2017 Perseid Meteor Shower, Havasu Drownings, Tagged Carp: State Outdoors News

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

ARIZONA

Drownings Reported at Havasu

Arizona Game and Fish said the recent drownings of two adults at Lake Havasu on July 21 is further proof of the need to wear a life jacket, regardless of age. The agency said via news release neither of the victims were wearing a life jacket when Raul Gonzalez, 44, and his wife Esmeralda, 41, both drowned July 21.

The Mohave County Sheriff's Office reported Esmeralda jumped into the water for a swim near Crazy Horse Cove, when she began struggling. Raul tried to save her, but neither returned to the surface after they went under.

"Although Arizona requires that children 12 and younger must wear a properly fitting life jacket any time a boat is underway, everyone should wear a life jacket at all times while on the water," Game and Fish said in the news release.

Click here to read more from Arizona Game and Fish

MINNESOTA

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Invasive Carp Gets Tagged

Minnesota hopes a new tool will help it learn more about combatting invasive bighead carp. The DNR said for the first in the state a carp was tagged with a data tracker to hopefully learn more about its range and other behaviors.

Last Friday, Minnesota DNR staff captured a 37-pound, 43-inch bighead carp in the St. Croix River, then surgically implanted a 4-inch long tracking tag and returned the fish to the river.

"Daily tracking by boat has shown the fish's precise range, feeding areas and other details about the types of conditions these species prefer," the agency said in a news release.

After a period of acoustic telemetry tracking, the carp will be removed and euthanized.

Read more about invasive carp in Minnesota

MICHIGAN

Perseid Meteor Viewing Parties Set

A Michigan DNR program celebrates the annual appearance of the Perseid meteor shower, which peak in mid-August and are ­considered the best meteor shower of the year.

Numerous Michigan state parks will host "Meteors & S'mores" Perseid meteor shower viewing parties on Aug. 11-12.

At parks from southeast Michigan to the Keweenaw Peninsula, visitors can enjoy a night of stargazing with free s'mores and campfires. Participating parks will stay open later than usual.

"The Perseids, which peak during mid-August, are considered the best meteor shower of the year. With very fast and bright meteors, Perseids frequently leave long 'wakes' of light and color behind them as they streak through Earth's atmosphere," according to the NASA website. "The Perseids are one of the most plentiful showers (50-100 meteors seen per hour) and occur with warm summer nighttime weather, allowing sky watchers to easily view them."

A full Meteors & S'mores program schedule is available at michigan.gov/darksky.

IOWA

Water Main Break Leads to Fish Kill

The Iowa DNR says a water-main break was responsible for a fish kill in a 1-mile stretch of McCloud Run near Cedar Rapids. Fisheries staff concluded that 1,260 trout, 673 white suckers and 300 other fish were killed.

According to a press release, a valve failed in the water main near McCloud Bridge on Monday, sending treated drinking water into the river. Chloramine, which is used to disinfect water, is harmful to fish and other organisms.

Read more from the Iowa DNR

NEBRASKA

High School Bass Championships

Mike Mueting and Nick Spencer of the Star City team caught a five-fish limit weighing 15.56 pounds to win The Bass Federation Nebraska High School Fishing Championship. The event took place July 22 at Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area in Cherry County.

Read more from the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission