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Post by ClayLive on Aug 16, 2011 15:58:27 GMT -5
Series Of Waterfowl Blind Drawings For Wildlife Management Areas Begin This Month Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife News Release
Dove FRANKFORT, Ky. – Dates are now set for the waterfowl blind drawings for Doug Travis, Lake Barkley, Barren River Lake, Green River Lake and Sloughs Wildlife Management Areas (WMA). Hunters interested in participating in the drawings for waterfowl blind sites must be at least 18 years of age. Hunters must possess a valid 2011-2012 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 is Saturday, Aug. 27. It will be held at the 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 drawing is Monday, Sept. 19. It will be held at the shelter on the east side of the Cumberland River, located at Lake Barkley Dam off U.S. 62 near Lake City. Use the Power House entrance then turn right toward the drawing location. The drawing occurs at 8 a.m. Central time. The Green River Lake WMA drawing is Saturday, Sept. 24. It will be held at the Green River Lake Corps of Engineers office, located off KY 55 approximately seven miles south of Campbellsville. Registration is 9 a.m. Eastern time with the drawing at 10 a.m. The Sloughs WMA drawing is Tuesday, Sept. 27. It will be held at Union County Middle School, off U.S. 60 in Morganfield. Registration begins at 6 p.m. Central time with the drawing at 7 p.m. The Barren River Lake WMA drawing is Saturday, Oct. 1.It will be held at the Barren River Lake Corps of Engineers office at Barren River Lake dam, located off KY 252. The drawing is from 7 to 9 a.m. Central time Hunters drawn for blinds on Doug Travis, Lake Barkley, Green River, Barren River Lake or Sloughs WMAs are responsible for locating, preparing and maintaining the blind site for the duration of the 2011-2012 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, use a boat or use a portable blind. Regardless, 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 ClayLive on Aug 17, 2011 16:03:45 GMT -5
Elk Tours Offered at Two Eastern Kentucky State Parks Commonwealth News Center press release
FRANKFORT, Ky. – Two Kentucky State Parks in Eastern Kentucky will offer guests a unique wildlife viewing opportunity this fall and winter – elk tours. Visitors to Jenny Wiley and Buckhorn Lake can choose a weekend, stay at a state park lodge or cottage and arise early to enjoy one of these unique tours. Participants should bring their cameras – there should be great photography opportunities. The largest elk herds are located on privately owned lands that are normally closed to the public. This is one of the few opportunities available for the public to see the greatest number of elk. The return of elk to the region is considered to be one of Kentucky’s biggest wildlife management success stories. The animals, after being gone from the state for 150 years, were returned in 1997. They now number around 10,000. Jenny Wiley State Resort Park, Prestonsburg
Fall 2011 dates: Sept. 17 (Elk Night Dinner), 18, Sept. 23-24 (Under the Stars with the Elk Campout), 25; Oct. 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, 30; Nov. 5, 19, 26; and Dec. 3. Winter 2012 dates: Jan. 14, 21, 28 (Buffalo Night Dinner), 29; Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25; March 3, 10. Jenny Wiley State Resort Park is sponsoring elk tours at a cost of $25/person or $15/children 12 and under. This fee includes your transportation via van to the viewing sites and a continental breakfast. The park also offers packages that include lodging. Because these tours fill up quickly, registration is suggested. Special group and business tours are also available. The Sept. 23-24 trip will feature a campout that costs $50 a person and includes meals. Call 1-800-325-0142 for information and reservations. Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park, Buckhorn
Fall 2011 dates: Sept. 17, 18, 24, 25; Oct. 15, 16, 22, 23; Nov. 12, 13; Dec. 10, 11. Winter 2012 dates: Jan. 14, 15, 28, 29; Feb. 18, 19, 25, 26; March 10, 11, 17, 18. Enjoy seeing these majestic animals in their natural habitat. With sightings recorded on every tour over the last several years, guided elk viewing adventures have proven to be memorable wildlife-viewing experiences. Participants must register by calling Buckhorn Lake at 800-325-0058. Participation in the natural history program the evening prior to the trip is strongly recommended. Participants are also encouraged to bring binoculars, camera, water and snacks. The tour van leaves the park between 5:45 a.m. and 6:35 a.m. depending on the date, and usually returns to the park at around 10:30 a.m. to noon. Package price of $150 per couple ($110 per single) includes one night’s lodging, dinner on night of arrival, continental breakfast and transportation to and from the elk preserve the following morning. Stay the night before or after with package for an extra $50. The cost for the tour only can be arranged. Call 1-800-325-0058 for reservations and information. For more information about these parks and other Kentucky State Parks, visit: www.parks.ky.gov
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Post by ClayLive on Aug 18, 2011 18:34:12 GMT -5
Kentucky Afield Outdoors: Get Ready For Archery Deer Season Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife News Release Archery FRANKFORT, Ky. – It’s no mystery why hunting white-tailed deer with bows and arrows has such a dedicated following. One reason is archery season runs more than four months long. The 2011-12 season is 136 days, opening on the Labor Day holiday weekend (Sat., Sept. 3), and running through Martin Luther King Day, Mon., Jan. 16, 2012. Another reason is liberal bag limits. Archers may take antlerless deer in all 120 counties, throughout the entire archery season, except in Zone 4. In the 25 Zone 4 counties, archers are restricted to antlered deer only on some of the days when muzzleloader and modern firearms seasons overlap with archery season. Read the deer hunting section in the 2011-2012 Kentucky Hunting & Trapping Guide carefully. Judging by harvest data, archers experienced good hunting in recent years. Last season, bow hunters checked in a record 16,650 deer, including records for the month of September (4,407), and January (2,701). In fact, in the last decade, the archery deer harvest steadily rose, up about 33 percent since the 2000-2001 season, when archers checked in 12,478 deer. The growth and quality of deer herds in semi-rural suburban areas around the state’s largest cities have attracted the attention of bow hunters. “There are some good hunting opportunities close to home, on small properties where discharging firearms is prohibited by local ordinance,” said Tina Brunjes, deer and elk program coordinator for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. “But be sure to check local laws before hunting since the discharge of bow and arrows may also be prohibited.” Deer managers applaud the harvest of antlerless deer by archers. “Last season 62 percent of the archery harvest was does,” said Brunjes. “It’s been at that level for some time.” The season lengths and bag limits for the various deer seasons in Kentucky are determined in part by the gear used to hunt. “Archery season is the longest of all our deer seasons because it’s the most challenging way to take a deer,” said David Yancy, senior deer biologist for Kentucky Fish and Wildlife. “Archery hunters have a success rate of about 14 percent. The success rate for firearms hunters is about three times higher.” Yancy said based on data gleaned from license sales, telecheck records, and deer hunter attitude surveys, Kentucky has an estimated 110,000 archery hunters. This numbers seems on the upswing. “Even though we don’t specifically track the number of archers, the increased harvest would suggest that more hunters are taking up the sport,” said Brunjes. Here are a few pre-season tips for archers: * Make sure your equipment is properly matched and fine tuned. * Visit an archery pro shop when it comes time to select hunting arrows, installing a sight or arrow rest or getting your bow tuned up. This ensures that everything is in proper alignment. Arrows must be the proper length and spine for your bow’s draw length and weight. Even small details, like installing a string loop or peep sight, are absolutely critical to consistently shooting accurately. * Practice with field points, sight in with broadheads. * When practicing pre-season, make sure that the grain weight of your field points is the same weight as your broadheads. * As you get closer to opening day, pick one of your hunting broadheads to start practicing with and sight in your bow with that broadhead on your hunting arrows. Set the broadhead aside for future practice sessions. * Practice, practice, practice. * Try to shoot 10 to 15 arrows a day (pre-season, and throughout the entire season) rather than lots of arrows during long practice sessions. Make every arrow count, as if you were drawing on a deer. You won’t get warm-up shots in the field. * Slow down and concentrate on what you’re doing. The final days of practice are critical to your confidence going into the season. * Practice like you will hunt. * If you are going to hunt from a treestand, practice from an elevated position – a stairwell, roof of the garage, or better yet, your treestand, if there’s a suitable tree in your yard. * If you are planning on hunting from a ground blind, practice shooting from the stool or seat you plan to use in the blind. Shooting from a sitting position is a lot different than shooting while standing. Some archers find it more difficult. * Scout smart. * Pre-season scouting is critical to success. Take it slow and scout smart. * In farm country, deer pay little attention to the sounds of trucks and tractors. It’s easier and less invasive to scout while driving. Use your vehicle when checking out food plots, clover or alfalfa fields, which are typically hunted early in the season. Get the landowner’s permission to drive the perimeter of fields, looking for places where deer come out to feed. * If you’ll be hunting a new area, remember that you must approach your stand undetected to be successful. Look for areas where you can walk in with the prevailing wind in your face. Stay in the shadows on bright days. Ideally, you want the rising or setting sun at your back while on the stand. Use these tips to increase your chances of bowhunting success this season. For more information on deer regulations, consult the 2011-2012 Kentucky Hunting and Trapping Guide, available online or wherever hunting licenses are sold.
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Post by Press Release on Aug 25, 2011 11:08:51 GMT -5
Ky Fish And Wildlife News: Habitat Day And Native Plant Sale Set For September 10
Frankfort, Ky. – Learn more about the benefits of native plants during Habitat Day at the Salato Wildlife Education Center in Frankfort from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Eastern time Saturday, September 10. The event is free. Habitat Day features guest speakers who will provide you valuable tips about attracting native wildlife to your own backyard. You don’t have to wait to begin transforming your property – the event includes a special sale of native plants from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Salato Center picnic shelters. Experienced Salato staff and volunteers will be available to answer questions and offer advice on planting with natives. Participants can earn a free plant by filling out a “Habitat Bingo Card” once they have visited various ecosystems located throughout the grounds. From 1-2 p.m., Sunni Carr will discuss the importance of native habitats and what you can do to increase biodiversity. From 2-3 p.m., Roberta Burnes will explain how plants are bio-indicators for ecosystems. Kids can learn how to help habitat at “The Potting Station,” where they will plant a seed or small native plant to take home and watch grow. The Salato Center has a variety of native animals for the public to see, including a black bear, bobcats, elk, deer, bison, eagles, snakes and fish. The Salato Center has numerous indoor exhibits and miles of hiking trails open to the public. Fishing is available at two lakes. While some programs may require a registration fee, general admission to the Salato Center is free. Learn more about upcoming events at the Salato Center on the Internet at fw.ky.gov. The Salato Center, operated by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, is located at the department’s headquarters on U.S. 60 in Frankfort, 1.5 miles west of U.S. 127. Hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays. The Salato Center is closed Sundays, Mondays and state holidays.
