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Timber wolf lottery permits?


lungslicer

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It seems that more and more Minnesota outdoor men and women are seeing more and more wolves in certain areas of the state. I am suggesting that the Minnesota DNR considers opening some of these areas to a Timber wolf lottery drawing. The season could begin and end with the firearms deer season. The lottery could be much the same as the antlerless deer drawings that we used to have. Of course, their would have to be supplements to the rules (no baiting, etc.). This would give offer a oppurtunity for certain people to legally harvest a preset number of wolves from selected zones. What do you guys think?

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It seems that more and more Minnesota outdoor men and women are seeing more and more wolves in certain areas of the state. I am suggesting that the Minnesota DNR considers opening some of these areas to a Timber wolf lottery drawing. The season could begin and end with the firearms deer season. The lottery could be much the same as the antlerless deer drawings that we used to have. Of course, their would have to be supplements to the rules (no baiting, etc.). This would give offer a oppurtunity for certain people to legally harvest a preset number of wolves from selected zones. What do you guys think?


I think the state can do this after 5 years of the species being taken off the endangered or threatened species list. Therefore, I believe the state has to wait another 4 years.

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If this comes to be, I would really love to see the DNR put the permit prices for non-resident tags in line with other states and their big game (elk tags out west, moose tags out west, etc) It cost me $253 to hunt, doe hunt mind you, in Iowa the last two years, my brother could deer hunt in MN with me for 130 and take a buck or a doe, in fact he could take 3 deer (intensive harvest area) for only 7 bucks more than I spent in IA....

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When the time is up and MN gets a season (if they do have a season instead of trying to manage it on their own) I hope it is for residents only. (feel free to attack me now)

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I totally agree that it should be kept to legal residents only, and under a very watchfull eye of the CO's. But, this season should not coincide with any other deer seasons in the state. For the simple reason that if you want to hunt/trap a wolf do it for just that, and not by accident. I would love the chance to actively pursue a timber puppy with traps myself as this would be the catch of a life time.

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Yes I feel that it should be legal residents only too. But I think there would be a lot of negative press on it if a season would be integrated. Howevre I heard that people want a season in the rockies somewhere. It is hard to tell if there is a sustainable herd that is able to take hunting though. My reasoning on this is that one person could see a pack on monday and on wednesday this person could talk to another person that lives 5 miles down the road and say, "Yeah I saw a bunch of wolves too man theres a lot around!" in reality it could be the same pack covering their normal territory. I feel that the wolf population will not get much higher due to packs hitting eachother fighting for food and there are only so much resources. The wolves will not become like the deer herd has (look at Isle Royal). But I agree that the wolf population needs to be in check. I believe that wolves are still afraid of us though considering my dad shot two deer on the second saturday in deer season about .25 miles apart and one gutpile was gone completely and the other where my dad forgot to pick up his gutting gloves has not been touched at all 2 weeks later. As for now the wolf population is at the mercy of the DNR and the biologist thats know a lot more about the wolves in Minnesota than you or I know. ( they keep a lot of info hidden from us) This thread could get out of hand so I'll leave this as is.

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Resident only hunt with a landowner preference - or amount of lottery permits given to residents.

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They could do it like ND does with Mountain Lion and have a season that ends after a quota was made. I understand the people that want a special season or trapping only, but since I don't trap and live to far away to run a trap line for them if I did, I would like to be able to harvest one even if it was by chance while deer hunting. I have no idea how one would attempt to harvest one besides trapping them except for dump luck. Unless they would come to bait like a bear.

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Wolves will come to roadkill in all seasons, and especially during cold spells in winter are not especially wary of human smell on the carcasses. Baiting for bear hunting is unpopular with many in the United States, but that controversy has more or less leveled off, at least in Minnesota, with animal rights groups and bear hunters only taking occasional shots at each other.

If a wolf hunting season was established, there'll be pretty fair amount of protest among Minnesotans. If baiting is allowed, I'd expect that debate to get ugly in a hurry and stay that way for a long time.

