Monday, June 29, 2009
Chinook Tents
We receive many inquiries about the Chinook tents that we offer on our website. All the tents that we carry from Chinook have fiberglass poles. Tents with aluminum poles are also made by Chinook, but we do not carry them at this time. If that changes we will post that information here on our blog. So, if you are looking for a Chinook tent with the fiberglass poles, visit Golden Eagle Outdoors today!!
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
North Dakota Spring Duck Index, Water Conditions Up
ND Game & Fish Department News Release
The North Dakota Game and Fish Department's annual spring breeding duck survey showed an index of more than 4 million birds, an increase of 18 percent from last year and 87 percent above the long-term average (1948-2008). The 2009 index is the eighth highest on record.
Pintail (up 157 percent and the highest since 1972) and northern shovelers (up 102 percent and the highest on record) showed significant increases. All other dabbling ducks except for gadwall (-42 percent) showed increases from last year (blue-winged teal, +53 percent; mallards, +43 percent; wigeon, +44 percent; and green-winged teal, +14 percent).
All diving ducks except canvasback (+96 percent) decreased from last year (scaup, -60 percent; redhead, -16 percent; and ruddy ducks, -10 percent). However, all species were well-above the long-term average.
The spring water index showed the largest single-year turnaround in the 62-year history of the survey, according to Mike Johnson, game management section leader. The index was up 293 percent from 2008 and 69 percent above the long-term average. It was the eighth highest in survey history and the highest since 1999.
Johnson cautions that the water index is based on basins with water, and does not necessarily represent the amount of water contained in wetlands. "Water conditions were generally lower than we had expected, given the exceptional snow conditions this past winter," Johnson added. "However, the spring was fairly dry, and considerable drying had occurred in wetland basins between the snow melt and the time of the survey."
Additional reports indicate that much of the Prairie Pothole Region from South Dakota, Montana, Saskatchewan and Manitoba is experiencing significantly improved water conditions due to late winter/early spring precipitation. "Thus ducks have a much larger landscape providing good water conditions than in recent years," Johnson said.
However, nesting cover in North Dakota continues to decline. Since the beginning of 2007 North Dakota has lost more than 500,000 Conservation Reserve Program acres, and projections for the next two years indicate up to another 500,000 acres could be converted to cropland.
"This loss of one-third of our critical nesting cover will be disastrous for breeding ducks and hunting opportunities in North Dakota," Johnson said.
The July brood survey will provide a better idea of duck production and insight into what to expect this fall. Observations to date indicate that production will be improved across the state due to improved water conditions and increased wetland availability for brood production.
The North Dakota Game and Fish Department's annual spring breeding duck survey showed an index of more than 4 million birds, an increase of 18 percent from last year and 87 percent above the long-term average (1948-2008). The 2009 index is the eighth highest on record.
Pintail (up 157 percent and the highest since 1972) and northern shovelers (up 102 percent and the highest on record) showed significant increases. All other dabbling ducks except for gadwall (-42 percent) showed increases from last year (blue-winged teal, +53 percent; mallards, +43 percent; wigeon, +44 percent; and green-winged teal, +14 percent).
All diving ducks except canvasback (+96 percent) decreased from last year (scaup, -60 percent; redhead, -16 percent; and ruddy ducks, -10 percent). However, all species were well-above the long-term average.
The spring water index showed the largest single-year turnaround in the 62-year history of the survey, according to Mike Johnson, game management section leader. The index was up 293 percent from 2008 and 69 percent above the long-term average. It was the eighth highest in survey history and the highest since 1999.
Johnson cautions that the water index is based on basins with water, and does not necessarily represent the amount of water contained in wetlands. "Water conditions were generally lower than we had expected, given the exceptional snow conditions this past winter," Johnson added. "However, the spring was fairly dry, and considerable drying had occurred in wetland basins between the snow melt and the time of the survey."
Additional reports indicate that much of the Prairie Pothole Region from South Dakota, Montana, Saskatchewan and Manitoba is experiencing significantly improved water conditions due to late winter/early spring precipitation. "Thus ducks have a much larger landscape providing good water conditions than in recent years," Johnson said.
