Share Your Fishing Ideas with the DWR

Please share your ideas no later than June 1

Even though Utah’s 2008 fishing regulations won’t be decided until
this fall, Division of Wildlife Resources biologists already have some
ideas they’d like to the share with the public.

And the biologists are also anxious to hear ideas from anglers and
others across the state.

“If you have an idea for a fishing regulation change in 2008, please
share it with us,” says Roger Wilson, cold water fisheries coordinator
for the DWR.

“We need to hear from you no later than June 1. Summer is the time
when we put our fishing recommendations together. We need your ideas by
June 1 so we can consider them as we’re putting the recommendations
together.”

All of the changes the biologists are considering for 2008 are
available at www.wildlife.utah.gov/public_meetings/next.php.

“These potential changes are only proposals at this time,” Wilson
says. “We’re very open to what anglers think about our ideas.
We’re hoping they’ll let us know.”

How to Share Your Ideas

In addition to the DWR’s Web site, you can learn more about the
biologists’ ideas, and share your ideas with them, at any of the
following Regional Advisory Council meetings:

Southern Region
May 15
7 p.m.
Beaver High School
195 E. Center St.
Beaver

Southeastern Region
May 16
6:30 p.m.
John Wesley Powell Museum
885 E. Main St.
Green River

Northeastern Region
May 17
6:30 p.m.
Western Park, Rm. #2
302 E. 200 S.
Vernal

Central Region
May 22
6:30 p.m.
Springville Junior High School
165 S. 700 E.
Springville

Northern Region
May 23
6 p.m.
Brigham City Community Center
24 N. 300 W.
Brigham City


If you can’t attend one of the meetings, please send your ideas to
one of the following addresses no later than June 1:

- e-mail your ideas to DWRComment@utah.gov

- mail your ideas to:

Sport Fisheries Coordinator
Division of Wildlife Resources
Box 146301
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6301


Bass Fishing

DWR biologists aren’t proposing any major bass fishing changes for
2008, but they’d like to start a discussion with the public about
smallmouth and largemouth bass regulations in Utah.

“Right now there are six or seven different bass regulations across
the state,” Wilson says. “We’d like to reduce the number of
regulations. That would make it easier for anglers to know what the
regulations are.”

Wilson stressed that the DWR is not proposing any statewide bass
regulation changes for 2008. “We just want to get a discussion going
so we can learn more about how people feel about the bass
regulations,” he says.


Among the changes DWR biologists are considering for 2008 are the
following:

- allowing anglers to keep yellow perch at Yuba Reservoir in
north-central Utah. The DWR is proposing a daily bag and possession
limit of 10 perch. Between Jan. 1 and April 30, anglers would be
required to keep all the perch they caught, up to their 10-perch limit.
They would also be allowed to use dead yellow perch for bait at Yuba.

- lowering the trout limit at Woodruff Reservoir in northern Utah
to two trout, and allowing anglers to use artificial flies and lures
only. “This change would create a trophy fishing water in northern
Utah and would also protect the cutthroat trout in the reservoir. We
don’t stock cutthroats in the reservoir, and we want to make sure we
keep plenty of cutthroats in the reservoir for anglers to catch,”
Wilson says.

- increasing the bass limit at Sand Hollow Reservoir in
southwestern Utah to six bass. Only one of those bass could be over 12
inches. “The bass in the reservoir are doing really well. In fact,
there are so many bass in the reservoir that they’re starting to
compete with each other for food,” Wilson says. “We’ve noticed
that the bass aren’t growing as fast as they used to. This change
would allow anglers to take more of the smaller bass home. That would
help the fishery by removing some of the smaller bass. The new limit
would also protect the larger bass.”

Spotted Frogs Placed in High Mountain Wetlands

Work continues to keep frogs off the Endangered Species list

Wildlife biologists in northern Utah started transplanting Columbia
spotted frogs to wetlands in the Uinta Mountains recently.

These northern Utah transplant efforts involve “hatching” frogs
from eggs in containers at the Division of Wildlife Resources’
Northern Region office in Ogden. After they’re hatched, biologists
move the young frogs to pristine, high mountain wetlands in the Uintas.

The next frog transplant should happen in mid-May.

Keeping Frogs Off the Endangered Species List

Columbia spotted frogs are only two inches in length, but they play a
big role in Utah’s wildlife conservation efforts. The presence of
frogs is one indicator of a healthy environment.

The decline of these small frogs and other amphibians in Utah has led
the DWR and other conservation agencies to take action to restore and
expand spotted frog populations.

Paul Thompson, a regional sensitive aquatic species biologist with the
DWR, says the transplant which happened April 27 is the culmination of
years of planning and effort. “The purpose of this project is to
strengthen the population of frogs, to keep them from being listed as an
endangered species,” Thompson said.

Spotted Frogs in Utah

The Columbia spotted frog ranges from southeast Alaska through Alberta,
Canada, and into Washington, Montana, Idaho and Wyoming. They’re also
found in scattered areas in Nevada and Utah.

In Utah, isolated Columbia spotted frog populations are found in the
West Desert and along the Wasatch Front. Unfortunately, habitat
degradation and habitat loss have caused many of these populations to
decline, especially the populations along the Wasatch Front.

Because of the decline, Columbia spotted frogs are now included as a
conservation species on Utah’s Sensitive Species list. Several
government agencies have joined together to eliminate or reduce the
threats to the frogs.
For more information, call the DWR’s Northern Region office at (801)
476-2740.

Desert Lake waterfowl viewing on May 5

PRICE — The Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) will sponsor a water bird viewing event on Saturday, May 5, 2007 at Desert Lake in Emery County from 8 a.m. until noon. The event commemorates national celebrations of Migratory Bird Day and Wetlands Day. The event is free to the public. DWR biologists will be on-hand with spotting scopes and binoculars to assist the public with waterfowl identification.


Canvasback ducks

Photo by U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Desert Lake is located east of the town of Elmo. From either Carbon or Emery County, take State Highway 10 to the Elmo turn-off (State Route 155). Travel to Elmo. On Main Street, travel east out of town until you see a sign for the Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry. Follow the sign. In less than a mile, you will arrive at Desert Lake. Signs will direct you to the viewing locations.

Desert Lake serves as a rest area for many species of birds during migration. These include ducks, geese, sandpipers, herons, gulls, terns, pelicans, and cranes. Desert Lake is managed by the DWR for the benefit of migratory waterfowl. Normally closed to public access, the lake also serves as a sanctuary for nesting birds. The DWR encourages Castle Country residents to come out and enjoy this unique opportunity. For more information, contact Brent Stettler at (435) 636-0266 or BrentStettler@utah.gov

Migratory Bird Day Celebration at Desert Lake

The DWR will sponsor a waterfowl viewing day at Desert Lake in Emery County on Saturday, April 30, 2005. Normally closed to the public, Desert Lake will be open from 8 a.m. until noon. Biologists with spotting scopes will be stationed at key locations to help viewers see and identify birds. The event is free and the public is cordially invited. Desert Lake is east of the town of Elmo. From Price, drive south on State Hwy 10. Follow the signs to the Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry. Desert Lake in on the way to the quarry.

Fine imposed for illegal antler possession

PRICE — On March 27, a Hyrum, Utah man pled guilty to the unlawful possession of antlers and was fined $217. The set of antlers with skull attached came from a trophy mule deer buck, which measured 199 Boone and Crocket points. The antler set was forfeited as a result of the court action.

Under Utah law, a person may only possess shed antlers, except those antlers obtained from lawfully harvested animals. Shed antlers are those that have dropped naturally from a big game animal as part of its annual life cycle. These antlers have a rounded base commonly known as an antler button or burr.

In this case, the antlers were picked up in Colorado. "It's a good idea to know not only Utah law but that of surrounding states as well," stated Lt. Carl Gramlich, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. "People just can't pick up anything they see."

