Pikeminnow anglers reel in profits while removing threat to salmon

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife

October 26, 2005

Contact: Eric Winther, (360) 906-6749

Craig Bartlett, (360) 902-2259

Pikeminnow anglers reel in profits while removing threat to salmon

OLYMPIA - One angler earned $39,620 this year fishing for northern
pikeminnows with a hook and line. His closest rival reeled in $38,084
during the five-month season.

Both are veterans of Washington state's Northern Pikeminnow Sport Reward
Fishery, a 15-year-old program that pays anglers to catch as many
pikeminnows as possible on the Columbia and Snake rivers.

Voracious predators, pikeminnows take a heavy toll on juvenile salmon in
the two rivers, eating millions of outmigrating smolts every year, said
Eric Winther, who administers the program for the Washington Department
of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).

But by paying anglers to catch pikeminnows, the program has succeeded in
removing more than 2.6 million of the long-snouted fish from the
Columbia and Snake rivers since 1990, Winther said.

"Our research indicates that the fishery has reduced pikeminnow
predation on young salmon by about 25 percent," he said. "We're making
an impact, but we still have some work to do."

Funding for the program is provided by the Bonneville Power
Administration (BPA) under the 1980 Pacific Northwest Power Act.

During this year's season, which ended Sept. 25, anglers earned $4 each
for the first 100 northern pikeminnows they caught; $5 each for 101 to
400 pikeminnows; and $8 each for any additional pikeminnows above 400.

Anglers who turn in their catch to special check stations are paid for
each fish that measures at least 9 inches long - the size at which
pikeminnows become a serious threat to young salmon.

WDFW also pays anglers $500 for each pikeminnow they catch that is
tagged for research purposes.

More than 5,000 anglers took part in this year's fishery, catching a
total of 240,955 pikeminnows and earning a total of $1.5 million,
Winther said. This year's total catch was second only to last year's
record harvest of 267,215 fish.

This year's top money-earner caught 4,740 pikeminnows - including six
tagged fish, which helped solidify his position, Winther said. The
runner-up actually caught more fish - 4,800 - but fewer were tagged

"The average angler in this fishery catches six to seven fish per day,"
Winther said. "But as with salmon or steelhead anglers, the top 5
percent catches 80 percent of the fish."

Winther said WDFW is planning additional incentives and ways to
encourage angler participation for the 2006 fishery, which gets under
way next May.

"We'd like to hold more instructional clinics and have more
informational materials available to anglers on how to catch these
predators and make money doing it," he said.

For additional information on the Northern Pikeminnow Sport Reward
Fishery Program, call the pikeminnow hotline at 1-800-858-9015 or visit
the program's website at www.pikeminnow.org on the Internet.

Workshops will help create plans for Little Missouri River

MURFREESBORO - Trout and smallmouth bass - the best of both worlds for
some fishermen - run hot and cold along 38 miles of the Little Missouri
River.

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is looking for input from anglers
and others who want to help. AGFC fisheries biologists are announcing
plans to meet with anyone interested in management of the Little
Missouri River from Narrows Dam to U.S. Highway 67 east of Prescott.

Two public informational forums are scheduled. The first is set for 6:30
p.m., Nov. 7, at the Potlatch Building at the Nevada County Fairgrounds
in Prescott. The second meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m., Nov. 8, at
Murfreesboro City Hall.

At the meetings, AGFC fisheries biologists will explain the history of
the smallmouth bass restoration project and will bring the public up to
date on warmwater fisheries management below Narrows Dam. Trout
biologists will explain the management of trout in the river. The forums
are not for official public comment, although open discussion is
encouraged.

Two public workshops also have been scheduled. The first begins at 6:30
p.m., Nov. 28, at Murfreesboro City Hall. The second is 6:30 p.m., Nov.
29, at the Potlatch Building at the Nevada County Fairgrounds in
Prescott. At these workshops a facilitator will work with participants
to document the issues that AGFC should focus on while developing a
management plan for the river. Participants will also be given the
opportunity to give advice on how to handle the issues identified.

Finally, a facilitated workshop will be held at 6:30 p.m., Jan. 16, at
Murfreesboro City Hall. Everyone is welcome to participate and evaluate
the management options created during the two previous public workshops.

Follow the process and find more information on project at
www.agfc.com/trout.

AGFC begins flooding Dave Donaldson WMA

BROOKINGS - The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission placed gates in the
Little River Island structure this week on Dave Donaldson Black River
Wildlife Management Area in northeast Arkansas and began flooding the
upper and lower Little River Island green tree reservoirs in preparation
for this year's duck season.

According to AGFC regional supervisor Robert Zachary, work has been
ongoing at the WMA to replace siphons that help flood the area during
Arkansas' waterfowl season. "As of today, the contractor is far enough
into the job that we could now flood the Little River Island
impoundments without interference with the construction work. This will
allow the flooding of about 1,400 acres, or close to one-third of the
artificially flooded impoundments on the area," Zachary said.

A large pump may be placed near the location of the upper siphon to
provide some water for the other two impoundments that are normally
flooded by the upper siphon, Zachary explained. "If we can get this pump
in place, it will probably not completely fill the rest area and Reyno
impoundments by the beginning of waterfowl season, but it should give us
a good start. Once we are able to begin using the new siphons, which are
under construction, we should be able to fill the area within two weeks
or so," he explained.

The annual target date for placing gates in the Little River Island
structure is October 15, Zachary stated. "However, that is not a
deadline by any means. We generally consider October 15th a reasonable
date when we can begin diverting water into the impoundments to enhance
habitat for migratory waterfowl and other wildlife, and also allow us to
carry through on other objectives for the WMA," he said.

Drought conditions have duck hunters concerned about low water
conditions for the arrival of waterfowl season on the WMA as well as
other public hunting areas. "I know hunters are concerned about the
extremely dry conditions and low river levels, but this weather has been
ideal to accommodate the construction work and is probably a blessing in
disguise, considering the deteriorated condition of the old siphon
structure," Zachary said.

"We are being inconvenienced this year, but once the job is finished, we
undoubtedly will have the most dependable source of water for fall
flooding anywhere in the state. We have known for some time that the old
siphons were in extremely poor condition and that their complete failure
was imminent," he explained. "In a worst case scenario, if the old pipes
had collapsed before the new ones were installed, which is what we are
doing now, it could very well have been several years before conditions
were once again dry enough to construct a new structure. Our flooding
operations could have been interrupted for more than just one season,
possibly two or three," he added. If weather permits, the project should
be completed by the end of November.

Bass Reschedules CITGO Bassmaster Southern Open On Lake Tohopekaliga In Florida Due To Hurricane Wilma

Due to impending hurricane conditions and in the best interest of all
concerned, BASS has rescheduled the CITGO Bassmaster Southern Open on
Lake Tohopekaliga in Kissimmee, Fla., originally scheduled for Oct.
27-29.

The event now is planned for Nov. 17-19 at the same location.

Hurricane Wilma is expected to significantly impact the state of
Florida, home to many of the anglers fishing the Southern Open. Lake
Toho is in Central Florida.

Any anglers who cannot fish the rescheduled tournament will be refunded
their entry fees if requested by close of business Friday, Oct. 28.

Lake Tohopekaliga is the site of the 2006 CITGO Bassmaster Classic,
Feb.24-26, 2006. Because of the Southern Open rescheduling, the lake
will now be off limits to Classic anglers beginning Nov. 21.

For more information, please call 407-566-BASS.

Media Contact:
Bass Communications
(407) 566-2277

Martin-Wells Masters Lewisville

42-Year-Old Professional Angler Writes BASS History by Taking Women's
Bassmaster Tour Preview Event
LEWISVILLE, Texas - Pam Martin-Wells, one of the most experienced and
highly decorated women bass anglers, dominated the Lewisville Lake super
six on Day 3 of the Women's Bassmaster Tour preview event, catching the
day's only limit and weighing in 11 pounds, 1 ounce. With the win, the
42-year-old takes home $15,000, the largest cash prize she has ever
earned in her angling career.

Martin-Wells caught 31 pounds, 11 ounces during the three-day tournament
and moved from sixth place to the top of the field, besting Day 2 leader
Pamela Pope (28-11) by 3 pounds. The calm weather, said Martin-Wells,
was a perfect way to end a tournament ravaged earlier by gusting winds.

"The wind the first two days really hurt me," said the Bainbridge, Ga.,
resident. "Thank God that it didn't blow nearly as hard today; it was
just perfect today."

Martin-Wells caught the only limit of the day while flipping a Wave Worm
Tiki Tube with a 3/16-ounce Tru-Tungsten weight on Hickory Creek.

"This is just indescribable," an ecstatic Wells said, admiring her
trophy. "This is a dream come true and I just don't know what to say
about it. I am speechless."

Meanwhile, Pope, of Robinson, Texas, took home $4,500 for her
second-place performance. She fell from first place after a rough Day 3
when the fish simply stopped biting for her. "It was a really tough
day," she said. "All in all, I am pretty pleased with my performance
although I fell short of the top prize."

