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Post by Press Release on Jun 21, 2012 11:54:52 GMT -5
Kentucky Afield Outdoors: Establish small plots of clover to improve deer and turkey hunting Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife News Release
FRANKFORT, Ky. Establishing small plots of clover throughout your hunting area can pay big dividends during deer and wild turkey seasons. Summer is a good time to start preparations for an initial planting in the fall. “If managed correctly, stands of clover can last for three to five years without re-seeding,” said Chris Grasch, a private lands biologist who works in the Bluegrass Region for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. “Plots can be as small as ¼- to ½-acre in size and should be located where there’s full sun at least part of the day.” Clover needs to be mowed periodically, at least once a year, and doesn’t thrive in shady areas. This perennial cool-season legume helps increase soil fertility and provides an almost year-round source of high quality forage for deer. Clover starts growing in the early spring and lasts until it is killed back by the heaviest frosts of late fall. The first step in this habitat improvement project is to find the right area to establish a plot and prepare the soil for planting. Secluded woods openings are especially attractive to deer because they feel safe feeding there in the late afternoons, offering good opportunities for close shots. One option is to locate the plot at the edge of a field or existing opening that deer are already using. Make sure your tree stand or ground blind can be located within easy shooting range. A second option, which is especially important for bow hunting deer, is creating a wildlife opening between heavy cover, where deer are known to bed, and the travel routes they take through adjacent woodlands. Pick a level spot with decent soil fertility. Old fields covered with weeds, brush or small trees can be cleared using hand tools, a chainsaw or mower. A tiller can also be used to prepare the area for planting. If the area is covered with fescue, Grasch recommends using herbicide to kill back the tall grass. “If the site already has some clover, there are herbicides available that will kill the fescue without harming the clover,” he said. A chemical-free option is solarization, which uses the heat of the sun to kill the grass, vegetation or weed seeds in the soil. On a sunny summer day, place sheets of clear plastic on the ground and weigh them down with rocks on each corner. The extreme heat that develops under the plastic will kill grass and weeds down to their roots in a few days. Conduct a soil test to measure the nutrient levels -- nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) -- and pH level (acidity) of the soil. Soil test kits are available at most farm stores. Follow directions carefully. Consider using 10-10-10, a formulation commonly available in 50-pound bags, if fertilizer needs to be added to your plot. Both fertilizer and agricultural lime are available in pellet form for easy application with a hand-crank spreader. "If fertilizer needs to be added to the site, I suggest cutting the amount in half from what is recommended for crop production,” said Grasch. “But don’t skimp on the amount of lime that is recommended; low pH is usually the issue with our soils.” Winter wheat is a good choice for an initial planting in the fall because it’s high protein, is easily digestible by wildlife and makes a good nurse crop for clover. It grows best when the soil has a pH of 5.8 to 6.5. “Winter wheat should be planted from Aug. 15 to Oct. 15 and you might try mixing in some clover seed,” said Grasch. “I recommend planting ladino (white) with some medium red clover.” Clover can also be planted the following year in February or early March. Seed can be spread on a cover of light snow, or in advance of light rain or snow. The freezing and thawing action helps the seed move down into the soil so it can germinate and become established quickly. Use these long summer days to plant a patch of clover and improve your deer hunting this fall.
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Post by Press Release on Jun 28, 2012 23:07:31 GMT -5
Boat Safely As Temperatures Climb And Holiday Traffic Increases Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife News Release
Remember to boat safely as temperatures climb and traffic on Kentucky's waterways increases around the July 4 holiday season. "We're asking boaters to watch out for people in the water and swimmers to be careful," said Capt. Mike Fields, boating law administrator for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. "People will be in the water trying to get some relief from the heat, and we traditionally have the heaviest boating traffic of the year during the Fourth of July holiday period." About 100 people a year are victims of drowning in Kentucky. "Typically, it's someone trying to swim across a lake, or a cove," said Fields. "Swim with a buddy, and don't get too far out in deep water." Bystanders may not realize a swimmer is in distress until it's too late. Approximately 60 percent of all drownings are witnessed. Fields said there are signs to look for: The swimmer's head may be back and the mouth open, but the person may not be able to call for help. A swimmer in this position with outstretched arms who appears to be slapping the water may be in trouble. The best advice in severe heat is to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. "Avoid alcohol, caffeine and the high sugar drinks, which can cause cramps," said Fields. Impaired boaters are of special concern to the law enforcement officers who will be patrolling Kentucky's lakes and rivers. Boating Under the Influence (BUI) is against the law and represents a danger to everyone on and in the water. Sun, wind, noise, vibration and movement, which are common to the boating environment, when combined with alcohol intake, can cause fatigue which impacts a boat operator's coordination, judgment and reaction time. "Most people understand the potential hazards of drinking and boating. The small minority of people that still think alcohol is a required part of boating need to understand the risk they are taking, and the danger they pose to themselves and others," said Fields.
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Post by Press Release on Jun 29, 2012 6:29:24 GMT -5
Wildlife Artists Invited To Submit Works For Kentucky-based National Art Exhibit Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife News Release
The Ohio Valley Art League and the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources are inviting artists to submit entries for the 2012 Kentucky National Wildlife Art exhibit. Artists may submit works depicting birds, mammals, reptiles and aquatic life native to United States in multi-media, oil, acrylic, graphite, bronze sculptures, woodcarvings, pastel, serigraph and watercolor. Examples from the 2010 exhibit may be viewed online at: www.ohiovalleyart.orgSusan T. Fisher, former director of the Art Institute at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, will judge artworks submitted. Awards totaling more than $10,000 will be presented to artists. Artists must be U.S. residents and at least 18 years old. Entries will be accepted by email and CDs from June 29 to July 27. Interested artists should go online to www.ohiovalleyart.orgto download a prospectus. Wildlife artwork will be displayed at the 10th biennial Kentucky National Wildlife Art Exhibit, held at the Henderson Fine Arts Center in Henderson, Ky. The exhibit opens to the public at 6 p.m. October 13. The Ohio Valley Art League, in partnership with Kentucky Fish and Wildlife, sponsor this national wildlife art exhibition. For more information, contact: Jule McClellan, executive director and curator of the Ohio Valley Art League at (270) 860-1930, or email: jule@ohiovalleyart.org
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Post by Press Release on Jun 30, 2012 8:01:53 GMT -5
Kentucky Afield Outdoors:Blue Water Trails Levisa Fork Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife News Release
The people of the city of Pikeville and Pike County can move rivers and cut through mountains if it improves the quality of their lives. The Levisa Fork of Big Sandy River once cut a horseshoe-shaped loop around the toe of Peach Orchard Mountain. The city of Pikeville rose up inside this loop in Peach Orchard Bottom, but the nearly 90-degree turn of the river created a bottleneck that resulted in regular flooding. City leaders devised a plan using the resources of over 20 federal, state and local agencies to move the Levisa Fork by cutting through Peach Orchard Mountain and rerouting the river's flow away from downtown. After 14 years and over 18 million cubic yards of material removed, the Pikeville Cut-Through is one of the largest civil engineering projects in United States history. Only the Panama Canal moved more material for a civil engineering project in the western hemisphere. Tourism officials with the city of Pikeville are now showing the same visionary leadership by creating the Hatfield-McCoy River Trail, an 8.5 mile stretch of the Levisa Fork with the some of the best paddling access and infrastructure in the state of Kentucky. The Levisa Fork holds gentle riffles and flowing shoals, perfect floating conditions for families and beginners. This section is ideal for canoes, kayaks and small one-man pontoon boats. Since the Levisa Fork receives the waters of Russell Fork along with releases from Fishtrap Lake Dam upstream, the river has great flow all summer long. The Levisa Fork rarely flows under 200 cubic feet per second (cfs), but should be avoided at flows above 1,500 cfs. Swift currents and bountiful woody debris in the water make this current level dangerous. Check the flow levels at the United States Geological Survey's website at waterdata.usgs.gov under the "Levisa Fork at Pikeville" gauge. The blue-green waters of the Levisa Fork hold excellent populations of smallmouth and rock bass along with sunfish, catfish, spotted bass and an occasional largemouth bass. Floaters should wear protective shoes to prevent cuts from the many mussel shells lining the bottom of the river. The Hatfield-McCoy River Trail has four excellent access points along the U.S. 23 corridor, where U.S. 23, 119, 460 and KY 80 converge. Floats can be as short as a couple of hours or last all day long. All the access points have ample parking with easy carries to launch boats. The first access point is along U.S. 23 south of Pikeville (S. Mayo Trail) at the Jubilee Christian Church on the right (going south). Paddlers may float nearly 4 miles to the Island Creek River Access for a leisurely half-day float with a short shuttle. Although close to downtown Pikeville, this section flows through an intimate gorge with gentle riffles, deep pools and flowing shoals with good fishing for smallmouth bass and rock bass. The take-out for this float lies just downstream of the Island Creek Bridge on the right (looking downstream). To reach it by vehicle, take KY 3496 off U.S. 23 and proceed immediately to the left toward the Holiday Inn Express. The road leading to the access lies behind the hotel. Those wanting to extend their float for another 1 1/2 miles may continue on to the Cedar Creek River Access. Paddlers desiring a short two-hour float may launch their boats at the Island Creek River Access and float to the Cedar Creek River Access. About midway of this float, the river takes a slight left bend where the terraced mountainside informs the paddler they've entered into the Pikeville Cut-Through. Paddling through this section reveals the incredible feat of this engineering marvel. The boulders lining the bottom of the Pikeville Cut-Through are good places to fish for smallmouth and spotted bass. The take-out at Cedar Creek River Access is just downstream of the Cedar Creek Road Bridge (KY 1384) on the right. Reaching the Cedar Creek River Access by vehicle is difficult for the uninitiated. Boaters using this access must travel south on U.S. 23 and look for a gravel road between exit 24 off U.S. 23 and a guardrail. This gravel road leads under the Cedar Creek Road Bridge and around to the access. Those wanting to extend their float to nearly five miles may proceed to the lower take-out of the Hatfield-McCoy River Trail at the Thompson Road River Access. The Cassidy Boulevard Bridge (leading to the Wal Mart) has a sign hanging over the river alerting boaters the Thompson Road River Access take-out lies 1/2-mile downstream on the left. If you float under a highway bridge quickly followed by a railroad bridge, you've floated too far. To reach the access by vehicle, take Thompson Road off U.S. 23 and follow around to the Texas Roadhouse restaurant. The access lies directly behind the restaurant and is suitable for small trailerable boats at certain water levels. The lower two miles of this float hold excellent smallmouth bass. Sean Cochran, director of attractions for the city of Pikeville, recently caught a smallmouth bass over 20 inches in this stretch. Cochran recommends 3- to 4-inch tube baits Texas-rigged with 1/8-ounce bullet heads in crawfish colors, such as watermelon and red flake, pumpkinseed or green pumpkin for smallmouth bass. He also downsizes his line to 4-pound test during the warm months. Fish a tube bait just downstream of streamside boulders and eddy areas just below riffles. If current carries your tube bait quickly away, use a slightly heavier weight. A weightless blue and pearl soft-plastic jerkbait worked slowly behind boulders will draw strikes from smallmouth bass. Four-inch finesse worms rigged on 1/8-ounce leadheads crawled on the bottom above and below riffles work well for these fish. Three-inch green pumpkin curly-tailed grubs rigged the same way also produce. Early and late in the day, smaller cigar-shaped topwater baits in bone or chrome colors worked with the "walk the dog" retrieve in eddies downstream of stream drops and behind boulders draw vicious strikes from smallmouths. This presentation gets better as summer melts into fall, peaking in September. The city of Pikeville offers free shuttles for those who own kayaks or canoes each Friday, Saturday and Sunday from April through October at noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. at the Thompson Road River Access behind the Texas Roadhouse restaurant. They also offer kayak and canoe rentals. The Hatfield-McCoy River Trail would make a great weekend getaway combining a morning Hatfield-McCoy Feud Historical Tour with an afternoon of floating. The city of Pikeville offers Main Street Live downtown with live music of a different genre every first and third Friday of the month through September. For more information on Pikeville attractions, log on to www.visitpikeville.com. For information on kayak and canoe rentals, contact Sean Cochran at the Hatfield-McCoy River Trails at 1-606-794-4231. The Blue Water Trails series supports Gov. Steve Beshear's Adventure Tourism Initiative. Log on to Kentucky Fish and Wildlife's Blue Water Trails webpage at fw.ky.gov for a detailed map.