This case was successfully prosecuted because of a tip from a concerned citizen. If you see something that appears to be illegal, please call the Help Stop Poaching hotline at: 1-800-662-DEER. Wildlife is our heritage to protect and enjoy. Let's all do our part to protect it from those who fail to abide by the law.

FISHING REPORT FOR NORTHEASTERN REGION OF UTAH

NORTHEASTERN REGION – updated April 11

Quagga Mussels, a close relative of the Zebra Mussel, were found in Lake Mead in January and it is likely boaters and anglers will transport them into Utah waters if precautions aren’t taken. This invasive species has completely crashed productive sport and commercial fisheries in the Great Lakes, eastern and southern waters and has caused hundreds of millions of dollars in damage to agriculture, power production and water supply systems. To prevent their spread, anglers and boaters should: remove any visible mud, vegetation, fish and other critters before transporting equipment; eliminate all water from boat and equipment – dry completely or treat chemically; clean and dry everything that came into contact with water including boats, trailers, fishing equipment, other equipment, clothing and even pets before going to another water; never transport or release plants, fish, or other animals into another body of water.

Changes since the last report: the warm spell continues to accelerate melting of snow and ice. With the melt comes muddy roads and slushy snow/ice conditions. Most mid to low elevation lakes and reservoirs are ice-free.

Warning: Whirling Disease has been found in the Northeastern Region on both the north and south slope of the Uinta Mountains. It is believed anglers are now the main source of movement of the parasite that causes Whirling Disease. To avoid spreading the disease, do not move fish or fish parts from one water to another. Clean the fish well away from the water and dispose of the unwanted parts in the garbage. If that’s not possible then bury it in a deep hole or burn it completely. One infected fish carcass can contain over a million spores. Also, make sure to clean, dry and sterilize waders, live wells and other fishing gear before venturing to another water or above a diversion (such as a small dam) which are being built to stop the movement of infected fish.

BIG SAND WASH RESERVOIR The reservoir is ice-free with no new reports. Should be fair to good fishing for trout. The reservoir was drained, the dam checked, it passed inspection and is being refilled. The Division stocked catchable fish last summer and plans to stock more catchables and fingerlings to provide immediate and long-term fisheries.

BULLOCK/COTTONWOOD RESERVOIRS Several reports of fair fishing for rainbows and a few tiger musky being taken. Bass should be picking up as weather warms. Small boats can be launched from undeveloped sites near the dams. Reservoirs are located approximately 5 miles north of the town of Gusher.

BROUGH RESERVOIR No new reports other than ice free. Note: Trophy catch and release regulations, please read proclamation. To get to Brough, take State Route 88 south from US Route 40 (Ouray Road). Turn west at the second dirt road past the high power lines. Follow this road approximately 2 miles staying to the left at each main fork. Road can be quite rutted.

BROWNIE / SPIRIT LAKE No new reports. Still snow in the higher country, predicted road access opening is mid-May. Warning: whirling disease has been found in this area, please make sure to clean, dry and sterilize waders, live wells and other fishing gear before venturing to another water. Also do not clean fish or dump fish parts taken from one water into another lake or stream, as this will also move whirling disease.

CALDER /CROUSE RESERVOIRS Anglers report good fishing. Roads accessible but watch the storms, as they will make it muddy. The new “trophy ” regulation for Calder began January 1, 2007. Please read proclamation for details on regulations.

CURRANT CREEK RESERVOIR No new reports. Lake likely has ice but melting quickly. Check ice edge thickness carefully before venturing out. The road has been kept open to the dam.

EAST PARK / OAKS PARK No new reports. Reservoirs likely still have an ice cap but should have open areas along edges. Red Cloud Loop roads still closed, predicted opening mid to late May.

FLAMING GORGE RESERVOIR Access Conditions: Launching boats is possible on all ramps.

Lake Trout Fishing: No recent reports from the north end. Some success reported for lake trout in the Mustang, Jarvies, Antelope and Linwood areas. Fish are in traditional areas on underwater humps and points. Fishing for smaller lake trout north of Big Bend should be good now until end of May. Try jigging and trolling in 30 to 60 feet of water, look for flats adjacent to the old river channel and also look for suspended fish over the channel. Use downriggers to troll spoons and minnow plugs a few feet off the bottom. Good colors for spoons and plugs include chartreuse, orange and white. Good jig colors are white, brown and chartreuse. Try tipping jigs with a small chunk of sucker meat if you can see them on your graph but can't get them to bite with a plain jig. Unlike their larger relatives, the smaller lake trout are excellent table fair with orange flesh and taste as good or better than a rainbow when cooked up on the grill. There's an overabundance of lake trout under 28" in the Gorge so do your part to help the fishery and keep a limit of 8 fish. For larger lake trout try long lining or use planer boards trolling plugs in Jarvies, Sheep Creek, Linwood, Stateline, and Antelope Flat. Lake trout can utilize all depths of water column now. Active fish forage near the surface in search of shallow rainbows and kokanee. For fish on the bottom, troll with downriggers or steel line or use larger sized jigs in traditional colors. Big lake trout eat big food so lures and jigs can be also.

Kokanee Fishing: no reports, typically slow until May.

Rainbow Fishing: Good to excellent fishing for rainbows on most of the reservoir. Most areas where current is entering reservoir attract rainbows in early spring. Also look for large rainbows near boat ramps as mature fish return to where they were stocked in an attempt to spawn. If fishing from a boat try trolling spoons or rapalas with at least 150 ft of line out or use planer boards. Most colors of spoons and minnow lures will work but go with lures in the one to two inch sizes. Spring is the best time of year to catch large rainbows from shore at the Gorge. If bait fishing, try suspending a worm 4 to 6 feet below a bobber if fish are surfacing or close to surface. If fishing on bottom, try a worm and marshmallow combo to keep the bait off the bottom. Casting spoons, spinners or smaller crank baits from shore also works well. Fly fishing with woolly buggars and leech patterns is another great way to catch rainbows up to 25".

Burbot Fishing: Try fishing with jigs late in the afternoon or early morning on points coming into reservoir. These fish move deep after winter so adjust your location accordingly. Anglers recently reported burbot being caught off Antelope Flat in 100 plus feet of water. These fish must be harvested if caught in Utah to help control their population as they were illegally introduced to the upper Green River drainage and could have a major impact on other fish species. They are an excellent eating fish with white, flaky flesh that is similar to a perch. They can be breaded and fried or boiled and dipped in melted butter.

Smallmouth Bass Fishing: No reports, typically slow fishing until May.

GREEN RIVER – Currently, Red Creek is not a major influence on clarity in Browns Park. Base flows are currently 800 cfs with no fluctuations during the day. Double peaking flows ended Mar. 5th. UDWR will be working with the BOR and Western Area Power Administration to evaluate impacts that may have occurred to the trout fishery during this winter's double peaking flow regime. Due to low snow pack conditions, approximately 50% of normal in the Green River drainage, flows should remain at 800 cfs until spring high flows for threatened and endangered fish occur sometime in May or June depending on water conditions. Summer conditions should also be low. Visit the Bureau of Reclamation website www.uc.usbr.gov for the latest information on flows.

DWR will conduct electrofishing samples on April 16th just below the dam and at Little Hole on April 17th. Samples are taken for one mile below each location.