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Post by ClayLive on Aug 26, 2011 17:21:54 GMT -5
More Than 50 Other Fields Available Simpson County Public Dove Hunting Field Will Not Open Due To Crop Failure Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife News Release
FRANKFORT, Ky. – A 15-acre public dove field in Simpson County will be closed to hunting this year due to crop failure. The field, located south of Franklin off U.S.31W, is listed as open in the latest dove hunting guide. Rocky Pritchert, migratory bird program coordinator for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, said there was no seed production in the field. Officials originally had anticipated that the field would be productive at the time the dove hunting guide was finalized for publication. Dove hunters should also note that Taylorsville Lake Wildlife Management Area (WMA) will not have a public dove field this year. Record lake levels kept the usual field location in the Van Buren Bottoms in the headwaters of the lake flooded for 38 days in late spring, preventing the planting of a dove field. Although these fields will not be open, more 50 fields across Kentucky will host public dove hunting this fall. Shooting times on these fields go from 11 a.m. to sunset daily. Privately-owned dove fields enrolled in the Cooperative Dove Field Program, except for those designated for Mentor/Youth hunts, are open to all public hunting on Sept. 1 and Sept. 3. Mentor/Youth hunts are held Sept. 3. All public fields reopen on Labor Day, Septembr 5, for one day. Public fields next reopen to dove hunting from Sept. 10 through Oct. 24. To find the location of a public dove field near you, consult the 2011-2012 Kentucky Hunting Guide for Dove, Wood Duck, Teal, Woodcock, Snipe and Crow, available wherever you purchase hunting licenses. You may request a free copy by calling 1-800-858-1549. A printable version is also available on the internet at the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife homepage: fw.ky.gov
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Post by ClayLive on Aug 27, 2011 6:14:18 GMT -5
Kentucky Afield Outdoors Blue Water Trails – Cumberland River Below The Falls Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife News Release
FRANKFORT, Ky. – As the Cumberland River flowed off the Cumberland Escarpment just upstream of Burnside when the Earth was much younger, it made a spectacular waterfall. Over time, the mighty Cumberland’s flow cut back under the edge of the resistant sandstone of the escarpment until the rock wore too thin and collapsed into the river bed below it, creating a new falls. The Cumberland River continued to chew its way upstream over thousands of years by this process, leaving behind a jagged, deep and incredibly scenic river valley that now makes one of the best whitewater floats in the upper South. At the head of this valley lies world-renowned Cumberland Falls, one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River. The Cumberland River falls off massive ledges of ancient sandstone to the river 68 feet below and during late winter and spring’s high flows and 55 feet below in the low water of summer and fall. Moonbeams reflect in the mists rising from the falls generate moonbows during bright moon periods of clear skies. The building-sized boulders that line the riverbed and shore are the debris left by the headward erosion of the mighty Cumberland Falls. The pristine nature of the 16.1 mile section of the river from Summer Shoals, downstream to the headwaters of Lake Cumberland, compelled the Kentucky legislature to designate this stretch as a Kentucky Wild River. Two floats for paddlers exist on this section of the river: one a whitewater run as tough as any in the country and a mild flathingyer float ideal for beginners, families and fishing. The rough riverbed and a drop of 11 feet per mile make for some of the most challenging rapids in the eastern United States on the first 10.5-mile section downstream of Cumberland Falls. Only experienced paddlers should attempt this run as some rapids approach Class IV whitewater at higher water levels and are a solid Class III during low water. Water levels from 250 to 3,500 cubic feet per second (cfs) make the best floating conditions, although experts make this run at higher water levels. On the internet, log onto U.S. Geological Survey’s website at waterdata.usgs.gov and consult the “Cumberland River at Williamsburg” gauge. Whitewater kayaks are recommended for this float and paddlers must wear helmets and personal floatation devices. The first float begins with a long carry from the parking lot just downstream from Cumberland Falls to a beach along the shore. Boaters often paddle back upstream to get an awesome view of the falls. Stay at least 100 yards away as a wicked reverse current will try to pull you into the falls, similar to the dangers downstream of a low-head dam. The first rapids are Class II and lively, beginning with a drop paddlers call “Initiation” about one-half mile into the float. Run this one in the middle. Some lively, but manageable rapids greet paddlers until reaching Center Rock Rapid. Center Rock looks like a huge dinosaur laid down and died in middle of the river and this obstruction makes for a potentially dangerous rapid and requires prior scouting. The middle is the best line for the top of this two-tiered drop. Boaters either ride the pillow off the right side of Center Rock or angle the bow to catch the right hand eddy at the bottom of the drop, just past the rock. The river settles into a stretch of pools followed by boulder gardens and Class II drops. The first of these drops is known as Bradford’s Rock about 2.5 miles into the float and should be run on the right at low water while most lines are good at higher water. Dog Slaughter Shoals follows a rapid known to paddlers as Willie Nelson’s. It lies just after the Cumberland’s confluence with Dog Slaughter Creek on the right, roughly 3.5 miles into the run. Just downstream of Dog Slaughter Shoals, lies a river-wide drop known as Surfing Rapid, or Lunchstop. Surfing Rapid is a popular place to eat lunch and surf the standing wave with a kayak. A Class III rapid known as Pinball follows Surfing Rapid and should be run in the middle right at low to moderate water levels. At higher water, floaters should avoid the hazardous rocks along the sides of the river that can pin a boat. A kayak will pick up a lot of speed in this intense rapid and paddlers need keep their boat straight. Screaming Right Hand Rapid awaits roughly ¼-mile downstream of Pinball. Lake Cumberland’s headwaters smother this rapid when the lake level is at or above 705 feet above sea level. The current drawdown of the Lake Cumberland due to ongoing repairs at Wolf Creek Dam puts the remaining rapids in play for longer stretches of the year than before the repair work began. Screaming Right Hand Rapid starts with a significant drop over a ledge and then splashes onto a rock that forces the flow hard right. Paddlers can use the pillow of water off the rock to turn the boat. This dangerous rapid should be scouted at all water levels. The Stair Steps lie in wait for a paddler about three-quarters of a mile downstream. This drop is a series of standing waves that kayakers should punch through in the middle of the river. One of the hardest rapids on the float is the last, known as Last Drop. Paddlers must scout this rapid. Last Drop becomes a scary Class IV to Class V rapid at high water and should be portaged on the right. The last three miles are mild water with one Class II rapid at Bark Camp Creek Shoals when the lake level is below 690 feet. This section is pretty, but can take several hours to paddle at low water levels. The Cumberland Below the Falls is an exhausting float and local outfitters offer tows for this section in season. The take-out is the Mouth of Laurel Boat Ramp on the right (known as Noe’s Dock to locals). The next float is a calm, 5.75-mile flathingyer float through the headwaters of Lake Cumberland from the Mouth of Laurel Boat Ramp (via KY 1277 off U.S. 25 in Whitley County) to the Rockcastle Boat Ramp at the mouth of Rockcastle River (via KY 192 to KY 1193 to KY 3497 in Laurel County.) This section ideally suits a family on vacation or those wanting to fish more than navigate whitewater. This stretch of water in the 1950s and 1960s produced native walleye up to 20 pounds during the regionally famous spring spawning runs. Walleye still run during early spring in this section of the Lake Cumberland headwaters, but anglers may encounter one in other times of year by fishing a medium depth banana-shaped crankbait along points in the mouth of tributary streams. Walleye also suspend in summer and fall over mud flats in this section of the river. A spinner rig tipped with a nightcrawler drug slowly across these flats produces walleye. Smallmouth bass inhabit this water as well. Rocky outside bends of the river hold smallmouth bass year round. A 3/16-ounce small green pumpkin jig with hues of orange and purple fished slowly in this rocky structure should fool smallmouth. Points formed by tributaries meeting the lake are also productive areas for smallmouth bass on this float. Spotted, or Kentucky, bass abound in this stretch of water. Black 4-inch finesse worms worked through any downed tree top or brush generates strikes. Minnows fished in these woody structures entice spotted bass as well as the surprisingly large black crappie that live in this section of the Lake Cumberland headwaters. Sawyer Recreation Area lies about half way through this float on the south (left) side of the Cumberland and offers restrooms and picnic areas. Bark Camp Creek, just north of the Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, offers good rainbow and brown trout fishing in a remote mountain environment. The Laurel River tailwater also holds trout. Sheltowee Trace Outfitters offers guided floats and shuttle services. Cumberland Falls State Resort Park arranges rafting trips below the falls from May to October. Cumberland Falls State Resort Park has excellent accommodations in the DuPont Lodge and cottages for rent. The Riverview Restaurant offers stunning views of the Cumberland River and good food from local sources. The Rockcastle Campground near the Rockcastle Boat Ramp offers tent camping. 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. Sheltowee Trace Outfitters: 1-800-541-7238 Cumberland Falls State Resort Park: 1-800-325-0063
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Post by ClayLive on Aug 29, 2011 20:57:52 GMT -5
Eastern Kentucky Lakes Benefit From Special Stockings Of Fish Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife News Release
FRANKFORT, Ky. – Four Eastern Kentucky lakes will receive special stockings of fish in the coming months. “Whenever our hatcheries produce extra fish, we select various lakes around the state for bonus stockings of fish,” said Ron Brooks, fisheries director for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. “We’ve received requests for more fish in Eastern Kentucky, so this week we’re stocking 25,000 channel catfish among Dewey Lake, Carr Creek Lake and Yatesville Lake,” he added.”We think anglers are really going to enjoy this extra opportunity.” The catfish average a quarter-pound apiece. They are being stocked at a rate of six catfish an acre. In October, Paintsville Lake will receive more than 22,000 black-nosed crappie as a bonus stocking. Stocked fish will be three inches long. Also, as part of an ongoing study, researchers will stock more than 14,000 white crappie in Carr Creek Lake this fall. Dewey, Carr Creek and Yatesville routinely receive stockings of fish that may vary among catfish, bass, crappie, walleye and sunfish. Tailwater areas of these lakes are stocked with rainbow trout as well. Kentucky Fish and Wildlife biologists are currently attempting to increase smallmouth bass populations in Paintsville Lake with fingerling fish hatched from broodfish taken out of Dale Hollow Lake.
