Outdoor Traditions - Spring 2012

Issue 1 • Edition 7

Featured in this issue

DON’T MOVE A MUSSEL BY: DAVE CSANDA

PLUS MORE! • New Tackle, Tricks To Try This Season • Search For Sheds • Wild Stories

By: Jim Kalkofen By: Bill Marchel

Excerpts From Conservation Officers’ Weekly Reports

• Your Best Shots

Read Online: www.brainerddispatch.com or www.brainerdoutdoors.com

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Welcome

By: Mike Holst

ANOTHER SPRING RITUAL Each spring, deep in a man’s soul, there is a stirring that cannot be ignored. It’s a feeling so strong that most men can’t ignore it, and cannot get it out of their minds.

It starts festering in them about the middle of March, and it only gets worse each day. They go to sleep at night thinking about it, and they awaken with it still there in their thoughts. They tell their wives that, “when we said, ‘for better or worse,’ this was the better for me and maybe the worse for you.” Like soldiers marching off to war to save the fatherland, this is a quest that has to be taken, and not lightly.

This is what we, as men, were born to do, and God willing, we will. So, once more we dust off the boats, and gather our partners, and like lemmings marching to the sea, we head for the lake or river of our choice, because it’s the opening season of fishing in Minnesota.

We are so blessed to have Northern Pike and Walleye living right outside our door—waiting for us to entice them into battle. For most Minnesotans, the taste of a delectable walleye fillet is somewhere just north of a porterhouse steak. Catching it one’s self just adds to the whole adventure. Lying about catching them—and how big they were—well, it’s almost expected. Your clergy would call it one of those little sins that won’t stain your soul. It’s almost expected of you as a fisherman.

For me, it’s been a never-ending journey from the time that, as a kid, I waded the river with my old steel pole, and Pflueger casting reel, with a stringer tied around my waist. Or fished from the bank with a long cane pole, until today—with the lake at my doorstep—I only have to walk fifty feet to be in the boat. The play-

ing field has tilted in favor of the fisherman now.We can go places now that we only dreamed of going before; we can lower our cameras down into their lair to see if they’re there. We have lures that sing and wiggle and smell like bait fish. You could almost say, it’s too easy, but there is one constant we can’t forget—the fish have to be feeding.

We realize that the supply is not unlimited and so we pay to grow baby fish and restock our lakes and streams.We practice “catch and release” to send them back to propagate the species—hoping they won’t remember what got them in trouble in the first place. When the anchor is pulled for the last time, and the boat is safely back on its trailer; when the frying pan is hot and the fillets are toasty brown and you look at your fishing partner’s tired sunburnt face—then you’ll realize it wasn’t about the fish that took you there. It was about the time you spent with him or her, and the fishing trip was only a “ways to the means,” to enjoy each other’s company. I know this to be true because I don’t always catch fish, but I always have a good time.

M I K E H O L S T Mike Holst lives in Crosslake

Mn. He is a published fiction author and has five books currently in print. You can check his web site for more info on them. Mike also writes a weekly column for the Northland Press which is a small town newspaper in Crosslake. He contributes quite regularly to the Brainerd Dispatch open forum. www.mikeholstfictionwriter.com.

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Welcome ...................................... 3 Don’t Move a Mussel ................. 5 Return to Glory? ........................ 10 New Tackle, Tricks To Try This Season ............. 12 Search For Sheds ....................... 14 Wild Stories ................................. 16 Catchy ‘Toons .......................... 18 Birds Of A Feather — And The Byway .......................... 20

Return to Glory?

Walleye bite expected to be strong for 2012 opener, too, but fishing might ultimately be too good on Mille Lacs

MN Fishing Challenge .............. 22 Today In The Outdoors.............. 24 Your Best Shots ........................... 25

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Search for sheds 506 James Street • P.O. Box 974 Brainerd, MN 56401 (218) 829-4705 www.brainerddispatch.com www.brainerdoutdoors.com Visit us on Facebook 4

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STAFF: Publisher .............................................Tim Bogenschutz Advertising Director ................................. Sam Swanson Copy Editor ............................................. Brian Peterson Marketing .....................................................Nikki Lyter Magazine Layout .......................................... Andy Goble Ad Design........................... Andy Goble, Jennifer Fuchs, Angie Hoefs, Cindy Spilman and Sue Stark Sales ......................................................... Dave Wentzel Online Sales Manager......................................Phil Seibel Outdoor Traditions is a trademarked magazine published by the Brainerd Dispatch, P.O. Box 976, Brainerd, MN 56401. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. ®2010

On the cover: Steve Kohls photo of Andrew Spicola pressure-washing a boat at the Hole-in-the-Day Bay access.

Preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species in the Brainerd Lakes Area I recently attended the annual Minnesota DNR Roundtable in St. Paul, where the topic of aquatic invasive species was foremost on the agenda. It’s a serious problem, with no easy solutions. And the more you know about it, the more you’ll want to take action.

I am happy to say that the Minnesota DNR is tackling the threat to our state’s waters with an aggressive program designed to prevent or minimize the spread of aquatic invasive species. The levels of experience and commitment of the people in charge is second to none, and their battle plans for dealing with the challenges are nothing short of amazing.We are fortunate to have them at the helm.

Lindner Media Productions in Baxter is working with the DNR to produce an educational DVD designed to acquaint viewers with the problems caused by aquatic invasive species, and to detail what we as informed citizens can do to take up the fight against their spread. The following feature contains an advanced look at much of the material that will be available for viewing this May. This is one case, however, when it’s perhaps best to read the book in advance, instead of waiting for the movie to come out…

EVERY MEMBER OF THE ENVIRONMENT A L C O M M U N I T Y has its own unique place in the

complex natural order that forms our outdoor surroundings.

Many of these niches have been established over thousands of years of inter-species competition and interaction, while others have recently been filled by unwanted introductions of invasive species that threaten the ecological balance. In the latter case, the enemy literally is at our doorstep, and has in some cases gained a foothold in some of our local waters.

The state of Minnesota, including the Brainerd Lakes Area, is at war with a variety of silent invaders that threaten to upset the delicate natural order of our lakes, rivers and streams. And it’s time for all of us to take that threat seriously, and to begin taking appropriate action to stem the tide of invasion.

Invasive Species—What are They?

What do we mean by invasive species? Basically, they are non-native plants and animals—both terrestrial and aquatic— that have been introduced to Minnesota by accident or uninformed intent, often with severe consequences. Let’s look at a couple of familiar examples.

Purple loosestrife was transplanted to Minnesota by wellmeaning folks who enjoyed its vivid coloration, little realizing that it would spread like wildfire and displace natural members of the plant community. Fortunately, the Department of Natural Resources has gotten the upper hand on this culprit Photos provided by Dave Csanda

through the carefully researched introduction of leaf-feeding beetles that target purple loosestrife without damaging the surrounding plant community. It’s still present, but largely under control. Score one for the good guys.

Sea lamprey, once the scourge of the Great Lakes, virtually brought the population of native lake trout to the brink of extinction. Fortunately, this is another battle that science is winning—or at least keeping at bay—through chemical treatment of lamprey spawning areas in streams flowing into the Great Lakes.

With other invaders however, the prospects for chemical or biological control are not good once their populations have been established. Eurasian Milfoil is a good example.Therefore, preventing these invasive species from being introduced into our local waters in the first place is a key part of the strategy for preventing their spread.

Imminent Threats Minnesota faces an invasion of aquatic creatures like zebra and quagga mussels, round gobies and spiny water fleas, which were transported in the late 1980s from the Black and Caspian Seas of Europe and Asia in the ballast tanks of ocean-going ships, and unwittingly disgorged amidst ballast water into the Great Lakes, from where they have relentlessly spread. These are the most insidious of the foes we face in the fight to protect our outdoor heritage.

Several species of fish make the list as well. Foremost among these are high-flying Asian carp that literally create headaches both above and above the water’s surface.

While these seemingly unrelated species represent a diverse range of plants and animals, they nevertheless share a common and disturbing trait: They were introduced into environments with no natural predators which kept them under control in their homeland, maintaining the delicate natural balance. Once unleashed into new areas, many invasive species are able to spread and multiply at an amazing pace, with potentially severe consequences for natural species that have no defense against them, or that must compete with the onslaught of these foreign invaders for food, habitat and their very existence.

Invasive Invertebrate Species Let’s begin by examining some of the smallest invasive species--invertebrate creatures lacking skeletons. Because they’re comparatively small, you’d think their introduction would be no big deal.Think again.

Foremost among these are zebra mussels--small striped mollusks about the size of your thumbnail--that multiply at

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incredible rates and encrust shallow rocks, dock pilings and manmade structures like water supply intakes, with a sharp coating of shells; and their larger but lesser-known relatives, quagga mussels, which are capable of colonizing considerably deeper water than zebra mussels. Together, they pose an imminent threat to Minnesota waters that must be quickly and firmly addressed.

