Department of Natural Resources Supports Governor's No Way Day

Salt Lake City, Utah -- The Utah Department of Natural Resources is officially supporting "No Way Day" as declared by Governor Jon M. Huntsman, Jr., today. The declaration opposes efforts by Private Fuel Storage to allow the transportation and storage of highly toxic nuclear fuel rods on the Skull Valley Goshute Reservation in Utah's west desert.

"The proposal to store high level nuclear waste in Utah is contrary to DNR's efforts to effectively sustain and enhance the quality of life in Utah," said DNR Executive Director Mike Styler. "The transportation and storage plan could negatively impact almost all of our seven divisions."

The Federal Bureau of Land Management is receiving public comment on the matter through May 8, 2006. Letters should be sent to: Pam Schuller, US BLM, 2370 South 2300 West, Salt Lake City, Utah, 84119. Or email to: pam_schuller@blm.gov .

KIDS' FISHING EVENT NEAR HUNTINGTON

PRICE, UTAH-On Saturday, May 6, 2006, the Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) will once again sponsor its annual Kids' Fishing Event at the Huntington Game Farm Pond north of Huntington, Utah. The event is free. A fishing license is not required for anglers under 14-years of age. The event begins at 8 a.m. and continues until 2 p.m.

The DWR will stock the pond with trout prior to the event, so that kids can enjoy a lot of fishing fun! The limit is 4 fish in the aggregate for all species. For example: 2 trout, 1 bluegill, and 1 bass. For kids who don't have their own fishing equipment, the DWR will have rods, reels, tackle, and bait available for public use.

Prizes will be given away to children under 14-years old, and will include rods, reels, and fishing line. The Shakespeare Tackle Manufacturing Co. and DWR are co-sponsoring the prize drawing. Each child needs to put his or her name in the fish bowl at the pond for the drawing, which will be held at noon. A child must be present to win.

To get to DWR's Game Farm Pond, drive to the town of Huntington. Turn west on the Huntington Canyon Road and drive about ¼ mile. Turn right on the Huntington North Loop Road (at the baseball diamond). Travel north on the asphalt road for about a mile. When the loop road makes an abrupt turn to the west, get off the paved road and continue to travel north on a dirt farm road, which leads to the Huntington Game Farm. Signs will be up to help direct visitors.

Scofield Fishing Heats Up After Ice-off

Scofield -- Fishing that will keep your kids excited, and you pulling fish out of the water from the comfort of your lawn chair, is about to begin at Scofield Reservoir.

One of Utah's best fishing waters, Scofield Reservoir is less than an hour's drive from Spanish Fork or Price.

The easiest way to reach the reservoir is to travel on US-6 out of Spanish Fork or Price. Turn west off of US-6 at Colton and travel about 10 miles on SR-96 to the reservoir.

Fast Fishing

Fishing at Scofield is usually best just after ice-off. That's when hungry trout, trapped under an ice sheet all winter long, finally gain access to the water's surface and to food.

A fishes' winter metabolism surges in the spring, stimulating a feeding frenzy of sorts. Because insects aren't active until early summer, trout are more easily enticed by offerings from anglers, such as nightcrawlers, salmon eggs and other commercial baits.

From late April until June, the water temperature near the bank remains comfortable enough for trout to school close to shore. It's a great time for lawn chair anglers to compete successfully with anglers who are fishing from boats, float tubes and pontoon boats.

Shoreline angling is especially good for energetic youngsters who get bored easily and need to run around a bit. It's easier to entertain your kids if they're not confined to a boat!

Simple Equipment

In early spring, trout can be caught easily on just about any kind of tackle. A "Barbie" rod and reel tipped with a worm is as sophisticated as an angler needs to get!

Although nightcrawlers are the best all-around fish catchers, you may want some additional insurance. Take along some PowerBait and cheese hooks. It wouldn't hurt to buy a jar of salmon eggs either.

If you prefer artificial lures, the best are the Jake's Spin-A-Lure, Kastmaster and Triple Teaser. The best spring fly pattern for Scofield is a brown or green sparkle leech from size 6 to 10.

Another good spring bait is a dead minnow. Redside shiners can be caught in minnow traps at Scofield and put on a hook. Remember that only dead minnows may be used, however.

