Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Friday, September 26, 2008
Obama Campaign Threaten Legal Action Over NRA Ad
Obama Campaign Threaten Legal Action Over NRA Ad
9/25/2008 -
Fairfax, VA-Sen. Barack Obama's presidential campaign has sent threatening letters to news agencies in Pennsylvania and Ohio to stop airing ads exposing his anti-gun record sponsored by the National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund (NRA-PVF).
The kicker? NRA-PVF's Ohio’s ads have not yet begun running.
“Barack Obama and his campaign are terrified of the truth,” declared Chris W. Cox, Chairman of NRA-PVF. “Sen. Obama's statements and support for restricting access to firearms, raising taxes on guns and ammunition and voting against the use of firearms for self-defense in the home are a matter of public record. NRA-PVF will make sure that everyone knows of Obama's abysmal record on guns and hunting.”
The Obama campaign sent cease and desist letters to news outlets in Pennsylvania and Ohio, denouncing the ads and demanding their removal from the airwaves. All stations where NRA-PVF has purchased or plans to purchase ads have been provided with documented evidence of Sen. Obama's anti-gun record.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Pheasant Population in Minnesota
Pheasant population remains at 10-year average despite drop in index
Despite a cool, wet spring that caused a 24-percent drop in Minnesota’s pheasant index, the estimated number of pheasants in Minnesota remains at its 10-year average.
“The southwest likely will provide the best opportunities for pheasant hunters,” said Kurt Haroldson, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) wildlife research biologist. “Minnesota’s west central, south central and east central regions also are likely to provide good pheasant harvest opportunities.”
The annual August roadside count of wildlife showed a pheasant index of 81 birds per 100 miles driven. The index exceeded 100 birds in 2005, 2006 and 2007. The 2007 index of 106 birds resulted in a harvest of 655,000 roosters, the highest pheasant harvest since 1964.
“Moderate winter weather throughout much of Minnesota’s pheasant range increased hen counts above the 10-year average,” Haroldson said. “But cool, wet weather from April to June resulted in only an average number of broods and fewer chicks per brood.”
This fall’s pheasant population could be higher than the 10-year average if nesting efforts were delayed and hens remained on nests - or were caring for young broods - during the first two weeks of August. That’s when DNR wildlife managers and conservation officers drove designated routes and counted animals for the survey.
“If that’s the case, this year’s survey may have undercounted pheasants,” Haroldson said. “If not, hunters can expect an average-sized pheasant population but with relatively more adults and fewer juveniles.”
The gray partridge index was similar to last year, but 55 percent below the 10-year average. Mourning dove indices also declined from 2007, the 10-year average, and the long-term average. Cottontail rabbit and jackrabbit indices were similar to last year, but jackrabbit indices are well below 10-year and long-term averages.
The most important habitat for pheasants is grassland that remains undisturbed during the nesting season. Protected grasslands account for about 6 percent of the state’s pheasant range. Farmland retirement programs make up the largest portion of protected grasslands in the state.
“Hunters, landowners, wildlife watchers and others interested in maintaining and enhancing habitat need to support federal and state programs that provide economic incentives for habitat,” Haroldson said. “Without those programs Minnesota would see a drastic decline in pheasant and other farmland wildlife populations. Another practice that would be a great help to farmland wildlife would be to delay mowing of roadsides until after Aug. 1.”
The August roadside survey began in the late 1940s and was standardized in 1955. DNR conservation officers and wildlife managers in the farmland regions of Minnesota conduct the survey annually during the first two weeks in August. This year’s survey consisted of 171 routes, each 25 miles long, with 152 routes located in the ring-necked pheasant range.
Observers drive each route in early morning and record the number and species of wildlife they see. The data provide an index of relative abundance and are used to monitor annual changes and long term trends in populations of ring necked pheasants, gray partridge, eastern cottontail rabbits, white tailed jackrabbits and selected other wildlife species.
The 2008 August Roadside Report and pheasant hunting prospects map can be viewed and downloaded from http://minnesotaoutside.net.
Minnesota’s pheasant season begins Oct. 11 and runs through Jan. 4, 2009. The daily bag limit is two roosters, with three roosters allowed from Dec. 1 to Jan. 4. The possession limit is six, with nine allowed from Dec. 1 to Jan. 4. Shooting hours are 9 a.m. to sunset.