Zebra mussels are currently found in the Mississippi and St. Croix Rivers, and locally in select popular fishing lakes like Mille Lacs, the Gull Lake Chain, and Ossawinnamakee.

Both zebra and quagga mussels compete with and displace natural clam and snail populations, upsetting the natural balance of rivers and streams. Like relentless aquatic vacuum cleaners, they voraciously strain the surrounding water for food, filtering algae and plankton from the aquatic ecosystem at an alarming rate.

When this happens, the water typically clears, which many people view as a good thing. Unfortunately, it also diminishes the nutritional carrying capacity of the lake, meaning the amount of fish and plant life it can sustain. Remove too much food from the base of the food chain, and the rest of the chain—insects, small fish and large fish alike—begins to suffer malnutrition, leading to potential shifts in living areas, forage types and feeding strategies. At the very least, traditional fishing areas and patterns are likely to change. At more extreme levels, severe nutritional depletion can cause entire fish populations to collapse, with drastic consequences.

With many invasive species, the initial introduction is marked by a rapid expansion into the new environment, after which the invasion peaks or recedes, with the environment eventually developing some type of new balance. With zebra and especially quagga mussels, the extent of projected damage impossible to predict. Because quagga mussels infest deeper waters than zebras, they have the potential to cause greater environmental havoc.

So, how are zebra and quagga mussels spread to new locations? Evidence suggests that the spread follows major highways, indicating that transfer by birds is not the major problem.

Rather, it is the unintentional spread of mussels, most likely in their microscopic larval phase called veligers, in trailered boats, personal watercraft, duck boats, kayaks and canoes; inside bait buckets, livewells, baitwells and the ballast tanks of wakeboard boats; and on boat trailers, carpeted trailer bunks, anchor and ski ropes, docks and boat lifts, life jackets, water toys, scuba gear and even the felt soles of waders.All it takes is one careless person who fails to take precautions to transfer the problem and change another lake environment, perhaps forever.

Once introduced, lakeshore owners will see the localized appearance of mussels on docks, boat lifts, shallow rocks and weeds. Within a few years, the entire watershed is likely to be infested. Sharp shells can wash up on beaches, discouraging swimming. The mere presence of zebra and quagga mussels can result in a loss of tourism dollars and depressed lakeshore property values.

And because zebra mussels selectively strain “good” green

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algae from the water and leave undesirable blue-green algae behind, mats of toxic blue-green algae can wash ashore to rot, creating potential health hazards. Or sink to the bottom to be eaten by baitfish that are later eaten by birds, leading to outbreaks of avian botulism.

Minnesota has also experienced the introduction of invasive Faucet snails and New Zealand Mud Snails in a limited number of waters, likely spread by similar means. Plus the appearance of spiny water fleas, a large zooplankton which anglers sometimes find clinging to their lines when fishing Rainy Lake, Lake of the Woods or Mille Lacs. Spiny water fleas grow to some 3/8- to 5/8-inch in length, with sharp spines that make them difficult for most small fish to in-

gest as food.

Spiny water fleas feed on smaller plankton, diminishing the amount of food available to other species.

The Rusty Crayfish is another invertebrate invader, native to the American Southeast and likely transferred in bait buckets for use as live bait into Minnesota waters such as Leech, Woman and Vermilion Lakes. Rusty crayfish are a larger, more ferocious species that out-competes native crayfish populations for food and territory, with the nasty habits of shredding rooted weedgrowth and potentially eating the eggs of panfish, bass and other species.

Invasive Fish Species We’ve all heard of the common carp, a European species introduced into American waters so long ago that it’s often assumed to be native to our fish communities. Considered a prized angling species in Europe, carp are often shunned as trash fish in America, although they can be caught using the right techniques, and fight like tigers due to their large size and immense power.

Less widespread, but generating loads of recent media attention, are Asian carp—specifically the bighead and silver carp species—that pose the most significant threat to Minnesota waters. The DNA of Asian carp has been found in the Mississippi and St. Croix Rivers, indicating its agile and unfortunate ability to spread upstream through dams.

Both bighead and silver carp are voracious plankton eaters that strain the water of nutrients and out-compete native fish

species for food. Originally stocked in aquaculture ponds in the South to control algae levels, floods allowed them to escape into the Mississippi River drainage and begin moving upstream. They are prolific breeders, capable of virtually taking over entire stretches of river, altering the local fish community dramatically.

While bighead carp grow larger than silver carp, high-flying silver carp have become media sensations. Perhaps you’ve seen video of them on TV, where approaching boats alert and scare entire schools of silver carp into leaping out of the water, which is both remarkable, and remarkably dangerous. Serious injuries have been caused in collisions between boaters and silver carp, leading boaters in some areas of the country to wear protective helmets and duck behind windshields when traveling up- or downriver.

Round gobies are another unwelcome guest in America courtesy of European ballast water discharged into the Great Lakes. Gobies have no swim bladder, and live their entire life cycles within a few inches of the bottom. In some areas of the Great Lakes, they have become the preferred forage of smallmouth bass. But due to their sheer numbers, there are more than enough gobies present to withstand bass predation.

On a positive note, adult gobies of about four inches and larger predominantly eat zebra mussels, which is a good thing.

Young gobies, however, devour a combination of insects, fish eggs and basically whatever they can get. Because they have ferocious appetites, gobies can quickly empty the unguarded bass and panfish nests of their eggs, and out-compete bottomhugging native fish species like sculpin and troutperch for food.

European Ruffe are another European transplant, present in the St. Louis estuary at Duluth. Like gobies, they present similar problems in terms of excessive predation and competition with native species like yellow perch.The Minnesota DNR also remains on the lookout for non-native species like northern snakehead and white perch as well.

Invasive Plant Species Eurasian Watermilfoil has become a nuisance in some Photos provided by Dave Csanda

Minnesota waters, with Lake Minnetonka in the western suburbs of Minneapolis a good example. What began as a pinpoint introduction in one bay soon spread throughout the entire length and breadth of this expansive lake chain. Bay Lake east of Brainerd annually receives frequent chemical treatments to control the extent of Eurasian Milfoil.

The introduction of Eurasian Milfoil to America can be traced to the aquarium trade, where plants were imported for use in fish tanks and then transplanted into local waters. Eurasian Milfoil is an aggressive rooted plant that quickly grows to the surface and spreads across it, forming an umbrella-like canopy that blocks sunlight and chokes out native plants below.

It has many filamented branches compared to native northern milfoil and coontail weeds commonly found throughout Minnesota waters. Big largemouth bass love to live beneath the thickly choked mats, but boaters and lakeshore owners hate it.

Milfoil forms dense, unsightly cover that is difficult to navigate boats through.

Numerous attempts have been made to eradicate milfoil, chiefly to no avail. Localized chemical treatment is a temporary solution with potentially negative consequences to local fish communities. Wholesale cutting temporarily clears large areas, which later regrow, while simultaneously spreading weed fragments that may take root and grow in other areas.

The good news, if any, is that after a period of years, Eurasian milfoil appears to drain the specific nutrients it requires from the surrounding area, causing it to recede somewhat and begin allowing native plant species to re-grow and establish a rebalanced plant community. But it’s no guarantee.

The ultimate solution to its unwanted presence and spread may lie with the use of milfoil weevils, a native species that feeds on and kills milfoil. Current research is promising, but offers no reason to avoid or delay addressing the current problem. Boaters must take appropriate action to prevent the spread of milfoil by picking off any and all weed fragments from their boat trailers, every time they leave a lake. It’s not optional. It’s the law in Minnesota, and our enforcement per-

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sonnel take it seriously. They’re not afraid to check your boat, which may result in you paying a large fine by check if you’re caught transporting weeds down the highway.

Also present in Minnesota are unwanted populations of Brazilian elodea, curly-leaf pondweed, flowering rush, hydrilla, purple loosestrife, and non-native phragmites. Since few of us are plant experts, the best advice is to leave all plants, aquatic and terrestrial, where you found them. And to alert the Minnesota DNR if you see something that doesn’t look like it belongs amidst the local landscape or waterways.

Stemming the Tide Many hands make light work, as the saying goes. And the more each of us do to prevent the spread of invasive species, the easier it will be on everyone to get the job done.

This commitment requires an adjustment in mindset and routine, without imposing undue stress or expense on any single user group. Just look what we’ve already accomplished in the fight against spreading milfoil, for example.

Now, we simply need to take things a step further. Instead of merely checking our trailers for weeds, we also now need to drain boats, livewells and baitwells, and the lower units of outboard motors when leaving lake accesses. Run your engine for a few seconds once the boat is on the trailer and out of the water. Consider pouring a little bleach into your livewell drain or bilge to kill any unwanted species that may be lodged in the drain lines or beneath the floor. Empty your bait buckets on shore, and never transfer water, live bait, live fish, aquatic plants or invertebrates between lakes and rivers.

