECTED

2008-05-01T10:52:00.000-06:00

Few boat owners or anglers with fishing boats think about their boat trailers until something goes wrong. But this out-of-sight, out-of-mind attitude unfortunately leads to problems that a little planning and attention could have helped prevent.

Mike Pellerin, director of BoatU.S. Angler, which offers both on-the-water and on-the-road assistance to its members, says that even the best boat trailers, without regular maintenance, may develop problems due to the stresses caused by rough roads and owner neglect.

In 2007, the BoatU.S. 24-hour dispatch centers reported the top five reasons for boat trailer service calls and their frequency of occurrence:

• Flat tires (44%)
• Bearing problems (20%)
• Axle problems (14%)
• Suspension problems (9%)
• Tongue problems (5%)

Does this mean today's boat trailers aren't well made?

"Boat trailers are better than ever," said Pellerin. "However, because they are constructed so well, boat owners tend to overlook things such as checking tires for wear and forgetting to grease wheel bearings. Driving over the unavoidable rough patches and potholes contributes to early trailer or tire failure."

Many national roadside assistance clubs do a great job helping stranded motorists. But when it comes to boat trailer breakdowns, boaters need to know that their "auto" club may not be their best option because boat trailer assistance often isn't included. When that happens, boats get left stranded on the side of the highway while their owners seek out help.

However, should the need arise, help is available and it's a bargain.

The BoatU.S. Trailer Assist program is the only national roadside assistance program designed to meet the specific needs of trailer boaters with more than 18,000 North American service providers specializing in roadside boat trailer and tow vehicle assistance. Affordably priced at only $29 a year, the program pays for towing services up to 100 miles to a repair facility or safe location, and includes winching service at slippery boat launch ramps, even if the boat trailer's wheels are in the water.

Flat tires, battery jumps, lockouts and fuel deliveries are also provided for in the U.S. and Canada, and it will reimburse trailer boaters for breakdowns in Mexico up to $500. Membership in BoatU.S., the nation's advocate for recreational boaters, is included. For more information visit http://www.BoatUSAngler.com or call 800-245-6923.

Bird Studies Implicate Lead Bullet Residues as a Possible Threat to Human Health

2008-05-01T09:33:00.001-06:00

(Washington, D.C. – April 30, 2008) Studies of several bird species, including the endangered California Condor, have provided extensive documentation of the health hazard posed to birds that ingest lead ammunition residues in the remains of gun-killed animals. Now, new studies suggest that humans who eat game shot with lead ammunition may also be at risk. A conference to further explore these links,“Ingestion of Spent Lead Ammunition: Implications for Wildlife and Humans,” sponsored by The Peregrine Fund, will be held May 12-15, 2008, at Boise State University.

“We’ve been studying the effects of condor lead ingestion for years,” said Rick Watson, Vice President of The Peregrine Fund, a conservation organization that leads the California Condor recovery program in Arizona. “Condors are sickened and some die from eating the remains of shot animals. The possibility that other species, including humans, are also at risk prompted us to organize this conference.”

Recently published research suggests that even very low levels of lead exposure in children can cause learning disabilities, and in adults may increase risk of Alzheimer’s disease and death from stroke or heart attack. Lead is also associated with impaired visual and motor function, growth abnormality, neurological and organ damage, hearing loss, hypertension and reproductive complications. The degree of lead exposure associated with many of these problems is much lower than previously believed.

North Dakota state health officials recently ordered food banks to discard donated venison because it can contain lead fragments. Dr. William Cornatzer, a Bismarck physician and member of The Peregrine Fund board of directors, made the discovery after learning about the problem in a Peregrine Fund report. Cornatzer collected about 100 one-pound packages of ground venison from food pantries in December and ran CT scans on the meat. The North Dakota Health Department confirmed the presence of lead in its own tests. Cornatzer plans to present his findings at the conference.

“The lead studies have once again shown us that we ignore the plight of birds at our own peril,” said Dr. Michael Fry, Director of Conservation Advocacy at American Bird Conservancy. “Condors, eagles, ravens, and other wildlife have given us advanced warning of a problem that we are now learning may also have human health consequences.”