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Post by ClayLive on Sept 1, 2011 20:56:32 GMT -5
Kentucky Afield Outdoors Kentucky's 2011-12 Elk Season Opens With Archery Bull Hunt Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife News Release
FRANKFORT, Ky. – Elk season in Kentucky will open this year on Saturday, Sept. 17, with a new 14-day hunt for the 80 archers who were awarded bull permits. “The early archery season will open during the peak of the rut,” said Tina Brunjes, deer and elk program coordinator for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. “We expect bulls to be bugling and rounding up harems of cows. It will be interesting to see what the success for this hunt will be.” The total of 800 permits awarded by lottery drawing for this year’s quota elk hunts also includes 240 archery cow permits, 120 firearms bull permits and 360 firearms cow permits. This season hunters were able to apply for up to two of the four tag types, but not twice for one tag type. Also new this year, hunters with bull permits may take any elk with visible antlers. Hunters with archery/crossbow permits may not hunt during the four weeks of firearms elk seasons. Those awarded permits to hunt elk with firearms may not hunt during archery/crossbow elk seasons. The 2011-12 quota elk hunt dates in Kentucky are: Firearms (Bull) Week 1, Oct. 1-7, and Week 2, Oct. 8-14; Archery (Bull) Sept. 17-30, Oct. 15–Dec. 9, Dec. 24-31, and Jan. 1-16, 2012; Crossbow (Bull) Oct. 15-16, Nov. 12-Dec. 9, and Dec. 24-31; Firearms (Cow) Week 1, Dec. 10-16, and Week 2, Dec. 17-23; Archery (Cow) Oct. 15-Dec. 9, Dec. 24-31, and Jan. 1-16, 2012, and Crossbow (Cow) Oct. 15-16, Nov. 12-Dec. 9, and Dec. 24-31. Hunters are reminded that anyone hunting any species inside the elk zone during a firearms quota hunt for elk must comply with Kentucky’s hunter orange law. Kentucky’s elk herd, first hunted on Oct. 6, 2001, was restored by a six-year stocking program which began in 1997. The 2011-12 season will be the 11th year that an elk hunt has been held in Kentucky. Hunters bagged a total of 540 elk (198 bulls and 342 cows) last season. Of that total, archers took 28 elk and hunters using crossbows harvested just nine elk. Initially, the lottery drawing for elk permits was open to residents only. Kentuckians hunted elk for the first three seasons, but, beginning in 2004, non-residents could apply for permits. No more than 10 percent of the permits are awarded to non-residents. Because such a low percentage of permits are allocated for non-residents, Kentucky residents have always had a much better chance of being drawn to hunt. Consider what happened this year when about 61,500 applications were submitted by 35,359 hunters for 800 elk permits. The odds of a non-resident being drawn for a bull firearms permit were 1 in 742, and 1 in 568 for a bull archery permit. By contrast, Kentucky residents had much better odds of being drawn for a permit: 1 in 185 for a bull firearms permit and 1 in 91 for a bull archery permit. Kentucky’s 16-county elk zone is 4.1 million acres, and is divided into 10 Elk Hunting Units (EHUs) with a total of 567,714 acres open to public hunting. The EHUs have been established to manage the elk herd, spread out hunting pressure, and provide hunters with a high chance of success. Hunters are required to possess an annual Kentucky hunting license and out-of-zone elk permit to take elk outside the 16-county elk zone, unless license exempt. The season bag limit on elk is one per hunter per season, regardless of the permit type. For more information on elk hunting in Kentucky visit the department’s website: fw.ky.gov
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Post by ClayLive on Sept 3, 2011 10:03:35 GMT -5
Hunters may now apply online for quota hunts on state WMAs Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife News Release
FRANKFORT, Ky. – Beginning today, hunters may apply online for quota hunts for deer, small game and waterfowl on state wildlife management areas (WMAs). Those without computer access may still register over the telephone by calling 1-877-598-2401. This toll-free number is staffed 24 hours a day. The application period for state WMA quota hunts is September 1-30. Kentucky state parks are also offering special bow hunting packages that are not quota hunts, but reserved on a first-come, first-serve basis. “If you apply online for a state WMA hunt, we can e-mail you a confirmation that your application was received and what hunts you applied for - if you provide us with your e-mail address,” said Patrick O’Connell, Information Systems Manager for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. “After the application period ends, we will post a link on the department website so that all applicants can see if they were drawn.” Last season 10,630 people applied for quota hunts on state WMAs. Kentucky Fish and Wildlife offers 29 quota hunts for deer; three pheasant quota hunts at Green River Lake WMA and Clay WMA; six wild quail quota hunts at Peabody WMA; four wild quail and grouse (upland bird) quota hunts at Clay WMA; and waterfowl quota hunts at Ballard WMA and Sloughs WMA. Waterfowl quota hunts at Ballard WMA are held on Wednesdays through Sundays. 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. This season features two new quota hunts for deer: one at Marion County WMA and State Forest, and the second at Otter Creek Outdoor Recreation Area in Meade County. Both areas will have two quota hunts. The Otter Creek hunts are Nov. 19-20 and Dec. 10-11; 15 slots are available for either hunt. A user permit is required to hunt. At Marion County WMA and State Forest, the hunt dates are Nov. 12-16, and Nov. 17-21, with 25 slots open for each hunt. No check in or check out is required, but hunters must telecheck the deer they take. Hunters are reminded that antlered deer taken on state WMA quota hunts count towards the statewide bag limit. To apply online for quota hunts on state WMAs, visit the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife website at fw.ky.gov. Hunters telephoning their applications may apply for any or all of these quota hunts at the same time. Be sure to tell the operator you are calling to apply for quota hunts in Kentucky. Deer hunters also have the option of special bow hunting packages sponsored by Kentucky State Parks. Greenbo Lake State Park will offer a women’s getaway package Nov. 4-6. Other hunts are set for Nov. 20-22 and Dec. 8-11. State parks are offering special packages as part of the hunts, including lodging and food. Those interested in a special state park bow hunt should e-mail questions to Stephanie.poplin@ky.gov, or call 1-800-325-0083 for more information
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Post by ClayLive on Sept 8, 2011 21:50:46 GMT -5
Kentucky Afield Outdoors Wearing A Full-Body Harness Is The First Rule Of Treestand Safety Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife News Release
FRANKFORT, Ky. – A fall from a treestand is no laughing matter. The consequences can be life-changing, much worse than a sprained ankle or broken arm. Each season deer hunters are paralyzed for life or killed in falls because they overlooked the most important safety precautions. “We’re really pushing the importance of wearing a full-body harness and attaching a safety line to the tree,” said Bobby McKee, bowhunting education coordinator for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. “A fall from a treestand can happen to any hunter, even the most experienced.” Falls from treestands are the most prevalent hunting accident in the southeastern U.S. McKee said. Kentucky Fish and Wildlife annually receives about five to six reports of falls from treestands, but McKee suspects that many more go unreported. “We usually don’t find out about them unless it’s a serious injury or fatality,” he said. A fall can happen at any time for a number of reasons. Snow or ice can make treestand steps slippery and platforms can break or come apart where they’re attached to the tree. Several years ago, there was a fatal accident in Land Between the Lakes when a hunter nodded off and fell head first out of his treestand. “Falls typically occur at the platform level, when the hunter is stepping onto or out of the treestand,” McKee said. “In Kentucky, 25 percent of our hunting incidents are falls from treestands and 25 percent of these falls are fatal.” A full body harness is the only approved safety option because the hunter’s weight is supported evenly by padded chest and leg straps. Waist belts or chest harnesses can cause severe trauma in seconds by cutting off blood flow and compressing the chest, affecting the ability to breathe. “I recommend hunters get a foot or two off the ground and practice hanging in their full-body harness to get used to how it feels,” McKee said. At ground level, hunters should also practice re-entering the stand if they fall off the seat. “It’s important that there’s no slack in the tether that connects the harness to the tree belt,” McKee said. “It should be set so that the hunter can’t fall below the platform. Put the tree belt around the tree at eye level or higher when standing in the treestand.” The danger of hunting from treestands is compounded by the heights to which some deer hunters climb to escape the eyes and nose of their quarry. The higher a hunter climbs, the higher the risk. “There’s no recommended height to climb,” McKee said. “In most terrain, with adequate foliage for cover, 10 to 14 feet is usually high enough. A more important question might be whether the tree is capable of supporting me at the height I want to climb.” Avoid dead or diseased trees and never trust wooden steps nailed into trees. Don’t put your weight on tree limbs when climbing. Some treestand safety tips from the Treestand Manufacturer’s Association (TMA): 1. Read and understand the manufacturer’s warnings and instructions before using the treestand. Practice with the treestand at ground level prior to hunting. Save your treestand instruction booklets for later review or to pass on to anyone borrowing (or buying) your stand.
2. Never exceed the weight limit of the treestand as specified by the manufacturer.
3. Inspect the treestand, full-body harness and safety line for signs of wear or damage before each use.
4. Be aware that prolonged suspension in the most comfortable full-body harnesses could result in serious injury or death. Have a plan for rescue. Take along a cell phone or two-way radio to call for help, if needed. Before you leave home, let others know your exact hunting location and when you plan to return.
5. Never leave a treestand installed for long periods of time since damage could result from wind, weather or prolonged exposure to sunlight, which can rot the nylon straps that hold to the stand to the tree.
6. Use a haul line to pull up your gear, unloaded firearms or bow and arrows to your treestand once you have reached your desired hunting height. Never climb with anything in your hands. Prior to descending, lower your equipment on the opposite side of the tree.
7. Know your physical limitations. Don’t take chances. Take your time when using a climbing treestand; make slow, even movements of no more than 10 to 12 inches at a time. Make sure you have proper contact with the tree and your treestand every time you move.
8. On ladder-type treestands, maintain three points of contact with each step – two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand.
9. When hunting from fixed position treestands, use the lineman’s belt feature of the full-body harness when ascending or descending the ladder or climbing sticks. Remember to climb up above the platform and step down onto it.
To view a treestand safety video, download a list of safety recommendations and find out about treestand recalls, visit the TMA website at: www.tmastands.com
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Post by ClayLive on Sept 13, 2011 18:45:06 GMT -5
Department To Host Public Meeting On Elk Management September 21 Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife News Release
FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources will host a meeting to gather public input on elk management at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 21. The meeting will be held at the Knott County Sportsplex, located off KY 80 north of Hindman. State Rep. John Short will join department officials to discuss elk management and answer questions from the audience. The meeting is open for the public.
