Ice fishing options are increasing. Saint Mary’s, Tarryall and Barnes Meadow have ice at least 4 inches thick. North Park waters — Red Feather Lakes, Cameron Pass area and Antero — have ice caps but thinner ice. Early reports indicate good fishing. How- ever, extreme caution is in order. Front Range reservoirs are open, with their water temperature in the low 40s. Boyd, Lon Hag- ler, Cherry Creek, Pinewood and Chatfield are reporting good trout action. While bait is an option, streamer flies or spinners have been producing well. Smaller ponds continue to see largemouth bass action on crankbaits and blade baits.
David Coulson,
BUY: Camo Thursday is new
Everyone knows about Black Friday and Cyber Monday. But here’s one that nobody saw coming: Camo Thursday. Outdoor retailer Gander Mountain is introducing the new hunter’s holiday this year by offering Thanksgiving Day discounts of as much as 50 percent on camouflage apparel (and other products) on its website and 115 locations nationwide. Other online shopping discounts will be released shortly after midnight Thursday, and Internet buyers will be eligible to have their order paid for at random by the company. One online order per hour will be free, as is shipping for all.
KNOW: The gift of terrific tips
With the holiday season upon us, officials are hoping it won’t be upon Colorado wildlife. Not a year goes by that Colorado Parks and Wildlife officers aren’t called to rescue animals — typically deer and elk — caught in wired lights or remove decorations stuck on horns, antlers, heads and legs. A few great tips to help keep it from happening:
• Wait to put up outdoor lights on posts, shrubs or small trees until after the peak of the deer rut, sometime after the first week of December.
• Trees 2 to 6 inches in diameter are most likely to be rubbed by bucks, which entangle lights in their antlers.
• Firmly attach lights to objects rather than stringing them “clothesline” style.
• Place flagging along wired decorations.
People shouldn’t approach or try to help entangled animals. Wildlife officers and biologists are available to assess situations and determine the best course of action.