Fish In the Morning or Evening

As a general rule, you'll find more success if you fish during the early morning or late evening hours. Trout suffer from a midday slump. When the sun is high, the trout rest. Like many wild animals, trout feed most actively at dawn and dusk.

This is an important point, because if you want to "hook" your kids on fishing, fish only when the bite is fast and frequent. Kids can develop patience elsewhere. Fishing should be non-stop fun!

The "Scofield Special"

Sgt. Stacey Jones, a Division of Wildlife Resources conservation officer who works at Scofield, says many anglers also catch a lot of larger fish using a bait known as the "Scofield Special."

The "Scofield Special" is an egg sack created by using the eggs of a pregnant female trout. Once a pregnant fish is harvested and counted in your daily bag limit, you can remove the eggs and use them as bait.

To create a "Scofield Special," wrap the eggs in a small piece of netting and then attach the netting to your fishing line with the hook buried inside the sack (much like you would use a chunk of PowerBait to conceal a hook).

Jones says it's critical that the egg sack is the size of a marble. Anything larger is a waste and a turnoff for the fish. The natural predatory nature of trout brings them right in. This bait is especially deadly for larger cutthroat trout.

If you're going to use fish eggs as bait, please remember this: YOU MUST KEEP THE FISH YOU HARVEST THE EGGS FROM! It is illegal to "squeeze" a fish for eggs, and then release her. The trout will die.

The only lawful way you may use fish eggs is if you keep and count the fish the eggs are removed from as part of your bag limit.

Use Single Hooks

An unfortunate aspect of spring fishing at Scofield is the high amount of "hook mortality." This happens when anglers catch and release fish using treble hooks. It is very important that fish caught on a treble or barbed hook be kept and counted as part of your bag limit. Barbed hooks increase fish mortality significantly when the fish is caught and released.

When the fishing activity is hot, most anglers want to keep fishing through the day. If you plan on fishing through the day, use single hooks, rather than double- or treble-barbed hooks.

"It's not uncommon to check anglers along the shoreline in the spring and see a dozen or so dead fish floating near the shore," Jones said. "This is a direct result of hook mortality. Fishing is so good that people want to keep at it all day, trying for that 8-pound trout.

"Anglers need to understand that when they throw a barbed hook-caught fish back, it is the same as wasting wildlife. It is very important that anglers either change hook types when fishing with bait or eggs sacks, or keep the first four fish they catch."

Three Kinds of Trout

Scofield Reservoir is populated with rainbow, cutthroat and tiger trout.

The tiger trout were introduced for the first time last fall and should be catchable-sized this summer.

The DWR stocks more than a half million fingerling (3-inch) rainbow trout each year. These tasty fighters are the fisheries' mainstay.

Cutthroat trout reproduce naturally at Scofield. In the spring, cutthroats switch to a spawning mode and swim up the tributaries to deposit and fertilize eggs. Scofield's tributaries include Mud Creek, Fish Creek, Pondtown and Bear Creek.

Please remember that the bag limit is four fish at Scofield, and the tributaries flowing into Scofield Reservoir are closed until the second Saturday in July every year to protect the spawning cutthroat trout.

Take Your Family Fishing

When was the last time you took your family on a fishing trip? For most of us, it's been too long.

A family retreat to a lake, pond or stream is a great way to strengthen family ties and ease tension. We live in a hustle and bustle society. Often times we get so busy that we put off having fun. There are so many obligations that seem to take a higher priority. But time slips away. Kids grow up and leave home.

Give your kids some of childhood's sweetest memories. Take them fishing. And remember, fishing at Scofield in the spring is great!


Too Many Trout Could Be a Problem at Paragonah Reservoir

Paragonah -- Paragonah Reservoir, a 70-acre reservoir in southwestern Utah, has literally turned into a rainbow trout fish factory.

If you want to catch lots of rainbows, or see hundreds of trout spawn in nearby Red Creek, plan a trip there in May.

The reservoir is east of Paragonah, which is only a 3½-hour drive south of Salt Lake City and a 2½-hour drive north of Las Vegas. The reservoir sits at 7,791 feet in the beautiful Dixie National Forest.

