Saturday, 5.19.12 ON THE WEB: www.yankton.net 10 outdoors PRESS DAKOTAN SPORTS DEPARTMENT: [email protected] Briefs: Boating OF THE OUTDOORS | GARY HOWEY S.D. Birding Class June 2 Festival This In Yankton Great Fishing On The A six-hour boating class will be Weekend held Saturday June 2, starting at 9 a.m. sharp at All Seasons Power FORT RANDALL — The second Sports, located at 3609 West High- annual Birding Fes- way 52, Yankton. Mighty tival will be held today (Saturday) There will be an hour lunch and Sunday at Fort Randall. This break at noon, so bring a sack BY GARY HOWEY festival is for both novice and ex- lunch or lunch money. The class Hartington, Neb. pert bird watchers. will finish up at about 4 p.m. with Two National Wildlife Refuges the final test. Since the flood of 2011, the fishing on South and a South Dakota Wildlife Pro- All boat or jet ski operators Dakota Great Lakes, the Missouri River has duction Area will be featured with born after Dec. 31, 1985, in Ne- been phenomenal as anglers fishing for field trips to all three. The area is braska must complete this walleyes; bass and other species are reporting unique in that these three excel- course, pass the test and have a excellent numbers and quality. lent birding areas are in close valid boating certificate in his or Wit the high water last year and all of the proximity to each other. The Lake her possession when operating water blowing through the dams, good num- Andes Refuge borders the 4,616- any boat or jet ski. bers of both bait and prey fish were introduced acre Lake Andes Lake north of the All boaters over the age of 14 into the rivers and lakes below the dams. Missouri River and is only 10 from any state are welcome to Locals in our area have been doing well on miles from the Karl E. Mundt Na- take the class which could save a Francis Case all the way tional Wildlife Refuge located on life, prevent a boating accident, down to Gavins Point Dam the Missouri River. or possibly get you a reduction in at Yankton. Those anglers SATURDAY: May 19 will begin your boat insurance premium. jigging and trolling at the Lake Andes National To register for this crankbaits are doing ex- Wildlife Refuge with a bird band- Boating Skills and Safety course, ceptionally well. ing workshop. Continuing during call Holly at All Seasons Power A couple of weeks ago, the day will be birding field trips, Sports at 665-7433. Team Outdoorsmen Ad- Basics of Photography workshop, ventures member Larry Myhre and I decided to a program on Owls of South GFP Commission Proposes venture farther north to Dakota and an Owling Field Trip. Furbearer Changes see if the anglers fishing SUNDAY: Action will begin with CUSTER STATE PARK — The Game, Fish on Lake Sharpe and Lake a Bird Banding Workshop at the and Parks Commission is proposing a muskrat Oahe were experiencing Gary Lake Andes National Wildlife hunting season and expansion of hunt- similar results. Refuge at followed by a Birding ing and trapping to portions of eastern South We contacted good HOWEY Field Trip at the Karl Mundt Na- Dakota. friend Kent Hutcheson tional Wildlife Refuge . The Karl The muskrat hunting season was recom- Mundt Refuge is not open to the mended as part of a new state law passed by the (www.fishinghutch.com) 2012 South Dakota Legislature. The law requires or “Hutch” as he’s known to his friends and public except at this time which that the Game, Fish and Parks Commission pro- clients, who graciously agreed to spend a cou- is an added bonus for festival at- pose rules to specify hunting seasons, hunting ple of days on the water with us in the Pierre tendees. units, and other restrictions for the hunting or tak- area. For an event schedule and reg- ing of muskrats necessary for the proper man- Larry and I met Hutch and two of his fishing istration form, go to www.sdgreat- agement of wildlife and to address damage buddies from Ida Grove, after lunch at the caused by muskrats to roads and other infra- lakes.org/greatoutdoors/birdingin West Bend boat launch, down river from Pierre fo. Or call the Wagner Chamber of structure, as well as private property. on Lake Sharpe. Under the proposal, the muskrat shooting Commerce at 605-384-3741. season would run from April 1 through Aug. 31 Like on much of the Missouri River, the statewide. Nontoxic shot would be required for spawn was pretty much over, but there were LARRY MYHRE PHOTO shotguns. Only landowners or lessees on land still plenty of fish in the staging areas to be Guide Kent Hutcheson, of Pierre, is pictured with one of the walleyes taken on a recent Pierre they own or operate and state, county or town- caught. fishing trip with columnist Gary Howey. ship highway officials could shoot muskrats We’d be fishing a submerged island or Neb. Officials: within road rights-of-way. gravel bar where the walleyes were stacked up The proposed expansion of the bobcat sea- worked jigs tipped with minnows. catchable