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Post by Press Release on Jul 6, 2012 6:39:29 GMT -5
Kentucky Afield Outdoors: Better accuracy from bolt-action rifles Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife News Release
For many firearms deer hunters in Kentucky, the tool of choice is the bolt-action centerfire rifle. With a little gunsmithing work and the right ammunition along with pre-season shooting practice, deer hunters will be ready to close the deal when a shooter buck walks into range this November. The first step is to find a competent gunsmith who can accomplish three procedures: adjusting the trigger pull, free-floating the rifle's barrel and bedding its action. Most bolt-action rifles, new ones and many used ones, will have a very heavy trigger pull, which makes it practically impossible to shoot accurately. "The more force it takes to pull the trigger, the more the gun moves. On average, trigger pulls are set at five to six pounds at the factory," said gunsmith Mike Ezell, who lives in Auburn, Kentucky and specializes in rifle work. There are two options: adjust the factory trigger or replace it with an after-market trigger. "The ideal trigger pull is about three pounds, but whether or not that can be done is dictated by the design of the trigger. Some triggers can't be set that low," said Ezell. "Safety should always be the first concern when adjusting trigger pull. Installing a good after-market trigger is the best option for everybody's safety." Trigger creep, or the distance the trigger must travel before the gun fires, can be detrimental to accuracy as well. "There has to be some creep, but your rifle should have a smooth, clean trigger pull," said Ezell. In recent years, the manufacturers of the most popular brands of hunting rifles have improved the quality and adjustability of their triggers. The next step to improved accuracy is focused on getting the rifle to shoot more consistent groups of shots on a target. "I've never seen a gun that didn't benefit from free-floating the barrel and glass bedding the action," said Ezell. "It's all about barrel harmonics." The goal is to minimize the factors that contribute to erratic barrel vibrations, one major cause of inconsistent groups. Barrels vibrate in a circular motion as the bullet travels towards the muzzle, riding the grooves cut into the rifle barrel. Free-floating a rifle's barrel is especially important on rifles with wooden stocks, since moisture and humidity can affect where and how the wood touches the barrel, causing inconsistent vibrations. Gunsmiths use files to remove wood in the barrel channel of the forend of the stock, so the barrel "floats." Glass bedding of the action should be done at the same time as the barrel work. "You don't want the action to move in the stock," said Ezell. "The action should be solidly mounted, without twisting or stress, so it fits like a glove." A loose screw will also cause erratic groups. The screw that holds the action in place should be tightened to the correct torque setting. The setting may vary from rifle to rifle, even those of the same make and model. Find the exact tightness of the receiver screw and there will be a noticeable effect on the size and consistency of shot groups. Ammunition is another important accuracy consideration. While reloading offers the hunter an opportunity to tailor ammunition to a specific rifle, there are other options that are less expensive and time consuming. Select ammunition with the proper bullet performance on white-tailed deer and try several brands to see what is most accurate in your rifle. Today, there's a much wider variety of factory-loaded ammunition available, including cartridges loaded with premium bullets. In the past, premium bullets were only available to hunters who reloaded. Don't overlook some of the reduced-recoil loads, which sometimes deliver much better accuracy. New rifles have a break-in period, maybe as much as 100 rounds, before they deliver optimum accuracy. Proper cleaning of the rifle's bore from the beginning is imperative. The bore of a new rifle should be cleaned before firing it and cleaned about every 20 shots in the beginning. Clean the rifle from the breech, never the bore, with a one-piece cleaning rod. If the barrel crown is damaged it will ruin the rifle's accuracy. Even the smallest nick at the muzzle will allow gases to escape to one side, affecting the bullet's flight as it leaves the muzzle. Cleaning supplies should include bore solvent, cotton patches and bronze rifle brushes. Never use stainless steel brushes because they damage the barrel's rifling. The final step is sighting in your rifle and practicing at various distances in situations similar to how you will be hunting. All this attention to detail along with the time and money invested will pay dividends for many years to come. You'll have an accurate rifle that you can hunt with for a lifetime. Several wildlife management areas in Kentucky have 100-yard shooting ranges open to public use. For information, log on to the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife's homepage at fw.ky.gov. Click on the "Maps and Online Services" tab, then "Other KDFWR Maps" and scroll down to "Shooting Ranges."
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Post by Press Release on Jul 12, 2012 21:41:28 GMT -5
Public Can Help Monitor The Health Of Kentucky Deer Herd Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife News Release
Wildlife watchers can help researchers track and monitor the health of Kentucky’s deer herd. “For years, the Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study Group has tracked outbreaks of EHD – or epizootic hemorrhagic disease – in deer,” said Tina Brunjes, deer and elk program coordinator for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. “The public can assist researchers by reporting sick animals and pinpointing locations.” Dr. Aaron Hecht, wildlife veterinarian for Kentucky Fish and Wildlife, noted that EHD has been observed annually in white-tailed deer across the southeastern United States since 1966. The disease can be fatal to deer. “The EHD virus is transmitted by flies known as biting midges, and as a consequence, disease coincides to the presence of the competent vector,” Hecht said. “These viruses do not infect humans, and humans are not at risk by handling infected deer, eating venison from infected deer, or being bitten by infected by midges.” Infected deer lose their appetites, drool excessively and lose their fear of humans. They may concentrate around farm ponds and water in an effort to reduce their body temperatures. During drought years, healthy and sick deer tend to congregate around the same watering areas, which can accelerate the transmission of the disease. The onset of cooler temperatures in late fall usually brings a sudden end to disease outbreaks. “We will monitor Kentucky’s deer herd closely over the next few months,” said Brunjes. “If we should start seeing cases of EHD in the field, we need people to let us know the location of sick animals so that we can take samples while the deer are alive.” Samples taken from sick deer will assist the Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study Group in its efforts. People who see sickly deer around watering areas should report the animals to Kentucky Fish and Wildlife by calling 1-800-858-1549. Callers should be able to pinpoint the location of a sick animal. Observers may also e-mail reports to Kentucky Fish and Wildlife at: info.center@ky.gov.
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Post by Press Release on Jul 14, 2012 6:37:18 GMT -5
Kentucky Afield Outdoors:There’s A Lot To Like About Paddle-Powered Fishing Boats Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife News Release
Canoes, kayaks and float boats are quiet, light, maneuverable, environmentally friendly and can be launched almost anywhere. There’s a lot to like about paddle-powered fishing boats. “Kentucky is blessed with a large number of small streams that offer excellent fishing during the summer months,” said Ryan Oster, federal aid coordinator for the fisheries division of the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. “Many streams are lightly fished, and anglers will find that fish are aggressive because water in streams is often cooler.” In fact, Kentucky has over 8,000 miles of streams that offer quality fisheries, many of which are tree-canopied waterways off the beaten path. Some small public lakes are also ideal for paddle-powered boats since the use of gasoline-powered motors is prohibited. “The Department helps develop access to streams using boating access federal funding from the Sport Fish Restoration Act. Historically, boating access funds could only be used to develop access sites and related facilities that benefited boats with gasoline powered engines. Recently, the use of these funds has been expanded to include all boat types, including those without gasoline-powered engines such as canoes and kayaks,” said Oster. “Some of the streams we are looking at closely to develop access include the Green River, Licking River, Kentucky River and the Floyd’s Fork of the Salt River.” Sport Fish Restoration funds come from excise taxes placed on the sale of fishing equipment and motor boat fuels. State fish and wildlife agencies that receive this funding are mandated to spend a minimum of 15 percent of their annual apportionment on boating access projects. “Limited funds are available, but access for paddle-powered boats is a lot less costly to build and less land - usually one-half acre or less - is needed, compared to what it typically takes to build a boat ramp,” Oster explained. Access for paddle-powered boats is typically a parking lot and an area where paddlers can drag their boats down to the water. On steep-sided banks, a slide is built, with steps down to the water. Anglers are reminded that permission from the landowner is required to cross private land to access streams or lakes. Persons who fail to obtain permission may be cited for trespassing. Sales of paddle-powered boats have increased in recent years, despite an industry downturn. While new power boat sales declined 10 percent in 2010, according to data released by the National Marine Manufacturers’ Association (NMMA), fishing kayaks, in particular, have become one of the fastest–growing segments of this small boat market. These shallow draft boats first became popular in coastal areas, but anglers’ use of these boats on freshwater lakes and rivers has grown in popularity. The sit-on-top and the hybrid “open boat” designs seem to have the largest following among anglers. These styles offer a way to gain access to shallow creeks, remote wetlands, small lakes and ponds that are either off limits to big boats or too shallow for them to navigate. From a practical standpoint, paddle-powered boats are a good value. Their purchase price and long-term operating costs are thousands of dollars less than a traditional sport fishing boat powered by an outboard motor, and rigged with an electric trolling motor, livewell, electronic depth finders and GPS. A top-of-the-line kayak outfitted for fishing (rod holder, anchor, dry storage and pedal drive system) can be purchased for about $2,200, with some of the best boats on the market selling for less than $1,200. Extras that paddlers will need to buy include a paddle, a life jacket, and a roof rack is needed to transport the boat on top of a passenger car. A pickup truck might be the ideal vehicle for transporting a fishing canoe, kayak or float boat. With the tailgate down, there’s plenty of room to carry a boat in an 8-foot truck bed. Using 1-inch ratchet straps is the most convenient and reliable way to tie down a boat to a roof rack or secure it in the bed of a pickup. There are other expenses that simply don’t apply to paddle-powered boats such as boat registration fees, property taxes, fuel, and engine maintenance costs. In Kentucky and many other states, paddle-powered boats are exempt from registration. Paddle-powered boats offer some health benefits, too. With all that paddling anglers work their arm muscles and burn some calories as well. Outfitters across Kentucky rent kayaks and canoes for public use and give an angler and idea of how these boats perform. Try one of these boats this summer and enjoy green, affordable fishing.
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Post by Kentucky News on Jul 14, 2012 7:45:04 GMT -5
Record Heat Combined With Drought Impacting Fish In Kentucky Streams Commonwealth News Center press release
Record heat and extreme drought are causing isolated fish kills in a handful of Kentucky streams. Jeff Ross, assistant director of fisheries for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, noted that some areas of the state are short of rainfall by 12 inches or more this year. "Streams are very low right now," he said. "Record heat combined with low water results in little to no dissolved oxygen in the water, making streams susceptible to isolated fish kills." Western Kentucky is bearing the brunt of the heat and drought. A significant fish kill recently occurred on the Pond River north of Madisonville after a brief rain shower pushed a slug of heated water containing little or no dissolved oxygen downstream. The fish kill mainly affected catfish, but carp and buffalo fish were also victims. Biologists with Kentucky Fish and Wildlife recorded water temperatures of 95 degrees in the river. Other isolated fish kills have recently been reported where Clear Fork Creek meets the Gasper River in Warren County; at Russell Creek in Adair County; at Beargrass Creek in Jefferson County; and a tributary to Stoner Creek in Bourbon County. Low water flows can cause streams to stagnate. As a result, fish may die in intermittent pools due to a lack of oxygen. Fish kills should be reported to the fisheries district biologist serving the affected area. The public can find the phone numbers of district fisheries biologists on page 31 of the current Kentucky Fish and Boating Guide, on the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife homepage at fw.ky.gov, or by calling the department toll free at 1-800-858-1549. "Once normal flows return, stream sections will repopulate with fish through the migration from other areas," Ross said.