Currently, fair to good fishing on the river. Midge hatches are occurring on most days. Other hatches should occur toward the end of the month. No major blue wing hatches yet. Please remember the slot limit size range has changed from 13 to 20 inch to 15 to 22 inches to make regulations more consistent statewide. Some reports of good fishing using woolly buggars, egg patterns and various nymph patterns. Other flies to try include: Two-bead midge #22-24; Para Adams #20-26; Griffith's Gnat #20-24; Tungsten Zebra Midges #14-16 in brown and red; small scuds in olive and grey #18-22; Glo-bugs #12-14 in all colors; San Juan Worms in red #14-12; RS2's and WD 40's in grey, olive or wine #18-24; streamers such as #2-6 Buggers in tan, black, and olive; Goldilox Buggers and Double Bunnies. Visit the following web site to see up to date flies and lures that are catching fish. www.fishgreenriver.com.

Spin fishermen should try small rapalas (floating, countdown and husky jerk); spinners; black, brown or olive marabou jigs; and tube jigs. Please check to see that your tube jigs contain no fish attracting scents as they are illegal to use in the river.

New Zealand Mudsnail densities have dramatically increased in several localized areas near Little Hole, and have been documented in most areas of the river. Please thoroughly clean mud and vegetation from waders, boats and fishing gear; and if possible, completely dry equipment before leaving the area. A hot water bath (120 degrees Fahrenheit) will kill mudsnails, and spraying equipment with 409 or a similar soap solution before drying will increase effectiveness.

GREEN RIVER (lower) Water level is low. No new reports from anglers. Lower sections are clear of ice but with muddy water.

MATT WARNER RESERVOIR Getting reports of fair to good fishing. Roads accessible with a few muddy areas.

MOON LAKE No new reports. With the warm weather conditions we have received it’s likely access is good to the Lake and there is also likely to be open water along the edges. If there is ice, then check carefully, especially along the edges, before venturing out. Also be aware of pressure ridges and breaks if crossing, especially with a vehicle. The lake contains a variety of trout and kokanee.

PELICAN LAKE Lake is ice-free, anglers reported good fishing for bass and bluegills on warm days just prior to cold weather moving in. Fishing should pick up quickly once the cold spell moves out.

RED FLEET RESERVOIR Reservoir is ice free and getting reports of good fishing for rainbows with a few browns also being reported. Also received a couple reports of bass being caught along the sun baked walls and rock faces.

STARVATION RESERVOIR Reservoir ice is gone. Reports are of good fishing for trout including a few large browns. Just starting to get reports on warm water fish: walleye, bass and yellow perch.

STEINAKER RESERVOIR Reports of fair to good fishing form shore and from boats for browns and rainbows including some larger fish being taken. A few bass and bluegills being picked up in the deeper water, with warmer weather they should start moving into the shallows.

UINTA MOUNTAIN LAKES AND STREAMS No new reports from the mountain. Have heard of some fair to good fishing on lower streams. Mountain lakes still have ice and snow. Try brightly colored lures or jigs tipped with a mealworm or piece of night crawler. Fishing success on mountain lakes and streams can be spotty so if one hole or lake isn’t producing try moving to another. With over 400 managed fisheries on the South Slope alone, it’s easy to find a new place to fish. Always go prepared for serious weather, as the Uinta Mountains are well known for frequent unexpected storms and high winds. Note: The Uinta Mountains have a four trout limit with a bonus of four more brook trout - see proclamation for details.

FISHING REPORT FOR THE CENTRAL REGION OF UTAH

CENTRAL REGION

Send your central region fishing tips to: scottroot@utah.gov or to DWR’s new fishing forum at www.wildlife.utah.gov (under the “fishing” category).

STRAWBERRY RESERVOIR - (April 4) Officer Paul Davis and Strawberry Project Leader Alan Ward both report that the mouth of the rivers feeding the reservoir are starting to open up.” The ladders has considerable open water now. Still reports thick ice over 14 inches on much of the reservoir still. Fishing success is fair. ATV’s and snowmobiles not recommended because they may get stuck and the edges will be softening up soon. Wear waterproof boots. Anglers report that early morning hours are best and many different types of bait-tipped jigs are producing fish. Move around to different locations and fish at different depths until you find the schools of fish. Regulations for the reservoir include: Limit 4 trout or kokanee salmon in the aggregate. No more than 2 may be cutthroat trout under 15 inches and no more than 1 may be a cutthroat over 22 inches in length. All cutthroat between 15 and 22 inches must be immediately released (any trout with cutthroat markings is considered a cutthroat). Don't feel compelled to harvest fish on every trip. Please do your part to ensure the future of this heavily utilized fishery by voluntarily releasing fish!

JORDANELLE RESERVOIR (April 4) Open water and boat anglers report good success by trolling with various lures and jigs. Shore anglers report fair to good success with baits. Bass limit is 6. All bass over 12 inches must be immediately released.

DEER CREEK RESERVOIR (April 4) Open water! Officer Paul Davis reports “Deer Creek is crowded and the fishing from boats and float tubes seem to be effective. Shore fishing is slow but they are catching a few.”
Bass limit 6. All bass over 12 inches must be immediately released. Walleye limit has been increased this year to 10 but only one over 24 inches may be kept.

UTAH LAKE - (April 4) Officer Bagley reports “The Lake is open water. White bass fishing and large mouth bass are being caught near Mill Race (SW Provo). Limited success on walleye.” Officer Chad Bettridge reports “The white bass have picked up quite a lot in all of the marinas. They have also caught some big catfish at both the State Park and Lindon. The walleye have started stacking at the reclamation plant and Sandy Beach. Remind anglers of the regulations on the tributaries.” Try twist tail grubs or minnows for best luck on walleye. Lake level is high. tributaries to Utah Lake are closed from March 1st to May 1st Walleye limit has been changed this year to 10 but only one can be over 24 inches. There is no limit on white bass. largemouth and smallmouth bass limit is 6...but... All largemouth and smallmouth bass over 12 inches must be immediately released. For more information on conditions call Utah Lake State Park at (801) 375-0731.

YUBA RESERVOIR (April 4) Officer Jay Topham report “I have been to yuba several times. Fishing for trout has been good. Use a jakes spin a lure in the gravel beds to catch them spawning. Some are catching them on bait to. The perch are starting to show up. Some people are catching them. You may put in the letter that all perch must me immdiately released.” For more info call the State Park @ 435-758-2611.

PROVO RIVER (April 4) Officer Dave Swenson reports “The middle Provo river is fishing quite well using midge patterns, emergers, and blue wings. Fish midday as the hatches come off.” Two Notices- #1: Just received notice that a Drop Structure will be removed from the middle section of the Provo River located just downstream from Jordanelle Dam beginning on April 9th. Work is expected to last for about one month. The drop structure is a sill placed across the river channel many years ago to back water up so that water could be diverted for irrigation. To try and minimize impacts to anglers, work will not be performed in the river channel from Friday to Sunday during this time. During construction, some muddy water will go down stream during work hours.

Notice #2: tributaries to Utah Lake are closed from March 1st to May 1st (see proclamation for specifics).
Please read the proclamation for regulations since there are different regs on different stretches of the Provo. For example, Between Charleston Bridge and the Legacy Bridge (near Midway) the use of bait is allowed and a standard limit of 4 trout (any trout species and any size). Do your part to prevent the spread of WHIRLING DISEASE by cleaning mud from waders and equipment. DO NOT TRANSPORT any parts of fish caught here to other waters.

Little Dell Reservoir (April 4) Fair to good fishing for the cutts on this “artificial fly and lure only water” Remember that it is also a “Catch and Release only” water!

BURRASTON PONDS - (April 4) Fair to good fishing success.

DIAMOND FORK RIVER - (April 4) Success continues to be reported as “slow to fair” using flies, lures or bait. NOTICE: The DWR treated the stream in September of 2006 with rotenone from Three Forks to it’s headwaters to remove all fish (mostly browns). Over 20,000 Bonneville cutthroat trout fingerlings were stocked on Halloween into this area to help restore this sensitive species and to provide anglers a good sport fishery. The restoration stretch is closed to fishing but the first 10 miles of Diamond Fork (from the turnoff of Hwy 6) is not effected by this treatment and anglers report slow success for brown trout. Remember: that on Diamond Fork...from Springville Crossing to it headwaters is “artificial flies and lures only” and it is closed to the possession of cutthroat trout.