Minnesotans have been blessed with virtually unlimited access to our woods and waters, and no one wants to begin limiting that privilege. Yet we’ve already seen lake associations on small waters instill gated boat accesses with mandatory inspection and decontamination every time a boat is launched or removed from the water. Larger public waters with multiple access points, however, are impractically complex and prohibitively expensive to police to this degree. Therefore, it falls upon all participants to accomplish the task.

It’s not only the right thing to do. It’s the law. And because the consequences of failure are potentially severe and longlasting, violators risk severe fines for failing to do what’s needed. In the end, however, forcing people to adjust to the new norm will never work as well as getting them willingly on board to achieve our common goal.

The next time you purchase a fishing, hunting, trapping or watercraft license, or visit a DNR office or retailer offering state licenses, pick up and read the regulations that come with your license.They provide detailed information and guidelines to help you take up the fight to prevent the spread of invasive species.

CLEAN DRAIN DRY To combat the spread of invasive species, the Minnesota DNR has adopted a three-step, easy-to-remember policy called CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY. It only takes a few minutes for boaters and outdoor enthusiasts to apply these simple yet effective

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steps every time they leave a boat access or body of water.

Clean In recent years, boaters have become accustomed to checking their trailers for weed fragments in an effort to stop the spread of Eurasian Milfoil. It only takes a few seconds, but the results could potentially last a lifetime.

Now, in addition to looking for weeds, it is also necessary to visually examine boats and equipment for the presence of other aquatic invasive species, such as zebra mussels. If found, dispose of them properly, and report their presence to your local DNR office.

The Minnesota DNR has made a significant commitment to prevent the spread of invasive species by purchasing and staffing numerous decontamination stations for periodic use at boat accesses around the state, typically where invasive species are present or nearby. In addition to visual inspection by trained personnel, these stations provide the ability to pressure wash your boat and trailer with water heated to 140 F, which is hot enough to kill zebra mussels.

If a decontamination station is not available in your area, run your boat through a local car wash featuring a hot water wash, or wash it at home.

Drain Some aquatic invasive species, like the larval phase of zebra mussels called veligers, are so small that they escape detection by the human eye. We also now need to drain boats, livewells and baitwells, and the lower units of outboard motors when leaving lake accesses. By draining water before you leave the lake access area, you avoid transporting any potential invasive species within remnant water. If there’s any doubt or concern, pour a little bleach into your livewell, bilge or ballast tank to kill any unwanted species that may be lodged in drain lines or beneath the floor.

Anglers using livebait must take additional precautions as well. Empty your bait buckets on shore, and never transfer water, live bait, live fish, aquatic plants or invertebrates between lakes and rivers.

Dry Aquatic invasive species need water to live, and depriving them of water for a sufficient period of time removes the threat of spreading them to another area.

If your boat has been exposed to infested waters, and an effective cleaning system is not available, avoid re-launching your boat in another body of water for at least 5 days, which is long enough to kill any larval or adult zebra mussels lodged in the recesses of your boat, motor or trailer. Allow any equipment that may have absorbed or collected water to air dry for a similar period.

Minnesota’s Action Plan Minnesota has instituted a policy of roadside checks at random times and locations to ensure that aquatic recreation users are following new regulations. State, county, local and tribal Photos provided by Dave Csanda

law enforcement agencies are working hand-in-hand with local governments to both educate the public and enforce what needs to be done. If you’re asked to participate in a roadside check, consider it as doing your part in the fight against spreading invasive species.

By law, lake service providers in Minnesota must now apply for and obtain permits, and supply approved training for all personnel who participate in installing and removing docks and lifts. Training employees in what to look for can enhance early detection of aquatic invasive species and help prevent the spread.

Lake associations have been among the leaders in preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species, taking preemptive action by instituting, staffing and funding local inspection and decontamination procedures. It’s a good example of neighbors helping neighbors to protect the local watershed.

Major fishing tournament organizations are already leading the way, instituting preventive measures and spreading the word to their participants and observers. Local fishing event organizers are encouraged to do the same. Skiing, wakeboarding and boating competitions will need to take similar proactive measures as well.

If you have any questions, contact your local office of the Minnesota DNR to speak to public information and conservation officers, biologists or other employees. The Brainerd Office is located at 1601 Minnesota Drive. Feel free to give them a call (218/833-8600) with questions and concerns. If your lake association, fishing club or other group would like to arrange a speaker on the topic of invasive species, they’re here to help, working side by side in unison, rather than just looking over your shoulder.

We’re All in the Same Boat Together The imminent threats posed by invasive species present very real dangers to the ecosystems of Minnesota’s lands and waters. Once invasive species are introduced into new areas, there typically is no silver bullet cure. Local habitats and inhabitants, including humans, are forced to adjust.

The best way to prevent or reduce the spread of aquatic species is to take simple but effective precautions, every time you enjoy the outdoors. First and foremost, do everything you can to avoid moving any species of plant, fish or animal from one area to another. This means picking weeds off your boat trailer, and draining your boat and livewells, every time you use a boat launch. Never transfer water between lakes or rivers in bait buckets. Don’t move firewood between different parts of the state. And don’t transplant plants from the wild.

If we all keep our eyes open for things that shouldn’t be there, we’re in the game. Patches of dense milfoil in shallow bays. Zebra mussels encrusting dock pilings or shallow rocks.

Invasive fish or minnow species that we catch, see in the water or that appear in bait buckets. If it looks out of place in the natural order, it probably is.

Given the massive area involved, and the diversity of user groups who enjoy our majestic outdoors, no single government agency can do all of the work for us. Instead, it’s up to

each and every person who enjoys the Minnesota outdoors to do their part in preventing the spread of aquatic species.

After all, we’re all in the same boat together. And together, we can and will make a difference.

For information on fighting the spread of invasive species, go to mndnr.gov.

D A V E C S A N D A is a veteran outdoor communicator/TV co-host who works at Lindner’s Angling Edge Television in Baxter. He is also president of the Brainerd Lakes Area Chapter of Let’s Go Fishing (www.lgfwsbrainerdarea.com), a Minnesotabased non-profit volunteer organization that takes seniors, youths and veterans fishing for free.

LOCAL WATERS DESIGNATED AS “INFESTED” WITH AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES

The number of waters included in the following list may initially seem shocking, yet many of them fall within a handful of lake chains or drainages. In the Brainerd lakes area, for instance, the Gull Lake Chain (zebra mussels), Mississippi River (zebra mussels), Bay Lake area (milfoil), and Mille Lacs drainage (zebra mussels, milfoil, spiny water fleas) currently account for most, although not all, infestations. In effect, we need to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species from these waters to surrounding lakes and rivers. Working together, using the principles described here, it can and must be done.

Cass County Bass Lake Crow Wing River Green’s Lake Gull Lake Gull River Leech Lake Leech Lake River Margaret Lake Spider Lake Townline Lake Upper Gull Lake Washburn Lake Winnibigoshish Woman

Zebra Mussels Zebra Mussels Zebra Mussels Zebra Mussels Zebra Mussels Eurasian Milfoil, Rusty Crayfish Faucet Snails Zebra Mussels Zebra Mussels Eurasian Milfoil Zebra Mussels Eurasian Milfoil Faucet Snails, Rusty Crayfish Rusty Crayfish

Crow Wing County Bay Lake Bishop Creek Black Bear Lake Boom Lake Clearwater Lake Crow Wing River Gull Lake Half Moon Lake Kimball Little Rabbit Lake

Eurasian Milfoil Zebra Mussels Zebra Mussels Zebra Mussels Eurasian Milfoil Zebra Mussels Zebra Mussels Zebra Mussels Eurasian Milfoil Zebra Mussels

Long (Tame Fish) Lake Eurasian Milfoil Love Lake Zebra Mussels Lower Mine Pit Eurasian Milfoil Lower Mission Lake Eurasian Milfoil Miller Lake Zebra Mussels Mississippi River Zebra Mussels Nisswa Lake Zebra Mussels Ossawinnamakee Zebra Mussels Pelican Brook Zebra Mussels Rice Lake Zebra Mussels Ripple River Eurasian Milfoil Round Zebra Mussels Roy Lake Zebra Mussels Ruth Lake Eurasian Milfoil Upper Mission Eurasian Milfoil

Mille Lacs County Mille Lacs Lake

Onamia Lake Rum River Shakopee Lake

Eurasian Milfoil, Zebra Mussels, Spiny Water Fleas Zebra Mussels Zebra Mussels Zebra Mussels

Morrison County Alexander Lake Long Prairie River Mississippi River

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TREADING LOCAL WATERS: LAKE MILLE LACS

Return to Glory?

Walleye bite expected to be strong for 2012 opener, too, but fishing might ultimately be too good on Mille Lacs IT’S THE QUESTION PRIOR TO THE FISHING OPENER ON LAKE MILLE LACS EACH YEAR.

Gary Roach — Mr.Walleye — said he had guided on Mille Lacs all but three days since Dec. 17. He said it was a good winter on the lake, and he’s expecting the same for the opener.

