Indiana Outdoor News

INDIANA'S CHOICE FOR OUTDOOR NEWS AND INFORMATION • SINCE 1994

®

Vol. 2011 • Number 2 Like ION in print? Like us on

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

BOAT BUYING BASICS PAGE 4

TURKEY HUNTING PAGE 8

MUSKIE FISHING PAGE 9

UPLAND FOOD PLOTS PAGE 12

GADGETS & GEAR PAGE 17

February, 2011

W W W. I N D I A N A O U T D O O R N E W S . N E T

PRELIMINARY APPROVAL FOR DEER RULES INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Natural Resources Commission (NRC) approved preliminary adoption of recommended rule changes for deer hunting at their January meeting.

Components of the proposed changes include modification of the season structure, bag limits, hunting equipment, and licensing requirements. The proposed changes address requests from the NRC and the NRC’s Advisory Council as part of their comprehensive review of fish and wildlife rules.

Key elements of the recommended changes would allow use of a crossbow during the archery season and the urban zone season; establish separate crossbow and urban zone licenses; combine the early and late archery seasons into a single season from Oct. 1 through the first Sunday in January; and add a special antlerless only firearms season in select counties from Dec. 26 through the first Sunday in January.

The complete text of the proposed rule package and other information can be found at www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/2362.htm.

Once the rule language is posted on the NRC website (www.in.gov/nrc/2377.htm) , the public will be able to use the convenient online link to submit comments. Written comments also can be mailed to Division of Hearings, Indiana Government Center North, 100 North Senate Ave., Room N501, Indianapolis, IN, 46204-2200.

One or more public hearings will be scheduled to collect additional public comments before the recommendations go back to the NRC for consideration of final adoption.

NRC chairman Bryan Poynter said it is unlikely any changes would occur in the 2011 hunting seasons.

The NRC also voted for final adoption of rule amendments governing the use of gizzard shad, threadfin and alewife as bait; requirements for obtaining a wild animal rehabilita-

COME ON OUT! A variety of outdoor shows and expos are on tap throughout the area this month.

Look inside for more information!

• Michiana Great Outdoors Sportsman Show: Howe, IN, Feb. 1112, www.ohiosportsmanshows.com • Ford Indianapolis Boat, Sport and Travel Show: Indiana State Fairgrounds, Indianapolis, IN, Feb. 18-27, www.indysportshow.com

The State of Indiana says it has too many deer in certain locations. A new deer hunting rule package designed to reduce the state’s deer herd was given preliminary approval by the NRC at their January meeting. Megan Smith photo. tion permit; and placement of fish attractors on properties administered by the DNR. In other actions, the NRC approved: • Dedication of a 743-acre addition to the existing 859-acre Fourteen Mile Creek Nature Preserve at Charlestown State Park in Clark County; • Preliminary adoption of a rule to remove Roush State Fish and Wildlife Area from lakes subject to drawings for fishing tournaments; • Preliminary adoption of rule amendments to modify size limits on black bass taken from rivers or streams. These proposed changes were reported in the January edition of Indiana Outdoor News and would replace the current 12” minimum size limit for black bass in Indiana’s rivers and streams with a rule allowing anglers to keep up to three bass under 12” and two bass over 15”. All bass from 12” and 15” would need to be released.

• Indiana Deer, Turkey and Wa t e r f o w l E x p o: Indiana State Fairgrounds, Indianapolis, IN, Feb. 1820, www.indysportshow.com • Michiana Sportsman Show: 59250 Keria Trail, South Bend, IN, Feb. 19-20.

• Michigan Deer & Turkey Spectacular: Lansing Ctr., Lansing, MI, Feb. 18-20. www.deerinfo.com

Shimano’s John Mazurkiewicz of South Bend answers questions on the floor at last month’s Chicago Muskie Show. ION Photo.

FEBRUARY CANADA GOOSE SEASON RETURNS IN SELECT COUNTIES DNR REPORT -The Indiana DNR has passed a temporary rule continuing the February Canada goose hunting season. The dates this year are Feb. 115.

The season will be open in selected counties to control the population of breeding Canada geese around urban areas.

Counties where geese can be hunted during this season include: Adams, Allen, Boone, Clay, DeKalb, Elkhart, Greene, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Huntington, Johnson, Kosciusko, LaGrange, La Porte, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Morgan, Noble, Parke, Shelby, Starke, Steuben, St. Joseph, Sullivan, Vermillion, Vigo, Wells and Whitley.

Adam Phelps, DNR wildlife biologist, estimates that 5,400 Canada geese were harvested during the February 2010 season, about 900 fewer

than in February 2009. He estimated the total late-season harvest across all three years to be 15,800 geese.

To meet guidelines from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, at least 80 percent of the geese harvested during the three-year experimental period needed to be the giant Canada goose. This is the goose that commonly breeds in Indiana and surrounding states.

“Most of the hunt zone was well over the 80 percent mark,” Phelps said, “but the counties around Terre Haute did not meet that criterion.”

The “experimental” status of the season ended in 2010, so most of the late goose counties will no longer need to check in geese. However, because the Terre Haute area didn’t meet the 80 percent criterion, geese

Continued on Pg. 5

COMPLIMENTS OF:

February brings the best Canada goose hunting of the year for those willing to scout and brave the cold. Howard Communications photo.

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Amortize Your Angling Happiness

way of shopping. If you have determined an honest amount you can truly afford, you are likely to be financed for that amount.

JOSHLANTZ We have multiple outlooks on winter in Indiana. Our diverse seasonal attitudes are a big part of what makes us Hoosiers (along, of course, with mulch, basketball, criticizing things we don’t understand and having just enough of an accent that nobody knows where we’re from). But, regardless of how much we may love it or hate it, wintertime will eventually yield and we’ll find something new to debate.

Snow and ice will soon melt from the ground’s surface to fill our rivers and streams and feed the eager greens lying matted and frozen below. Lakes too will once again reveal their hidden, liquid surfaces -- like flashed, calculating smiles -- beckoning all of us to go and find out for ourselves what is happening below them.

The first open water fishing of the year is often exploratory.

It’s a pretty serious transition for most fish, so anglers often spend a lot of time trying to figure things out. As spring arrives in earnest, however, the fish begin to sort it all out. So do we, and the fishing turns from good to great.

If you could fish anywhere in Indiana on the first day of spring, where would you be? Would you choose to hunt giant, pre-spawn muskies on Lake Webster? How about crappies and stripers on Patoka? Perhaps you’d head to lake Michigan and enjoy the fastest trout and salmon fishing of the year. All of these great angling opportunities and more will present themselves within the next few weeks. Will you be ready?

Regardless of whether or not you own one, I probably don’t need to tell you that access to a boat will add the greatest amount of enjoyment and satisfaction to your coming fishing season.

Shore fishing is fine, but you simply need to have a boat to capitalize on the very best fishing opportunities. You know it’s true.

I know. I know. “Boats are expensive”, you say, “and the economy is still in the dumper”.

Touche. But the economy is definitely getting better, and a new boat is much more affordable than you probably think.

As you wander the aisles at the great outdoor shows this month, do a little legwork ahead of time -- regardless of whether or not you consider yourself actively shopping -- and see what happens. Here are some tips to get you started down the road to the boat ramp.

Know your budget Know what you can afford in terms of a monthly payment.

When a dealer asks you where you need to be, give him or her 80% of your actual budget number.

Financing fears Don’t let the possibility of not being financed stand in your

Have options Identify different types of boats you like in different price ranges. You may want a fiberglass, 21-footer, but would an 18foot aluminum model make you happy? For mst of us, the boat we need is different than the boat we want.

Shop before the show Call dealers or research boat prices online before going to the outdoor shows. Have an idea of what the boats you are interested in cost so you can identify a true deal when you see it.

Start with the spouse Once you have done some

initial fact-finding, share your budget calculations with your spouse. Be positive. Be convincing. Do what you need to do to get her or him on-board with the idea of shopping or “starting to look” for a boat. Make promises. Make bargains. Be prepared to make sacrifices. Be creative!

Believe me, I realize that the past couple years have been extremely difficult financially. I know that a boat just isn’t in the cards for some right now.

But you won’t know for sure until you start the process. My job is to motivate you to improve your angling and what you get out of it -- and nothing will improve either of these things more than owning a boat. I guarantee it.

