Goose hunting planned for Hickory Grove By:Steve Lekwa, Naturally Speaking 10/21/2005
The number of geese using Hickory Grove Park has increased over the years, and the length of time they're staying has increased, as well.
The result is a growing problem with nutrient loading in the lake. The geese also spend considerable time on the grassy slopes near the campground and beach where they soak in the winter afternoon sunshine.
All of the nutrients they leave behind end up in the lake, too, with the first rain or snow-melt runoff. This, in turn, leaves us with a water quality problem that will only get worse.
The conservation board and staff don't want to eliminate the inspiring sight of geese using our areas entirely. We have, however, considered several alternatives to reduce the numbers and amount of time spent by geese using Hickory Grove Lake as a fall and winter refuge. After consultation with Dept. of Natural Resources waterfowl biologists it has been concluded that limited hunting for geese in what is normally the wildlife refuge area offers the best chance of success.
Hunting will be limited to Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings from one-half hour before sunrise to noon from Nov. 8 to Dec. 4, and from Dec. 24 to Jan. 9 with Canada geese being the only specie that can be taken. Goose season is closed statewide from Dec. 5 to 23.
Hunting will be limited to three blind sites that are being prepared by conservation staff members: the point just east of the dam (Blind 1), the point just south of the beach (Blind 2), and an area nearer the east end of the lake known as Pelican Point (Blind 3). Private blind boats can be used but must be tied or anchored next to the designated blind sites. No gasoline motors may be used on the lake. All state waterfowl hunting laws apply.
Hunting parties are limited to a maximum of four hunters per blind site. Parties may apply for up to three blind reservations by 4:30 p.m. Nov. 1, by calling the office at Hickory Grove Park and leaving a message at (641) 377-2833, or e-mailing Bret Johnson at bjohnson@storycounty.com.
Each daily blind reservation costs $10, payable by check. Reservations are not complete until the payment is received and cannot be refunded. They may be forwarded to another open date.
Each reservation request must include name, address and phone number of the hunting party head and the names of other planned hunters; dates and blind numbers preferred; two alternate date/blind choices.
Staff will draw names on Nov. 2 to select reservations where more than one party wants the same date and blind. Confirmation cards for each reservation will be mailed to the party head and must be with the party during the hunt.
Hunting parties must have access to a retriever dog or a boat since the lake is too deep to allow wading retrieves of any downed geese. Hunters may apply for open blind dates after the initial drawing on a first- come, first-served basis at $10 per blind per day. Each party must complete a survey card upon the completion of each hunt that will document the number of hunters, the number of shots fired, and the number of geese taken. The card must be turned in at the shop office at southwest corner of Hickory Grove Lake.
The primary goal is to protect the water quality in the lake by reducing the nutrient loading brought about by large numbers of wintering Canada geese.
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| Goose hunting planned for Hickory Grove By:Steve Lekwa, Naturally Speaking 10/21/2005 The number of geese using Hickory Grove Park has increased over the years, and the length of time they're staying has increased, as well. The result is a growing problem with nutrient loading in the lake. The geese also spend considerable time on the grassy slopes near the campground and beach where they soak in the winter afternoon sunshine. All of the nutrients they leave behind end up in the lake, too, with the first rain or snow-melt runoff. This, in turn, leaves us with a water quality problem that will only get worse. The conservation board and staff don't want to eliminate the inspiring sight of geese using our areas entirely. We have, however, considered several alternatives to reduce the numbers and amount of time spent by geese using Hickory Grove Lake as a fall and winter refuge. After consultation with Dept. of Natural Resources waterfowl biologists it has been concluded that limited hunting for geese in what is normally the wildlife refuge area offers the best chance of success. Hunting will be limited to Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings from one-half hour before sunrise to noon from Nov. 8 to Dec. 4, and from Dec. 24 to Jan. 9 with Canada geese being the only specie that can be taken. Goose season is closed statewide from Dec. 5 to 23. Hunting will be limited to three blind sites that are being prepared by conservation staff members: the point just east of the dam (Blind 1), the point just south of the beach (Blind 2), and an area nearer the east end of the lake known as Pelican Point (Blind 3). Private blind boats can be used but must be tied or anchored next to the designated blind sites. No gasoline motors may be used on the lake. All state waterfowl hunting laws apply. Hunting parties are limited to a maximum of four hunters per blind site. Parties may apply for up to three blind reservations by 4:30 p.m. Nov. 1, by calling the office at Hickory Grove Park and leaving a message at (641) 377-2833, or e-mailing Bret Johnson at bjohnson@storycounty.com. Each daily blind reservation costs $10, payable by check. Reservations are not complete until the payment is received and cannot be refunded. They may be forwarded to another open date. Each reservation request must include name, address and phone number of the hunting party head and the names of other planned hunters; dates and blind numbers preferred; two alternate date/blind choices. Staff will draw names on Nov. 2 to select reservations where more than one party wants the same date and blind. Confirmation cards for each reservation will be mailed to the party head and must be with the party during the hunt. Hunting parties must have access to a retriever dog or a boat since the lake is too deep to allow wading retrieves of any downed geese. Hunters may apply for open blind dates after the initial drawing on a first- come, first-served basis at $10 per blind per day. Each party must complete a survey card upon the completion of each hunt that will document the number of hunters, the number of shots fired, and the number of geese taken. The card must be turned in at the shop office at southwest corner of Hickory Grove Lake. The primary goal is to protect the water quality in the lake by reducing the nutrient loading brought about by large numbers of wintering Canada geese. |
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| PLEASE EXPRESS YOUR OUTRAGE AT THESE MERCILESS ACTS IN OUR GUESTBOOK. [Sign My Guestbook] [View My Guestbook] CANADA GOOSE HALL OF SHAME HOME PAGE Please click on the banner to visit LOVE CANADA GEESE! |