Rounding out the top six boaters were Lisa Sternard of Clarksville,
Tenn., with 26-15; Brenda Davis of Sand Springs, Okla., with 26-11;
Kathi Hurst of Ripley, Miss., with 24-9; and Angie Douthit of Clewiston,
Fla., with 22-15.

Non-boater tournament leader Sharon Ruston (11-3), of Kimberling City,
Mo., outlasted the rest of the field despite only catching one bass on
the final day. Her cushion was big enough after two days to hold off
Carrie Bronson of Polk City, Fla., (9-3), a fishing guide at the Walt
Disney World Resort.

Following Rushton and Bronson were Arkansas' Lesa Brown (8-8), Texan
Billie Jaynes (7-4), Alabama's Jo Bucki (7-2) and Texan Donna Prado
(6-7).

Location and Field
Women's Bassmaster Tour preview event
Lewisville Lake
Lewisville, Texas
Oct. 20-22, 2005

Launch
7:15 a.m.
Sneaky Pete's Restaurant and Banquet Facility
#2 Eagle Point Marina
Lewisville, Texas 75075

Weigh-in
3 p.m.
Sneaky Pete's Restaurant and Banquet Facility
#2 Eagle Point Marina
Lewisville, Texas 75075

Day Three Purolator Big Bass
Boater: Pam Martin-Wells, Bainbridge, Georgia, 3-15
Non-Boater: Carrie Bronson, Polk City, Fla., 2-1

Local sponsors: The city of Lewisville, the Lewisville Area Chamber of
Commerce, Sneaky Pete's Restaurant and Banquet Facility and the
Courtyard by Marriott.

2006 Women's Bassmaster Tour

March 16-18 Toledo Bend Reservoir Huxley, Texas
April 20-22 Neeley Henry Lake Gadsden, Ala.
May 18-20 Lewisville Lake Dallas, Texas
July 27-29 Lake Norman Huntersville, N.C.
Aug. 24-26 Lake Dardanelle Russellville, Ark.

For more information, contact BASS Communications at (407) 566-2208 or
visit www.bassmaster.com.

Media Contact:
BASS COMMUNICATIONS
(407) 566-2208

Anglers Needed To Help TPWD Replace Flounder Brood Stock Lost During Hurricane Rita

AUSTIN, Texas - Count among the losses from Hurricane Rita more than 100
brood fish crucial to the state's marine hatchery production efforts at
Sea Center Texas. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is scrambling
to replace those losses and is looking for help from experienced
anglers.

"What we really need help with is collecting southern flounder," said
David Abrego, Sea Center Texas facility director. He went on to note
that during the mandatory evacuation of the hatchery during the
hurricane, failures in the water pump system wiped out practically all
their brood fish, including 66 red drum, 48 spotted seatrout and 14
southern flounder. "Fortunately, all our aquarium fish, including our
tarpon, survived."

On Oct. 29 at the S.A.L.T. Club on Sabine Lake and on Nov. 12 at the
Texas City Dike, TPWD will conduct special fishing tournaments targeting
southern flounder as part of its Coastal Fisheries Bay Team program.
Participating anglers who bring in qualifying flounder have a chance to
win a lifetime fishing license and other prizes.

"This all ties in to genetic diversity-the more fish we have for
hatchery brood stock, the better it will be for the millions of fish we
stock in Texas public waters to improve fishing each year," said Robert
Adami, TPWD coastal fisheries biologist in Corpus Christi.

Each Coastal Fisheries Bay Team tournament is open to 30 two-person
teams, 60 people total, on a first-come, first-serve basis. Registration
takes place on-site the day of each tournament. There is no entry fee,
but all entrants must be 21 years old or older. Participants may turn in
three fish per tournament.

At each tournament, anglers who bring in fish will be entered in a
drawing for a chance to win a lifetime fishing license worth $600.
Participants who do not bring in fish will be entered into a drawing at
each tournament for a fishing gear prize package-a Texas Tackle Factory
rod and Shimano Curado reel combo, Boga grip and a Garmin GPS unit.
Every participant will receive a shirt and cap.

The prizes, equipment, and program are made possible through support
from Anheuser-Busch, Inc. Since 1991, Anheuser-Busch, in partnership
with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation, has contributed millions
of dollars in funding to support conservation causes and fishing,
hunting, and outdoor recreation programs in Texas.

Since TPWD began enlisting anglers to help catch fish for hatcheries at
special tournaments eight years ago, more than 1,200 people have helped
catch more than 1,500 fish.

Both tournaments will take place from 6 a.m.- noon.

Anglers interested in becoming a member of the Coastal Fisheries Bay
Team can contact Adami at the CCA/CPL Marine Development Center at
robert.adami@tpwd.state.tx.us or (361) 939-7784.

Free Teen Anglers Event in Cape May County

Bauer's Fishing Preserve (http://bauerspond.tripod.com) in Cape May
County will be the next stop for the Teen Anglers Program in the New
Jersey! The North East Teen Angler Event will be on Saturday, October
29 from 9am until 3pm.

The event is free and open to all youngsters ages 12-19. Bait will be
provided by Teen Anglers and anglers are urged to bring a non-fishing
friend along - rods and reels will be available for rent for only $4.00.

Teen Anglers will provide trophies and prizes! Categories will include
big fish trophies for the largest channel catfish, largemouth bass,
hybrid striper, crappie and trout. There will be prizes for everyone!

Hot dogs, water and soda will be shared by all before the awards
presentation.

To register, visit the Teen Anglers website at
http://www.teenanglers.org/. For information on how to volunteer or
just be a part of this event, please contact Captain Frank Breakell at
609-425-9401 or Captain Al Bernetti at 772-519-0482

Bauer's Preserve is located on Route 9 off the Garden State Parkway
(Exit 25) in Seaville, Cape May County

Lintner and Zaldain Double Up

LAKEPORT, Calif. - Jared Lintner and Chris Zaldain should fish together
more often. The pair were randomly paired together on the final day of
the Bassmaster Western Open at Clear Lake and won the boater and
non-boater division respectively. Lintner takes home a $50,000 prize
package including a fully-rigged Triton boat with Mercury outboard.

In dramatic fashion, California's Lintner jumped all the way up from
25th
place to surge into the lead on the final day. His three-day catch of 49
pounds, 15 ounces was good enough to hold off Day 2 leader Michael Tuck
by 2 pounds, 11 ounces. In the end, it was his experience with western
fisheries that helped him to his first BASS win.

"I have a bunch of spots on this lake that I know I can go to" Lintner
said. "I started my day in one of my hot spots that had been productive
during this tournament. My partner Chris caught a limit there by 9 a.m.
I knew I had a bunch of other places that I could go because I have
fished here so many times, and I had to use them."

Lintner starter early in his hot spot working a buzz bait. Later in the
day, due to the weather, he moved to protected waters as the wind built
up. He switched to bright and flashy jigs to combat the unpredictable
clarity of the water.

His 22-3 limit on the final day was by far the biggest bag on the day.
Lintner attributed his fantastic finish to his knowledge of the lake. In
2004, Lintner finished third in the Bassmaster Open at Clear Lake.

Lintner's banner final day put the pressure on Tuck to bring in a solid
limit. His catch of 10 pounds, 3 ounces was not quite enough to take
home his first BASS victory. Despite the solid showing, Tuck could only
think of the one that got away.

"When you are fishing a tournament like this with such quality anglers,
you can't afford to lose any fish and this weekend I lost a few," the
Californian said. "I don't even want to talk about the almost 9 pounder
I lost in the last fifteen minutes of fishing today."

Finishing behind Lintner and Tuck is Nevada's Rob Wenning (47-3),
California's Jim Davis (47-0) and California's Ricky Shabazz (45-3).

On the non-boater side, Zaldain takes home a Triton boat package valued
at $25,000. Rounding out the top five are Japan's Hideki Maeda (38-8),
California's Rick Spinney (36-11), California's John Sherak (35-9) and
California's Gary Morris (34-12).

The Californians dominated on their state lake as 8 of the top 10
finishers on the boater and non-boater side hail from California.

The lone remaining event in the Western Open series will take place on
Lake Shasta in Shasta Lake, Calif. (Nov. 17-19). The top 15 boaters and
non-boaters from the Western Open point standings will advance to the
2005 Bassmaster Open Championship on the Alabama River in Prattville,
Ala., Dec. 1-4. The top five boaters from the Open Championship will
qualify to fish in the 2006 Bassmaster Classic (Feb. 24-26; Lake
Tohopekaliga, Kissimmee, Fla.) and compete for a $500,000 top prize.

Location and Field
Bassmaster Western Open
Clear Lake
Lakeport, Calif.
Oct.13-15, 2005

Launch
Konocti Vista Resort & Marina
2755 Mission Rancheria Road
Lakeport, Calif. 95453

Weigh-in
Konocti Vista Resort & Marina
2755 Mission Rancheria Road
Lakeport, Calif. 95453

Day Three Purolator Big Bass
Boater: Jared Lintner, Arroyo Grande, Calif., 6-9
Non-Boater: Chris Zaldain, San Jose, Calif., 4-13
Big Bass of Tournament: David Kromm, Kennewick, Wash., 9-3

Media Contact:
BASS COMMUNICATIONS
(407) 566-2208
www.bassmaster.com

GAME COMMISSION ANNOUNCES RESULTS OF ARMSTRONG COUNTY CASE

Pennsylvania Game Commission Southwest Regional Director Matt Hough
today announced that final resolution was brought to one of the largest
wildlife crime sprees in Armstrong County history, which occurred during
the December 2004 deer season.