How will the walleye bite be this year on the big lake?

“You find the typical hot spots in the spring, but I truly beThe typical answer, too, is often a question. lieve that, around the whole lake, it will be an excellent bite Who knows? for the opener,” Roach said. “I’ve caught more overs (walleyes Yes, so many questions when it comes to what is regarded over the slot limit, which is 18 to 28 inches) this winter than as the premier walleye fishery in the state. But this year, there the last five winters combined. And this last summer it was may be some early answers. more than the previous Conflicting answers. But three summers combined. on Mille Lacs in the spring“There’s lots of slot fish time, conflict isn’t unusual. and smaller fish and big fish Last fall, a DNR assessment sprinkled in. This time of identified a smaller-thanyear (late February) there’s anticipated walleye popunot usually a lot of big felation in Mille Lacs. Based males, but there’s been a on the netting assessments, good mix. And it’s the best the lake’s walleye index year classes I’ve ever seen.” dropped from 10.8 fish per According to the DNR asnet (22.9 pounds per net) in sessment, there were low 2010 to 9.7 fish per net (16 numbers of young-of-thepounds per net) in 2011 — year perch, the primary food the second lowest walleye source for young walleyes, abundance measured since and the number of tullibees the DNR large lake monitor- Anglers hit Lake Mille Lacs minutes after the 2009 walleye — a favorite of bigger walling program began in 1983. season opened — just after midnight — for what proved eyes — dropped from 2010 The news came at about to 2011. to be a decent opening day/night on the lake. the same time as the lake But Roach isn’t seeing was seeing a stellar fall walleye bite. Still, DNR Fisheries man- that. agers expected the good fishing to continue over the winter “We don’t have the massive numbers of perch, but if it’s an and into the spring, even in the face of a decreasing walleye early spring, I think we’ll see an amazing perch hatch,” he said. population.

“There’s some (perch) but not an overwhelming amount. But And the fishing was good on Mille Lacs over the winter. So it’s not bad. I’m not sure if there’s a shortage, but it’s not the good that officials said they might have to tighten walleye huge bumper crop we’ve seen. And the tullibees are all over regulations this spring or summer to prevent anglers from ex- the lake. We’ve hit some schools where we could sit there for ceeding the state’s walleye allocation in 2012. DNR officials two to three hours and drill them. said they will likely decide on the open-water walleye regula“The tullibee numbers are back. A lot of years, that’s what tions sometime in March. gets the fish that push over 28 inches.”

So while the protected slot and/or number of keeper wallThe assessment as a whole provided a skewed view of the eyes might change on the lake, many of those who consis- fish population on Mille Lacs, Roach said. tently fish the lake expect the good bite to continue from the “I’m a little concerned,” Roach said.“Like every other angler May 12 opener and on. (on Mille Lacs) I have a lot of problems with some the test And few — if any — fish Mille Lacs more often than Tony nets. I think the numbers are way off.To establish a safe harvest Roach.Through Feb. 21, the grand-nephew of area fishing icon level based on the test nets ... I think it’s kind of off course.”

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G l o r y ?

Photo provided by Steve Kohls

Allocation levels and tribal netting have caused conflict in previous years, and 2012 will be no different on Mille Lacs.At a Mille Lacs Fishery Input Group meeting in February, the group looked to get permission from the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission, which represents the Ojibwe bands that net on the lake, to exceed the state allocation of 357,500 pounds by 30,000 pounds this year. If the good fishing continues on Mille Lacs, DNR officials figure anglers could exceed the state allocation by maybe 30,000 pounds.

The recommended total safe harvest for walleyes was reduced from 540,000 pounds last year to 500,000 pounds this year.The bands’ allocation was 142,500 pounds in 2011 and 2012, up from 132,500 in 2010.

“The tribe wants to take more in their nets, yet most of the people who fish the lake are allowed less fish,” Roach said.“It’s a tough pill to swallow.”

There has been talk of going to a 17- to 28-inch protected slot, keeping the 18- to 28-inch slot and cutting the bag limit from four to two fish or going to 17- to 28-inch slot AND a twofish bag limit.

“Prior to the slot limits, I’ve watched boom and bust years all the time. Once the slots were implemented and take hold ...,” Roach said.“In the mid- to late 2000s, you just kept seeing the fish and fishing improve. I like the slot limit — 18 inches is a good slot.”

Regardless of what changes might come, he expects the fishing to continue to be good, too, on Mille Lacs.

“Day in and day out it’s been fairly consistent,” Roach said of walleye fishing through the winter.“It’s been a good bite.”

B R I A N S . P E T E R S O N , may be reached at brian.peterson@brainerddispatch.com

or 855-5864. To follow him on Twitter, go to www.twitter.com/brian_speterson.

For his blogs, go to www.brainerddispatch.com..

Photo provided by Brian S. Peterson

B r i a n

S .

Gary Roach — Mr. Walleye — with a nice Lake Mille Lacs walleye in November.

For decades, the Roaches — including great-nephew and fishing guide Tony — have been mainstays on what is considered by many as the premier walleye fishery in the state.

P e t e r s o n 11

NEW TACKLE, TRICKS TO TRY THIS SEASON NEW FISHING TACKLE –

on store shelves, in magazine ads, featured on TV, pouring out of spring catalogs, on the Internet and stacked up at sport shows – causes normal people to become dreamers.

Yes, dreamers that a new line, rod or lure will automatically make them better anglers, maybe, to catch a bigger walleye than Uncle Ralph on next year’s up-north vacation. Or to finally get that elusive muskie to strike.They can almost see a giant bass leaping high while standing in Fleet Farm.

New fishing tackle must first catch the angler. New designs. New colors. New sizes. New shapes. New claims. Specifics will be detailed later, but first, here are a few “new” fishing tactics to consider this season.

A new lease on life for an old lure was discovered while filming Lindner’s Angling Edge TV series. Al Lindner said, “This system really makes walleyes strike.” He’s trolling jigging Rapalas, traditional ice fishing lures that are long-lined with the boat moving forward.

The setup has been refined by Al — A 7-foot rod, 10-pound mono, size 7 jigging Rap (sizes 5 and 9 work also), moving quickly, sweeping the rod forward about 4 to 5 feet and dropping it back so the Rap drops to the bottom. Fish hit it on the bottom. Don’t change the treble, or the lure fouls. Net the fish as soon as it’s on top; one shake and it’s all over. Slopes or breaks seem most productive rather than flats; cover water.

Open water trolling has been popularized by walleye tournament anglers and is finally gaining a following in the Brainerd lakes area.

Most trollers have run lures or spinners over or adjacent to weeds, around reefs or main-lake points.The new game is targeting walleyes over basins over the mud or in the middle of nowhere.

Actually, there is a “somewhere.” It usually relates to baitfish suspended in the water column. There are many theories why the walleyes reside “nowhere,” but a couple Mille Lacs experts haven’t fished any other method for years, with one long-time guide registering 2,000 walleyes each of the last two seasons. The final PWT tournament on Mille Lacs had four of the top five winners trolling.

Trolling is a relatively easy system. It consists of long rods and crankbaits. Anglers must know how deep their lures run. Use trolling books, online information or by testing. With one rod per person in this state, take kids fishing. Use trolling boards to spread lures (you need rod holders), run lures at depths of 15 to 25 feet (deeper some-

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times; up high when bait is right below the surface). Duplicate successful patterns. Change lure sizes, colors and models until the right combination clicks. Use in-line weights to gain depth. Details are available on packaging on manufacturer’s websites, from pro anglers at seminars, in magazines, but the best advice is to try it. Hint: No sharp turns; run 1.5 to 2.5 mph to start; use a GPS to mark fish and when one bites; troll with the wind; pay attention to details.

The third tactic will be new to many, but already has a solid following. Anglers are starting to realize the effectiveness of plastics.

They’re not just for bass anymore. Walk the muskie aisles and huge jigs with long, tantalizing, swishy plastic tails almost jump into the cart.The author’s best sizes are ½- and ¾-ounce jigs with large hooks and a keeper so the plastic eel or worm stays on. Glue helps. So does a trailer hook impaled about halfway down the length. Muskies and big pike gobble them up.Any action works fishing bottom, but swimming them over deep weeds also produces.

The amazing number of plastic swim baits for muskies (and the price) will astound you, but they cause nasty strikes. What’s coming on strong is plastics for walleyes. In addition to new products from Rapala, Northland and others are the forerunners from Berkley – PowerBait and Gulp!

Pro walleye anglers who have competed in head-to-head competition during “artificials-only” tournaments offered this almost unanimous advice: “Fish jigs with plastic for walleyes in the same places, but with much more action. Fish it faster; snap it higher; rip it; make it a reaction bite.” Colors and styles of plastics are so real and so good that this is the next new wave in walleye fishing.

