Plans are under way to group wildlife, nature and conservation displays in a central location this year at the Seneca County Fair in July.
County Wildlife Officer Matt Leibengood is planning to expand the small conservation corner of one of the merchant buildings into a larger group of nature agencies, clubs and organizations.
In one section of the merchant building where the local Izaak Walton and Pheasants Forever chapters, among others, usually have displays, Leibengood would like to encourage clubs and organizations to consider setting up information displays.
Also in the plans is a display of local trophy bucks, possibly with a people's choice award, along with a spot where people can try archery and the possibility of other mini-seminars or workshops.
There is no cost, so it's a great opportunity to get your organization's information out to the public.
Leibengood would like interested organizations to leave him a message at (419) 429-8394, and he'll get back to you.
Fact Box
Vicki Johnson covers outdoors, agriculture and business news for The A-T. E-mail her at vjohnson@advertiser-tribune.com.
Volunteers needed
Tiffin Franciscan Sister Jane Omlor said a group of people will be working most Saturdays on the straw bale house project, starting this weekend. She invites interested people to volunteer their help.
Saturday, plans include mixing cement by hand and pouring the footers for the back porch.
The first straw bale workshop is planned for May 14.
Anyone interested in being on a list for updates should e-mail her at jfclay1@yahoo.com.
Walleye coming
Fishermen are gearing for the annual walleye run on the Sandusky and Maumee rivers. It usually peaks in late March and early April.
According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife, a variety of factors trigger the spawning run, including water temperature, river flow and the number of hours of daylight. Walleye spawn when water temperatures reach 42-52 degrees.
Fish numbers are largest when there is a lot of water flowing.
The Division of Wildlife is forecasting an excellent year for both rivers.
The report says: "Fishing in 2010 was exceptional, with the Maumee River providing its best walleye fishing since 1990 along with the Sandusky River having its best year since 2004."
The reports expects the best fishing areas on the Sandusky to be from Brady's Island to Rodger Young Park in Fremont, and in the Maumee from Conant Street Bridge upstream to the end of Jerome Road in Lucas County.
Best baits for walleye are floating jigs tipped with white, yellow or fluorescent colored twister tails.
Fish in both rivers are expected to range 19-28 inches. Minimum allowed length is 15 inches.
Other regulations in effect March 1-April 30 include a daily limit of four (singly or in combination) walleye, saugeye and sauger; fishing hours of sunrise to sunset in spawning areas; and anglers must use single hooks larger than a half-inch long.
For fishing reports and more information on regulations, visit www.dnr.state.oh.us/wildlife or call (800) WILDLIFE.