Go forth and enjoy February’s outdoor shows! If I don’t see you there, I certainly hope to see you on the water.

World Class Fly Fishing with Josh Lantz • Trophy largemouth bass on a private, well-managed 140-acre lake in LaPorte County, Indiana.

• All forms of light tackle welcome.

• Steelhead, salmon & smallmouth in SW Michigan.

• All fishing is less than 3 hours from Indy!

• All equipment provided.

• Catch & release only, please.

• Over ten years experience as a professional, licensed fishing guide.

• Affordable rates!

• March-June is the best fishing of the year!

• Call now for the best dates!

WWW.GOFISHN.COM/JOSHLANTZ

219-728-8996

The boat show season is a great time to buy a boat, as dealers and manufacturers are doing anything they can to get rid of non-current inventory. This year is an especially good one for buyers, as the marine industry is still rebounding from the poor economy. Generally speaking, that means consumers have a greater inventory of boats to choose from. Do a little online research on boat prices before heading out to this season’s sports shows and you’ll know a great deal when you see one!. www.polarkraft.com photo.

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Superbowl of bass fishing returns to the Louisiana Delta

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2010 Indiana state park deer hunt report available

NEW ORLEANS — Top bass anglers are gearing up for the 41st edition of the Bassmaster Classic to be held on the Louisiana Delta Feb. 1820..Known as the Super Bowl of bass fishing, the Bassmaster Classic includes 50 of the world's best anglers and draws spectators from around the country.

The competition will feature daily launches at Bayou Segnette State Park, and official weigh-ins will take place at the New Orleans Arena. During the tournament, the Ernest Morial Convention Center will also play host to the 2011 Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo presented by Dick's Sporting Goods, which expands This year’s Classic field is highlighted 200,000 square feet. The expo is by reigning Bassmaster Classic and free to the public and features hun- Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of dreds of boat, motor and tackle the Year champion Kevin VanDam. manufacturers for freshwater and Bassmaster.com photo. saltwater anglers.

"Louisiana is truly a sportsman's paradise, and we have some of the best fishing waters in the world here in the New Orleans area," said Mayor Mitch Landrieu. "I would like to thank B.A.S.S. for hosting the Classic here again and welcome all those who are visiting."

Last time the Classic was in Louisiana, the competition attracted a record 137,700 visitors and had an estimated economic impact of $27 million, according to economists at LSU-Shreveport.

"New Orleans has a longstanding reputation as a favorite destination city for major sporting events, and the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation has a rich history of hosting these events. Add to that the popularity of Louisiana as an outdoor destination, and our proven relationship with the Classic, and this is the perfect recipe for success," said Sam Joffray, vice president of communications for Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation. "The configuration of the arena proves to be just as exciting for the fans and visitors as the natural resources of the Louisiana Delta will be for the anglers. B.A.S.S. will bring a thrilling event to our city while delivering our sportsman's paradise image and our wetlands conservation message back out to the nation.

We couldn't ask for a better partnership."

"This is the fourth time New Orleans has hosted the Bassmaster Classic, and we are thrilled to have been chosen for the 2011 competition. The tournament provides great entertainment for the whole famil y, and we encourage everyone to come down to the delta for some good fishing, food and fun," said J. Stephen Perry, president/CEO of the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The field is highlighted by reigning Bassmaster Classic and Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year champion Kevin VanDam. VanDam, who won his first Bassmaster Classic in 2001 on the Louisiana Delta, is only the second angler in B.A.S.S. history to hold both the Classic and Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year titles simultaneously. He now has three Classic and six AOY titles.

Also qualifying were the top 36 anglers in the 2010 Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year standings derived from the 2010 Bassmaster Elite Series; the top two anglers in the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Open points standings in each of three 2010 Opens Divisions; six amateur competitors through the 2010 Bassmaster Federation Nation Championship presented by Yamaha and Skeeter Boats; and the winner of theToyota Tundra Bassmaster Weekend Series operated by American Bass Anglers.

"The Bassmaster Classic is the most prestigious fishing tournament in the world," said Jerry McKinnis, an owner of B.A.S.S. "We are excited that New Orleans will serve as host for the 41st Classic."

According to B.A.S.S. rules, the Louisiana Delta will become offlimits to Bassmaster Classic participants beginning Monday, Dec. 13, 2010. Anglers will get another crack at the fishery during the official practice period, set for Feb. 11-13, 2011, and a final look on Feb. 16, 2011 .

For more information, visit Bassmaster.com.

¤

DNR REPORT -Volunteer hunters took 1,689 deer during special controlled hunts at 16 state parks last November, according to Mike Mycroft, chief of natural resources for the DNR Division of State Parks and Reservoirs. A full report is available at www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/files/spDeerRMRR.pdf.

The controlled hunts were Nov. 15-16 and Nov. 29-30, at Brown County, Chain O'Lakes, Charlestown, Clifty Falls, Fort Harrison, Indiana Dunes, Lincoln, McCormick’s Creek, Pokagon, Potato Creek, Prophetstown, Shakamak, Summit Lake, Tippecanoe River, Versailles, and Whitewater Memorial state parks.

Indiana state parks were among the first in the eastern United States to use hunting to manage the impacts of deer in protected natural areas that traditionally prohibited hunting. Many additional agencies, such as Georgia state parks and other groups, have since adopted similar programs based on Indiana’s model.

“We began our reduction program 18 years ago, and all those years provide a powerful data set that illustrates habitat recovery as well as healthier, sustained deer populations throughout the parks,” Mycroft said.

The state parks are home to many unique natural communities and rare plants no longer represented throughout Indiana. The controlled hunts help reduce browsing by deer to a level that helps ecosystems and associated vegetation recover.

Individual parks are evaluated annually to determine which require a reduction. Decisions are based on the recovery of vegetation that deer eat and previous harvest information at each park.

Approximately one-third of the parks have achieved maintenance status since the program began and regularly take a year off from reductions.

Individual hunters could take up to three deer, which do not count against statewide bag limits and have no tag fees. Participants were drawn from a pool of eligible applicants in September. Look for details regarding 2011 state park deer reductions and applications starting in July at http://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/5834.htm.

Canada Goose -- Continued From Cover harvested in those counties -Clay, Greene, Parke, Sullivan, Vermillion, and Vigo -- still need to be checked in.

“The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service gave us the option of continuing the experiment in the Terre Haute area to see if it will come into compliance with additional data collection,” Phelps said.

When checked, geese must have the head, a fully feathered wing, and reproductive parts still attached. Station staff check the age and sex of each bird, and remove and keep the head of all adult birds checked.

Data collected from these heads are used to determine whether the late season will continue in future years. Even if Indiana’s season meets federal guidelines, the season may be closed in the future if local Canada goose populations are sufficiently reduced.

The bag limit for the February season is five Canada geese per day, with a possession limit of 10, same as for the September season. Shooting hours are from a half-hour before sunrise to sunset.

The same regulations and restrictions that apply during the September season apply during

the February season. In addition to a valid hunting license, Indiana waterfowl stamp privilege, signed federal duck stamp, and a HIP (Harvest Information Program) number, a free permit is also required. The free permit is available at www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/4523.htm or by phone at (317) 232-4200.

Hunters are encouraged to get their permits online. That is the easiest and fastest way to get a permit, since it prints out immediately. Hunters are encouraged not to wait until the last minute to obtain a permit.

This temporary rule also establishes a one-year season for snow and Ross's geese. In most of the state, the light goose conser-

vation order, as it’s called, is open Feb. 1–March 31, 2011 .

However, federal regulations prevent the late Canada goose season and the light goose conservation order from being open at the same time, so if you hunt in one of the counties listed in the third paragraph, the snow and Ross’s geese season doesn’t open until Feb. 16. It then runs through March 31. The HIP number and federal duck stamp are not required to take snow or Ross's geese.

The DNR director has exclusive authority to adopt temporary rules regarding such issues. Such rules are valid for a maximum of one year and can be renewed by the director for an additional period not to exceed one year.

