Winkelman to host Fishing In Schools program
OUTDOOR NOTES
For the fourth consecutive year, Babe Winkelman Productions will host the Fishing In Schools Program, in which students learn about fish identification, boat safety, knot tying, lures and live bait.
This year students from throughout the Brainerd area will meet from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Feb. 6 at the Brainerd Armory for a full-day fishing workshop.
"This is something we're really proud to be a part of," said BWP President Mike Weinkauf. "Kids are the future of our sport. Research shows that if children aren't exposed to fishing before the age of 12 they probably won't ever take an interest. Given the importance of fishing in Minnesota, as part of our heritage and economy, preserving and promoting the sport is an important task."
For more information about the Fishing In Schools program, phone (218) 822-4145; or e-mail jengelmeyer@winkelman.com.
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Results of turkey permit lottery available online
Results of the spring turkey permit lottery are available online. This year 52,735 hunters applied for 33,976 permits. Seasons begin April 18 and run through May 31. Successful applicants will be notified by mail after Feb. 1.
Hunters who were unsuccessful in the lottery can apply for one of 2,777 surplus licenses starting at 5 p.m. on March 19. Surplus permits are available on a first-come, first-sold basis wherever licenses are sold. Or go online at www.dnr.state.mn.us.
Archery spring turkey licenses are also available. These licenses can be purchased for only the last two seasons in any permit area with 50 or more applicants. Applicants who are successful in the spring permit lottery are exempt from the spring archery license.
Hunters can check the availability of leftover licenses, or the status of lottery applications, online at www.dnr.state.mn.us.
Record brook trout caught in Manitoba
The Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame has awarded Manitoba, Canada angler Tim Matheson a world catch-and-release record for a 29-inch brook trout he caught on Barbe Lake.
Matheson landed the 29-inch brookie in October 2006. It had a girth of 21 inches. Estimated weight was 15-16 pounds. After measuring and photographing the trout, Matheson released it back into the lake.
"It wasn't worth the risk of killing that magnificent fish to have a world record," Matheson said.
But the Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame awarded Matheson the number one position in its Fresh Water, Catch and Release category. The trout broke was 4 inches longer than the previous record, which had stood since April 1995.
County residents urge lawmakers to invest in parks, trails
Park and Trail advocates from Crow Wing and Aitkin counties on Tuesday converged on the Capitol with counterparts from around the state to encourage legislators to invest in Minnesota's interconnected parks and trails.
State lawmakers are beginning to make budget decisions. Parks and trails supporters showed up to make their case for restoring operating budgets to previous levels by appropriating $5 million for state park and recreation area operations and $4 million for state trail operations and maintenance.
Conservation spending has dropped to its lowest level in 30 years, resulting in the loss of all seasonal state park naturalist programming, delays in routine maintenance and a dramatic reduction in visitor center hours and camping opportunities. With 1.2 million more people expected to make Minnesota home in the next 25 years, even greater pressure will be placed on state parks and trails.
ATV club to meet in Crosby
The Cuyuna Iron Range Rider all-terrain vehicle club will meet Feb. 10 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Spalding House, 1 W. Main St., Crosby.
The group seeks new members and business owners who are interested in family style ATV outings and working together to enhance trail riding in Crow Wing County. Contact club president Ken Irish at (651) 451-3393 or ironrider@comcast.net. Club treasure Jeanine Ross can be contacted at the Spalding House at (218) 546-6060 or jeanineross@webty.net Larry Hammill can be reached at (218) 546-9868.