OUTDOOR BRIEFS

HIBERNATION SEASON

Time for bats to hang it up as cold sets in, food depletes

Now that Halloween is over, bats can retire from their nightly activities for the winter. Actually, it has nothing to do with Halloween. It's simply that time of the year when dipping temperatures urge bats to leave their warm weather roosts and look for shelter in places such as caves or abandoned mines. In Southern Nevada, bats are just starting the trek into caves and other dark spaces. In Northern Nevada, they are already there.

Why do bats hibernate? Bats are mammals, more closely related to primates than to rodents, and like a lot of mammals, they cease to be active when winter's chill sets in. Nevada bats hibernate mainly because their primary food source -- insects -- is not readily available. However, not all bats hibernate. The Brazilian free-tailed bat, for example, goes farther south for the winter. But most of Nevada's 23 bat species do hibernate. Still, a good chill is important when they are looking for the suitable place to "hang it up" for the winter. A chilly place is important to maintain their metabolism at a low level while they sleep.

Once winter is over, when can we expect these furry little creatures to appear again? They come out in March and April, when the females congregate and maternity season follows. That time of year can be great for bat-watching, a time to witness large numbers of bats lifting off for the warm night skies. GAINING IN POPULARITY

Use these catch-and-release fishing tips when going out

In recent years, the practice of catch-and-release fishing has caught on with many anglers who participate in the fishing sports for recreation and enjoyment rather than as a food source. As the name implies, catch-and-release fishing involves catching a fish and then letting it go to fight another day. It is a common practice in Las Vegas' urban ponds.

"People catch-and-release for a variety of reasons," said Ivy Santee, angler education coordinator for the Nevada Department of Wildlife. "For some, it is the knowledge that another angler will one day enjoy reeling in the same fish. For others, it's the opportunity to keep fishing on those days when the fishing is really good."

Whatever the reason, Santee said it's important for those who practice catch-and-release fishing to use the right technique so the released fish have the best chance of survival. "Catch-and-release anglers should always use single barbless hooks, because a treble hook is much more difficult to remove. And if a fish swallows a hook, it's much better for the fish if you simply cut the line rather than fight to get the hook out. The fish will either dislodge the hook or it will dissolve over time," Santee said.

It's also important to keep the fish in the water as long as possible or retrieve the hook without taking the fish out of its environment, a process made much easier with single barbless hooks. When the fish must be taken from the water, anglers should wet their hands before handling the fish and never use a rag or towel to hold the fish, Santee said. Doing so may remove the slick coating on a fish's body. This coating helps the fish swim easily through the water and protects the fish from disease.

Revive the fish before releasing it. Hold the fish gently with your hands under the belly and slide it slowly back and forth in the water for it to receive oxygen.

MANY ITEMS ON AGENDA

Wildlife Commission committees to meet

Policies governing the administration of Nevada's Duck Stamp program and the Wayne E. Kirch Conservation Award will be on the agenda when committees of the Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners meet Tuesday at the Nevada Department of Wildlife Las Vegas office at 4747 Vegas Drive.

The administrative procedures, regulations, and policy committee is scheduled to meet at 8 a.m. and the wildlife damage management committee at 12:30 p.m.

Commissioner Bruce Kobrin is chairman of the administrative procedures, regulations, and policy committee, which will review and may take action on Commission Policy 50 -- Duck Stamp Program, and Commission Policy 51 -- Kirch Conservation Award.