PAGE 12 - October 14, 2015
The Newscaster/Nature Coast News
Time to register for the 2016
Python  unique Everglades ecosystem? Then sign up for
Challenge
Want to help conserve Florida's
the 2016 Python ChallengeTM competition and join the Florida Fish and Conservation Com-
mission (FWC), the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida Inc. and partners to remove
invasive Burmese pythons from public lands in south Florida.
Starting Thursday, Oct. 1, you can register for the Python Removal competition online atPy-
thonChallenge.Org. If you are one of the first 200 people to sign up, you will receive a free
2016 Python ChallengeTM T-shirt.
Compete to see if you can harvest the longest or the most Burmese pythons and
win grand prizes of $5,000 in the team category and $3,500 in the individual category.
"We are providing training opportunities to teach people how to properly identify and safely
capture Burmese pythons in the wild," said FWC Commissioner "Alligator Ron" Bergeron.
"Nonnative species are a problem for Florida ­ especially the one-of-a-kind Everglades
ecosystem. The Python Challenge is empowering people to be part of the solution to this
problem."
The Newscaster
The
In order to register for the Python Removal competition, which begins at noon Sat-
urday, Jan. 16, 2016, and ends at 7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 14, 2016, you must first take required  Stone crab season opens Oct. 15Orwell Pt., Homosassa, Florida 34446
5093 S. in state, federal waters
online training. There are also opportunities for in-person trainings that include a hands-on  Florida's recreational and commercial stone crab claw harvest season opens Oct. 15 in state
Phone: (352) 489-4588  Fax: (727) 362-4788
 
and federal waters. To ensure this valuable resource is available for generations to come, take
component where you can practice handling and capturing pythons. Anyone can sign upmail, Tom Russell, Publisher: thenewscaster1@gmail.comIEmail, Debbie Russell, Editor: d
E for
care when removing crab claws, and follow all protective management guidelines for stone
  removal competi- ebsiteharvest. To be harvested, stone crab claws must be at leasthistory.newscasterarchives.c
in-person trainings ­ whether or not they are participating in the python
W crab s: thenewscaster.com · newscasterarchives.com · 2¾ inches in length when
tion -- starting Oct. 1. Training events will teach people how to identify, report and then

safely and humanely capture Burmese pythons. Sign up for trainings at PythonChallenge.  measured from the elbow to the tip of the lower immovable portion of the claw View a video
org
on the internet on how to properly remove the claw, and increase the likelihood of survival
.
PythonChallenge.orgforinformationabout pythons, unique  of the released crab.
Visit     Burmese  the

 ecosystem,    for the   competition, training op- SWFMD to Hold Series of Hog Hunts in 2015-2016
EvergladeshowtoregisterPython Removal
The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) land managers plan
portunities and resources for planning your trip to south Florida to participate in next year's

events. To report nonnative fish and wildlife, call the FWC s Exotic Species Hotline at  to hold a series of hog hunts on District lands throughout the year to help reduce the wild
  
hog population. Wild hogs, which are not native to Florida, feed on roots, tubors and grubs
888-IVE-GOT1 (888-483-4681), report your sighting online at IveGot1.org.
by rooting with their broad snouts and can leave an area looking like a plowed field. They

also prey on native wildlife, compete with native species for food and transmit diseases to
      
other wildlife, livestock and humans. Additionally, hogs may facilitate the spread of exotic
plant species by transporting seeds and/or providing germination rooting. 
   sites through    A

complete list of hunts, with locations and dates, is available at hoghunts.watermatters.org.
BUDDY & FRED'S HARDWARE
Captains Outfitters 
Cove   

39 W.Inglis, 447-5610
Hwy. 40 · FL · (352) 

Open5:45-6pm
M-Sa  Sun. 5:45-5pm


More 
 Than A Bait Store

Evenwehaveselection!
though   a great bait 

Keep your Gear up to
date!
 Shimano Rods & Reels

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Serving Inglis, Yankeetown, Dunnellon, Hernando, Crystal River & Homosassa
d
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5093 S. Orwell Pt., Homosassa, Florida 34446
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Phone (352) 489-4588 Fax (727) 362-4788
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Email (Debbie Russell, Editor) debbienewscaster@gmail.com
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All Our Staff are Fishermen
Local Guides Available

We have  Family   Atmosphere
a Clean    Friendly
Top Qualityrods&for beginners
     reels

to experts. Large selection of Saltwater Tackle

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League of Women
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D'S HARDWARE  of Citrus County
Voters
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1.acrsRBfor only
5   e , 2B   / 2   A     
10-14-15

$
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WATERFRONT! Large Home - 3 BR, 2.5B with Boat Lift and Fish Cleaning Station