"This case has been successfully concluded with 74 separate charges
resulting in assessed penalties of $32,350," Hough stated.

Armstrong County Wildlife Conservation Officer (WCO) Barry Seth, along
with Deputy WCOs Dave Shaul and Gerald Vensel, were the primary
investigators in a case that took several months to pull together.
Armstrong County District Attorney Scott J. Andreassi prosecuted the
case on behalf of the Game Commission.

The seven defendants in this case had faced potential fines of more than
$72,000. All face a loss of hunting privileges in addition to the fines
and costs.

For more information, please visit the Pennsylvania Game Commission -
State Wildlife Management Agency website:
http://www.pgc.state.pa.us/pgc/cwp/view.asp?a=11&Q=165672

Texas' Lewisville Lake to Host Women's Bassmaster Tour Preview Oct. 20-22

Texas' Lewisville Lake to Host Women's Bassmaster Tour Preview Oct.
20-22

CELEBRATION, Fla. - History will be made the morning of Oct. 20th
when America's best women anglers cast into the waters of Texas'
Lewisville Lake, launching the preview event of the new Women's
Bassmaster Tour.

For the first time, the women pros and non-boaters will enjoy a
big-league tournament venue backed by the most respected tournament
organization in the country, BASS, and its major media parent, ESPN.

"I'm so excited I can barely think," said Texan Robin Baab. "I know all
of the ladies feel the same way I do."

Both the boater and non-boater fields of the three-day tournament will
be cut to the top six after Day 2. Boaters are vying for a $15,000
first-place prize while the first-place non-boater will receive $7,500.

Lewisville Lake is 29,592 acres and has 233 miles of shoreline. With an
average depth of 25 feet, the Corps of Engineers reservoir is one of the
most popular recreation spots in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, according
to locals. It is adjacent to Interstate 35 and 15 minutes north of
downtown Dallas.

Anglers say Lewisville Lake is better known as a gathering place for
recreational boating, but it's also a fishery with plenty of places
largemouth typically live, including stumps, boat docks and rocky
shorelines. However, anglers will not find much aquatic vegetation.

Though the Women's Bassmaster Tour is new to Lewisville Lake, BASS is
not. In June, while fishing a Bassmaster Elite 50, Bassmaster Classic
champion Kevin VanDam set a lake record with an 11-pound, 13-ounce
largemouth. Since then, VanDam's record has been topped twice by local
anglers. The record now belongs to Charles Pratt of Lewisville, who
caught a 12-pound, 11-ounce bass on July 31, according to the Dallas
Morning News.

Still, chances are most of the women will be unfamiliar with the waters.
"I've never fished Lewisville before, so I'll spend a few days scouting
it out, hunting fish," said boater Mary DiVincenti, 45, of Clinton, La.
"I'm hoping to crack the top six to make it to the third day. I believe
we're going to have a strong fall pattern there, so that'll help."

Even before women have the chance to fish the preview event, many say
they are ready to register for the full, five-event series next year. "I
really do think it's going to snowball," said Arkansas boater Lucy Mize,
who is fishing the preview with her daughter, Melinda Mize. "The women
anglers are watching this closely and they'll all be out next spring."

The preview event was originally scheduled for Sam Rayburn Reservoir but
was moved because of damage caused by Hurricane Rita in September.
Still, tournament director Bruce Mathis said the women remained excited
about the preview.

"We couldn't be happier with the response we have received thus far," he
said. "I am not just talking about the sheer number of participants, but
the enthusiastic feedback we have received is really encouraging."

Daily launch and weigh-ins will be at Sneaky Pete's Restaurant and
Banquet Facility, #2 Eagle Point Marina, Lewisville, Texas, 75075.

The preview also will be great practice for the Tour, as the women who
sign up to fish the full schedule will visit again May 18-20, 2006. The
complete 2006 Women's Bassmaster Tour schedule is:

March 16-18 Toledo Bend Reservoir Huxley, Texas
April 20-22 Neeley Henry Lake Gadsden, Ala.
May 18-20 Lewisville Lake Dallas, Texas
July 27-29 Lake Norman Huntersville, N.C.
Aug. 24-26 Lake Dardanelle Russellville, Ark.

BASS is the worldwide authority on bass fishing, sanctioning more than
20,000 events through the BASS Federation annually.
Guided by its mission to serve all fishing fans, BASS sets the standard
for credibility, professionalism, sportsmanship and conservation, as it
has for nearly 40 years.

BASS stages bass fishing tournaments for every skill level and
culminates with the Bassmaster Classic. Through its clubs, youth
programs, aquatic resource advocacy, magazine publishing and multimedia
platforms, BASS offers the industry's widest array of services and
support to its nearly 550,000 members. The organization is headquartered
in Celebration, Fla.

For more information, contact BASS Communications at 407-566-2208.

Media Contact:
BASS Communications
407-566-2208

Bass Announces Dates, Locations Of 2006 Bassmaster Northern And Southern Tours

Bass Announces Dates, Locations Of 2006 Bassmaster Northern And Southern
Tours

CELEBRATION, Fla. - The Bassmaster Northern and Southern Tours will
visit famous fisheries in Alabama, Ohio, Kentucky and New York, BASS
officials said today when announcing the full season schedule.

The Tours, each with five stops and awarding nearly $4 million in cash
and merchandise to pros and non-boaters, are new additions to the
Bassmaster Tournament Trail in 2006.

The Bassmaster Southern Tour kicks off Jan.26-28 on Lake Okeechobee in
Okeechobee, Fla. BASS most recently visited Lake Okeechobee in November
2004 for a Bassmaster Southern Open and has been there at least once in
six of the eight last years.

BASS anglers also are familiar with the Southern Tour's second stop on
March 2-4: Toledo Bend Reservoir in Many, La. The 2003 Basssmaster Open
Championship was on the largest man-made body of water in the South and
the tournament was won by John Murray of Arizona.

The third Southern Tour location is Santee-Cooper Reservoir on April
6-8, where BASS also will host the Bassmaster Elite Series
"Santee-Cooper Showdown" in 2006.

Next on the schedule is Lake Eufaula on May 11-13 in Eufaula, Ala. BASS
first visited Lake Eufaula, known for its springtime bass bite, in 1968
and has returned to the fishery at least twice each decade, most
recently in 2004 when Peter Ponds of Mississippi won the Bassmaster
Southern Open. It's also the fishery where 1998 Bassmaster Classic
winner Denny Brauer earned two of his 15 first-place BASS wins.

Lastly, the Bassmaster Southern Tour will close in Gainesville, Ga., on
Sept. 7-9 on Lake Lanier north of Atlanta, a body of water BASS has not
visited in 10 years. With about 7 million visitors annually, Lanier is
one of the most popular lakes in the country.

"BASS' mission is to provide more opportunities for anglers to fish and
we believe that scheduling the Tours in different seasons during the
year will offer them the very best fishing around the country," said Don
Rucks, BASS vice president and general manager.

The Bassmaster Northern Tour kicks off in the summer on mammoth Kentucky
Lake in Kentucky, June 22-24. Anglers caught nearly 3,500 pounds of bass
the last time BASS visited in 1993 and BASS also is planning its
Bassmaster Elite Series "Bluegrass Brawl" here in June 2006.

On July 20-22, the Northern Tour heads to the Mississippi River in Fort
Madison, Iowa. The second longest river in America, the muddy
Mississippi runs through or borders 10 states and BASS already has held
three tournaments on the river, in 1995, 1984 and 1983.

The third Northern Tour stop is Lake Champlain in Plattsburgh, N.Y., on
Aug. 17-19, marking the fourth BASS event on those waters. Champlain is
a northern favorite of many southern BASS pros because of the aggressive
bass bite and BASS also will visit it in 2006 for the "Champion's
Choice" Bassmaster Elite Series event in July.

Finally, the Northern Tour rounds out on smallmouth-rich Lake
Erie/Sandusky Bay in Sandusky, Ohio, Oct. 5-7, and ends on the deep,
clear Smith Mountain Lake in Moneta, Va., Oct. 26-28. BASS has only
visited each of these fisheries once before.

