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Published March 18, 2012, 09:48 AM

Douglas County sport show starts Friday

FIELD REPORTS: The Douglas County Fish and Game League’s Sport Show will be held Friday through March 25 at Wessman Arena in Superior.

By: Sam Cook, Duluth News Tribune

The Douglas County Fish and Game League’s Sport Show will be held Friday through March 25 at Wessman Arena in Superior. Hours are 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Booth exhibits include fishing, hunting, boat and RV displays, plus information booths from the National Wild Turkey Federation, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Minnesota DNR, the National Rifle Association and more. Seminars by charter captain Dave Koneczny fishing guide Jeff Sundin of Deer River, shed hunter Joe Shead and deer hunting by Bob Mercier.

Tickets are $7 (good for all three days); admission free for children 12 and under.

Some forest roads closed for wet conditions

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reminds people that it has temporarily closed most of its roads and motorized trails because of wet conditions. Many roads and trails are not yet firm enough to support vehicle traffic without being damaged. This includes state forest, parks, recreation area, and wildlife management area roads and trails. The temporary closures could remain in effect until sometime in May, depending on weather conditions.

Online road and trail condition information is updated by 2 p.m. every Thursday here.

Use caution on open and cold water

Canoeists and kayakers eager get on newly-thawed rivers or lakes should consider the potential danger of cold waters, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Paddlers should consider the consequences of cold water shock and hypothermia that can result from capsizing in the water. Even though the air is warm, water temperatures are still in the 40s or lower.

“Falling into cold water can cause immediate cold water shock,” according to Tim Smalley, DNR boat and water safety specialist. “That’s when cold water causes you to involuntarily gasp for air. If your head is underwater when that happens, drowning can occur in a few seconds.”

The DNR recommends these safety tips for canoeists and kayakers:

  • Wear an approved life jacket; even good swimmers need to wear one.

  • Wear a wetsuit or drysuit when paddling in water colder than 70 degrees.

  • Don’t paddle alone; boating safety increases with numbers.

  • Don’t load beyond the labeled capacity of a canoe and keep weight low in the boat.

  • Keep an eye on the weather and go to shore if the wind picks up.

  • Don’t go out in a canoe or any boat after drinking alcohol; the effects of alcohol are more dramatic while balancing in a boat than while standing on dry land.

  • Tell someone about where you are going and what time to call 911 if you don’t return.

    Note wolf sightings

    The Minnesota Deer Hunters Association has set up a “Report Zone B Wolf sightings” web survey page to encourage members and nonmembers to report their documented wolf sightings across the approximately 70 percent of Minnesota that is considered “Zone B” or non-wolf range. People responding must provide photo documentation as well as geographic information and contact information. To submit sightings, go here.

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