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Post by Press Release on Sept 17, 2011 15:22:17 GMT -5
Kentucky Fish and Wildlife seeking Conservation Officer RecruitsKentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife News Release
FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources will be advertising for 28 conservation officer recruit positions beginning at midnight on Friday, Sept. 16, 2011. Applicants must create an account online through the Kentucky Personnel Cabinet website and apply to the posting, which will be open for 10 days. “The size of the recruit class depends on the vacancies at the time,” said Capt. Myra Minton, acting assistant director of the Law Enforcement Division of Kentucky Fish and Wildlife. “By the time we hire this class, it will be almost two years since the last hiring.” To be eligible to apply, prospective recruits must meet one of the following requirements: an associate degree or 54 semester hours from a college or university; two years of sworn law enforcement service; two years of military service or four years of fish and wildlife related experience. Candidates will be required to pass a written exam, a physical fitness test, drug testing, psychological testing and an oral interview process. “The target date for this hiring is Jan. 16, 2012,” said Minton. “Recruits are graded, and the top recruits get their choice of counties.” Counties where conservation officers may be assigned include: Bath, Boyd, Breckinridge, Butler, Carroll, Clinton, Estill, Fulton, Grant, Hardin, Pulaski, Lewis, Livingston, Magoffin, McCracken, Meade, Ohio, Oldham, Pike, Rockcastle, Russell, Taylor, Trimble, Union, Warren, Washington, Wayne and Wolfe. Conservation officers patrol Kentucky’s woods, fields and waterways, enforcing hunting, fishing and boating laws. Officers help preserve and protect Kentucky’s outdoor tradition and heritage.
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Post by ClayLive on Sept 19, 2011 17:15:33 GMT -5
Kentucky Afield Outdoors: Blue Water Trails – Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife News Release
FRANKFORT, Ky. - It is hard to believe that waves of seawater once broke upon and submerged the Jackson Purchase region of Kentucky, west of the Tennessee River. Disbelief subsides once you view Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge, an area of sloughs and swamps rimmed with bald cypress, resembling Louisiana more than anywhere in Kentucky. The Jackson Purchase was at the northeastern corner of the Gulf of Mexico millions of years ago. The Clarks River, named for George Rogers Clark, meanders back and forth through this low country of thick alluvial soils, creating unique untamed bottomland hardwood habitat. The dwindling amount of wetlands prompted the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to establish the Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge, the only one located solely within Kentucky’s borders. Clarks River also escaped the ravages of channelization, making it one of the few streams in the region left in its natural state. Fall is one of the best times to visit this incredible resource as you can combine the fall colors with paddling, fishing and viewing of rare birds or migrating waterfowl. Fall’s frost also knocks back some of the undergrowth and puts an end to mosquito bites and chiggers. The water levels in fall also make the best and safest paddling. The Clarks River drainage resembles a large funnel with many tributaries in the Murray area feeding a relatively narrow and small river. This makes the Clarks River jumpy, going from a placid calm river to a torrent of chocolate milk after a good rain. Check the U.S. Geological Survey streamflow website at waterdata.usgs.gov and click on the “Clarks River at Almo, KY” tab. You can check the flow graphs to see if the river is stable or rising. Stay off the Clarks River if the graphs show the river above its normal average flow; many dangerous deadfalls can trap a canoe or kayak. The heart of the refuge along the East Fork of Clarks River has the best public access for canoeists and kayakers. Only the most intrepid and fit paddlers should try the four mile stretch of the East Fork between Tucker Lane and Milliken Mill Lane. The refuge manager warns this will be an arduous task due to the number of deadfalls in the river. Paddlers attempting this float must portage many logjams, but will also get an intimate knowledge of a bottomland hardwood ecosystem. The put-in for this section is at the end of Tucker Lane via KY 795 (also known as Scale Road). The take-out is at the bridge over the East Fork on Milliken Mill Lane, also off KY 795. Visitors may use a small parking area on the left, just after crossing the bridge. Look for the distinctive dark-stained wood crossties of the bridge. The take-out lies on the left just before the bridge. A paddler will soon encounter the Buckholder Deadening, a 1,000-acre seasonal bottomland hardwood wetland south of the East Fork. Seasonal flooding limits the undergrowth in the area and leaves the floor of the woods relatively open, allowing you to see a long way. The Buckholder Deadening gives the visitor a brief glimpse of what our pioneer ancestors saw when they first came to the Jackson Purchase. A much easier and better alternative to attempting the 4-mile float is paddling during low water, either upstream or downstream, and then returning to these access points. These two spots offer relatively easy paddling, along with productive fishing. The East Fork of Clarks River runs deep at the Tucker Lane access and makes good habitat for largemouth and spotted bass as well as bluegill. Largemouth bass hit shallow-running crankbaits with a square bill in the firetiger color. These lures draw fish from the many downed trees, root wads and sunken logs while not getting hung up in them. A snake-imitating lure worked near root wads and fallen trees may draw the biggest largemouth bass in the East Fork. Spotted bass hang near woody cover and inhale 4-inch black finesse worms cast gently into fallen trees. They also hit black 3-inch curly-tailed grubs and small shallow-running chrome crankbaits worked along sunken logs. Bluegill strike 1 ½-inch yellow, chartreuse or white curly-tailed grubs rigged on 1/32-ounce leadheads. Cast these lures into brush, along undercut banks or deadfalls. A sponge spider or small popper cast on a lightweight fly rod makes great sport, but the canopy in this section means fly anglers must employ a roll cast to keep from snapping off their poppers in the trees. The section of the East Fork near Milliken Mill Lane runs shallower with more deadfalls and steeper banks, but offers good fishing in the deeper holes. Wading and shore-bound anglers can access the river in its upper reaches just outside of Benton via KY 408 and KY 1445 (Dogtown Road.) Excellent spotted bass fishing abounds in this stretch of the East Fork. The section of the Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge on KY 408 holds the Environmental Education and Recreation Area with a 3-acre handicap-accessible fishing lake. Interpretive hiking trails course through native grass stands, managed wetlands and bottomland hardwood forest restoration sites. This area also offers fishing access to the East Fork of Clarks River. Paddlers who enjoy bird watching will appreciate the Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge in fall. Rare warblers, thrushes and other songbirds can be seen along with raptors and migrating waterfowl. Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park offers excellent accommodations a short drive from the refuge. Visitors can combine paddling on the refuge with floating and paddling on scenic Kentucky Lake. 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 ClayLive on Sept 20, 2011 20:17:10 GMT -5
Horse Trail Meeting Sept. 26 For Hensley-Pine Mountain WMA Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife News Release
FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources will host a public meeting to discuss continued development of the horse trail at Hensley-Pine Mountain Wildlife Management Area (WMA). The meeting will be held at 6 p.m. in the District Court Room at the Letcher County Courthouse, 156 Main St. in Whitesburg. Kentucky Fish and Wildlife staff and county officials will be present to answer questions regarding the re-routing of certain portions of the horse trail as well as the horse trail parameters, rules and restrictions, trail maintenance plan and proposed time frame for project completion. The public is invited to attend.
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Post by ClayLive on Sept 22, 2011 20:02:17 GMT -5
Kentucky Afield Outdoors: Small Water Fishing – Lower Six Mile Creek Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife News Release
FRANKFORT, Ky. – The lower sections of many tributaries to the Kentucky River offer surprisingly good fishing, especially in fall. A good one to try before the weather chills is Six Mile Creek, a 14-mile tributary to the Kentucky River that is an easy drive from the Louisville or Lexington metropolitan areas. Six Mile Creek rises in northeast Shelby County and flows in a north, northeast direction through Henry County. There’s public access to Six Mile Creek at its mouth, in Lockport, Kentucky. Off KY 389, a concrete boat launching ramp offers a free launch and plenty of room to park. The best fishing is in the lower two to three miles of the creek, depending on the river level. Six Mile Creek rapidly becomes shallow further upstream, even for canoes or kayaks. River backwater is the major influence on this flathingyer stream, which is tree-canopied and has little flow. As you paddle upstream of the boat ramp, the remote character of the creek unfolds. Songbirds, deer, birds of prey and wild turkeys are frequently observed in the shoreline woods. Six Mile Creek flows through a wide valley, and is flanked by farm fields and wooded hills. An unimproved one-lane gravel road parallels the creek from Lockport to its junction with Ky. 573, passable only in trucks and SUVs with high clearance. There are deadfalls and submerged logs in the lower end of the stream. The banks are predominately dirt, with short stretches of bedrock. Boat traffic is minimal. Paddlers will infrequently encounter other anglers fishing from the banks, or anglers who motor up the creek from the boat ramp in john or bass boats. The stream offers good fishing for different species at various times of the year. In the late winter and early spring, sauger congregate around Lock and Dam No. 2, and are caught off the rock banks at the mouth of Six Mile Creek. Jigs, live minnows and crankbaits are top sauger lures. Bass stage in the lower end of Six Mile Creek beginning in late February or early March, depending on water conditions. Anglers pitching and flipping jigs around wood cover and tree root wads are often rewarded with good catches of quality-sized bass. In the early summer, bass can be caught on spinnerbaits and small plastic baits. All three species of black bass can be taken, but the farther up the stream you paddle, the more likely the opportunity of catching a spotted or smallmouth bass. Spring through fall, catfish can be caught from the many deep holes in the creek. A good fishing technique is to bounce live bait -- nightcrawlers or minnows -- off the bottom as you slowly drift down the creek. Other river fish, such as carp and freshwater drum, are also caught from Six Mile Creek. In recent years, the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources stocked sauger, hybrid striped bass, white bass and muskies in the Kentucky River to bolster native populations of these species. “We’re seeing natural reproduction of white bass and sauger in the river, and catches of muskies up to 50 inches long have been reported in the lower pools,” said Gerry Buynak, assistant director of fisheries for Kentucky Fish and Wildlife. While most of the stockings have been above Lock and Dam No. 4 at Frankfort, floods enable fish to move up and down the river. Fish also move from the Ohio River into the lower pools of the Kentucky River. Cast a crankbait to the bedrock banks of Six Mile Creek and you’re likely to catch freshwater drum, which put up a spirited fight on light tackle. Drum, often called white perch or sheepshead, feed on small minnows, snails and crayfish found on rock banks. During the fall, when the Kentucky River level is low, anglers have a second fishing option in Lockport. They may launch their canoes or kayaks on a rock shoal below Lock and Dam No. 2. A steep, unimproved gravel road provides access down to the water, passable only in trucks and SUVs with high clearance. There’s no fee to launch and plenty of room to park. Anglers are reminded not to paddle into the turbulent water below dams. Boats must stay outside the safety buoys. There are no special fishing regulations in effect for Six Mile Creek, or the Kentucky River below Lock and Dam No. 2. Statewide size and creel limits are in effect.