2006 CITGO Bassmaster Southern Tour
Lake Okeechobee Okeechobee, Fla. Jan. 26-28
Toledo Bend Reservoir Many, La. March 2-4
Santee-Cooper Reservoir Manning, S.C. April 6-8
Lake Eufaula Eufaula, Ala. May 11-13
Lake Lanier Gainesville, Ga. Sept. 7-9

2006 CITGO Bassmaster Northern Tour
Kentucky Lake Kentucky Dam Village, Ky.June 22-24
Mississippi River Fort Madison, Iowa July 20-22
Lake Champlain Plattsburgh, N.Y. Aug. 17-19
Lake Erie/Sandusky Bay Sandusky, Ohio Oct. 5-7
Smith Mountain Lake Moneta, Va. Oct. 26-28

CITGO Bassmaster Wild Card Qualifier
Harris Chain of Lakes Leesburg, Fla. Nov. 16-18

The Tours pay down 60 places for pros, including $75,000 in cash and
merchandise to the winner. The Tours pay down 50 places to non-boaters,
including $30,000 in merchandise to the winner, based on a 150-angler
field. More importantly, they are qualifying routes to the coveted Elite
Series, which in 2006 will pay more than $7.4 million.

"This truly is the place where anglers can build long-term, viable
careers and - with talent - earn their spot into the Bassmaster Elite
Series," Rucks said.

To help build that bridge, the points leader from each Tour division
will receive paid entry fees into the following year's Elite Series.
Also, the top five pro point leaders from each Tour division
automatically qualify for the Bassmaster Elite Series and the top three
pro point leaders from each Tour division automatically qualify for the
Bassmaster Classic.

For anglers who just missed the top 5 spots on the Tours, BASS is
offering another chance to qualify for the Bassmaster Elite Series
through a wild card qualifier that will air on ESPN2.

Pro anglers who finish in sixth through 25th
place will be matched up against Elite Series anglers who have not
qualified for the 2007 Elite Series season to battle for the final 10
Elite Series spots. The wild card qualifier on the Harris Chain of Lakes
in Leesburg, Fla., will award a total prize purse of $155,000 in Elite
Series entry fees and cash to the top 12 professional anglers, including
a top prize of one year of paid entry fees. Meanwhile, the top 60
non-boaters - 30 from each division - will vie in the wild card
qualifier for more than $200,000 in cash and merchandise.

Additionally, coverage of the Tours wild card qualifier will air Nov.
25, 2006, at 10 a.m. on ESPN2.

In the Tours, pros will fish from their own boats on all three
competition days and both the boater and non-boater fields will be cut
to 50 after Day 2.

Boater registration for the Tours opens to BASS members Dec. 8 and
non-boater registration opens to BASS members on Dec. 6. Deposits are
$500 for pros and $150 for non-boaters. Those wishing to sign up can
visit www.bassmaster.com>www.bassmaster.com or call 407-566-BASS.

Entry fees for the Bassmaster Northern and Southern Tours are $1,500 for
pros and $350 for non-boaters per event. A detailed list of payouts is
available at www.bassmaster.com>www.bassmaster.com.

Media Contact:
BASS Communications
407-566-2208

Rapala Reels in Hedtke for Marketing Manager

MINNETONKA, Minn. (September 29, 2005) – Minnetonka-based Normark
Corporation, member of the Rapala VMC Group, the world’s leading fishing
tackle manufacturer, promoted Kelly Hedtke to Marketing Manager.
Effective July 2005, Hedtke brings her extensive brand knowledge,
personal experience and enthusiasm to Rapala’s marketing team.
After working with several departments, her hard work and
turbo-charged personality landed her in the Marketing Department. As
the marketing manager, Hedtke’s responsibilities include managing
current marketing programs, maintaining relationships with industry
associates and formulating future breakthrough marketing strategies.
“We appreciate Kelly’s enthusiasm for the fishing industry, her
business skills and marketing acumen,” said Tom Mackin, President of
Normark Corporation.
Hedtke started at Rapala in September of 2003 after graduating with a BA
in Business Management from Gustavus Adolphus College. A Minnesota
native, Hedtke grew up in Waconia and enjoys both fishing hunting in her
free time.

About Rapala
Dedicated to delivering memorable fishing experiences every time, the
Rapala/VMC Group, based in Vääksy, Finland (Helsinki Stock Exchange:
RAP1V), manufactures and markets fishing lures, fishing line, fishing
rods, hooks, terminal tackle, knives and accessories under the Rapala,
VMC, Blue Fox, Storm and Williamson brand names. The company was
unofficially founded in 1936 when Lauri Rapala invented the Rapala
fishing lure. Rapala maintains its strict standards of quality and
craftsmanship while delivering its fishing products to anglers in more
than 130 countries.

Rapala Cranks In Matt Jensen For Sales Associate

MINNETONKA, Minn. (September 29, 2005) – Minnetonka-based Normark
Corporation, member of the Rapala VMC Group, the world’s leading fishing
tackle manufacturer, has promoted Matt Jensen to Sales Associate.
Effective September 2005, Jensen will move from his current position as
Customer Service Representative at Normark to his new position as Sales
Associate.
“Matt has demonstrated his knowledge of our products as well as his
ability to relate to our consumers,” says George Large, vice president
of sales for Rapala. “We look forward to combining his communication
skills with his enthusiasm for the industry into our sales team.”
Jensen received his B.S. in Economics and Finance from the University of
Wisconsin LaCrosse. Matt grew up in Grantsburg, Wisconsin where his
search for big fish and game began.
An avid angler and avid outdoorsman, Jensen will assume responsibility
for distributors as well as trophy dealers at Normark Corporation.
About Rapala
Dedicated to delivering memorable fishing experiences every time, the
Rapala/VMC Group, based in Vääksy, Finland (Helsinki Stock Exchange:
RAP1V), manufactures and markets fishing lures, fishing line, fishing
rods, hooks, terminal tackle, knives and accessories under the Rapala,
VMC, Blue Fox, Storm and Williamson brand names. The company was
unofficially founded in 1936 when Lauri Rapala invented the Rapala
fishing lure. Rapala maintains its strict standards of quality and
craftsmanship while delivering its fishing products to anglers in more
than 130 countries.

Rapala Lands Rick Billings for Vice President of Operations

MINNETONKA, Minn. (September 29, 2005) – Minnetonka-based Normark
Corporation, member of the Rapala VMC Group, has tapped Rick Billings
for Vice President of Operations. He takes over for Marc Jensen who was
named Vice President of Acquisition Integration for Normark Corporation
in July. Billings brings more than 10 years of Operations Management
experience.
In his new position, Billings will be responsible for all warehousing,
distribution, and customer service at Normark.
“I’ve known Rick for 20 years and his passion for fishing is
unmatched,” added Gregg Wollner, executive vice president, general
manager for Rapala. “His knowledge of fishing combined with his
operations expertise will make him a great fit here at Rapala. We look
forward to a future of success.”
Most recently, Billings was vice president of North American Operations
and Rochester Site General Manager at Pemstar in Rochester, MN,
overseeing all operations and day-to-day manufacturing functions.
Previously Rick was a product engineer for IBM.
“I’ve been passionate about fishing for as long as I can
remember and I have enjoyed success with Rapala products from the
start,” says Billings. “I associate the Rapala brand name with
innovative, high quality, and highly effective products. I am very
excited to apply my Operations background to an industry I am passionate
about and for a highly respected, industry leader like Rapala.”
Born and raised in Rochester, MN, Rick is an avid outdoorsman as well as
an avid angler, his primary interest is tournament bass fishing, which
he has been pursuing for the past seven years.

About Rapala
Dedicated to delivering memorable fishing experiences every time, the
Rapala/VMC Group, based in Vääksy, Finland (Helsinki Stock Exchange:
RAP1V), manufactures and markets fishing lures, fishing line, fishing
rods, hooks, terminal tackle, knives and accessories under the Rapala,
VMC, Blue Fox, Storm and Williamson brand names. The company was
unofficially founded in 1936 when Lauri Rapala invented the Rapala
fishing lure. Rapala maintains its strict standards of quality and
craftsmanship while delivering its fishing products to anglers in more
than 130 countries.

"Best of Show" Awarded to Rapala for the New 2006 X-Rap Series

MINNETONKA, Minn. (September 29, 2005) – Minnetonka-based Normark
Corporation, member of the Rapala VMC Group, world’s leading fishing
tackle manufacture, landed the “Best of Show” award in the Hard Lure
category, for the 2006 X-Rap Series, at the annual International
Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades (ICAST) in Las Vegas, NV.
Introduced as the X-Rap 10 last year, the family expands to five
with four new models this year. The 2006 X-Rap Series includes the
smaller, “snack-size” X-Rap 08, X-Rap Jointed Shad, X-Rap 14, and the
X-Rap Magnum 30, which dives down to 30 feet.
“This award recognizes the efforts of our pro staff and our lure
development team who worked together to create a new generation of
Rapala lures,” added Gregg Wollner, executive vice president, general
manager of Rapala.
This years New Product Showcase featured over 800 entries from
170 companies who vied for Best of Show in 12 different categories.
Products were judged, based on their level of innovation, execution,
workmanship and practicality, by buyers and media representatives.
“The creativity and ingenuity our members use to develop and
produce new items to enhance the angling experience never fails to amaze
me,” commented Mike Nussman, president and CEO of the American
Sportfishing Association.

