OUTDOOR BRIEFS

HARVEST INFORMATION

Hunters need to get HIP number

With Nevada's bird hunting seasons on the horizon, now is the time for hunters to get hip by registering for their Harvest Information Program number.

Anyone who hunts migratory birds such as doves, ducks, geese, swans and rails, among others, is required to participate in the HIP program.

Hunters must have their HIP number written on their hunting license and, according to the Nevada Department of Wildlife, there is a space designated specifically for it. State game wardens will be looking for the number when they check hunting licenses.

There is no charge for obtaining the numbers and the process typically takes just a few minutes, but hunters must purchase their hunting license first. In Nevada, hunters may obtain their HIP numbers by calling (866) 703-4605 or online at www.ndowlicensing.com.

HIP is a cooperative effort between individual state wildlife agencies and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and is designed to gather accurate information on the level and distribution of harvest of migratory birds, including doves, ducks and woodcock. It provides the opportunity for some hunters to share information with biologists that may help them manage North America's population of migratory game birds.

KEEP YOUR COOL

Late summer rainbow trout available

If the dog days of summer are starting to wear a little thin, and if you are looking for an escape, Nevada still has some cool waters where rainbow trout are willing to take your bait or lure, and you can cool off a little, too.

For a quick day trip, consider driving to Willow Beach. The Willow Beach National Fish Hatchery stocks approximately 3,000 rainbows into the chilly waters of Lake Mohave every week. This area offers shore fishing as well as boat access. Anglers also can use float tubes, but they need to be aware of the current in the main river channel. If wading is your option, keep in mind that the water is a nippy 56 to 60 degrees year-round.

Anglers looking for overnight and camping opportunities can find them just three-and-a-half hours northeast of Las Vegas at Spring Valley State Park. Here, visitors will find Eagle Valley Reservoir, a picturesque lake and a favorite of Pioche locals and Las Vegans alike. The Nevada Department of Wildlife regularly stocks rainbow trout in the reservoir along with a few tiger trout. Brown trout and largemouth bass also are found here.

Since this reservoir is located at nearly 6,000 feet in elevation, the average summer temperatures at Eagle Valley stay below 90 degrees. The lake has a launch ramp complete with a boating and fishing dock. There also is plenty of room to fish from the shoreline.

About 100 miles north of Pioche and 15 miles southeast of Ely is Cave Lake State Park. This park is situated at 7,300 feet in elevation, so summer temperatures remain comfortably less than 90 degrees. As the park's name implies, the facility is home to Cave Lake and offers two campgrounds. NDOW stocks the lake with rainbow trout, but there also are significant numbers of both brown and brook trout. The state record brown trout was taken from this 32-acre lake in 1984. The fish weighed in at more than 27 pounds.

With plenty of shoreline access, a boat and fishing dock, a float tube launch area and a little stream, Cave Lake is a quality family destination.

If flush toilets, improved boat launches, and fees aren't your style, you may find the primitive accommodations at Illipah Reservoir more to your liking. Located about 35 miles west of Ely and south of Highway 50, this desert impoundment offers fishing for both rainbow and brown trout. Camping is provided by the BLM, with shade structures, picnic tables, vault toilets and little else. Bring your own water, because running water is not available.

More information on Nevada's fishable waters can be found online at www.ndow.org. From the drop-down "Fish" menu click on the "where to fish" link.

Space still available for NDOW Range Day

Hunters looking for a place to legally sight in their firearms before the upcoming big game seasons are in luck. Shooting times are still available at the Nevada Department of Wildlife Free Range Day set for Saturday at the Desert Sportsman's Rifle and Pistol Club.

Shooting will begin at 8 a.m. and continue through noon.; but that time may be extended if available shooting slots fill up. The schedule will accommodate a maximum of 20 shooters per hour, with each shooter able to reserve at least one hour of range time. Range time and targets are provided free of charge.

The Desert Sportsman's Rifle and Pistol Club is located at 12201 W. Charleston Blvd. Range officers and NDOW hunter education instructors will be standing by to insure safety and to provide personalized instruction. For reservations call Martin Olson at the NDOW Las Vegas office, 486-5127, Ext. 3501.