Youth Waterfowl Hunt moved to Sept. 19

American widgeon drake at Harold Crane Waterfowl Management Area.
Photo by Phil Douglass.

Utah’s special Youth Hunting Day will be held on Sept. 19 this year. That’s two full weeks before the general waterfowl season begins on Oct. 3. It’s also a week earlier than it’s been held in the past.

“Last year, the Utah Wildlife Board moved the start of the chukar partridge hunt to the last Saturday in September. That was also the same day the youth waterfowl hunt was held,” says Tom Aldrich, migratory game bird coordinator for the Division of Wildlife Resources.

“We want to give young hunters as many chances to hunt as possible, so we decided to move the youth hunt up one week,” he says. “That way, kids can participate in it and also participate in the start of the general chukar hunt the following Saturday.”

Who can participate?

The youth waterfowl hunt is open to hunters who will be 15 years of age or younger on Sept. 19. To qualify, you must complete the state’s Hunter Education course, have a current hunting license and Harvest Information Program (HIP) number, and be accompanied by an adult.
You can start shooting at 6:42 a.m. on Sept. 19.

A fun day

“The youth hunt is a lot of fun,” Aldrich says. “The marsh is usually filled with ducks that time of the year, and the kids get to have the marsh all to themselves. And, since adults can’t hunt that day, the young hunter you take gets all of your attention.
“The youth waterfowl hunt is a great chance to introduce a young person to waterfowl hunting and to pass your skills along to him or her.”

More information about the Youth Hunting Day is available on page 30 of the 2009 – 2010 Utah Waterfowl Guidebook. The guidebook is available at www.wildlife.utah.gov/guidebooks.

SPOT Unveils Next Generation Satellite GPS Messenger

SPOT LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Globalstar, Inc. (NASDAQ: GSAT) and a leader in personal satellite messaging and emergency communications today introduces its new SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger™. The new SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger™ is 30% smaller and lighter than the original SPOT Satellite personal tracker, offers additional custom messaging modes, and uses a state-of-the-art GPS chipset and satellite communications to provide enhanced reliability and performance.

“Since market introduction, the award-winning original SPOT has initiated more than 250 rescues and sent millions of peace-of-mind and track-me messages around the world. We have listened to our customers’ suggestions and are proud to introduce today the second-generation SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger with its increased features and utility,” said Darren Bassel, director of global marketing, SPOT LLC. “Today’s announcement further demonstrates our continued commitment to expand our product line and develop integrated services like SPOT Assist roadside assistance providing advanced personal satellite communications to increase safety for our customers on a daily basis.” The new SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger™ will include the following new features designed to enhance customer usability:

30% smaller and lighter than the original model at 5.2 ounces
New enhanced satellite antenna for improved performance in foliage or canopied environments
Advanced GPS performance chipset
GPS Acquisition light
“Message Sending” indicator light
Dedicated GPS Tracking button
New, dedicated pre-programmable Custom Message button
Protective covers over S.O.S and Help button to prevent inadvertent message transmission
Illuminated buttons
Choice of orange or silver
Included case and neoprene fastening band

The new model includes globally recognized symbols for its message buttons to accommodate use in international markets and stimulate distribution to a growing customer base in North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australia.

“The active outdoor enthusiasts such as hikers, boaters, pilots, riders, remote workers and travelers will continue to enjoy the new SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger ™ for its ruggedness while its smaller compact size and weight is ideal for portable use,” continues Bassel. “The smaller size and ease-of-use will appeal to our broader consumer markets including the family on-the-go or anyone who spends time in the areas with unreliable cellular service.”Equipped with two, notification LED’s and six function buttons the new SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger™ transmits activated messages based on varying levels of need:

OK/Check in lets contacts know where you are and that you’re okay
Track Progress sends and saves your location and allows contacts to track your progress in real-time using Google Maps™
Help notifies your contacts or SPOT Assist professional services of your GPS location and need for assistance
SOS/9-1-1 Alert notifies an emergency rescue coordination center of your GPS location
Custom Message button sends a pre-programmed message to your personal contacts

Since market introduction, the award-winning SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger™ has initiated more than 250 rescues and sent over 10 million peace-of-mind and track-me messages around the world. As of March 31, 2009 the Company had received orders to ship more than 120,000 units and it currently has a growing global network of more than 8,000 points of distribution.
Availability:

The new SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger(TM) is scheduled to be available at select retailers this fall. To find a SPOT retailer in the United States please visit the SPOT dealer locator at http://www.findmespot.com/en/locateadealer/.

Register now for the Antelope Island Bison Roundup Range Ride

Syracuse – Antelope Island State Park staff hosts the 23rd Annual Bison Roundup and Range Ride Saturday, October 31 and Sunday, November 1. Anyone interested in participating in the Range Ride on horseback and assisting with the Roundup must register online at stateparks.utah.gov by Friday, October 23.

Range ride participants herd the Antelope Island bison herd to designated areas on Saturday and Sunday. Please be aware that in past years, bison have been moved to holding facilities on the first day of the Range Ride. Registration fees are $25 per person and include a souvenir bandana and entertainment. For more information, visit stateparks.utah.gov or call (801) 773-2941.