The Peregrine Fund will present results of its own recent investigation on lead in hunter-killed animals at the conference. The group is studying the amount of lead in venison from deer shot with standard lead bullets, which fragment into hundreds of tiny pieces upon impact. Their previously published research has shown that these fragments scatter widely into the meat along the bullet’s path of travel. Preliminary results of The Peregrine Fund’s current study will be given at the conference on May 13. The final report will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.

A recent study found elevated levels of lead in Common Ravens during the hunting season for deer and elk in the Yellowstone region. Scavengers, such as ravens and raptors, eat offal piles left by hunters, or animals that were shot and not recovered. These remains contain lead bullet fragments. Derek Craighead and co-authors of the raven study, are expected to present additional data at the conference showing that lead is also reaching elevated levels in Golden Eagles, Bald Eagles, and other scavengers during the hunting season.

“Unfortunately, the study of ravens in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem indicates that poisonings of birds, both scavengers and raptors, by lead bullets is a widespread problem,” said Dr. Fry.

Recently, there has been a great deal of attention on the problem of lead bullets due to the poisonings of endangered California Condors, highlighted by several independent studies that will be presented at the conference. The use of lead bullets has been banned in the California range of the condor, and work continues to protect the species in Arizona through voluntary use by hunters of non-lead ammunition.

“When informed of the severity of the problem for condors, most hunters in Arizona have chosen to use non-lead ammunition to benefit wildlife,” added Watson, “and once the results from the conference become widely understood, hunters may also choose non-lead ammunition to benefit themselves and their families.”

On Earth Day, Endangered Ecosystem still lacks protection

2008-04-26T07:07:00.000-06:00

Native Prairie vanishing at record rates

The effects of breaking prairie are devastating in drought prone areas

Washington DC – April 21 2008 – One of the most endangered ecosystems on the planet continues to vanish at record rates due to lack of protection. Native prairie

The effects of breaking prairie are devastating in drought prone areas losses continue to mount as grain prices and demands for biofuels make the expensive conversion to cropland profitable, despite the costs to waterfowl, wildlife, and the American taxpayer.

“Native prairies are part of Americana – where the buffalo roamed and where hundreds of species of birds and wildlife call home today – and it is in danger of being plowed up,” said Ducks Unlimited Director of Agricultural Conservation Policy Barton James.

Only 22 million acres of native prairie still exist in the Northern Great Plains – and only 1 million acres of that is protected in perpetuity, making it one of the most endangered ecosystems on earth.

“Grassland songbirds like Baird's sparrow, Sprague’s pipet and chestnut-collared longspurs, which depend on native prairie, have undergone the steepest declines of any species group of birds,” said DU Director of Conservation Planning for the Great Plains region Dr. Scott Stephens. “Shorebirds like marbled godwits, willets, and upland sandpipers nest nearly exclusively in native prairie.”

“In addition to the loss of habitat,” continued Stephens, “converting prairies to farmland also releases millions of tons of carbon dioxide that has been stored in the soil by prairie flora, further contributing to climate change.”

High grain prices have prompted the conversion of more than 500,000 acres in 2007, and more than 10,000 acres of native prairie have already been broken the early months of 2008 in Nebraska alone. Ducks Unlimited is supporting a Sodsaver provision in the Farm Bill that would discourage breaking native prairie. Landowners that do break native prairie would be ineligible for crop insurance or other subsidies on the broken land.

Fifty conservation groups, led by Ducks Unlimited, sent a letter to the Congressional leaders of the Farm Bill last week to push for a strong Sodsaver provision in the final bill, which is in conference right now. In addition, Senators John Thune and Tim Johnson and Representative Stephanie-Herseth Sandlin of South Dakota all sent similar letters, reminding their colleagues to protect this vital national resource.

According to a Government Accountability Office report, current farm programs encourage destroying native prairie by reducing the financial risk for farmers to plow up prairies, which generally have marginal agricultural value. This also creates a long-term liability for taxpayers. USDA also recognized the need for a solution to this problem, and has made the inclusion of Sodsaver in the Farm Bill one of the agency’s priorities.

Enacting the Sodsaver provision would remove these incentives, and save more than $23 million over five years and more than $119 million over a ten year period.