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Post by Press Release on Jul 16, 2012 14:58:16 GMT -5
Cedar Creek Lake In Lincoln County Closed To Swimming Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife News Release
Cedar Creek Lake is closed to swimming, like all other lakes owned or operated by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. "The Lincoln County Fiscal Court constructed a swimming beach at Cedar Creek Lake under a lease agreement, but it never opened to public swimming," said Jeff Ross, assistant director of fisheries for Kentucky Fish and Wildlife. "The public has used this beach for swimming for years, although signs said it was closed." After the recent termination of the lease agreement, the swimming beach now falls under the regulations of the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. The beach lies adjacent to the boat ramp off Charlie Boone Road near the dam. "We are going to enforce our regulations of no swimming," Ross said. "Conservation officers will be patrolling the area to enforce this regulation." Signs will inform the public the beach is closed to swimming. Anglers may still use the area to fish from the bank.
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Post by Press Release on Jul 17, 2012 4:53:02 GMT -5
State's Newest Wildlife Management Area now open in Scott County Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife News Release
Lieutenant Governor Jerry Abramson joined federal, state and local leaders at a dedication ceremony to officially open the state's newest wildlife recreation area, in Scott County, for public hunting, fishing, hiking and sightseeing. The Veterans Memorial Wildlife Management Area, named in honor of veterans, will be managed by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources and will offer hunting opportunities for deer, turkeys and small game, such as squirrels. "This land is a unique wildlife area because of its size, location, and convenience to about a third of the state's population," Lt. Gov. Abramson said. "I applaud everyone involved with this project for working together to establish a sustainable wildlife-related area in this part of the Commonwealth." Lt. Gov. Abramson was joined by U.S. Rep. Ben Chandler, and Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Commissioner Jonathan Gassett. "Hunting, fishing, and wildlife watching are already some of Kentucky's most important industries, and the Veteran's Memorial Wildlife Management Area will be an economic boon to both Scott County and the Commonwealth as a whole," Rep. Chandler said. "This beautiful land is a fitting tribute to the veterans to whom it is dedicated, and I look forward to Kentuckians enjoying it for decades." The Veterans Memorial Wildlife Management Area (WMA) encompasses nearly 2,500 acres and is accessible by five designated parking areas. The land consists of 74 percent forest area with a small pond and several small streams. The property has a variety of important habitat types for game species and declining migratory birds, reptiles and amphibians, including hardwood forests, shrublands and grasslands. The trails throughout the Veterans Memorial WMA consist of mowed grassy lanes and old farm road paths made by the previous owner. The Veterans Memorial WMA has been known to locals through the years by several names – the old Hall Farm, the Beluga Property and more recently as simply Rogers Gap. The area lies north of Rogers Gap Road and east of Interstate 75 to its intersection with U.S. 25. The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife completed a decade-long effort to acquire the 2,500-acre property near Georgetown in December 2011. "Obtaining this property for the people of Kentucky to enjoy was a once-in-lifetime opportunity," said Gassett. "Finding undeveloped properties of this size in the most populous region of Kentucky is almost impossible. This unique area puts quality wildlife-related recreation literally on doorsteps for millions of Kentucky residents." The department used $3.25 million from Kentucky's Wetlands and Stream Mitigation Fund – which is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Kentucky Division of Water – for some of the land purchase and to pay for the restoration of 19 miles of streams and associated headwaters. The department also added $3 million in federal grant money specifically designated for fish and wildlife land acquisition. No state tax revenues or Kentucky Fish and Game Fund dollars were used. The Department of Fish and Wildlife oversees 84 other wildlife management areas around the state, totaling 536,000 acres. Kentucky has 110 public hunting areas totaling 1.55 million acres, including land managed by numerous agencies, such as the Daniel Boone National Forest. The Veterans Memorial WMA is located approximately 3 miles north of Georgetown and 2 miles south of Sadieville, adjacent to I-75 between Exit 129 south and Exit 136 north. From Exit 129, go west on Cherry Blossom Way (KY 620) approximately ½ mile to U.S. 25. Turn right (north) on U.S. 25 approximately 1.7 miles to Rogers Gap Road (KY 620) and turn right (east). After crossing under the I-75 overpass, look for signs and the parking on the left. GPS coordinates to the entrance are 38.302022, -84.557736.
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Post by Press Release on Jul 19, 2012 6:41:12 GMT -5
Conservation Officers Save Flash Flood Victim In Knott County Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife News Release
A 14-year veteran Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources conservation officer charged into rushing Knott County flash flood waters Wednesday and rescued the director of the Hazard-Perry County Senior Citizens Center who had been swept away. Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Sergeant Greg Watts made his way across about 25 feet of raging water before reaching Kim Boggs who was clinging to a parking lot trash can anchored to a utility pole. "The trash can and the utility pole are gone now," said Watts. "A huge sudden flow of water just washed her away. She was under the water and then managed to grab onto the trash can. I just jumped in and grabbed her." The events played out shortly after 11 a.m. today, July 18. Eighty-five senior citizens from the Hazard Center were participating in a fishing outing at Four Star Village Pay Lake and Catering near Redfox, Ky. "It started raining about 10:30, sometimes hard, but they were using their shelters and catching fish," said Watts. "We had gone back to the parking lot to get the vans." He and another member of the center had just walked across the parking lot on the pond's upper end when the water came. "I've never seen it come up like that," Watts said. "It came on us like the drop of a hat." That's when he saw Boggs get swept away. "The water just went over top of her," Watts said. "She grabbed the can and that's when I had to go in." Conservation Officer Steve Combs saw the events unfold and quickly maneuvered his truck through the water, temporarily relieving Watts and Boggs from the current. The two officers loaded Boggs into the bed of the truck. "The water was coming over the hood," said Watts. "She couldn't stand up when we got to the truck so we put her up into the bed. I held onto her and Steve drove us out," said Watts. Boggs did not need medical attention afterwards. Conservation Officer William Amburgey also helped in getting the rest of the senior citizens to safety. The flood waters left roads washed and debris cluttered. After they cleared the roads, reinforcement conservation officers and Kentucky State Police joined to get the seniors back to Hazard.
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Post by Press Release on Jul 20, 2012 8:22:39 GMT -5
Kentucky Afield Outdoors: Blue Water Trails of Green River, Mammoth Cave National Park
The rolling Pennyroyal country south of the Green River looks like a pockmarked World War I battlefield from the air. Those pockmarks aren't from artillery shells impacting the ground; they come from a combination of rainfall, porous limestone and time. These forces created sinkholes that collect rainfall and power underground streams that course strongly with each storm. The streams eventually flow north to the Green River and emerge from the ground as springs such as Echo River Spring, River Styx Spring and Turnhole Spring. During the water's travel from sinkhole to Green River over the millenia, it carved tunnels, caverns and huge rooms through the porous, easily dissolved limestone under the ridges along the south side of the river. These features seemed so gargantuan to the first visitors they called it Mammoth Cave, now recognized as the longest cave system in the world. Canoeists and kayakers may float the Green River right through the heart of Mammoth Cave National Park and witness one of the most unique geological areas on Earth. Mammoth Cave National Park is a World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve - recognition of the ecosystem's international importance. Two floats through the park give paddlers an intimate experience with the power of flowing water and nature. The dark cyan waters of the Green River flow through a bluff-lined gorge with streamside caves, springs and healthy populations of black bass, sunfish, catfish and toothy muskellunge. The flow of Green River makes for an easy, relaxing float, perfect for families, beginners and anglers. This stretch of Green River is floatable year-round, but the National Park Service warns paddlers not to float the river at the 10 foot level or higher. The park service maintains a phone line at (270)-758-2166 for current river levels and information on the Green River Ferry and Houchins Ferry. Paddlers must mind the operation of these ferries while floating and land their boats on the downstream side of the ferry landing. The first float begins at the historic Dennison Ferry Access and Day Use Area on Dennison Ferry Road (some maps refer to this road as Big Woods Road) and ends at the Green River Ferry. The gravel access road will test the limits of smaller cars, but is passable. Dennison Ferry requires a fairly steep carry-down to the water. The park service provides wooden slides on the stairs for canoes and kayaks, but secure all gear beforehand or it may wind up floating downriver. A streamside cave greets paddlers on the left (looking downstream) a short way into this float that boaters may paddle into for about 40 feet at certain water levels. The shoals and gentle riffles hold smallmouth bass on this stretch. The chute to the right of Three Sisters Island, about a mile into the float, is a good spot to throw a 1/8-ounce tube jig in the green pumpkin color. A crawfish-colored medium-running crankbait retrieved along the bottom also produces strikes. The entrance to the famous Crystal Cave lies on the ridge above the floaters on the left, just before Three Sisters Island. The renowned cave explorer Floyd Collins discovered this cave in 1917. He later grew internationally famous for surviving for 14 days after getting stuck while exploring the unstable Sand Cave in 1925. After valiant efforts to rescue Collins, he succumbed to thirst, exposure and starvation. The media attention drove public awareness of the Mammoth Cave area and served as a catalyst for the creation of Mammoth Cave National Park in 1926. The river eventually flows around a left-hand bend. The rocky outside bank holds smallmouth bass. After the bend, the Green flows over some good shoals that also hold smallmouths. Spotted and largemouth bass lurk in the woody cover of the slower moving sections of this float. Four-inch black finesse worms rigged on 1/8-ounce leadheads probed through the wood draws strikes. The river then bends to the right at the base of the ridge that holds the entrance to the Great Onyx Cave. Some islands also punctuate this stretch and make good places to prospect for smallmouth bass in the flowing chutes, especially one of the largest, Floating Mill Island. After a bend downstream, paddlers float near the Historic Entrance to Mammoth Cave. The take-out at Green River Ferry lies on the left less than a mile later. It is a short carry to the parking lot at Green River Ferry. The next float covers 12 miles, beginning at Green River Ferry and ending at Houchins Ferry. This float requires a lengthy shuttle, but boaters can save some time by taking the gravel Joppa Ridge Road which lies on the right a short distance from Green River Ferry. This road is one-way from Green River Ferry Road to KY 70 (Brownsville Road), so it can't be used on the return from Houchins Ferry. Paddlers will notice the Green River grows deeper and more sluggish from the influence of Lock and Dam No. 6 downstream of Mammoth Cave National Park. The river takes a long, slow bend around the end of Joppa Ridge and the deeper woody cover in this stretch holds muskellunge. Anglers with bass fishing tackle can catch Green River muskellunge, provided they use a wire leader on the end of their lines to attach a lure. Monofilament, fluorocarbon and even braided lines are no match for the teeth of a sizeable muskellunge. The stretch of Green River in Mammoth Cave National Park produced several state record muskellunge in the 1950s and 1960s. Medium-running crankbaits in fire tiger, gold or chrome draw muskellunge strikes as do large white double-bladed spinnerbaits. The treble hooks of the traditional muskie in-line spinners dressed in bucktail often get hung up in woody cover. After flowing around Joppa Ridge, the river makes a horseshoe-shaped bend to the south called Turnhole Bend, named for Turnhole Spring. The small lake created by this spring provided steamboats a place to turn around back in the day. The two islands in Turnhole Bend, Sand Cave Island and Boardcut Island, are popular spots for float camping. Campers must obtain a free backcountry permit from the park's Visitor Center. Check the weather forecast, as the Green rises quickly after rains. The National Weather Service provides a forecast on the radio at 530 AM on the dial. The river straightens and passes Stice Island before bending to the left with Crump Island in the middle, just past the confluence with Buffalo Creek. The take-out is on the left at Houchins Ferry. The park service also operates a nice camping area at Houchins Ferry. Do not float past Houchins Ferry into Brownsville as the dangerous low-head dam at Lock and Dam No. 6 lies just upstream of the city. Those who want a remote float may paddle the last 7 miles of Nolin River downstream of Nolin River Lake. The put-in is at the Tailwater Recreation Area off KY 732 via KY 259 from Brownsville, with the take-out at Houchins Ferry. Stunning rock cliffs and other formations await paddlers in this stretch with good fishing for spotted and largemouth bass. The first few miles downstream of the dam offer trout fishing as well. Boaters will likely not encounter another soul on this float. Paddlers must work back upstream for nearly 2 miles to Houchins Ferry after the Nolin empties into the Green. Visitors may enjoy a day of floating and a day of exploring the wonders of Mammoth Cave for an affordable and relaxing weekend getaway. The Mammoth Cave Hotel offers rooms and rustic cabins.