size this year. A far as the gizzard during the spawn. Our plan of attack would be As in the day before, the majority of the fish shad go, in 2011 their reproduction was be- Leave Wildlife son would allow a limited season in certain coun- to vertical jig or pitch light 1/8th ounce jigs up ties east of the Missouri River, with a limit of one were the 17 to 18” males as the females had lieved to be low because of the cool water, but, bobcat per hunter or trapper. For 2012, that into the shallow water working them back on completed their part of the spawn and had there should be no shortage of prey fish be- would include the counties of Brule, Buffalo, out to the boat. Hutch and Larry were using jigs moved off into the deeper water. cause of all the rainbow smelt that came Babies Alone Charles Mix, Bon Homme and Yankton. Season tipped with minnows, since I’d had such good All of the fish we took on this trip, in both through the dam from Lake Oahe. luck with the pearl white 3” Gulp minnow, I LINCOLN, Neb. — It is natural dates would be Dec. 8-30. Lake Sharpe and Lake Oahe were in really good Anglers can expect to find good salmon fish- for some people who see a young threw it, catching as many if not more than the shape, fat and healthy. ing on Lake Sharpe as the water coming jigs tipped with live minnows. wild animal apparently abandoned Three Flood-Damaged With all the water going through the dams, through the Oahe Dam brought with it good by its mother to want to rescue it. Later, Larry switched to his old favorite, the there was some concern about the flood impact numbers of salmon which will now be roaming Parks To Re-Open 4” ringworm on a jig, which took several nice The correct course of action is to PIERRE — State recreation areas damaged on the fish populations, I’m here to tell you, if the waters of the lake. leave it alone. fish when cast and slowly retrieved along the the fishing we’ve had on Lewis & Clark, lake On Lake Francis Case the walleye numbers in last summer’s flood will open in time for Me- bottom. Here are some rules of thumb morial Day weekend. Sharpe and Lake Oahe, unless we have a major should be very similar to last years, when there from the Nebraska Game and Parks Farm Island Recreation Area, has been re- All of the fish we were catching were the ag- disaster, it doesn’t look like we’re going to need was some of the best fishing on the lake that I gressive males, the ones you want to catch and Commission: paired and the park’s main campground is set to to worry about a thing. can remember, this along with aback-to-back — A lone fawn, or other young open on May 24. keep this time of the year, as the larger females, Recent reports from the South Dakota strong years of walleye production should help the spawners had moved into deeper water. bird or mammal, may appear to be At Oahe Downstream Recreation Area near Game, Fish & Parks indicate the walleye popula- keep to assure a good walleye population. abandoned or injured, but the Fort Pierre, Campground 3 will open for the year The smaller males will hang around the spawn- tion in Lake Oahe is at the second highest level The fishing below Ft. Randall Dam on down starting May 18, but campers should be aware of ing areas just in case a female, which hadn’t mother frequently is off feeding or the ongoing shoreline repair taking place in the since 1985 and their prey species, rainbow stream has also been excellent with excellent drinking. Do not move it. The spawned, came cruising by. smelt and gizzard shad should be in pretty walleyes and smallmouth being caught. area. Campground 2 will be ready for campers for The bite was almost non-stop with the ma- longer the fawn is separated from a 4 p.m. arrival on Friday, May 25. Campground 1 good shape. In 2011, the rainbow smelt repro- Now’s the time to get out and do some fish- its mother, the slimmer the chance jority of the fish we took in the 15 to 17” range, duction was the highest in 11 years. With the ing as the bite has been strong and should con- has been open since mid-April. just the right eating size, making for some ex- that it will be reunited with her. In All campsites at North Point Recreation Area majority of the smelt lost through the dam were tinue throughout the season. some cases, an orphaned fawn will near Pickstown will be open with full facilities on cellent eating after a day on the water. young fish. The gizzard shad population should More information on the great outdoor op- On day two, we decided to head north to be adopted by other deer. May 18. be in good shape as the mild winters we’ve portunities on the Great Lakes of South Dakota — It is normal for a doe to leave “Park staff have been working hard,” said Doug the big lake, Lake Oahe to fish the Cheyenne been having have helped to increase winter sur- can be found at www.sdgreatlakes.org. Hofer, direct of S.D. state parks. “We didn’t expect River