“This is a win-win situation,” said James. “Taxpayers win by not subsidizing crops on marginal land, and birds and wildlife keep their nesting grounds safe.”

With more than a million supporters, Ducks Unlimited is the world’s largest and most effective wetland and waterfowl conservation organization with over 12 million acres conserved. The United States alone has lost more than half of its original wetlands - nature’s most productive ecosystem - and continues to lose more than 80,000 wetland acres each year.

How does oil and gas development affect sage-grouse?

2008-04-26T06:42:00.000-06:00

A donation from Questar Exploration and Production Company will allow
Utah Division of Wildlife Resources biologists to find more answers to
that question.

Questar recently donated more than $27,000 to the UDWR to fund a
greater sage-grouse study. Biologists will conduct the study in 2008
and 2009 in the Deadman Bench and Glen Bench areas in northeastern
Utah.

Biologists will focus their efforts in areas that have sage-grouse leks
(breeding grounds). They’ll learn more about the migration patterns
and the breeding and productivity of the grouse in the area, the habitat
quality in the area and the effects oil and gas development have on
grouse.

The goal of the study is to identify opportunities for habitat
improvements in the area and to suggest mitigation in areas where energy
development may affect the grouse.

“We are pleased to help fund the UDWR’s study,” says Scott
Gutberlet, general manager of Questar Exploration and Production’s
Uinta Division. “These studies [have been] beneficial to wildlife and
wildlife managers in other areas [where] we operate. Results from the
studies help us to better manage our operations and to ultimately
demonstrate that wildlife and energy development can coexist. This is
another step towards our goal of being responsible energy developers
wherever we operate.”

“Questar has been very proactive in resolving wildlife issues,”
says Kevin Christopherson, the UDWR’s regional supervisor in
northeastern Utah. “Working together to solve problems on the front
end has proven to be beneficial for both wildlife and energy
development. We appreciate Questar's progressive approach."

Questar’s collaboration with wildlife managers in Utah will help
develop a solution to reduce impacts on grouse and improve knowledge
about greater sage-grouse in northeastern Utah. This partnership will
address important natural resource issues across the state.

Both groups look forward to working for the greater good of the
grouse.

Scofield State Park Hosts Fishing Tournament

2008-04-23T10:59:00.001-06:00

Scofield - Scofield State Park hosts the second annual Ice Breaker fishing tournament Saturday, May 17 from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Registration begins Friday, May 2 and is limited to 200 participants.
The entry fee is $20.

Awards and raffle prizes from Sportsman’s Warehouse will be given. To register or for more information, please call (435) 687-2491 or (435) 448-9449

Park City Mountain Resort today announced $10.5 million in improvements for the 2008-09 winter season

2008-04-17T09:28:00.001-06:00

Park City Mountain Resort today announced $10.5 million in improvements for the 2008-09 winter season including a new high-speed chair lift, terrain enhancements and renovation of the Mid-Mountain Lodge.

“Our goal is to have more of our guests explore the diverse terrain that our mountain has to offer,” said Peter Curtis, president and general manager of Park City Mountain Resort. “We’ve accomplished this with our groomed Signature Runs, Mountainzone trail maps, personal mountain planner and terrain enhancements, which began with Motherlode Meadows. The $10.5 million in improvements takes us one step further to providing the best downhill experience for our guests.”

Park City Mountain Resort’s new high-speed quad chair lift, Crescent lift, replacing and realigning the existing Ski Team lift, will begin near the base of the Resort and extend to Crescent Ridge (also known as Ski Team Ridge). The new chair lift will significantly increase accessibility out of the base area as well as to the front-side runs, which are some of the Resort’s best advanced terrain. The new lift takes guests almost twice as far as the Ski Team lift and in less time. In addition, the new lift will provide access to a majority of the Resort and direct access to lifts including Silverlode, Bonanza, King Con, PayDay, Town, Pioneer and McConkey’s.

To complement the new lift, the Resort is making terrain enhancements to improve the skiing/riding experience on the mountain including a new run and expanded snowmaking. In addition, Park City Mountain Resort will assume operations for Mid-Mountain Lodge in the 2008-09 season. The Resort will renovate the Mid-Mountain Lodge to further develop on-mountain dining.

