Outdoors news and notes

Making news

Free course Will prepare Gator hunters

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is offering alligator hunters the opportunity to take a no-cost, three-hour class to help them prepare for the Aug. 15 to Nov. 1 statewide harvest. Reservations are not required to attend a class. Attendance is not mandatory for licensed hunters, but the FWC recommends that hunters attend. Class topics include preparation, hunting techniques and safety, harvesting and processing, caring for the hide, and rules and regulations. Persons who do not have a harvest permit are allowed to attend. The closest class to the Tampa Bay area will be held 1-4 p.m. Aug. 7 at the Bradenton Municipal Auditorium (1005 Barcarrota Blvd.). For more information, visit MyFWC.com/gators.

FISHING

Tarpon event seeks observers for finale

The Suncoast Tarpon Roundup will have its finale day Aug. 7. Tournament officials are looking for volunteer observers to ride along with tarpon experts and verify tarpon were caught and released, DNA samples taken and the time it was caught. If you want to be an observer, contact Charlie Crisp at webmaster@suncoasttarponroundup.org.

Environment

State scientists watch for fish kills

High temperatures and cloudy, rainy days can spell trouble for fish in Florida's rivers and lakes. These conditions can cause fish kills, which are natural occurrences and typically do not cause permanent damage to the ecosystem or to fish populations. Still, FWC scientists want to keep track of the locations and extent of fish kills in natural lakes and estuaries to see if serious problems develop. Residents can report fish kills in natural water bodies to the FWC at research.MyFWC.com/fishkill/submit.asp or call the fish kill hotline toll-free at 1-800-636-0511.