I would never apply for a tag to shoot a wolf. At least I can't see myself doing that. But hunting/trapping is one viable form of population control, and I expect if there's a lotto system put into place there will be a ton of responsible hunters looking to harvest an animal that's been a big part of the romance of the North Country.

Considering how many people sitting in their deer stands see wolves, that might actually be an appropriate time for a season. I doubt we're talking very many wolf tags here in the first place, nor would it surprise me to see a hunting/trapping season, if one is even put into effect, that is three-zoned. In other words, all wolves in a northeastern core zone are protected with transition zone wolves and farmland wolves being open.

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Brassman: The last sentence of your post " they keep a lot of information from us (DNR) is interesting." Why would they do that? Any suggestions on what type of confused.gifinformation that might be?

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they keep a lot of information from us


Unlike the non profit ORGS the state DNR has been very informative when asked..

Most detailed food source and year condition intell on bears has come out of Grand rapids.Unlike hearing a line of rehearsed bull on a buss ride or tour.

If you ask for last years intell the public information act provides you with that right so apply it..

Actually one of the worst trouble spots is in the NE sector..

Just ask what was paid out "last year for removal" and you will see. Dont forget "THEY WORK FOR YOU".

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When I say they keep info from us is that I have asked if they have planted turkeys in pine or carlton counties yet they deny it. I have numerous reporting of turkeys all over around my cabin in northern carlton county but I cannot believe they made it this far north on their own. also when asked about Mountain lions, they will kind of skirt the question of where exactly the mountain lion has been seen more than once, especially dens ( I can see the protection of the den site but the nearest town wouldn't hurt) I'm not saying most of the info they gather is kept from us just some things that they feel we don't need to know. things are kept hush hush.

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I'm not saying most of the info they gather is kept from us just some things that they feel we don't need to know. things are kept hush hush


Well you are talking about govenment here, and thats what they do best! smirk.gif

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I'll go out on a limb.

If the DNR said they didn't release turkeys in Pine or Carlton Counties I bet they didn't. Just like other areas of the state, I'll bet some yeahoo bought some wild turkey chicks and did the job himself. And the DNR isn't very happy about it either. Bad genes, disease, stupid idea. What makes you think the DNR did?

And if they can't tell you about multiple cougar sightings, maybe there haven't been any/many? I certainly hope they won't point anybody to a den sight. But doubt they know about any.

Craig

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brass, just because you think the DNR planted turkeys doesn't mean they did it. It sounds like you'd already decided it must have been them before you asked them.

And in their position I wouldn't start chatting with any Tom, Dick and Harry over the phone about where the largest concentration of mountain lion sightings have been. How could they know who Tom, Dick or Harry is, or why T,D and H wanted the info?

I've dealt with the DNR for quite a few years as a reporter and have known some of those folks pretty well. I doubt very much there are black helicopters circling here.

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Well this is a very interesting thread...

STF Its not their postion to choose just who they give it to or why they are being asked ..

Hummmmmm being a reporter 1 would have thought you of all people would be the first to encourage and assist the public in gaining the truth..

Brass I would ask the wild turkey federation what their relocation numbers are and where.. You "might find" they work with the state and record #'s.

Govt is Govt you either get lead/intimidated or you "politely" continue. Dont ask for answers get statistics 1 year is the limitation on information...

Considering that Idaho already posted proposed license prices and included outastaters in that i wouldnt think our state would be much different .. After all isnt the commercialization of a areas wildlife a economical interest? seems to me thats what we did to the bears with the pay per view zoos..

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Well this is a very interesting thread...

STF Its not their postion to choose just who they give it to or why they are being asked ..

Hummmmmm being a X reporter would have thought you of all people would be the first to encourage and assist the public ..


Muthagoose:

I do encourage public access to public info. Always have. You're reading things into my post I did not intend to convey, and I sincerely hope you're not just trying to score points.

If the DNR conducts and produces a study on cougar sightings, that is indeed information, and in fact public information. And if they have stocked wild turkeys, that's also public information.

But, some questions. What legally constitutes information? If the DNR gets reports from a few citizens of cougar sightings, is that really "information?" I don't know. Could simply be heresay from people uneducated in the ID of bigger cats. Is the DNR legally (or ethically) compelled to pass on what it might simply consider rumors from sources that are not known to be reliable? MIght it not actually be irresponsible to pass on such stories to the public, being unsure of their accuracy?