New products from Minnesota companies: Lindy Little Joe, still with manufacturing operations in the lakes area, has several new products. The Fuzz-E-Grub had reconstructive surgery and now sports a longer, flashier tail in 16 colors of chipresistant paint and a surgically sharp hook – in five sizes to ¼ ounce.

A new Lindy jig, the “Watsit,” has a plastic body with flapping tails and wiggly arms, on a jig or jig-spinner in four sizes to ¼ ounce, designed for whatever the anger is fishing (lindyfishingtackle.com).

Local manufacturer Gopher Tackle has products in demand across the country. Their mushroom heads have won major tournaments for big-name anglers. Designed, tooled, cast and painted in Ironton (thanks, Connie Peterson), the Mushroom Head jigs are new with Mustad red hooks. Gopher also has new Leech Head jigs for bobber fishing with bronze and red hooks. New Tiny Mite jigs with Mustad red hooks from 1/80- to 1/32-ounce work for waxies or spikes under the ice or in open water (Gophertackle.com).

Al Lindner and the Angling Edge crew teamed up with Quantum fishing tackle and designed a series of 20 muskie, walleye, pike, smallmouth and panfish rods. From 6-foot-3 to 8-6, the rods are in actions for fishing popularized on Al’s TV shows. There are also five walleye and panfish rod/reel combos. Look for the Angling Edge name on rods (Quantumfishing.com).

Berkley has been the line company of choice for decades, and its new Trilene XL armor-coated abrasion resistant line takes the No. 1

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line up another notch. The new Flicker Shads in sizes four and six are neutral buoyant. The size four dives to 4 feet, and Gary Parsons, pro angler and a main designer, said the size six is the best casting Flicker Shad.

In soft baits, Gulp! has new minnow colors. PowerBait has a new ribworm, a fat-bottom shad swimbait and new 5- and 6-inch swim baits, plus a new line of Atomic mites and fry. Many new scented shapes and sizes are coming out in the PowerBait and Havoc brands. Berkley Lightning rods have been redesigned with eight spinning and 10 casting models for about $40 retail (Purefishing.com).

Jon Tennessen, owner of JT Custom Tackle from Monticello, concentrates on three main tackle areas – custom painted Rapala Husky Jerks with 12 new colors and unique patterns (shown on jtcustomtackle.com), beads and 30 Colorado spinner blades in sizes 3, 4, 5, 6 with copper, nickel and gold backs (Jtcustomtackle.com).

Opening up JB Lures’ catalog from Winthrop, the new frog-pattern Irresistible casting spoon nearly leaped off the page. The ½- and ¾-ounce spoons are new this year, along with a line of one or three hook spinner rigs in 16 fish-like blade patterns.

Their tackle is all American made (Jblures.com).

Located in Bemidji with the popular yellow packaging adorning every tackle shop wall, Northland Fishing Tackle is in almost every angler’s box.

The tackle elves have been working overtime, and developed many new Bionic fishing lines (braids, fluorocarbon and ice), Impulse reactionary scentimpregnated plastic baits of all shapes, sizes, patterns and colors, Slick Stick bottom bouncers, spinnerbaits and Live Forage spoons.

The author recommends that every angler go to their website to see the amazing array of Impulse

Photos provided by Jim Kalkofen

Baits, 143 percent more effective than the leading brand according to company spokesmen. Impulse leeches and paddle minnows will come alive on jigs.

Their panfish Impulse lures could make the wax worm suppliers nervous. Live Forage swimbaits, spinnerbaits, the first twin-spin nightcrawler spinner rig, blades that could swim in a bait bucket and other goodies have come from Northland pro staffers like area legend Gary Roach (Northlandtackle.com).

The world’s largest tackle company, Rapala, is based in Minnesota and has hundreds of new lures, and hundreds of new colors and sizes of old favorites, new tools and many new fishing lines.

A Sufix advanced superline, the 832 Ghost, is claimed to be nearly invisible underwater. A wide range of Ice Braids and Elite mono are available.

Perhaps most interesting is Castable Invisiline Fluorocarbon, an easy-to-cast fluorocarbon.

New lures include Rippin Rap, a lipless rattle bait, ultralight Minnow and Shad (as tiny as 1-½ inches), a jointed deep Husky Jerk and two surface lures, the X-Rap Pop and X-Rap Prop. New sizes of the Clackin’ Crank Minnow and X-Rap will be deadly, as will new Husky Jerk colors, including a new Helsinki Shad pattern. Clown, Hot Tiger and Purpledescent are now offered on many lures.A new Lithium electric fillet knife with a 7-inch reciprocating blade has an 80-minute run time per charge.

New and improved would be the two best words to describe fishing gear for 2012. Shopping is half the fun, but most of us can’t wait to fish the new stuff this season.

J I M K A L K O F E N has been in

Rapala Husky Jerk in new Helsinki Shad pattern

New Northland Twin Spin Rig

Lindy’s new Fuzz-E-Grub

Northland New Impulse Mini Smelt

Northland’s New Impulse Jiggin’ Leech

Rapala Ultralight Shad Sufix Castable Invisiline Fluorocarbon

and around boats all his life. He has been director of the largest walleye tournament circuits for two decades, and was inducted into the National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame.

Jim

K a l k o f e n 13

Search for sheds

bucks that had already shed their antlers. A few hunters, in fact, pulled loose the antlers of fallen bucks as they attempted to drag the animals.

Don’t think finding a shed antler is easy. Because of the current deer management system in Minnesota, heavy hunting pressure is put on bucks, and the majority of animals that carry antlers are killed each fall. Also, antlers A collection of shed deer antlers, each one unique. don’t last long once on the ground because squirrels and Now is the time for shed hunting. other critters consume them.

If I had to choose a single-best location A STROLL THROUGH THE to find shed antlers it would be the north W O O D S A N D F I E L D S is always edge of field in which the deer were rewarding. A person returns with a clear feeding during January, the peak antlermind, renewed vigor and, if you are lucky, shedding month. At night, deer are much a keepsake of some sort. less wary and often bed in or close to a Like an antler shed by a whitetail buck. fi eld where they feed, especially along the If finding a shed antler intrigues you, north side.

In such locations, you’ll often now is the time to be afield. In Minnesota, fi nd an abundance of tracks and beds, and most bucks shed their antlers from midwith a bit of luck, a shed antler.

January to mid-February.The largest bucks Daytime bedding areas are also good usually drop their antlers first because the spots to fi nd sheds.

Concentrate your rigors of the rut have them worn down. efforts in areas with a southern exposure.

In nature, there are no hard and fast rules, Deer seek these locations because the but the physical condition of a buck temperature can be several degrees warmroughly determines when the animal will er than surrounding spots. shed its antlers.

You may find an occasional shed by folFollowing the infamous Halloween blizlowing deer trails that connect feeding arzard of 1991, a storm that dumped up to eas with daytime bedding locations. But I’ve 20 inches of snow, most bucks dropped only found a few sheds along deer trails. If their antlers very early, some in mid-Deyou think about it, deer spend a large porcember. A poor acorn crop that year furtion of their day in or near their bedding This shed deer antler was ther left the deer in a depleted condition. or feeding area, but a relatively short time found along a well-used Several archers hunting during late Decemtraveling to and from those locales. deer trail leading to the ber told stories of apparent large does they I’ve found shed antlers in some strange evergreen bedding cover in the had shot, which actually turned out to be spots. Once I discovered a dropped antler background.

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Photos provided by Bill Marchel

much more ground than can its human lying in the middle of a country road counterpart and has the advantage of only a few hours after a snowplow had using its nose to find the booty. passed. During an especially brutal winWhat do you do with a shed antler ter many years ago, I noticed that a large once you have found one? I like to use a group of deer had been feeding reguSharpie to write the date and location of larly on a stack of round alfalfa bails. I the find on the antler in a discrete locafound both antlers from one buck, not tion. Some shed hunters use the antlers lying in the snow near the bails, but to make decorative items such as lamps, tangled in the twine that held a bail drawer handles, buttons and baskets. together. Apparently, the buck’s antlers For whatever reason, antlers have had become snarled as it fed on the Deer do not always shed both fascinated man since the beginning of alfalfa, and then they pulled loose when antlers simultaneously. This buck time.The attraction is unexplainable. the buck attempted to leave. had shed one of his antlers and I do know that discovering a shed is a One early spring day I found two likely dropped the other within a shed antlers while I carried a photogday or less, giving a shed hunter at thrill. I find myself examining an antler from end to end. I pause and wonder raphy blind to a remote pond where I least a clue on where to look. where the buck is now, and if I’ll see hoped to photograph ducks.The blind him next year when he is sporting his was a burdensome contraption and once it was strapped to my back, I was forced to walk in a hunched-over position that new headgear. had me staring at the ground. I would not have found either shed had I not been encumbered by the heavy load.