Fishing and Seeing Fish

Paragonah Reservoir is a great destination for either a family fishing outing or for the avid fly angler. Trout typically range in size up to 17 inches, with many good-sized fish and even a rare fish going over 20 inches.

Fishing from the shore with bait, fly fishing from float tubes and trolling from small boats all work well.

During the spawning season in late April and early May, wooly buggers and egg-sucking leech patterns work well for fly anglers. Later in the year, tremendous hatches of midges often occur in the evenings, and small dry-fly patterns or emergers will work.

This is one spot where taking a few fish home to eat won't hurt. With improved conservation ethics and many anglers turning to catch-and-release fishing, there is some concern there may be too many trout in Paragonah during some years.

Too many fish slow the growth rate of all the fish. Taking up to four trout home (that's the limit at Paragonah) keeps the population thinned and improves the growth and condition of the remaining trout.

In May, if your arms get tired from reeling in trout or the kids get bored, take a hike up Red Creek to observe the spawning fish. It's easy to see spawning trout by the tens and even the hundreds, but leave your fishing rod at camp or in your vehicle. The tributary streams are closed to all fishing until July 8 to protect the spawning trout.

For some people, the temptation to catch spawning fish, even in a closed area, is too much. Illegally taking or harassing fish in the stream can earn you a citation, but there is nothing wrong with just watching the trout!

Camping and Fishing Regulations

Camping at Paragonah Reservoir is primitive, with no established facilities. The reservoir does not have a boat ramp, but you can launch small boats from the shore.

The reservoir has no special fishing restrictions (the trout limit is the general statewide limit of 4 trout), but please remember that the tributary streams are closed to fishing until July 8.

Other Activities

Yankee Meadow Reservoir is another popular fishing spot that's nearby.

If you like mountain biking, bring the bikes. Numerous trails are available in the Brian Head and Panguitch Lake area that is nearby.

A tour through Cedar Breaks National Monument is another alternative for a half-day trip. There's a good chance you'll observe mule deer or elk during an evening drive along one of the many back roads in the Dixie National Forest.

If you enjoy more "civilized" recreation, take in the Summer Games or Shakespeare Festival in Cedar City.

An Irrigation-Storage Reservoir

Paragonah Reservoir is a reservoir in which water is stored for irrigation. To maintain a sport fishery, most irrigation-storage reservoirs have to be stocked with trout from fish hatcheries.

Rainbow trout need clear, cold running water to reproduce, and that water is most often found in mountain streams and rivers. Irrigation diversions and other demands for water limit the habitat trout find in most irrigation-storage reservoirs.

But Paragonah Reservoir (sometimes called Red Creek Reservoir) is an exception and keeps kicking out wild rainbows year after year.

Why the Difference?

Red Creek is the primary water source for Paragonah Reservoir. It flows high and cold during the spring, offering perfect spawning conditions for rainbow trout. Trout from the reservoir migrate into the stream in April and May to spawn.

After the spawning season, stream flows diminish and the water starts to warm, but not before the trout eggs hatch and the young fry prosper.

As summer progresses, stream flows continue to decrease, and by late fall the stream is so small that it supports only a few trout. The decreasing flows, however, nudge the recently hatched trout downstream, and the flows are sufficient enough to allow many of the small fish time to work their way into the reservoir.


Women: Learn How to Fish at Ladies Fishing Day

Farmington -- Women can learn how to fish, or brush up on their fishing skills, at a Ladies Fishing Day in Farmington.

Sponsored by the Division of Wildlife Resources' Becoming an Outdoors Woman program, the Ladies Fishing Day will be held May 13, from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Farmington Pond, 750 N. 75 W. in Farmington.

The cost to participate is $12. Women 14 years of age or older must also have a 2006 Utah fishing license. Licenses are available online at wildlife.utah.gov/licenses. Licenses can also be purchased from fishing license agents and DWR offices.

The $12 fee includes bait, use of a fishing rod and a catered lunch. If you have your own fishing rod, however, you're encouraged to bring it.

