Documentos de Académico
Documentos de Profesional
Documentos de Cultura
October 2010
—VOL. 5 NO. 10—
INSIDE: 5 VHS
testing 7 Trout reg
study 12 Fishing
event
2 KENTUCKY FISH & WILDLIFE COMMISSIONER’S NEWSLETTER
WE GET MAIL
Letters to the Commissioner’s Office
This has been a good month! The Com- to participate in the Great Ag Adventure FWR families. The turnout was impressive
missioner’s Office has received a lot of great that was held Friday, September 10th at and I’ve received many positive comments
comments about our staff. We try to pass along the Greenup County Fairgrounds. Over about the event. The hospitality and food
the good messages we receive to let you know 300 4th grade students and their teach- ere fantastic and was certainly appreci-
that you DO make a difference and people ers learned about the importance that the ated by all in attendance. Please pass along
do notice! Keep up the good work and again, Department of Fish & Wildlife provide to all of your staff who helped make this
thanks, for all you do for KDFWR and for to our community each and every day! event possible. We appreciate the support
being great ambassadors to the public! Once again, thank you for allowing your and ongoing partnership between our
conservation officers to assist in educating agencies and sand ready to assist you in
On behalf of the Greenup County the youth in Greenup County. matters of mutual concern.”
Farm Bureau, Greenup County Coopera-
tive Extension Service, and the Greenup Commissioner Rodney Brewer, The following comments come from
County Soil & Water Conservation with the Kentucky State Police writes, “I Dean Henson who is the Naturalist for
District, we would like to express a sincere wanted to personally thank you for hosting the Park. “On behalf of Pine Mountain
thank you for allowing Conservation Of- the recent “United in Conservation” fish- State Resort Park, I wish to express sincere
ficers Rob Howard and Buddy Grayson ing outing for all of the KSP and KD- thanks and appreciation to you and the
KDFWR for participating as a co-spon-
soring partner of Hawktoberfest on Oc-
CARR, CARROLL GET BIG AWARD FROM KESS tober 1-3. I’m also grateful and indebted
to select KDFWR staff for providing core
weekend program content. Specifically,
I’d like to recognize Jamie Cook, Kate
Heyden, Ben Leffew, and volunteers BJ
Whaley and Loren Taylor. The effort of
these individuals contributed much to the
overall success of the event and was most
gratifying to me as event host. The profes-
sionalism and responsibility demonstrated
by your fine staff insured a safe, fulfilling
and enjoyable experience for all partici-
pants. Please extend our gratitude to these
division employees for their help in mak-
ing this year’s Hawktoberfest a weekend
experience that will be remembered by
participants for years to come.”
T he Fisheries Division
has recently received
federal funding through
VHS may appear listless
or limp, often hanging
just beneath the surface
the United States De- of the water. Some fish
partment of Agriculture may also exhibit constant
– Animal Plant Health flashing or circling.
Inspection Service To date, no sign
(USDA-APHIS) to of VHS has yet been
conduct surveys of select documented in Kentucky.
fish populations through Unfortunately, Kentucky
the Commonwealth as is considered a high risk
part of a Viral Hemor- state for VHS introduc-
rhagic Septicemia (VHS) tion. As a result, this
surveillance program. funding will help monitor
VHS is a deadly fish and assess the current sta-
virus and an invasive spe- tus of VHS in Kentucky.
cies that was diagnosed A total of 19 water
as the causative agent in bodies will be sampled for
several large fish kills in VHS testing. These water
lakes Huron, St. Clair, A gizzard shad infected with VHS. bodies were selected for a
Erie, Ontario, and the St. variety of reasons includ-
Lawrence River in 2005 ing: (1) high potential
and 2006. Worldwide, VHS is known to 14 days in the water. for VHS occurrence (i.e. direct connection
afflict over 50 species of freshwater and The virus first infects the gill tissues with a VHS infected watershed; (2) pres-
marine fish. before moving to internal organs and ence of large numbers of transient vessels;
Historically, VHS was most com- blood vessels. The virus grows best in fish (3) high angler use and potential impacts
monly associated with freshwater salmo- when water temperatures are between 37- from live bait introductions, fish stock-
nid populations in Western Europe dating 54°F. The majority of fish kills have been ings, and ballast water release from a VHS
back to the late 1930’s. Today, the virus documented during water temperatures of positive state.