® Volume 2011 • Number 2 Publisher: Brian E. Smith Assistant Publisher: Mark C. Smith Editor-in-Chief: Joshua D. Lantz Sportsmen’s Rights Editor: Rick Story Field Editor: John Martino, Central Indiana Field Photographer: Bill Konway Graphic Design: graphics@ION4U.net Office Manager: Shannon E. Smith Advertising Sales: (877) 251-2112 E-Mail: contact@ION4U.net Web Site: www.IndianaOutdoorNews.net Business & Publication Office: Mailing Address: P.O. Box 69, Granger, Indiana 46530 Phone: (877) 251-2112 • Fax: (800) 496-8075 INDIANA OUTDOOR NEWS® is the official publication of Raghorn Incorporated, and is published monthly at the address listed above. For home delivery and subscription rates, look for the subscription card in this publication. Editorial contributions may be submitted to the above address. No material can be returned unless accompanied by a stamped, self addressed envelope.

Photographs are accepted and greatly appreciated. All materials submitted become the property of Raghorn Incorporated and are subject to editing to meet the objectives of this publication. The views and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the individual authors, not the editors, staff or any other representative of RAGHORN’S INDIANA OUTDOOR NEWS or Raghorn, Inc. “Raghorn’s Indiana Outdoor News” is a registered Trademark of Raghorn Incorporated. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No part of this publication may be used or copied without prior written consent of Raghorn Inc. Violation of copyright laws will be prosecuted.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to RAGHORN’S INDIANA OUTDOOR NEWS, P.O. Box 69, Granger, Indiana 46530.

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Outdoors stuff to ponder for 2011

LOUIESTOUT Say goodbye to 2010, which was a pretty darn good one for most Michiana sportsmen.

It was a season of big walleyes, heavy antlered deer, and good bluegill action. Lake Michigan trout and salmon fishing was spectacular at times and the spring turkey hunt was pretty darn good on both sides of the state line.

I reference both sides of the state line because much of what happens in southwest Michigan impacts Hoosiers, too. In addition to the fact many of us like to fish and hunt in the nearby state, there is an overlap in policies that impact Lake Michigan and rivers.

It wasn't a perfect year, though. The St. Joseph River steelhead run was miserable (again) and bass fishing was less than spectacular for most of us.

And, as always, there were some political issues that popped up throughout the year that left a sour taste in sportsmen's mouths.

So, as we look ahead into a new year, here are some seasonal leftovers to ponder:

Will the deer regulation changes that the Indiana DNR proposed in January be well received by sportsmen?

Can Hoosier deer hunters be convinced to kill enough antlerless deer to reduce the herd in troublesome areas?

Will Indiana wildlife managers finally admit that the continued increase in trophy buck kills is due to the one-buck rule that so many hunters embrace?

Will the EHD disease that killed several deer last fall in northern Indiana and southwest Michigan come back this year?

What has happened to the St. Joseph River's Skamania?

Can the coho stocking program Indiana is implementing for the St. Joe this year help fill the void created by poor steelhead runs?

Will we get enough precipitation to bring river and lake water levels back to normal?

Can the larger walleyes stocked in the St. Joseph two years ago meet angler expectations of more keepers and bigger fish this year and next?

Will someone break the Indiana walleye record in Lake Michigan this year?

When the new 6 Span Bridge Public Boat Launch opens this spring, how much will Elkhart County officials charge boaters to use the facility?

Will the launch proceeds go toward future access maintenance -

as they should - or will the cash be handed over to the river association as officials have suggested?

Do you think Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels will really return dedicated Lake Enhancement funds he raided from the DNR last year to pad general fund coffers?

Doesn't the EPA understand that more ethanol additives to gasoline threaten the performance of our outboards and small engines?

Could this be the year that fish managers declare Lake Manitou free of hydrilla and open it to year-round boating?

How many fender benders and heated arguments will arise this year at the poorly redesigned Juno Public Access?

Have Michigan engineers who design public accesses ever launched a boat?

Bass tourney schedules Some of Michiana's popular tournament organizations have announced 2011 schedules.

MATS: The Michiana Anglers Tournament Series will return this season under the leadership of Chris Shreve and Bill Chris.

Tournament entry fee is $60 plus an annual fee of $20 per team. The circuit will limit entries to 30 boats per event.

The 2011 schedule is April 23, Koontz; May 21, Barbee Chain; June 18, St. Joseph River at Six Span; July 16, Eagle/Juno;

Aug. 13, Paw Paw; Sept. 3, Palmer; and Sept. 24, Classic.

For more information, call Shreve at (574) 298 2001.

R&B Bass Circuit: Tournament dates are April 17, Manitou Lake; May 15, Lake Maxinkuckee; June 4; Lake Wawasee, July 23, Klinger Lake; Aug. 20, Webster Lake; Sept. 10, Palmer Lake; and Oct. 1 Classic.

Entry Fee is $70 per event with an annual $25 membership fee, all of which goes into the Classic payoff. All entries in the events are paid back in prize winnings.

For more information visit www.randbbasscircuit.com or call Andy Buss, (574) 993-3028.

Angler's Choice and Hoosier Pro tournaments: Entry fee for Angler's Choice is $160 plus a $35 per person membership.

The schedule includes April 23, Wawasee (DNR Ramp); May 7, Lake Tippecanoe (Dance Hall); June 4, Manitou (DNR Ramp), Aug. 13

The author with a nice LaPorte County largemouth. Photo

by Josh Lantz.

Wawasee (DNR Ramp); Aug. 27, Winona Lake (Fairgrounds); Sept.

17, Wawasee (DNR Ramp); and Oct. 15, St. Joe River (Maggies Landing).

Hoosier Pro entry is $11 0 plus $40 team membership. That schedule is April 17, LaPorte's Pine and Stone lakes, (Stone Lake Ramp); May 1 Lake Tippecanoe (Dance Hall); June 12, Manitou (DNR Ramp); Aug. 6, Wawasee (DNR Ramp); Aug. 21, Winona Lake (Fairgrounds); Sept.

25, Maxinkuckee (DNR Ramp); and Oct. 9, Classic, St. Joe River (Maggies).

For information, call Mitch Hayes at (219) 716-4808.

February, 2 0 11 Edition

JIMBIDDLE Welcome to February.

The best thing about February is that it’s followed by March. I don’t know about you, but I’m getting tired of the cold and snow.

If you like ice fishing, it has been great this year. Ed McCain at Mik-Lurch Tackle says there’s been a real surge in the number of folks getting into the sport.

Personally, I think February is a great month to get ready for fishing. Put on new line, clean out your tackle box and put all your lures in the right spots. Of course, after you get your tackle box in order, make plans to attend the Ford Indianapolis Boat, Sport and Travel Show this month. Attending the show will get you pumped up for the spring fishing season and also help you fill any voids in that nice, neat tackle box you created.

Now let’s see what the people who know say about Indiana’s fishing prospects this month.

North Central Indiana Gary Enos at Ye Old Tackle Box in North Webster says the

INDIANA OUTDOOR NEWS ®

name of the game is bluegill -especially at Macy’s Slip on Wawasee. Lake Webster is producing some bass with tip ups, and Chapman is the place to try for crappie. Gary is expecting northern pike action to really start heating up toward the end of the month.

Saint Joseph River Dick Parker at Parker’s Central Bait & Tackle in Mishawaka says the winter steelheading is slow.

Area anglers are taking some small bluegill and crappie on bee moths and spikes.

West Central Indiana Terry Raines from Twin Lakes Fish & Game in Monticello tells me the bluegill action is pretty good around Tall Timbers Marina. Terry says folks are waiting for the ice to go out and for the walleyes to start hitting -- hopefully later this month.

Southeast Indiana Tag Nobbe at Brookville Lake Guide Services in Brookville says the small ponds in the area are producing some nice bluegills. If want to do some brown trout fishing (artificial lures, catch & release only) you can give it a shot in the river below the dam. Tag says you can fish open water on the the upper half of the lake for a catfish or possibly a walleye.

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East Central Indiana Ed Gipson at Peacepipe Bait & Tackle at Andrews reports some great crappie action. Ed says they’re pulling in some really nice slabs using bee moths, spikes, minnows and ice j i g s . Ed expects catfish to starting biting again when the ice goes out.

Lake Michigan Ed McCain from Mik-Lurch Tackle in Hammond says the harbors are iced up, so most of the area’s action can be found in the small ponds around the area.

Willow Slough is the spot for crappies and some nice sized northern pike are also being caught on tip-ups with big golden roaches.

