August 6, 2009
More rifle counties this fall
Albany – Big-game hunters in two more counties – Schuyler and a portion of Ontario – will be allowed to carry rifles afield this fall under legislation approved last month by state lawmakers. And hunters in Madison County will continue to be able to use rifles for deer hunting: the state Assembly and Senate voted
Prairie du Chien Area
Boaters on the Mississippi River should use caution now that the river is below the 7-foot mark. Wing dams, closing dams, and sunken logs now pose a serious danger to lower units. Panfishing improved a little, most notably for bluegills and perch. Bluegills were biting better, although the large bluegills are few and far between.
Fee changes coming with controlled pheasant hunt
Springfield – Fans of the annual controlled pheasant hunts in Illinois are a little more at ease this summer, as last summer’s battle over the program’s survival has not re-ignited in 2009. But there are some changes in price and process. In 2008, then-governor Rod Blagojevich proposed canceling the pheasant hunts to save money. This
Duck season likely ‘moderate to liberal’
DNR Report Madison Madison – With the overall picture on the 2009 waterfowl breeding populations being very good, state wildlife officials say hunters can expect average to liberal season frameworks for this fall. Public hearings on the 2009 duck and Canada goose hunting seasons were held this week in several locations, and the Natural Resources
ARs under consideration for Sterling Forest lands
Tuxedo, N.Y. – Sterling Forest State Park is looking at a proposal to impose antler restrictions on bucks harvested in the park. The suggestion comes from some of the deer hunters themselves; more than 4,500 hunters head afield in the 13,000 acres open to hunting in the park. Officials invited hunters who have used the
Port Wing/Superior Area
Although last week’s rain helped bring up the flow for the Bois Brule River for a short while, it is pretty low once again. As of July 30, the flow was at 103 cfs (cubic feet per second). The 64-year average is 133. Anglers will be happy to know that last week’s rain has encouraged
NH moose permits available through new auction
Concord, N.H. (AP) – Moose hunters, here’s a chance for a permit to hunt in New Hampshire. The Wildlife Heritage Foundation of New Hampshire is auctioning five moose hunting permits for the 2009 moose hunt, along with licenses, as part of a new program to support the conservation of wildlife. The permits will allow the
Green Bay/Appleton Area
The Stiles dam area has still been producing some nice panfish on slip bobbers and worms on the south side of the dam. Walleyes were still being caught out of Pensaukee and the Oconto Breakwater Park, though the numbers seem to be down a bit. Try fishing in the 16- to 20-foot range with crawler/harness.