Finally, as part of its environmental commitment, Park City Mountain Resort is offsetting 100 percent of its power consumption from renewable energy sources beginning in June 2008. This purchase of 13.9 million kWh of renewable energy credits (RECs) will avoid nearly 19 million pounds of CO2 emissions annually, which is equal to removing 1,853 passenger vehicles from the road or powering 1,100 average American homes for a year. For more information, visit www.saveoursnow.net.

Bush Order to Promote Hunting May Spark New Off-Road Curbs

2008-04-17T09:07:00.001-06:00

Rangers Want Agencies to Help Hunting & Fishing by Ending Reckless Off-Roading

TUCSON — This summer, federal agencies must figure out how to implement a 2007 Executive Order by President Bush directing federal land management agencies to do everything in their power to “expand and enhance hunting opportunities.” The biggest conflict limiting hunting and fishing on federal lands is expanding off-road vehicle traffic on federal wild lands, according to a petition filed today by Rangers for Responsible Recreation, a network of retired law enforcement officers and land managers.

Under Executive Order 13443, national park, forest, public land and refuge systems are to develop “a comprehensive Recreational Hunting and Wildlife Conservation Plan” by August 17, 2008, the one-year anniversary of Bush’s directive. That plan, in turn, would commit these agencies to “a 10-year agenda for fulfilling the actions” that promote hunting and fishing over all other uses, including off-road vehicles (ORVs).

“Off-road abuse is unquestionably a top threat to hunting and fishing in America,” stated Mike Penfold of Rangers for Responsible Recreation, a network organized by Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER). “Good hunting and fishing requires relative quiet, while ORVs are usually about speed, dust & mud, and the roar of an engine. Currently, the two do not fit well together.” Mr. Penfold is an avid hunter and angler who owns a hunting lodge in Montana, and worked 37 years with the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management and White House Council on Environmental Quality.

The Rangers petition was filed today with the President’s Council on Environmental Quality, which is charged with overseeing the order’s implementation, as well as the directors of the National Park, National Forest and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services, and the Bureau of Land Management. The petition points out that the EO 13443 unavoidably entails much more stringent restrictions to keep ORVs from driving in fishing streams and confined to designated trails that do not harm hunting or fishing opportunities.

The petition cites a recent survey of state game and fish officials by the Isaak Walton League which found broad agreement that “ORVs negatively impacted hunting, fishing and habitat in their states.” The Rangers also point to an array of studies, testimony and other evidence from both state and federal wild land agencies showing worsening conflict between hunters & anglers and off-roaders.

“If the President’s order is more than lame-duck posturing then ending reckless off-roading must be the meat of any plan that meaningfully benefits hunting and fishing,” added Daniel Patterson, an Arizona hunter and Southwest PEER Director who organized the Rangers coalition. “America desperately needs a strong coordinated federal approach to protect hunting and fishing from on-going off-road abuse of our wild lands.”

Last month, the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands, chaired by Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-AZ), held groundbreaking oversight hearings on “The Impacts of Unmanaged Off-Road Vehicles on Federal Land.” Senate hearings are also likely to be scheduled as the Bush administration struggles to define its own wildlife legacy.

###

Read the Rangers petition
http://www.peer.org/docs/az/08_17_4_rrr_petition.pdf

Look at the Bush Executive Order to maximize hunting and fishing
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/08/20070817.html

View the Isaak Walton League survey results on ORV conflicts with hunting
http://www.iwla.org/publications/wilderness/OHVreport.pdf

See the growing conflicts created by ORV abuse
http://www.peer.org/campaigns/publiclands/orv/index.php

Ducks Unlimited reminds Congress to protect waterfowl conservation

2008-04-14T11:48:00.000-06:00

WASHINGTON – April 14, 2008 – After months of behind-closed-door debate and negotiation, the U.S. House of Representatives has named its members chosen to take part in the House-Senate conference to negotiate a final version of the Farm Bill with the U.S. Senate. The latest extension of the 2002 Farm Bill expires on April 18, so the conferees must agree to a final bill and pass it through the full House and Senate or extend the previous bill again.

