A fire ban on Colorado public lands in effect for the past month has been lifted with a recent surge of precipitation. The ban had included several state parks. Campers are encouraged to exercise care with all open burns, particularly since weather conditions change rapidly.
Wading in a whirl
Preliminary results from an Oregon State University study have given a scientific stamp to what has been suspected all along: The organism that causes whirling disease is readily transmitted on boots, waders and other gear used by fishermen. This method of transfer from one aquatic habit to another thus joins the movement of infected fish as a known cause of what has been a rapid spread of the malady fatal to young salmonids. Birds that consume infected fish or carry spores on their feet are yet another suspected means of transmission.
Poacher nabbed
A Monument resident who used a shotgun to repeatedly shoot a deer, then left it to rot, has been fined $2,249 and assessed 50 points against his hunting and fishing privileges. Thomas Doyle Jr., 22, was apprehended after a tip from a concerned citizen. He faces a possible suspension of his licenses for an undetermined time. Persons who have knowledge of a wildlife crime are encouraged to contact Operation Game Thief, 877-265-6648.
New nontoxic shot
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has approved a shot type composed of iron, tungsten and nickel designed to provide waterfowl hunters another alternative in complying with regulations designed to reduce environmental exposure to lead. This new composition of 62 percent iron, 25 percent tungsten and 13 percent nickel developed by ENVIRON-Metal Inc. joins a dozen other shot types already approved by the service. Further, the federal agency has taken under consideration four others proposed by various manufacturers.