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Post by Press Release on Sept 29, 2011 19:16:51 GMT -5
Kentucky Afield Outdoors: Blue Water Trails – Russell Fork Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife News Release
FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Russell Fork of the Big Sandy River is one mean, determined stream. In the region of the country where John Henry bored railroad tunnels through mountains with his hands, the Russell Fork did the same to Pine Mountain. In the deep past, the Russell Fork breached Pine Mountain through a fault and carved a large horseshoe-shaped canyon right through it, the deepest east of the Mississippi River. The Russell Fork’s assault on 125-mile long Pine Mountain, now called Breaks Canyon, forms the mountain’s northern end. This geologic fight between river and mountain is preserved within the 4,600-acre Breaks Interstate Park, a joint state park between Kentucky and Virginia created in 1954. The Russell Fork’s tussle with Pine Mountain left behind huge sandstone boulders in the bottom of Breaks Canyon, forming some of the most dangerous and challenging rapids in southeastern United States. The gradient in Breaks Canyon approaches a stunning 180 feet per mile. The river’s clout among whitewater kayakers is demonstrated by the Russell Fork’s selection as the host of the U.S.A. Wildwater Team Trials on Oct. 15-16. This event determines the United States’ representatives in the World Whitewater Championships in Europe in 2012. For more information on this event, visit the Breaks Interstate Park webpage at www.breakspark.comWhile Class V to borderline Class VI whitewater in Breaks Canyon is only for world class kayakers with extreme skills, the Russell Fork offers two floats that normal kayakers can enjoy. They may also catch some rainbow trout or smallmouth bass. The Breaks Interstate Park is the perfect headquarters for a fall weekend of floating, fishing, hiking and scenic grandeur as inspiring as anything found out West. The best water levels for both of these floats range from 200 to 1500 cfs (cubic feet per second) on the Bartlick, VA gauge on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Huntington District whitewater pages at: www.lrh-wc.usace.army.mil/wc/whitewater.htmlThe river upstream of the Russell Forks’ dangerous section flows through Virginia and gives the paddler three lengths of floats. Intermediate paddlers should enjoy this stretch as it contains several Class II to Class III rapids. The best put-in is just downstream of the confluence of the Pound and Russell Fork rivers at Bartlick, VA on VA 611 via VA 80 from Breaks Interstate Park. This float makes a 2.5 mile, half day trip. You can add nearly 3 miles to this float by launching in Haysi, VA at a parking area near the Kiwanis Park. Some paddlers put in at the Flanagan Dam access off VA 729 via VA 611 just past Bartlick. This adds over a mile to the float, but makes for a much longer shuttle to the take-out at the Garden Hole Access off VA 80, just south of the park. The 1-mile gravel road to the Garden Hole is extremely steep in spots, especially the last quarter mile. A four-wheel drive vehicle is highly recommended. Floaters should also heed the sign at the entrance to the Garden Hole Access for closure times. A splashdam left over from the days of harvesting timber will impede those coming from Haysi or Flanagan Dam or boaters who put in above the VA 611 bridge over the Russell Fork. Run this dangerous obstruction on the right (looking downstream) or portage it. The splashdam runs across the river underneath the VA 611 bridge, so those doing the Bartlick to Garden Hole float can just launch downstream of it. The first major rapid on this stretch is at the railroad trestle over Russell Fork and should be run on the right. The largest rapid on this section, the aptly named Twenty Stitches, should be scouted on the right as it changes with different water levels. The next rapid, Johnny Rock, is long and should be run on the right as well. After a long, slow hole, the take-out at Garden Hole is on the right. Once the geologic formation known as The Tower comes into view on your left, you are close to the take-out. Do not miss this take-out or you will be committed to the extremely dangerous 4-mile Breaks Canyon run. Kayakers with world-class skills have lost their lives on this stretch in just the last decade. The second float begins at the Ratliff Hole River Access (also known as Potters Ford) off KY 80, a short distance south of Elkhorn City, KY. The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources stocks trout here in April, May and October. The take-out is at the Elkhorn City Waterfront Park in downtown Elkhorn City on your left. You’ve arrived at the take-out when you see a derelict, rusty bridge with a new concrete one just downstream. Elkhorn City provides a small parking area off Russell Street. You may drive down a gravel road to the riverbank and retrieve boats. This nearly 3-mile run presents the paddler with stunning bluffs that can make you seem rather small in comparison. It may be the most scenic float in Kentucky. The main rapid on this stretch is called the Meatgrinder, awaiting paddlers just downstream of the high railroad trestle. Run this rapid on the right. This section of the Russell Fork lies completely in Kentucky and offers good fishing for rainbow trout and smallmouth bass. In mountainous streams such as the Russell Fork, smallmouth bass favor lures with some flash that mimic baitfish such as an in-line spinner or a chrome minnow-shaped crankbait. These lures are especially effective in the Russell Fork because the stocked rainbow trout also love them. A chrome or white topwater propeller bait also works well from mid-spring to mid-fall. Russell Fork smallmouth also strike shad-shaped soft plastic swimbaits rigged on a 1/8-ounce leadheads. Switch to a heavier head if the water is up a bit. Smallmouth bass migrate to deeper holes with less current in fall as water temperatures cool from the longer nights and shorter days. Target the deeper boulder-strewn holes in the Russell Fork at this time of year. Smallmouth will lay in wait in the roiling water just downstream of a submerged boulder and crush baitfish. They also hide behind partially submerged rocks and ambush unsuspecting prey. The Breaks Interstate Park offers excellent accommodations ranging from luxury lake side cabins to lodge rooms with scenic views, as well as cottages. Campgrounds are also available in the park as well as two fishing lakes. Visitors can fill up their bellies at Rhododendron Restaurant. Sheltowee Trace Outfitters offers guided rafting trips in October for the float from Flanagan Dam to Garden Hole and from Ratliff Ford to Elkhorn City. The do not offer trips on the dangerous Breaks Canyon section. 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. Breaks Interstate Park: 1-276-865-4413 Sheltowee Trace Outfitters: 1-800-841-7238
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Post by Press Release on Oct 4, 2011 16:52:06 GMT -5
Archers Post New Deer Harvest Record During Early Bull Elk Season Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife News Release
FRANKFORT, Ky. – It’s a September to remember. Kentucky archers bagged a record number of deer and had better than a 50 percent success rate during the new 14-day early bull elk season. A total of 4,947 deer were checked in for the month of September, the first 28 days of archery season, surpassing the record harvest of 4,407 taken last year. The sex ratio of deer harvested was 34.0 percent bucks and 66.0 percent female deer (does). “It’s encouraging that our archery hunters were so successful and took such a high percentage of does, especially in the Zone 1 counties, where we are trying to reduce the herds,” said Tina Brunjes, deer and elk program coordinator for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. “The percentage of does in the harvest was as high as 70 percent in some counties.” Last season Kentucky bow hunters checked in a record 16,650 deer, including record harvests for the months at the beginning and end of the season. In the last decade, the archery deer harvest has been steadily climbing, up about 33 percent since the 2000-01 season, when archers checked in 12,478 deer. The 2011-12 Kentucky archery season for deer is 136 days long. It opened Sept. 3 and continues through Jan. 16, 2012. The hunter success rate for the new 14-day archery bull elk season was higher than anticipated. "I would have never predicted that the success rate would be above 50 percent,” said Brunjes. “Unseasonably cool weather and a poor crop of white oak acorns across the region may have been contributing factors to the excellent success rate for archers.” Eighty permits were awarded to archers for the new bull elk season which began Sept. 17 and ended last Friday, Sept. 30.
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Post by Press Release on Oct 8, 2011 13:10:51 GMT -5
Commemorate Your Fish Or Game With Free Online Certificates Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife News Release
FRANKFORT, Ky. – A new online tool from the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources will allow hunters, anglers and trappers to create personalized certificates to help celebrate their experiences. Users can upload photos of their fish or game and enter details about their experiences to produce printable certificates suitable for framing. The certificate program is available from Kentucky Fish and Wildlife's website at: fw.ky.gov "We're releasing this free product just in time for the Oct. 8-9 youth firearms deer hunting weekend, when a lot of young people will hunt for the first time," said Brian Blank, director of Kentucky Fish and Wildlife's Public Affairs Division. "These certificates will be very popular among sportsmen and sportswomen of all ages, especially for those celebrating their first fish or game animal taken, or a special trip.” Fishing, hunting and trapping in Kentucky are time-honored traditions dating back to Daniel Boone and the native Americans before him. These activities are still enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of Kentuckians. They keep people active outdoors and infuse billions of dollars in economic impacts to Kentucky’s economy each year, according to industry surveys and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Kentucky Fish and Wildlife staff created the certificate program to help hunters, anglers and trappers celebrate their trips afield or on the water by creating a high quality memento. Users create a title for their certificate based on the specifics of their hunting or fishing experience, such as "My First White-Tailed Deer" or "My 2011 Largemouth Bass." The date and method of take can also be specified. The certificate tool can be accessed directly at: fw.ky.gov/APP/certificate“Please know that every time you print one of these certificates, your Department of Fish and Wildlife and its employees celebrate your fishing, hunting, or trapping achievement with you,” Blank said.