About Rapala
Dedicated to delivering memorable fishing experiences every time, the
Rapala/VMC Group, based in Vääksy, Finland (Helsinki Stock Exchange:
RAP1V), manufactures and markets fishing lures, fishing line, fishing
rods, hooks, terminal tackle, knives and accessories under the Rapala,
VMC, Blue Fox, Storm and Williamson brand names. The company was
unofficially founded in 1936 when Lauri Rapala invented the Rapala
fishing lure. Rapala maintains its strict standards of quality and
craftsmanship while delivering its fishing products to anglers in more
than 130 countries.

Infection Takes Out Pennsylvania Hatchery Trout

WARREN, PA-A disease outbreak has prompted the removal of more than
700,000 trout from Pennsylvania's Allegheny National Fish Hatchery, and
officials say many of the fish might need to be destroyed.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officials announced last week that lake
trout and brook trout at the hatchery had tested positive for the
infectious pancreatic necrosis virus, which causes hemorrhaging of
internal organs. The infection is highly contagious in fish and can
cause up to 90 percent mortality in young fish. There's no known cure or
treatment, but the virus doesn't affect humans.

The hatchery is home to 720,000 juvenile lake, brook and rainbow trout
and 2,500 lake trout broodstock. The fish are stocked in lakes Erie and
Ontario and around the Allegheny National Forest. Hatchery staff are
working to remove the fish and disinfect the facility.

Win $100 In Angler Survey

ALEXANDRIA, VA-You can win a $100 gift certificate and help the
sportfishing industry by taking a new online survey each month. The
study, developed by Southwick Associates, Inc., will survey a panel of
several thousand U.S. anglers each month about their angling activities
and purchases. This information will be used to develop new products and
better services to enhance the angling experience.
"The information to be produced by (the survey) will provide an
important piece of the puzzle explaining where the industry and resource
agencies need to focus our efforts to improve sportfishing opportunities
and fish populations," says Mike Nussman, president and CEO of the
American Sportfishing Association.

Anglers need register only once, and the typical survey takes about two
minutes to complete. Participants will be asked about their angling
activities in the previous month, species pursued, products purchased,
opportunities desired and more.

The results will become available to the public in early 2006. For more
information, contact Southwick Associates, (904) 277-9765,

North Carolina Catman Calls Shot On Record Flathead

RALEIGH, NC-Late last year, North Carolina angler Brian Newberger
predicted to friends and family that he'd set a new state flathead
catfish record by the end of 2005. Shortly after midnight on September
17, his prediction became reality when he landed a 78-pound, 52-inch
flathead while fishing the Cape Fear River above Lock and Dam No. 3 in
Cumberland County, North Carolina.

Arizona Boating Access Grants Now Available

PHOENIX, AZ-The Arizona Game and Fish Department (GFD) announced last
week that it has $600,000 available in grant money to improve access to
Arizona lakes and waterways.
"If you enjoy boating on Arizona waters, this money is specifically for
improving that kind of recreation," says the GFD's Ron Christofferson.
"Every year, the GFD makes grant funds available to applicants who have
projects with a boating access focus that otherwise might not receive
funding. This is the time of year to apply for that money."

In related news, recreational boating access will be improved next year
at 10 sites throughout Ohio thanks to more than $3 million in grants
awarded by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of
Watercraft.

Columbia River Anglers Must Release Chinooks

OLYMPIA, WA-The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) has
announced that anglers must now release any chinook salmon they catch on
the mainstem Columbia River from the mouth of the river to the U.S. Hwy.
395 Bridge at Pasco.
The announcement follows an agreement between fisheries managers from
Washington and Oregon to close two sections of the Columbia River where
the sport fishery has taken its portion of the allowable fall chinook
salmon protected under the federal Endangered Species Act.

Delaware Offering Fly Fishing Workshop For Women

SMYRNA, DE-Female anglers who want to learn how to fly fish or to
sharpen their fly fishing skills are invited to the Beyond Becoming an
Outdoors-Woman (BOW) workshop Oct. 15 at the Delaware Division of Fish
and Wildlife's (DFW) Aquatic Resources Education Center near Smyrna.
The event begins at 9:15 a.m. Flies, reels and rods will be available,
but participants are encouraged to bring their own equipment as well as
a bag lunch. Snacks will be provided, and participants will be returned
to the Aquatic Resources Education Center by 3:45 p.m. The workshop fee
is $15.

Interactive Lake Erie Watershed Maps Now Available Online

SANDUSKY, OH-Interactive maps of Ohio's Lake Erie watershed and the
first edition of the "Ohio Coastal Atlas" are now available online on
the Ohio Department of Natural Resources website.

New Jersey fall trout stocking

Week 1 (October 4 - 7)
Although the prolonged spell of dry weather has resulted in unusually
low stream flows, during Week 1 most of the streams slated for stocking
were stocked with their full allocation of trout. Some individual
stocking locations may have received fewer (or no) trout than usual if
existing conditions were unsuitable (shallow water present or pools
absent) at the time of stocking.

Major departures from the normal Week 1 stocking routine were as
follows:

Big Flatbrook - Most of the allocated trout were stocked in the river,
however, due to low water conditions approximately 150 - 200 trout (out
of the 4,120 trout allocation) were diverted and stocked in Lake
Ocquittunk. Several locations above Lake Ocquittunk (Stokes SF) could
not be stocked due to low water.

Black River - Flow was so low that the river could not be stocked, and
the Lamington River was stocked instead.

Rockaway River - Most of the allocated trout were stocked in the river,
however, due to low water conditions approximately 400 trout (out of the
3,070 trout allocation) were diverted and stocked in Mt. Hope Pond.

S/Br. Raritan River - All of the allocated trout were stocked, however,
due to low water conditions no stocking occurred upstream of the Rt.
513/Rt. 517 bridge in Long Valley.

Wallkill River - All of the allocated trout were stocked, however, due
to low water conditions no stocking occurred upstream of West Mountain
Road (Sparta).

Week 2 (October 11 - 13)
No changes have been made or are expected. Stocking will occur as
originally scheduled.

The stocking schedule can be found on the Division of Fish and Wildlife
website at http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/flstk05.htm.

Commission approves 2006 big game hunting regulations

SALEM - The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission at its regular monthly
meeting today in Salem approved big game hunting regulations for 2006.

Major changes include a 5-percent increase in spring bear hunting tags
statewide, to 6,778 tags. A new spring bear hunt in the Hood Unit is
added.

The statewide cougar harvest quota is increased, from 580 to 668. The
check-in requirement is expanded from 72 hours to 10 days, recognizing
the needs of hunters in remote areas and those on extended hunting
trips.

Bighorn sheep hunters will see five new hunts throughout existing units.
Rocky Mountain goat hunters will have an additional four days in their
hunts. A second hunt for pronghorn antelope is added in the Whitehorse
Unit, with 80 tags estimated for 2006.

Archery elk bag limits will be changed for 2006. The standard bag limit
will be a legal bull, except in units where herd levels allow antlerless
harvest. Biologists will propose units for antlerless animals to be
included in the bag limit, following herd surveys each spring. A list of
proposed "antlerless or legal bull" units will be available by May 1.

The Ochoco Management Unit, east of Prineville, will become a controlled
archery hunt for elk in 2006. Bow hunters will need an Ochoco archery
elk tag to hunt deer in the unit. The tag also will be good in general
season areas.

Details soon will be available on ODFW's Web site, www.dfw.state.or.us

Evacuees living in Arkansas may hunt, fish free

LITTLE ROCK - The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission in September waived
hunting and fishing license fees through Dec. 31 for some of the
Hurricane Katrina evacuees living in Arkansas.

Evacuees who take advantage of free hunting and fishing must be able to
show they reside in Arkansas. Those who have returned to specific
counties and parishes of Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi to live are
not eligible.

All state wildlife regulations apply to eligible temporary Arkansas
residents. Arkansas hunting and fishing regulations are outlined in AGFC
hunting and fishing guidebooks available at license vendors across the
state and online at www.agfc.com.

Hunters who pursue waterfowl are required to have a Federal Waterfowl
Stamp, and hunters who pursue migratory game birds must register with
the Harvest Information Program.

Hunters who take big game under this privilege will be required to tag
their game and check it as outlined in the Arkansas Hunting Guidebook,
2005-06. They may make their tags or use tags provided in the guidebook.

GET INTO NEW HAMPSHIRE'S GREAT OUTDOORS ON WILDLIFE JOURNAL TV SERIES

CONCORD, N.H. -- Come face-to-face with wild things; meet fascinating
outdoor experts; and explore New Hampshire's most remote and pristine
places when the award-winning Wildlife Journal television series kicks
off its fourth season Thursday, October 6, 2005 @ 9 p.m. The popular
series, co-produced by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department and
New Hampshire Public Television (NHPTV), is part of NHPTV's new Thursday
night local programming line-up.

In this season's Wildlife Journal episodes, viewers will visit New
Hampshire's great trout streams, follow the Connecticut River through
the heart of the Granite State and learn about loons, black bears,
woodcocks, and more! Cameras capture animals in the wild and transport
viewers to remote and ruggedly beautiful places across the state. Hosts
Willem Lange and Lisa Densmore introduce viewers to fascinating people
and local experts -- all deeply connected to the natural world through
wildlife research, fishing, hunting and other outdoor pursuits. Each
half-hour program includes two top features and a Wild Ways and a Wild
Places segment. Wild Ways offers "how-to" tips on a variety of outdoor
activities. Wild Places features areas of scenic or recreational
interest in the Granite State.