still continues to cause epidemics in Euro- 37-41°F. Fish samples will be collected from
pean trout farms. Rarely has a VHS fish kill been docu- Yatesville Lake, Green River Lake, Barren
VHS was first documented in the U.S. mented above 59°F. Fish that survive the River Lake, Rough River Lake, Laurel
in 1988 in marine trout and salmon. By virus can become lifelong carriers of the River Lake, Lake Cumberland, Lake Bar-
2000, VHS started to become of notice in virus. Symptoms of fish that have become kley, Taylorsville Lake, Kentucky Lake,
several marine fish species off the eastern infected with VHS include hemorrhaging Ohio River, Licking River, Kentucky
Canadian province of New Brunswick. of their internal organs, skin and muscle. River, Green River, Rolling Fork Lake,
Several different types of the virus are cur- Some fish have been found to exhibit Tradewater River, and the Mississippi
rently known world-wide with each virus no external symptoms, while others may River.
type affecting different species of fish. show signs of bulging eyes, bloated Fish samples will be analyzed by the
VHS can be spread from fish to abdomens, bruised (reddish) tints to the United State Fish and Wildlife Service
fish through water transfer, as well as eyes, skin, gills, and fins. Some fish also Warm Springs Fish Health Center. For
through contaminated fish eggs and bait exhibited open sores that may look like the more information on VHS, please feel free
fish from infected waters. The virus is lesions from other diseases. to contact Jeff Ross, Assistant Director of
believed to be able to survive for at least Living fish that may be afflicted with Fisheries at 502-564-3400 ext. 4461.
6 KENTUCKY FISH & WILDLIFE COMMISSIONER’S NEWSLETTER
“Trout,” continued
downstream, out of our study area, seeking
more preferred conditions.
The fact that there were observed de-
clines in electrofishing and angler’s catch
rates of both trout species in the Lake
Cumberland tailwater, even though they
were regulated differently, further support
the theory. The less than ideal environ-
mental conditions resulting from high
dam discharge in some years also nega-
tively impacted both brown trout growth
rate and condition.
If not for the poor water quality dur-
ing 2003 and 2004, the brown trout popu-
lation in the Lake Cumberland tailwater
may have shown an even stronger positive
CPUE (fish/h)
BOW event
marks 15th year
of Kentucky
program
M ore than 100 women participated in
the September 2010 Becoming an
Outdoors-Woman weekend workshop at
the Kentucky 4-H Leadership Center on
Lake Cumberland.
This event marked the 15th year
KDFWR has hosted a BOW event to son, Dave Baker, Jamie Alton and Norm Foundation, Kentucky Network of Out-
encourage women to learn more about the Minch all taught numerous classes in their door Women and participants provided
hunting, fishing, boating sports and other respective areas of expertise, including scholarships for six first-time participants
wildlife-related activities. archery, wildlife habitat, survival, nature to attend. For more than 40 women, this
Volunteer Coordinator Beth Spivey- photography, fishing and others. was their first event of this kind.
Minch voiced her appreciation to several Non-department volunteers instruct- Participants were on hand from
employees from various divisions who ing 30 sessions during the weekend event several other states including Washington,
assisted with setting up the workshop without which the program could not California, New Jersey, Indiana, Ohio and
and instructing during the four teaching occur. The Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Tennessee.
sessions.
“I’m continually amazed at the effort
and professionalism of fish and wildlife
people who work with us on this program.
Paducah Shooters Supply owner fined for
It is what makes Kentucky’s program the helping hunters commit wildlife violations
best in the country, and why this agency
is a leader in conservation and outdoor
recreation opportunities for our residents,”
said Spivey-Minch.