“We are glad to see Congress stepping forward on this bill – we hope that they will show similar initiative in ensuring that programs like the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) and Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) remain as viable options for farmers and ranchers to conserve their land,” said Don Young, Executive Vice President for Ducks Unlimited. “Sportsmen contribute more than $76 billion to the economy every year, and protecting habitat through agriculture conservation is absolutely critical to ensuring that future generations of outdoor enthusiasts have healthy habitats and clean waters to enjoy the outdoors.”

More than half of the landmass in the United States is used for agricultural production, so it is appropriate that the Farm Bill represents the largest single federal investment to conservation on private land. These programs provide tremendous societal and economic benefits to all Americans in the form of improved soil and water quality, healthy fish and wildlife habitat, enhanced forest/wildlife benefits, rural economic stimuli, and quality hunting and fishing opportunities. Without a Farm Bill Conservation Title, there would be:

* 170,000 additional miles of unprotected streams
* 48 million more tons of carbon dioxide in our air
* 450 million tons more topsoil disappearing every year
* 2.2 million fewer ducks
* 13.5 million fewer pheasants
* 40 million fewer acres of wildlife habitat.

“As the debate moves forward, Ducks Unlimited’s one million members and supporters want to make sure those statistics do not become a reality,” said Young. “As a nation, we cannot afford to see the programs cut or scaled back.”

Also in the current Farm Bill debate, Congress has the opportunity to protect millions of acres of native prairie through the “Sodsaver” provision. America’s native prairies are one of the most endangered ecosystems in the world. In addition to adding protection to native prairie, the provision that was adopted in the Senate’s version of the Farm Bill will save American taxpayers $119 million dollars.

The 2002 Farm Bill was set to expire in September 2007. It has been extended twice by Congress since then, although no additional acres were added to conservation programs, such as the Grasslands Reserve Program, that had already reached enrollment caps.

With more than a million supporters, Ducks Unlimited is the world’s largest and most effective wetland and waterfowl conservation organization with more than 12 million acres conserved. The United States alone has lost more than half of its original wetlands − nature’s most productive ecosystem − and continues to lose more than 80,000 wetland acres each year.

Snowbasin Resort - Staying Power - Closing Date Extended Through April 27th

2008-04-14T11:38:00.000-06:00

Snowbasin – Utah -- With over 425 inches of snow this season Mother Nature has provided Snowbasin Resort with additional staying power to extend their closing date until April 27th.

Last weekend provided skiing/riding guests with sunny skies and excellent snow.

Lifts operating through April 20 will be Porky, Becker, Little Cat and the Needles Express Gondola.

Lifts operating after the 20th until closing will be Little Cat and the Needles Express Gondola.

Rates effective April 14 through closing are Adults $39.—Child $23.00

Earl’s Lodge will be open for dining and Needles Lodge will be open with a limited menu, however Needles at Night fine dining will continue through closing. Retail, Rentals and Snowsports will also be open. Tubing Hill will close at the end of the day April 20th.

Reminder that the Ogden Canyon road will be closed from the mouth of the canyon up to the spill way Saturday, April 19th, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for repair through the narrows, no access for vehicles.

Live music will be on the Plaza from 2-5 on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Join us for spring skiing at its best.

REI Sandy Presents Bike Bonanza 2008

2008-04-11T08:47:00.001-06:00

Recreational Equipment, Inc.’s (REI) Sandy store, located at 230 W 10600 S in the northwest corner of the South Towne Mall Property, will host Bike Bonanza 2008 on Saturday, April 26th from 11am-3pm.

The 4th Annual Sandy Bike Bonanza will continue to focus on safety and awareness while bicycling.

Kids will have the opportunity to learn about proper bike safety at the Bike Rodeo, sponsored by the Sandy Police Department from 11am-1pm Navigating their way through the course of cones and signs will earn each child a certificate. Free Helmets will be given away to rodeo participants while supplies last. Cyclists of all ages can also attend one of the 8 mini-clinics on various topics such as Basic bike maintenance, Bike safety and Ride preparation, being presented throughout the day. Participants will receive a goodie bag for attending. Free bike inspections by certified REI technicians and bike registration will also be offered. Local cycling and cycling advocacy groups will be on hand with information as well.