Space is limited to 30 women, and participants must pre-register to participate. To reserve a spot, or for more information, call or e-mail Jill West at (801) 557-0605 or jillwest@utah.gov

"This event is for everyone, including women who have never fished before," says West, who serves as the volunteer coordinator for the DWR. "This will be a great opportunity for women to learn how to fish, or to brush up on their fishing skills, in a fun, relaxed environment."

Ken Cottle, who is a volunteer instructor in the DWR's Community Fishing program, will be among the people who will help women bait their hooks and teach them how to fish.

Share Your Ideas About Fishing Regulation Changes With the DWR

Utah's 2007 fishing regulations won't be decided until this fall, but Division of Wildlife Resources biologists already have some ideas they want to the share with the public.

The biologists are also anxious to hear ideas from anglers and others across the state.

"If there's a fishing regulation change you'd like to see in 2007, please let us know about it," says Roger Wilson, sport fisheries coordinator for the DWR. "We need to hear from you no later than June 1 so we can consider your ideas as we put our recommendations together this summer."

Among the changes DWR biologists are considering for 2007 are the following:

- Raising the trout limit at Scofield Reservoir to eight fish.

- Allowing anglers to use a second fishing pole at every fishing water in the state.

- Removing the size restriction on walleye at waters across the state.

- Implementing special regulations at Panguitch Lake to protect Bear Lake cutthroat trout and to help control Utah chub populations should they reappear in the future.

- Implementing trophy fishing regulations at Calder and Brough reservoirs.

- Standardizing cold water slot limits.

A complete list of the changes the biologists are considering should be available at http://www.wildlife.utah.gov by May 1. "These potential changes are only proposals at this time," Wilson said.

You can also learn more about the biologists' ideas, and share your ideas with them, at any of the following Regional Advisory Council meetings:

Southern Region
May 16
7 p.m.
Beaver High School
195 E. Center St.
Beaver

Southeastern Region
May 17
6:30 p.m.
John Wesley Powell Museum
885 E. Main St.
Green River

Northeastern Region
May 18
6:30 p.m.
Uintah Basin Applied Technology College
1100 E. Lagoon St.
Roosevelt

Central Region
May 23
6:30 p.m.
Springville Junior High School
165 S. 700 E.
Springville

Northern Region
May 24
6 p.m.
Brigham City Community Center
24 N. 300 W.
Brigham City

If you can't attend one of the meetings, please send your ideas to one of the following addresses no later than June 1:

- e-mail your ideas to DWRComment@utah.gov

- mail your ideas to:

Sport Fisheries Coordinator
Division of Wildlife Resources
Box 146301
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6301



Big Increase in Cow Moose Permits

Salt Lake City -- Fewer moose will be walking onto roads and into backyards in Utah next year.

At its meeting April 27 in Salt Lake City, the Utah Wildlife Board voted to more than double the number of cow moose permits available for hunts in Utah this fall. A total of 63 cow moose permits will be available. In 2005, a total of 25 were available.

Many of Utah's cow moose hunts take place on private property. Hunters are strongly encouraged to obtain written permission from landowners before applying for a permit that occurs on private land.

Hunters can apply for a 2006 Utah doe deer, doe pronghorn, cow elk or cow moose permit beginning May 23. Applications must be received no later than June 19 to be included in the draw for permits. Draw results will be available by July 27.

Antlerless Big Game Permits

The number of antlerless permits available in 2005, and the number the Utah Wildlife Board has approved for hunts in Utah this fall, are as follows:

2005 2006

Cow Elk 5,982 4,999

Doe Deer 1,680 1,080

Doe Pronghorn 452 587

Cow Moose 25 63


More Cow Moose Permits

Utah's moose populations have grown to the point that the Division of Wildlife Resources wants to start maintaining the number of moose the state has. Providing 63 cow moose permits for this fall's hunts (and an additional 43 permits on Cooperative Wildlife Management Units) is a step in that direction.

Craig McLaughlin, big game coordinator for the DWR, says the DWR conducted its most recent moose survey in February 2005. After the survey, DWR biologists estimated the state's moose population at 4,130 animals. That's only 40 animals shy of a statewide objective of 4,170.

"While 4,130 moose is really close to the statewide objective, some of the state's individual moose units actually have more moose on them than the habitat can handle," McLaughlin said.