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Post by Press Release on Jul 26, 2012 21:22:21 GMT -5
Kentucky Afield Outdoors: Oaks Most Beneficial Trees To Wildlife, May Be Impacted By Heat, Drought Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife News Release
Oaks are the most important tree species to wildlife in Kentucky forests, but the impact of this year’s drought remains to be seen. White oaks are faring better than red oaks so far. White oaks produce acorns that are a critical food source for squirrels, white-tailed deer, wild turkey, black bear and many non-game species. White oak acorns are preferred by wildlife because they are more palatable. Acorns produced by red oaks contain tannin, which makes them bitter. White oaks can produce acorns every year. Entire crops are often lost due to late freezes and heavy rains just as pollination of oak flowers begins as well as summer droughts. Philip Sharp, a private lands wildlife biologist for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources in Crittenden County, said it’s too soon to make a prediction on the mast crop in western Kentucky, the area of the state most affected by drought. “Our white oaks have small acorns now, but that’s pretty typical for this time of year. They can grow a lot in a short period of time and fill out in late summer.” Red oaks are not faring as well. “Some areas of western Kentucky are really dry. There are places that have had about a half inch of rain in the past two months,” said Sharp. “I’m concerned. The dry conditions are killing some of our red oak trees on ridges with thin soils.” According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, Crittenden and parts of nine other Kentucky counties along the lower Ohio River are classified as being in an Exceptional Drought, the driest category of five listed. Because it takes two years for red oak acorns to mature, and not all trees produce mature acorns in the same year, red oaks are a more reliable source of acorns on an annual basis. David Yancy, senior deer biologist for the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife, said a mix of white and red oak species is preferred. “This will ensure that some acorns will be there for wildlife when there’s a failure of the white oak crop.” According to the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service, there are 10 native species of oak trees in Kentucky: six members of the red oak group and four of the white oak group. Typically, it takes an oak tree about 20 years to start producing acorns. The U.S. Forest Service’s 1981 Wildlife Habitat Management Handbook said the white oak (Quercus alba) followed by the chestnut oak are the two white oak species in Kentucky that produce the highest yields of acorns. For red oaks, it’s the northern red oak (Quercus rubra), then the scarlet oak (Quercus coccinea). The leaves are a good way to tell the difference between white oaks and red oaks. White oak leaves are narrower (about 4 inches) with rounded lobes. Red oak leaves are wider (as wide as 6 inches) with pointed lobes. Although oaks are considered intermediate in their tolerance to shade, they grow best on sites with openings in the forest canopy and minimal competition for sunlight, water and nutrients from other plants. Oak stands regenerate naturally by sprouting acorns as well as stump sprouts. Since acorns and other hard mast are so important to wildlife, department biologists began an annual survey in 1953 to assess each year’s crop. Biologists walk the same route every year and determine the proportion of trees bearing hard mast by observing nuts on hickories, white and red oak and beech trees. The mast survey helps biologists predict game availability and behavior. For example, each year’s estimate of the number of squirrels available to hunters is based on the previous year’s mast crop. In years when the mast crop is sparse, deer and wild turkey are more vulnerable to hunters because game must move around more to find food. In years of plenty, deer and turkey harvests are likely to decrease because food sources are available everywhere, so there isn’t as much game movement. Nuts begin to mature in mid-September. The annual survey will be conducted this year between August 15 and September 1.
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Post by Press Release on Aug 2, 2012 5:29:12 GMT -5
Summer Drought Puts Bears on the Move Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife News Release
This summer's early drought has prompted the London Ranger District in the Daniel Boone National Forest, including all campgrounds around Laurel River Lake, to implement a mandatory food storage order in an effort to prevent possible interactions between bears and visitors. The drought has impacted the availability of black bears' natural foods, and as those foods have diminished, bear sighting reports have increased considerably in the London Ranger District. Forest visitors must store food inside a hardtop vehicle or bear-resistant container when not cooking or eating. Burning or burying food, trash or any other bear attractant is prohibited. Backcountry campers must suspend food and garbage at least 10 feet off the ground and four feet out from any tree or pole. "In most areas of eastern Kentucky, this summer's wild berry crop disappeared quickly," said Steven Dobey, bear biologist for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources."This is a very important food source for this time of year and with it gone, bears are roaming extensively in search of alternate foods." July is also the end of the breeding season for bears so, in conjunction with the shortage of natural foods, the natural tendency for male bears to travel is at a peak right now. Ultimately, this creates a heightened potential for human-bear interactions, and often in places typically not frequented by bears. "Right now, residents living or recreating in bear country need to be particularly mindful of food and garbage containment," said Dobey. "The most effective resolution to almost all bear issues is also the simplest; eliminate access to human-related food." Mandatory food storage orders are not new for the Daniel Boone National Forest. Existing food storage orders remain in effect for the Stearns Ranger District and the Red River Gorge. The orders define a bear attractant as any substance having an odor that may attract bears. Food, cooking grease, toothpaste, soap and garbage are considered attractants. About 70 percent of all nuisance complaints in Kentucky are directly related to bears getting into somebody's garbage. After repeated access to human-related food or garbage, bears begin to lose their natural fear of people. Ultimately, it is that change in behavior that can cause nuisance problems in neighborhoods, towns, and backcountry areas. Kentucky law makes it illegal to feed bears – intentionally or unintentionally. "Human-bear interactions are by no means restricted to metropolitan areas," explains Dobey. "Access to garbage or food in more remote areas causes problems every year, particularly in campgrounds." The resolution is the same, however, and eliminating access to food is the key. "The most recent actions by the Daniel Boone National Forest illustrate the proactive nature of bear management," said Dobey. "Ultimately, food storage restrictions benefit the well being of people as much as bears." If camping, picnicking, hiking or fishing, food should be stored in the trunk when vehicles are left unattended. In residential areas, don't leave garbage outside overnight if at all possible. Instead, wait until the morning of the pick-up to put it outside. Food scraps, pet food, even seed in bird feeders, can attract hungry bears looking for an easy meal. Also avoid throwing food scraps outside to feed wildlife or pets as these are often overlooked lures for black bears. "Just 10 years ago it was a rarity to even see a black bear in Kentucky," said Dobey. "Today, there is potential for regular sightings in any county east of the Daniel Boone National Forest. Contrary to popular belief, bears were not stocked in eastern Kentucky. Their natural return is a true wildlife success story and a testament to the overall health of Kentucky's forests."
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Post by Press Release on Aug 10, 2012 19:49:44 GMT -5
Mentor-Youth Dove Hunt Signups Begin August 13 Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife News Release
Registration for Kentucky’s mentor-youth dove hunts begin Monday, August 13. The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources conducts special hunts for adults wishing to introduce dove hunting to youth. These hunts are held on the first Saturday of dove season each September. The department limits the number of participants to avoid overcrowding. Hunters interested in reserving a space for these hunts must register by calling the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources at 1-800-858-1549 weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern time. Hunting reservations will not be accepted prior to August 13. Limited spaces are allotted on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration is open through Aug. 27, or whenever all the slots are filled. Most mentor-youth hunts will be held this year on Sept. 1; opening day of dove season statewide. Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge will conduct four mentor/youth hunts on September 1, 2, 8 and 9. The mentor-youth dove hunts offer adults a path to introduce youth aged 15 years and under into the enjoyment of an early season dove hunt. Each adult may take one or two youths. Hunter education and licensing requirements apply to those participating in these hunts. Hunting hours run from 2 to 7 p.m. (local time) on Sept. 1. Hunters must be out of the field by 7:30 p.m. Hunting groups must check in prior to hunting and check out prior to leaving the field with Kentucky Fish and Wildlife staff members. Mentor-youth fields located on private land are open to general hunting on Labor Day, Sept. 3. These fields then close to all hunting Sept. 4-7; they reopen to general hunting Sept. 8 through Oct. 24. Mentor-youth fields located on wildlife management areas (WMA) are open to general hunting Sept. 2 through Oct. 24. For more information on the mentor-youth dove hunts, consult the 2012 Kentucky Hunting Guide for Dove, Wood Duck, Teal, Woodcock, Snipe and Crow. This guide is available on the Internet at fw.ky.gov and also soon available in booklet form wherever hunting licenses are sold. This year’s mentor-youth dove fields include: Union County, Higginson-Henry WMA: Directions: Hwy. 56, about 7 miles southeast of Morganfield. Grant County, Curtis Gates Lloyd WMA: Directions: Take Crittenden exit off I-75 and follow U.S. 25 south to KY 491, turn left across railroad tracks, then right on Wildlife Road. Green County, private field: Directions: Take U.S. 68/70 south from Greensburg for 5.9 miles. Turn right on KY 218 for nearly 2 miles, then left onto Roy Bagby Road. The field is located at the end of the road, on the right Washington County, private field: Directions: From U.S. 150 at Fredericktown, take Short Creek Road to Burg Hill Road. McCracken County, Clark’s River National Wildlife Refuge: Mentor/Youth Hunts on Sept. 1, 2, 8, and 9, opens to public hunting on Sept. 10. Directions: From Symsonia, take KY 131 north for a little over 2 miles to fields on left marked by signs. U.S.F.W.S. approved non-toxic shot required for all dove hunting on this area.