There is no charge for this event. Please call 801-501-0850 with questions, or click the Stores & Events tab on REI.com for more information on this and other REI events.

See Rocky Mountain Goats April 12

2008-04-04T10:44:00.000-06:00

Salt Lake City -- Colorful flowers and warmer weather aren’t the only signs that spring is here—so are mountain goats at the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon!

You can see and learn more about the goats at a free wildlife-viewing event. The event will be held Saturday, April 12.

Free activities for kids also will be offered.

“This event will be a great opportunity to get out and enjoy the sure-footed antics of these goats,” says Bob Walters, Watchable Wildlife coordinator for the Division of Wildlife Resources.

The event will be held at the Park-and-Ride lot at the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon in Salt Lake County. DWR biologists will be at the lot from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

To reach the canyon, travel east out of Salt Lake City on 9400 South.

“We’ll have powerful spotting scopes and binoculars available so you can get a close look at the goats,” Walters says. “You can also pick up a Rocky Mountain goat fact card and a poster.” And activities for kids will be held from 9 a.m. to noon.
“Your kids can stamp goat tracks using ink stamps and paper we’ll have on hand,” Walters says. “We’ll also have some mountain goat horns and fur for them to handle.”

For more information, call Walters at (801) 538-4771.

Dead Birds Float Ashore at Great Salt Lake

2008-04-04T10:42:00.000-06:00

Don’t be surprised if you see of hundreds of dead birds along the southeastern shore of the Great Salt Lake during the next few weeks.

More than 15,000 birds died on the lake last fall. Most of the birds were eared grebes.

Testing done at the National Wildlife Health Center in Madison, Wisconsin has confirmed that the birds died of avian cholera. Avian cholera is a disease that sweeps through grebes and other birds on the lake almost every year.

“Avian cholera is caused by a common bacteria that’s found all across the country,” says Leslie McFarlane, wildlife disease coordinator for the Division of Wildlife Resources. “When the conditions are right, avian cholera takes off. It can spread through a bird population quickly.”

Even though the birds died last fall, the salt water in the lake has preserved their carcasses. “The birds you see along the shore of the Great Salt Lake may look like they died recently, but they’ve actually been dead for several months,” McFarlane says.

McFarlane says the bacteria that causes avian cholera does not affect people or other mammals, including dogs. And because the birds have been dead for so long, their carcasses don’t pose a threat to other birds. “The birds have been dead long enough that their carcasses no longer carry the bacteria,” she says.

Once the carcasses wash onto the beach, they should decompose quickly. “We won’t be picking the birds up,” McFarlane says. “Die-offs like this are part of nature, and we’ll let nature take its course as far as taking care of the birds that died.”
For more information, call the Division of Wildlife Resources Salt Lake City office at (801) 538-4700.

View Strutting Sage Grouse on April 12

2008-04-04T10:41:00.000-06:00

Price -- The sound that male sage-grouse make, as they “strut” on their breeding grounds, is one of the most unique things you’ll ever hear in nature.
And the sight of the grouse strutting is pretty unique too!

You can hear and watch this ritual yourself at a free wildlife viewing event. The event will happen April 12 at Emma Park, about 13 miles north of Price.

The Division of Wildlife Resources is sponsoring the event.

To see and hear the spectacle, you need to be at the viewing site early. Viewing is best before sunrise and just after the sun has risen. Grouse leave their strutting ground within an hour or so after sun up.

After leaving their breeding ground, the grouse spend the daylight hours feeding and resting in stands of sagebrush. They remain mostly out-of-sight until the following morning, when they congregate at their strutting ground at first light.

DWR biologists will be on hand with spotting scopes and binoculars. They’ll help you find the grouse and answer any questions you have.

Directions:

- From the Wasatch Front, travel east on US-6 from Spanish Fork. At the top of Price Canyon, look for the Emma Park sign, and turn left onto the Emma Park Road. Travel east until you see vehicles with the state of Utah seal on their doors.