Central Indiana Katie McCalla from the Bait Barn in Indianapolis reports great crappie action on Geist, Summit Lake and the coves on Eagle Creek. Bee moths and spikes are what they seem to like. Kay says the local ponds are a good bet too, and the Bait Barn has all the equipment you need for ice fishing.

Northwest Indiana Mike Waller at A&L Bait & Tackle in North Judson tells me Bass Lake is hot for bluegill, crappie and walleye. Bee moths will get you the bluegills and crappies, while minnows will are taking the walleyes. Good

northern pike are being caught out of the Kankakee River near English Lake with large golden roaches.

Southwest Indiana Rick Shedd from the Fishin Shedd says Monroe is pretty slow this time of year and suggests that bluegill and crappie anglers head to Ogle Lake, Griffey Lake or a local farm pond

Last month, Louie Stout reported on a giant Lake Michigan walleye caught by angler Trip Gillreath in the Michigan City harbor. The story inspired Bob Sliwa of North Judson to send us this photo of the 33” monster he caught while casting a Fat Rap from the breakwall at the mouth of Burns Ditch in Portage, 4:30pm on November 21. Bob said he hated to kill the big fish, but he believed it might be a state record. It may have been. After several hours trying to track down a certified scale, the big ‘eye weighed 13 lbs.

4 oz. Photo provided.

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with some bee moths.

From the sound of things you may have to work at it if you want to catch fish this month.

Somehow, work and fishing don’t seem to go together do they?

S e e you next month.

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February, 2 0 11 Edition

The Best Turkey Guide I Ever Met

RICKSTORY A good turkey hunting guide knows how to hunt, set up and call for his clients. A great turkey guide has all those skill down pat and also has an intimate knowledge of the whereabouts and habits of the gobblers in his hunting area.

He doesn't know just some of the gobblers he hunts… he knows all of them!

The best turkey guide I ever met is Kevin Small of KT's Trophy Hunts near Memphis, Missouri, that gobbler Mecca of the Show-Me state. He's been in operation with his son, Tyler, for the better part of the last two decades, has thousands of acres of land in northern Missouri and southern Iowa and has a near-perfect success rate on behalf of his clients year- in and year- out.

He is a turkey hunting phenomenon, a force of nature in a sport that forgives very few mistakes. His clients come back time and again to experience perhaps the finest hunting for eastern wild turkeys that America has to offer.

Northern Missouri's turkey

hunting hot spots are legendary among that legion of gobbler getters who travel to five, six, seven or more states each year to pursue the greatest hunting sport in the nation. An early morning visit to a breakfast restaurant in Kirksville, Memphis, Lancaster or any number of other northern Missouri hunting communities may yield sightings of turkey gurus from Missourians Ray Eye and the Drury brothers to New York's Ernie Callandrelli or Georgia's Michael Waddell.

Everybody wants to hunt northern Missouri's out-sized, loud-voiced gobblers and Kevin Small and KT's Trophy Hunts are right in the middle of the action!

A Spring, 2010 hunting trip with Small and TV producers Brian and Mark Smith of Lightfield's Wild Adventures (Sportsman Channel, check local listings), yielded plenty of birds, some great hunts and, literally, a graduate course in turkey hunting. Small, as friendly and downright comedic hunting guide as you'll ever meet, hosted us at his comfortable lodge near Memphis and served as expert chef, chauffeur, hunting guide, substitute camera man and mentor for the TV shoot.

Each evening found us scouting turkeys for the next morning's hunt. Small would send his other, working guides out to various properties he leases exclusively for his hunters to keep a sharp eye peeled for lonely gob-

blers likely to come to a call the next morning.

“A major key to making sure our hunters have success is knowing what the various gobblers are doing every day,” he explained. “ If we have gobblers with hens, we tend to let them move through the breeding cycle a little longer before we put our hunters on them. “By putting in our time with a pair of binoculars and some shoe leather, we tend to not spend a lot of time trying to work birds that are not likely to be receptive to our calling.”

It's a before- dawn- to-after sundown kind of existence for Small and his crew of local turkey guides, virtually all of whom grew up in the area and know the hunting spots as well as their own backyards.

Scouting turkeys in northern Missouri is aided greatly by the birds themselves, which have a penchant for strutting and otherwise hanging out in green fields, pastures, picked crop fields and any other open spot they can find.

“You get a real chance to see what the birds are doing when they're hitting the fields,” Small said. “You not only get to see if gobblers are in the area, you get to see how they're responding to the hens, to the jakes and to other mature Toms. That really helps when you're deciding on hunting tactics.”

Hunting gobblers in fields can be a tremendous challenge for

many hunters, but a few sessions with a field hunting expert like Small can really help clarify the tactics that work when calling turkeys that can see your calling position from hundreds of yards away.

“We don't always use decoys, but under the right conditions, they are very helpful, depending on where we are in the breeding cycle, which decoys we use and how we set them up,” he advises.

“We stay away from blinds, though. I know they aren't a problem in many parts of the country, but our experience has shown that these turkeys of ours just don't respond very well when there's a hunting blind on their turf.”

The Wild Adventures TV crew trip with Small in May 2010 lasted two mornings and yielded three downed gobblers, all big, mature Missouri birds.

It also produced some great video shots of action-packed hunts, including one of a boss bird who trav-

The author (R) and Lightfield Wild Adventures TV host, Mark Smith (L) display the results of their hunts with KT’s trophy Hunts in northern MO.

elled the better part of 400 yards across an open field to do battle with a jake decoy that, he was convinced, challenged him and was trying to steal his hens!

How did Small work that little piece of magic? Why don't you check him out for yourself? I promise that you'll learn as much about turkey hunting in his area as anyone else in the commercial guiding business can possibly teach you in just a few mornings.

His prices are extremely reasonable, his food is wonderful and the sleeping arrangements at his lodge are perfectly comfortable.

Contact him at KT's Trophy Hunts, RR1, Box 170, Rutledge, MO, 63563. Phone (660) 6510655. And check out his website at www.ktshunts.com.

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MUSKIE FISHING Few realize how fortunate we are in Indiana. We have some of the best muskie fisheries in the country right out our back door.

I recently had the chance to go fishing with muskie hunter and guide, Chris Walker of Indiana Fishing Adventures, on Kosciusko County’s Lake Webster and Lake Tippecanoe.

While fishing was tough I did get two fish in the boat, which, instead of climaxing a lifelong dream, made me hunger for more of these massive toothy critters.

Like many other newbies, I came away with more questions than answers. I recently caught up with Chris, and he gave me the answers I was looking for.

AG -- Every article I have read says to hunt muskie on the outside edge of vegetation, yet you are wildly successful targeting fish suspended over deep water.

What do you know that other experts aren't telling? CW -They will move shallow to spawn, but once that is done they follow the baitfish back out into deeper water, and suspend two to twelve feet down. The muskies we fished for were targeting balls of bluegill in deep water.

AG -- Many experts claim smaller bass-size stick baits work fine on muskie, yet every lure on your boat was over 8” long. Why? CW -- When over open water, you want to use a larger bait that really moves a lot of water so the fish can sense it on their lateral line and key in on it.

AG -- If a newbie like me is inter-

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25 Questions with an Indiana Muskie Guide ested in becoming a muskie hunter, what gear should we start out with? CW -- You never want a weak link in the chain. The most common mistake is to use a cheap leader and hook it to a thirty-dollar bait and try to catch a fortyfive inch muskie. I prefer to use eighty-pound braided line, not because the muskie is going to break your line; if you rat-nest and suddenly stop your line with a big bait you're going to snap a lighter line and lose your bait.

AG -- The gear you use sees much more use and abuse than that of the average fisherman. What do you use? CW -- I like a heavyaction eight or nine-foot St. Croix muskie rod, eighty pound test braided line, a one-hundred thirty pound test fluorocarbon leader and a Shimano Calcutta reel. The reel has to stand up to casting and working big baits.

You'll end up spending more in the long run if you go cheap.

AG -- Articles claim a muskie hunter should have a bucktail rig and a stick bait rig. What is the difference? CW -- A bucktail rig needs to be more limber to throw lighter baits. A stick bait rig is usually shorter and has more backbone to throw and work heavy stick baits. If you use a more limber rod, it's not going to work the bait well.

AG -- If you were limited to three lures, what would they be? CW -I like top waters. I use a walk-thedog type bait, like a Zara Spook, but larger. I also like a double cowgirl-style bait, which is a

large, double-bladed bucktail.