When does what the DNR hears become information and not just what they hear? I'm not splitting hairs. When you're talking public information and the legal system or FOIA, distinctions like this become important. The DNR, like any public agency subject to FOIA and open meetings/records laws, must constantly make decisions about what they should or should not talk about to Tom, Dick or Harry.

The question brassman raised about the DNR keeping back information is a very broad one open to a host of different interpretations.

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I dont need to "score points"

Quote:

And in their position I wouldn't start chatting with any Tom, Dick and Harry over the phone about where the largest concentration of mountain lion sightings have been. How could they know who Tom, Dick or Harry is, or why T,D and H wanted the info?


Well that is exactly why...ITS not up to the employee of the state to decides who should get information only that that proved accurate information..If a reporting was investigated then its a statistic.. This means We as a state have paid money to find out and should be provided such information...

I guess your response kind got me a little.. Hummmmm

As for Brass. yes but like I posted no Org can bring new into the state without clearing prior and so the state would have record...

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Yes, I do see where you're going.

But, still working off brassman's post, which started this tangent, if a DNR predator specialist takes calls from a couple citizens reporting mountain lion sightings, at what point do those "reports" become public info? The person has spent taxpayer dollars just answering the phone and taking the reports. At what point is it "investigating?"

So where I'm going is that there are fine lines, and that those lines need to be evaluated by the people who may or may not cross them. Their decisions are, because those folks are public employees, ours to judge. But in judging them, shouldn't we consider these things carefully? I think so.

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Only in national security,crimes being investigated and personal/civil issue....

I dont think this is a matter involving of any of them....

If you feel that way well your entitled..

However we are talking about a animal statistic that "our" DNR should provide as public knowledge after no more than one year....

I agree we as a public should judge them and keep them ""Honest"", Seems to me the GOVTs PR damage control/ sensorship is how we are lead to believe what is good for us??

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Well, I'm not making my point clearly enough. Sorry about that.

I understand the exceptions to the FOIA that you mentioned. I've been trying to make it clear that there must be some point at which things go from simple phone calls reporting things to actual information.

Once it's reached the point of being information, it should be shared with the public, no questions asked, unless one of those exceptions you mentioned apply.

The point at which things turn from rumor or phone calls into actual information most often is when a written report or study is produced. Not always, but mostly. Those reports/studies are public info unless the aforementioned exceptions apply. But while those reports are being investigated, are details of the investigation itself public?

I don't think so.

Anyway, sorry everyone for helping keep this thread off its original topic.

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Couple of ?s/thoughts the first will remain slightly off topic and the second back on.

Goose - I am just curious as to why you feel that the DNR is trying to withhold info and otherwise somehow deny the public their "right to know" every little thing that they deal with day to day. The biologists working in offices all over this state are not politicians, and they are not trying to hide any information for any reason, why would they? They are intellegent biologists working to better conserve the resources we all enjoy. Really go talk to some of them without being confrontational and see how helpful and knowledgable they are, keeping in mind that pr is not there #1 job qualifacation and shouldn't have to be. They implement managment strategies based on sound research, errors are sometimes made, but management strategies are promptly altered to protect these populations. I remember my grandpa talking about how the DNR was against us, and how they didn't know what they were doing...but I though people understood this agency of hard working professionals better now! Of course the only reason he was mad was that he couldn't keep 125 Northern Pike, like when he was a kid.

My other question is one of curiosity of why people are interested in hunting timber wolves, which were only recently taken off the endangered list? Is this mainly an issue of people wanting to control what they view as a problem predator? Or just the thought of hunting something rare and once endangered? That is the reason they were endangered in the first place, hunting due to thought of threat. I'm just curious as to reasoning, I would guess that nobody will be eating them, so just wondering why you want to kill them.

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For the question why people want to kill them, I will take a stab at that one.

