CWD at Deer Farms, Deadly Wolf Pack, Fish Kills: State Outdoors News

In the field notes: Here's a roundup of state-related hunting and fishing news.

MINNESOTA

CWD Found At 2 Deer Farms; New Ban in Effect

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says a new deer feeding ban is now in place until 2019 in 11 counties adjacent to two deer farms where chronic wasting disease was discovered.

The agency said "multiple captive deer" were infected with CWD at the central-Minnesota farms, and stressed the feeding bans are precautionary. "Wild deer in these areas are not know to have CWD. These feeding bans are a proactive step to keep CWD at bay," the agency said in a news release.

Central Minnesota counties affected by the ban: Kandiyohi, McCloud, Meeker, Stearns, Wright, and the portion of Renville County north of U.S. Highway 212.

North-central Minnesota counties: Aitkin, Crow Wing, Morrison, the portion of Cass County south of Minnesota highways 34 and 200, and the portion of Mille Lacs County north of County Road 11.

More information about CWD: Minnesota DNR chronic wasting disease page.

Read more about this story from Minnesota DNR

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CALIFORNIA

Anglers: Avoid Yelloweye Rockfish

California Department of Fish and Wildlife is asking anglers to avoid yelloweye rockfish when ocean fishing, especially in areas where the threatened fish is known to inhabit (such as rocky outcrops and pinnacles). If caught, a yelloweye must be immediately released with a descending device to minimize harm to the fish. And, the agency asks anglers who catch one to consider moving to another spot.

Read more from California Department of Fish and Wildlife

WASHINGTON

Lethal Action on Predator Wolf Pack

State wildlife officials have decided to take lethal action on a wolf pack which has been preying on livestock in Ferry County during the last two months. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife said the pack is responsible for killing at least three calves and injuring another. The pack may be as big at five wolves. Learn more about the state's wolf management.

Read more from Washington Department Fish and Wildlife

IOWA

Two Fish Kills Reported   

Iowa DNR is investigating two fish kills reported near Polk City and Decorah in the past week, according to news releases.

The Polk County incident involved an unknown number of dead white bass at Big Creek Lake. The suspected cause was determined to be a virus that impacted only white bass.

Contaminated manure runoff from a dairy farm was the suspected source of a fish kill in Dry Run Creek, where DNR fisheries staff a large number of dead suckers and minnows over a five-mile stretch.

Read more from Iowa DNR