Outdoor notes

Oasis Sport Shop in Pequot Lakes is hosting its annual spring walleye seminar at 7 p.m. on May 1. The seminar will be hosted by PWT walleye pro Johnnie Candle of Devils Lake, N.D. Candle has 20 years of walleye guiding experience and is a national pro team member for several major manufacturers. Candle will discuss, among other topics, choosing the right rod and reels for walleye fishing. Call the Oasis at (218) 568-4426 to reserve a seat.

Pine Center firearms instructors congratulated by DNR

The DNR recently congratulated the firearm safety program instructors of Pine Center for their 20th year of instructing area youth. Instructors included Jacoby Kelm, Willard Nelson (five years of service), Don Hyatt (20 years of service), Jean Fetters (20 years of service), Ray Holmes (16 years of service), Zac Koering, Christain Rohloff, Stanely Helmin, Jessica Hodgeman, Alyssa Johnson, Justin Johnson.

"Even though traditionally this class only averages 10 kids from year to year, DNR Conservation Officer Paul Kuske said, "the volunteer instructors realize the importance of bringing this class to their small community. More than a firearms safety course, it's a hunter education program, covering hunter ethics, responsibilities and wildlife conservation practices. These instructors prepare our youth to safely enjoy the sports of target shooting and hunting."

Anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1980 must have a firearms safety certificate to get a license to hunt or trap in Minnesota. Statewide there are 5,000 volunteer instructors who certify over 25,000 youth annually.

Mille Lacs anglers asked to report tagged fish

More than 40,000 Mille Lacs walleyes are marked with a numbered, plastic tag. Anglers who catch these fish are asked to report the catch to the DNR.

Before releasing a tagged fish, write down the tag number. If a tagged fish is harvested, anglers are asked to return the tag to the DNR with the following information:

* Tag number and approximately where the fish was caught in the lake;

* Length of fish, date of catch and if fish was harvested or released;

* Was fish caught from a boat, commercial launch or from shore?

Include your name, address, telephone number and e-mail address if available. Anglers who report tagged fish will receive information on where and when the fish was tagged and whether it had previously been caught and released.

The DNR is attempting to estimate how many walleyes are in Mille Lacs in order to determine safe harvest levels. The tagging project began last year. A final report is due in 2005.

Tagged fish can be reported electronically at fishtags@dnr.state.mn.us, by calling (218) 927-3751, or by mail at DNR Fisheries, Box 138, Aitkin, MN 56431.

Local MWA chapter to host sporting clays shoot

The Lakes Area Wildfowlers Chapter of the Minnesota Waterfowl Association will host the first annual Spring Sporting Clays Shoot on May 3 at Hunt's Point Sportsman's Club in Nisswa.

Shooting hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Prizes go to the top three shooters. Cost is $25 per person and includes one round of sporting clays and one raffle ticket. Money raised at this event goes toward habitate improvement at Birchdale WMA near Emily.

The shoot is limited to 100 shooters. Groups are limited to 6 shooters per group. To register, phone (218) 568-8445.