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Post by Press Release on Oct 8, 2011 13:14:32 GMT -5
Kentucky Afield Outdoors: Early Muzzleloader Deer Season Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife News Release
FRANKFORT, Ky. ? The first of two seasons created especially for hunters who want to take deer with muzzleloading firearms is coming up. Kentucky?s early muzzleloader deer season, which debuted in 1990, will be held this year on the weekend of Oct. 15-16. In the past decade, the muzzleloader deer harvest has averaged 16,272 deer a year. A high of 19,918 was taken during the 2004-05 season, and a low of 13,179 bagged last season. ?Because it?s in mid-October, our early muzzleloader season often gets impacted by hot weather,? said Tina Brunjes, deer and elk program coordinator for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. The amount of mast (acorns) available to deer is also a factor in how many deer are taken. ?A bad mast year pushes deer out into the open, to forage fields and food plots, and that tends to increase the harvest,? said Brunjes. Wildlife biologists checking trees on 45 routes across the state as part of the department?s annual mast survey found that 30 percent of the white oaks and 76 percent of the red oaks produced acorns this year. The department?s mast survey has been conducted annually for over 50 years. ?In 2007, we adopted a standardized protocol of checking marked trees, so we could share data with other states in the region,? said Robinson. ?Based on what we observed, this year?s mast crop is rated poor for white oaks (20 to 39 percent of trees produced mast), and good for red oaks (60 to 79 percent of trees produced mast),? said Ben Robinson, small game biologist for Kentucky Fish and Wildlife. Oaks, especially white oaks, are the most important tree species to wildlife in Kentucky forests. They produce acorns that are a critical food source for squirrels, white-tailed deer, wild turkey, black bear and other forest species. Wildlife prefer white oak acorns because they are more palatable. The acorns produced by red oaks are much higher in tannin, which makes them bitter. White oaks can produce acorns every year but entire crops are often lost due to late freezes, summer droughts or untimely rains when oak flowers are pollinating. Red oaks are more reliable year to year because it takes two years for red oak acorns to mature and not all trees produce mature acorns in the same year. White oak stands make excellent places to set up a ground blind or tree stand. ?Find a white oak that has acorns, and you?ve got a good place to hunt,? said Brunjes. ?Deer will travel a considerable distance to feed on white oak acorns.? She has another suggestion for hunters. ?If you?re trying to reduce deer numbers or improve the buck-to-doe ratio in your herd, go ahead and take a doe during the early season. It?s not going to mess up your hunting for bucks during the rut,? said Brunjes. ?You need to think of the big picture when managing deer on your hunting property.? Muzzleloaders have always been part of Kentucky?s hunting history and culture. During Kentucky?s muzzleloader deer seasons, hunters may use traditional muzzleloaders, such as flintlock longrifles and percussion half stock rifles, or modern in-line muzzleloaders of any caliber. Legal equipment also includes optical sights, round balls, conical bullets and saboted bullets. Kentucky?s late muzzleloader deer season is actually the older of the two seasons. It was first held in November of 1985 as a two-day hunt in 52 counties. Hunters could take only antlered deer. At that time not all 120 counties were open to deer hunting, and the state was divided into seven deer management zones. Through the years the late season was lengthened and the bag limit liberalized. The season was eventually moved to mid-December. By 2004, the late season had expanded from seven to nine days and opened statewide. By then, hunters could take deer of either sex in all four of the state?s deer management zones. This year?s late muzzleloader dates are Dec. 10-18, 2011.
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Post by Press Release on Oct 8, 2011 13:19:24 GMT -5
Salato Center Hosts Annual Halloween Walk With The Animals Event October 29 Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife News Release
FRANKFORT, Ky. - Ghosts and goblins of all ages can join the fun at the Salato Wildlife Education Center’s Halloween Walk with the Animals in Frankfort from 1 – 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29. Admission to this kid-safe, trick-or-treat event is $5 per person. The event is most appropriate for kids under the age of 11 and their parents. Little trick-or-treaters are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes. The Salato Center staff will trick or treat you with lots of exciting activities. The fun begins at the door when kids get their Halloween passports. There will be plenty of candy for kids as they get their passports stamped at each animal exhibit. Take your little goblins through the Haunted Hay Maze or dare to explore the Creatures of the Night. Kids can have their faces painted or fish for a prize at the fishing booth. The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Foundation along with Toyota Motor Manufacturing (Georgetown), McDonalds, Mortenson Family Dental, Kentucky Proud and several other area businesses, are sponsors of the Halloween Walk with the Animals. Call the Salato Center at (502) 564-7863 to purchase tickets in advance and skip the lines. The Salato Center has a variety of native animals for the public to see, including a black bear, an eagle, bobcats, elk, deer, bison, skunk, snakes and fish. The center has numerous indoor exhibits and miles of hiking trails open to the public. Fishing is available at two lakes. While some programs may require a registration fee, general admission to the Salato Center is free. For more information, call 1-800-858-1549, ext. 4445. Learn more about upcoming events at the Salato Center on the Internet at fw.ky.gov. The Salato Center, operated by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, is located at the department’s headquarters at #1 Sportsman’s Lane (formerly #1 Game Farm Road), off U.S. 60 in Frankfort, 1.5 miles west of U.S. 127. Hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays. The center is closed Sundays, Mondays and state holidays.
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Post by ClayLive on Oct 15, 2011 9:21:15 GMT -5
Kentucky Afield Outdoors: Small Water Fishing – McNeely Lake
FRANKFORT, Ky. – Jefferson County’s McNeely Lake is a good destination for canoeists, kayakers and those in small boats because the use of gasoline-powered motors is prohibited. Located in Okolona, a suburb about 15 miles south of downtown Louisville, the 51-acre, L-shaped impoundment is reached via the Beulah Church Road exit off the Gene Snyder Freeway. Turn right onto Cooper Chapel Road and follow the signs. The lake is located within the 746-acre McNeely Lake Park, operated by the Louisville Metro Parks system. There’s a concrete boat launching ramp and courtesy dock close to the park entrance. There is no fee charged to launch. Open to fishing in 1955 and owned by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, McNeely Lake has 3.3 miles of shoreline and a maximum depth of 30 feet near the dam. However, most of the lake is less than 10 feet deep. "McNeely Lake has lots of bank access," said Jeff Crosby, central district fisheries biologist for Kentucky Fish and Wildlife. “For being so close to town, it’s a dandy fishing spot.” There’s good bank access on the western shore of the lake, including several fishing piers. Other facilities include a picnic area with shelter, playground, restrooms and walking trail. Park hours are 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Most anglers fish for bluegill, redear sunfish, crappie and catfish. The lake is managed under statewide creel and size limit regulations. Shad may not be possessed or used for bait. Shad eradication in 1997 greatly improved panfish populations. Beds of water willow that extend about 10 feet from the shore provide cover for panfish. Recent sampling of the lake revealed a good number of 6-to-8-inch bluegill and 6- to 9-inch redear sunfish. "The redear sunfish like the deeper water on the edges of flooded grass," said Crosby. Drifting is a good fishing strategy for redear sunfish and bluegill. Red worms, mealworms and wax worms are the best live bait and should be fished on light spinning tackle. The basic panfish rig is a long shank No. 10 hook, a small split-shot sinker and a bobber. Attach the split shot about 10 inches above the hook. Adjust the depth of the bait so that it is suspended just off the bottom. Larger redear sunfish tend to stay in deeper water, away from the banks, from 4 to 8 feet deep. McNeely Lake also receives a yearly stocking of 1,300 channel catfish measuring up to 9 inches. The area southeast of the dam that is not accessible to bank anglers tends to offer some of the best fishing because there’s less pressure. It takes about 20 minutes to reach this spot by paddling or motoring with an electric trolling motor. This small arm of the lake is surrounded by woodlands. It features scattered stump beds in the lake bed and numerous fallen trees along the banks. There’s good cover for largemouth bass. Sampling revealed largemouth bass are present in all sizes up to 21 inches. "There are lots of 10- to14-inch bass, and good quality bass weighing 2 to 3 pounds," said Crosby. These fish provide excellent sport with fly fishing gear or light spinning tackle.
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Post by ClayLive on Oct 22, 2011 6:29:27 GMT -5
Kentucky Afield Outdoors: Questions And Answers For Modern Gun Deer Season
FRANKFORT, Ky. - Modern gun season for deer, the highlight of the fall hunting calendar, opens Nov. 12, 2011. Hunters often wonder about rules and regulations concerning deer hunting. Here are some FAQs (frequently asked questions) about Kentucky’s most popular big game hunting season: Q: Does modern gun season for deer open on Nov. 12 every year? A: No. It opens statewide on the second Saturday in November. The actual date changes annually due to calendar shift. Q: How long is modern gun season open? A: Kentucky’s 120 counties are divided into four deer management zones. Counties in Zones 1-2 have a 16-day season (Nov. 12-27) and there’s a 10-day season in the counties of Zones 3-4 (Nov. 12-21). Q: How many bucks can a hunter take during modern gun season? A: All hunters have a bag limit of one antlered deer per season, no matter what they hunt with (modern gun, bow, crossbow, or muzzleloader), or the seasons they choose to hunt. Q: How many antlerless deer (does) can a hunter take during modern gun season? A: In the Zone 1 counties, hunters may take an unlimited number of antlerless deer. There’s no “daily” bag limit on deer. In Zones 2-4, the combined bag limit for all deer seasons is four deer. Hunters are reminded that in the Zone 4 counties, antlerless deer may not be taken during modern gun season. Q: How do hunters check in the deer they take during modern gun season? A: Hunters now have three Telecheck options: The first is to call (800) CHK-GAME (245-4263). The second and third options are online. Visit the department’s website at fw.ky.gov from a home computer or laptop, or a phone with a web browser, and follow the prompts. All deer taken in Kentucky must be Telechecked. Q: Can hunters use archery gear or muzzleloaders during modern gun season for deer? A: Yes; any legal rifle, handgun, bow, crossbow or muzzleloader may be used. All deer hunters must wear hunter orange clothing and must follow all firearm season restrictions, zone guidelines and other hunting requirements. Q: A 30-year old resident who is new to hunting wants to know what license and permits are required for modern gun deer season. A co-worker invited him to hunt on their family’s farm. A: Kentucky residents must purchase an annual hunting license and deer permit. Additionally, anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1975 must carry a valid hunter education course completion card while hunting. Anyone hunting for the first time is also eligible to buy a hunter education exemption permit. This permit allows apprentice hunters to hunt for one year without a hunter education card. The permit requires its holder to hunt with a licensed, adult hunter who meets the hunter education requirement. Q: Where can a hunter get more information about Kentucky’s deer seasons? A: A summary of Kentucky’s deer season dates, a list of counties in the various management zones and other important laws can be found in the 2011-12 Kentucky Hunting and Trapping Guide, a 66-page booklet that’s available wherever licenses are sold. Also, deer season regulations are posted online at: fw.ky.gov
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Post by ClayLive on Oct 24, 2011 18:09:31 GMT -5
Trout Tagging Study Underway At Two Northern Kentucky Lakes Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife News Release
FRANKFORT, Ky. - Anglers fishing Stein Community Park Lake in Campbell County or Middleton Mills Shelterhouse Pond in Kenton County can help the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources by returning tags from marked rainbow trout. Researchers are trying to determine the harvest rate of trout from the lakes to guide future stocking strategies. Kentucky Fish and Wildlife employees have inserted yellow tube tags into 200 of the 2,500 rainbow trout destined for Stein Lake, along with 200 of the 500 trout that will be stocked in the Middleton Mills Shelterhouse Pond. The fish will be stocked sometime during the week of Nov. 1. Anglers who return tags from these fish are eligible for a reward. Stein Lake will receive an additional 3,750 rainbow trout in February and March, of which 400 fish will be tagged. Middleton Mills will receive an additional 1,000 trout in February and March; 400 of those fish will carry tags. Both lakes are enrolled in the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife’s Fishing in Neighborhoods (FINs) program, which brings fishing opportunities closer to population centers. Currently 34 lakes in 21 counties are enrolled in the FINs program. Each tag consists of a piece of yellow tubing inserted into the back of the fish. Tags contain the department’s name, telephone number and a fish identification number. 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 information kiosks. Anglers practicing catch-and-release may clip the tag from the fish before releasing it. Only one envelope should be used for each tag. For more information on the FINs program, visit the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife web site at: www.fw.ky.gov/urbanfishing.asp.SteinCommunity Park Lake is located off of Grandview Road, a half mile off of Main Street on the east side of Alexandria. Middleton Mills Shelterhouse Pond is located on KY 2045 (Mills Road), 1 mile from the intersection with KY 16 (Taylor Mills Road). Anglers who are 16 years or older need a valid fishing license and a $10 trout permit to keep trout. Kids 15 or younger do not need the trout permit or a fishing license. The trout permit is included with the senior/disabled license and the sportsman’s license. The daily limit on these lakes is five trout per person for those who wish to keep their catch.