Since they have come out, they have won more tournaments and caught more trophy fish than any bait on the market. The last would be a big swim bait like a Bull Dawg or Kickin' Minnow.

You can't beat a big rubber bait on Indiana fish.

By Alan Garbers

AG -- Every tackle shop in America sells steel leaders for pike and muskie, yet you use fluorocarbon. Why? CW -- The fluorocarbon leader lasts much longer, without kinking.

AG -- I normally catch fish twenty to twenty-eight inches, yet we didn't catch anything smaller than thirty-eight inches. What is your secret? CW -- We were targeting bigger fish out over open water. Smaller fish hang near weeds and shallower water so they won't get eaten by their bigger sisters.

AG -- Muskies have a habit of following a bait and striking right at the boat. You did a study on this.

What was that percentage? CW -Forty-seven percent, so almost half of the fish hit at the boat. By not doing a figure eight, you are missing half your fish.

AG -- Standard muskie tactics call for doing a figure eight at the end of each cast to entice those followers. Any advice on that? CW -- Keep your circles as big as possible. That's the biggest mistake people make. Big fish can't turn around and bite their own tail.

You also want to speed up in the turns, slow down on the

The appeal of Indiana’s muskie fishing is the high density of fish present in lakes like Webster in Kosciusko County, where biologists have estimated over six adult muskies per acre Here, the author holds a Lake Webster fish pushing 40-inches caught with fishing guide Chris Walker. straights, and work the bait up and down in the water column.

right into the corner of their mouth, and it is a caught fish.

AG -- When using circle hooks on live bait, you've seen too many folks try to set the hook too soon and lose the fish. What is the proper technique? CW -- With a circle hook sticking up though the bait's nose let the fish go about forty-five seconds so they start moving away from you.

Give the rod a light sweep so the fish feels tension. They will jerk their heads in the opposite direction and pull that circle hook

AG -- What size and brand of circle hook do you prefer? CW -- I use a Gamakatsu 4/0 to a 6/0 with live bluegills and smaller suckers.

AG -- If you were going to a muskie lake you have never been to before, how would you prepare? CW -- I am going to find

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OUTDOORSMAN PROFILE Father David Hasser said a prayer for a safe and fruitful day.

But this particular morning he traded his white collar for camouflage clothing. Then, in the predawn darkness, he shouldered the Thompson Center 50-caliber muzzleloader and began his slow walk down a rural lane, eventually disappearing into a thicket of hardwoods.

He was heeding another calling. His first was immersing himself into the life of a Roman Catholic priest. His second was that of a hunter.

The associate pastor of St. Patrick and St. Joan of Arc church took his seat in the natural ground blind he had found weeks earlier. Then, as the sun made its slow ascent to the heavens, he began taking in the beauty of God's creation. Birds chirped, squirrels barked and the scream of a hawk pierced the cold morning air. Trees seemed to bow in unison, pushed by a strong north wind.

For him, hunting is profoundly more than simply harvesting game. During Mass he offers Communion to parishioners.

During deer season he finds an additional way to commune with God and nature.

In rural Tippecanoe County, Father Hasser grew up a typical young boy. He enjoyed playing in small creeks, strolling though farm fields and exploring neighboring woodlots. The outdoors was always part of his life.

Growing up in the country, he knew about hard work. He helped his family harvest crops, cleared

and worked ground and tended to other outdoor related chores. He witnessed firsthand the relationship between our natural environment and human subsistence.

Even though he was raised in the country, it wasn't until after his ordination from seminary school that he quenched his thirst for hunting. Ironically his birthday coincides with the opening of deer season.

The very first year he hunted he succeeded in taking a doe. Was it divine intervention? This season he collected his first trophy buck, a beautiful eight-pointer that will soon grace the wall of the parish rectory.

“I hope to start hunting waterfowl in the near future,” said Father Hasser. “It will give me additional opportunities to enjoy the outdoors when deer season ends.”

He isn't the only clergyman who enjoys hunting. “There are other priests in our diocese who hunt deer, squirrels and game birds,” he noted. “We have a concrete perspective on the beautiful creation and how to live a Godly life within it.”

For those who may think it is wrong for a person who epitomizes true holiness to take part in the hunting tradition, guess again. “I see God in everything I do and I would never do anything incompatible with my faith,' Father Hasser said respectfully.

For those who believe the Bible contradicts the tradition of hunting, nothing could be farther from the truth. Hunting, as an activity, is as old as man himself

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From Hunting to Homilies and has been preserved through the scriptures. The Church even lists Saint Hubert as the patron Saint of hunters.

“The Bible is loaded with references to hunting, fishing and archery,” he explained. “It also gives some of the most beautiful descriptions of wildlife and nature ever written. Sure some people may interpret things differently, but there is no doubt God provides different forms of life with different roles and different values.”

The outdoors connection runs deep among the priests of St. Pats and St. Joan. Even Father Ted Dudzinski, pastor of the parish, originally held a career within Indiana's state park system prior to choosing his vocation among the Catholic religion.

If you would see them on the road, they may be hard to recognize. Both priests gave up more traditional modes of transportation and now drive Jeep Wranglers. Father Hasser's even sports additional off-road style lights mounted to the sides of his windshield. “Parts of our Diocese are pretty rural and the Jeep helps me fulfill parish duties, especially during times of inclement weather” he said. ”Of course it also comes in handy when I get to go hunting,” he added, with a youthful smile.

“Priests are still human and have hobbies like everyone else,” Father Hasser explained.

“We live the same life in the same world as everyone else, even while our vocation is a call to

prepare for eternal life in heaven.” The catholic priest went on to explain how he sees hunters as more than mere spectators of creation. “Ethical sportsmen and women immerse themselves completely in God's creation and take an active, hands-on role in helping manage the gift he gave us.”

Father Hasser also believes hunting has drawn him closer to many of his parishioners. “In terms of my ministry, it's something many people can relate too,” he explained. “When they find out I enjoy hunting, it makes them feel more comfortable and they realize I am a normal person following Jesus' call.”

“Catholics, as well as all hunters, should remember their role as stewards,” Father Hasser reiterated. “Hunters shouldn't be out there just to take; they must give back as well.” “There is a great challenge in hunting. I could never hunt anything I wouldn't make full use off.”

For many, including Father Hasser, our natural world is physical proof of a Being far greater than man. “Being out in our great outdoors and

Roman Catholic Priest, Father David Hasser trades his white collar for camouflage and blaze orange during Indiana’s deer hunting seasons.

Photo by author.

February, 2 0 11 Edition

By John Martino enveloped among the towering trees is like being in God's personal cathedral,” he stated. “This is totally his place.”

And for the many days spent in the woods, only to come home empty handed, Father Hasser still considers it time well spent.

“God speaks to us in many different circumstances,” he noted.

“But one of the most direct is through nature.”

“For me, the experience of being alone in the woods with nothing but your thoughts and prayers is spiritual,” he continued. “When I'm in the woods I feel I have a front row seat to some of the most beautiful, awesome places the Lord has made.“ For him, immersing himself in our natural environment truly is spending time in God's country!

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If You Want More Birds Food Plots Ar I

t's been another ugly winter across the upper-Midwest. Heavy snows blew in early and winter storms kept pounding us.

The birds have been beaten up by this constant barrage from Mother Nature. She needs to display a little benevolence. I'd like to know what it was that got her so mad. When we get weather that is hard on the bird population there is a lot of discussion on the effects on wildlife and what's to be done about it. It's time again to revive the argument about whether food plots are a good thing for pheasants and quail.

Sportsmen, landowners and wildlife biologists have been debating it for years. The camps break down to those who favor more nesting cover and those that like a more balanced approach.

The nesting cover camp says that food plots aren't needed, since winter food is generally abundant and is not a limiting factor during most years for pheasants, quail and other wildlife. And indeed, they are right; starvation is very rare, particularly for pheasants. Better, they say, to put limited space for habitat into a cover that produces young.

Howard Communications Photo.

Those with a broader view of the complex of annual habitat necessary for game birds view things differently. They reason that the relationship between food, winter cover, movement and bird mortality make food plots a critical component in upland wildlife management. The point is that when infrequent catastrophic winters do occur, they are the exclamation points that drive home the importance of food plots for the kind of weather emergencies that cannot be predicted. They say it's easier to bring your birds in for a soft landing by planning for the worst and investing in food plots each year, than it is to rejuvenate a decimated post-crash population?

