Deer hunting license woes finding their way to Iowa
It used to happen quite a bit here in Illinois and in Wisconsin.
Now the the problem, which involves our state's massive, heavy-bodied, antlered white deer population, also appears to be commonplace in our neighboring state to the west.
A combination of big whitetail deer and limited non-resident tags is fueling a growing trend toward falsifying residency in order to obtain Iowa deer hunting licenses and tags, according to the DNR.
“To establish residency in Iowa they'll go to some extremes as far as renting a property or renting an apartment, obtaining an Iowa driver's license using that address although they're not actually residing there, says conservation officer Matt Washburn.
Wardrobe malfunction: Sometimes the best laid plans and intentions can create controversy, especially when it comes to being pro-gun and pro-hunting.
West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin, a Democrat and candidate for the U.S. Senate, is being criticized for failing to wear eye and ear protection in a television ad in which he shoots a target representing cap and trade legislation.
“Where was his blaze orange clothing, his ear protection, his eye protection? asked state GOP party chairman Mike Stuart. “It is too bad the governor sent some very bad messages to the youth of West Virginia.
Fishing update: Here is this week's report
Lake Michigan: It's a tad slow going on the “big pond but coho and lake trout can still be caught, especially out of Waukegan Harbor. Some browns also being taken in fairly shallow water as well.
Fox Chain: Excellent bluegill angling on Pistakee and Fox Lakes, while the crappie action continues to improve on Channel Lake and Bluff Lake. The muskie bite is slow but steady right at dark on Lake Catherine.
Fox River: You can find smallmouth in the deeper pools off the riffles. Live bait like leeches and small minnows doing the job.
Local ponds: Trout fishing kicks into high gear Saturday and suburbanites can expect the usual crowds at Axehead, Belleau Lakes in Cook County. Anyone over the age of 16 must have an inland trout stamp.
Mike Jackson can be reached by e-mail at angler88@att.net. His radio program is heard 6-7 a.m. Sundays on WSBC, AM-1240.