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Post by ClayLive on Oct 25, 2011 5:28:43 GMT -5
Salato Wildlife Education Centers Hosts 4-mile Trail Run Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife News Release
FRANKFORT, Ky. - Sprint through the woods for charity on Saturday, Nov. 5, for the third annual Running Wild 4-Mile Trail Run at the Salato Wildlife Education Center in Frankfort. The course follows the Salato Center's HabiTrek, Pea Ridge and exhibit trails. Runners can test themselves on primitive dirt trails, challenging hills, hairpin switchbacks, woods, prairies, brambles and all the obstacles Mother Nature can supply. Racing begins at 10 a.m. Top men's, women's, and overall times will receive prizes. All Running Wild participants will receive a long-sleeved race jersey. The run is sponsored by the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Foundation; proceeds benefit educational programs at the Salato Center. Runners shouldn’t leave the kids at home. Children can participate in fun activities led by Salato staff and volunteers during the race. Early registration is $20 until Nov. 1. The fee is $25 after early registration. Runners may register the day of the race beginning at 9 a.m. Participants may register online at www.active.com. Runners may also print a registration form at fw.ky.gov and bring it to the Salato Center to pay by cash or check. The starting line is located at the Wildlife Annex building near the entrance to the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. The Salato Center has a variety of native animals for the public to see, including a black bear, bobcats, elk, deer, bison, eagles, snakes and fish. The Center has numerous indoor exhibits and miles of hiking trails open to the public. Fishing is available at two lakes. While some programs may require a registration fee, general admission to the Salato Center is free. Learn more about upcoming events at the Salato Center on the Internet at fw.ky.gov. The Salato Center, operated by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, is located at the department’s headquarters on U.S. 60 in Frankfort, 1.5 miles west of U.S. 127. Hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays. The Center is closed Sundays, Mondays and state holidays.
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Post by Press Release on Oct 27, 2011 19:37:11 GMT -5
Kentucky Afield Outdoors: Blue Water Trails - Kentucky River, Pool 8 Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife News Release
FRANKFORT, Ky. - The headwaters of the Kentucky River run off Pine Mountain in southeastern Kentucky and flow all the way to Carrollton in northern Kentucky. The river travels for 225 miles to its confluence with the Ohio River after the North and South Fork meet at Beattyville. In this entire stretch, one of the most scenic and best pools to fish and float lies just southeast of Nicholasville. Pool 8 of the Kentucky River offers access to the lower portions of Sugar Creek, Paint Lick Creek and Silver Creek. They make three of the best creeks on the river to fish for largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass. While fishing these waters, anglers may also occasionally encounter a muskellunge lurking under a root wad. The Kentucky River makes a large southwestern bend that forms the southern border of Jessamine County and the northeastern border of Madison County. Ages ago, the river flowed against the uplift known as the Lexington (or Cincinnati) Arch and cut downward, forming the high river cliffs known as the Palisades. Taking a canoe or kayak trip in Pool 8 gives the paddler an intimate view of the Palisade region, allowing you to witness in person the spectacular power of flowing water through the ages. Fall is a great time to experience the grandeur of the palisades in Pool 8. The Kentucky River usually flows tranquil and green-clear in fall with minimal boat traffic. This stretch of river is a good one for families and beginning paddlers to hone their craft and experience one of the overlooked treasures of central Kentucky. The first 3.5-mile, half-day float begins at either the Hunter’s Ferry Road Ramp in Jessamine County or at the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources’ Poosey Ridge Boat Ramp at the end of KY 595 in Madison County. They lie opposite from one another on the river as they are the landings of the historic Hunter’s Ferry. The take-out is either at the John Nickell Boat Ramp at the end of KY 39 in Jessamine County or the Buckeye/Paint Lick Boat Ramp in Garrard County. The John Nickell Boat Ramp has ample parking with an excellent ramp. The shuttle from the Hunter’s Ferry Road Ramp to the John Nickell Boat Ramp take-out is considerably shorter, but the accommodations, ramp and parking at the Poosey Ridge and Buckeye/Paint Lick Boat Ramps are much better. Extremely limited parking exists at the Hunter’s Ferry Boat Ramp. This ramp is suitable for only canoes, kayaks and small boats. Please respect private property while using these ramps. Boaters would be wise to paddle just upstream of these ramps to the mouth of Silver Creek on the right. Silver Creek holds an excellent population of smallmouth bass and anglers who paddle upstream to the flowing section should do well. Silver Creek smallmouth love 3-inch pumpkinseed boot-tailed grubs rigged on 1/8-ounce leadheads. This section of creek also holds good numbers of largemouth bass. White weightless soft-plastic jerkbaits worked among root wads and undercut banks produce strikes from largemouth bass. Apply subtle twitches of the rod tip and work the lure almost in place in these spots. A fat largemouth that ignored other offerings often can’t stand this and will heartily strike. The rocky outcrop known as Upper Hunters Bar is an excellent spot to work a medium-running crawfish-colored lure for smallmouth or spotted (Kentucky) bass. This bar lies just upstream of these ramps on the Jessamine County side of the river. As you float downstream, several palisades come into view. The sand and gravel outcrop at the mouth of Sawmill Run, known as Lower Hunters Bar, is another spot to try the crankbait for bass. The river flows straight after Lower Hunters Bar for a little over a mile until you see a large rock bar on the right. The rocks of Wildhorse Branch Bar constrict the river’s flow somewhat and concentrate bass. Smallmouth bass hit 1/8-ounce brown and orange jigs worked in the rocks of the bar. The swirl just downstream of Wildhorse Branch Bar is another place to try for bass, but may also hold muskellunge in fall. Some maps list this bar as a boat ramp, but it is no longer open to public use. The take-out lies just downstream of Wildhorse Branch Bar at either the John Nickell Boat Ramp on the Jessamine County (right) bank or the Buckeye/Paint Lick Boat Ramp on the Garrard County (left) bank. These two ramps mark the landings of the historic Paint Lick Ferry, established in 1789. Paint Lick Ferry made a vital crossing of the river for early Kentucky settlers and operated until 1950. Showboats that traveled the river stopped at the landing for performances at the mouth of Paint Lick Creek prior to World War I. These ramps mark the put-in for another nearly 4-mile float to opposite the mouth of Sugar Creek. The take-out is privately owned by the Sugar Creek Resort and reservations must be made for use. Sugar Creek Resort also rents canoes and kayaks (www.sugarcreekresort.net). You may make the resort as a take-out for a float of roughly eight miles by using either Hunter’s Ferry Boat Ramp or Poosey Ridge Boat Ramp as a starting point. Paddlers should make a trip into Paint Lick Creek, just upstream of the Buckeye/Paint Lick Boat Ramp on the Garrard County side of the river. Paint Lick Creek forms the border between Madison and Garrard County and is one of the more productive spotted bass streams in central Kentucky. A 4-inch black finesse worm slowly worked through brush, root wads or around sunken logs draws strikes from spotted bass. This presentation will also fool smallmouth bass in the flowing sections near the first riffle. After flowing through the "S" shaped bend known as Teeters Turnhole Bend, a large limestone bluff comes into view on the right. The river flows through a slight bend to the left until you reach the mouth of Sugar Creek on the Garrard County (left) side. Sugar Creek may be the best largemouth bass fishing creek along the Kentucky River. Sugar Creek largemouths love the color white. White spinnerbaits, pearl or bone-colored shallow-running crankbaits and white soft-plastic jerkbaits all work well for largemouth bass that can run up to five pounds. Target root wads and undercut banks with these lures in Sugar Creek. The take-out is on the Jessamine County (right) side of the river, directly across from the mouth of Sugar Creek. The Kentucky River Blueway Trail is a multi-county cooperative effort to promote recreation and tourism opportunities on the river. Their website at www.kentuckyriverblueway.com has an excellent guide for historic and culturally significant areas that boaters may see while on the river as well as access points, maps and other vital information. The Palisades region of the Kentucky River is one of our state’s natural wonders. It is hard to believe such beauty is just a half-hour drive from the Lexington metropolitan area. Get out and enjoy this underused resource before winter hits. Sugar Creek Resort: 1-859-885-9359
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Post by Press Release on Oct 29, 2011 8:45:44 GMT -5
Operation Dry Water Results In 4,338 Citations Issued Nationwide Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife News Release
FRANKFORT, Ky. - Kentucky conservation officers teamed up with law enforcement personnel from 450 agencies nationwide this summer for Operation Dry Water. Operation Dry Water is devoted to Boating Under the Influence (BUI) education and enforcement. The weekend enforcement effort, which is aimed at reducing alcohol and drug-related accidents on lakes and rivers, resulted in 4,338 citations issued nationwide, including 321 BUIs. Additionally, 42,253 vessels were checked and 8,589 safety warnings were issued by the 3,649 officers who patrolled the nation’s waterways, according to an article published in Small Craft Advisory, the official publication of the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA). Now in its third year, Operation Dry Water is an initiative launched by NASBLA, the U.S. Coast Guard, and partnering state and federal agencies. It is traditionally held on the weekend prior to the July 4 holiday. During the weekend, boaters were contacted with safety messages at boat ramps and on the water. Law enforcement officers conducted courtesy boat inspections. Officers also answered questions about Kentucky’s boating laws and the safety equipment required on boats. “Our goal every year on this weekend is to have no Boating Under the Influence (BUI) arrests and no alcohol-related accidents,” said Captain Mike Fields, Boating Law Administrator for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. “Operation Dry Water is an effort to get the word out that alcohol and boating don’t mix.” Kentucky’s boating laws are detailed in the Kentucky Fishing and Boating Guide, available wherever hunting and fishing licenses are sold. The guide is also available online at the department’s website: fw.ky.gov For more information about Operation Dry Water, go online to: www.operationdrywater.org
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Post by Press Release on Nov 3, 2011 21:20:00 GMT -5
Kentucky Afield Outdoors: Vension, the original local, free-range red meat Kentucky Department of Agriculture Press Release