What's Game Bird Biology Got To D o With Food?

Regardless of winter severity, many biologists and plenty of sportsmen consider food plots an essential part of good game bird management. Their reasoning is straightforward: Well-planned food and cover plots help establish safe foraging patterns. That provides high-energy food near cover, minimizing movements which helps carry more birds through the winter.

It makes perfect sense. This time of the year there is no bird wanderlust. The protective nature of cover on the landscape has been transformed as stubble and weed patches become buried in blowing snow.

Birds concentrate in heavy roosting cover most of the time, catching a little sun when they can. They venture only as far as needed for food, and those forced to forage further from escape cover are exposed to greater threat of predation. Food near these islands of heavy winter habitat can be quickly reduced, even without deer and turkey's munching on it, too. Even in a mild winter, the closer secure winter cover and food are positioned to each other, the

more upland wildlife will benefit. And, adjacent food plots with the correct design enhance the ability of even modest winter shelter and significantly reduce mortality.

Besides keeping birds close to escape cover, there is one more basic reason for food plots. Movement in winter has bioenergy costs. Female pheasants and bobwhites must do more than stay alive--they must actively gain weight through the winter. There is a strong correlation between spring body weight and successful chick production. Well-placed food patches restrict unnecessary travel, save energ y, and provide dependable food to carry female birds to spring in peak condition. Then, if all the other stars line up (like favorable nesting and brood rearing weather), you should see more birds next fall.

What's Food?

There's nothing mysterious about the crops that work well for game bird food plots. Consider the diverse grain country that pheasants thrive in across the US and you know that they are not picky eaters, and there are some food habits clues there.

Here in the Midwest corn and sorghums are staple foods (see Table). Planted separately or in combinations, they retain grain on stalks, stand well in winter weather and provide very high-energy food. Large blocks of corn, and combinations of grain and forage sorghums can also provide excellent cover. By comparison, wheat, soybeans, millets, rye and buckwheat -good food sources -- are often buried by snow.

There are also some great food plot mixes available commercially. They come in combinations that target specific situations for wildlife. With mixes, it is important to select the combinations and maturity appropriate for your area and realize that

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re an Absolute Necessity these, too, are crops - you must fertilize the plot and control weeds to avoid excessive competition.

And speaking of weeds, natural foods should be encouraged, too. There are some pretty simple ways to get that job done.

Ragweed, for example, makes folks miserable with pollen while producing an abundant fat and protein rich seed crop that stays on the plants into the winter-nutritious stuff that quail and songbirds love.

During the summer, ragweed greens are dined on by deer and provide brood habitat for many gamebirds.

You could buy ragweed seed for a lot of money, but I would suggest just disturbing the soil for the price of a couple gallons of fuel. Since ragweed seed persists in the soil for decades--all you have to do is rip and

tear! Best management includes simple spring and early summer disking, spraying herbicides like glyphosate (Round-Up) to kill grass and encourage useful annual broadleaves, and burning to set back natural succession.

What's Enough and Where ?

Food plots can be established almost anywhere, including CRP and WRP lands, or right next to your farm grove-and the critical design factors are location and size.

The key is locating next to heavy winter cover frequented by upland wildlife. Blocktype food plots are preferable to smaller, linear food plantings. Putting large food plots on the windward side of heavy woody and herbaceous winter cover (generally the

northwest) will make that cover more effective. If this is not possible, then link the food plots to traditional winter cover with corridors of escape cover that create safe travel. Where winter cover is scarce, 10acre-plus food plots can provide all the food and shelter that birds need.

What if there is a corn field on the next door neighbor's place that the birds feed in each year? Does that reduce the need for your food plots? Use the old settler's rule.

If you have to cross Indian Territory to get to the feed bunk, better bring the herd closer to the barn. Birds moving significant distances from cover to food invite losses to predation and weather. Take an objective look at your area's habitat and the cover on adjacent properties, and factor in a tough winter. Then common sense, and maybe some advice from a wildlife professional, can help you to determine how to proceed.

If your plots must be small, minimize drifting by establishing snow traps (leave 4-6 rows windward, then harvest 12+ adjacent rows as a snow catch). This same approach can be used to make wetlands, and small patches of woody cover more effective wintering areas-by placing food plots on their windward side to catch snow before it enters the winter roosting cover. Link any nearby satellite food plots to the best winter cover with travel corridors of heavy vegetation.

Remember-if you are establishing food plots, plan for each new year to hold the winter from hell, even though it likely is not coming. Don't create food plots that

will be buried by the first blizzard. There are two objectives you are trying to achieve, restricting unnecessary travel, and providing high quality food all winter long to carry more females to breeding season in good condition. If you have done those things, and paid attention to the habitat needed in spring and summer for reproduction and chick survival, you will have done your part. Then, cross your fingers , because the rest is up to Mother Nature. If she decides to smile during the nesting and brood rearing season, next fall should see more birds.

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OUTDOOR GETAWAYS I’ve spent more than a few days making getaway plans during the month of February. The weather is too cold to do much outdoors and the outdoor sports shows serve up a smorgasbord of vacation possibilities.

But there are always challenges.

I look for three things in a vacation -- hunting, fishing and family. I’m happiest when I can hunt or fish for a few days while also joining my family in doing the things that they like to do while exploring a new and exciting area. But let’s face it. In today’s economy it is extremely difficult to find these types of family-oriented outdoor vacations at a price an outdoor writer can afford. That’s why I’m so excited to tell you about the Fox Road Cabins.

Located near the City of Washington in Southwest Indiana -- less than a gas tank away from anyplace in the state -- the Fox Road Cabins will quickly become a favored destination for any sportsman who stays there. The accommodations themselves will surprise you. The cabins are tucked well off the road and are well out of sight of any other buildings. The views are truly pristine.

New, clean and beautifully furnished, the cabins sleep seven to nine adults in three separate bedrooms. Like a fine, western lodge, it is the kind of place where a family can totally relax. They also feature full, modern kitchens and full bathrooms. Enjoy the massive, stone, wood burning fireplaces created from Indiana limestone or fish right off of the wrap-around porch of your cabin.

When I say the cabins sit right over the water, I mean that they sit right over the water -- which, by the way, is the beautiful, private, stocked 18-acre Lake Coopemmadi that owners Tony and Mikki Graber built themselves.

My kids and I fished the lake extensively on our first visit to the Fox Road Cabins last June. Expect to catch a fish on almost every cast. We did. Tony and Mikki provide guests with small boats to explore every corner of the lake. There is also a screened in private fish cleaning station with full electricity, running water and room for up to six adults. There is a beautiful hiking trail goes all the way around the lake, as well as a concrete boat ramp in case you want to bring your own boat.

In the event you and your family get tired of catching fish out of the backyard, there are two exceptional fishing destinations within ten miles of the cabin. Dogwood Lake lies just down the road at the Glendale State Fish and Wildlife Area. There are two public ramps serving Dogwood Lake’s 1,400 acres, and the lake is known for its large panfish -- including bluegill and redear sunfish up to

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A Cabin on the Water: Daviess County Delight

13-inches. Boat rentals are available at the DNR office for less than $30, and multiple ponds dot the rest of Glendale and provide additional fishing opportunities.

The other fishing attraction is nearby West Boggs Lake -- a body of water that is well known to Indiana’s largemouth bass anglers. While a variety of species are available at West Boggs, there may be no better place in Indiana to catch a true, lunker largemouth. Many tournaments are held at West Boggs each year, and it isn’t uncommon to see seven and eight-pound fish at the weighins -- sometimes more than one per boat. West Boggs Park has a great boat ramp with ample parking, a beach, golf course, and an Amish buffet-style restaurant. All of this lies just down the road from the Fox Road Cabins.

This scenic part of Indiana offers much to visitors in addition to great fishing. The area’s Amish influence adds richness to the experience -- especially if your family is in the market for quilts, furniture, or baked goods! The area also supports a variety of great restaurants, antiques, shopping, and unique festivals. If you are interested in gaming, Fox Road Cabins is situated less than 30 miles from the 84,000 square foot French Lick Casino, where visitors can enjoy over 1,200 slots, table games, and a 12-table poker room.