DANIELS CANYON CREEK (April 4) – Clear water and fair to good fishing.

HOBBLE CREEK & CATCH BASIN - (April 4) Slow to fair fishing success.

THISTLE CREEK (April 4) – Officer Shawn Bagley reports light pressure with fair to good success.

SALT LAKE WATERS (April 4) Officer Ray Loken reports “High lakes ( Silver, Red Pine, White Pine, Mary, Twin, etc.) still frozen over and inaccessible.

Mountain Dell Reservoir: Closed to fishing.

Little Dell Reservoir: Special regulations in place (artificial flies and lures only, all cutthroat trout must be immediately released). Little Dell is currently open (ice is gone) and fishing is slow for cutthroat and brook trout.

Mountain Dell Creek (from Little Dell Reservoir water line upstream to headwaters): Special regulations in place (artificial flies and lures only, all cutthroat trout must be immediately released, closed to fishing January 2, 2007 until July 14, 2007).

Mill Creek: Fishing is slow for holdover rainbow trout stocked last summer.

Big Cottonwood Creek: Fishing is slow for brook trout and rainbow trout in the upper reaches of the creek and slow for brown trout in the middle and lower reaches of the stream. Anglers with experience in wintertime stream fishing will have better success than those using bait fishing techniques that are effective in the summer.”

Officer Mike Roach reports “Willow pond is fishing well although the weather has been a little colder. It does not appear that the other Urban ponds have not receive any fish this year. The Jordan river is running very high and you should stay clear of the banks and water. I checked fisher persons on big cottonwood creek and they are catching small brown trout. People are starting to fish Little Del Res. and when the weather is good fishing can be good.”

AMERICAN FORK RIVER - (April 4) Fair success by using flies or worms. Light fishing pressure.

TIBBLE FORK RESERVOIR (April 4) – Open water. Success is reported as fair by using traditional baits.

SPANISH OAKS RES. (April 4) – Officer Bagley reports the lake is now open, stocked and has little pressure!

SALEM POND - (April 4) Fishing success is considered “fair” for trout by using worms or powerbait. Keep your eyes open and you might be lucky enough to watch the local osprey (fish hawk) diving for trout!…He has been active on the pond this week. Officer Bagley reminds anglers that the pond is closed to angling at 10:00 p.m. each night. Remember that regulations include: Limit 4 fish (Daily bag and possession limit is a total of 4 fish in the aggregate for all species, for example: 1 trout, 2 channel catfish and 1 bluegill.) Bass, bluegill and channel catfish are also in these waters.

SPRING LAKE - (April 4) Officer Shawn Bagley reports light fishing pressure and “some” success.

PAYSON LAKES – (April 4) Officer Bagley reports Gate is still locked.

Vernon, Granstville & Settlement Canyon Reservoirs (Tooele Co.) (April 4) -
No report this week. Last week’s report indicated reports of fair success. Angler Ken Broadhead reports “My brother caught a 42 inch 17.8 lb brown in Grantsville Reservoir. His name is Robert Broadhead. He caught the brown on a bubble and fly and on 4 lb test line.”

MILL HOLLOW - Drained! No fish until 2009!

SANPETE CO. WATERS (April 4) – Ice is off Palisade, Nine Mile and Gunnison. Officer Bradley reports slow to fair success.

Email your fishing reports on central region waters to scottroot@utah.gov

Cattle and Airplanes Team Up to Help Wildlife at Hardware Ranch

Hyrum -- Wildlife biologists are using an old-fashioned but innovative approach to restore habitat for mule deer and other wildlife at the Hardware Ranch Wildlife Management Area.

They’re teaming cattle with airplanes.

Dropping Seed

Two seasons of intensive grazing by cattle has removed much of the cheatgrass on the south facing slopes of Blacksmith Fork Canyon.
Conditions are now ideal to reseed the area with plants that will be perfect for the wildlife that use it in the winter.

The reseeding effort is part of a long-range Division of Wildlife Resources’ plan to restore critical big game winter habitats at the Hardware Ranch WMA, which is 15 miles east of Hyrum.

April 6 marked an important phase in the habitat restoration project.
Airplanes buzzed portions of Blacksmith Fork Canyon that day, dropping nearly $30,000 worth of seed on the ground.

The seed mixture the planes dropped is a special blend of forbs and shrubs. The plants are designed to give wildlife the nutrition and energy they need to survive harsh winters. These plants are also designed to help wildlife transition from their winter diet to spring and summer diets.

Challenging Terrain

As biologists contemplated the best way to restore habitat on the steep, rocky hillsides of Blacksmith Fork Canyon, they could see they were in for a challenge. Using tractors and other mechanical means was out of the question, so they came up with a creative approach: put livestock in the area to graze it, and then follow the grazing by reseeding the mountainside by airplane.

“One of the first things we wanted to accomplish with this project was to minimize the fire danger to the existing winter habitat,” says Ron Greer, regional habitat biologist for the DWR.

“Removing the cheatgrass, which is the main fuel [for fires], will protect the sagebrush, bitterbrush and other species [we’ll be planting here].”

The DWR contracted with Diamond J Resources of Rich County to carry out the work. Personnel with Diamond J Ranches have a solid background in range science and in conditioning cattle to graze steep slopes.

Preparing the Seed Bed

In addition to removing the threat of fire, the cattle that are grazing in the area during this third year of the program have created ideal “safe spots” for seed to germinate and take root.

“These safe spots have soil temperatures that give the seed better chances of growing,” Greer says.

“Ultimately, we want to be able to winter thousands of mule deer, like we used to on this slope.”

For more information, call the Hardware Ranch WMA at (435) 753-6206 or the DWR's Northern Region office at (801) 476-2740.

Vacancies on Utah Wildlife Board

Applications accepted through May 4

Three openings are available on the board that sets the rules that govern wildlife management in Utah. These rules include the state's hunting and fishing laws.

The Utah Wildlife Board Nominating Committee is seeking qualified nominees to fill the three seats on the seven-member Utah Wildlife Board. Gov. Jon M. Huntsman, Jr. will appoint the new members to six-year terms.

Potential board members must represent a wildlife constituency group (sportsmen, people who watch wildlife, ranchers, etc.) No more than two board members may come from any one of the Division of Wildlife Resources' five regions.

Board members attend 10 to 12 wildlife board meetings each year in Salt Lake City. They're also encouraged to attend monthly Wildlife Regional Advisory Council meetings in their regions. Some overnight travel is required.

Wildlife board nominees should have a strong interest in wildlife and wildlife management and a commitment to represent all of Utah's citizens.

For more information, or to apply, go to Gov. Huntsman's Web site at www.governor.utah.gov/boards. Follow the prompts at the site to learn more, or to apply.

Applications will be accepted through May 4, 2007.

Changes Coming to Hunting Course

Changes should get more parents and kids into the outdoors

Some major changes are coming to a course that every young person in Utah must take before they can hunt.

Beginning April 1, the cost to attend Utah*s Hunter Education course will climb slightly - from $6 to $10 - but students will actually save money because they*ll receive a free hunting license.

The license allows a Hunter Education graduate to hunt small game.
It*s valid for 365 days from the day it*s issued.

How you register for the course will also change.

In the past, students registered for the course the first night the course was held. Starting April 1, you must register in advance at any Division of Wildlife Resources office or hunting license agent location in Utah.

More than 300 agents sell Utah hunting and fishing licenses.

The following are the major changes that will happen in the program starting April 1:

- When you register for the course, you*ll receive a two-part voucher. After you complete the course, your instructor will mail the first part of your voucher to the DWR. Once the DWR receives the voucher, they*ll mail your Hunter Education card to you (this card is called a *blue card* in Utah).

