Notes

Feral hog trappings continue on WMAs

As spring temperatures rise, turkeys are gobbling and feral hogs continue their destruction of natural resources across the state. As part of the agency’s continued effort to control feral hogs, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s Wildlife Management Division staff will continue to trap feral hogs through turkey season on several wildlife management areas.

Wildlife management and enforcement division officials met recently and recommended continued baiting and trapping operations to maximize every feasible opportunity to remove the pests. On some WMAs, trapping slowed or ceased during turkey season due to the potential for baiting violations during permit and open turkey seasons. This practice often delayed removal efforts by 4-6 weeks until turkey season was complete. This often resulted in prolonged difficult trapping conditions as natural food resources were more plentiful during the latter portion of spring.

Another benefit to continued trapping is the reduced disturbance during permit hunts on certain WMAs. During these permit hunts, only a limited number of individuals are on the WMAs, usually for a three-day period. Trapping during spring turkey season also allows commission managers to keep gaining ground on reducing the number of feral hogs on WMAs.

AGFC personnel will designate small, closed areas where feral hog trapping activities are taking place with official “No Trespassing” signs warning the public to steer clear and avoid traps and equipment. Area managers and biologists will utilize alternative baits that are less likely to attract turkeys and measures will be taken to reduce the exposure of baits during the upcoming turkey season.

Warmer water key to successful fishing

Water temperature is a key factor for successful fishing in early spring, according to anglers with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.

Fishermen across the state begin stirring when days warm up. But most realize the air temperatures go up much quicker than water temperatures. Several days in the high 60s or low 70s will have people out in shirt sleeves, but the water in the lake they are using remains chilly.

Big water warms more slowly than small water, meaning a large, clear and deep lake will be cooler for longer than a “dark” and shallow lake. An example is Lake Conway and Greers Ferry Lake. Conway is shallow for the most part. Greers Ferry is deep. Conway’s water color is darker than mostly clear Greers Ferry. So Conway will have water temperatures warmer than Greers Ferry - as a general rule.

Still, Greers Ferry has numerous feeder streams, and back in these, water will warm up sooner than the water in the main body of the lake.

Places where water is flowing in from rain runoff are always good areas to try for fish. Along with this runoff water tends to be warmer, it also brings food for fish into the lake.

Anxious anglers should also remember the rule of cool or cold water fishing: go slow. Fish movements are usually directly related to their metabolism which is slow under cool conditions. Slow down retrieves of lures. Give fish time to catch up with them.

Sports, Pages 30 on 04/20/2014

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