McLaughlin says it's important to try and keep moose within the objectives called for in Utah's Moose Management Plan. "It's exciting to see lots of moose, but if the populations grow too large, then we can run into some problems," he said.

Those problems include people hitting moose with their cars and moose be getting into backyards, where they eat trees and pose a threat to people. Too many moose can also damage the habitat that moose and other animals rely on.

McLaughlin says public hunting is the best way to control moose numbers. "In addition to controlling moose numbers, cow moose hunting provides people with a great outdoor experience and a lot of good meat to share with their family," he said.

More Deer and Elk

The state's deer and elk populations are also growing.

"The rain and snow the state has received over the past couple of years have really helped the deer and elk populations," McLaughlin said. "The forage is a lot better than it was during the drought years, and the animals are doing well."

Mild winters have also helped. "Fewer animals have been lost during the past two winters," he said.

Population estimates, which are based on surveys conducted by DWR biologists after the fall hunting seasons, show the state's deer and elk populations are growing.

DWR biologists estimate that there were 296,050 deer in Utah before the start of last winter. That's an increase of 6,145 deer over the 289,905 estimated before the winter of 2004.

DWR biologists also estimate that there were 60,135 elk in Utah before last winter started. That's an increase of 1,295 elk over the 58,840 estimated in the state before the winter of 2004.

Even with the growing populations, the DWR recommended that the Utah Wildlife Board reduce cow elk and doe deer permits this year. "We want to keep Utah's deer and elk populations moving towards the objectives set in the state's deer and elk management plans," McLaughlin said.

For more information, contact the nearest Division of Wildlife Resources office or the DWR's Salt Lake City office at (801) 538-4700.

PUBLIC COMMENT SOUGHT ON PLAN FOR GUNLOCK STATE PARK

Salt Lake -- Utah State Parks and Recreation planning staff is seeking comment on a draft resource management plan (RMP) for Gunlock State Park. The draft RMP identifies issues relating to public use, resource management, and future development at the park.

A planning team consisting of park users, community members, neighboring agency representatives, and park managers developed the draft plan through a series of meetings.

The plan is located for review online at: http://www.stateparks.utah.gov/administration/planning/glsp.htm , or in hardcopy at the following locations:

- Utah State Parks Main Office - 1594 West North Temple, Suite 116, Salt Lake City
- Sand Hollow State Park Office - 4405 West 3600 South, Hurricane
- Washington County Library - St. George Branch, 50 South Main Street, St. George
- BLM Interagency Information Center - 345 West E Riverside Dr., St. George

Comments will be accepted until Friday, May 26:

E-mail to: GUNLOCKCOMMENT@utah.gov

Regular mail to: Utah State Parks: Planning Section
P.O. Box 146001
1594 West North Temple, Suite 116
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6001


UPCOMING UTAH STATE PARKS EVENTS
April 29 Iron Mission State Park Museum - Cedar City
Gardening Workshop: Join park staff from 9 a.m. to noon to learn the process of pioneer and ancient Pueblo "waffle" gardening. This hands-on activity provides historical background, instruction, and practical application to help you create a successful vegetable garden. Four additional classes will follow throughout the year providing experience in planting, garden maintenance, harvesting, pioneer recipes, and produce preservation. The cost of the workshop is $7 per person. Reservations are required and can be made by calling (435) 586-9290.

May 1 Snow Canyon State Park - Ivins
Snow Canyon Family Adventure Night Series (F.A.N.S.) - Make Your Own Rock Art:
Rock art, such as petroglyphs, was used to convey messages and ideas. Join park staff at 6:30 p.m. to explore a small rock art site and learn who created it, then create your own rock art to take home. This program is free with payment of $5 park entrance fee. Space is limited and registration is required. This program is recommended for families with children between the ages of six and 12; please call to discuss program suitability for younger children. For more information, please call (435) 628-2255.

May 5 Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum - Blanding
Ancient Pueblo Astronomy: The Sacred and the Cosmic at Chaco, Chimney Rock, Mesa Verde, and Yellow Jacket - Join Dr. J. McKim Malville, Professor of Astronomy (Emeritus), University of Colorado at 6:30 p.m. for this fascinating presentation. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, please call (435) 678-2238.