Carbon Monoxide Dangers on Boats can Kill

Salt Lake – Utah State Park Boating Rangers warn all boaters to be aware of carbon monoxide dangers while boating on Utah’s waters. Carbon monoxide is a potentially deadly gas produced anytime a carbon-based fuel, such as gasoline, propane, charcoal or oil, burns. Sources of carbon monoxide on boats include gasoline engines, generators, cooking ranges, space heaters and water heaters.

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas, which mixes evenly with the air. Carbon monoxide enters the bloodstream through the lungs and displaces the oxygen your body needs. Do not confuse carbon monoxide poisoning with seasickness, intoxication, heat exhaustion or marine stressors.

“If someone complains of irritated eyes, headache, nausea, weakness or dizziness, move the person to fresh air quickly and seek immediate medical attention,” stated Assistant Boating Program Manager Chris Haller.

Boat exhaust leaks are the leading cause of death by carbon monoxide. Cold and poorly tuned engines produce more carbon monoxide than warm, properly tuned engines. These leaks can migrate throughout the boat and into enclosed areas. Regular maintenance and proper boat operation can reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Other areas of concern include being on or swimming near the rear decks or swim platforms of boats with the generator or engines running. It is dangerous and illegal to teak surf, platform drag, or be towed within 20 feet of the rear of a boat while in a non-standing position. Research indicates that high concentrations of carbon monoxide can be found within 10 feet immediately behind a boat.

For more safe boating tips visit stateparks.utah.gov

ROSS CREEK TRAILHEAD OPEN AT JORDANELLE STATE PARK

Heber – Ross Creek Trailhead at Jordanelle State Park, located off State Road 248 between Park City and Kamas, is open. Ross Creek Trailhead provides parking, trash receptacles, a vault restroom, hitching posts and non-motorized day-use access to Jordanelle Reservoir and the Perimeter Trail. Park access fees are $7 per vehicle and Utah State Parks Annual Passes are accepted.

Utah State Parks continues work on the Perimeter Trail by marking sections of the trail that were washed away and working with the Bureau of Reclamation for approval of rerouting, then building and repairing sections of the trail system. Volunteers are needed to donate their time and resources for trail projects, such as removing vegetation. For additional information, please call (435) 649-9540.

Youth Off-Highway Vehicle and Personal Watercraft Classes Now Available

Salt Lake City – In an effort to meet the growing demands for off-highway vehicle (OHV) and personal watercraft (PWC) youth education courses, Utah State Parks has made classes available online at stateparks.utah.gov.

Cost for the OHV class is $30 and covers ATVs, off-highway motorcycles (OHMs) and side-by-side ATVs. The cost of the PWC course, which covers JetSki and SeaDoo-type boats is $34.95, which includes a $5 certification fee. Upon successful completion of the course, students print a temporary certificate valid for 60 days and later receive a permanent certificate by mail.

Students are strongly encouraged to thoroughly study all materials prior to taking the test. Students who do not pass the course, must pay a second registration fee and retake the test.

“Safety is our number one concern. We want to reduce the number of accidents by educating youth to operate ATVs and PWCs safely and emphasize the importance of wearing safety equipment, and following laws and rules,” stated OHV/PWC Education Coordinator Ann Evans. “Online courses provide easier access to education courses and allow students to learn at their own pace.”

Utah law requires youth eight to 16 to complete the Utah State Parks Know Before You Go! OHV Education Course before operating a machine on public lands, roads or trails. It is illegal for any child under age eight to operate an OHV on public land.

Utah youth, 12 to 17 years of age, are required to complete and pass the Utah PWC Education Course in order to operate PWC (Jet Ski, Wave Runner, Sea-Doo) without an adult on board. Children who are younger than 12, may not operate a PWC without a responsible adult onboard.

Since the creation of the education courses, approximately 22,000 students have completed the PWC course and over 60,000 students have taken the OHV course.

For more information, visit stateparks.utah.gov, call (800) OHV-RIDE or (800) RIDE PWC.

Program Highlights for the August 1, 2009 Weekend Edition

Saturday’s Weekend Edition is now available for download. Check out the great lineup of guests and topics for August 1, 2009. You can hear it along the Wasatch Front from 10 a.m.-11 a.m. on AM 630 KTKK





Segment 1
Mike Slater with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is taking us to some High Country Arctic Grayling Fishing along the Wasatch Front. http://wildlife.utah.gov/fishing/


Segment 2
Dr. Robert Andtbacka with the Huntsman Cancer Institute will discuss the growing Skin Cancer Epidemic in Utah. http://www.aimatmelanoma.org/



Segment 3
Anis Aoude with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources has the Archery Hunt Forecast. http://wildlife.utah.gov/news/09-07/archery_preview.php
http://wildlife.utah.gov/news/09-07/archery_changes.php
http://wildlife.utah.gov/news/09-07/archery_tips.php


Segment 4
George Sommer with the Utah Bass Federation will invite you to help Catch a Special Thrill for Special Needs Children. http://www.castforkids.org/event_detail.aspx?id=182