The wolves are entering the civilized areas, killing farm animals, many cows, dogs, chickens. Coming into farm yards, not being afraid of humans. In some areas the populations are getting out of control. When there are a large amount of wolves in one area, they can sure put a hurt on deer really quick! Then when the deer #s drop they move on, or torment farmers, killing their livestock. I dont think the dnr will allow an all out killing like there was in the early 1900's, but they will allow the herd to be thinned some, in certain areas.

I for one would love to have a nice wolf hide on my wall, and if there ever is a lottery, I will apply, I have an aunt that gets nuisance wolves in her yard several times a year, she looses alot of cattle every year from them. Mostly fresh calves, but have taken down full sized cows also! I for one have an empty spot on my wall for a hide!

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I totally understand their position yet I wont allow anyone to buffalo me or sluff off on their obligations to the public. Just because they may speak latin does not make them right always, many College educated people work at McDonalds..

IE look at our states unablity to raise waterfowl funny how the experts have so many reason why yet when you compare the statistics of poor nest % to the fur harvest stats they coincide yet you will never get any state or feds to admit Delta Waterfowls predator control program is whats needed. Only because of political influences they dont implicate this..

I enjoy and respect discussions with others its how we discover. Its common knowledge we have big cats in the state and wolves doing damage.....

Confrontational hum I get all the information I request from the state and have a excellent relationship with many officials all because of mutual respect....

Do you accept a citations even tho you know your right and just pay the fine because its simpler than going to court??.Not me.

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Quote:

What legally constitutes information? If the DNR gets reports from a few citizens of cougar sightings, is that really "information?" I don't know. Could simply be heresay from people uneducated in the ID of bigger cats. Is the DNR legally (or ethically) compelled to pass on what it might simply consider rumors from sources that are not known to be reliable? Might it not actually be irresponsible to pass on such stories to the public, being unsure of their accuracy?

When does what the DNR hears become information and not just what they hear? I'm not splitting hairs. When you're talking public information and the legal system or FOIA, distinctions like this become important. The DNR, like any public agency subject to FOIA and open meetings/records laws, must constantly make decisions about what they should or should not talk about to Tom, Dick or Harry.

The question brassman raised about the DNR keeping back information is a very broad one open to a host of different interpretations.


And what is public? Fisheries Biologist X trap nets 4 state record walleye in lake x. Does it make the cover of the Outdoor News? No. It's public information, but not everything is trumpeted to the public. But, having said that, ask and ye shall receive. That information is available in a lake survey report. Just about any and all collected information, budgets, you name it is information.

Recommendations and studies tend to be hush-hush until they are official. But you can't blame the DNR for that. They have X,000 workers and you can't be talking out of both sides of the mouth (they already get accused of that when they do come to consensus). Eventually recommendations and studies too become public information. Most management decisions and jurisdiction falls into the DNR's mission to conserve and manage the state's natural resources, and anyone can challenge those decision in a court of law.