May 5 Goblin Valley State Park - Green River
Discover Goblin Valley: Join the park naturalist for an evening walk through the goblins at 8 p.m. from the Observation Point shelter. Find out how the goblins came to be, and who lurks around in the night! For more information, please call (435) 564-3633.

May 6 Goblin Valley State Park - Green River
Junior Ranger Program: Become a Junior Archeologist! Learn what it's like to be an archeologist and get a chance to uncover the past. Celebrate Utah's Prehistory Week! Meet at 10 a.m. at the new amphitheater past the campground. This program is geared to children six to 12, but everyone is invited. Become a Junior Ranger and earn a Junior Ranger badge. For more information, please call (435) 564-3633.

May 6 Goblin Valley State Park - Green River
Stories of the Past: Embark on a journey through time from the Ice Age to the present. Celebrate Utah's Prehistory Week! Meet at 8 p.m. at the Observation Point shelter. For more information, please call (435) 564-3633.

May 6 Antelope Island State Park - Syracuse
Join park staff for a day full of events for the entire family. At 9 a.m., watch cyclists participate in the Buffalo Stampede Bike Race around the north end of Antelope Island. At 2 p.m., participate in a Junior Ranger program and learn how Antelope Island's native people gathered food. Though this informative program is geared for children age six to 12, people of all ages are welcome. Join storyteller and filmmaker Larry Cesspooch at 3 p.m., for a presentation on the histories of the First Nations of the Great Basin. This program is funded and provided by the Road Scholar Program from the Utah Humanities Council. For more information on these events, please call (801) 649-5742.

May 6 Snow Canyon State Park - Ivins
The Hills of Paradise Canyon: Join park staff at 8:30 a.m. for a three-mile roundtrip hiking tour of Paradise Canyon. Learn about recent Paradise property additions and the amazing resources of this area from a state park perspective. Space is limited and registration is required. For more information, please call (435) 628-2255.

May 6 - 7 Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum - Blanding
Four Corners Indian Art Market: This event showcases the best of contemporary and traditional American Indian art, music, and dance. Artists from the four corners and surrounding areas exhibit and sell their art including pottery, jewelry, and baskets. In addition, visitors will enjoy art demonstrations, traditional food, music, and dance. James Bilagody, Navajo singer and songwriter, performs traditional flute music Saturday, May 6 from 1 to 2 p.m. Bilagody's latest CD release, Near Midnight, has been nominated for an award at this year's Native American Music Awards (NAMA). Sunday, May 7, Hopi dancers perform at noon and 2 p.m. For more information, please call (435) 678-2238.

May 6 - 7 Great Salt Lake State Marina - Salt Lake
Opening Sails Day and Parade Yacht Club: The Yacht Club has a parade and opening ceremonies to start the sailing season. For more information, please call (801) 250-1898.

Lake Powell Fish Report

April 27,
2006
By: Wayne Gustaveson
Lake Elevation:
3592
Water Temperature: 57 * 65 F

The bass spawn continues in staggered fashion. Unsettled weather delayed some fish from nesting while others spawned in warm, calm locations. Some bass are building nests while
others guard young fry. The end result features active bass that are shallow, and deep, with some
in between. All are willing to chase lures. The main action is in shallow water with a deep water
escape route close by. Terminal coves near brush are good, but don't overlook a shallow reef, long point or island in open water. Nests made last week will be deeper and further from shore as the rising water covers more land.

Bass are responding well to jerk baits, spinner baits, plastic tubes, grubs and senkos. Fish on
nests are very aggressive when eggs are fresh and nervous and flighty when eggs are hatching.

Crappie are spawning on the same schedule as bass. Expect them to be in brush pockets with
tumbleweeds being the dominant habitat type. Drop a tiny jig into pockets and spaces between limbs and bushes. Gently move the jig up and down to invite attention and to keep the small hook from grabbing a limb. Crappie will be in water 3-10 feet deep.

Post spawn walleye are rebuilding their hungry bodies by feeding around the clock as water heats
up. Walleye will be in 10-20 feet of water near brush that hides sunfish and shad. Fish jerk
baits, and spinner baits near brush in morning and late evening twilight for best walleye
action. Slow trolling through mudlines that cover rocky points with wallydivers or live worm
harnesses is the best daytime walleye technique.