T he owner of Paducah Shooters Sup-
ply was ordered to pay a $15,000 fine
Wednesday, October 13, in U.S. District
waterfowl hunters, overheard duck blind
conversations about the Paducah sporting
goods store performing modifications on
“All I can do is say thanks to all Court in Paducah for a misdemeanor Benelli Super Black Eagle II shotguns that
those who gave their time to the work- violation of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, would increase their capacity to four shells,
shop,” she added. aiding and abetting the taking of migra- illegal under federal waterfowl hunting
From Law Enforcement, Travis Neal tory birds – ducks and geese – in a manner guidelines. Youree followed up on the
taught boating safety while Jerrod Alley not permitted by regulation. information and confirmed that Paducah
with K-9 officer Rex provided a search Lynn McCutchen was charged with Shooters Supply was offering the modifi-
demonstration for evidence. Wildlife divi- knowingly altering a shotgun so as to cation service.
sion assisted with loading, transporting render it capable of holding more than He notified United States Fish and
people and registration came from Naomi three shells in violation of Federal migra- Wildlife Service Special Agent Bob Snow
and Sandy Wilson. tory bird hunting regulations. His plea who sought and received permission to
John Williams and Ryan Oster from agreement allows for $10,000 of the fine initiate an undercover operation. During
Fisheries taught advanced fishing during to be probated upon the completion of the investigation, the sporting goods store
the weekend. Administrative Service’s Pat special conditions set forth in the plea modified a shotgun to float a fourth shell.
O’Connell served up advanced archery agreement. Federal agents and state officers Lt. Chad
hunting classes. The events were set into motion last Parker, Sgt. Denny Broyles, Tony Dunk-
From the I & E Division, Brent Mc- January when Kentucky Conservation
Carty, Mary Carol Cooper, Laurie Davi- Officer Greg Youree, while checking See “Violations,” page 11
OCTOBER 2010
11
“Violations,” continued
er, Kyle Webb, Josh Hudson and Youree
then executed a federal search warrant on
Paducah Shooters Supply. They examined
records and turned up numerous instances
of the sporting goods store modifying
Benelli Super Black Eagle shotguns. They
followed that by interviewing persons
from the records who had shotguns
modified, and also traveled to neighboring
states Tennessee, Missouri and Illinois to
interview store customers.
United States Magistrate Judge W.
David King ordered that $10,000 of the
fine may be probated upon the comple-
tion of special conditions. McCutchen
Manchester hosts first agreed to recall Benelli Super Black Eagle
shotguns modified by Paducah Shooters
Fall Fest Fishing Derby Supply and to restore the modified bolts
to a condition which prevents the shotgun
T he Manchester Police Department, officer William Goins and others were on from being capable of “floating” a fourth
Kentucky Department of Fish and hand and represented the city. The event shell. The recall will be free of charge to
Wildlife Resources and the Kentucky was a big success. customers who have had Benelli shotguns
Conservation Officers Association hosted Participants ate and fished. Special previously modified at Paducah Shooters
the First Annual Fall Fest Fishing Derby thanks to the Department and Seventh Supply.
at Bert T. Combs Lake on September 25 District officers for providing rods and This recall is to be advertised in the
in Clay County. reels for the event. And special thanks to Outdoors Section of the Paducah Sun on
The event drew in about 60 kids and the KCOA for their sponsorship of the four occasions, and will also be prominent-
parents. Conservation Officer Stacey Bry- event, and to Captain Tim Catron and ly posted at Paducah Shooters Supply. The
ant worked the event and represented the Conservation Officer Brian Bowling for agreement also calls for either articles or
KDFWR and the KCOA. gathered up and providing some of the paid advertisements to be placed in Ducks
Manchester Police Chief Jeff Culver, event’s needed materials. Unlimited magazine, Wildfowl magazine,
and Shooting Sports Retailer detailing the
illegality of modifying the bolt of Benelli
“Assault,” continued die Adkins, who noticed Latham’s vehicle Super Black Eagle shotguns to enable the
at an area convenience store. Adkins shotgun to “float” a fourth shell for the
start the car, McIntosh attempted to take radioed McIntosh, and continued to give purpose of hunting waterfowl and other
the keys as Latham repeatedly struck his location updates as he followed Latham migratory birds.
arm. McIntosh used his pepper spray, but after he left the store. “This is the first case like this in the
Latham still managed to start the vehicle. Latham eventually eluded Adkins by country,” said Snow. “This business was
Latham put the car into gear and dragged driving through a cornfield. Once back clearly modifying shotguns for the purpose
McIntosh about 15 feet before the officer on a road, Latham swerved too wide of aiding hunters to illegally hunt water-
could escape. Latham had gained enough in a curve and slammed head-on into fowl. Greg (Youree) did an excellent job
advantage to elude McIntosh’s immediate McIntosh’s truck. Latham’s car rolled, but following up with his investigation after
pursuit. it came to rest upright. Latham continued picking up on it in that duck blind.”
