Wild Pigs in Upstate New York?

Yet another example of man intro’ing non-native species (animals) into an area (we aren’t talking horses here): private hunting compounds bring in wild Russian boars and then let them escape and multiply. The feral hog problem is just starting in upstate N.Y., but it begs the question of how do such private reserves stand the test of management. Every other damn facet of our lives is managed. But, animals (safety, disease, crops, erosion) seem to fly under the scrutiny of local /state types when it comes to pricey hunting compounds. Maybe the laws/regs are there? 

Feral Pigs

 Carnivora Forum

“Feral swine are breeding in three counties in central New York, according to a federal study done last year with funding from New York’s Invasive Species Council. The wild population statewide is likely in the hundreds , said Gordon Batcheller, head of the state Department of Environmental Conservation’s Bureau of Wildlife.

That’s small compared with Texas, where biologists estimate the feral hog population at around 2 million, but Batcheller said any number is bad because they’re certain to multiply. Damage becomes more noticeable when the population reaches the thousands and the hogs stake out home territories rather than wandering widely….”

“We’re not talking about Porky Pig getting loose from the farm,” Rusz said. “These are Russian wild boars. Those animals are Houdini-like escape artists and they breed readily in the wild. We’ve had domestic pigs for centuries and never had a feral hog problem until the game ranches started bringing these in.”    AP ‘Wild Boars’

Fly Fishing: Net Use

“Type of Landing Net
Despite the widespread use of landing nets by anglers there has been relatively little investigation into the damage caused by their use or which of the available types of net result in the lowest injury to fish. Generally, it is recommended that the use of landing nets be limited as it is thought to increase fin damage, and remove the protective mucus layer, thus increasing susceptibility to disease. Barthel et al. (2003) examined the effects of landing net mesh type on injury and mortality in bluegill. They quantified the effects of netting for a 168 h period after capture and found that there was zero mortality in fish that were landed without a net while fish that were landed with a net experienced a mortality rate of 4 to 14%. There was also increased pectoral and caudal fin abrasion and dermal disturbance (scale and mucus loss). Of he four types of landing net mesh types compared (rubber, knotless nylon, fine knotted nylon and coarse knotted nylon), the knotted mesh types resulted in greater injury and mortality than rubber or knotless mesh. Thus, injury (and therefore mortality) can be reduced if the use of landing nets is limited to those instances where their use is required to safely land and control fish to prevent mechanical injury. However, when the use of a landing net is required or preferred, it is best to use one made of rubber or knotless mesh.”   Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources

Don't Ask (SwittersB)

I carry a net for lakes. I went to a wider, long  handled, rubber mesh net several years ago. I generally wet the net, by submerging it and drawing the fish into the basket and lifting. I don’t draw a fish into a dry net, as this will indeed remove a great deal of mucous. Also, I wet my hands if I intend to or need to remove the fish from the net back into the water. Often I can remove the barbed hook from the fish and lower the net back into the water and ease the fish back into the water. If the fish is tired, I will cradle it in the net in the water as I find this easier than attempting to grip the slippery wrist/tail of a bigger fish. Smaller fish, say 14″ or smaller, are released with forceps or pliers on the fly and letting the fish pivot off the barbed hook. Nets can be expensive. Wooden framed nets deserve some extra care, if you spring for one. 

 

 

John Gierach and Tom Chandler Interview

Gierach & Chandler: I really liked reading this interview. Often you read a blog post and take away one or two enjoyable nuggets of information or inspiration…the nature of blog posts/time restraints, life!, I think. But, this interview was enjoyable on several levels, for me..  TU Gierach-Chandler    Revealing, honest, clarifying. 

Fly Fishing: Posing the Fish & You

Deneki Outdoors (Photography-Hero Shot) has some real life, useful tips on setting up and taking that trophy shot. Often there is a glitch in the presentation or the taking and the opportunity is lost for others to see and for you to refresh your memory. In addition, Deneki Outdoors (The Best of Deneki) has compiled a sizable list of immensely useful information about various aspects of fly fishing and fly tying.  

The rush, the feel of the pull, 'the moment'. The fish is played and brought to hand, or net, or somewhere in between. You played it quickly, so as to not overplay and stress the fish. So, now it is thrashing about, still pivoting about on the tension of a tight leader. The photographer is attempting to get closer. The camera is being readied, the angle of sun considered. Words of encouragement are offered. The angler makes the attempt to control the fish....and it all ends in a thrashing, splashing plunge. Captured from too far away, but still a glimpse of thickness and beauty. Thank goodness there are often opportunities to repeat this fire drill, and yes, they will often end the same way. (PP/SM)