"We have spectacular natural resources in New Hampshire," said Jon
Charpentier, educational and broadcast media manager for the New
Hampshire Fish and Game Department and executive producer of the
program. "Wildlife Journal brings it all together, helping viewers
across New England explore and understand our wildlife heritage and what
it means to our quality of life."

"We're delighted to offer a fourth season of Wildlife Journal," said
Peter Frid, NHPTV's General Manager and CEO. "The program's spotlight on
the state's wildlife and beautiful outdoor spaces is a favorite with our
viewers. And we're pleased that professional and peer organizations
continue to honor our work, including four regional Emmy Awards."

The Wildlife Journal program schedule, with airdates and episode
descriptions, is available at http://www.wildlifejournal.tv.

The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department protects and manages wildlife
and habitat, informs and educates people of all ages and provides
opportunities for people to use and appreciate the state's natural
resources. Visit www.wildlife.state.nh.us.

Beyond its award-winning local and national television programs, NHPTV
is a leader in education and community outreach. For more information
about NHPTV programs that entertain, educate and enrich, visit
www.nhptv.org/pressroom. NHPTV serves Northern New England on Channels
11 Durham, 15 Hanover, 18 Pittsburg, 49 Littleton, 52 Keene, and on
Digital Channels 57 Durham, 48 Littleton and 49 Keene.

DNR seeks comments on experimental walleye regulations on Rainy Lake

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will be hosting a
public input meeting this fall to gather input on walleye regulations on
Rainy Lake. The meeting will be held in International Falls at Rainy
River Community College on October 18, 2005 at 7:00 pm. The forum is
intended to provide background information, answer questions, and take
public input on walleye regulations on Rainy Lake.

For more information, click here:
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/news/releases/index.html?id=1128444319 .

Man dies after fishing accident

Kent County, October 5- An elderly Kent County man is dead after being
involved in a boating accident during a fishing trip.

It happened around 8:40 a.m. Wednesday on Lincoln Lake in Spencer
Township.

The Kent County Sheriff's Department says 84-year-old Raymond Edward
Fisher of Nelson Township and his 55-year-old son, Joe Allen Fisher of
Newaygo, were in a fishing boat.

Joe told officers that the boat's anchor started to drop into the water
as they headed across the lake. Joe immediately slowed the boat, but
before they could pull up the anchor, the drag factor of the anchor in
the water caused the boat to take on water, flipping it over.

The men ended up under the boat with their heads above the water. The
men had life jackets with them, but did not have them on.

Joe said he asked his father if he was okay, and Raymond said yes.

Moments later, Raymond was not responding. His son pulled him from under
the boat, keeping his head above water, and called for help.

Two citizens heard Joe's call for help and went to assist them. They
were able to bring the two men back to shore where rescue crews took
over.

Raymond was transported to Spectrum Butterworth where he later died.
Investigators say he had a heart attack.

N.J.'s 2006 Fish Art and Writing Contest

Elementary and Middle School science teachers take note: The 2006 Fish
Art and Writing Contest information is now posted on the Division of
Fish and Wildlife website. Your students in grades 4 - 8 can learn about
NJ's fish while honing their artistic skills. The division's website
also has lots of online resources that your students can search to learn
about NJ's fish as they do the research for the biography piece. Please
feel free to share this contest with your school's art and language arts
teachers for this interdisciplinary activity.

The Aquatic WILD activity "Fishy Who's Who" can be used to introduce the
contest to students. The activities done through the contest help meet
NJ Core Curriculum Content Standards for Science 5.5 (Grade 4) A.1,
(Grade 6) B.1, (Grade 8) B.1, B.2, B.3, and Science 5.10 (Grade 6), A.1.

The winning entrants in each grade are invited to the Pequest Trout
Hatchery and Natural Resource Education Center in Oxford (along with
their immediate family and their teacher!) to fish at the education pond
on Opening Day of Trout Season, 2006 and to receive their awards at a
special luncheon. The contest is sponsored by NJ chapters of Trout
Unlimited.

For more information, see http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/fishart.htm

WILDLIFE ACTION GRANTS AVAILABLE FOR TEACHERS

CONCORD, N.H. -- Teachers interested in starting wildlife habitat
projects can apply to the Homes for Wildlife Action Grant Program at New
Hampshire Fish and Game for start-up funds. The program provides
mini-grants of up to $300 -- or $600 with matching funds -- for projects
allowing students and educators to enhance habitat for people and
wildlife. The deadline for submitting proposals is November 15, 2005.
For a proposal packet, write to Marilyn Wyzga, Public Affairs Division,
N.H. Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, N.H. 03301;
email mwyzga@wildlife.state.nh.us; or call (603) 271-3211.

The Homes for Wildlife Action Grant Program is designed to support
student environmental action that can be measured in acres improved or
protected for wildlife. Activities can include hands-on schoolyard or
community habitat improvement or projects influencing community
attitudes about maintaining or protecting wildlife habitat.

The grant program is funded by the Conservation License Plate fund,
through the Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Program at Fish and Game.
Each applicant may request up to $300, or up to $600 if a
dollar-for-dollar match can be provided by the school or organization
for any amount over the initial $300. A match is not required for the
first $300.

Grants are available to educators working in cooperation with Project
HOME or Project WILD. Project HOME is an award-winning schoolyard
habitat program coordinated by Fish and Game. Project WILD provides
teachers with wildlife materials through interactive, interdisciplinary
workshops about wildlife and the environment.

Who can apply for the Wildlife Action Grants?
* Project HOME facilitators;
* Teachers and educators trained in Project WILD; or
* Any teacher with a member of one of these programs on the project
team.

"We're looking for student-driven action projects that will directly
benefit wildlife," says Marilyn Wyzga, coordinator of the Project HOME
schoolyard habitat program at Fish and Game. "Projects with the best
chance of long-term success involve schools assembling a team of staff,
students, community members and resource professionals."

EXAMPLES OF PAST PROJECTS funded by Wildlife Action Grants include:

* Berlin High School installed 10 bat boxes along the Dead River and
planted grasses for vegetative cover in runoff areas.

* Holderness Central School used the award to help establish native
shrubs and perennials for birds and butterflies as part of a Quiet
Courtyard restoration project.

* Beaver Meadow School in Concord established 4 pollinator gardens
using seeds and young plants that host butterflies and other insects and
birds. They also replaced 6 invasive burning bushes with appropriate
native plants.

* Milan Village School received a second grant to continue a school
wide project to reestablish habitat that was removed for a new school
addition. Development and enhancement of this habitat area will include
native trees and shrubs as well as bird boxes, and a bird feeding and
watering station, to supplement planned outdoor classroom elements. They
provided a thorough report of the initial phase of the project, for
which they had received a $250 grant in 2003-04.

Grant applications will be evaluated by staff from Project HOME and
biologists and educators from the N.H. Fish and Game Department. Grant
recipients are required to evaluate the progress of their project at the
end of the school year. Recipients may apply for grants in subsequent
years if additional funding is necessary, and also may apply for funds
for new projects.

The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department is the guardian of the
state's fish, wildlife and marine resources. Visit online at
http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us.

PETA objects to fishing show

For the sake of all fish, Eli Lilly and Co. should bail out of its
sponsorship of Bassmaster fishing tournaments, says People for the
Ethical Treatment of Animals.
In a letter to the Indianapolis drug maker, PETA says Lilly is "paying
for cruelty to animals on a massive scale" through its one-year
sponsorship of Bassmaster University's weekly fishing television show.
Lilly and Icos Corp. use the sponsorship to promote their co-marketed
male impotence pill Cialis.

"Eli Lilly would never sponsor tournaments that involved impaling dogs
or cats with hooks through their mouths," the PETA letter says.
"Treating fish this way is no better."
Lilly had no comment on the letter. The company referred to a statement
on its Web site that says "we have an ethical and scientific obligation
to ensure the appropriate treatment of animals."

FISH FROM PRIVATE HATCHERY INFECTED WITH WHIRLING DISEASE STOCKED IN COLORADO WATERS

A southwest Colorado man who stocked waters in New Mexico, Utah and
Colorado with trout raised in his private fish-production facility that
was infected with whirling disease has pleaded guilty to several federal
charges and will pay nearly $30,000 in fines and restitution fees.

Dwight Babcock, 59, owner of Cannibal Canyon Ranches in Marvel, Colo.,
pleaded guilty in federal court in Durango on Sept. 30 to seven criminal
counts of knowingly selling, transporting, and stocking wildlife
illegally in New Mexico and Utah. As part of the plea agreement, Babcock
also acknowledged that he stocked fish from his hatchery into rivers in
Colorado at least 125 times between 1997 and 2003.

The investigation showed that he stocked fish in at least 72 locations
in rivers and streams in La Plata, Archuleta, Montezuma and Dolores
counties. He is known to have stocked fish along private sections of the
Piedra, San Juan, West Dolores, Animas and Rio Blanco rivers. Babcock
was paid by landowners to stock the fish.