B I L L M A R C H E L is a wildlife and outdoors To a deer hunter, finding a shed antler can provide valuable photographer and writer who lives near Fort information about a certain buck.There is a good chance the Ripley. His work has appeared in many regional and national publications and he writes a monthly animal will still be living next fall, and will probably be larger. column for the Brainerd Dispatch. He can be The latest craze is for shed antler hunters to train their reached at bill@billmarchel.com dogs to retrieve dropped antlers. A trained dog can cover

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Wild Stories

Excerpts from conservation officers’ weekly reports in 2012 (EDITOR’S NOTE: Reports appear as they were written by conservation officers.)

February 20 • CO Chris Vinton (Perham) received a call from a woman, recovering from hip surgery that thought she had ghosts in a shed because the lights kept going off and on in the locked building. A neighbor checked it out and found a porcupine inside.When the animal climbed the pole with the light switch on it, it would hit the switch and turn the lights off and on.Vinton set one of the lady’s live traps. The next morning, the lady called and told Vinton that he had caught the “prickly bugger.”

The animal was relocated to a remote area.

• CO Dan Thomasen (Two Harbors) responded to a residence where a bobcat had gotten into an enclosure surrounding the chicken coop.The owner had left the gate open on the enclosure overnight, but the cat refused to leave. A portion of the fence was lowered and after some poking and prodding, the unhappy cat finally made a break for the woods.

February 13 • CO Jeff Johanson (Osakis) said a man was cited for littering after he was caught on a trail camera dumping waste on private property.

• CO Dan Thomasen (Two Harbors) responded to the call of a wolf which had crawled into a brush pile along someone’s yard and died. Upon inspecting the animal, it was discovered to be a coyote.The animal was removed from the property as it was drawing the attention of the family’s pet.

• CO Nikki Shoutz (Pine River) assisted on Gull Lake with the annual Ice Fishing Extravaganza, handled paperwork for trappers interested in becoming a wolf controller for nuisance trapping of timber wolves, and presented information to Pine River High School Activities Director for the formation of a high school trap shooting team. An informational announcement revealed many students interested in shooting trap on a high school team as 10 students signed up within the first hour of the announcement, and 15 signed up before the day was over.

• CO Mike Lee (Isle) checked anglers this past week with slow success being observed. Officer Lee also assisted with the Arctic Blast event that occurred on Mille Lacs Lake. Even with lack of snow the event was well attended. One accident occurred during the snowmobile run.The operator lost control of the snowmobile on an area of glare ice with no snow cover.The operator sustained no injuries, except for his pride, and being teased by fellow snowmobilers.

• CO Robert Haberman (Little Falls) checked anglers on local lakes and rivers. One individual was caught using an extra tip

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up. When asked about the extra line the individual stated he was bored and was trying to up his odds in catching a fish on a slow day.

• CO Tom Hemker (Winona) reports the ice on the river has been inconsistent which has allowed some open water walleye fishing. Hemker checked several fishermen in Winona County using an airboat that allows plenty warning of approach.The following day, CO Heyn advised he observed two fishermen using extra lines in Wabasha County. Hemker took a boat out to approach the fishermen and found them to be two of the same people he had checked the day before.They admitted to also using extra lines on the day before but said they had heard the airboat approaching.

February 6 • CO Chris Vinton (Perham) reports two trucks going through the ice on Little Pine Lake. A driver was using GPS guidance to leave the lake in heavy fog and drove into open water near the Ottertail River enters the lake.The driver was able to get out of the water and walk home.The following morning a truck was driving about a mile away from the first site and broke through the ice.There were no indications of poor ice.The vehicle owners are brothers, who were fishing in the same shelter. Plans to remove a 2011 Ford and 2012 Jeep are under way.

• CO Troy Richards (Fergus Falls) said a father and daughter angling together caught a catch of a lifetime over the weekend.They set up their underwater camera and discovered a trophy set of elk antlers.They were able to hook the antlers and bring them up through the ice after drilling additional holes. At this time it is unknown how long this treasure has been hanging out at the bottom of this Otter Tail County lake.

• CO Jeff Johanson (Osakis) said one angler was caught using an extra line, and while CO Johanson was in the fish house writing out the citation, there was a knock on the door followed by,“game warden!”The fish house owner sheepishly opened the door and a friend of his was standing there.The friend became rather quiet and the expression on his face changed drastically when he saw the real game warden in the fish house taking care of business!

• CO Darrin Kittelson (International Falls) received a report at 4 a.m. of an individual dragging a deer behind a car down the city streets. Upon investigation, the deer was a road kill and the individual had no permit and had taken the back straps; enforcement action was taken.

• CO Marty Stage (Ely) encountered a lone fisherman on a remote lake who was casually sitting in his fish house with the door open waiting for the officer to arrive. He had two tip ups set outside and two open holes and Vexilar running inside.The lines were reeled up with blatantly obvious, wet flopping minnows.The angler had certainly beaten the officer with his extra lines and it was obvious he knew it. But he had neglected to put the ID on his shelter and his tip up was 400 plus feet away.The law only allows for 200 feet.

• CO Darin Fagerman (Grand Marais) and other officers checked snowmobilers during the Cook County Ridge Rider’s Snowmobile Club Fun Run.The violation rate for trail stickers and registration was very low and only two people were stopped for speeding.The riders and club are to be commended for putting on a very good event and stressing safety.The CO’s also came across another group of snowmobilers with no snowmobile safety certificates.They were made to return to the motel and take the online course.The proud graduates were encountered later that day with their new certificates in hand.

• CO Brad Johnson (Silver Bay) reports that he observed a deer (doe) which did not have a tail. She was with her two year old fawns that had normal tails.

• CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Tofte) spent the week checking anglers on area lakes and working snowmobile trails.Trout fishing has slowed but the crappie bite has picked up on a

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few remote lakes. While watching trout anglers from shore, the Officer observed one fisherman walking to three different areas on the ice. As the Officer approached the angler, the fisherman quickly threw his jacket and Carhartts over the extra lines he had down. Appropriate paperwork was issued.

• CO Jackie Glaser (Mound) responded to a TIP call in Carver County regarding two fishermen using extra lines. After further investigation, the fishermen were found using 13 lines, plus over half of the lines were over 400 feet away from their shelter.

• CO Thephong Le (ELCOP), while on patrol at Fort Snelling State Park, received a call to contact the Airport Police regarding a report from a pilot who observed the word “HELP ME” drawn in the snow on the frozen river.The spot was located and CO Le found that someone had written “HELLS ANGELS” in the snow.

• CO Greg Abraham (New Ulm) worked a case involving the illegal possession of turtles.

January 30 • CO Luke Croatt (Wealthwood) said several calls were received on a public access that was plowed shut to keep the public from having access to Mille Lacs Lake.The access was reopened for traffic.

Continued on page 23

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17

Catchy ‘Toons

At Resurgent Boat Celebration, Pontoons Steal The Show I F T H E M I N N E A P O L I S B O A T S H O W is indeed Brainerd lakes area exhibitors at the show agreed that the a barometer of things to come, as many in the know say it is, trend in the boating industry is treading toward pontoons — the atmosphere surrounding the industry is indeed changing. and probably will continue in that direction for some time.

It’s on the rise.

“I see pontoons continuing to be strong,” said Todd KukowsYou needed only look around the Minneapolis Convention ki, owner of Bay Lake Marine in Deerwood. “The baby boomCenter in late January to notice. ers are replacing the speed boat with a pontoon. I see that All the way being strong for around it, this the next three to year. five years.

“It seemed like “The surprise there were more of the boat show people (than in was there were recent years),” Jeff more pontoons Halverson, generthan there’s ever al manager of 61 been. Guys (busiMarine North in nesses) who have Crosslake, said of never been into the show, which pontoons are had shrunk in getting into ponsize — both in toons. We were the number of exactually down (in hibitors and the pontoon sales) at size of the scaledthe show — it’s back exhibit area getting diluted.”

— in recent years.

Area exhibi“A big part tors said smaller of that is they pontoons in paropened the comticular have been the rage as winter plete convention turns to spring center back up.”

The Minneapolis Boat Show was a big draw in 2012. and boaters’ gaze And, fortunateturns to the open ly for Halverson and 61 Marine North, pontoons took up a good chunk of real water. An unusually mild winter, for the most part, got their motors revving early. estate at the show.

“All we sell is pontoons,” Halverson said.“And at the boat show, “We got a lot more calls after the show than normal. It’s the the number of pontoons doubled (from the previous year). It’s nice weather,” Kukowski said back in late February, on one of probably one of the more rapid-growing type of boats.” many balmy days that month.“It (the warm weather) gets peo-

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Photos provided by Brian S. Peterson

(Top Left) A new marina area made for a yacht club feel at the Minneapolis Boat Show. (Right) Boat show-goers were required to remove their shoes to board the Bayliner boats. ple going. On (a recent Saturday in February) we sold three boats, and we never sell three boats in one day in February.”

Halverson said the 20- and 22-footers have been the best sellers at 61 Marine North. Jeremiah Mick, general manager of Bertha Boatworks in Pequot Lakes, has been seeing much of the same.

