APRIL IS BEAR AWARENESS MONTH With Spring just around the corner its time to begin thinking about taking care of some "spring cleaning" chores to prevent unwanted interactions with our furry friends of the wilderness. And to all Alaskans, whether you live out in the bush or in the center of town, our black and brown bears are expanding their territories and frequently traveling through neighborhoods and recreational areas you wouldn't expect. Please read this ADFG announcement on MAKE YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD SAFER FOR PEOPLE AND BEARS.	The Board of Fish had their meeting in December of 2012 to consider changes to the Bristol Bay Region Sportfishing Regulations. After some deliberation a number of important changes were adopted. Reduced king salmon bag limits, restrictions on use of bait and single hook tackle are new. Click the Chalkboard link for a complete listing of all the regulations changes that are now the rule.
The Board of Fish had their meeting in December of 2012 to consider changes to the Bristol Bay Region Sportfishing Regulations. After some deliberation a number of important changes were adopted. Reduced king salmon bag limits, restrictions on use of bait and single hook tackle are new. Click the Chalkboard link for a complete listing of all the regulations changes that are now the rule.	Upper Cook Inlet commercial king salmon fishermen have been issued their own Emergency Order severely restricting their fishing hours in open areas and closing the entire western side of Upper Cook Inlet to commercial king harvest as a result of the closure of the Chuitna River sport fishing king salmon fishery. This measure is taken to provide additional kings for escapement in western Cook Inlet streams and the Susitna River drainage king salmon runs.
SPORT ANGLERS PROHIBITED FROM USING FELT SOLES IN FRESH WATERS OF ALASKA Just a friendly reminder to anglers traveling to Alaska as well as residents. As of 2012 it is against the law to wear felt soled waders, hip boots, or knee boots in any Alaskan freshwater stream, river, lake, or wetlands. The law was created to help curb the spread of invasive species brought into the state from outside travelers and to prevent further spread of invasive species present at this time. Diseases such as Whirling Disease can decimate trout populations and animals like New Zealand mud snails can completely overtake an ecosystem.

TIME TO GET THOSE NEST BOXES UP Our illustrious daytime bug-catchers are running a little behind schedule on their arrival this year due to a cooler than normal spring. So there is still time to get your swallow nest box houses built and installed in time for this nesting season. I built two of the houses in the photo in 2 1/2 hours from scratch. Tools and Materials: A long 1" x 6" board, a hand or power saw, a handful of screws and a drill. I have an article with all the plans and dimensions for easily constructing these swallow houses. Its a GREAT PROJECT to do with your kids and especially rewarding when they see their new "neighbors" move in and start a family. BUILD A SWALLOW NEST BOX.

GREAT CLAM TIDES AND GOOD EATING! Every other week of each month there are a set of minus tides that provide outdoors lovers an opportunity for some good fun and exercise. And oh, some excellent eating too. So if you had your fill of fishing and want to pursue some other Alaskan game, there are plenty of razor clams waiting for the summer diggers. And to make the process of cleaning your clams an enjoyable activity I've whipped together a quickie clam cleaning video that will warm the hearts of every digger that has been doing it THE HARD WAY all these years. The video will open in a new window. CLICK HERE or on the photo above to activate the clip. PLEASE DRIVE SAFE~! -KK-

IPHC Rules regarding Filleting Of Halibut at Sea ANCHORAGE -- Under federal rules that are in effect now, a halibut may not be cut into more than two ventral (bottom side) pieces, two dorsal (top side) pieces and two cheeks, all with the skin on. Anglers are allowed to consume halibut while at sea after filleting. This new rule applies statewide. Questions regarding this new rule can be directed to the International Pacific Halibut Commission at: (206) 634-1838.