Despite a cool, wet spring that caused a 24-percent drop in Minnesota’s pheasant index, the estimated number of pheasants in Minnesota remains at its 10-year average.
“The southwest likely will provide the best opportunities for pheasant hunters,” said Kurt Haroldson, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) wildlife research biologist. “Minnesota’s west central, south central and east central regions also are likely to provide good pheasant harvest opportunities.”
The annual August roadside count of wildlife showed a pheasant index of 81 birds per 100 miles driven. The index exceeded 100 birds in 2005, 2006 and 2007. The 2007 index of 106 birds resulted in a harvest of 655,000 roosters, the highest pheasant harvest since 1964.
“Moderate winter weather throughout much of Minnesota’s pheasant range increased hen counts above the 10-year average,” Haroldson said. “But cool, wet weather from April to June resulted in only an average number of broods and fewer chicks per brood.”
This fall’s pheasant population could be higher than the 10-year average if nesting efforts were delayed and hens remained on nests - or were caring for young broods - during the first two weeks of August. That’s when DNR wildlife managers and conservation officers drove designated routes and counted animals for the survey.
“If that’s the case, this year’s survey may have undercounted pheasants,” Haroldson said. “If not, hunters can expect an average-sized pheasant population but with relatively more adults and fewer juveniles.”
The gray partridge index was similar to last year, but 55 percent below the 10-year average. Mourning dove indices also declined from 2007, the 10-year average, and the long-term average. Cottontail rabbit and jackrabbit indices were similar to last year, but jackrabbit indices are well below 10-year and long-term averages.
The most important habitat for pheasants is grassland that remains undisturbed during the nesting season. Protected grasslands account for about 6 percent of the state’s pheasant range. Farmland retirement programs make up the largest portion of protected grasslands in the state.
“Hunters, landowners, wildlife watchers and others interested in maintaining and enhancing habitat need to support federal and state programs that provide economic incentives for habitat,” Haroldson said. “Without those programs Minnesota would see a drastic decline in pheasant and other farmland wildlife populations. Another practice that would be a great help to farmland wildlife would be to delay mowing of roadsides until after Aug. 1.”
The August roadside survey began in the late 1940s and was standardized in 1955. DNR conservation officers and wildlife managers in the farmland regions of Minnesota conduct the survey annually during the first two weeks in August. This year’s survey consisted of 171 routes, each 25 miles long, with 152 routes located in the ring-necked pheasant range.
Observers drive each route in early morning and record the number and species of wildlife they see. The data provide an index of relative abundance and are used to monitor annual changes and long term trends in populations of ring necked pheasants, gray partridge, eastern cottontail rabbits, white tailed jackrabbits and selected other wildlife species.
The 2008 August Roadside Report and pheasant hunting prospects map can be viewed and downloaded from http://minnesotaoutside.net.
Minnesota’s pheasant season begins Oct. 11 and runs through Jan. 4, 2009. The daily bag limit is two roosters, with three roosters allowed from Dec. 1 to Jan. 4. The possession limit is six, with nine allowed from Dec. 1 to Jan. 4. Shooting hours are 9 a.m. to sunset.
Friday, September 5, 2008
New Web site to track fall colors unveiled by DNR (September 2, 2008)
People can now follow the changing fall colors like never before with the help of a new Web page unveiled today by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
“Minnesotans traditionally like to get out and hike, bike, camp or just take a scenic drive to enjoy the splendors of our fall colors,” said DNR Commissioner Mark Holsten. “This new site provides a variety of information that helps them do just that.”
Minnesota state park staff updates the fall color information every Thursday, just in time for the weekend.
The new site features a color-coded map that shows where the fall colors are at their peak. There is a “top picks” section, which highlights the Minnesota state parks with the best options for viewing fall colors and the best viewing areas within each of the 72 state parks and recreation areas.
People can also upload photos on the site, sharing their fall color experiences with fellow Minnesotans.
To view the DNR’s fall colors page, visit www.mndnr.gov.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Minnesota DNR Fishing Piers
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has three added three new fishing piers to Minnesota lakes this summer. They are located on Lake Isabel in Dakota County, Lake Preston in Renville County and Clear Lake in LeSueur County.