“The pontoon trend is the kick. And modest boats,” Mick said.“We’re not seeing the 32-footers that seat five people with the 500 Merc cruiser motors. We’re seeing more of the 20- to 24-foot runabouts. And used boats have been a strong request: A good, clean, used runabout.”

“From what I heard from the show, pontoons and fishing boats are the big sellers,” Halverson said. “Fishing pontoons ...

More people are looking at the crossover pontoon for cruising and fishing.

“It’s more family oriented,” he added of pontoons. “There’s been a lot of improvements to make them nicer and to make them perform better, like some of the runabout boats.”

The boating industry was hit hard by the recession, which was evident at the boat show in recent years, when exhibitors,

attendees and convention center space dwindled. Overall boat registrations have fallen since 2008, but the state is still second in the nation — behind Florida — at more than 800,000.

“What we’re seeing now is a lot of interest, new-people interest,” Mick said. “The follow-up (from the show) has been promising with new sales.

“We’re feeling that comeback. It will never be where it was at one time. But it’s a good, clean, family sport. Things have been (getting) better. It’s still fragile, but people are justifying the recreational aspect of boating.”

Kukowski agreed.

“Last year was a good year for us,” he said. “Three years before we were down, but it’s picked back up. We’re back to where we should have been.That’s a positive trend.”

Jeremiah Mick, general manager of Bertha Boatworks in Pequot Lakes, surveyed the nice crowd at the Minneapolis Boat Show in January.

While pontoons were the hit of the Minneapolis Boat Show, personal watercraft still drew a crowd.

B R I A N S . P E T E R S O N , may be reached at

brian.peterson@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5864.

To follow him on Twitter, go to www.twitter.com/brian_speterson.

For his blogs, go to www.brainerddispatch.com.

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Birds of a Feather And The Byway T H E P A U L B U N Y A N S C E N I C B Y W A Y is one

of 22 scenic byways in the state. It is also one of seven National Scenic Byways.This particular route is 54 miles long and encompasses northern Crow Wing County.The area is located just north of Pequot Lakes and covers the Whitefish Chain of lakes (approximately 10 lakes). It also includes other local areas such as Pine River, Breezy Point, Jenkins and Crosslake.

Along this nationally designated state byway, one can travel and explore many hiking and walking trails, recreational parks, lakes, wildlife management areas and areas of historical significance.The purpose of starting the byway was to provide safety for pedestrians and bike riders who used the unpaved shoulders. The Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway was officially designated in June 1998, with the paving of roadway shoulders completed in 2002.

A nonprofit group, the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway Association manages and promotes the byway.This group, also formed in 1998, is made up of members from the community, including busi-

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ness owners and residents. Each year the PBSBA sponsors and hosts several community projects or programs along the route.

The byway association received a grant to conduct an economic impact survey to be done by the University of Minnesota Tourism Center.The results from the 2010 survey showed that almost 24,000 travelers visited the area and spent nearly $22 million. Nearly 80 percent of the local residents were aware of the byway in their community. Some of the quality-of-life attributes that were highlighted in the study include the preservation of natural resources, recreational opportunities and community beauty.Thanks to this initial study, we can further appreciate both its natural beauty and more fully understand the impact of its history.

The byway offers many opportunities to explore the lore of the once-famous logger, Paul Bunyan and his Blue Ox, Babe (which are used in the byway logo).The area has several historical and cultural sites that are enjoyed by all who live close by or travel to the area for a visit.

One of the byway’s first publications was a brochure entitled “Birds of the Byway.” This bird list and map was created by the Blanichs from Crosby in conjunction with the DNR. The brochure features several birding areas with habitat descriptions and what birds can be seen depending on the changing seasons. Outdoor adventures and new birding experiences await each birding enthusiast or casual observer at just about every kiosk and highway sign designating a trail.

As a bird watcher for many years, it was fun to have new locations to look for birds that I have not seen at other locations.

In the past, I have worked with the lodging industry outside of the byway to provide bird watching tours for resort guests. I recently joined the PBSBA with an interest in promoting bird watching along the byway. I wanted to get involved and create an interest in these locations, not just for me but for everyone. After all, bird watching and bird feeding is the second largest recreational activity in the United States. After some thought and discussions with a few other members, I decided to design and create a new interactive webpage — birdsofthebyway.com.You could think of it as an online whiteboard of where and what was seen at any particular day along the byway. Not only will it provide up-to-date information, it will also allow others to see what’s in the area before they plan their next stay or family trip to the Birds of the Byway area.

To my knowledge, this is the only webpage that features and promotes birding along any byway in Minnesota. One of the unique features found on the website is a Google map showing the birding locations. Besides marking the birding locations on the map, I also have marked the active Osprey

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nest on County Road 11 and hope to mark others as I find them. Currently, there are six locations that I have identified as birding locations, where I have spent time taking photographs and recording my sightings. One of my goals on the website for each of these locations is to document and post at least 100 species that could be found as year-round residents, in migration, or just winter visitors to the area. Most of these locations are Wildlife Management Areas or Forest Management Areas, which are both managed by the DNR. One such location is the Lowell Rice Lake WMA, where on Oct. 30, 2011, I saw approximately 52 trumpeter swans.

I have spent the most time bird watching and guiding at the Uppgaard WMA, located on County Road 16 near Crosslake.This WMA is about 110 acres, with great walking trails through many types of habitats that attract a wide variety of birds, from bald eagles to common loons.This site is also the first Landscaping for Wildlife Demonstration area in which many native plantings were used to create additional opportunities for viewing wildlife.

During the last few years, I have submitted my bird sightings each week, mostly from the Byway, to Whitefish.org.You can click on the “what to do” (birding) tab to see updates during March through November of each year. If you would like to contribute your own bird sightings, please email them to me at info@birdsofthebyway.com. Also, if you would like to see and learn more about the birds found along the Byway, I can be contacted at the above email address to schedule a bird watching tour.These tours have proven to be very popular with resort guests in the area.

Once the “Birds of the Byway” webpage was established, my next goal was to use an event to increase the awareness and birding opportunities that the byway has to offer.This last fall, the National Audubon Society accepted the Uppgaard WMA as a new site for the Christmas Bird Counts.This citizen science project is the oldest and longest-running in the world, with the first occurring December 25, 1900. Minnesota first participated in 1905 with a count in Minneapolis and

Photos provided by Judd Brink

Red Wing. I was the organizer and data compiler for the first annual Uppgaard WMA CBC on December 16, 2011 along the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway.The count had eight participants and two feeder watchers. A total of 23 species were recorded, totaling 1,012 birds throughout the byway. Having open water at the time contributed to seeing numerous trumpeter swans and an uncommon belted kingfisher.The Uppgaard Christmas Bird Count was a first for the area and for a Minnesota byway.

If you would like to participate in next year’s count, contact me at info@birdsofthebyway.com.

I am excited for the opportunity to continue working with the community and the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway Association to further promote the awareness and growth of bird watching in the area. I believe that resorts in the area could really benefit from being a part of the site. Having new bird guiding packages and bird watching tours along the “Birds of the Byway,” especially during the peak bird migrations, could create many new adventures and traditions along the Byway.

Take the time to enjoy all the sights and sounds of each season that can be found along the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway. Happy birding!

Please visit the new online guide to the birds along the byway at Birdsofthebyway.com to see recent birding information.

To schedule a bird watching tour or to participate in the 2012 bird count, contact Judd Brink at info@birdsofthebyway.com or (218) 838-4784.

J U D D B R I N K is the owner of MN Backyard Birds

offering birdscaping packages using bird feeding stations for your enjoyment. We install and maintain bird feeding stations for commercial and residential customers in the Brainerd Lakes Area. Judd also leads bird-guided walks and tours in the area. He can be contacted at jb@mnbackyardbirds.com

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Fourth Annual Minnesota Fishing Challenge Is June 2 On Gull Lake

Where ‘The Fishing Fraternity Comes Together’ M I N N E S O T A F I S H E R M E N are already dreaming of

fishing open water – warm open water, that is – and making plans to join the fun at the fourth annual Minnesota Fishing Challenge presented by Mills Fleet Farm — a special Gull Lake event near Brainerd hosted by legendary Hall of Fame angler Al Lindner.

“The fishing fraternity comes together and supports Minnesota Teen Challenge on this day,” Lindner said.“The anglers have fun doing what they do while raising funds for this organization, which has a success rate off the charts.”

The date for the multi-species tournament is Saturday, June 2, but teams should enter early. Enter on-line at mntc.org/fish-

ingchallenge or call 218-833-8777.

Steve Pennaz, honorary tournament director, said,“Fishing brings people together. In the Challenge, they’re fishing for a cause, to support those fighting drug and alcohol addictions in Teen Challenge centers in Brainerd, Duluth and the Twin Cities.”

