OUTDOOR BRIEFS

CHECK 'EM OUT

Refuges,management areas boon to wildlife

As development continues to absorb America's wild places, the nation's wildlife refuges are becoming an increasingly important place of respite from the crowds and stress of urban environments. These refuges provide people with an opportunity to enjoy six wildlife-dependent recreation uses: hunting, fishing, wildlife photography, wildlife observation, interpretation and environmental education. However, many folks are unaware of their existence.

There are nearly 550 national wildlife refuges nationwide, encompassing about 97 million acres of fish and wildlife habitat. Much of the funding that has been used to create this network of refuges has come from sportsmen. Today through Oct. 14 has been designated as National Wildlife Refuge Week, a time to celebrate this vast resource that is available to all.

Southern Nevada is home to four National Wildlife Refuges: Desert NWR, Ash Meadows NWR, Pahranagat NWR and the Moapa Valley NWR. There also are three wildlife management areas (WMA) that are owned by NDOW -- the Overton WMA, Key Pittman WMA and the Kirch WMA.

Hunters and anglers have been supporting activities on these set-aside areas for decades. Much of the funding for land purchases is generated through the purchase of Federal Duck Stamps. Moreover, federal excise taxes on hunting and fishing equipment also provide money for refuges and other wildlife management areas.

BE AWARE

Water levels will impact hunting access

Waterfowl hunters can expect to find low water conditions at Lower Pahranagat Lake when the season opens Saturday. Dry weather conditions have limited the amount of water personnel at the Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge have been able to put into the lake. This could make hunting around the lake a difficult proposition, especially during the early part of the season.

"Refuge personnel are directing water to Lower Pahranagat Lake, but levels will remain low throughout waterfowl hunting season," said Merry Maxwell, refuge manager.

More information can be obtained by calling Maxwell at (775) 725-3417 or via e-mail merry_maxwell@fws.gov.

GET READY

Reservations needed before hunting area

Hunters who plan to hunt ducks at the Overton Wildlife Management Area on opening day will first need to make reservations to do so. The season opens Saturday Oct. 13 so the Nevada Department of Wildlife will begin taking reservations at 8 a.m. Monday at its Las Vegas and Henderson offices or at the area.

An individual hunter may reserve one assigned hunt location for himself and three other individuals, and that reservation must be used before reserving another hunt day.

At Overton, the reservation system is in effect for the entire length of both duck and goose season. NDOW will begin taking reservations for goose season at 8 a.m. Oct. 15. Reservations must be made in person throughout the season.

Those wishing to hunt on the Key Pittman WMA on the duck and goose openers can also make reservations on Monday and Oct. 15 respectively, but reservations made through NDOW are required only for opening day.