The fishing pier grant program, created in 1984 by the State Legislature, has led to the installation of more than 300 fishing piers, platforms or shore fishing sites statewide.
“The purpose of the program is to improve fishing opportunities. We especially want to meet the needs of children, elderly, people with disabilities and those without a boat,” explained Nancy Stewart, fishing pier coordinator for the DNR.
In most cases, the DNR provides the fishing pier (built by MinnCor industries) while local governments provide the accessible walkway/path, accessible parking space and ongoing maintenance.
For example, a DNR cooperative agreement with the city of Hastings resulted in the construction of a new pier in Isabel Park at Lake Isabel in Dakota County. Besides the accessible parking and pathway, the city provided an accessible ramp and gangway to the pier.
“People were fishing from the pier, and catching fish before installation was complete,” Stewart said.
The fishing pier grant program is quite popular and local governments have submitted 65 applications seeking funding. There is not enough money to go around, Stewart added, so some communities have done fundraising to make their project a higher priority. The Buffalo Lake Rod and Gun Club raised $10,000 for a new pier on Lake Preston in Renville County. With even more donations promised after installation, they will have paid for 90 percent of the pier, which is located at the lake’s public water access.
A community can also come together to form partnerships on projects, like the
Clear Lake pier project in LeSueur County. The DNR installed the pier and the county will take care of the ongoing maintenance through a cooperative agreement. The pier was funded by donations from the Waseca Hockey Association, the New Prague Sportsmen Club, the LeCenter Isaac Walton League and the Montgomery Sportsmen Club. This pier is in Clear Lake County Park on the west shore, four miles north of LeCenter.
For more information on the grant program or to find a fishing pier, platform or developed shorefishing area, go to
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Walleye Fishing Tips
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Jigs used mostly are 1/4 oz and smaller. Heavier jigs used in current like in Rainy River or early spring on the Mississippi:
We find some great deals on bulk jigs at Fishing Minnesota Tackle Shack
The color of the jig heads is not that important. The color of the rubber or bait you attach makes the difference. In the spring or at night, the walleyes are in shallow water so you would want to use a lighter jig like a 3/8 oz or even smaller. During the day or in the Summer when it's warm and sunny, the Walleyes go deeper so you may want to use a heavier jig like a 1/4 oz.
Twister Tails - 2 inch inch single and double tail
In the spring, the hot colors are white, bright yellow, bright red and black. As Spring turns into Summer, you will find that white and bright yellow slow down as the best colors. Black always works but you should try a dark smoky yellow or a transparent green as the water warms up.
Many people believe that bright colors work in the Spring because the Walleye are still in protection mode over their spawning grounds and that they hit your jig on the act of defending and not eating.
Worm Harness:
In the Summer when it gets hot out, many of the big trophy Walleyes go deep. In this case, you should try drifting really slowly in the deep water with a worm harness. To keep your worm harness off the bottom, many people use a three-way-swivel set-up which is used with Lake Trout techniques. Below is a diagram.
Rapalas or Thunder Sticks:
In the Spring, the best way to catch a big Walleye is to troll along the shoreline just before dark or at day-break with a Rapala or Thunder Stick. A 3 or 4 inch Original Floating Rapala or a Junior Thunder Stick with a little touch of liquid fish scent will bring in the big ones.
Rapalas and Thunder Sticks are also good in the summer. You can fish for those suspended deep water Walleyes or troll shallow along weed beds and drop-offs.
In the Spring the best colors are red, chartreuse, blue and most of all "Fire Tiger". As Spring turns into Summer, silver and brown pick up as the other colors die off. The one color combination that works all year is "Fire Tiger". It's probably the best color combination every created.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Clean Boating Act of 2008
July 28, 2008
Chicago, IL - The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) hailed the passage of H.R. 5949/S. 2766, the Clean Boating Act of 2008, in both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. Passage of this legislation, which has been the top legislative priority for NMMA during the 110th Congress, will permanently and fully restore a longstanding, commonsense regulation that excludes recreational boaters and anglers from the federal and state permitting requirements under the Clean Water Act designed for land-based industrial facilities and ocean-going commercial ships.