- The second part of the voucher is a hunting license that allows you to hunt small game. After you complete the course, your instructor will sign your license and place a stamp on it. His signature and the stamp make the voucher a valid hunting license.

A list of where and when Hunter Education courses are offered is available at www.wildlife.utah.gov/huntereducation.

Getting Kids and Adults Hooked on Hunting

The DWR believes the changes will lead to more parents and kids enjoying the outdoors together.

*About 30 percent of the students who complete the Hunter Education course, but are under the age of 15, never buy a license and go
hunting,* says Lenny Rees, Hunter Education coordinator for the DWR.
*Now they*ll have a license in their hands as soon as they complete the course.

*Also, anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult while hunting. These young hunters will have a license in their hands and they*ll need an adult to take them hunting. We think this change will bring a lot of adults back who have slipped away from hunting for a
bit.*

If you plan on hunting out-of-state, Rees advises you to take the course well in advance of your trip.

*You*ll need a blue card to buy an out-of-state hunting license, and it could take up to 10 days for your blue card to arrive in the
mail,* Rees says.

For more information, call the nearest Division of Wildlife Resources office or the DWR*s Salt Lake City office at (801) 538-4727.

Livestock Grazing Study

Can Livestock Grazing Benefit Wildlife?

Hardware Ranch hosts open house March 24 in Wellsville

Wellsville -- A major study to learn the ways livestock grazing might be used to improve wildlife habitat is among the many programs at the Hardware Ranch Wildlife Management Area this year.

You can learn more about the work that*s happening at the WMA by attending a public open house in Wellsville on March 24. The open house runs from noon to 5 p.m. It will be held in the Reception Building at the American West Heritage Center, 4025 S. US-89/91 in Wellsville.

*As we look at the busy year ahead, we need to tell people what*s happening at the ranch,* says Dan Christensen, superintendent of the Hardware Ranch WMA, which is about 15 miles east of Hyrum.

*Our programs are creating changes on the landscape, as well as in classrooms and in our community.*

About 1,000 cattle will be released onto portions of the ranch around April 1 as a study continues to determine whether prescriptive livestock grazing can be used to improve wildlife habitat, especially in places too steep or rocky to use heavy equipment or other traditional methods.

The cattle will initially graze along the steep hillside about six miles above SR-101, the main road in Blacksmith Fork Canyon. Then the cattle will be moved among five other areas on the ranch throughout the summer.

*The number of cattle and the effects they*re having on the range will be obvious to people as they come up the canyon to camp, fish and hike this spring,* Christensen says. *The study will affect many areas of the ranch throughout the summer. We want to explain why we think this study is important and let people know that they can still use most of the ranch this year.*

Christensen is also gearing up to continue a major facilities improvement project. In June 2006, the WMA received much-needed funding to repair and replace utilities, buildings, roads, fences and other systems.

Some of the trenches and repair scars from past work are reappearing as the snow melts, and there will be more trenches and improvements as major projects resume at the WMA in April.

The visitor center at the WMA is also being repaired and upgraded.
That work will continue through the summer. New displays, major artwork and a new habitat garden will premiere in time for the ranch*s Elk Festival in October. A new interpretive area, located where people wait in the winter to board sleigh rides that take them through a wild elk herd, will also be completed this year.

*At the open house we want to talk about new partnerships, growing education programs, habitat initiatives, recreational opportunities and future plans,* Christensen says.

*We*re bringing together a team of people who know and care about what happens at Hardware Ranch. We want to talk to our neighbors to learn more about what they want to see.*

For more information, call the Hardware Ranch WMA at (435) 753-61686.

Whirling Disease Found in the Duchesne River

Vernal -- Biologists with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
(UDWR) have discovered the parasite that causes whirling disease in fish taken from the Duchesne River in northeastern Utah.

Samples collected recently from the confluence of the West and North forks of the river, and approximately three miles downstream of Tabiona, have tested positive for the pathogen.

Whirling disease has also been confirmed in Rock Creek, a tributary to the Duchesne several miles below the Stillwater Ponds.

This marks the first time whirling disease has been found in the Uinta Basin or the Duchesne/Strawberry River drainage. It*s the fourth time it*s been found in northeastern Utah. The other hot spots are Carter Creek, from Brownie Lake to Flaming Gorge Reservoir; Burnt Fork Creek east of Flaming Gorge; and Long Park Reservoir.

What Happens Now?

*Whirling disease is caused by a small parasite that attacks the cartilage of a trout or salmon*s head and spine,* says Roger Schneidervin, regional aquatics manager for the UDWR. *If significantly infected, a fish can exhibit a whirling behavior [swimming in circles] and could die. Diseased fish have more problems swimming, are easier prey for predators and become more susceptible to other diseases and environmental stress.

*In some Western waters, the disease has caused major impacts to wild rainbow and cutthroat trout fisheries. For example, some of the more productive reaches of the famous Madison River in Montana have had wild trout populations decline by up to 90 percent. In other streams, the parasite has had no apparent impact.

*It particularly affects young fish in naturally reproducing populations. Adult fish may become infected, but often don*t exhibit signs of the disease.*

Schneidervin reminds anglers that the whirling disease parasite does not affect humans.

Biologists Are Concerned

UDWR biologists are very concerned about the discovery in the Duchesne River. *Although the lower Duchesne is primarily a wild brown trout fishery, a species naturally more resistant to the disease, the upstream reaches of the river contain stocked rainbow and wild cutthroat
trout,* Schneidervin says.

*Of particular concern is an invaluable population of pure strain Colorado River cutthroat trout located above the Central Utah Project
(CUP) VAT Diversion on the West Fork. These fish are the source of the brood population in Sheep Creek Lake that provides eggs for intensive conservation efforts to prevent these native fish from being listed as threatened or endangered.*

Schneidervin is also concerned about the location of the infection.
*Besides infecting this pure strain Colorado River cutthroat trout population, and compromising one of the region*s premiere Blue Ribbon trout streams, if the pathogen gets above the CUP diversion system, it will rapidly spread to Currant Creek, Strawberry Reservoir, Diamond Fork and the Spanish Fork River by the CUP transfer tunnels,* he says.

What Can Be Done?

*The good news is that trout populations upstream on both the Duchesne River and Rock Creek were subsequently tested and were found negative for the disease,* Schneidervin says. *We*re now working with the Uinta and Ashley national forests to create a secondary fish barrier [such as a dam or waterfall] below the VAT Diversion, place signs to alert and educate anglers, and initiate additional sampling to define the extent of the infection and identify hot spots regarding the potential spread of the pathogen above the CUP diversions.

*We also need help from anglers to prevent movement of the disease above the barriers or to additional waters,* he says. *The parasite has a complex life cycle. It starts as a spore [like a small microscopic egg] released from an infected fish. A small aquatic worm ingests the spore, where the parasite changes and is released as a free-swimming form.

*This *myxospore* enters a fish through the gills or skin and migrates through the nervous system, typically finding its way to the cartilage of the head or spine. Once in the fish, it starts producing spores. When the fish dies, the spores are released into the water where they can survive in the sediment for years before a worm ingests them and starts a new cycle.*

What Anglers Can Do

*It*s critical that anglers avoid harvesting fish in one area, then transporting their catch to another location to clean them,* Schneidervin says. *Anglers who camp in one area and fish in another must be especially diligent. Because a single fish can contain thousands or even millions of spores, this mechanism [anglers moving fish and fish parts] may be responsible for many of the recent whirling disease introductions.

