Willard Bay

WILLARD BAY -- Rescuers found three hunters in Willard Bay after a call for help on Saturday night.

One of them texted his wife to call 911, said Box Elder County Sheriff's Chief Deputy Kevin Potter. The hunter said that they were north of the north dike at the bay.

It was not clear why they needed 911, Potter said. No one was able to contact the hunters over the phone because cell phone reception is very poor that far out into the bay, he said.

But after at least two and a half hours of searching, a state helicopter spotted one of them about 10:30 p.m.

He led rescuers to the other two, who were alive. The three hunters' conditions were unknown as of late Saturday night.

WILLARD BAY -- The two-passenger, pontoon-shaped, paddle-powered cardboard boat designed by Clearfield High School juniors Mikey Steinke and Kyle Irvin skimmed across the bay, covering the 70-meter route in one minute flat.

This time of year, the bank fishermen find their way out to the north dike to do some night fishing at Willard Bay, and the numbers of eager anglers is fascinating to me.

Most are of the opinion that any fish is a good one at night. But it seems wipers are among the most coveted to catch.

If you have a certain spot you like to frequent along the rocks, be sure to get there early to stake out your ground. Early could mean several things here. Some fishermen don't show up until after 10 p.m., while others like to get out before the sun goes down. Most anglers are polite enough and keep their distance from you, so you feel like you have room to cast and retrieve without feeling cramped or in danger of getting tangled.

ANTELOPE ISLAND -- An 87-page audit of Utah state parks reveals Antelope Island lost $114,548 in fiscal year 2009-10, which equates to 41 cents per island visitor.