However, nesting cover in North Dakota continues to decline. Since the beginning of 2007 North Dakota has lost more than 500,000 Conservation Reserve Program acres, and projections for the next two years indicate up to another 500,000 acres could be converted to cropland.
"This loss of one-third of our critical nesting cover will be disastrous for breeding ducks and hunting opportunities in North Dakota," Johnson said.
The July brood survey will provide a better idea of duck production and insight into what to expect this fall. Observations to date indicate that production will be improved across the state due to improved water conditions and increased wetland availability for brood production.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Eagle Fishfinders
We strive to provide you a variety of products for you to choose from. With this in mind, we have offered fishfinders since we opened our store. But, this year we have had great difficulty keeping Eagle Fishfinders in stock and the trend continues. We have recently began offering Garmin Fishfinders and we have always carried Humminbird Fishfinders as an alternative. If the Eagle Fishfinder that you want to purchase is out of stock, add yourself to the waiting list so we can email you when it does become available. To see our full line of fishfinders, go to Golden Eagle Outdoors today!!
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Minnesota DNR Teams With Dairy Queen To Reward Safe Young Boaters
MN DNR News Release - June 15, 2009
Minnesota kids wearing life jackets while boating this summer will not only be staying safe, but also could be rewarded with an ice cream treat.
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has partnered with Dairy Queen to provide a PFD Panda Award certificate to youngsters who are observed by conservation officers (CO) wearing a life jacket while boating. The certificate includes a tear-off coupon that entitles the child to a free cone or cheeseburger from participating Dairy Queen restaurants.
“We at International Dairy Queen are excited with the idea,” said Ryan Hassebroek, regional marketing manager for the Minnesota-based company. “We thought this was a great way to encourage children to wear their life jackets and we hope that safe boating behavior continues right through adulthood.”
Currently more than 96 percent of children now wear a life jacket while boating in Minnesota, according to recent studies conducted by the DNR. That’s an increase from about 47 percent in 1984.
The PFD Panda Award certificate was created by the DNR after a CO suggested there be a reward for children he saw wearing their life jacket. PFD Panda is the DNR’s mascot that encourages kids to boat safely. PFD refers to personal flotation device, the official name given to life jackets.
“We’ve had the PFD Panda Award for almost 20 years,” Smalley said, “but we thought it would be a nice addition to give kids a cool treat to go along with the cool award for wearing their life jackets.”
DNR COs report that children have called them over to their family’s boat so they can earn the life jacket award. One child said to his friend who had come along, “See, I told ya you get ice cream for wearing your life jacket.”
Several other government agencies, including the U.S. Coast Guard, now use the PFD Panda character for its boating safety promotional campaigns. However, Minnesota is the only state to use the PFD Panda Award. “It’s been a wonderful tool to educate youngsters about boating and water safety,” Smalley said. “We know it’s working, and thank Dairy Queen for stepping up to help with this important campaign.”
Minnesota county sheriff’s water patrol deputies also distribute the DNR’s PFD Panda certificates to children.
Minnesota kids wearing life jackets while boating this summer will not only be staying safe, but also could be rewarded with an ice cream treat.
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has partnered with Dairy Queen to provide a PFD Panda Award certificate to youngsters who are observed by conservation officers (CO) wearing a life jacket while boating. The certificate includes a tear-off coupon that entitles the child to a free cone or cheeseburger from participating Dairy Queen restaurants.
“We at International Dairy Queen are excited with the idea,” said Ryan Hassebroek, regional marketing manager for the Minnesota-based company. “We thought this was a great way to encourage children to wear their life jackets and we hope that safe boating behavior continues right through adulthood.”
Currently more than 96 percent of children now wear a life jacket while boating in Minnesota, according to recent studies conducted by the DNR. That’s an increase from about 47 percent in 1984.
The PFD Panda Award certificate was created by the DNR after a CO suggested there be a reward for children he saw wearing their life jacket. PFD Panda is the DNR’s mascot that encourages kids to boat safely. PFD refers to personal flotation device, the official name given to life jackets.
“We’ve had the PFD Panda Award for almost 20 years,” Smalley said, “but we thought it would be a nice addition to give kids a cool treat to go along with the cool award for wearing their life jackets.”