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Post by Press Release on Aug 11, 2012 6:12:39 GMT -5
Kentucky Afield Outdoors: Blue Water Trails - Kentucky River, Pool 10 Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife News Release
Before the construction of modern highway bridges, people relied on ferries to cross the Kentucky River. Ferries drove robust businesses and anchored communities near the river. Now, those communities and the ferries that were their lifeblood lay discarded in the dustbin of history; bypassed by four lane interstates and concrete bridges. Ferries exist in modern Kentuckians’ memory from the names of the rural roads that lead to their long obsolete landings on the river bank. Only one ferry, the Valley View Ferry between Jessamine and Madison counties, still operates on the Kentucky River. The rest lost their long battle against progress. Paddlers and anglers can use some historic ferry landings while enjoying a slice of the Kentucky River that seems to transport boaters back to the time of stagecoaches and showboats by floating Pool 10. This pool begins at Lock and Dam 11 near College Hill in Madison County and ends at Lock and Dam 10 in Boonesborough. This section of the river flows through the rolling verdant hills of Madison and Clark counties that retain the rural character of the time before automobiles. A paddler on Pool 10 can hardly believe they are just a few miles, as the crow flies, from the bustling commercial centers of Winchester or Richmond. Two floats totaling about 12.5 miles showcase the exceptional scenery and paddling of Pool 10. The water of Kentucky River in late summer flows as clear as it does all year; perfect conditions for beginning paddlers, families and fishing. This stretch of river holds muskellunge, largemouth, smallmouth and Kentucky (spotted) bass. The shuttles for these two floats are much shorter on the Clark County (north) side of the river. Paddlers could float this entire stretch of 12.5 miles in one day, but would need to launch early in the morning and expect to take out at dusk. The first 6.5 mile float begins at the old ferry landing at Merritt, Kentucky, beside the mouth of Red River in Clark County. Take KY 89 south from Winchester to a right onto Red River Road and follow Ferry Road to the river. The owners charge $5 to use this access, also known as Red River Boat Dock and Ramp. If the owners are not there, place the money in the mailbox labeled “Pay Here.” You can also access Pool 10 from the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources’ ramp on the Madison County side on KY 977. However, the access to the take-out at the end of Jackson Ferry Road lies on the Clark County side of the river. Anglers may want make their way up Red River, one of Kentucky’s native muskellunge streams. Fish root wads, logs and any downed trees with a medium-running crankbait designed for bass in the gold or firetiger color. A white double Colorado blade spinnerbait fished in the same areas also draws strikes. Kentucky River muskellunge often prefer smaller lures than those in reservoirs. Fish this same stretch of Red River with a weightless white soft plastic jerkbait for largemouth and Kentucky bass. Target undercut banks, root wads and submerged logs. About a mile downstream from the mouth of Red River, paddlers float around Maupin Bend until the small tributary Bull Run comes in on the right (looking downstream). The points at the mouth of Bull Run make a good spot to work a medium-running crawfish-colored crankbait for largemouth bass. After floating under a power line, Upper Howard Creek enters the river on the right. The upper reaches of this historic creek held the former home of the Shawnee village, Eskippakithiki. The Iroquois called the relatively flat area around the village “kenta aki” or “place of level land.” Some historians believe pioneers corrupted this pronunciation into Kentucky and it stuck. Anglers who paddle up to the flowing section of Upper Howard Creek may catch smallmouth bass on 3-inch black curly-tailed grubs rigged on 1/8-ounce leadheads. The points at the mouth of the creek are good spots to try for largemouth bass or muskellunge. The take-out lies nearly two miles downstream at the end of Jackson Ferry Road on the right. Look for an old time rope swing hanging from a tree limb as the road lies just beyond it. Limited vehicle parking exists at this access and visitors should be careful to avoid trespassing onto adjacent land. The road sign for Jackson Ferry Road is easy to miss off KY 974, shown on some maps as Muddy Creek Road. The next float of about 6 miles begins at Jackson Ferry Ramp and ends at Old Habits Boat Ramp on Four Mile Road in Clark County. Jackson Ferry, sometimes referred to as Muddy Creek Ferry, was a main crossing point on the river from northern Madison County to southern Clark County and the city of Winchester until closing in the 1950s. The mouth of Muddy Creek lies just downstream of Jackson Ferry on the left, at the end of a rock bluff. This creek mouth holds muskellunge, especially in spring. The sand bar across the river and slightly downstream is a good spot to work a medium-running chrome crankbait for largemouth and Kentucky bass. The small tributary Indian Creek meets the Kentucky River on the right just downstream of the sand bar. The rocky point formed on the upstream end of this confluence is a good spot for Kentucky bass. As the river makes a long bend to the left, the rocky banks on the outside bend hold an occasional smallmouth bass, especially when rains bring some current to this stretch. The tiny stream of Bar Run enters the Kentucky River a little over two miles downstream of Indian Creek on the left. Four Mile Creek meets the Kentucky River about one mile further on the right. The lower section of Four Mile Creek holds numerous log jams and submerged trees, perfect habitat for muskellunge. A weightless white soft plastic jerkbait fished in this cover also produces strikes from largemouth bass. Simply toss this lure into the log jam or submerged tree and gently twitch the rod tip to nearly work the jerkbait in place. A largemouth lurking in the wood that ignored other lures often can’t resist this presentation, especially in the hazy, lazy dog days of late summer. The take-out at Old Habits Boat Ramp is another mile downstream on the right at the mouth of Two Mile Creek. They charge $5 to use their ramp on Four Mile Road, reached by taking a right onto KY 1924 from KY 627. A unique side trip on KY 1924 involves climbing the hill to the restored Union Civil War fort at Boonesborough. The fort defended this strategic Kentucky River crossing against Confederate raiders from 1863 to 1865. A short and steep hike from the parking area on KY 1924 leads to a stunning overlook few Kentuckians see. This trip lends a glimpse into the daily life and grind of a Union soldier stationed at this fort. The Winchester-Clark County Tourism Commission offers a self-guided cell phone tour for this site at 1-859-592-9166. Visitors can combine a day of paddling and exploring the rich history of Clark County and the city of Winchester. The Winchester-Clark County Tourism Commission offers guided cell phone tours of downtown historic sites as well as driving tours showcasing Civil War related sites and the unique stone fences of Clark County. For more information, visit their webpage at: www.tourwinchester.com or call 1-800-298-1905. Winchester also offers hotel accommodations as does nearby Richmond. Jeff Cress at Three Trees Canoe and Kayak has RV campsites along the river and offers shuttles and canoe and kayak rentals on Pool 10 by advance reservation.
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Post by Press Release on Aug 12, 2012 8:25:55 GMT -5
Kentucky Afield Outdoors: Not All Exotic Fish Species Are Welcome In Kentucky's Public Waters Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife News Release
In the 1870s, fishery scientists began to consider stocking exotic fish species into U.S. waters to compensate for the loss of native species. The brown trout (Salmo trutta), a native of Europe, is arguably the biggest success story, having been first introduced into the Baldwin River in Michigan in 1884.Today, brown trout are thriving throughout North America, South America, Australia and New Zealand. In Kentucky, brown trout are stocked annually in 10 streams and three tailwaters. The state record, caught from the Cumberland River in 2000, weighed 21 pounds. But not all exotic fish species are welcome in Kentucky public waters, as many introductions, intentional or otherwise, have proven to be detrimental to native fish populations. Kentucky Administrative Regulation 301 KAR 1:122 states that “no live fish, live bait fish or live bait organisms that are not native or established in Kentucky waters shall be bought, sold, possessed, imported, or in any way used or released into waters of this Commonwealth.” Also in that regulation is a list of exotic fish species that may not be imported, sold or possessed in captivity in Kentucky. This includes the piranha, Mexican banded tetra, sea lamprey, walking catfish or snakehead. “The problem with a lot of exotics is they have a really high recruitment rate. They produce more young, so they gain an advantage over our native fish species,” said Jeff Ross, assistant director of the Fisheries Division for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. “They are often voracious feeders, too. They eat the same plankton or forage as our native fish species, so they directly compete against them.” Asian carp, which include silver and bighead carp, escaped from fish culturists in Arkansas in the late 1970s. They are now present in significant numbers in the Mississippi, Ohio, Tennessee, lower Cumberland, lower Kentucky, lower Salt, and lower Green river basins in Kentucky. A serious concern is that holders of sport fishing licenses, who can legally take live bait with seines and cast nets from public waters, run the risk of unknowingly spreading the invasive carp species to other streams and lakes in Kentucky. Asian carp compete directly with native sport fish species because they feed on zooplankton. Young silver carp look remarkably similar to the threadfin and gizzard shad that anglers target for bait. “Use live bait where you catch it,” said Ross. “Don’t transport live bait to other river systems or any lake. When you’re done fishing it’s best to dump your bait on the shore, just to be on the safe side.” The alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus) is a forage fish that became established in Kentucky in the 1990s, thriving in the deep, cool waters of Lake Cumberland. “Then we noticed that alewives have started to show up in three of our walleye lakes (Laurel River Lake, Carr Creek Lake and Green River Lake), and in Barren River Lake,” said Ross. Alewives not only feed on plankton that sport fish eat, but the sport fish themselves, when they are newly-hatched. “In studies on Carr Creek Lake we found that once alewives get a foothold, their populations expand rapidly, at the expense of shad,” said Ross. “At one time they made up nearly half of the lake’s forage base. They grow so fast after hatching that they were too large for the newly-stocked walleye to eat.” The establishment of exotic fish populations has spawned a whole new set of issues that anglers and fishery biologists alike will have to address in the future as competition for food and space in Kentucky’s rivers and lakes increases.
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Post by Press Release on Aug 13, 2012 15:58:04 GMT -5
Public dove fields added in southeast region Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife News Release
Dove hunters in southeastern Kentucky now have six additional public dove fields to enjoy this fall. Dove season opens statewide on Sept. 1. "We had these fields come in a little late to make the deadline for the dove hunting guide," said Rocky Pritchert, migratory bird coordinator for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. "They will provide additional opportunity for our hunters." These fields are open to public hunting Sept. 1, Sept. 3 and from Sept. 8 through Oct. 24. One of these fields in Lincoln County is closed Sept. 1 for a Mentor/Youth hunt. Hunters interested in reserving a space for Mentor/Youth hunts must register by calling the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources at 1-800-858-1549 weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern time. Limited spaces are allotted on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration is open through Aug. 27, or whenever all the slots are filled. The additional public fields are located in Lincoln, Wayne, Pulaski and Whitley counties. The two fields in Wayne County lie beside one another, so the driving directions are identical. Directions to the fields: Lincoln County: From Stanford, take U.S. 27 north for 0.16 mile to a left on to KY 590. Travel about 1.5 miles and turn left on a gravel lane and proceed to marked field and parking area. Closed Sept. 1 for Mentor/Youth Hunt; call 1-800-858-1549 for reservations. Lincoln County: From Stanford, take U.S. 150 southeast for 6 miles. After crossing Cedar Creek Lake dam, turn left onto Sportsman's Lane for 0.3 mile to the parking area at Cedar Creek Sportsman's Club. Pulaski County: From Somerset, take KY 80 west for 15.6 miles and take a right onto Hickory Nut Road. Travel Hickory Nut Road for 6 miles to field on right. Wayne County: Two fields located beside each other: From Burnside, proceed west on KY 90 for 1.4 miles to a left onto KY 790. Travel for 10.8 miles and take a left onto Brammer Hill - Delta Road. Proceed 2.4 miles to a left onto Brammer Hill Ridge Road for 1.8 miles to field and parking area. Whitley County: From exit 25 of I-75 in Corbin, proceed west on U.S. 25 W for 5.9 miles and turn right onto Frankfort School Road. Go about 0.13 mile and take a right onto Ernest Alsip Road for 0.17 mile to field and marked parking area.
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Post by Press Release on Aug 16, 2012 16:46:37 GMT -5
Kentucky Afield Outdoors: Fall Squirrel Season Opens Aug. 18 Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife News Release
Kentucky’s fall squirrel season, a 193-day split season that kicks off the calendar of fall hunting, opens this weekend. The season opens Sat., Aug. 18 and runs through Nov. 9. The season re-opens Nov. 12 and closes Feb. 28, 2013. The daily bag limit is six squirrels. “Hunters will find plenty of squirrels this season, but populations could be slightly down in some areas,” said Ben Robinson, small game biologist for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. “Last fall’s mast crop was rated good overall, but hickory and white oak production was poor.” There’s a close relationship between a year’s mast production and the following year’s squirrel population levels. Since 1953, department biologists have been gauging mast production based on an annual survey of the nuts on hickory, white and red oak and beech trees. The nuts of these trees comprise the most important foods for Kentucky’s forest wildlife – squirrels, white-tailed deer, wild turkeys and bear. Biologists walk the same route every year and estimate the year’s mast crop based on what they observe. “This year’s survey began August 15 and will continue for about two weeks,” said Robinson. “After this information is compiled, we’ll have a clearer picture of the impact of the summer drought.” Weather extremes, such as late frosts and heavy rains in spring or summer droughts, can limit the amount and quality of mast. Drought conditions in western Kentucky are expected to affect squirrel behavior this fall in the region. “I expect squirrels to be on the move looking for food,” said Robinson. Late winter is the time when food availability becomes most critical to squirrels and can impact their body condition heading into the breeding season. Hickory nuts begin to mature in August. Acorns and beechnuts mature in September and October. Squirrel hunters can help management efforts by taking part in the Squirrel Hunting Cooperator Survey. The voluntary program, which started in 1995, supplies information that biologists use to monitor squirrel population trends in Kentucky. Hunters record information about their hunts as the season progresses. This information includes the county hunted, hours afield, number and species of squirrels seen and harvested, number of hunters in the party and the number of dogs used to find squirrels. When hunters are finished hunting for the season they simply mail in their survey. Logs are available online at fw.ky.gov by clicking on the “Hunting, Trapping & Wildlife” tab, then the “Small Game” tab, followed by the “Squirrel” tab. Hunters may request a log by calling (800) 858-1549. Logs must be returned to the department no later than May 31, 2013. Each year, after the survey information is compiled and analyzed, a report is mailed out to squirrel hunters who shared the details of their hunting activities from the previous season. Last season, the survey detailed 1,144 squirrel hunts in 76 Kentucky counties. Hunters reported that they saw nearly five squirrels per hunt and bagged almost two squirrels per hour. Hunting success was highest in the month of September and 68 percent of the hunts occurred in the first three months of the season.