FRANKFORT, Ky. - November is the month when most hunters "put up" their winter's supply of venison. A review of Telecheck records reveals that last deer season hunters bagged 80,516 deer in November, about 73 percent of the entire season's harvest of 110,376 deer. Venison as tablefare is unmatched. It's the original local, free-range red meat with fewer calories than beef or pork and less cholesterol than chicken. The USDA Nutrient Data Laboratory reports that a serving of three ounces of venison has 133 calories and only about seven grams of fat. This includes more than four grams of monounsaturated fats, which can help lower bad cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke if eaten in moderation, according to the American Heart Association. Venison is a good source of protein as well as vitamins B12, B6, B3, B2 and trace minerals such as phosphorous, selenium, zinc and iron. Deer in the wild are also free of the growth hormones and antibiotics that commercial beef cattle typically receive when they are fed corn and other grains while being "finished" in feed lots. Proper care of a deer in the field will ensure good-tasting venison. Field dress the deer immediately and rinse out the body cavity. Deer hunters who are camping or are driving home after hunting should take along several gallons of clean water for this purpose. Hunters who are able to bring their deer back to the house within minutes of it being field dressed should hang up their deer and rinse out the body cavity with a high-pressure nozzle on a garden hose. It's okay to hang a deer overnight with the skin on if the air temperature is below 50 degrees. If the temperature overnight will rise above 50 degrees, the deer must be skinned and butchered immediately. The best cut of meat on a deer is the tenderloin: long, tender muscles inside the chest cavity, attached to the bottom of the spine. The second best cut is arguably the backstrap; long, round strips of meat along both sides of the backbone, just above the ribs. The deer's hams are meaty, but tougher. The hams are typically cut into roasts and steaks, ground into burger or cut into chunks for soup or stew. The shoulders, if not too badly damaged by bullets or arrows, are typically kept whole for the BBQ grill. The best advice is to de-bone all cuts of venison and remove all the fat. Never saw through bones because it spreads marrow across the surface of the meat, which gives venison a gamey taste. Venison is a versatile meat that can be preserved several ways. First wrap the venison in clear plastic wrap, then freezer paper for long term storage in a freezer. This will prevent the meat from being exposed to air so it can be kept in the freezer longer. Venison can also be canned in jars with a pressure cooker or dried in the oven as jerky. Always thaw frozen packages of venison in the refrigerator and not at room temperature. Never thaw venison in a microwave oven because it may cause a gamey flavor. For tasty venison steaks, marinate before cooking to tenderize and neutralize any gamey taste. Soy sauce-based marinades work great with venison and can be bought at most grocery stores. You may mix up your own fresh marinade as well. There are lots of recipes on the Internet. For best results, marinate the cuts of meat overnight in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. Here's a tip for better burger. Chunks of venison that are going to be ground up should be lightly salted, covered in water, and refrigerated overnight. The light salting draws out any blood and strong taste in the meat. Venison really shines when it's cooked on a BBQ grill, preferably one that has a lid to hold in the smoke and keep the fire from flaming. Dry rubs enhance the flavor of venison. Here's the recipe for a basic "Texas-style" rub that works well on venison or beef brisket: 2 Tablesthingys of Kosher Salt
2 Tablesthingys of Garlic Powder
2 Tablesthingys of Paprika
2 Tablesthingys of Black Pepper
This recipe makes a half cup of rub, as one fluid ounce is equal to two tablesthingys.
Rub should be stored in an air-tight jar or zippered plastic bag to retain its freshness. Sprinkle rub on both sides of the meat. Cook over indirect heat.
Don't overcook venison. Venison is best when cooked medium-rare for maximum flavor and juiciness.
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Post by ClayLive on Nov 5, 2011 7:49:32 GMT -5
Kentucky Fish And Wildlife To Discuss New Asian Carp Harvest Program Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife News Release
FRANKFORT, Ky. - The Fisheries Division of the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources will outline its new Asian carp harvest program during a public meeting set for 7 p.m. (Central) Nov. 15 at the Kentucky Dam Village Convention Center. Fisheries officials say commercial angling is the best way to help control the expanding Asian carp populations in Kentucky and Barkley lakes. Asian carp can present a hazard to boaters and compete with native fish for food. Officials will discuss the Asian carp problem and how the harvest program will be implemented. Whether you are a fishing guide, a person wanting to help with the issue, or are just interested in learning about Asian carp, you will want to attend this meeting. The Asian carp harvest program will include Kentucky Fish and Wildlife observers and trained volunteers whenever commercial anglers are scheduled to fish in normally restricted waters. Observers will monitor Asian carp catch rates and non-target fish catch and disposition at release. Kentucky Fish and Wildlife will post commercial fishing information and data from this program online at fw.ky.gov. Commercial fishing is the most economic method of removing large quantities of Asian carp from Kentucky and Barkley lakes and their tributaries. This is an opportunity to demonstrate how the commercial fishing industry can work alongside of and co-exist with anglers for the benefit of Kentucky’s native fish species. Everyone interested is invited to attend this meeting. The convention center is located at Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park in Gilbertsville.
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Post by Press Release on Nov 7, 2011 19:39:46 GMT -5
Applications Now Being Accepted For Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife News Release
FRANKFORT, Ky. – USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is accepting applications for the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP). Landowners may apply for WHIP at any time. However, applications received by Nov. 15 will be evaluated and considered for the 2012 program year. Applications received after that date will be held until the next evaluation period. WHIP provides land users an opportunity to improve wildlife habitat. The program provides financial incentives for installing eligible practices on land they own or control. The land user must devote at least 10 acres to eligible wildlife practices. In Kentucky, the primary focus of WHIP is to improve early successional and forestland habitats for declining species and other wildlife. Restoring remnant prairies, planting native grasses, shrubs and trees are some of the eligible practices for the program. Other eligible practices include implementing forest stand improvements and creating shallow water areas. Excluding livestock from sensitive streams and woodlands is also an important focus under Kentucky’s 2012 WHIP. Since WHIP focuses on improvement to wildlife cover, food plots are not eligible under the program. WHIP applications are evaluated and ranked to determine which applications provide the most beneficial habitats. For more information about the program, visit your local NRCS office or call the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Information Center at 1-800-858-1549 and ask for the name and telephone number of the private lands biologist serving your area.
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Post by ClayLive on Nov 10, 2011 18:01:33 GMT -5
Kentucky Afield Outdoors: Kentucky Lake On The Verge Of Great Crappie Fishing Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife News Release
FRANKFORT, Ky. – Poor spawns from 2005-2007 impacted the numbers of young white crappie in Kentucky Lake, resulting in spotty fishing for white crappie over the last several years. The crappie population in the lake also morphed from mainly white crappie to predominately black crappie due to aging of the lake. The water flows clearer than it once did and more sunlight reaches the depths, generating more aquatic vegetation. Clearer water and more vegetation favor the black crappie and their numbers increased dramatically in the last decade in Kentucky Lake. The poor white crappie spawns and population changes left some Kentucky Lake crappie anglers scratching their heads in frustration the past several years. If current trends are any guide, crappie anglers on the lake won’t have time to scratch anything because they will be reeling in too many crappie. “The 2009 white crappie spawn was exceptionally strong, the best in a long time,” said Paul Rister, western fisheries district biologist for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. “We bought a deep water trawl to assess the numbers of young crappie in the lake. We saw strong numbers of young white crappie. It looks promising for future white crappie fishing. The white crappie fishery is coming back.” What Rister and staff see in their sampling nets is also reflected in the crappie fishing on Kentucky Lake this fall. “My Dad and I fished last week and we caught a lot of fish,” said Ryan Oster, federal aid coordinator of the fisheries division of Kentucky Fish and Wildlife. “We came back with our limits every day. We averaged 100 fish a day. The fish are there, that’s for sure. We caught mostly white crappie. It was awesome. I’ve never experienced crappie fishing like that.” Their largest fish was a 16 ½-inch white crappie. Oster threw 1/16-ounce Roadrunners at bridge pilings in Jonathan Creek and on the U.S. 68/80 Bridge on the main lake. “We caught more black crappie on the rip rap around the bridge pilings,” he explained. “They stacked up at the point where the rip rap hit the bottom of the lake in about 9 to 14 feet of water.” They caught many white crappie near the mouth of Jonathan Creek by probing brush near drop-offs. “There are so many man-made brush piles in Kentucky Lake now,” Oster explained. “Even if you don’t know where they are, get a good map and check areas near drop-offs with your electronics. Poke around little and you’ll find them.” A Roadrunner is a small jig with a tiny spinner attached to a horsehead-shaped leadhead dressed with marabou. They also come with curly-tailed plastic grubs or tubes as a trailer and Kentucky Lake crappie hit them with abandon. Oster used the model with a tube trailer. Purple, red, white and orange with chartreuse were the best colors. “We caught 3-to-1 non-keepers to keepers,” Oster said. “Next year may be phenomenal on Kentucky Lake for crappie.” Rister said they captured many two-year-old, 8- to 9-inch white crappie in their population sampling along with healthy numbers of white crappie born in 2010 and earlier this year. “The crappie population in Kentucky Lake is extremely cyclic,” Rister said. “We are just riding the wave. In 4 or 5 years, it could be glory time for crappie fishing on the lake.” He also recommended anglers target Mississippi tributaries for good fall crappie fishing. “We went to Hickman Harbor on the Mississippi River at the mouth of Obion Creek and the parking lot is usually empty,” Rister said. “There were 8 to 10 trailers parked there. They are slaying the crappie in up Obion Creek and Bayou De Chien. We started sampling and we had to push back the black and white crappie just to find some shad. We would see 50 to 70 crappie, with many in the 8- to 12-inch range. It really surprised us.” Get out to the Kentucky Lake area this fall and enjoy some of Kentucky’s best white crappie fishing witnessed in a long time. “I’ve had several people tell me they’ve never had better crappie fishing on Kentucky Lake than here recently,” Rister explained.
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