I had so much fun during my first visit, I returned to the Fox Road Cabins in December. It is so close and so affordable that I couldn’t pass up the opportunity for a late

By Lance Davidson

season muzzleloader hunt.

In addition to white-tailed deer, the Glendale State Fish and Wildlife Area (which actually abuts the Fox Road cabins property) provides great hunting for pheasant, quail, rabbit, squirrel and turkey. In addition to a fat doe, I bagged the most beautiful coyote I’ve ever seen. The rug will serve as a permanent reminder of what has become one of my favorite locations for a weekend getaway!

Owners Tony and Mikki Graber have outdone themselves in creating the ultimate outdoor retreat. The Fox Road Cabins are so close and so affordable, but staying there makes you feel like you are hundreds of miles away from life’s distractions.

Always interested in satisfying their visitors’ requests, the Graber’s are currently working on a plan to build a new, one room, cabin that will suit the needs of couples looking for a smaller, more intimate setting. You can be assured that the new cabin will maintain the aspect of seclusion enjoyed by all visitors with an emphasis on romance for couples to enjoy.

So while you are shopping vacations while walking the floors of the outdoor sport and travel shows this month, don’t forget about the Fox Road Cabins in nearby Daviess County, Indiana. Better yet, call Tony and Mikki Graber at (812) 698-1142 to reserve your own great family getaway at the Fox Road Cabins right now, or find more information online at www.foxroadcabins.com.

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www.zolmantire.com

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25 Questions - Continued From Pg. 9 out what forage they have. I also need to know what phase of the spawn the fish will be in. You can call local guides, most will give you the information you need, even if you don't hire them.

Lastly, get a map of the lake and break it down so you can target the areas they are going to be in that time of year and what they are going to be eating.

AG -- What is you most exciting technique? CW -- Top-water, by far. Muskie can blow a ten-foot hole in the water or jump six-feet in the air and do back-flips.

AG -- If a muskie snaps at a top water lure and misses, like they often do, should I keep reeling or pause the bait? CW -- Keep going, but don't set the hook and jerk the bait away from the fish.

AG -- What is the most common mistake you see clients make?

CW -- They have a follow and don't go into their figure eight.

They stop reeling, point at the fish and say, “OMG, there's one!” and the fish looses interest and swims away. Catch the fish first, and then be amazed!

AG -- If you could be on any muskie lake in North America right now, where would it be? CW -- In Indiana it would be Webster, Tippecanoe, the Barbee Chain, and Bass Lake in southern Indiana. They are loaded with big muskies. Out of the state, it would be Lake St. Clair. You can have ten muskie days with some of them pushing fifty-three inches.

AG -- Is there a difference between

the way muskies act in Lake Webster, Lake Huron, or Leech Lake? CW -- Yes, the muskies here in Indiana have more competition so they are more likely to bite. In other states there might be one muskie per acre. In Webster, there's seven muskies per acre.

AG -- What is the best time of year to catch that once in a lifetime fish? CW -- Pre-spawn.

You're going to have females loaded with eggs and actively chasing bait fish.

AG -- Does catching a muskie ever get old? CW -- No, it just makes you feel old. Throwing big baits and fighting big fish takes its toll. I have carpel tunnel in my hands, shoulder issues, and knee problems from kneeling down doing figure eights. I'm only fort y, but I feel like I'm eighty. It also mentally wears you out. If you get twenty-seven follows a day and none of them bite, it wears you down.

AG -- Fishing for shoreline muskies seems impossible. Any advice for those muskie hunters without a boat. CW -- Because of flooding, muskies are now in the Tippecanoe River and below the Oakdale Dam near Monticello.

Muskies are river fish, so yes, you can catch them from shore along a river or below the dams.

People also catch them off their docks using live suckers.

AG -- You practice catch and release. How do you convince a client to let that once-in-a-lifetime fish go? CW -- I let people know up front I practice catch and

release only. If they don't like that, they don't get in the boat.

Also, replicas are so good these days you don't need to keep the fish. Joe Fittante (www.fittantereplicas.com) is considered one of the best in the world, and he will match your fish to a tee, and you won't be able to tell the difference, plus the fish is there to catch again.

AG -- What have been the major advancements in musky fishing since you have been fishing? CW -- Rods and leaders. Old rods weighed a ton and wouldn't give the action the baits needed. Now they're lighter, stronger, and better. It also used to be you couldn't get strong leaders, now you can get one-hundred thirty pound fluorocarbon leaders that work great.

AG -- What is your most memorable muskie? CW -- Every one that my clients catch is memorable. Plus, I catch muskies in Lake Huron that go forty-eight to fifty-five pounds every year.

AG -- If you were King of Indiana for a day, what one regulation would you change? CW -- I would raise the minimum size from thirty-six to forty-eight inches to make Indiana lakes true tro p h y fisheries.

If you want to ask Chris a question of your own, visit www.indianafishingadventures.c o m, or visit him at the Indianapolis Ford Boat, Sport, and Travel Show Feb. 18-27 where he will be giving seminars on Indiana muskie and smallmouth fishing.

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Muskie stocking ends at Loon Lake DNR REPORT -The DNR Division of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) plans to end its 32-year muskie stocking program at Loon Lake in Whitley County.

The DNR first stocked muskies in the 222-acre natural lake in 1978 to boost predation on small, over-abundant bluegills and create muskie fishing opportunities.

By stocking muskies in Loon Lake, biologists theorized bluegills that escaped predation would have more food to eat and would be able to grow larger.

“So much for theories,” said Jed Pearson, DNR biologist who has managed the Loon Lake muskie stocking program since it began. “What we hoped would occur once muskies were in the lake just never happened.”

“Muskies won’t disappear from Loon Lake overnight,” Pearson said. “Fishermen will still be able to fish for them for many years. Fingerlings that were just stocked last fall could be around for 10 years or more.”

Nearby muskie lakes include Webster, Tippecanoe, James and the Barbee chain.

This months answers From Puzzle on Page 20

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The new FISH-FRY MINNOW® JIG from Northland® Fishing Tackle’s LIVE-FORAGE® BAITS series is the first ultra-realistic minnow-replica jighead. It’s a minnow, it’s a jig, it’s alive! It is part of Northland’s amazing lifelike series of LIVE-FORAGE® BAITS that are designed to replicate fish fry and baitfish to perfection. Each lure sports hand-sculpted fins and tail, and is molded from lightweight metal to provide a slow injured baitfish action when jigged, dragged or dropped on the freefall. www.northlandtackle.com

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The Winchester SUPER X3 NWTF EXTREME TURKEY SHOTGUN comes in both 12 and 20 gauge models. The 12 ga. is a 3-1/2” chambered gun and the 20 ga is a 3” chambered gun. Both feature a 24” BackBored barrel and an Invector-Plus Extra-Full Extended Turkey choke tube. The fully camouflaged guns feature Mossy Oak Break-Up Infinity camo and the stock and forearm are covered with the protective Dura-Touch Armor Coating. The guns have an adjustable rear sight and a TRUGLO fiber-optic front sight, and each is equipped with steel sling swivel studs. An Inflex Technology recoil pad helps reduce felt recoil. Suggested retail is $1,399.99 $1,559.99, and sales help raise funds for the NWTF’s critical wild turkey conservation programs. www.winchesterguns.com

Page 1 7 The new LUND IMPACT SERIES loads up on features and scales back on price. The all new 1775 Lund Impact is available with custom side console/windshield (SS) or full windshield (Sport) model. At 17-feet, 9-inches with an ample 94-inch beam, the 1775 Impact will greatly improve your time on the water without denting your wallet. Impact is also offered in the larger 1875 and economical 1675 models. www.lundboats.com

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OUTDOOR EVENTS FORT WAYNE -Got cabin fever? Venture out from winter hibernation to plan and book your next outdoor adventure, customize your very own rustic dream home, or simply enjoy yourself at the 2nd annual Outdoor Sports, Lake & Cabin Show, March 18-20 at the Allen County Memorial Coliseum in Fort Wayne.

“If you love spending time outside and enjoying nature's bounty, this is a show you won't want to miss!” said David Marquart, director of operations for Coliseum Productions. “Our show is a total-lifestyle event that focuses on the things people love to do, as well as the 'where' and 'how' people want to live.”