Two-person teams may elect to fish one or all four divisions — Lindner Media bass, Nor-Son pike, Full Throttle walleye or Nor-Son panfish. Or they could bring one of each to the scales and enter only the Sportech Mixed Bag division.

Numerous prizes are up for grabs, including resort stays in the U.S. and Canada, rods and reels, tackle, Frabill ice shelters, MinnKota trolling motors and much more.Teams entered by April 13 will automatically be eligible for a trip for two to Pasha Lake camp north of Thunder Bay, Ontario (pashalake. com).

“I urge teams to enter early so the fund-raising reason for this great event can really make an impact in lives,” Lindner said.

The Teen Challenge mission is to assist teens and adults in gaining freedom from chemical addictions and other lifecontrolling problems by addressing their physical, emotional and spiritual needs.

J I M K A L K O F E N has been in and around boats all his life. He has been director of the largest walleye tournament circuits for two decades, and was inducted into the National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame.

Entry Form for Minnesota Fishing Challenge To register online: www.mntc.org/fishingchallenge 1st Partner Name:

Return Entry Blank and Entry Fee to:

Street Address: City/State/Zip: Home/Cell Phone: E-mail:

MN Fishing Challenge 1619 Portland Ave S. Minneapolis, MN 55404 Web: mntc.org/fishingchallenge Ph: 612-238-6184

Enclosed is an entry fee check for $100; or complete the following to pay with a credit card:

Birth Date: check box below if same info.

Check # _______________ made payable to Mn Teen Challenge

2nd Partner Name: Visa / Mastercard / Discover# / American Express

Street Address: City/State/Zip:

Exp. Date

Signature of Card Holder

Home/Cell Phone: E-mail:

If both contestants are under age 16 on June 2, an adult must be present in the boat, and if that’s the case, the adult’s information is also required.

Birth Date:

Adult Guardian if accompanying youngsters: Team Represents

; church

Name: city

Boat Brand/Model/Year:

City/State/Zip:

Main Boat Colors:

Home/Cell Phone: E-mail:

Outboard Brand/Horsepower/Year:

22 M i n n e s o t a

Street Address:

Birth Date:

F i s h i n g

C h a l l e n g e

Wild Stories

Continued from page 17

January 23 • CO Greg Oldakowski (Wadena) received a call of a large muskie being angled from a lake. He found the fish at a local taxidermist, who reported the angler thought he had a large pike. Officer Oldakowski seized the fish and took enforcement action.

• CO Darin Fagerman (Grand Marais) reports coming across a man with a camera standing outside his car on a slippery road corner.

The CO asked the man if everything was alright. He stated that he was just taking pictures of all the owls on the electrical poles.The CO then told the man that the owls were plastic and not real.The CO explained that they are put there to keep woodpeckers off the poles to prevent damage.The man looked at the CO and with a southern accent said a swear word and got back into his car.The CO had a good chuckle and both drove off their separate ways.

• CO Greg Verkuilen (Garrison) assisted with on off-road search for a burglary suspect, which quickly went back on the road when he stole his second vehicle, which was later traded for a third stolen vehicle.

• CO Tom Hemker (Winona) and CO Tyler Quandt (Red Wing) discovered carcasses from illegally taken walleye that were hidden in holes the fishermen had drilled in the ice and had covered with snow.

• CO Joel Heyn (Plainview) came across a vehicle that had crashed and was on its side in front of the CO’s house. Everyone was okay and one of the occupants ran to the CO’s house to call for help. CO Heyn’s wife answered the door and asked if they wanted her to call the police for them.The individual didn’t think that was a good idea because he said he didn’t have a license and was borrowing the vehicle. When the individual left the house and went back to the crashed vehicle CO Heyn was already on scene.The individual that ran to the nearby house initially told CO Heyn he wasn’t driving the vehicle. When CO Heyn told him that the lady he talked to was his wife, and that she had called him to inform him that the driver of the vehicle didn’t have a license; he was a little shocked and then

admitted the truth.

January 16 • CO Angela Londgren (Onamia) was doing a routine check of anglers in a house, and when asked who had the extra line, the anglers looked at each other and said there is no extra line. Officer Londgren then leaned down to a drilled hole and pulled out a line that had been burned off in a quick hurry. Unfortunately for the angler it got hung up on the ice on the way down the hole. A citation was issued for extra lines.

• CO Dustie Heaton (Willow River) received a call from a concerned party who had found a bear cub while logging.The cub was a newborn and had narrowly escaped being run over by logging equipment.The location of the sow was unknown. Heaton was able to retrieve the cub from the logger. It was about the size of a 12 ounce pop can and had an umbilical cord still attached.The bear cub was taken to the Garrison Animal Hospital where it will be cared for until it can either be placed with another sow in the wild or other arrangements are made.

• CO Craig Miska (Ortonville) was lucky enough to watch a threeyear-old catch her first fish.The ensuing dance and screaming was followed-up by several high fives!

January 9 • CO Gary Forsberg (Pelican Rapids) reports a group of anglers was checked, with one angler trying to pass his license to a member of the group who didn’t have a license.The anglers didn’t think the officer saw the exchange. Forsberg asked the unlicensed angler for his date of birth and the address on the license. He was unable to answer, and a citation was issued.

January 2 • CO Cary Shoutz (Crosslake) took enforcement action on a trapper who had placed a “chirping chickadee” inside a cubby box to attract bobcat to his trap set. It is illegal to use an unattended electronic device for the purpose of taking small game.

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Outdoors

today in the MARCH 19 Ice shelter removal, north of Highway 200 and Highway 2 20 First day of spring 28-April 1 80th annual Northwest Sports Show, Minneapolis Convention Center 31 March crow season ends 31 Winter lake trout season ends 31 Winter stream trout season ends

APRIL 14 Stream trout in streams summer season opens 18 Wild turkey spring season opens 21 Minnesota/South Dakota walleye and northern pike seasons open (border waters) 22 Earth Day 27 Arbor Day

28 Minnesota/Iowa walleye and northern pike season opens (border waters) 28 Minnesota/Wisconsin St. Croix River walleye and northern pike opener 28-29 Brainerd Archery Club, outdoor 3D tournament 30 Spring light goose season ends 30 Beaver season ends (north and south)

12-13 Take a Mom Fishing Weekend 13 Mother’s Day 26 Largemouth and smallmouth bass opens 26 Outdoor photography workshop, Mille Lacs Kathio State Park, Onamia 27 Archery in the Park, Mille Lacs Kathio State Park, Onamia 28 Memorial Day

MAY

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1 Bowfishing season opens 4 Bear and moose hunt lottery deadlines 12 Walleye, sauger and northern pike seasons open 12 Lake trout summer season (inland waters) opens 12 Stream trout summer season in lakes opens

“Like” our all new Outdoor Traditions Facebook page!

Share area happenings, tips/tricks for anything outdoors, tag us in your great outdoors photos and get up-to-date information from the pro’s!

The first 100 “Likes” will be entered into a drawing for our Taste of the Wild cookbook.

Visit www.brainerdoutdoors.com 24 C a l e n d a r

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JUNE Elk hunt lottery deadline Minnesota Teen Challenge Fishing Challenge, Gull Lake 2 Muskie season opens 8 I Can Fish! Fishing Fridays, Mille Lacs Kathio State Park, Onamia 8-10 Take a Kid Fishing Weekend

FEATURED PRODUCTS

Your

Best Shots Diane Gildart Mother rose-breasted grosebeak feeding her baby on the shepha rds pole outside my kitchen window .

Shaun Stanich This Photo was taken over in the mine pits over by Ironton. I call the photo “Daredevil Porcupine.”

Jacob Schilling “Tranquility”

Jim Kalkofen , ndan, grandson of Pat Schulist Bre This is 13-year old r ove ing was visit NIsswa. He is from Arizona, and ice and first time on e tim rst fi his s wa Christmas. This e, and after a few ice fishing. We had a great tim y rapidly. brief lessons, he caught on ver

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Your

Best Shots

Erin & Nick Retka – caught by Erin Retka Pike rn Northe . (on the left) she is 14 years old a Abram Lake – Ontario, Canad hes Length – 47 inches Girth – 20 inc Weight – approx 28 lbs

Jacob Schilling “The Butterfly Garden”

Karen Kronbeck Swans on the Mississippi River

Mary Kalinoski These five toms were in my backyard and on the patio this nds October. We played turkey sou and dow on the iPad out the win the group put on a full dispay.

Susanne R. Gynild “Where the bird seed?” come to my bird Every day a pair of wild turkeys efully someone feeder and eat my seeds - hop wants turkey dinner soon.

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Randy Rider at My son Brandon shot this deer ht nig the it ed und 396 yards. I wo y ver t, sho one it before. He got . doe big

Christine L. Holtz On a beautiful December 6, 201 1 morning while driving down the highway on County Road 49 stoo d a posed pheasant “on the loo kout” while his female companion wa s down in the ditch sifting through the fall grass and brush.

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