Expect walleye catches to increase daily and peak during May.

Striper fishing remains hot in the southern lake. Big coolers of stripers are harvested each
day from the dam to the Navajo Canyon. Fishing pressure has spread out as stripers run the
canyon walls. Schools are commonly found in the main channel at different locations each day. Try various locations with a run and chum mindset. Have confidence that stripers will
respond to chum at your location instead of searching for the one hot spot that others have found.

There is an added striper bonus now. With warming water, juvenile stripers have become
active and easy to catch on bait. That means lots of stripers will be caught while waiting for
schools of bigger fish to come by. The points above the first set of double islands in Navajo
are producing lots of small stripers.

In the remainder of the lake, stripers are in the backs of canyons feeding near brush with walleye
and bass. Troll, cast or jig to schools of opportunity. Find fish on the graph and quickly
put a lure in their midst for a chance to catch many stripers in short order. Stripers are fat
and strong in the northern lake waters.

SAFARI Magazine Once Again Recognized for Excellence

TUCSON, Ariz. , April 26, 2006 - For the second year in a row, SAFARI Magazine is among the top publications in the international awards competition among 5,200 entries, run by The Communicator Awards.

In the 2006 Print Competition, SAFARI Magazine has earned the Award of Excellence, the highest honor possible in the contest, "presented to those entrants whose ability to communicate elevates them among the best in the field." Entries are judged by industry professionals who look for companies and individuals whose talent exceeds a high standard of excellence and whose work serves as a benchmark for the industry.

SCI Executive Director Tom Riley said, "SAFARI Magazine exemplifies the excellence of SCI as First for Hunters. SCI is honored to receive such a prestigious award."

"It takes a team of dedicated and experienced professionals to establish and maintain the highest standards in the industry," said Steve Comus, Publications Director.

In 2005, both SAFARI Magazine and its sister publication, HUNT FOREVER, won the Award of Excellence.

For more on the Communicator Awards, including a full list of the award winners, visit http://www.communicator-awards.com on the Internet.

SCI-First For Hunters is the leader in protecting the freedom to hunt and in promoting wildlife conservation worldwide. SCI's 173 Chapters represent all 50 United States as well as 13 other countries. SCI's proactive leadership in a host of cooperative wildlife conservation, outdoor education and humanitarian programs, with the SCI Foundation and other conservation groups, research institutions and government agencies, empowers sportsmen to be contributing community members and participants in sound wildlife management and conservation. Visit http://www.safariclub.org or call 520-620-1220 for more information.

Becoming an Outdoor Woman Fishing Workshop scheduled

The Becoming an Outdoors-woman program is hoping to lure mothers and daughters into the outdoors at an upcoming fishing clinic for women.

On Saturday, May 13th, women of all ages can learn how to fish, or brush up on their fishing skills, at a Ladies Fishing Day.

Sponsored by the Division of Wildlife Resources' Becoming an Outdoors Woman program, the Ladies Fishing Day will be held May 13, from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Farmington Pond, 750 N. 75 W. in Farmington.

The cost to participate is $12. Women 14 years of age or older must also have a 2006 Utah fishing license. Licenses are available online at http://wildlife.utah.gov/licenses . Licenses can also be purchased from fishing license agents and DWR offices.

The $12 fee includes bait, use of a fishing rod, instruction and a catered lunch. Participants are encouraged to bring their own equipment if they have it.

Space is limited to 30 women, and participants must pre-register to participate. To reserve a spot, or for more information, call or e-mail Jill West at (801) 557-0605 or jillwest@utah.gov

"This event is for everyone, including women who have never fished before," says West, who serves as the volunteer coordinator for the DWR. "This will be a great opportunity for women to learn how to fish, or to polish up on their fishing skills, in a fun, relaxed environment while meeting other women, and enjoying the outdoors."

Cowboy Poetry scheduled in Brigham City

For those interested, the Blue Sage Trio will be performing at the Orrin Porter Rockwell Cowboy Poetry and Music Gathering this saturday. The shows will begin at 3:00 and 6:00 in the Box Elder High School Auditorium, 380 S. 600 West, Brigham City, Utah. For more information call (435)723-3931.