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Post by Press Release on Aug 18, 2012 13:24:02 GMT -5
Waterfowl Blind Drawings Set Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife News Release
Dates are now set for the waterfowl blind drawings for Doug Travis, Lake Barkley, Barren River Lake and Green River Lake Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs). The drawing date for Sloughs WMA is pending and will be announced soon. Those hunters interested in participating in the waterfowl blind drawing must be at least 18 years of age and possess a valid 2012-2013 Kentucky hunting license, a Kentucky waterfowl permit and a federal migratory bird permit (duck stamp) at the time of the drawing. The waterfowl blind drawing for Doug Travis WMA in Carlisle and Hickman counties will be Saturday, Aug. 25. The drawing will be held at the Doug Travis WMA office, located a half mile south of Berkley on KY 123. Registration occurs at 9 a.m. Central time with the drawing at 10 a.m. The Lake Barkley WMA waterfowl blind drawing will be Monday, Sept. 17. The drawing will be held at the shelter on the east side of the Cumberland River, near the Lake Barkley Dam, off U.S. 62 near Lake City. Applicants should use the Power House entrance then turn right toward the drawing location. The drawing will be held at 8 a.m. Central time. The Green River Lake WMA waterfowl blind drawing will be held Saturday, Sept. 29. The drawing will be held at the Green River Lake Corps of Engineers office off KY 55, approximately 7 miles south of Campbellsville. Registration is 9 a.m. Eastern time with the drawing at 10 a.m. The Barren River Lake WMA waterfowl blind drawing will be held Saturday, Oct. 6. The drawing will be held at the Barren River Lake Corps of Engineers office at Barren River Lake dam, off KY 252. The drawing will be conducted from 7 to 9 a.m. Central time. Hunters drawn for blinds on Doug Travis, Lake Barkley, Green River or Barren River Lake WMAs are responsible for locating, preparing and maintaining the blind site for the duration of the 2012-2013 waterfowl seasons. Each drawn hunter may select a co-owner of the blind site for use in the absence of the hunter drawn. The co-owner must be present at the drawing. Hunters may construct a permanent blind or use a boat or portable blind, but each blind site must be permanently pinned with a permanent marker identifying permit holders for the site. Those hunters selected hold first rights for use of the blind site, but these blinds sites open to public use if the selected hunters are not in the blinds by 30 minutes before shooting time.
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Post by Press Release on Aug 20, 2012 20:13:08 GMT -5
Kentucky Fish And Wildlife Commission Proposes 2012-2013 Waterfowl Seasons Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife News Release
The Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Commission proposed the 2012-2013 waterfowl seasons at its quarterly meeting August 17. The commission recommends all hunting, fishing and boating regulations for approval by the General Assembly and approves all expenditures by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. All recommendations must be approved by legislators before they become law. The Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Commission must place waterfowl seasons within the framework mandated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service because all migratory game birds are under federal control. Beginning with the 2012-2013 seasons, the opening day for both duck and goose season is now Thanksgiving Day annually. This year, Thanksgiving Day is Nov. 22. Duck, Coot and Merganser • Duck season opens Nov. 22 and closes Nov. 26. The season opens again Dec. 3, 2012 and closes Jan. 27, 2013. • Duck hunters may now take four scaup this year as part of their six duck daily bag limit. Previously, hunters could only take two scaup. • Season dates for mergansers and coots are the same as the duck season dates for the 2012-2013 seasons. The daily bag limit for mergansers is five, only two of which may be hooded mergansers. The daily limit for coots is 15. Canada Goose • Western Goose Zone: Nov. 22, 2012 – Jan. 31, 2013. • Pennyrile-Coalfield Goose Zone (including West-Central Canada Goose subzone): Nov. 22, 2012 – Jan. 31, 2013. • Eastern Goose Zone: Nov. 22, 2012 – Jan. 31, 2013. • Northeastern Goose Zone: Jan. 1 – 31, 2013. White-fronted Goose, Brant • Statewide: Nov. 22, 2012 – Jan. 31, 2013. Snow Goose • Regular season: Nov. 22, 2012 – Jan. 31, 2013. Snow Goose Conservation Order Season • Eastern Duck Zone: Feb. 1 – Mar. 31, 2013. • Western Duck Zone: Feb. 1 and Feb. 4 – Mar. 31, 2013. Youth Waterfowl Season Eastern Zone: Nov. 3-4. Western Zone: Feb. 2-3, 2013. The brant daily bag limit was reduced from two brant to one. The total daily bag limit for dark geese (Canada, white-fronted goose and brant) was changed from six birds to five birds to comply with federal frameworks for this season. In other waterfowl-related business, duck hunters on private lands in the Northeastern Goose Zone may now hunt later than the 2 p.m. daily closure during the Canada goose season. Goose hunters in this zone must still cease hunting at 2 p.m. Hunters selected for a waterfowl blind at Sloughs Wildlife Management Area (WMA) must complete a hunter survey report or lose eligibility to apply for a blind the following year. The preseason draw for waterfowl hunting at South Shore WMA is now eliminated. Waterfowl hunting on the area is now on a first-come, first-serve basis on South Shore WMA. Beginning with the 2013-2014 waterfowl seasons, waterfowl hunters on Cedar Creek Lake, Dix River and J.C. Williams WMAs must cease hunting and be off the area by 2 p.m. In other wildlife-related business, commissioners set the number of quota elk hunt permits at 1,000 for the 2013 season, 100 more than the 2012 season. The Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Commission also elected officers who will serve until August, 2013. Louisville resident Stuart Ray, who represents the 3rd District, was elected chairman while 6th District Commission Member Steve Glenn was elected vice-chairman. Gov. Steve Beshear appointed Jimmy Bevins of Owenton to represent the 5th District, replacing Dr. James Rich, the district’s representative for the past 36 years. The governor appointed Rich as Commission Member Emeritus, a newly created position. In this capacity, Rich will continue serving the sportsmen and sportswomen of the state as secretary and treasurer for the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Commission. The next Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Commission meeting will be held at 8:30 a.m. (Eastern time), Friday, Dec. 7, at #1 Sportsman’s Lane off U.S. 60 in Frankfort. Persons interested in addressing the commission must notify the department in writing at least 30 days in advance to be considered for placement on the meeting agenda. To request to address the commission, write to Kentucky Fish and Wildlife, Commissioner Dr. Jon Gassett, #1 Sportsman’s Lane, Frankfort, Kentucky, 40601. People who are hearing impaired and plan to attend the meeting should contact Kentucky Fish and Wildlife at least 10 days in advance and the agency will provide a translator.
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Post by Press Release on Aug 21, 2012 18:50:46 GMT -5
National Deer Management Group Names Kentucky Fish And Wildlife As Agency Of The Year Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife News Release
The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources won an Agency of the Year award for achievements in deer conservation and management from the Quality Deer Management Association. The award is the association's highest national recognition. "One hundred years ago, Kentucky had very few deer. Now we're one of the top deer hunting destinations in the country," said Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Commissioner Dr. Jon Gassett. "That would not have happened without the dedication and hard work of our employees throughout the years, and the hunters we depend on to help manage the herd. We are honored to receive this recognition as the top agency in the country." The award, presented annually since 2003, goes to an agency that has a record of supporting the philosophy of quality deer management and the mission of the Quality Deer Management Association (QDMA). Kentucky Fish and Wildlife, which won the honor in 2004, is the first repeat winner. "Kentucky Fish and Wildlife has worked very well with the public in Kentucky and engages hunters," said Kip Adams, QDMA's director of Education and Outreach. "They continue to implement new programs to keep all segments of hunting public involved, engaged and learning. They work really well with QDMA branches and other conservation organizations." Kentucky has consistently ranked in the top 10 nationally for the number of deer recognized as trophies by the Boone and Crockett Club. In 2011, hunters took 68 Boone and Crockett deer in Kentucky, a new state record Adams noted that Kentucky offers over-the-counter deer permits for all residents and non-residents due to the success of its herd. Additionally, Kentucky has one of the more progressive antler restrictions within their state, using antler spread restriction in some public hunting areas to protect yearling bucks in parts of the state, which is more biologically sound than an antler point restriction. The organization said Kentucky Fish and Wildlife has established itself as one of the most progressive, respected and successful wildlife agencies in the United States. The department is exemplary in service to their constituents and in management of their natural resources, particularly the white-tailed deer, according to the Quality Deer Management Association. "They do a great job of protecting young bucks and moving them into older age classes," Adams said of the department. "They also do a great job of balancing their herd with the habitat through the appropriate number of antlerless tags." The Quality Deer Management Association is a national nonprofit wildlife conservation organization which promotes sustainable, high-quality white-tailed deer populations, wildlife habitats and ethical hunting experiences. The group has more than 50,000 members across the United States and in several foreign countries. Its membership includes nearly 800 of the country's leading deer management professionals.
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Post by Press Release on Aug 24, 2012 17:41:59 GMT -5
Kentucky Afield Outdoors: Kentucky’s 2012-13 Deer Season To Open September 1 Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife News Release
When Kentucky’s 2012-2013 deer season opens with the beginning of archery hunting Sat., Sept. 1, there will be plenty of reasons for hunters to be optimistic. Last deer season was arguably the state’s best ever. A record 68 bucks taken in Kentucky qualified for entry into the Boone & Crockett record books, a record for the state. Kentucky hunters also posted the fourth best overall harvest with119,656 deer, the highest total since the 2008-09 season. In 96 of Kentucky’s 120 counties, hunters bagged more deer than in the 2010-2011 deer season. “If you manage with an eye toward overall herd quality, the trophies will come,” said Tina Brunjes, deer and elk program coordinator for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. Good habitat, aggressive doe harvest and the one-buck limit are thought be the main reasons why Kentucky has developed a quality deer herd with ample hunting opportunities in all 120 counties. The trophy deer taken in Kentucky last season included 52 bucks with typical antlers scoring 160 or higher and 16 bucks with non-typical antlers scoring 185 or higher. The deer came from 44 different Kentucky counties: from Fulton County in the west to Pike County in the east. A decade ago, Kentucky produced just 34 Boone & Crockett record book deer. Weather, one factor that biologists can’t control, often has a big impact on how many deer are available to hunters and how many are harvested. It’s too early to fully assess the impact of this summer’s drought, which has affected about two-thirds of the state. “Early on we had good conditions for fawning. The spring was warm and wet, with lush undergrowth,” said Brunjes. “But drought conditions may have compromised mast production and the availability of green forage in some areas.” The August 14 Drought Monitor issued by the National Weather Service categorized the Jackson Purchase Region of Kentucky and parts of 18 counties directly to the east of that region in exceptional or extreme drought. Central Kentucky counties range from moderate drought to abnormally dry, but parts of more than 35 southern and eastern Kentucky counties have received normal rainfall levels. Brunjes speculated that if the dry conditions persist in western Kentucky, it could impact the deer harvest there. “A poor mast crop compounded by corn and soybean fields shriveled up would put deer on the move looking for food. That could mean harvest totals will be higher than usual,” she said. In parts of central and eastern Kentucky that have received near-normal rainfall levels, Brunjes encourages landowners to continue pre-season mowing of their hunting areas. “Even though our fields are dry, there’s still a lot of clover out there,” said Brunjes. “August is a good time to cut back the dead grass, to stimulate re-growth.” Clover, a cool season legume, is an important food source for deer until heavy frosts come in late October. There’s plenty of time left for rains to benefit clover fields. Pre-season mowing should also include cutting trails and wildlife openings in your hunting area. “You need to be able to easily and quietly get to your treestand or ground blind, and you need to be able to see. In some areas the weeds are really tall this year,” she said. Kentucky’s deer herd is now estimated to number about 850,000, down from one million in 2003. “Our herd is now stable,” said Brunjes. “A stable herd is a robust herd that can withstand drought and other big changes in weather and food availability.” Although yellow or brown grass covers much of Kentucky, hunters should have many deer available to them when they hit the woods this fall. Author Art Lander Jr. has been writing about the outdoors since the 1970s. He is a staff writer for Kentucky Afield Magazine.