*Please clean fish well away from the water and dispose of all fish parts, including entrails, heads and skeletons, in the garbage. If that isn*t possible, bury the parts deeply or burn them completely.*

*Anglers and others who wade in the stream or get mud on boots, vehicle tires or equipment can also move spores by carrying that mud to another site,* Schneidervin says. *The best defense is to carefully clean all waders, boats, trailers and float tubes before reusing them in another water.*

Anglers are also encouraged to use wading shoes that do NOT have felt soles, which are much more difficult to clean. Felt soles are also believed to be a major cause of the movement of New Zealand mud snails.

*Gear can be washed in a 10 percent solution of chlorine bleach, then dried thoroughly, preferably in the sun,* he says. *Remember to drain and dry holding tanks and bilge pumps so fish and other uninvited guests, like whirling disease, New Zealand mud snails or zebra mussels, don*t get moved with the water from one place to another.*

*There is no cure for whirling disease. Once it*s introduced into a watershed, the disease cannot be eliminated,* Schneidervin says.
*We are highly concerned about the parasite infecting major fisheries, and the lakes, rivers and tributary streams in the Uintas and other mountains. It could seriously reduce our native and wild populations of cutthroat and rainbow trout. For the angler, it may mean lower catch rates; for many others, it*s a serious blow to their quality of life.

*We need everyone*s help to stop the spread of this disease and protect these invaluable Utah fisheries.

Making Bird Nests

Manmade Nests Help a Variety of Birds

Birds ranging from bald eagles to bluebirds benefit

Wildlife biologists are seeing a few more bald eagle nests in northern Utah every year. These nests were likely built by the offspring of eagles that nested on a manmade nest in the same area sometime in the past. Once these eaglets grew into adults, they returned to the area to build their own nests.

Utah*s first artificial nest platform for bald eagles was erected on the south shore of the Great Salt Lake in 1997. Since that time, a pair of eagles has returned to the nest and successfully reared nearly 30 young eagles.

Nesting Habits

Artificial nests have played an important role in wildlife conservation in Utah. In some cases, they*ve actually helped reverse population declines.

*When it*s time to nest, many birds return to the same area, and sometimes even the same nest site, where they were raised,* says Jim Parrish, nongame avian coordinator for the Division of Wildlife Resources. *If their nest isn*t there anymore, the birds will often leave the area and try and nest someplace else.

*Manmade nests provide a wonderful way for us to try and reestablish birds in areas where they once lived, increase the number of birds in a given area or introduce birds to a new area.*

Perhaps the most noteworthy example of reversing a population decline is the role nesting or *hack* towers played in the comeback of the peregrine falcon. Utah was the first state west of the Mississippi River to use hack towers to help peregrines.

Helping Ducks and Geese

The Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area west of Farmington is one of several places in Utah where extensive artificial nest work has been done.

Late each winter, members of the Utah Airboater*s Association gather at the WMA to rebuild and refurbish nest platforms for Canada geese.
Two years ago, volunteers from the Utah Waterfowler*s Association and Delta Waterfowl joined forces with the airboaters to add nest boxes for ducks.

Karl Taylor of Ogden has been the driving force behind the duck nest box project. *This project has given me an opportunity to put more and more back into the system,* Taylor says. *My passion in all of this is to see the kids come out. Those are the same guys that will be out here 10 to 20 years from now, putting on the same thing that we*re doing today.*

Almost 100 volunteers came to the Farmington Bay WMA in late February to work on the nest boxes and the platforms that hold them in place.
Among them was Eagle Scout candidate Kohle Perks.

*A lot of people are going to watch these nests and see the progress of the ducks that use them,* Perks said as he put the finishing touches on securing one of the 10 duck boxes that he constructed for his Eagle Scout project.

Smoke in Northern Utah

Work to rid wetlands of phragmites should begin soon

Farmington -- Don*t be concerned if you see smoke above some of the wetlands in northern Utah over the next few weeks. The controlled burns that are causing the smoke are actually helping the marsh by ridding it of a plant called phragmities.

Division of Wildlife Resources biologists will probably start burning phragmites at the Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area west of Farmington during the week of March 11.

After they*re done at Farmington Bay, they*ll work their way north.

Phragmites

Phragmites is an aggressive plant that has invaded the marshes of the Great Salt Lake. It*s outcompeting more desirable plants for space.

With the help and support of the Utah Waterfowler*s Association, in
2006 the DWR received $200,000 to spray phragmites on Utah*s waterfowl management areas (WMAs). The DWR aerially sprayed almost 2,000 acres in 2006.

*The downside to spraying phragmites is that the following spring you need to burn the dead vegetation,* says Rich Hansen, manager of the Farmington Bay WMA. *Burning opens up the canopy of phragmites so more desirable vegetation can grow and so we can more efficiently re-spray the phragmites that is still alive.

*After the initial spraying, every acre has to have a follow-up spraying. Killing and then maintaining phragmites is a long-term
effort.*

The DWR has put a 15-year Phragmites Management Plan into action.

*The bottleneck that is keeping us from completing the project sooner is that every acre we aerially spray has to be followed up on for the next couple of years to make sure no phragmites plants survive,* Hansen says. *If we were to spray the phragmites and not follow up, in a matter of a few years it would reinvade these areas.*

For more information, call the DWR*s Northern Region office at (801) 476-2740.

Chronic Wasting Disease: Final Results Are In

The Utah Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory in Logan has finished testing more than 1,800 deer for chronic wasting disease. The deer were taken during Utah*s 2006 fall hunting seasons.

Of the more than 1,800 deer tested, seven had the disease, the Division of Wildlife Resources announced March 1.

One of the seven deer was taken during last fall*s archery season, two were taken during the muzzleloader season and four were taken during the rifle hunt.

In addition to the deer they*ve tested, laboratory personnel have almost completed testing 446 elk that were taken this past fall.

So far, none of the elk have tested positive for the disease. CWD has never been found in elk in Utah.

*The disease appears to be staying within areas where we*ve already found it,* says Leslie McFarlane, wildlife disease specialist for the DWR. *The La Sal Mountains in southeastern Utah appear to be the hotspot.

*In central and northeastern Utah, we estimate that less than 1 percent of the buck population is affected by CWD. In the La Sal Mountains, we estimate about 2 percent of the buck deer have the disease.

*We did not detect any animals with CWD in the Manti unit in central Utah this year,* McFarlane says. *We*ve tested nearly 1,400 deer in that area since the fall of 2003, and we*ve detected only three mule deer with disease.*

Of the seven deer that tested positive for the disease this past fall, six were taken on the La Sal Mountains. The seventh deer was a mature buck taken close to Brush Creek, which is near Vernal.

All of the hunters who took the deer have been notified that their animals tested positive for CWD.

CWD First Confirmed in Utah in 2003

Since the fall of 2002, almost 12,000 deer in Utah have been tested for CWD. A total of 33 of these animals had the disease.

Twenty-four of the 33 deer came from the LaSal Mountains; five came from the Vernal area; one was taken near the south end of Flaming Gorge Reservoir; one was killed near Fountain Green; and two were taken 20 miles north of Fountain Green.

CWD is fatal to deer and elk that contract it. However, according to the World Health Organization, *There is currently no evidence that CWD in cervidae (deer and elk) is transmitted to humans.*

For more information about CWD, please visit the DWR*s Web site at www.wildlife.utah.gov/hunting/biggame/cwd

More Big Game Permits Recommended for 2007

Utah*s hunters might have more elk, pronghorn and bison permits to draw for this year.

The Division of Wildlife Resources is recommending raising permit numbers for all of Utah*s big game animals. Permits for elk, pronghorn and bison would increase the most.

The DWR is also recommending adding an additional 1,000 general season buck deer permits to the Northeastern Region.

You can learn more about the recommendations and share your suggestions at a series of upcoming meetings. Citizens representing Utah*s public Regional Advisory Councils will take the input received to the Utah Wildlife Board when it meets April 5 in Salt Lake City to approve big game hunting permits for this fall*s hunts.