- To get to Emma Park from Price, travel north on US-6 to the Castle Gate power plant. Turn right onto US-191, and travel northeast about six miles to the Bamberger Monument. From there, turn left onto the Emma Park Road, and travel west until you see parked state vehicles.

For more information, call Brent Stettler at (435) 613-3707 or (435) 613-3700.

See Rocky Mountain Goats April 12

2008-03-28T11:28:00.001-06:00

Fun activities for kids also part of the event

Salt Lake City -- Colorful flowers and warmer weather aren’t the only
signs that spring is here -- so are mountain goats at the mouth of
Little Cottonwood Canyon!

You can see and learn more about the goats at a free wildlife-viewing
event. The event will be held Saturday, April 12.

Free activities for kids also will be offered.

“This event will be a great opportunity to get out and enjoy the
sure-footed antics of these goats,” says Bob Walters, Watchable
Wildlife coordinator for the Division of Wildlife Resources.

The event will be held at the Park-and-Ride lot at the mouth of Little
Cottonwood Canyon in Salt Lake County. DWR biologists will be at the
lot from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

To reach the canyon, travel east out of Salt Lake City on 9400 South.

“We’ll have powerful spotting scopes and binoculars available so
you can get a close look at the goats,” Walters says. “You can also
pick up a Rocky Mountain goat fact card and a poster.” And activities
for kids will be held from 9 a.m. to noon.

“Your kids can stamp goat tracks using ink stamps and paper we’ll
have on hand,” Walters says. “We’ll also have some mountain goat
horns and fur for them to handle.”

For more information, call Walters at (801) 538-4771

Elk Foundation Voices Support for Wolf Management

2008-03-28T11:19:00.001-06:00

MISSOULA, Mont.—The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service this week hopes to remove wolves from endangered species lists in Idaho, Montana and Wyoming. But with anti-hunting emotions and lawsuits threatening to forestall sound conservation science, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation is reaffirming its longstanding support of hunter-based wolf management.

Wolf populations are now well above federal recovery goals and increasing.

The time has come to manage wolves like other game animals, says Elk Foundation President David Allen.

“Long before anyone dreamed of an Endangered Species Act, hunters were restoring and managing elk, mule deer, whitetails, wild turkeys, black bears, bighorn sheep, mountain lions, mountain goats and a host of other wildlife. In fact, it was hunter-funded big-game populations that made wolf recovery possible. You’d think the people who argued longest and loudest to bring wolves back would be slapping backs and saying thanks. Instead, they’re filing lawsuits,” said Allen.

Ed Bangs, wolf recovery coordinator for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, said, “We strongly support hunting wolves. Look at the success we’ve had with hunting mountain lions and maintaining strong lion populations. There is no reason wolf management cannot be just as successful.”

Regulated hunting has never reduced any species to threatened levels. It is, however, the premier tool for balancing game populations within carrying capacities of habitat as well as public tolerances. Allen said wolves in certain areas have exceeded those tolerances.

Allen urged Elk Foundation members to support hunter-based wolf management controlled by respective state wildlife agencies, saying, “I hope all of our members will voice their support for de-listing wolves as prescribed by US. Fish and Wildlife Service, and continue to show how hunters lead the wildlife conservation process.”

Gorgoza Park Extends its Closing Date until Sunday, April 6

2008-03-20T11:04:00.000-06:00

What: Gorgoza Park, a tubing park operated by Park City Mountain Resort, will remain open for the season until Sunday, April 6. The original scheduled closing day was Sunday, March 29. Gorgoza Park, located just five miles from Park City Mountain Resort, features lighted, lift-served tubing with three beginner and four advanced tubing lanes. Gorgoza Park also has mini snowmobiles for riders five to 12 years old, who can enjoy multiple laps around a designated course. In addition, Fort Frosty offers a kid’s play area that includes a tubing carousel and snow features for children six years and under.

For more information, please visit www.gorgozapark.com or call 435-658-2648.

When: Open seven days a week from 1 - 8 p.m. until Sunday, April 6, 2008.

Where: Gorgoza Park – Park City, Utah

Gorgoza Park is conveniently located off I-80. For more information on Gorgoza Park, please call 435-658-2648 or visit www.gorgozapark.com. No reservations needed