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This is an interesting topic.....in response to 4 wandering eyes.....several thoughts on wolves, human perception, and learning from the past. For one thing I would venture to guess that many folks can't even tell a coyote from a grey wolf(timber wolf) and they hear something howling and its automatically a wolf. Imagine that in a society where people tell there kids the story of the BIG BAD wolf. People fear wolves plain and simple, and they shouldn't, they should however respect them as any wildlife especially large carnivorous types. Much like sharks and others that strike fear into the hearts of people these animals are beautiful and cause very little harm in most cases. I have done some pretty extensive research on t wolves and the reintroduction out West(yellowstone area) this whole wolf thing that people are just starting to pick up on here has been going on out West for much longer and ranchers surround the area, with cattle, sheep, and other vulneable livestock. After researching many resources I found that even the USDA (an organization who is surely for the rancher, and probably hates the reintro of wolves) said wolves were one of the smallest causes of livestock death out there, even more sheep died on their back then were killed by wolves. Coyotes however were shown to cause many more of these killings and have even been known to chase down wolves, which are bigger. There are such things as problem animals....the lone wolf....most people have heard of them, most don't understand why they are dangerous. A wolf that is somehow "loned" or otherwise removed, seperated from the pack is a mean vicious animal. Why, cause it has to be. Wolves are normally pack hunters and have much more difficulty cornering and catching prey. These animals are often skinny and knarly looking because it is very very tough for them to survive. This kind of an animal is a threat to livestock and humans, all it can think about is eating all the time, due to the difficulty it has hunting. Also the whole deer thing....I love deer hunting as much as the guy who goes out and persues the majestic whitetail deer. I doubt very much that all the deer are getting eaten up by wolves, this is just an easy thing to say. Numbers of t wolves are climbing yes,...I should say recovering and they will not get out of control, nature is too good to let this happen, only us humans are capable of throwing nature way way off. Wolves will reach a certain level and the population will stablize as with all animals, just like coyotes. Other animal populations will respond accordingly, like having more offspring, renesting, etc.... There will always be cycles of good year classes of animals, and varying mortality based on predation, harsh winter, food availablility and so on. Poplations only ever are exterminated or severely deminished due to us, humans. Depending on who you talk to some people have said they have seen deminishing deer numbers in recent years, some have remained stable this will happen. Our party saw and shot more then ever, higher then average anyway opening day. On the way out there one of the guys said "hey, if you see a timber wolf...shoot it they are bad animals and destroying the herd", this is the most asinine comment I have ever heard, and illegal. Nobody ever stops to think that.....we have had a string of the mildest winters in a long time in the midwest, deer numbers have been great, we have gotten spoiled by that, limits have been set high, even with rifle early antlerless tags. A LOT of deer have been shot over the last few years, and population estimates on deer are believe it or not much harder to conduct acurately then those on say walleye. Everybody thought (wrongly mind you) in the early 1900s that all predatory animals were bad and efforts were made to restore them by some of the most intellegent woodsman/ecologists of recent times, now people view them as a threat again........at least the ones who haven't done their research. And everyone who thinks they are helping control the predator populations by shooting coyotes/trapping.....news is its not controlling them its called compensatory mortality and basically any time one thing is diminished it allows itself to come back just as strong. For instance shoot yotes food supply goes up for other yotes, competition between yotes is also lessened, more pups will be born and have more resources to survive(I'm not against hunting or trapping just to clarify, just pointing out misconception...). Its how nature works, it's a cycle, at Red lake(URL)crappies are plentiful for a number of years and its slowly turning over to walleye. It happens everywhere.

and Goose....

no I would not pay the fine if I knew I was right and did not break the law, and I like your fire to not cave in your beliefs to others, that is important. There is however another thing that is important, and that is not having preconcieved notions of how things are, and to always research and find out that things really are that way and not just because we think they are. Speaking latin and going to college have nothing to do with being a good biologist, having a passion for it and learning what is truely needed to manage resources(which college guides, but does not grant). I'm really quite glad you bring up waterfowl as an issue, it is a highly misunderstood one. I will leave Delta and other agencies out of this and focus on the facts, but briefly discuss predator control. If you read the above part discussing compensatory mortality here it rings true again, see it applies to all wildlife situations and is a basic ecological principal. Firstly you kill off a bunch off skunks, coons, etc.... the population will bounce right back, it's simply not a solution. Predator control in other aspects such as electric fences surrounding nesting areas are VERY EXPENSIVE use energy and lots of it, and still do not work in practice like they do in theory. I have seen some abandoned and not functional. Might I suggest something much more fundamental and necessary to any animals survival....habitat, this always gets overlooked cause no body wants to give up good land to wildlife, but when the wildlife is gone then they start talking. I wish I had some exact or at least close stats about wetland and habitat loss in MN, it is stagering. The birds don't have the natural habitat they need to survive in large populations, all of there habitat is gone or so fragmented that they are not as successful at nesting and chosing good places to live. So here is many hundreds of acres of farmland and a little patch for fowl...a wetland and some grassland for nesting. Where to you think every skunk, coon, and fox is at feeding time. Sure as heck not in the 500 acres of adjacent corn, they are planning the nest ambush on this little square of fowl habitat, and we have made it real easy for them. Natural large unbroken stretches of habitat is what any animal needs to survive well. I'll finish with a response to this quote, I'm sure this is getting long.

