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Outdoors

Climate change means less snow for Yellowstone

The Associated Press HELENA, Mont. — Yellowstone National Park visitors hoping to see its world-renowned geysers, wolves and bears can expect warmer temperatures and less snow as climate change alters the park’s environment, according to a report by U.S. and university researchers released earlier this week. Average temperatures in the Yellowstone region in recent decades were likely the warmest of the last 800,000 years, according to geologic studies. And average annual snowfall has decreased by nearly 2 feet since 1950. The changing climate could affect some of the park’s ...

Don’t forget that anterlerless, antlered same-time thing

By Shirley Grenoble For the Mirror Well I arrived home from chasing turkeys around the spring woods to find that it is now time to get a new hunting license and to be ready to send for the first round of doe licenses for the upcoming year. We are going to be able to hunt both antlered and antlerless at the same time so there will be lots of shooting and deer being pushed from pace to place. So it will be noisy and exciting. Once again this year, additional hunting will be offered on three Sundays n Sunday, Nov. 14 n Sunday, Nov. 21 n Sunday, Nov. 28. But unlike last ...

Adventure available in Keystone State

By Kim Strong The Associated Press YORK — Just look at Pennsylvania’s numbers: 2.2 million acres of forestland; 140 state and national parks; home to part of the Appalachian Trail; and 2,500 lakes (including a Great Lake, by the way). And most of it is free. Put down the remote and the smartphone, and get out outside for a great adventure! The Appalachian Trail cuts through Pennsylvania, but there are other trails in the state worth a hike, according to Ryan Reed from the state’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources: the Old Loggers Path in Sullivan County; ...

Hunters, anglers hoping congress improves access

From Mirror reports WASHINGTON — The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining earlier this week heard testimony in support of a suite of public lands bills championed by hunters and anglers, including the bipartisan MAPLand Act, introduced by U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Angus King (I-Maine) in March. The Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership submitted testimony on behalf of the Colorado Outdoor Recreation and Economy Act (S. 173), Ruby Mountains Protection Act (S. 609), and the Modernizing Access to our Public Land Act ...

Montana wants to save brown trout population

The Associated Press BOZEMAN, Mont. — Wildlife officials in Montana are seeking feedback on a proposal to expand fishing restrictions to protect declining brown trout populations. Biologists with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks and the U.S. Geological Survey have tracked declining numbers of juvenile brown trout in southwest Montana rivers, including the Big Hole, Ruby, Boulder, Beaverhead, upper Yellowstone and upper Stillwater rivers, the Bozeman Daily Chronicle reported this past week. Eric Roberts, fish management bureau chief with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, said it ...

Topwater lures can produce exciting summertime bass action

By Walt Young sports@altoonamirror.com Catching bass on topwater lures can be exciting as it is effective throughout the summer months. In fact, good surface action will usually continue until the first cold snap of fall begins to cool down the water temperatures somewhat. And with an endless variety of surface lures available, topwater fishing is a versatile strategy that can catch fish morning, evening, midday and after dark. If your idea of perfect conditions for topwater fishing is a dead-calm day with the lake surface smooth as glass, you might want to reconsider. Bass ...