ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Monday, November 4, 1996 TAG: 9611060003
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: BILL COCHRAN OUTDOORS EDITOR
Casting for cash
Q: Can you tell me how Virginia fishermen are doing on the B.A.S.S. tournament circuit this season? J.F.
A: At the halfway point in the Bassmaster Top 100 Tournament Trail, there are no front-runners from Virginia, but with three Top 100 tournaments to go there are some Virginians who still have a chance to make the BASS Masters Classic cut.
David Dudley of Lynchburg tops the list of Virginia competitors. He is ranked 31st, with 179 points, in the Top 100 and Angler of the Year race. Rick Morris, from Virginia Beach, is 38th, with 167 points, and Woo Daves of Spring Grove is 46th, with 147 points. Dudley and Daves got a boost from the recent Bassmaster Tennessee Top 100 on Old Hickory Lake, where Daves finished 20th and Dudley 22.
The top 25 pros in the annual ranking earn berths in the Classic, which is scheduled for August at a yet-to-be named lake. The leader is Texan Jay Yelas with 263 points. If he holds the lead, he becomes B.A.S.S. Angler of the Year, but there are some big-name competitors only a few points behind: 2nd, Dan Morehead, 258 points; 3rd, Davy Hite, 256; 4th, Denny Brauer, 247; 5th, Rick Clunn, 246; 6th, David Fritts, 235; 7th, Paul Elias, 233; 8th, Randall Romig, 229; 9th, Chad Brauer, 228 ; tied with Kevin VanDam, 228; 11th, Larry Nixon, 225; 12th, George Cochran, 217.
Guide to outdoor areas
Q: I understand that the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries has a number of properties open to public hunting and fishing, but where do I get information and maps on them? C.H.
A: The department recently published an excellent book on these areas, titled the ``Guide to Virginia's Wildlife Management Areas''. The slick, magazine-size publication contains maps and information on the agency's 29 wildlife management areas. The publication is free from department offices (there is one at 209 East Cleveland Ave. in Vinton) or may be obtained through the mail by sending a $5 check or money order payable to ``V.I.B.'' to cover shipping. Mail it to V.I.B., P.O. Box 27563, Richmond 23261.
Taking aim at the park
Q: Can you tell me if there are plans to have a deer hunt this season in Smith Mountain Lake State Park? P.B.
A: A primitive weapon hunt is scheduled Dec. 30-Jan. 4, which coincides with the final six days of the late muzzleloading and bowhunting deer seasons. Twenty-seven hunting positions will be assigned each day to individuals selected by a random lottery. The idea is to provide recreation while reducing the deer population in selected areas of the park.
Hunters may apply by submitting a 3-by 5-inch card with the following information: name, address, phone number, date of birth, Social Security number and up to two preferred hunting dates. Handicapped-accessible positions are available. A $5 non-refundable application fee, payable to the Treasurer of Virginia, must be included. The application deadline is Dec. 2.
Hunters chosen will have to pay an additional $10 fee upon check-in and abide by other regulations, including completion of a hunter safety course and the wearing of blaze orange. Applications should be mailed to Deer Hunt, Smith Mountain Lake State Park, Route 1, Box 41, Huddleston, 24104. Questions should be directed to park officials at 540-297-6066.
Hunting/fishing the Web
Q: I am amazed at how much information on fishing and other outdoor sports is available on the Internet. When is the Virginia Department of Game and Land Fisheries going to have its own Web page like similar agencies in many other states? B.C.
A: The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries has just come on line with a Web page that contains a weekly outdoor and fishing report along with information on hunting and fishing regulations and ongoing research projects.
``We are getting 100 hits a week, and we haven't been on line for long,'' said David Whitehurst, a spokesman for the agency.
The address is
http://www.state.va.us/dgif/index.htm
Have a question on the outdoors? Contact Bill Cochran, The Roanoke Times, P.O. Box 2491, Roanoke 24010; 540-981-3395.
LENGTH: Medium: 83 linesby CNB