"I enjoy and respect discussions with others its how we discover. Its common knowledge we have big cats in the state and wolves doing damage..... "

It is also maybe not so common knowledge that we have big humans in the state doing damage.....Simply said whether you are into watching, photographing, shooting or otherwise enjoying wildlife we need to look more closely at what the animals need to support healthy large populations of impressively beautiful and muture animals. We are starting to now look at what we are doing to the envirnment now only because everyone is scared of global warming(climate change) and need for energy to support our lifestyles. We have been killing species off for years and not thinking twice about it. Just some food for thought, none of this was directed at any one person just comments provided.

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Yellowstone hmmmm

livintofish when you did your research about the reintroduction of wolves out there, what did you find out about the impact to the elk heard? I know a former ADFG (alaska departement of fish and game) bio who is currently working down there.

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Good points fish..

But open nest squares the main problem is when the Biologist drag a chain between 2 wheelers to locate the nest and then put a human scented flag on a pole marking them.... I asked the manager to join me one evening after they did their research and ya know what those friendly Yotes followed the trails and went right to each nest. Unlike deltas policy waiting to see the hatch result swimming DU and the feds think this is good. I dont.JMO

When I asked manager Ron Cole about the program future he replied that due to the sensitive nature of the "Bird watchers ect" the program was being dropped..Now they use the $ donated to the Bigstone office from DU to by cone flower projects ect or as I was informed as the manager see's fit. Nice how a developed waterfowl refuge is only a way stop. However they continue to build "Pools" and advertise them as new nesting areas. More like coon buffets...

Considering all the points made about animal learning capabilities You would think they would consider this.

So you've done a little time doing research and may not be a looking glass observer on wolves I respect that.Its all to easy to stack opinions into fact.Most havent had their hands on a wolf or been closer than the glass at the wolf center in their life.

I had the oportunity to travel trapping for the feds even got in on the discussion of how to deal with those tattooed wolves in YS.. It was to be a covert op.. So did they ever go on it? .. The clock and $ were not there for me.. I had a guiding and rehab outfit to run

As for big humans doing damage your darn right..We make more people but we cant make more nature. Its almost a shame the way lakes have grown yet its a needed development tax base.No one ever thinks of the effect on nature when the plop a house and develop the yard just who/what they have just squeezed out...

As for wolves eating all the deer never happen they "learn " to hit easier food sources. The opportunist in them its what gets them into trouble on live stock.

Yotes killing wolves..Yup I believe it considering the possibilities of hybrids and as you stated old and loners. Im glad you brought that up seeing some think preds dont hunt preds.. But isnt that natures call?

Global warming is a problem that is going to get worse. Considering the Pica a small part of "a" chain it's loosing ground fast as well. When you see countries planting flags on ocean floor its not good..

Like you fish I base my knowledge on field time 25 years of self employed observations. Its been a good life being in the field nearly every day, well till as of lately now I teach a few months of the year for toy money...

I find the comments of those who are in the field interesting.

I feel for those who see it only on the weekend with the passion as we do its a sin. I remember what it used to be like to look out a window and wish.. If given the time most would be out there every day and have a clearer vision...

I never take rebuttal comments personal and enjoy the discussion however its getting long winded. Its all to easy to type those little words in reply.

I apologize for my contribution,being raised under the creed better to die with honor than to surrender in shame is how the fire stays lit in my cave.

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Some excellent points by muthagoose and others.

And since people who spend time in the field with wild wolves (especially long term) are a tiny, tiny percentage of the public, it's especially important those with long experience talk about what they've seen and offer their interpretations of those observations.

Equally as important that the vast, vast majority of people who have never seen a wild wolf or been close to them listen to those observations, if not necessarily to the opinions that accompany them.

It will be, after all, that huge majority that has the most pull when it comes time for the Minnesota Legislature to approve or not approve a wolf trapping/hunting season.

As for experience, people who look upon wolves from afar (TV, movies, books, newspapers, occasional trip to IWC), probably would believe my 4-5 years hard work in the woods around Ely trying to get close to wolves (and only occasionally succeeding) has some value as field experience. Those who have been in close contact with wolves for decades probably wouldn't see much value in it. It has been my great pleasure and challenge these last years to put all that reading about wolves to the test out in the woods. Can't say I've necessarily learned a lot yet, but it's been fun. grin.gif

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      With the early ice out, how is the curlyleaf pondweed doing?
    • LakeofthewoodsMN
      On the south end...   The big basin, otherwise known as Big Traverse Bay, is ice free.  Zippel Bay and Four Mile Bay are ice free as well.  Everything is shaping up nicely for the MN Fishing Opener on May 11th. With the walleye / sauger season currently closed, most anglers are targeting sturgeon and pike.  Some sturgeon anglers are fishing at the mouth of the Rainy River, but most sturgeon are targeted in Four Mile Bay or the Rainy River.  Hence, pike are the targeted species on the south shore and various bays currently.   Pike fishing this time of year is a unique opportunity, as LOW is border water with Canada, the pike season is open year round. The limit is 3 pike per day with one being able to be more than 40 inches. All fish 30 - 40 inches must be released. Back bays hold pike as they go through the various stages of the spawn.  Deadbait under a bobber, spinners, spoons and shallow diving crankbaits are all viable options.   Four Mile Bay, Bostic Bay and Zippel Bay are all small water and boats of various sizes work well. On the Rainy River...  Great news this week as we learned sturgeon will not be placed on the endangered species list by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.     The organization had to make a decision by June 30 and listing sturgeon could have ended sturgeon fishing.  Thankfully, after looking at the many success stories across the nation, including LOW and the Rainy River, sturgeon fishing and successful sturgeon management continues.   A good week sturgeon fishing on the Rainy River.  Speaking to some sturgeon aficionados, fishing will actually get even better as water temps rise.     Four Mile Bay at the mouth of the Rainy River near the Wheeler's Point Boat Ramp is still producing good numbers of fish, as are various holes along the 42 miles of navigable Rainy River from the mouth to Birchdale.   The sturgeon season continues through May 15th and resumes again July 1st.   Oct 1 - April 23, Catch and Release April 24 - May 7, Harvest Season May 8 - May 15, Catch and Release May 16 - June 30, Sturgeon Fishing Closed July 1 - Sep 30, Harvest Season If you fish during the sturgeon harvest season and you want to keep a sturgeon, you must purchase a sturgeon tag for $5 prior to fishing.    One sturgeon per calendar year (45 - 50" inclusive, or over 75"). Most sturgeon anglers are either a glob of crawlers or a combo of crawlers and frozen emerald shiners on a sturgeon rig, which is an 18" leader with a 4/0 circle hook combined with a no roll sinker.  Local bait shops have all of the gear and bait. Up at the NW Angle...  A few spots with rotten ice, but as a rule, most of the Angle is showing off open water.  In these parts, most are looking ahead to the MN Fishing Opener.  Based on late ice fishing success, it should be a good one.  
    • leech~~
      Nice fish. I moved to the Sartell area last summer and just thought it was windy like this everyday up here? 🤭
    • Rick G
      Crazy windy again today.... This is has been the norm this spring. Between the wind and the cold fronts, fishing has been more challenging for me than most years.  Panfish have been moving in and out of the shallows quite a bit. One day they are up in the slop, the next they are out relating to cabbage or the newly sprouting lilly pads.  Today eye guy and I found them in 4-5 ft of water, hanging close to any tree branches that happened to be laying in the water.  Bigger fish were liking a 1/32 head and a Bobby Garland baby shad.   Highlight of the day way this healthy 15incher
    • monstermoose78
    • monstermoose78
      As I typed that here came a hen.  IMG_7032.mov   IMG_7032.mov
    • monstermoose78
      So far this morning nothing but non turkeys. 
    • monstermoose78
      Well yesterday I got a little excited and let a turkey get to close and I hit the blind!!
    • smurfy
      good......you?? living the dream..in my basement playing internet thug right now!!!!!! 🤣 working on getting the boat ready.......bought a new cheatmaster locator for the boat so working on that.   waiting for warmer weather to start my garden!!!
    • monstermoose78
      How is everyone doing? Holy moly it’s chilly this morning I stayed in bed and will hunt later today when it warms up.
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