Explore the rise of college bass fishing as a gateway to pro angling, the innovative AI dash cam designed by teens to prevent wildlife collisions, and the best days for fall foliage in New England. Join radio hosts Rebecca Wanner aka 'BEC' and Jeff ‘Tigger’ Erhardt with The Bend Radio Show & Podcast, your news outlet for the latest in Outdoors & Western Lifestyle News! Episode 200 Details College Bass Fishing's Rise, Teen-Invented Wildlife AI Dashcam & Best Fall Foliage in New England Latest Outdoors & Travel News! SPORTS: RISE OF COLLEGE BASS FISHING College bass fishing has emerged as a significant pathway to professional angling, with top university programs like Bethel University in Tennessee setting the standard. The 2024 Bassmaster College Series, a key event in college fishing, has seen a surge in participation, highlighting the growing popularity of the sport. As college fishing remains a club sport, meaning it is not NCAA-recognized, it opens the doors for students to earn sponsorships and win prize money, making it an attractive option for aspiring professional anglers. Universities like Bethel have pioneered the sport, offering scholarships, full-time coaches, and extensive financial support, which have helped them dominate national rankings. As more schools follow suit, college bass fishing is becoming a significant recruiting tool, drawing in both male and female students from across the U.S. and even internationally. This rise in interest and investment is cementing college bass fishing's place as a key feeder system for professional bass fishing, shaping the future of the sport. The sport's expansion beyond the Southeastern U.S. and into new regions is further fueled by the involvement of Major League Fishing, broadening opportunities for students nationwide. Reference: https://bethelathletics.com/sports/fishing/index https://www.outdoorlife.com/fishing/college-fishing-bass-pros/ DEER! TEENS INVENT THERMAL AI DASHCAM A group of all female high school students from STEM School Highlands Ranch in Denver has developed a groundbreaking AI-powered dashcam designed to prevent wildlife collisions on roads. Using a Flir thermal imager and an AI model, the device detects animals, particularly deer, on roadways before they are visible to drivers, providing crucial warnings that can prevent accidents. The project began as part of the 2024 Samsung Solve for Tomorrow contest, driven by the students’ desire to address the frequent and costly wildlife-vehicle collisions in Colorado. After exploring various solutions, young women chose thermal imaging for its effectiveness in low-light conditions, when most accidents occur. Their invention, currently in the final prototype phase, aims to alert drivers of potential collisions up to 500 feet ahead, significantly improving reaction times compared to traditional headlights. Despite not winning the national competition, the students remain committed to refining and testing their device. Their innovative approach has the potential to save lives and reduce the financial impact of wildlife collisions across the country. Reference: https://www.outdoorlife.com/conservation/ai-thermal-wildlife-vehicle-collisions/ https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/team-female-stem-students-invent-wildlife-detection-device-colorado/ https://stemk12.org/ FALL COLORS: Have Americans Planning Travel Now To New England As fall approaches, millions of Americans are planning trips to New England to enjoy the region's stunning fall foliage. The six New England states—Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island—are top destinations for leaf-peeping enthusiasts. In 2023, New Hampshire alone saw 3.6 million visitors during the fall season. This year, the foliage season is expected to start later due to warm temperatures, but vibrant colors are anticipated thanks to abundant rainfall. Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine are particularly popular for their fall landscapes, with peak viewing expected around Halloween in the northern and western areas, and shortly after in the southern regions. Popular scenic routes for fall colors include Vermont’s Route 7, the Upper Connecticut River Valley Loop, and Maine’s Castine and Penobscot Bay Loop. For those seeking an urban fall experience, cities like Boston, Newport, and Portland offer beautiful foliage alongside cultural attractions. The best time to visit for peak color is mid-October, especially from October 12-15 in the northern parts of New England. PEAK FALL LEAVES: Farmers Almanac List Maine Coastal: October 5 to 21 Inland: October 1 to 17 Connecticut October 12 to 28 Massachusetts Coastal: October 12 to 28 Inland: October 5 to 21 Rhode Island October 12 to 28 New Hampshire Coastal: October 5 to 21 Inland: September 28 to October 9 Vermont Northern: September 24 to October 10 Southern: October 5 to 14 Reference https://www.almanac.com/ https://www.visitnewengland.com/all/ FIELD REPORTS & ...
