Wintering conditions for big game animals have improved and have kept deer and elk at higher elevations, thus increasing their chances for survival.
John Kimball, head of the big game programs for the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, says south- and west-facing slopes are exposed up to 7,500 feet. This, he adds, has enabled deer and elk to feed and not expend energy reserves.It has also helped keep deer away from the hazards of the valley, that is, traffic, harassment from dogs and encounters with people.
WATCH THE ICE - Ice has formed on many of the state's reservoirs, which brings out warnings to fishermen to use caution when venturing out.
Officials say that ice thickness on a given water is far from uniform, and can change very rapidly with temperature changes, fluctuating water levels and high winds.
Along with these cautions, officials suggest the following precautions to minimize the chance of an accident.
- Practice the buddy system, never fish alone.
- Keep in mind that clear blue ice is stronger than cloudy ice. Don't go out unless there is at least three inches of clear blue ice.
- Never drive vehicles or snowmachines on early season ice.
- Carry a length of rope, and keep a personal flotation device handy.
- When venturing on ice, shuffle or slide your feet, never run.
- Several long nails or spikes tied to a cord and carried around your neck will help you climb out if you do break through.
- Avoid places next to open water areas or running streams.
PHOTO CONTEST - Mount up your best action shots and get ready for the 3rd Annual REI/Sports Guide' Amateur Photo Contest! Because we received so many great entries last year, this year's theme once again is "muscle-powered action sports."
The three-round contest runs from January through March, 1995, with winners receiving prizes, publication in Sports Guide and a shot at the grand prize. Entries for the first round of competition will be accepted at REI from Jan. 2 to Feb. 1. Stop by REI, 3285 East 3300 South, Salt Lake City, for entry forms and contest rules.
NEW DWR ADDRESS - The Division of Wildlife Resources Salt Lake headquarters office has moved to temporary offices in the old DMV building at the state fairgrounds. After 60 years, the old Fish and Game building, 1596 West North Temple, is coming down.
Demolition is scheduled for mid-January. A new, three-story building will be erected on the spot and should be completed by the spring of 1997. All Salt Lake office phone numbers and addresses will remain the same. The new, temporary office will be open for business Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
It's time for nonresidents to begin applying for Wyoming hunting licenses.
The first nonresident deadline is for elk and applications will be accepted between Jan. 1 and Feb. 1. Nonresidents can also begin applying for other big game species after Jan. 1, but the deadline for these species is March 31.
For information call 307-777-4600.
GOOD FISHING AT POWELL - While most of northern and central Utah lakes and reservoirs are already frozen, Lake Powell is wide open and striped bass are still prime for the taking. Even though the striper boils have ended for now, bass are still taking anchovies.
"The fish are hanging around 40 to 60 feet deep," says George Blommer, fisheries biologist. "They won't come to you but if you get right over them you can load up your boat." Warm Creek is still providing plenty of action. Recent gillnetting showed that young stripers, one to three pounds, are actively feeding on threadfin shad.