Don’t like the weather? Wait a day, it’ll change

Published 10:21 am Friday, July 3, 2009

There are a lot of things that could be said about the weather in our great state of Minnesota but one of the things voiced by a lot of us is the infamous “If you don’t like the weather in Minnesota — wait a day and it will change.” This week’s total turnaround from the “meltdown” we experienced a week ago is a prime example of that. I have to say that I do enjoy the cooler weather and hopefully it will hang around for some time to come.

Now is a great time to get out and enjoy some of the resources we have available in our area. Go for a walk on one of the many area trails or even around the neighborhood. If you bike, there are some good trails right here in the area and there are many communities nearby that offer trails for biking and hiking that will give you a chance to see some different scenery. Whatever your pleasure it is a good time to take advantage of the nice weather and enjoy the outdoors.

The Minnesota DNR has released the following list of changes in some of our hunting and fishing regulations. One of these changes gives anyone a chance to fish in state parks without having to buy a license. This is just another way for non-fishers to get introduced to this great sport.

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Fishing, hunting law changes effective July 1

Hunters and anglers should be aware of a number of law changes that went into effect on July 1 (as opposed to the usual Aug. 1 date) as a result of legislation passed this year.

Changes to fishing regulations are listed at “http://mndnr.gov/fishregs.” Changes to hunting regulations will be listed in the 2009 Hunting and Trapping Regulations booklet, which will be available in August.

FISHING

The new fishing rules are:

Night bowfishing is allowed statewide from May 1 to the last Sunday in February, with limitations on noise and distance from structures.

A resident is now allowed to take fish by angling in a state park without an angling license under certain conditions, except in waters where a trout stamp is required.

Residents age 90 or older may take fish without a license.

New fishing contest rules now include:

A 25 boat minimum for the event to require a fishing contest permit (currently 30 participants).

Rough fish contests and contests with total prize value of $500 or less do not require permits.

The fee waiver for charitable organizations is no longer available.

The current maximum contest fees are cut in half.

The commissioner must develop best practices certification for fishing contests to assure proper handling and release of fish.

The commissioner must develop an online Web-based fishing contest permit application process.

The commissioner may allow for live release weigh-ins at public accesses.

HUNTING

The new hunting rules are:

Modify the electric motor restriction while in waterfowl feeding and resting areas from one with 30 pounds of thrust or less to one that is 12 volts or less.

Allow a person with a valid bear license, prior to the Saturday on or nearest to Sept. 16, to leave a portable stand in a wildlife management area within 100 yards of a legally tagged and registered bear bait site. They also require a person leaving such a stand to affix their name and address to the stand so that it can be seen from the ground.

Allow free deer licenses to be issued to residents with qualifying military service. The licenses allow the taking of deer of either sex.

Remove the restriction on possessing crossbows outdoors, and removes casing requirements in a motor vehicle during open seasons for game.

Establish new gun casing exceptions that apply when hunting and transporting a firearm; removes casing requirements for bows provided they are not armed.

Allow the commissioner to issue permits to disabled persons to hunt from a vehicle that is valid for the life of the person, if the disability is irreversible.

Modify the definition of bait for the purposes of restrictions while hunting deer.

Extend the hours for placing decoys when hunting waterfowl to two hours before lawful shooting (it is one hour currently). Hunters may not leave decoys unattended during shooting hours for more than three hours.

Prohibit importation or exportation of live coyotes

Establishes by law the dates and restrictions for the Zone 3 (southeastern Minnesota) deer season for 2009.

In other new rules:

A person may harvest ripe wild rice on or after Aug. 15 (was July 15) to Sept. 30. In 2009, the commissioner may, by posting, restrict or prohibit the harvesting of wild rice on public waters based on the stage of ripeness of the wild rice stands in the waters.

This provides interim authority while wild rice stakeholder workgroups develop comprehensive recommendations for wild rice harvest and management prior to the 2010 Legislative session.

A few fishing reports from around the are:

ALBERT LEA — Although things have been a little quieter as far as fishing goes in the past week there are still some reports of walleyes being caught in Fountain Lake and there are a few showing up on stringers at the channel. The numbers may be down from the previous fishing “hot” streak we had been having, but there are still fish to be had. It seems like the best bet for walleyes is the channel by the dam on Bridge Avenue. Sunnies and crappies can still be found in both Fountain and Albert Lea lakes. Wax worms are the ticket for sunnies while minnows seem to be working for the crappie. Leeches off the bottom had been doing well for walleye. Don’t forget the catfish population that we have in Fountain Lake, try the channel from Brookside on towards the main lake for these.

FAIRMONT — Crankbaits are triggering walleyes during low-light periods on Fox Lake and Hall Lake in six to eight feet. Crappie action remains consistent in eight to 10 feet on George Lake, Budd Lake, Sissiton Lake, and Hall. Northern pike also remain active on most lakes and can be had with minnows or spoons.

FARIBAULT — Bass are hitting plastics in the weeds of Cedar Lake, Hunts Lake, and Lake Mazaska. Rapalas continue to produce walleyes at night on the shorelines of Cannon Lake. Leeches are the ticket for walleyes on Fox Lake in 12 to 15 feet. Hit Shields Lake and Fox Lake in less than 10 feet for sunfish and the pike bite also remains consistent on the weedlines of Shields.

MANKATO — Lake Tetonka is producing a few walleyes in 15 to 20 feet. The weedlines of Lake Washington and the shorelines of Lake Hanska give up an occasional walleye during low-light periods. Madison Lake and the points on Washington are holding panfish in shallow water and Little Jefferson Lake remains a safe bet for northern pike.

Until next time have a safe and happy Fourth of July. Be sure to take some time to explore our great Minnesota outdoors and while you’re at it — let’s do a little fish’n.

Remember to keep our troops in your thoughts and prayers throughout the year.