SWAN COUNT IS DOWN
An aerial survey last week by the Division of Wildlife Resources confirmed something swan hunters suspected: There are fewer swans this fall in Utah.
The mid-morning survey on Nov. 8 found a total of 18,306 swans on the Great Salt Lake's eastern marshes. Last year at this time, more than 27,500 swans were spotted.
Most of the swans were seen on the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge west of Brigham City. More than 2,500 swans were spotted on the private Bear River Hunting Club east of the refuge.
"I'm not sure why the migration is slower this fall," said Tom Aldrich, migratory game bird coordinator for the DWR. "I still think there's a good chance that hunters who drew a swan permit will have a decent hunt." The swan season ends Dec. 11.
TELEFAIR TOUR COMING
Riders of all types can participate in this year's expanded TeleFair Tour. Now in its eighth year, the tour includes telemark skiing clinics, snow kiting clinics and free use of equipment to participants.
Instruction is provided by some of the nation's best telemark skiers and snow kiters. First-time participants can learn on a new generation of equipment. Advanced individuals can learn techniques on powder skiing, bumps, airs, snow kiting and backcountry touring. All equipment, including telemark skis, boots, poles and kites, is provided free to TeleFair participants. Discounted lift tickets also are available. Cost is $60 per day, and each participant will receive instruction at two clinics.
TeleFair 2005/06 kicks off Dec. 6 and 7 at Brighton. A complete schedule of events and more detailed information is available at www.telefair.com.
MTN. DELL GEARING UP
The Utah Nordic Alliance (TUNA) is seeking volunteers to help groom trails and snow at Mountain Dell golf course during the winter season. The daily rate is $5 and an unlimited season pass is $60 — $50 for TUNA members, $45 if paid by Dec. 1. For more information on nordic opportunities or cross country ski schools in Utah, contact TUNA at 461-9000 or check out its Web site at www.utahnordic.com.
WINTER SURVIVAL TIPS
With colder weather only days away, it's never too early for backcountry skiers and snowmobilers to review emergency measures if caught outdoors. These tips are provided courtesy of Conrad Anker, a Bozeman-based mountaineering pro, in the December issue of Skiing magazine:
1) Hunker down only if necessary: You'll stay warmer on the move, but if the weather looks threatening, you're disoriented or someone in your group is hurt, start scouting for a place out of the wind.
2) Trees are your friends: Forests block wind and retain warmth better than open country. It's also easier to build a snow cave in a tree well.
3) Snow cave basics: Look for a drift with a 45-degree slope (make sure it's not in an avalanche zone). Use your shovel to probe to find where the wind has piled snow at least 8 feet deep.
4) Stay dry: Take off a few layers, then put your shell jacket and pants back on. Snow and sweat are going to soak you, and those dry layers will save you. Other tips: Sit on a backpack to keep the ground from sucking heat away. As a last resort, look for pine boughs to make a nest. Hot chocolate will boost your core temperature.
5) After digging a few feet, angle up so the main chamber of the cave is higher than the entrance. Hollow out the area, keep the walls and ceiling at least a foot thick.
6) Burn a candle (about 15 minutes) to melt the walls. They'll glaze over when they refreeze, which will keep the structure sturdy and minimize dripping. Never use a stove or fire inside a cave.
7) Check the entrance every half hour or so to make sure it's not filling in with snow. Keep digging tools handy.
8) Spoon — your buddy is your best source of heat. Better to stick your toes under each other's armpits than lose them to frostbite.
9) At first light, get moving! People may already be looking for you.