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Post by Press Release on Aug 30, 2012 16:49:58 GMT -5
Kentucky Afield Outdoors Cautiously Optimistic About Dove Season, Despite The Brown Grass And Hard Ground Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife News Release
The crisp early morning and earlier nightfall remind Kentuckians that fall isn’t far away. The smell of gunpowder, the clunking of spent shotshells in a vest and dove breasts wrapped in bacon and grilled aren’t far away either. It is a hunter’s favorite time of year. Dove season opens statewide Sat., Sept. 1. Although brown, crunchy moisture-free grass and cracked brick ground cover large swaths of Kentucky, the drought won’t ruin the dove opener. “There are plenty of doves around Kentucky,” said Rocky Pritchert, migratory bird coordinator for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. “It’s a mixed bag. Some dove fields are looking good while some were affected by the drought.” The Purchase Region is the area of Kentucky hardest hit by drought, but dove field conditions, contrary to what common sense dictates, are in huntable shape. “As far as the dove fields in our region, they got off to a slow start and the plants stunted a little,” said Tony Black, Purchase Region wildlife regional coordinator for Kentucky Fish and Wildlife. “The sunflower and millet still headed out with pretty decent seed content in them. It is not too bad considering how dry we’ve been. On average, the counties in our region are 12 to 13 inches below normal rainfall for the year.” Hunters who put in a little time scouting before hunting a particular field place themselves at an advantage. “Pull out the dove hunting guide and go and look at the public fields before you hunt them,” Pritchert said. “If you plan to hunt a private field or your traditional dove spot, you still must scout this year. You still need to see if an area holds any birds.” The field you plan hunting could be laden with doves on opening day. If you don’t pick a good spot in that field, however, your hunting vest may weigh less at the end of the day than at the beginning because you’ve spent your shotshells and have few doves. “The first thing I look for when setting up in a dove field is a dead tree or snag,” Pritchert said. “Then, I look for the flight patterns of the doves. Survey where they enter the field and where they exit. Find the entry spot and set up near there. It is better to find a place where they enter the field than where they exit.” Doves often fly into a field through gaps in trees or a swale in the ground. “A dead tree that is in one of these flight patterns is a great spot,” Pritchert said. “They often land in dead trees before entering the field to feed.” Doves also use power lines for the same purpose. Studying these features and setting up near them makes for a much more eventful day. A poorly chosen spot in a good field leads to frustration when others down all of the doves. It is like watching someone from the opposite end of the boat catch all of the fish. Study and choose wisely. Hunters also need to think on their feet and adjust after opening day this year because of the dry weather. Black recently witnessed farmers cutting silage and harvesting corn in the Purchase region. Pritchert observed the same in the Bluegrass Region. “I’m beginning to see silage cut here in central Kentucky,” Pritchert explained. “It is a little earlier than usual because of the early spring and drought. Doves will likely scatter from a hunted field more quickly this year because there are too many other food options for them.” This year, flexibility in choosing your dove hunting areas after opening weekend extends your hunting season. “I hunt doves where I can find them,” Pritchert said. “I’ll hunt silage fields and fallow fields covered in foxtail.” Hunters can also stretch the dove season by quitting earlier in the day. “Landowners who have those longer dove shoots well into the season manage the shooting pressure on their fields,” Pritchert said. “Keep the pressure down at the beginning of the season. Skip a week between shoots and get out of the field earlier in the day, by 6 p.m. at the latest. The more time in the evening the doves have to feed undisturbed, the better.” Pritchert also warned those hunting with dogs must realize they overheat easily in early September. “Watch your dog closely and give them plenty of water and rest,” he said. “This is one of the most dangerous times for dogs for heat stroke.” Wear drab clothing while dove hunting. Camouflage clothing is best, but tans and greens also work. Avoid white tee shirts and loudly colored shorts. The first segment of the dove season closes Oct. 24. The second segment runs from Nov. 22 through Nov. 30, while the third segment of the season opens Dec. 29, 2012 and closes Jan. 4, 2013. “Those late season hunts can be really good,” Black said. “You have those northern migrating birds coming down. You can walk them up just like quail in a corn field and have some good hunting.” The daily limit is 15 doves.
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Post by Press Release on Sept 6, 2012 4:57:31 GMT -5
Hidden Valley Training Center Will Be Closed To Public Hunting For 15 Days This Fall Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife News Release
Hidden Valley Training Center, a 551-acre public hunting area in northeast Powell County, will be closed for 15 days this fall. "The area is periodically used by the Kentucky National Guard for training," said Becky Littleton, a public lands biologist for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. "The dates it will be closed to the public are Sept. 8-18 and Oct. 11-14." The Hidden Valley Training Area is located west of Stanton off KY 15. The area is owned by the Kentucky National Guard and is open to regulated hunting through an agreement with Kentucky Fish and Wildlife. It is 60 percent forested and bordered on the west by Lulbegrud Creek. Under the agreement, public hunting begins each year on Sept. 1. The area is open under statewide regulations for archery and crossbow deer hunting, and small game hunting. The area closes with archery deer season, which is Jan. 21, 2013. Hidden Valley Training Center is closed to all firearms hunting for deer and is closed to wild turkey hunting during all seasons. Camping, horseback riding and ATVs are prohibited. For more information, visit the department's website at: fw.ky.gov. Click on Maps and Online Services, then Public Hunting Areas to get directions to the area and view a map.
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Post by Press Release on Sept 6, 2012 21:22:28 GMT -5
Ky Afield Outdoors The Hardest Dove Shots Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife News Release
After downing a limit of doves last Saturday at your family's traditional opening day dove hunt, you feel confident you'll get another limit this coming weekend. After setting up in a favorite spot near a dead tree in the early afternoon, you wait for groups of doves to come into the field. Instead, a swift gray bird comes in from behind at a 45-degree angle. You raise your barrel, swing and fire, not puffing a single feather on the dove that quickly swerves away, out of danger. After an hour of firing three shots and missing every bird, you wonder if you accidentally bent the barrel of your shotgun. You couldn't miss a bird on opening day and now you cannot hit one to save your life. Those slow, naive doves of opening weekend are gone until September 1, 2013. After opening weekend, doves smarten up. The birds that flew close to your spot on opening day are now flashes of rosy grey, coming in high and fast to the field. Trying to hit hunted, smart doves are some of the hardest shots in wingshooting, but also the most rewarding. Many dove hunters simply react to doves entering a field and give little thought to how they swing a shotgun. They just aim and shoot. You can hit the easy birds on opening day with this approach, but you must learn the proper techniques of swinging a shotgun to connect on the hardest dove shots or waterfowl. Two main methods dominate shotgunning: the swing-through and the sustained lead. "I've shot thousands of shells and hit many birds and I use the swing-through method," said Rocky Pritchert, migratory bird coordinator for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. "I swing the barrel, blot out the bird and pull the trigger." Pritchert said this method automatically establishes lead, no matter the speed of the bird. "The gun speed compensates for the lead in the swing-through method," he explained. "You move the barrel at the speed of the bird for an automatic adjustment." An aid in remembering the sequence for the swing-through method is "butt, belly, beak, bang." The sustained lead method works well for many shooters. In the swing-through method, it is really easy for a shooter to stop swinging the shotgun once they hear the shot and feel the recoil. They will miss the bird behind. "Think of your sight as a paint brush," said James Charas, of Lexington, an excellent wing shooter. "Swing through and paint across the bird as you pull the trigger. This will ensure good follow through because you are thinking about moving the barrel as you pull the trigger." With the sustained lead, you start the barrel out in front of the bird and keep swinging. Imagine the bird smoking a long cigar and you are trying to shoot the ash off it. Mastering one of these methods will help bag more doves as the close shots of last weekend morph into some of the more challenging shots in wing shooting. If you set up under a dead tree and birds come in high overhead, the swing-through methods works well. Start the gun barrel at the dove's tail feathers and swing through the bird. Pull the trigger when the barrel blocks the bird. Many dove hunters can't hit birds coming in fast at a 45-degree angle, or quartering, into the field. The tendency is to shoot over or behind the dove. Aim for the inside wing tip and don't cover the bird with the barrel. Keep the bird over the gun barrel and keep swinging. Some wingshooters struggle with a dove flying straight away from them, but this is one of the easiest shots in the dove field. "Blot out the dove with the barrel and shoot," Pritchert said. Doves often strafe a field later in the season by flying as fast as they can across it, often in doubles. They seem uninterested in landing in the field. These birds are extremely hard to hit, but placing the barrel in front of the bird, sustaining the lead and not stopping the gun swing should down a few. This shot is one often missed by all but the best wingshots. As the days shorten and nights lengthen in fall, long passing shots are often the rule. "Because doves are so small and fast, when they are at long range most hunters overestimate how far away the birds are," Pritchert said. "Most shots are less than 40 yards, even though they look much longer." Pritchert recommends a modified choke, not full like many hunters use, for these long shots. "Choke science has come a long way," Pritchert said. "I still use modified for these shots, it gives the shooter more room for error." Treat long pass shots like crossing shots, but with a longer lead on the dove. These shots demand a high quality load. The cheap 100 packs of shotshells available Labor Day weekend at department stores won't cut the mustard for long pass shooting. Spend the extra dollars and get a quality heavy field load. The cheap loads have just 1-ounce of shot in 12-gauge while heavy field loads hold 1 1/4-ounces. The difference amounts to 87 more pellets of 7 1/2 size shot in the 1 1/4-ounce load versus the 1-ounce load. The extra shot also reduces the chances of crippling birds. Wear head-to-toe camouflage for these challenging hunts, especially a wide-brimmed camouflage hat. Sunlight reflects off the skin oils of your face as you tilt your head up for a shot, making the doves flare away from you. Some dove hunters wear mesh camouflage face masks for further concealment. The dove hunting season doesn't end with Labor Day, but the shooting grows more difficult as the leaves change. Use these techniques to extend the season and hit some of the most difficult dove shots.