Meeting dates, times and locations are as follows:

Southern Region
March 13
7 p.m.
Beaver High School
195 E. Center St.
Beaver

Southeastern Region
March 14
6:30 p.m.
John Wesley Powell Museum
885 E. Main St.
Green River

Northeastern Region
March 15
6:30 p.m.
Western Park, Rm. #2
302 E. 200 S.
Vernal

Central Region
March 20
6:30 p.m.
Springville Junior High School
165 S. 700 E.
Springville

Northern Region
March 21
6 p.m.
Brigham City Community Center
24 N. 300 W.
Brigham City

More Elk Permits

Some record-sized bull elk have been taken in Utah over the past few years, but there are still plenty of big bulls out there for hunters to take.

Biologists manage each of Utah*s limited entry bull elk units so the average age of the bulls taken by hunters falls within a certain age category.

The bulls that hunters took on 24 of Utah*s 28 units was higher than the age objective for those units. That means the animals were older than what the objective for those units calls for.

The age of the bulls taken on four units was at the objective for those units. None of Utah*s limited entry units was under the age objective.

*This means we can allow more hunters in the field and still leave plenty of big bulls for hunters to take in years to come,* says Craig McLaughlin, Wildlife Section chief for the DWR.

With that in mind, the DWR is recommending 2,190 limited entry bull elk permits for this fall*s hunts. A total of 79 of those permits would be management bull elk permits. These permits allow hunters to take bull elk that have five or less antler points on at least one side.

Management permits are being offered for the first time to reduce the number of smaller bull elk on four of Utah*s best limited entry units.
All of these units have extremely high bull to cow ratios.

More Pronghorn Permits

Pronghorn antelope permits would also increase under DWR recommendations.

The agency is recommending 1,067 pronghorn permits for this fall*s hunts. A total of 855 were available in 2006.

Most of the permits would be issued for the Parker Mountains in southwestern Utah.

*The objective for the Parker Mountains is to maintain 40 bucks per 100 does,* McLaughlin says. *Right now, the unit has 78 bucks per 100 does. Hunters who draw a permit for the Parker Mountains should see plenty of bucks, and they should have a great hunt.*

More Bison Permits

Hunter*s choice and cow bison permits for the Henry Mountains in southeastern Utah would also increase under DWR proposals.

Under the proposals, permits would jump from 18 in 2006 to either 47 or
71 permits in 2007.

The final bison permit numbers will be determined later this spring, when the Henry Mountains Bison Working Group finishes revising a management plan for the bison on the Henry*s.

*In 2005, our biologists flew two aerial surveys of the Henry
Mountains,* McLaughlin says. *They didn*t see many bison during either survey.*

Even though bison are big animals, McLaughlin says they tend to gather in small groups and are effective at hiding under pinyon/juniper trees.

*Bison are strong animals, and we were pretty sure that the herd had not experienced a big die-off,* he says. *We guessed that the bison had probably moved into thicker cover where it was harder for us to spot
them.*

DWR biologists decided to be cautious, however, and hunting permits were cut in 2006.

*Our biologists flew another survey this past August, and this time they spotted the bison,* McLaughlin says. *They saw lots of bison.

*We*ve confirmed that the herd is doing really well, and that*s why we*re recommending more bison permits for this fall*s hunts.*

More Deer Permits

Under DWR recommendations, the number of general season buck deer permits would begin moving back to the 97,000 permit cap that began in Utah in 1994.

In 2005, general season buck deer permits in the Central and Northeastern regions were cut by 1,000 permits each. The permits were cut because the three-year buck-to-doe ratio in each region had fallen below the minimum of 15 bucks per 100 does called for in Utah*s Deer Management Plan.

As a result, the statewide permit cap was reduced from 97,000 permits to 95,000 permits.

Surveys conducted by DWR biologists after the 2005 and 2006 hunts found that the three-year buck-to-doe average in the Northeastern Region had increased to 15 bucks per 100 does. That number meets the objective called for in the state*s deer management plan.

In the Central Region, the three-year average has fallen slightly to 13 bucks per 100 does.

*Based on the findings, we*re recommending that 1,000 permits be added to the Northeastern Region for this fall*s hunt,* McLaughlin says. *Adding 1,000 permits would increase the total number of general season buck deer permits in Utah to 96,000.*

Permit Recommendations

Permit numbers for 2006, and the number of permits the DWR is recommending for 2007, are listed below:

2006 2007

General season buck deer 95,000 96,000

Limited entry deer 999 1,019

Limited entry bull elk 1,835 2,190

Pronghorn antelope 855 1,067

Moose 138 152

Bison 24 53 or 77

* (these bison totals include permits for the Henry Mountains and Antelope Island)

Rocky Mountain goat 79 91

Desert bighorn sheep 36 41

Rocky Mountain bighorn
sheep 15 18

Charts showing the total permits for each unit will be available at www.wildlife.utah.gov/public_meetings before the RAC meetings.

Once you*re on the site, go to the Meeting Agenda portion to find the permit numbers.

Shed Antler Collectors: Obey the Law and Have Fun

With spring just around the corner, it*s an exciting time for those who enjoy gathering the antlers and horns shed by big game animals each year.

As you*re having fun searching for antlers and horns this spring, please remember that there are regulations you must follow regarding their possession.

Also, remember to give the big game animals you encounter plenty of space, and don*t take off-highway vehicles off of designated roads and trails.

Taking OHVs off of roads and trails can cause serious damage to the habitat that big game animals and other wildlife and fish rely on.

Shed Antler Gathering Season in Northern Utah

New this year in Utah, there is a shed antler gathering season. This season applies to Northern Utah only.

You may not gather shed antlers in the DWR*s Northern Region from Feb. 1 through April 30. This closure was put in place to prevent big game animals from being harassed during the time of year when they*re in their poorest health because of the stress of a long winter.

In addition to the closure in the Northern Region, the Utah Wildlife Board has directed the Division of Wildlife Resources to study the effects antler gathering is having on big game animals across Utah.
Board members want to learn if a shed antler gathering season should be implemented statewide.

Possession of Antlers and Horns

According to Utah law, a person may possess antlers or horns from legally taken animals, as well as *shed* antlers and horns.

A shed antler or horn is one that has dropped from a big game animal (a moose, elk, deer or pronghorn antelope) as part of its life cycle.

Shed antlers have a rounded base, commonly called a button or burr.
The horns shed by pronghorn antelope are a hollow sheath. (Pronghorn are the only big game animals that shed their horns.)

A deer sheds its antlers during February and March. Elk shed later than deer and at higher elevations.

Shed antlers and horns may be possessed at any time. There are no restrictions on their barter, trade or sale.

In contrast, antlers or horns that are attached to a skull plate must have been taken legally or purchased from someone who took the animal legally.

The person who buys antlers or horns attached to a skull plate must keep a transaction record. The record must include the name and address of the hunter the antlers or horns were purchased from, the hunter*s permit number and the date of purchase or sale.

Antlers, horns and heads of legally taken animals may be purchased or sold only between Feb. 15 and July 31 annually.

Give Big Game Animals Plenty of Space

After a long winter, the energy reserves that big game animals have are already low. Those reserves are taxed even more when antler gatherers enter the picture.

Careless shed antler and horn hunters can tip the delicate energy balance, and that can contribute to more big game animals dying this time of the year.

The worst threat to big game animals usually comes from irresponsible OHV use. Off-road travel is illegal and should not be practiced at any time, especially when gathering antlers.

The DWR has received reports of OHV riders chasing deer and elk through trees to knock off their antlers. This practice is extremely damaging
and illegal. Anyone caught harassing wildlife will be prosecuted to
the fullest extent of the law.