Ogden Nature Events Scheduled

A Peek at Ponds Preschool Program
May 10 at 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.,
May 11 at 1 p.m.
For ages 3-5
Cost: $3 per child, adults are free
Call to pre-register, 621-7595. Come join us as we explore life in the ponds at Ogden Nature Center. Scoop critters from Tadpole Pond, make a fishy craft to take home and have a snack.

Bird Browsing
May 13, 9 a.m., FREE
For ages 8 - adult
Migration season is here! Come for a morning trail walk in search of seasonal birds and rare sightings. Led by Joyce Overdeik.

Spring Forest Route Workshop
May 13, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., FREE
Would you like to hike and explore the local mountains and at the same time make a difference? This workshop will teach you how to document off-highway vehicle impacts in our National Forests. The workshop will include a 2-hour class session and afternoon field trip to practice data collection skills.
Call Dan Miller at 435-258-4432 to reserve a space.

How (and Where) to Hike the Wasatch
May 18, 7-8 p.m.
For ages 8 and above.
Cost: $5 Members, $6 Nonmembers
Call to pre-register, 621-7595. Join Helene Liebman, Executive Director of Weber County Pathways, for pointers on where to go for a good hike near Ogden and hiking safety tips. Learn how you can help make sure our natural treasures and trails stay around for generations to come.

FLY WITH THE FLOCK 5K FUN RUN
May 20, Registration from 6:30-7:30 a.m.
8 a.m. start followed by the kids dash & breakfast.
$18 Adults, $12 Kids, after May 12: $22 Adults, $15 Kids

Wear something wacky for the crazy hat contest! Cost includes t-shirt, tie die tote, breakfast and prize drawings. Medals will be awarded to the top 3 in each age group. The course is 2 laps on dirt trails winding through 152 acres. To register call 801-621-7595 or go online to http://www.ogdennaturecenter.org to events.

Watercolor Wildflowers
May 20, 10 a.m.-12 noon or 1-3 p.m.
Cost: $10 Members, $12 Nonmembers
Instructor: Annette Orrock. Call
621-7595 to pre-register. This art class uses watercolor paints and colored pencils to catch the beauty of flowers including the wildflowers of May at the Nature Center. If the weather is favorable, we¹ll gather our plush pillows for sitting on and head out in the field to paint. All materials
will be supplied.

Clay Creatures
- Children¹s Craft Workshop
May 27, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Cost: $5 Members, $6 Nonmembers
For ages 6+. Instructor: Amber Hansen. Call 621-7595 to pre-register.Learn some simple techniques for building your own creature with polymer clay. All materials supplied.

Fly with the Flock at the Ogden Nature Center

Enjoy the great outdoors and a fun, physical morning at the Ogden Nature Center's 4^th Annual 5K FUN RUN and Walk on Saturday, May 20. The beauty of the wildlife sanctuary is the setting for this spirited 5K. The course is two laps winding through 152 acres on dirt trails.

Start time is 8:00 a.m. with registration the day of the run between 6:30 and 7:30 a.m. Registration fees are $18 for adults and $12 for children. After May 12, late registration fees are $22 for adults and $15 for kids. Cool t-shirts and a tie die tote bag full of goodies are guaranteed to those who pre-register and all participants will be entered to win prize drawings.

There will be fun activities for the whole family. Young and old should wear something wacky for a crazy hat contest! After the 5K, kids can run in a 100 foot kids dash with medals for every child who participates. The Ogden Nature Center's staff will be on hand to introduce live birds of prey and other native animals. Roosters will cater a pancake breakfast following the race, with coffee donated by Grounds For Coffee.

Please dress appropriately. The FUN RUN will be held rain or shine. All proceeds will directly benefit the Ogden Nature Center. Special thanks to our generous sponsors -- especially the L.S. Peery Foundation and Striders.

To register go to http://www.ogdennaturecenter.org , click on events and go to Fly With The Flock or register in person at the Ogden Nature Center, 966 W. 12^th St., Ogden, UT or call 801-621-7595.