Catch a memory when your favorite young angler hooks their first fish! It’s easy and free to participate!

Simply complete the First Fish Certificate form and mail it in to the address on the form! Or email the information along with a photo to: Holly.Luft@dnr.iowa.gov

Your child will receive a frameable certificate to commemorate this special event!

 

 

 

Iowa Kids “Take It Outside” with IDNR Art Contest

Over 1700 Iowa students, ranging from Kindergarten to grade 12, participated in this year’s Iowa Department of Natural Resources “Take It Outside” Art Contest. Entries showcased children visiting native Iowa wildlife in their natural habitat while camping, fishing, hiking, hunting, wildlife watching, and more.

This year’s art contest theme focused on Iowa’s native wildlife. Iowa is rich in tradition and abundant with wonderful natural resources. Iowans contribute $4.3 billion to Iowa’s economy through our outdoor pursuits -- hunting, fishing, trapping, camping, boating, target shooting, and wildlife-watching. One of the reasons we enjoy outdoors is our fish and wildlife resources. We share our state with all sorts of native animals – a host of invertebrates, 140+ types of fish, over 400 species of birds, almost 60 kinds of mammals, and almost 80 reptiles and amphibians.

Schools were invited to submit posters in the following categories: Kindergarten-Grade 2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12. All categories were for original hand-drawn artwork. Winners were selected based on portrayal of theme, creative expression, originality, visual appeal, and artistic merit.

Individual winners (by category):
Category I: Grades K-2
1st Place – Drew Boothe, Berg Elementary, Newton
Most Creative – William Getter, Northeast Elementary, Glenwood
Best Use of Color – Pleng Saysuib, Norway Elementary, Norway

Category II: Grades 3-5
1st Place – Gwendolyn Hall, STCE Elementary, Tama
Best Use of Theme – Owen Lucas, Bedford Community Schools
Most Creative – Emily Kono, Center Point-Urbana Primary School, Center Point
Best Use of Color – Lauren Kraemer, Washington Elementary, Fairfield

Category III: Grades 6-8
1st Place – Kelsey Hulbert, West Marshall Middle School, State Center
Best Use of Theme – Caitlyn Gray, Jesup Community Schools
Most Creative – McKenna Klekar, St. Joseph, Marion
Best Use of Color – Ashley Sarver, Seymour Community Schools

Category IV: Grades 9-12
1st Place – Sam Sales, East High School, Sioux City
Best Use of Theme – Teresa Hageman, Turkey Valley High School, Jackson Junction
Most Creative – Darian Reese, Anamosa High School
Best Use of Color – Melissa Molloy, Knoxville Schools

Individual artists who placed first in each category received a prize package of exploration and/or outdoor recreation supplies. Every participant received a certificate from the IDNR. Winning entries will be displayed during the Iowa State Fair at the DNR building.

Grant for natural resources-based recreation experience
Each school that submitted art contest entries was entered in a drawing to receive a grant (total of 4 grants awarded) for a natural resources-based recreation experience at a local outdoor recreation area.

Winning schools:
Forest City Community Middle School and High School, Forest City
Colo-Nesco Elementary, Zearing
Indianola Middle School, Indianola
Roosevelt Middle School, Dubuque

Kids Water Safety: Life Jackets

Spring is here and soon it will be time to head to your local lake or river to go fishing and/or boating. You probably already have your fishing poles and tackle ready to go...but have you checked your family's life jackets yet? Before you head out the doorwith your children this spring check their life jacket! To work properly life jackets must fit properly. Children grow fast so their life jacket from last year may not fit properly this year.  All children 12 & under are required by law to wear a life jacket while boating.

When picking out a life jacket for a child make sure to pick a life jacket that is made for children and meets the proper weight requirements for that child. Always have children try on a life jacket before purchasing it to make sure it fits properly. With the life jacket properly fastened have them hold their hands up over their heads and then pull up on the tops of the arm openings of their life jacket. If the life jacket rides up over their face or chin it is too big. Try the next smaller size or a different brand or fit. DO NOT buy a too big jacket with the hopes that your child will grow into it. Always make sure the life jacket is U.S. Coast Guard-approved.

Small children should have life jackets with a head support, handle, and leg straps. This supports their head in the water and will, in most situations, float them face up. The handle (usually on the head support) makes it easier for adults to grab small child if they are floating in the water. The leg straps help prevent the life jacket from riding up over their head. Infants under six months of age and under sixteen pounds are usually too small for even the smallest rated life jackets. Consider waiting until they are older before you take them out on the water.

Older children do not need head support and leg straps (though some life jackets for older children do come with leg straps). Again, proper fit is the key for safety. Make sure older children and teenagers always wear their life jackets on or around water. Life jackets should be comfortable as well because children may be wearing them for lengths of time. Many teenagers do not like how life jackets look. However, there are many styles that are sleek and “cool” enough looking to satisfy their tastes.

Once you have properly fitted and purchased a life jacket for your child take them into the water and show them how to float in it. When children fall into the water they often panic. Teaching children what to do if they fall into the water and making sure they know how to float is very important. It is important for them to learn that the life jacket will float them as well.  Always make sure that your child’s life jacket is properly secured before going on or in the water.

Remember: A life jacket does not take the place of adult supervision. Never leave children unattended on a boat or around water. It takes only moments for a tragedy to happen.

IDNR: Boating and Lifejackets

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UV1IC-sYAag

MDNR: Selecting a life vest for your child

http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/safety/boatwater/pfd_selecting.html

 

Life jackets must fit you properly to float you properly!