arm, hoping to get a few larger fish. its fawn to keep it from being de- vival and the stockings of pre-spawn adult shad tected by predators. The doe can to have these campgrounds open until June. The We trailered to the far end of the arm to the this spring will add to the population. This warm spring helped considerably, but I can’t say Miniconjou ramp where we launched and Gary Howey, Hartington, Neb., is the Presi- be seen by predators as it feeds, so enough of the efforts from our employees.” along with stocking being done by the Game, dent of Outdoorsmen Productions, pro- she leaves the fawn hidden and headed out to check out a few of the many Fish and Parks we should have good numbers Reservations can be made for Memorial Day points found in the area. ducer/ host of the Outdoorsmen Adventures leaves the area to draw attention weekend at Farm Island and Oahe Downstream of prey fish. television series and the co-host of Outdoor away from the fawn’s location. Campground 2 starting Wednesday, May 16 at As on the day before, we’d be pitching light On Lake Sharpe, indication are that there is jigs up shallow and working them back to the Adventures radio. Check him out on Face- — Most wildlife babies are pro- 7 a.m. CT. Reserve online at www.campsd.com a large 2 year age class of fish in the lake and book and on the web at www.outdoorsme- tected by state or federal law and it or by calling 1.800.710.2267. boat. I stuck with my 1/8th ounce jig tipped the high number of three-year old fish will be a with the Gulp minnow while Larry and Hutch nadventures.com. is illegal to possess them. Parks Asking For Input On Recreation In South Dakota TROPHY SPOTLIGHT PIERRE — The South Dakota Division of Wiebe Complex Dedication Today Parks and Recreation is asking residents for their opinions about issues facing outdoor recreation , Neb. — Conservation sion’s mission of perpetuating in the state. Officer Eric Wiebe was well- the heritage of hunting and Public input is a valuable part of the planning LEFT: Mel known within the Nebraska Game shooting sports. The completed process that brings recreational facilities and services to South Dakota communities. Rempfer, left, and and Parks Commission and Eric Wiebe Shooting Complex fea- “This survey shows us where the greatest grandson Bran- Ponca region for his dedication tures all-weather ranges for pellet need for recreational facilities is,” said Al Nedved, don caught this to Hunter Education, mentored gun, archery, muzzle-loader, .22 assistant director of the Parks and Recreation Di- largemouth bass youth hunts and shooting sports. rifle, shotgun, and slingshot. This vision. “We ask everyone to fill out this survey, at Lake Yankton In January, 2007, the Board of project includes a memorial en- even those who aren’t avid outdoorsmen.” on May 5. (Sub- Commissioners of the Nebraska trance and paved roadway. The survey asks questions about perceptions mitted Photo) of outdoor recreation in South Dakota and pro- Game and Parks Commission The Dedication Ceremony will passed the following resolution: take place at Ponca State Park vides the “big picture” of outdoor recreational RIGHT: Lisa Run- needs. Public input gathered from the survey will The Eric Wiebe Memorial today (Saturday) at 11:00 a.m. at be incorporated in the development of the South yon caught these Shooting Complex at Ponca State the entrance of the shooting Dakota Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor walleye and Park will help achieve many of complex. Following the event, the Recreation Plan (SCORP). perch at Lake the objectives of this RDR plan park will host free public shoot- Local grant programs, such as the Land and Yankton. (Captain Water Conservation Fund, use SCORP to deter- Norm’s) and will greatly enhance the Ne- ing from 1:30-4:30 p.m. The public mine priorities for outdoor recreational develop- braska Game and Parks Commis- is invited to attend this event. ment in South Dakota. The 10-minute survey can be found online at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2012SDOut- doorRecSurvey www.yankton.net

605-665-5700 Toll Free: 1-800-529-2450 Addicted to Memorial Day Deadlines The Yankton Daily Press & Dakotan will be closed Pain Meds? Monday, May 28th, for the Memorial Day holiday. Ceramic Kamado The following deadlines will apply: Out On The Town — Wednesday, May 23 Charcoal Grill Siouxland Treatment Center Tuesday, May 29 newspaper – 5 p.m., Wednesday, May 23 Wednesday, May 30 newspaper – 5 p.m., Thursday, May 24 Grill • Bake • Steam • Smoke Call 712-274-1111 Thursday, May 31 newspaper – 5 p.m., Friday, May 25 There will be no newspaper on Monday, May 28, 2012. Now Hillcrest Center Y ANKTON D AILY Available at... A PPLIANCE 2520 Glenn Ave, Sioux City, IA P RESS &D AKOTAN 920 Broadway Yankton, SD • 665-9461 • 1-800-491-9461 methadonetreatmentcenter.com 319 Walnut, Yankton, SD • www.yankton.net • 605-665-7811 • 1-800-743-2968