Babcock entered the plea following a two-year joint investigation by
more than a dozen wildlife and law enforcement officials from the
Colorado Division of Wildlife, Utah, New Mexico, the United States Fish
and Wildlife Service, and the United States Attorney's Office in
Colorado.

According to court documents, Babcock's fish-production facility first
tested positive for whirling disease in 1997. It tested positive again
in 1998, 1999 and 2002.

Whirling disease, which is devastating to trout, is caused by a
microscopic parasite that infects the soft cartilage of young fish. The
disease kills most young fish that it infects. In fish that survive
whirling disease causes severe deformities that cause fish to swim in
aimless circles. Whirling disease has no affect on human health.

Mike Japhet, an aquatic biologist for the Colorado Division of Wildlife
in Durango, said Babcock's stocking could have serious negative effects
on Wild Trout waters and important Cutthroat Trout Conservation Waters
in southwest Colorado.

"Once whirling-disease positive fish are released, there's not much we
can do. The only place we can logically control the disease is at the
hatchery," Japhet said.

Whirling disease was introduced accidentally into Colorado during the
1980s when a private hatchery stocked rivers with infected fish. The
infestation caused a collapse of Rainbow trout populations in several
self-sustaining high-country waters. Native Cutthroat trout also are
susceptible to the disease.

The disease eventually spread to hatcheries operated by the DOW. The
agency was forced to spend approximately $11 million to modernize trout
hatcheries that raise fish for mountain waters. Those hatcheries now are
free of whirling disease. In addition, the DOW has spent about $500,000
per year since 1995 to study the disease.

"The disease devastated many high-quality trout fisheries," said Eric
Hughes, statewide aquatic manager for the DOW. "We continue to be
concerned about the release of whirling-disease positive fish."

Private hatcheries that stock trout must be certified as
whirling-disease free.

The DOW certified Babcock's hatchery as being free of whirling disease
in early 2005. He will not be allowed to stock any waters in New Mexico
or import any fish to that state. He will be allowed to stock waters in
Colorado. He also can sell fish to restaurants and food retailers.

Babcock's fines included: $4,800 to the federal government; $15,000 to
the state of New Mexico; and $10,000 to the Colorado State University
Research Foundation to be used for whirling disease research. He is also
on probation for three-years with the U.S. Justice Department.

Japhet urged landowners who are considering stocking private waters to
be cautious. All private hatcheries are inspected once each year by
state officials. Land owners who are considering buying fish from
private firms should request to see the state-issued certificate that
proves the hatchery is certified as negative for whirling disease.

"Responsible trout growers won't mind showing a document that proves
that their hatcheries are free of whirling disease," Japhet said.

Anyone who is concerned that fish infected with whirling disease are
being stocked in high-country trout waters should contact Operation Game
Thief at 1-877-265-6648, or the closest DOW office.

Caledonia DNR forester receives national honor

Valiree Green, a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
forester at Caledonia, is one of eight foresters nationally to be
honored for work with private landowners.

Green was selected by the Society of American Foresters to receive a
Presidential Field Forester Award during the Society's annual meeting in
Fort Worth, Texas. The award is meant to recognize foresters who have
demonstrated excellence in forest management through professional
contributions, innovative methods and a demonstrated commitment to the
profession of forestry.

Tom Romaine, DNR regional staff forester at New Ulm, said Green has
earned a reputation among her peers for her "outstanding ability and
determination to develop helpful relationships with private landowners.
This genuine desire to help landowners has resulted in numerous high
quality forest stewardship plans in Houston County."

Romaine said Green was also one of the key promoters behind the idea of
expanding the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) into
portions of southeastern Minnesota.

Green, a graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia, began her DNR
career in 1988. She has been stationed at Caledonia for the past 15
years.

"This is a great job," Green said. "I get to visit some wonderful pieces
of property that many people never get the chance to see and I have some
very talented and thoughtful colleagues. And I am incredibly fortunate
to have some very dedicated contractors in Houston County to implement
the forest practices that I prescribe."

Media Contact:
Valiree Green
(507) 724-5264 ext. 5.

2006 BASSMASTER ELITE SERIES GAINS ITS FIRST ANGLER

Skeet Reese, Angler and Businessman, Registers for Season
CELEBRATION, Fla. - In September, Skeet Reese of Auburn, Calif., made
history by becoming the first professional angler to register for the
Bassmaster Elite Series, an 11-event competition that will award nearly
$7.5 million in cash and merchandise.

Reese, 36, didn't know he was going to be the first. He was just
thinking sensibly. "I knew the deadline was coming and wanted to get my
deposits in," he said. "My intent is to fish BASS, without a doubt.
That's where I created my livelihood and saw my career blossom."

The six-time Bassmaster Classic qualifier has earned nearly $600,000 on
the BASS circuit since he entered in 1997. Today, his branding includes
major endemic sponsors Lucky Craft Lures, Champion Boats, Mercury
Marine, Terminator Lures and Berkley.

Now, four months before he fishes the Bassmaster Classic on Lake
Tohopekaliga in Kissimmee, Fla. and five months before beginning the
Bassmaster Elite Series, Reese is deep in preparation. He's meeting with
sponsors to secure a wrap on his boat and truck, researching lakes he
will fish and - like friends Marty Stone and Gerald Swindle - seizing
media opportunities to promote himself and his brand among what will be
a smaller group of the world's most premier anglers.

"We take advantage of every bit of media so we can expose ourselves to
other potential sponsors," Reese said. "Sometimes we're criticized for
being on TV too much but we're doing our jobs and too many anglers don't
see the business standpoint of fishing."

Indeed, Reese is more than an angler. He's a family man and business
entrepreneur and consciously juggles those roles with his fishing. It's
not uncommon for Reese to conduct a media interview with a newspaper
like the Wall Street Journal and then break away to compliment his
2-year-old daughter on her Halloween costume ("LeaMarie is a snow
angel," he says proudly.) He takes his wife Kim and daughter on the road
about two weeks each season, just enough time before they get tired of
traveling. He's also regular on the ESPN2 show Bass Tech. One would
imagine that Reese doesn't support an expanded Elite Series schedule,
but ironically, he does.

"I'm a big fan of the expanded Elite Series schedule," Reese said. "We
thrive on competition and that's what drives us. Fishing three months of
out the year doesn't quite cut it."

Reese says he "understands and respects" the major changes BASS has
implemented for the 2006 season, but isn't surprised that others don't
agree. Though change can be frightening, Reese is turning it into his
most valuable tool in his tackle box. "I believe the things you struggle
with the most are the things that make you grow the most."

BASS is the worldwide authority on bass fishing, sanctioning more than
20,000 events through the BASS Federation annually.
Guided by its mission to serve all fishing fans, BASS sets the standard
for credibility, professionalism, sportsmanship and conservation, as it
has for nearly 40 years.

BASS stages bass fishing tournaments for every skill level and
culminates with the Bassmaster Classic. Through its clubs, youth
programs, aquatic resource advocacy, magazine publishing and multimedia
platforms, BASS offers the industry's widest array of services and
support to its nearly 550,000 members. The organization is headquartered
in Celebration, Fla.

ESPN OUTDOORS BASSMASTER SERIES EXPANDS IN 2006

Local Anglers Receive 40 Additional Weekend Tournaments
CELEBRATION, Fla. - Anglers who fish in the ESPN Outdoors Bassmaster
Series in 2006 should be prepared for more opportunity on the water and
bigger prize purses.

Next year, BASS is increasing to six the number of regions and
increasing to five the number of divisions in the ESPN Outdoors
Bassmaster Series. Each division will now have four tournaments instead
of five. The changes mean another 40 one-day tournaments for total of
120. And because they stretch from Texas to Maine, BASS will reach more
local anglers than ever before.

The divisional tournaments will continue to host 200 boaters and
non-boaters each and the top 30 boaters and non-boaters in each division
advance to the regional tournament, where the field will be narrowed to
the top eight. Those eight boaters and non-boaters from each region will
advance to the ESPN Outdoors Bassmaster Series National Championship
whose winner will advance to the 2007 Bassmaster Classic.

"We are very excited about the ESPN Outdoors Bassmaster Series for
2006," said Bruce Mathis, director of ESPN Outdoors Bassmaster Series
and the Women's Bassmaster Tour. "Based on the feedback we received from
anglers throughout the 2005 season, we have expanded our schedule to
cover a much larger area of the country and reach an even greater number
of anglers."

With more opportunity comes a larger prize purse. Boaters and
non-boaters will compete for a total prize purse of $55,055 in cash and
merchandise at each event, including a $7,500 boater top prize and
$3,750 non-boater top prize. Overall, BASS will pay 30 percent of the
field in 2006, up from 20 percent in 2005.

Additionally, BASS is enhancing its shared-weight program between
boaters and non-boaters in the Series. In 2006, non-boaters will need to
catch at least one bass to be eligible to share the weight of their
boaters. "We listened to angler feedback and they indicated the
importance of this new standard," Mathis said.