Introduced by Senators Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) and Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) in the Senate and by Representatives Steve LaTourette (R-Ohio) and Candice Miller (R-Mich.) in the House, the Clean Boating Act of 2008 will prevent federal and state permitting of water-based, non-polluting incidental discharges that occur in the normal operation of a recreational boat, such as weather deck run-off and engine coolant water.
“The Senate and House have acted swiftly, and we appreciate the bipartisan nature of their action to protect the recreational marine industry, the American boating public and our natural resources. This is an historic victory for our 1,700 members and for boaters across the nation who just love being out on the water unencumbered by unnecessary government red tape and significant legal jeopardy,” said Scott Gudes, NMMA vice president of government relations. “Congress has acted decisively to keep boating fun, safe and simple.”
This new regulation, set to become law on October 1, 2008 if Congress had not acted, was the result of an overbroad federal court decision in a case focused on commercial ship ballast water. The unintended consequence of the decision would have meant that recreational boaters and other vessel operators would be required to follow a multitude of new rules and regulations and been exposed to fines (up to $32,500 per day, per violation) and citizen lawsuits.
“Both the House and Senate have sent a positive message to the nation’s 73 million boaters through the passage of these critical pieces of legislation” noted NMMA president, Thom Dammrich. “After a long road on Capitol Hill, the bill is now ready for the President’s signature into law. We encourage the President to act fast in signing this bill to stave off unprecedented and unnecessary new regulations on America’s boaters and anglers.”
Passage of the Clean Boating Act, a genuine bipartisan, good-government bill, was made possible by a large number of committed legislators on both sides of the political aisle. NMMA extends its special thanks to Senators Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Richard Burr (R-N.C.), Mel Martinez (R-Fla.), Herb Kohl (D-Wis.), James Inhofe (R-Okla.), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and all of the 39 cosponsors of the bill in the Senate. In the House, Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee James Oberstar (D-Minn.), Ranking Member John Mica (R-Fla.), Representatives Steve LaTourette (R-Ohio), Candice Miller (R-Mich.), Gene Taylor (D-Miss.) and all the many cosponsors of the bill are to be thanked and congratulated for their hard work and skillful leadership.
At the same time it passed the Clean Boating Act, Congress also passed H.R. 6556/S. 3278, legislation to provide a moratorium on permitting for commercial vessel discharges until the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) completes a review of certain incidental discharges. This legislation was the product of extensive negotiations between Senators Murkowski, Boxer, Nelson and Murray as well as Representatives Oberstar, Taylor and others. NMMA congratulates these Members of Congress on achieving this consensus measure to provide relief for commercial craft.
Chicago, IL - The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) hailed the passage of H.R. 5949/S. 2766, the Clean Boating Act of 2008, in both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. Passage of this legislation, which has been the top legislative priority for NMMA during the 110th Congress, will permanently and fully restore a longstanding, commonsense regulation that excludes recreational boaters and anglers from the federal and state permitting requirements under the Clean Water Act designed for land-based industrial facilities and ocean-going commercial ships.
Introduced by Senators Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) and Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) in the Senate and by Representatives Steve LaTourette (R-Ohio) and Candice Miller (R-Mich.) in the House, the Clean Boating Act of 2008 will prevent federal and state permitting of water-based, non-polluting incidental discharges that occur in the normal operation of a recreational boat, such as weather deck run-off and engine coolant water.
“The Senate and House have acted swiftly, and we appreciate the bipartisan nature of their action to protect the recreational marine industry, the American boating public and our natural resources. This is an historic victory for our 1,700 members and for boaters across the nation who just love being out on the water unencumbered by unnecessary government red tape and significant legal jeopardy,” said Scott Gudes, NMMA vice president of government relations. “Congress has acted decisively to keep boating fun, safe and simple.”
This new regulation, set to become law on October 1, 2008 if Congress had not acted, was the result of an overbroad federal court decision in a case focused on commercial ship ballast water. The unintended consequence of the decision would have meant that recreational boaters and other vessel operators would be required to follow a multitude of new rules and regulations and been exposed to fines (up to $32,500 per day, per violation) and citizen lawsuits.