An anticipated 13,000 outdoor enthusiasts will find more than a hundred exhibitors, attractions, seminars and clinics featured in the following feature areas: • • • • • •

Vacation and Travel Hunting and Fishing Log Cabin and Cottage Living RVs and Motor Sports Boating and Water Sports Biking, Hiking and Fitness

“Last year's show was a huge success, so this year we're taking it to another level-more contests, giveaways and deals than you can imagine!” Marquart said. “We even have a fishing outfitter setting up an immense 800 squarefoot 'store on the floor,' full of the latest must-have products.”

Features you won't want to miss include:

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Adventure begins at Fort Wayne’s Outdoor Sports, Lake & Cabin Show • National 'King of Corn' Contest sponsored by Indy Custom Cornhole. Whether you call it 'bags' or 'cornhole,' enjoy this popular Midwestern game with tournaments, high-score contests, prizes and plenty of fun for kids of all ages and players of all skill levels!

• Seminars, demos, and more.

Listen and watch fishing and archery professionals, master hunters, log and timber-frame home designers, leading travel experts and more as they educate visitors on a wide variety of topics on several stages throughout the show.

• Fly-fishing Contests.

Get hands on with this exclusive sport all weekend long with free casting, fly-tying lessons and clinics for all levels. Valuable prizes will be available for the expert fly-fishermen, brought to you by FlyMasters of Indianapolis.

• Door prizes given away every hour, every day! Every attendee will receive coupons and store bucks from Dick's Sporting Goods and Gander Mountain.

Every hour, at least one lucky showgoer wins a fabulous prize, such as a three-day fishing trip to Horwood Lake Lodge in Ontario, Canada or a VIP package to the Miranda Lambert concert March 24 at the Coliseum, courtesy of K105 FM.

• 3D Pop-Up, Moving-Target Archery Range, for kids and adults, beginners and experts.

This extraordinary archery simulator is as close as you can get to bow hunting indoors! Feel free to bring your own bow if you prefer, or use ours. Prizes will be given away to the show's most talented archers.

• Bring your own deer mount for free admission, and your mount will be displayed in a special area. As an added benefit for sharing your hunt, you will automatically be registered to win a musket rifle.

• Handcrafted Log Home, built and customized on location in a 40'x40' space by Pioneer Log Homes Midwest. Feast your eyes on this jaw-dropping masterpiece while you dream about having one of your very own someday!

• Massive 40-foot video game arcade will offer free play to all attendees, including multi-player hunting and fishing games.

• Fun activities for children.

Northern Indiana LAKES magazine is bringing the beach to your children-inside the Coliseum!

Kids will have the opportunity to build sandcastles as they play in the 400 square-foot “indoor beach.”.

• Climb the Coliseum! Guests of all ages can get a workout while practicing their rockclimbing skills with the return of the climbing wall.

Show hours are Friday, 12 noon to 9 pm; Saturday, 10 am to

9 pm, and Sunday 10 am to 5 pm.

Admission is $10 per person; children 12 and under are admitted free of charge.

This year, tickets are valid throughout the entire weekend.

“Get the most bang for your buck by coming out to the show early!”

Marquart said.

Showgoers can obtain $3 discount coupons at the Fort Wayne Gander Mountain and Dick's Sporting Goods stores for a limited period of time.

All visitors to the Outdoor Sports, Lake & Cabin Show will receive $10 in Gander bucks, along with a free subscription to Log Cabin Homes magazine, and complimentary copy of Northern Indiana LAKES magazine.

The Memorial Coliseum

offers safe, secure and lighted parking for $4 per car. There is a convenient drop-off and pick-up zone located in the circle drive, just off eastbound Coliseum Boulevard.

For more information on the Outdoor Sports, Lake & Cabin Show, call 317.227.7419 or log on www.outdoorsportslakecabinshow.com.

Coliseum Productions is a team of seasoned consumer event management and sales professionals that produces top-notch shows across the country. Their management team has more than 50 years of experience with more than 3,000 events in 250 cities in the US and Canada.

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A Marketplace for the Outdoor Enthusiast!

World Class Fly Fishing with Josh Lantz

Crossword Answers on page 16!

TROPHY BASS • STEELHEAD • SALMON

GET RESULTS! Place your ad in the ION Outdoor Directory.

2”x2” ad just $30 per run!

574-273-5160

Fly fishing and light tackle angling for trophy bass and steelhead trout close to home in Southwest Michigan & Northwest Indiana.

Just an hour-and-a-half from Chicago, two hours from Fort Wayne and three hours from Indianapolis. Drift boat/wade fishing for steelhead, salmon and smallmouth bass.

Trophy largemouth bass trips are done from a well-equipped 19’ center console. All forms of light tackle are welcome. Full or half-day trips.

Equipment provided! Want to learn to fly fish?

I’ll teach you. Book now for best Spring dates.

WWW.GOFISHN.COM/JOSHLANTZ 219-728-8996

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The Upperman Story

The Last Thought MIKESCHOONVELD Captain Reese was a busy man. We were a dozen miles off Carabelle, Florida in the Gulf of Mexico. There was what looked to be an ICBM jutting up from the sea’s floor a few yards away, the wind was blowing enough to toss the boat hazardously as we drifted past the tower and Ken and I were both hooked up with some things under the boat which were pulling very hard.

The missile was actually one of many communication towers the U.S. Air Force has installed in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico used in training and missions coming from Eglin, Tyndall and MacDill air bases. We were there targeting snappers, groupers, barracuda, amberjack and anything else which gathered around the structure and neither Ken or I had a clue what we were hooked to under the boat.

Ken’s fish turned out to be a baby amberjack which the captain hurriedly unhooked and dumped overboard, my fish was more substantial. Rather than

sorting out Ken’s tackle and digging in the bait container for another pinfish, he unracked a spinning outfit fitted with a plain, white jig, then handed it to Ken and said, “Cast it as far as you can towards the tower. Then let it settle and once it sinks deep, start working it back to the boat.

My fish continued to dogdown deep. It turned out to be an amberjack, but not a baby like Ken’s . This one’s first name may have been amber and it’s last name jack, but it’s middle name was “pull.” By the time I was done with it, I’d renamed it “One Tough Customer.”

But this story isn’t about Amber, Jack or the customer. It’s about the seemingly common white jig tied on the end of Ken’s line.

At the beginning of World War II when the U.S. was gearing up to push Japan’s imperialist forces back towards their homeland, Navy planners realized a lot of the effort was going to be made by sailors and aviators, some of which were going to become war statistics. Ships were fitted with lifeboats to offer a scant chance of survival to Marines and Navymen aboard torpedoed ships.

Aviators were given life rafts which could be inflated if their planes were hit over the ocean and going down.

Even with these safety nets, survival was no sure thing.

Accounts of men floating for weeks and months before rescue are common. One of the keys to their survival was a simple, white buck-tail jig.

A Navy strategy team contacted Michael Learner, then the President of the International Game Fishing Association, and posed what they thought would be a tough question. “If you were putting together a survival kit to stock on lifeboats, what one fishing lure would you put in the kit?”

Learner’s answer was quick and too the point.

“An Upperman Jig.” It had nothing to do with expense, availability or anything other than effectiveness. The fact they were cheap, durable and could be quickly manufactured in sufficient numbers was only a side benefit. How many lives were saved (and are still being saved) by these lures will never be known.

The head of the jig is a lima bean shape which gives it a more baitfish-like silhouette. The tail of the jig is made of bucktail -white hairs off the tail of a whitetail deer, tied on with white thread. It has a strong hook and most importantly, nearly any predator fish in the sea will mistake the jig for something to eat.

Ken cast the jig and followed the captain’s instructions, letting it sink. Though I was still concentrating on my amber-pull-

jack, I heard Ken announce he was hooked-up but it wasn’t until my fish was flopping on the deck could I give his action full attention.

His fish turned out to be a large, gag grouper.

“My favorite lure,” Captain Reese said. “I keep all my spinning outfits rigged up with them.

Grab one and make a few casts while I get things cleaned up and put us ready for action.”

It took me 4 casts before one of the fish below slurped up the Upperman on the end of my line.

Though I was fishing with a piece of history, at the time I was more interested in just hanging on.

Look in most survival kits stocked for today’s fliers and mariners and you’ll find a white jig with 50 feet of fishing line wrapped around a sliver of cardboard. Some things simply stand the test of time.

To schedule a trip with Capt.

Reese, go to www. naturalworldcharters.com.

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