Plus, a second-chance tournament will be offered to those anglers who
paid to fish in all four one-day tournaments in their division, but did
not qualify for the regional tournament. The top eight boaters and
non-boaters from the second-chance tournament also will advance to the
National Championship and have a chance to qualify for the 2007
Bassmaster Classic.

Boater entry fees in 2006 will be $250 for each tournament. Non-boater
entry fees will be $125.

2006 ESPN Outdoors Bassmaster Series Schedule:

Northeast Region:

Ohio Valley
Columbus, Ohio Alum Creek 4/9/2006
St. Mary's, Ohio Grand lake 4/30/2006
Columbus, Ohio Alum Creek 6/11/2006
Sandusky, Ohio Lake Erie 9/10/2006

Liberty
Warren, Pa. Kinzua Reservoir 6/18/2006
Tafton, Pa. Lake Wallenpaupack 7/16/2006
Erie, Pa. Lake Erie 8/13/2006
Jamestown, N.Y. Chautauqua 9/17/2006

Capitol
Charles County, Md. Potomac River 4/24/2006
South Hill, Va. Lake Gaston 5/7/2006
Charles County, Md. Potomac River 5/21/2006
Charles County, Md. Potomac River 6/4/2006

Adirondack
Seneca Falls, N.Y. Cayuga Lake 6/25/2006
Plattsburgh, N.Y. Lake Champlain 8/6/2006
Clayton, N.Y. 1000 Islands 9/24/2006
Syracuse, N.Y. Oneida Lake 10/8/2006

Patriot
Plattsburgh, N.Y. Lake Champlain 7/9/2006
Mayfield, N.Y. Great Sacandaga 7/23/2006
Plattsburgh, N.Y. Lake Champlain 8/20/2006
Catskill, N.Y. Hudson River 10/1/2006

Northern Region:

North Star
Alexandria, Minn. Lake Le Homme Dieu 6/4/2006
Cross Lake, Minn. White Fish Chain 7/16/2006
Grand Rapids, Minn. Pokegama Lake 8/6/2006
Excelsior, Minn. Lake Minnetonka 9/17/2006

Badger
Pepin, Wis Mississippi River (3-4) 6/25/2006
Oshkosh, Wis. Winneconne Chain 7/30/2006
Madison, Wis. Madison Chain 8/13/2006
Hayward, Wis. Chippewa Flowage 10/1/2006

Wolverine
Grand River, Mich. Grand River 6/18/2006
Mt. Clement, Mich. Lake St. Clair 7/23/2006
Trenton, Mich. Detroit River 8/27/2006
Bay City, Mich. Saginaw Bay 9/24/2006

Prairie
Benton/West City, Ill. Rend Lake 4/2/2006
Shelbyville, Ill. Lake Shelbyville 4/30/2006
Ft. Madison, Iowa Mississippi River 7/9/2006
Savanna, Ill. Mississippi River 8/20/2006

Indy
Bloomington, Ind. Monroe Reservoir 4/9/2006
Bloomington, Ind. Monroe Reservoir 5/7/2006
Cannellton, Ind. Ohio River 6/11/2006
Jasper, Ind. Patoka Reservoir 9/10/2006

Midwest Region:

Hawkeye
Ft. Madison, Iowa Mississippi River 4/23/2006
Dubuque, Iowa Mississippi River 6/11/2006
TBD Mississippi River 7/16/2006
Burlington, Iowa Mississippi River 8/6/2006

GLOC
Grove, Okla. Grand Lake 3/12/2006
Grove, Okla. Grand Lake 5/21/2006
Grove, Okla. Grand Lake 6/25/2006
Grove, Okla. Grand Lake 9/17/2006

Jayhawk
Grove, Okla. Grand Lake 3/19/2006
Junction City, Kansas Milford Lake 4/9/2006
Wilson, Kansas Wilson Lake 9/10/2006
Eldorado, Kansas Eldorado Lake 10/1/2006

Show Me
Kimberling City, Mo. Table Rock Lake 3/26/2006
Stockton, Mo. Stockton Lake 4/30/2006
Warsaw, Mo. Truman Reservoir 8/27/2006
Lake Ozark, Mo Lake of the Ozarks 10/8/2006

Pioneer
Gilbertville, Ky. Kentucky Lake Side 4/2/2006
Eddyville, Ky. Lake Barkley Side 5/7/2006
Gilbertville, Ky. Kentucky Lake Side 8/20/2006
Eddyville, Ky. Lake Barkley Side 9/24/2006

Southeast Region:

Okeechobee
Okeechobee City, Fla. Lake Okeechobee 1/8/2006
Okeechobee City, Fla. Lake Okeechobee 2/5/2006
Clewiston, Fla. Lake Okeechobee 5/21/2006
Clewiston, Fla. Lake Okeechobee 6/25/2006

Cypress
Kissimmee, Fla. Lake Tohopekaliga 1/29/2006
Leesburg, Fla. Harris Chain 3/26/2006
Palatka, Fla. St. John's River 5/7/2006
Leesburg, Fla. Harris Chain 9/10/2006

Peach State
Millidgeville, Ga. Lake Sinclair 2/19/2006
LaGrange, Ga. West Point Lake 3/19/2006
Eufaula, Ala. Lake Eufaula 4/30/2006
Buckhead, Ga. Lake Oconee 6/11/2006

Palmetto
Manning, S.C. Santee Cooper 2/26/2006
Prosperity, S.C. Lake Murray 4/2/2006
Manning, S.C. Santee Cooper 4/23/2006
Prosperity, S.C. Lake Murray 6/4/2006

Granite
Seneca, S.C. Lake Keowee 2/12/2006
Seneca, S.C. Lake Hartwell 3/12/2006
Elberton, Ga. Lake Russell 4/9/2006
Thomson, Ga. Clark Hill Lake 9/24/2006

Southern Region:

Tiger
Alexander City, Ala. Lake Martin 2/12/2006
Eufaula, Ala. Lake Eufaula 4/23/2006
Columbiana, Ala. Lay Lake 6/4/2006
Selma, Ala. Alabama River 9/24/2006

Crimson
Guntersville, Ala. Lake Guntersville 3/5/2006
Rogersville, Ala. Lake Wheeler 3/26/2006
Gadsden, Ala. Neely Henry Lake 5/21/2006
Guntersville, Ala. Lake Guntersville 9/17/2006

Volunteer
Guntersville, Ala. Lake Guntersville 3/12/2006
Silver Point, Tenn. Center Hill Lake 4/2/2006
Smyrna, Tenn. Percy Priest Lake 6/18/2006
Gallatin, Tenn. Old Hickory Lake 8/27/2006

Bluegrass
Russell Springs, Ky. Lake Cumberland 3/19/2006
Scottsville, Ky. Barren River 4/30/2006
Carrollton, Ky. Ohio River 6/25/2006
Brandenburg, Ky. Ohio River 9/10/2006

Tar Heel
Henderson, N.C. Kerr Reservoir 5/7/2006
Henderson, N.C. Kerr Reservoir 6/11/2006
Lexington, N.C. High Rock Lake 7/9/2006
Henderson, N.C. Kerr Reservoir 8/13/2006

South Central Region:

Lone Star (Southeast Texas)
Huxley, Texas Toledo Bend Reservoir 3/5/2006
Huxley, Texas Toledo Bend Reservoir 5/7/2006
Jasper, Texas Sam Rayburn Reservoir 6/4/2006
Jasper, Texas Sam Rayburn Reservoir 10/1/2006

Razorback
Mt. Ida, Ark. Lake Ouachita 2/12/2006
Beaver, Ark. Beaver Lake 3/26/2006
Russellville, Ark. Lake Dardanelle 4/30/2006
Lake Village, Ark. Lake Chicot 9/24/2006

Sooner
Broken Bow, Okla. Broken Bow Lake 3/12/2006
Grove, Okla. Grand lake 4/2/2006
Wagoner, Okla. Three Forks 6/25/2006
Fort Gibson, Okla. Ft. Gibson Lake 7/30/2006

Chaparral (Central Texas)
Lewisville, Texas Lewisville Lake 3/19/2006
Willis Point, Texas Lake Tawakoni 4/9/2006
Corsicana, Texas Richland Chambers 6/11/2006
Log Cabin, Texas Cedar Creek 7/9/2006

Big River
Ridgeland, Miss. Ross Barnett Reservoir 2/5/2006
West Monroe, La. Ouachita River Basin 4/23/5006
Vicksburg, Miss Mississippi River 7/16/2006
Alexandria, La. Red River 9/10/2006

BASS is the worldwide authority on bass fishing, sanctioning more than
20,000 events through the BASS Federation annually. Guided by its
mission to serve all fishing fans, BASS sets the standard for
credibility, professionalism, sportsmanship and conservation, as it has
for nearly 40 years.

BASS stages bass fishing tournaments for every skill level and
culminates with the Bassmaster Classic. Through its clubs, youth
programs, aquatic resource advocacy, magazine publishing and multimedia
platforms, BASS offers the industry's widest array of services and
support to its nearly 550,000 members. The organization is headquartered
in Celebration, Fla.