DNR COs report that children have called them over to their family’s boat so they can earn the life jacket award. One child said to his friend who had come along, “See, I told ya you get ice cream for wearing your life jacket.”
Several other government agencies, including the U.S. Coast Guard, now use the PFD Panda character for its boating safety promotional campaigns. However, Minnesota is the only state to use the PFD Panda Award. “It’s been a wonderful tool to educate youngsters about boating and water safety,” Smalley said. “We know it’s working, and thank Dairy Queen for stepping up to help with this important campaign.”
Minnesota county sheriff’s water patrol deputies also distribute the DNR’s PFD Panda certificates to children.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Summer Safety Encouraged On The Water
ND Game & Fish News Release
Summer is traditionally a time when families enjoy outdoor activities by gathering with friends and relatives at a favorite recreation site. Nancy Boldt, boat and water safety coordinator for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, says family outings and commotion go hand-in-hand, and that is why it is important to be alert and safe near water.
"Personal flotation devices are the single most important part of safety on the water," Boldt said. "They are worn to save your life."
North Dakota law requires all children ages 10 and younger to wear a personal flotation device while in boats of less than 27 feet in length. The law also requires all personal watercraft users to wear a life jacket, Boldt said, as well as anyone towed on skis, tubes, boards or other similar devices.
Water users should make sure to wear life jackets that are the appropriate size, and in good condition. It is also important that children wear a PFD while swimming. "It doesn't matter how good you can swim because after being in the water for a period of time kids become tired or develop cramps," Boldt said.
Failure to wear a PFD is the main reason people lose their lives in boating accidents. The National Safe Boating Council warns boaters that most drowning victims had a life jacket available, but were not wearing it when they entered the water. It is difficult to put a life jacket on once you are already in the water, Boldt said.
When purchasing a PFD, Boldt suggests considering the most prevalent water activity. Water skiers and tubers should wear a life jacket with four nylon straps rather than one with a zipper, because straps are stronger than zippers upon impact with water. Anglers or persons paddling a canoe should opt for a PFD that is comfortable enough to wear for an entire outing.
Water skiers and tubers are reminded it takes three to ski and tube. When a person is towed on water skis or a similar device, an observer other than the operator is required on the vessel.
"Know what is below the water's surface, especially near shore," Boldt said. "Larger objects can be hidden, potentially leading to a significant injury."
It is important for swimmers to know the depth, as serious injuries can occur from diving into water. "To be safe, never dive into the lake because you never know what is below the surface," Boldt said.
North Dakota boaters also are reminded that marine VHF radios are an important part of boat safety that should not be improperly used by operators. Boldt said they are intended for boat operators who are in distress and facing an emergency situation.
Regulations to help ensure safe boating this summer are found in the 2008-10 North Dakota Fishing Guide. A more comprehensive listing is available in the 2008-10 North Dakota Boat and Water Safety Guide or the Boat North Dakota education book. These guides are available online at the Game and Fish website, gf.nd.gov, by emailing ndgf@nd.gov, or at a local Game and Fish Department office.
Summer is traditionally a time when families enjoy outdoor activities by gathering with friends and relatives at a favorite recreation site. Nancy Boldt, boat and water safety coordinator for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, says family outings and commotion go hand-in-hand, and that is why it is important to be alert and safe near water.
"Personal flotation devices are the single most important part of safety on the water," Boldt said. "They are worn to save your life."
North Dakota law requires all children ages 10 and younger to wear a personal flotation device while in boats of less than 27 feet in length. The law also requires all personal watercraft users to wear a life jacket, Boldt said, as well as anyone towed on skis, tubes, boards or other similar devices.
Water users should make sure to wear life jackets that are the appropriate size, and in good condition. It is also important that children wear a PFD while swimming. "It doesn't matter how good you can swim because after being in the water for a period of time kids become tired or develop cramps," Boldt said.
Failure to wear a PFD is the main reason people lose their lives in boating accidents. The National Safe Boating Council warns boaters that most drowning victims had a life jacket available, but were not wearing it when they entered the water. It is difficult to put a life jacket on once you are already in the water, Boldt said.