When you*re collecting shed antlers and horns, please pay attention to the body language of the animals you see. If they appear to be nervous or begin to move away, give them more space by backing off or traveling in another direction.

Have Fun

Shed gathering can be a great family outing. Please remember the following as you gather shed antlers and horns this year:

- Avoid picking up antlers that are attached to a skull plate.
Instead, mark the area and contact your local DWR conservation officer.

- Respect the space and needs of wintering big game. Give them lots of room.

- Don*t take OHVs off of designated roads and trails. In addition to causing animals to flee, taking OHVs off-road can cause serious damage to the animals* habitat.

- Good luck and have fun!

Wildlife Board Meeting - March 7 and 8

Utah Wildlife Board Meeting
March 7-8, 2007, 9:00 A.M., DNR Auditorium
1594 W. North Temple, Salt Lake City, Utah

AGENDA

Wednesday, March 7, 2007

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM: Board Appeals


Thursday, March 8, 2007

1. Approval of Agenda
ACTION
* Dr. Jim Bowns, Chairman

2. Approval of Minutes
ACTION
* Dr. Bowns

3. Old Business/Action Log
CONTINGENT
* Dick Diamond, Vice-Chair

4. DWR Update
INFORMATION
* Jim Karpowitz, DWR Director

5. Adjudicative Proceedings Rule R657-02 (5-yr review)
ACTION
* Kenny Johnson, Information Analyst

6. Error Remedy Rule R657-50 (5-yr review)
ACTION
* Kenny Johnson, Information Analyst

7. Terminally Ill Fishing Licenses Rule R657-30 (5-yr review)
ACTION
* Kenny Johnson, Information Analyst

8. License Agent Procedures Rule R657-27 (5-yr review)
ACTION
* Kenny Johnson, Information Analyst

9. Hunting and Fishing Accommodations for Disabled People Rule R957-12 ACTION
* Kenny Johnson, Information Analyst

10. Possession of Live Game Birds Rule R657-04 (5-yr review)
ACTION
* Dean Mitchell, Upland Game Program Coordinator

11. Big Game Depredation Rule R657-44 (5-yr review)
ACTION
* Boyde Blackwell, Private Lands Public Wildlife Program Coordinator

12. CHA Rule R957-22 (5-yr review)
ACTION
* Boyde Blackwell, Private Lands Public Wildlife Program Coordinator

13. Landowner Permits Rule R657-43 (5-yr review)
ACTION
* Boyde Blackwell, Private Lands Public Wildlife Program Coordinator

14. Amphibian/Reptile CIP Proclamation and Rule R657-53
ACTION
* Krissy Wilson, Native Aquatics Program Coordinator

15. Wasatch Mountain Late hunt season change
ACTION
* Alan Clark, Assistant Director

16. Variances
ACTION
* Todd Newby presenting for Ida Ann Newby
* Paul Havens
* James Bell
* Judi Tutorow, Licensing Coordinator

17. Other Business
CONTINGENT
* Dr. Bowns


In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act Persons
needing special accommodations (including auxiliary communicative aids and services) for this meeting, should contact Staci Coons at 801-538 4718, giving her at least five working days notice.

See Hundreds of Tundra Swans

Ogden -- Hundreds of pure white tundra swans are migrating through northern Utah right now. You can both see and listen to them at the Seventh Annual Tundra Swan Day.

Tundra Swan Day - March 10

The Division of Wildlife Resources will host its annual Tundra Swan Day on March 10. Viewing will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area (WMA) west of Farmington and the Salt Creek WMA west of Corinne.

DWR biologists and volunteer naturalists will provide spotting scopes and parabolic dishes that you can use to both see and listen to the swans.

Admission is free.

Van Tours:

At the Farmington Bay WMA, naturalists will also conduct "behind the gates" van tours. These tours are for anyone who would like to visit parts of the WMA that are normally closed this time of the year.

The van tours are free.

Swan Activities:

The Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge will offer some special Swan Day activities at its Wildlife Education Center at 2155 W. Forest St. in Brigham City.

To reach the center, exit I-15 at Exit 363. After exiting the freeway, turn west and travel one block to the center.

At 10:30 a.m., artist Jean Hawrylo will teach kids how to draw a swan. The drawing class is limited to the first 15 kids, ages nine to 12. There is no cost to participate. You can register your child for the class by calling (435) 723-5887.

At 1 p.m., an activity for the whole family will be held as the center shows the movie "The Trumpet of the Swan." This full-length, animated movie runs for 75 minutes and is free of charge to view.

For more information about Tundra Swan Day, call the DWR's Northern Region office at (801) 476-2740 or the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge at (435) 723-5887.

Watching and Listening To Swans on Your Own

If you can't attend the March 10 event, great opportunities are available to watch and listen to swans on your own.

One of the best viewing opportunities is at the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, where you can view swans from your car as you drive along the refuge's 12-mile auto tour loop.

Phil Douglass, DWR Northern Region conservation outreach manager, says he saw large numbers of swans feeding at the Ogden Bay WMA on Feb. 20. He also says that students touring the Farmington Bay WMA on Feb. 21 were thrilled to see and hear tundra swans at the WMA that day.

In addition to the Swan Day locations, he says the Ogden Bay WMA parking area at 5500 W. in Hooper (on the dead end just north of 4000 S.), and the parking area at 7500 W. in West Warren (about one mile south of SR-39 [also known as 12th Street]), are two great places to listen to the "swan song" this spring.

Douglass says the swan migration will peak within the next three weeks.

Citizens Needed To Serve on Wildlife Regional Advisory Councils

Nominations must be received by April 1

You can make a difference in how wildlife is managed in Utah.

Recent resignations have created several vacancies on the state's five wildlife Regional Advisory Councils (RACs).

RAC members represent one of six interest groups: sportsmen; agriculture; nonconsumptive wildlife (people who don't hunt or fish); locally-elected public officials; federal land agencies; and the public-at-large.

To fill one of the vacancies, you must live in the region of the state you wish to represent. If you do, then you must contact the proper conservation group or organization in your region and ask that they nominate you to fill the vacancy you'd like to fill. For example, if you want to fill a sportsmen vacancy, you must contact a Utah sportsmen group and ask them to nominate you for the vacancy.

To learn about wildlife or conservation groups in your area, please contact the nearest Division of Wildlife Resources office.

Nominating groups and organizations must submit their nominations by April 1.

Interview Process

RAC nomination forms can be downloaded from the DWR's Web site at www.wildlife.utah.gov. To obtain a form, click on "Board/RACs," and then click on "Regional Advisory Council nomination form" under the More Information category at the bottom of the page.

You may also obtain a nomination form at any DWR office.

After the groups and organizations have decided who they'd like to nominate, they must submit their nomination forms via e-mail or by mailing them directly to the Board/RAC coordinator in the DWR's Salt Lake City office.

The candidates who are nominated go through a standardized sifting and interview process before being ranked and submitted to Mike Styler, the executive director of the Department of Natural Resources. Styler, in consultation with DWR Director Jim Karpowitz, will make the final appointments from the top five candidates for each vacancy.

Serving on a RAC

Each of the RACs holds about 10 meetings a year to listen to DWR wildlife management proposals. They also take grassroots public input about the proposals. The RAC meetings usually last three to five hours. The meetings are held in the evenings, usually on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday night.

After taking the public input, the RACs vote on the DWR proposals. Then they report their findings and recommendations to the seven-member Utah Wildlife Board. The wildlife board makes the final decisions regarding the proposals.

RAC members are considered volunteers and are eligible to be reimbursed for the costs that result from their attendance at the meetings. Overnight travel is rarely required.

For more information, contact the nearest DWR office or Staci Coons, the DWR's Wildlife Board/RAC coordinator, at (801) 538-4718 or via e-mail at stacicoons@utah.gov