OUTDOOR NOTES

While the 2005 deer season is still fresh in mind, hunters are encouraged to share stories of ethical deer hunting behavior in the form of nominations for the 14th annual Minnesota Deer Hunter Ethics Award. Nominations will be accepted until Feb. 1.

The award honors a deer hunter who has exhibited conduct during the season that can serve as an example of admirable hunting practices to all hunters. The award will be presented at the 2006 Minnesota Deer Hunters Association Habitat Banquet March 4 at the Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center.

Anyone may nominate a hunter by writing a letter explaining the actions of the nominee and why that person is worthy of recognition. Both youth and adults are eligible, but nominees must be Minnesota residents. The incidents for which hunters are nominated must have occurred during any of the 2005 Minnesota deer hunting seasons.

Nomination letters should be sent to Ethical Hunter Award, MDHA, 460 Peterson Road, Grand Rapids, MN 55744-8413.

North Country question of the week

Swan Lake in Nicollet County is being drawn down because carp are in the lake. How do carp threaten fish and wildlife?

"Carp lay a million eggs per year and their numbers can proliferate in a short period of time, seriously damaging aquatic plants and water quality," said Ken Varland, DNR southern region wildlife manager. "This diminishes the attractiveness of a body of water for fish, wildlife and human use. Swan Lake is an especially popular destination for waterfowl and waterfowl hunters. Lowering the water level of the 10,000-acre lake is designed to preserve its waterfowl history and habitat by eliminating carp and giving native aquatic plants and other food sources the opportunity to maintain their high quality habitat characteristics."

Here's relief for fishingholics

ELY (AP) - Those who suffer from obsessive compulsive fishing could soon get help in Ely.

The popular northern Minnesota town has successfully attracted tourists over the years, but Ely's businesses hope to attract even more.

A new advertising campaign - complete with a toll-free number with information about obsessive compulsive fishing and ways to remedy it in Ely - is slated to kick off this spring.

Linda Fryer, administrative director of the Ely Chamber of Commerce, said the "off-the-wall advertising" has been successful in the past.

A recent campaign featured people - some in bear suits - navigating the streets of Chicago in canoes, trying to find their way back to Ely.

People who call the obsessive compulsive fishing number will be able to hear fishing stories and learn about symptoms for the disorder.