“Both the House and Senate have sent a positive message to the nation’s 73 million boaters through the passage of these critical pieces of legislation” noted NMMA president, Thom Dammrich. “After a long road on Capitol Hill, the bill is now ready for the President’s signature into law. We encourage the President to act fast in signing this bill to stave off unprecedented and unnecessary new regulations on America’s boaters and anglers.”
Passage of the Clean Boating Act, a genuine bipartisan, good-government bill, was made possible by a large number of committed legislators on both sides of the political aisle. NMMA extends its special thanks to Senators Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Richard Burr (R-N.C.), Mel Martinez (R-Fla.), Herb Kohl (D-Wis.), James Inhofe (R-Okla.), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and all of the 39 cosponsors of the bill in the Senate. In the House, Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee James Oberstar (D-Minn.), Ranking Member John Mica (R-Fla.), Representatives Steve LaTourette (R-Ohio), Candice Miller (R-Mich.), Gene Taylor (D-Miss.) and all the many cosponsors of the bill are to be thanked and congratulated for their hard work and skillful leadership.
At the same time it passed the Clean Boating Act, Congress also passed H.R. 6556/S. 3278, legislation to provide a moratorium on permitting for commercial vessel discharges until the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) completes a review of certain incidental discharges. This legislation was the product of extensive negotiations between Senators Murkowski, Boxer, Nelson and Murray as well as Representatives Oberstar, Taylor and others. NMMA congratulates these Members of Congress on achieving this consensus measure to provide relief for commercial craft.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Kabetogama/Namakan Fishing Report July 21, 2008
Looking For A New Boat? Check Out Minnesota Boat Store!
Summertime has arrived in splendid fashion; although we do remain on the cool side, which suits most outdoor enthusiasts.
Lake winds have been down or very tolerable, allowing anglers to travel by water to enjoy the park, or get to their favorite memorable fishing spots.
Anglers haven’t been disappointed, as the lakes still offer a good bite for a range of species. Especially noted this week was a sharp increase in pike action.
Northern pike are taking all angler offerings, much to the liking or dismay of anglers. Pike have started getting aggressive in shallow waters either amongst the weeds or reef edges.
Walleyes for the most part are stationed on the reefs or near submerged structures as the mayfly hatch is coming to an end.
Saugers and stray walleyes are being caught frequently in depths under 18’; however, the strongest walleye action is around the 24-30’ range.
Bait selection is an angler’s choice; use the bait you are the most proficient with. Reports of consistent catches are being heard about leeches, crawlers and minnows. Note the best sauger action is minnows.
Smallmouth bass are primarily hanging near rock and gravel structures looking for crayfish and baitfish. A footnote to this is don’t forget casting shorelines with surface or semi-surface lures; you’ll be surprised what you catch in addition to smallmouth.
Walleye hunters look for lake bottom structures that have depressions, humps or an outcropping of rock structures with rapid changing depths for best results.
Summertime has arrived in splendid fashion; although we do remain on the cool side, which suits most outdoor enthusiasts.
Lake winds have been down or very tolerable, allowing anglers to travel by water to enjoy the park, or get to their favorite memorable fishing spots.
Anglers haven’t been disappointed, as the lakes still offer a good bite for a range of species. Especially noted this week was a sharp increase in pike action.
Northern pike are taking all angler offerings, much to the liking or dismay of anglers. Pike have started getting aggressive in shallow waters either amongst the weeds or reef edges.
Walleyes for the most part are stationed on the reefs or near submerged structures as the mayfly hatch is coming to an end.
Saugers and stray walleyes are being caught frequently in depths under 18’; however, the strongest walleye action is around the 24-30’ range.
Bait selection is an angler’s choice; use the bait you are the most proficient with. Reports of consistent catches are being heard about leeches, crawlers and minnows. Note the best sauger action is minnows.
Smallmouth bass are primarily hanging near rock and gravel structures looking for crayfish and baitfish. A footnote to this is don’t forget casting shorelines with surface or semi-surface lures; you’ll be surprised what you catch in addition to smallmouth.
Walleye hunters look for lake bottom structures that have depressions, humps or an outcropping of rock structures with rapid changing depths for best results.
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