Outdoor notes

The DNR will use trail hounds in an attempt to destroy a black bear that attacked a 24-year-old wildlife researcher at the Four Brooks Wildlife Management Area Sept. 15.

The 3,000-acre area has been temporarily closed to the public and a culvert-type bear trap has also been set at the site. According to reports, the bear knocked University of Minnesota researcher Miles Becker off his feet as he tracked woodcocks with radio telemetry equipment in the wooded area, 15 miles north of Milaca.

"Judging by the circumstances, it's likely that this bear attacked because it was suddenly surprised by the researcher and then became defensive," said Dave Garshelis, a DNR bear biologist. "Normally in such a defensive attack the bear may huff, slap the ground and look very intimidating, but not make contact with the person because it too is scared."

Public meetings on proposed pike regulations coming up

The DNR will host several public meetings in the coming weeks to get input on proposed changes to northern pike regulations. Dates, times and locations of the meetings are as follows:

* Sept. 25, 7-9 p.m., Upsala Cooperative Telephone Annex, Upsala. Proposal to change minimum size limit of pike from 38 inches to 40 inches on Cedar Lake.

* Sept. 26, 2002, 7-9 p.m., Grey Eagle Elementary School, Grey Eagle. Special regulations for Long Lake (northwest of Burtrum) and Bass Lake (North of Long Lake near Burtrum). Proposal for Long Lake is 24-36 inch protected slot for pike. Proposed for Bass Lake is northern pike possession limit of one over 40 inches, walleye possession limit of two fish with one over 24 inches and largemouth bass possession limit of one.

* Sept. 27, 7-9 p.m., Scandia Valley Fire Hall, Lincoln. Special regulations for pike on Alexander, Fish Trap and Shamineau lakes, including three fish possession limit with 24-36 inch protected slot and one over 36 inches. All pike between 24 and 36 inches must be released.

The regulations are designed to enhance the size structure of the northern pike population and provide for an improved fish community balance. Written comments will be accepted through 4:30 p.m. on Oct. 14 at: Fisheries Area Headquarters, 16543 Haven Road, Little Falls, MN 56345; (320) 616-2463; e-mail: brady.becker@dnr.state.mn.us.

Black powder seminar comes to Oasis Sport Shop

Oasis Sport Shop in Pequot Lakes will host a free black powder seminar by Tom Macke and Aaron Holt, muzzleloading experts from Knight, a manufacturer of black powder rifles. The seminar is Thursday, Sept. 26 at 7 p.m. One lucky attendee will take home a free muzzleloader. Phone (218) 568-4426 to reserve a seat.

Regulation changes expand hunting, fishing opportunties on wildlife refuges

Outdoor enthusiasts in northern Minnesota and Wisconsin will benefit from changes to federal regulations governing hunting and fishing on national wildlife refuges.

Whittlesey Creek National Wildlife Refuge in Ashland, Wis., is opening to migratory bird hunting while Rydell NWR near Erskine, Minn. welcomes anglers to certain areas of the refuge for the first time.

The changes are part of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's annual Refuge-Specific Hunting and Sport Fishing Regulations revisions. The revised regulations bring to 311 the total number of public hunting programs on national wildlife refuges. The Service also offers 271 public fishing programs on refuges.

In 2001, there were 2 million hunting visits to national wildlife refuges and 6 million fishing visits.

Minnesota Walleye Trail crowns champion on Serpent Lake

CROSBY -- Despite tough fishing conditions, Tony Renner, Hutchinson, and Mike Ingebretson, Brownton, boated five walleyes weighing 17.16 pounds to win the Minnesota Walleye Trail championship Sept. 7-8 on Serpent Lake.

Finishing second, despite catching two more walleyes than Renner and Ingebretson, was a team of Mitch Elke, Dassel, and Dave Bollman, Granite Falls, with 14.97 pounds. Third place went to Tim Servin and Dean Brochow, both of Dassel, who boated 5.91 pounds of walleyes.

Renner and Ingebretson captured big fish honors both days with walleyes weighing 5.59 pounds and 3.68 pounds, respectively.

To qualify for the championship, two-person teams competed in a series of four qualifiers at lakes around Minnesota this past summer. The top 25 teams, as determined by a points system, competed in the championship, where more than $30,000 in cash, trophies, prizes and awards was paid out.

Upon completing its second season the MWT has announced it will expand its field for 2003 due to the tremendous response to this year's tournament trail. For more information log on to www.polebender.com or call (507) 764-2668.

Rod builders meeting packed with events, information

The schedule is set for the North Central Regional Rod Builders Get-Together in Breezy Point Sept. 27-28. Reservations to attend can still be made for $25 by phoning (218) 562-4512.

We're all set for a fantastic weekend of fun, fellowship, meeting new friends and, of course, learning some new tricks about rod building," said Kris Kristufek, organizer.

The event begins Friday, Sept. 27 at noon with the first Rod Guild Fishing Tournament on Pelican Lake. Participants must have a custom built fishing rod to enter the contest and pay $5. Saturday, Sept. 28 at 8 a.m. starts a day filled with seminars, demonstrations, and intermediate and advanced building techniques and more. Demonstrations and seminars include rod photography by Rick Hammer, diamond willow handles by Kelvin Smith, small space building by Dave Lockman, weaving with thread by Jeff Nail, turning wood by Kris Kristufek, rod repair by Mark Cook, rod blank and guide selection by Bob McKamey, cross-wraps by B.D. Ehler, equal angle system and more by Don Morton.

The executive chef of Red Oak and his staff are gathering recipes for the feeding frenzy at noon and the Up North barbecue Saturday night. At dusk a bon fire and a special historic presentation by Seagull & Little John are planned. Then boat rock'n into the night with more casual discussions until the lights go out.

St. Croix Rods has offered to give a special guided tour of its rod manufacturing facility at Park Falls, Wis. on Monday morning.