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Post by Press Release on Sept 10, 2012 17:31:47 GMT -5
Waterfowl Blind Drawing Date Set For Sloughs Wildlife Management Area Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife News Release
The waterfowl blind drawing for Sloughs Wildlife Management Area (WMA) will be held at Union County Middle School in Morganfield at 7 p.m. (Central time) Tuesday, September 25. Registration will begin at 6 p.m. (Central time). The school is located off U.S. 60. This drawing is for blinds on the Grassy Pond-Powell’s Lake and a portion of the Highland Creek Unit. Blind sites on the Crenshaw and Duncan II tracts of Sloughs WMA are allotted under the regular quota hunt system. Hunters wishing to apply for a quota hunt on Slough WMA may do so during the month of September only by calling 1-877-598-2401, or by going online to the website of the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources at fw.ky.gov. Those hunters interested in participating in the Slough WMA waterfowl blind drawing must be at least 18 years of age and possess a valid 2012-2013 Kentucky hunting license, a Kentucky waterfowl permit and a federal migratory bird permit (duck stamp) at the time of the drawing. Hunters drawn for blinds on Sloughs WMA are responsible for locating, preparing and maintaining the blind site for the duration of the 2012-2013 waterfowl seasons. Each drawn hunter may select a co-owner of the blind site for use in the absence of the hunter drawn. The co-owner must be present at the drawing. Hunters may construct a permanent blind or use a boat or portable blind, but each blind site must be permanently pinned with a permanent marker identifying permit holders for the site. Those hunters selected hold first rights for use of the blind site, but these blinds sites open to public use if the selected hunters are not in the blinds by 30 minutes before shooting time.
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Post by Press Release on Sept 15, 2012 6:15:53 GMT -5
Kentucky Afield Outdoors: September Is Quota Hunt Application Month Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife News Release
The application deadline for quota deer, bear, small game and waterfowl hunts is midnight (CST) Sept. 30, 2012. Applications for the deer, small game and waterfowl hunts can be made 24 hours a day by either calling toll-free 1-877-598-2401, or going online at fw.ky.gov. Applications for the 2012 bear quota hunt with dogs may only be submitted online. "Persons who apply online, and provide an e-mail address, will receive a confirmation by return e-mail," said Patrick O'Connell, information systems manager for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. "Applying online is fast and easy and increases the accuracy of the application." This season hunters have a choice of 31 quota deer hunts, including hunts on two new areas -- Veterans Memorial Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Scott County on Nov. 3-4 with 60 hunt slots and Big Rivers WMA & State Forest in Union County on Nov. 10-11 with 40 hunt slots. Applicants for quota deer hunts have the option to pick a first and second hunt choice, but may be drawn to participate in only one quota hunt. Kentucky's first ever bear quota hunt with dogs will be held Dec. 17 through Dec. 21, 2012, if the harvest quota of 10 bears (or five females) is not met during the regular bear season. To apply for this new quota bear hunt, houndsmen must have purchased a 2012 Bear Chase permit. Small game hunters can apply for pheasant quota hunts on three WMAs -- Green River Lake, Clay, and Yellowbank. The pheasant quota hunt at Yellowbank is a new hunt for 2012, with three hunt dates: Dec. 14, 15 and 16. There will also be six wild quail quota hunts on Peabody WMA. The date of the mentor hunt is Nov. 24. Four upland bird quota hunts will be held on Clay WMA on Nov. 7, Nov. 18, Dec. 9 and Dec. 18. Hunters may take bobwhite quail, ruffed grouse and woodcock during the upland bird quota hunts, when the seasons for all three species are open. Woodcock season ends Dec. 15. Waterfowl hunters may apply for quota hunts on Ballard WMA and Sloughs WMA, which will be held during the fall and winter duck and goose seasons. Waterfowl quota hunts at Ballard WMA are held on Wednesdays through Sundays, and hunters may apply for individual days. At Sloughs WMA, quota hunts are held seven days a week, but hunters must apply for a block of days. The dates for these quota hunts are on the online application. To get other details of these quota waterfowl hunts, go online to fw.ky.gov. Click on hunting, trapping and wildlife, then game animals followed by waterfowl and other migratory birds. Later in the fall on Nov. 15-30, hunters can go online to the license page of the department's website at fw.ky.gov to apply for a sandhill crane hunting permit. No applications will be taken by telephone. For the 2012-13 season, 400 permits will be awarded through a lottery drawing. Kentucky's 30-day season is Dec. 15 through Jan. 13, 2013. Sandhill crane hunting permits are not transferable. Applicants for all quota hunts can check to see if they were drawn on Oct. 8, when a link will be posted on fw.ky.gov. Get out this fall and enjoy one of these quota hunts. They provide some of the best hunting opportunities found in Kentucky.
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Post by Press Release on Sept 20, 2012 19:28:09 GMT -5
Kentucky Afield Outdoors: Dealing With Nuisance Deer In Urban And Suburban Areas Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife News Release
Seeing a deer in the backyard is an unexpected pleasure. Homeowners in deer country, however, quickly get over the thrill when deer begin to eat down their vegetable garden, nibble on blooming flowers and shrubs or shred the bark off trees with their antlers. "The most common complaint I receive about deer in urban and suburban areas is the damage they do to landscaping or backyard vegetable gardens," said Clay Smitson, a private lands wildlife biologist with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. Smitson works a strip of nine north-central Kentucky counties along Interstate 75 between Lexington and the Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky metropolitan area, where deer herds have grown since the 1980s. Deer densities today are among the highest in the state. Around Kentucky cities, deer are more visible than ever before and caught in the middle, as roadway construction, housing and business development encroach into their habitat. There are other concerns about high deer numbers, such as a spike in automobile/deer collisions and the possibility of contracting Lyme disease from tick bites. "In Boone, Kenton and Campbell counties there's been a large number of houses built on two- to three-acre wooded lots," said Smitson. "In towns like Hebron and Covington, a wide riparian forest along the Ohio River puts deer right in peoples' backyards." When municipalities approach the department with deer problems, all options are explained. "They can trap and relocate, use birth control, lethal control or do nothing at all," said Tina Brunjes, deer and elk program coordinator for Kentucky Fish and Wildlife. "Hunting is the first choice. It's a cost-effective and workable way to reduce deer numbers and gives deer a healthy respect for humans, which deer living in close proximity to homes and businesses often lose." The economics of most options are just not affordable or practical. "Trap and relocation costs $700 to $1,000 per animal and there are disease issues and concerns about the trauma it causes to the deer," said Brunjes. "Birth control drugs cost $1,000 per deer, are not 100 percent effective and doses only last for two years. Hiring sharp shooters to shoot deer after hours is fast and effective, but it's expensive, too." While regulated hunting is the most effective way to control deer numbers, most small towns have an ordinance against the discharge of deadly weapons, which often includes bows and arrows. In urban and suburban settings, archery hunting is the best option because of safety concerns. One northern Kentucky community, Fort Thomas, in Campbell County, found that an urban archery program was a safe and effective way to put the brakes on their deer herd. The Fort Thomas City Council recognized that a growing deer herd compromised public safety, posed a nuisance to homeowners and dramatically impacted small urban forests and voted on Dec. 17, 2007 to allow the discharge of arrows from bows and crossbows. This action cleared the way for deer hunting within the city limits under a strict set of guidelines. Hunting began during the winter of 2007-08. The 2011-12 City of Fort Thomas archery program report, issued by Don Martin, city administrative officer, stated that a total of 100 deer have been reported removed since the first year of the program. The city has received only one complaint in the last four years, and no one has reported any injuries or near-injuries in conjunction with the program since its inception." Fort Thomas has done a good job serving as a model for municipalities of how to approach solving a deer problem," said Brunjes, "first by gaining citizen support for a ban on feeding deer, so deer won't be in areas where you don't want them to be, and then by identifying a framework for hunting that's most comfortable for the residents, so there aren't any conflicts." This included some commonsense rules and regulations such as setting limits on the hours and days when archery hunting is allowed, establishing a minimum acreage where hunting could take place, designating areas that are closed to hunting, proper location of field dressing of deer and disposal of waste, and carcass transportation through the city. "Having the program in place for this length of time and having no safety issues is demonstrative that our restrictions are sufficient to ensure public safety," said Martin. Fort Thomas, which has about 6.43 square miles of land, has paid to have periodic surveys of its deer population, using aerial thermal infrared imaging. The 2011 survey counted 132 deer, a 35 percent reduction compared to the 2010 survey, resulting in a deer density estimated to be between 20 and 24 deer per square mile. "This is a good density for deer, people and habitat," said Brunjes. "But with so many unhunted areas around the city, and the fact that there are river corridors to the east (Ohio River) and west (Licking River), and cities nearby that don't have feeding bans, the best that can hope to be achieved is to maintain the herd at its present level. It's a multi-year process of reducing densities until damage is tolerable."
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Post by Press Release on Sept 24, 2012 18:18:38 GMT -5
Fish Tagging Study Underway Jacobson Park Lake To Receive Additional Fish Stockings Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife News Release
Anglers fishing at Jacobson Park Lake in Fayette County should notice improved fishing in the near future. Jacobson Park Lake is the newest addition to the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources' Fishing in Neighborhoods (FINs) program. Starting this October, rainbow trout will be stocked into Jacobson Park Lake to provide an additional fishing opportunity. Since trout prefer cold water, Kentucky Fish and Wildlife will stock the fish in October, February and March. A total of 12,000 rainbow trout that average 9–12 inches long will be stocked each year. The lake will also receive four annual stockings of channel catfish. These fish will be stocked during the warmer months of March, April, May and August. These 9,200 catfish stocked annually will be 12–16 inches long and average 1 pound each. The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government (LFUCG) Division of Parks and Recreation owns and manages this 46-acre lake. Kentucky Fish and Wildlife recently partnered with LFUCG to include the lake in the FINs program to improve fishing opportunities to the anglers of Lexington and the surrounding area. "Jacobson Park Lake is a great place to take the family fishing without having to travel far from home," said Fisheries Biologist Dane Balsman, who manages the FINs program for Kentucky Fish and Wildlife. The goal of the FINs program is to provide quality fishing opportunities near cities of all sizes throughout the Commonwealth. "The lake receives a lot of fishing pressure and the added fish stocking should help improve anglers' success," said Balsman. The lake has ample bank access for anglers. LFUCG Division of Parks and Recreation keeps the bank areas well maintained for anglers and there are plenty of shade trees available. Additionally, LFUCG is constructing a new fishing pier at the lake. There is also a boat ramp available for non-gasoline powered boats. There is a $3 launch fee to use the boat ramp. Parks and Recreation operates paddle boats rentals during season that generally begins in April and ends in September. Visit lexingtonky.gov for more detailed paddle boat information. Fisheries biologists at Kentucky Fish and Wildlife need assistance from anglers. Researchers are trying to determine the catch and harvest rate of trout and catfish from the lake to guide future stocking strategies. To accomplish this, a number of trout and catfish stocked in the lake are marked with a small fish tag. Kentucky Fish and Wildlife employees will insert yellow tube tags into 900 of the 12,000 rainbow trout that will be stocked in Jacobson Park Lake. Additionally, 900 of the 9,200 catfish stocked will be tagged with a small plastic disc tag. Each tag consists of a piece of plastic inserted into the back of the fish. Tags contain the department's name, telephone number and a fish identification number. Anglers who return tags from these fish are eligible for a reward. Anglers who catch tagged fish should return the tag to Kentucky Fish and Wildlife. For convenience, tags and fish information may be turned in at the lake using the postage-paid envelopes in the yellow drop boxes located near the parking lots. Anglers practicing catch-and-release may clip the tag from the fish before releasing it. Only one envelope should be used for each fish. For more information on the FINs program, visit the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife web site at: www.fw.ky.gov/urbanfishing.aspStocking dates are posted on the website a couple weeks before fish are stocked. Jacobson Park Lake is located on the east side of Lexington at 4001 Athens-Boonsboro Rd. Daily limits for each angler fishing a FINs lake includes five rainbow trout, four catfish, one largemouth bass over 15 inches and 15 bluegill or other sunfish. A statewide fishing license is required for anglers who are 16 years and older. Licensed anglers who want to keep their trout must have an additional $10 trout permit. The trout permit is included with the senior/disabled and the sportsman's license. Kids 15 or younger do not need the trout permit or a fishing license.
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