When purchasing a PFD, Boldt suggests considering the most prevalent water activity. Water skiers and tubers should wear a life jacket with four nylon straps rather than one with a zipper, because straps are stronger than zippers upon impact with water. Anglers or persons paddling a canoe should opt for a PFD that is comfortable enough to wear for an entire outing.
Water skiers and tubers are reminded it takes three to ski and tube. When a person is towed on water skis or a similar device, an observer other than the operator is required on the vessel.
"Know what is below the water's surface, especially near shore," Boldt said. "Larger objects can be hidden, potentially leading to a significant injury."
It is important for swimmers to know the depth, as serious injuries can occur from diving into water. "To be safe, never dive into the lake because you never know what is below the surface," Boldt said.
North Dakota boaters also are reminded that marine VHF radios are an important part of boat safety that should not be improperly used by operators. Boldt said they are intended for boat operators who are in distress and facing an emergency situation.
Regulations to help ensure safe boating this summer are found in the 2008-10 North Dakota Fishing Guide. A more comprehensive listing is available in the 2008-10 North Dakota Boat and Water Safety Guide or the Boat North Dakota education book. These guides are available online at the Game and Fish website, gf.nd.gov, by emailing ndgf@nd.gov, or at a local Game and Fish Department office.
Humminbird Pricing Updated
We have just recently reviewed the pricing of our Humminbird products and some of the prices have been adjusted downward. We have not added any new Humminbird fishfinders since the introduction of the new PiranhaMAX series that came out this spring. If you have any questions about our Humminbird products, feel free to contact us.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Garmin GPS Line Updated
We have recently updated our Garmin GPS line of products. The GPS items that we carry are targeted for the outdoor enthusiast, and are easily carried with you wherever you go. You are able to choose from the eTrex, GPS, GPSMAP, or the new Colorado and Oregon lines. You can get em all at Golden Eagle Outdoors!!
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Cannon Downrigger Line Updated
We have recently updated our Cannon Downrigger line, and many of the accessories that are available are now on our website. So if you need weights, line releases, or rod holders, they are now available for purchase on the Golden Eagle Outdoors website.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Digital Scouting Cameras Now Online!!
We have just added more digital scouting cameras to our hunting equipment category. You can now choose from cameras made by Bushnell, Cuddeback, or Stealth Cam. Now is a good time to start getting ready for hunting season with one of these quality scouting cameras. Get yours today at Golden Eagle Outdoors!!
Saturday, June 6, 2009
DeLorme Topo Maps Now Available!!
We have just added the latest upgrade to the Topo Map line from DeLorme to our website. These are great topo maps that can be used for hunting, hiking, camping, or anything else. All at a great price!! Get your DeLorme Topo Map today from Golden Eagle Outdoors!!
Katadyn Products now online!!
We have just finished adding all the remaining Katadyn water purification items that we have available to the Golden Eagle Outdoors website. You have the choice of several different ways to purify water whether you are out hiking or on a camping excursion. So get the equipment you need to drink water safely from Golden Eagle Outdoors today!!
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
MN Take-a-Kid Fishing Weekend
MN DNR News Release - June 2, 2009
Minnesotans who want to catch some quality family time are encouraged to take advantage of Take-A-Kid Fishing weekend, June 5-7. Minnesota residents 18 and older can fish for free during these days when they accompany an angler younger than 16.
“Most kids would love to go fishing,” said Mike Kurre, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) mentoring program coordinator. “By eliminating the need for a license on these three days, we’re providing an opportunity for family and friends to try the recreational sport of fishing with a youth and encouraging people to get outdoors, have fun, and discover the joys of fishing.”
Minnesotans who want to catch some quality family time are encouraged to take advantage of Take-A-Kid Fishing weekend, June 5-7. Minnesota residents 18 and older can fish for free during these days when they accompany an angler younger than 16.
“Most kids would love to go fishing,” said Mike Kurre, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) mentoring program coordinator. “By eliminating the need for a license on these three days, we’re providing an opportunity for family and friends to try the recreational sport of fishing with a youth and encouraging people to get outdoors, have fun, and discover the joys of fishing.”
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Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Open House At MN State Parks
The Minnesota DNR is planning on having an open house at all of their state parks on Sunday June 7. This is a yearly event and it gives everyone a chance to experience everything the parks have to offer. Admission is free only on this day!!
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