Almanac: Lack of snow bummer for people, but boon to wildlife

The dearth of snow this season has killed snowmobiling and cross-country skiing, but it's been a blessing to deer, pheasants, turkeys and other wildlife.

"It's huge for all wildlife," said Lou Cornicelli, Department of Natural Resources wildlife research manager. "Every day like this is one step closer to them getting through the winter."

Deer depend on fat reserves during winter, but they may be adding to those reserves instead of using them, Cornicelli said.

"This is October weather," he said. "With deer survival, it's snow depth, not temperature, that gets them."

And even if snow comes now, wildlife has dodged a month of winter, meaning they'll be better able to survive winter.

A boost for pheasants The state's pheasant population, which dropped 64 percent in 2011 because of a nasty winter and poor spring, also is benefitting from the nonwinter.

"This is like fall for them," said Kurt Haroldson, DNR pheasant biologist. With little to no snow, food remains plentiful and ringnecks still are adding fat reserves, which will make them better able to survive even if heavy snow eventually comes.

Ice fishing woes Anglers are venturing onto frozen lakes around Minnesota --and catching fish -- but the unseasonable warm weather has made the sport more than an adventure for some.

Up to 10 unoccupied fish houses went through the ice of Buchanan Lake in Otter Tail County recently, and numerous houses fell through ice near Henning, Minn. The driver of an ATV went through the ice near Pelican Rapids, one of several such dunkings reported by conservation officers.

If there's a rule of thumb, it's that there's no rule of thumb: Ice conditions vary dramatically around the state. ATVs and trucks are being used on some frozen lakes, while it's dangerous to walk on others.

Though fishing at Lake of the Woods reportedly has been hot, strips of open water recently opened in western regions of the big lake, and numerous vehicles and their owners have taken the cold plunge.

Though no fatalities have occurred, thin ice can be deadly for critters as well as humans. Conservation officer Chris Howe of St. Peter recovered two dogs that fell through thin ice and drowned. They had to be chiseled out of the ice so they could be returned to their owner.

Roundtable meetings Finding long-term funding for the state's fledgling walk-in access hunting program will be among the topics at the Department of Natural Resources' annual "Roundtable" meetings this weekend in St. Paul.

About 300 citizens, conservation leaders, legislators and DNR employees will gather for the meetings Friday and Saturday to discuss fish, wildlife and ecological and water resources, including invasive species.

It's the 22nd year of the meetings, designed for the DNR to inform and get feedback from "stakeholders" who are invited to the sessions. For the first time, the meetings will take place in St. Paul, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Gov. Mark Dayton will give a welcome speech.

The state's new walk-in hunting program, funded by the federal government, began this year, but Congress hasn't extended the program, meaning money will run out after next year. The state will have to come up with funding to retain the program, but it's uncertain where the money would come from.

Stakeholders forum Is Legacy Amendment money being spent as voters expected?

The "Stakeholders Forum" will include panel discussions by legislators, conservation leaders and Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council members. For the first time, it also will examine clean water and parks and trails projects.

The event is 1-5 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. It is free and open to the public, but space is limited. To RSVP, send an e-mail to Noreen Tyler at ikes@minnesotaikes.org.

Winter trout fishing With ice fishing on thin ice in much of Minnesota, there are alternatives: open-water fishing. The stream trout catch-and-release season opens today (Jan. 1) in the southeast. About 135 miles on 38 streams are open for winter trout fishing through March. 31. Anglers must use barbless hooks.

Anglers should minimize walking in streams to avoid disturbing trout eggs, and should avoid handling trout out of the water when temperatures are cold. The dry fall has resulted in low flows and clear water in many streams.

Did you know? • The DNR is proposing to expand popular Split Rock Lighthouse State Park on Lake Superior's North Shore, adding up to 77 campsites and four camper cabins north of Hwy. 61, adjacent to the existing campground.

• Marrett Grund has been named DNR farmland wildlife research group leader in Madelia.