Muhlenberg Sheriff ’s Office depu- fleeing, but the chase ended when his car The case was prosecuted by As-
ties recognized and identified Latham slammed into a tree. sistant United States Attorney Randy
from the vehicle description radioed by Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Conser- Ream, and it was investigated by the
McIntosh. But it was Kentucky Fish and vation Officer B.J. McCoy and sheriff ’s U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Office of
Wildlife’s Peabody WMA Foreman, Fred- deputies arrested Latham. Law Enforcement.
12 KENTUCKY FISH & WILDLIFE COMMISSIONER’S NEWSLETTER
“Grant,” continued gain a sense of satisfaction from letting creased opportunities for deer, turkey, small
people access streams, ponds, and lakes game, and wildlife viewing opportunities in
developed and outlined a proposal that without the need for an additional compen- the Green River CREP area,” said Figert.
would focus its efforts on improving the sation. We hope that this program will en- “The maximum amount of money
existing Dove Access Program, create a tice those landowners who are currently “on landowners enrolling in the dove access
new Conservation Reserve Enhancement the fence” to enroll in the program through program can receive will increase from the
Program (CREP) Hunter Access Program, the use of a financial incentive.” current $3,500 per field to $10,000 per field,
and implement a new Landowner Fishing The Division is excited about the depending on the acreage enrolled and the
Access Program. program and the number of additional crop planted. Landowners enrolled in the
Under the new Landowner Fishing fisheries that will be made available to the CREP will be eligible to receive as much as
Access Program, the Department will seek public through the VPA-HIP. “I fully ex- $12.50 per acre if they choose to open their
to improve public access as part of a three pect that Kentuckians will understand and property for deer, turkey, and small game
step approach involving stream bank fish- respect the opportunities that are being hunting and wildlife viewing. Lastly, CREP
ing access, access to privately owned lakes handed to them through this program.” landowners will receive additional funds to
and ponds, and access to privately owned On the wildlife side, Assistant Direc- help with mid-contract management.”
boat ramps. tor of the Wildlife Division Dan Figert Kentucky was the only state in the
“In the Department’s Strategic Plan, explains that the VPA-HIP will be used Southwest United States Fish and Wildlife
there is a specific goal to implement a to enhance the Department’s existing dove Service Region 4 to receive this funding.
fishing access program such as this by state access program by increasing the field size In total, over $11.76 million were awarded
fiscal year 2012,” says Fisheries Division and increasing the amount of payment to through the VIP-HIP. A total of 28 state
Director Ron Brooks. “This federally landowners to plant dove friendly fields, in applications were submitted for funding.
funded program will allow the Depart- addition to developing a voluntary access For more information about the
ment to meet this goal, while at the same program in the Green River CREP area. Department’s efforts under the VIP-HIP,
time reward landowners who are willing to “Our hope is that hunters will have please feel free to contact Dan Figert
provide public access to anglers interested increased opportunities for dove hunting (502-564-3400 ext. 4534), Ron Brooks
in fishing their private ponds, using their through the dove access program and in- (ext. 4466) or Ryan Oster (ext. 4461).
boat ramps, and accessing streams from
their property.”
Brooks expects that this program
will help open up access to some amazing
HEADQUARTERS SPOONBILL
fisheries throughout Kentucky, particularly
in streams where the only access would be
through private property. There will be in-
creased access particularly for anglers wish-
ing to fish for trout, smallmouth bass, and
rock bass, as well as other sport fish species.
Interested landowners may wonder
what this program has to offer them.
“Landowners will be rewarded financially
through this program,” states Brooks. “The
amount of payment will depend upon a
host of factors including the quality of
the access, angling opportunities, and the
amount of restrictions required by the
landowner.”
Department staff will work with in-
terested landowners to accommodate their
needs and concerns regarding allowing the Cavin Ammons wasn’t the only person surprised when he landed this large spoonbill while fishing
public open access to their property. “There in Upper Sportsman’s Lake at Headquarters in the morning, September 24. He also caught an
are many people in Kentucky who currently exceptionally large channel catfish a few weeks earlier.
OCTOBER 2010
15
First Anderson
County youth deer
hunt is a hit with
kids and adults