 

Iowa's Trout Program

Iowa has an excellence trout program that is managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Check out the following video clip from a recent Iowa Outdoors on IPTV showcasing Iowa's Trout Program!

IPTV Iowa Outdoors: Iowa's Trout Program
http://www.iptv.org/iowaoutdoors/story.cfm/clip/10271/iao_20130209_301_trout/video

 

IDNR urban trout stockings  which occur from October to April across the state offer wonderful opportunities to take kids fishing for trout. Big Springs Hatchery located in Elkader is also home to Iowa first kid's trout fishing pond. It is a series of interconnected stocked ponds. It provides an excellent opportunity for children to catch their first trout. It is open to children 16 & under.

 

For more information about the kid's trout fishing pond, Iowa's trout program, trout stocking dates, trout streams, and trout hatcheries in Iowa visit the IDNR Trout Fishing webpage at:

http://www.iowadnr.gov/Fishing/TroutFishing.aspx

 

Are you planning a trout fishing trip this spring? Will you be attending one of the urban trout stocking events? If it will be your first trout fishing trip and you need to know where to start - look no further! Check out the IDNR's "How to fish for trout in Iowa" webpage. Even if you are an old hat at trout fishing you might learn something new!

 

How to fish for trout in Iowa:

http://www.iowadnr.gov/Fishing/FishingTipsHowTos/HowtoFishFor/TroutFishing.aspx

 

Have a happy fishing week!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ice-out in Iowa

 “ice-out” – The disappearance of ice from the surface

of a body of water as a result of thawing.  

~Merriam-Webster Dictionary

 

Tread Carefully!
Ice-out in Iowa generally occurs the second week of March.  That means that ice conditions are rapidly becoming unstable across Iowa as warming temperatures weaken ice. Follow ice thickness guidelines cautiously this time of year. While four inches of newly formed, solid ice in January may support a person, four inches of partially-thawed old ice in March may not. If you are unsure if ice is safe - stay off!

Good-bye Ice Fishing

If you have not already, now is the time to clean, organize and pack up your ice fishing gear until next winter. We hope you were able to get your kids out and make some wonderful memories on the ice this winter!

With our good-byes to ice fishing come our plans for open water fishing. Do you have fishing trips planned as a family? A fishing clinic with your school or youth group? Now is a great time to be planning and looking forward to getting children to the local lake or pond.

Have you looked through your fishing equipment yet? Why not make it a fun weekend project with the kids! Gather all your rods, reels, and tackle and have a “Repair & Organize Workshop”. Repair, clean, organize and inventory new items you may need. Now you will be ready for another awesome fishing season!

Fun Facts - Early Spawning

Northern pike are one of Iowa’s earliest spawning fish species. They begin spawning just after ice-out when the water temperature is around 35° F. In fact, they often move into shallow water while there is still ice in preparation for spawning.

On average northern pike females lay 63,000 eggs, though large females have been recorded laying 500,000 eggs. Eggs are not watched over by adults. Once spawning is complete the adults return to deeper water. The eggs hatch after 12 to 14 days. The young remain in shallow water and feed on zooplankton.

For more information on northern pike visit the IDNR - Northern Pike web page: http://www.iowadnr.gov/Fishing/IowaFishSpecies/FishDetails.aspx?SpeciesCode=NOP

 

 

 

 

Fish Iowa!

 

“Anyone can fish, so you don’t have to worry about sitting on the bench if you aren’t the star athlete. Fish don’t see disabilities, they could care less if you are in a wheelchair or are able to run a marathon.”

– Fish Iowa! mentor serving persons with disabilities

 

 

 

 

Fish Iowa! is a comprehensive module to teach basic spincasting, it incorporates physical education, health, biology, geography, and family and consumer sciences into a program that focuses on fishing. It is designed for use in formal settings with middle school through senior high students, but easily adapts to nonformal programs such as camps, scout outings, etc. Fish Iowa! works with students with all levels of abilities.

Materials are available to Iowa educators and youth leaders only through training sessions (one-on one) and workshops. Email the Aquatic Education Program at EdInfo@dnr.iowa.gov to locate a Fish Iowa! trainer near you.

Fish Iowa! has grown over the years – more options for educators, more community resources, and a lot more participants.

1990 Fish Iowa! unveiled, statewide trainings for 200+ educators & youth leaders; est. 27,000 participants
1993 66,000 participants annually
1994 Ice Fishing Module introduced
1996 Hooked on Fishing Not on Drugs® comes to Iowa
1998 4-H Fish Iowa! partnership established
2001 Fly Fishing Module available
2006 Fish Iowa! Games sponsored with Iowa Sports Foundation; 27,000+ participants
2007 Mini grants to support local youth fishing clubs and programs
2007 Adopted national Angler’s Legacy campaign to encourage fishing mentors
2009 Almost 3000 Educators trained; est. 188,000 participants annually

Get Involved!

Educators and Youth Leaders

-Get trained in Fish Iowa! – put these great resources to work for you and offer fishing experiences through your local organization.

-Host a Fish Iowa Games casting competition.

Conservation and Civic Organizations
-Offer a family fishing event.
-Help with a local youth fishing outing (day care, youth groups, school groups).

Individuals

-Take a friend fishing.
-Volunteer to help with a local fishing event, clinic, or mentor a young angler in your area.

 “It’s amazing how many avenues an educator can take with the Fish Iowa! program.”

– Physical education instructor, 13 years teaching Fish Iowa!