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NOVEMBER OUTDOOR CALENDAR - PAGE 13

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VOL. 2014 • No. 5

www.IndianaOutdoorNews.net

NOVEMBER, 2014

INSIDE:

Noble County

MEGA Muskie!

MORE MUSKIES PAGE 2

WATERFOWL PAGE 6

BEHIND THE BADGE PAGE 7

WHITETAIL HUNTING PAGES 8-9

FALL CRAPPIES PAGE 12

WORLD RECORD FISHING PAGE 14

Fall is BIG MUSKIE TIME.

Webster Lake Guide Service owner Chae Dolsen caught and released this 51.7inch beast with a 24” girth on Noble County’s Loon Lake last month. One of the most popular muskie guides in Indiana, Dolsen has been muskie fishing for over 20 years, putting in hundreds of days on Indiana’s blue ribbon muskie waters each season. He has also been actively involved in muskie stocking and other muskie conservation and education programs. “I’ve caught several Indiana fish over 50-inches,” Dolsen told Indiana Outdoor News, “But I’ve never even seen one like this before.” Learn more about Chae and his guide service at www.websterlakeguideservice.com.

ASIAN CARP DNA DETECTED IN LAKE MICHIGAN TRIBUTARY The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) are collaborating to assess a recent positive environmental DNA (eDNA) result for silver carp – a species of Asian carp - within the lower Kalamazoo River, Allegan County, Michigan.

Two hundred water samples were taken in July 2014 along the USFWS Photo Kalamazoo, from below the Caulkins Dam in Allegan County to the mouth of the river. Laboratory results, which take several months to process, were reviewed by the DNR Oct. 2. One of the of 200 samples tested positive for silver carp eDNA. The positive sample was taken from just below the Caulkins Dam. An additional 200 eDNA samples were collected in the same vicinity in June and resulted in no positive results. The July sample represents the first time that Michigan has experienced a positive result for silver carp eDNA in Michigan’s Great Lakes waters outside of Maumee Bay. The findings indicate the presence of genetic material of silver carp, such as scales, excrement or mucous. However, there is no evidence that a population of silver carp is established in the Kalamazoo River. In addition to live fish, genetic material can enter water bodies via boats, fishing gear and the droppings of fish-eating birds. The lower Kalamazoo River is popular for recreational activities including fishing and boating.

Activities such as these may increase the possibility of eDNA entering the river without the presence of a live silver carp.

“Although not conclusive, this finding heightens our vigilance and sets into motion a specific response,” said MDNR Director Keith Creagh.

“We will work with our partner organizations and anglers on next steps to protect the Great Lakes and its tributaries against this significant threat.”

In response to the finding, the MDNR • Requested last Friday additional assistance from the USFWS to implement a third eDNA surveillance effort on the lower Kalamazoo River. The collection of an additional 200 samples begins today. Analysis of the samples will be expedited and results should be available within a month.

• Will increase the presence of MDNR staff along the Kalamazoo River to enlist anglers to report any Asian carp sightings.

Continued on Page 4

DNR LAUNCHES DEER WEB PAGE A new DNR Web page makes it easy to find everything you need to know about whitetailed deer in Indiana.

Deer.dnr.IN.gov, is a onestop-shop for information on deer hunting, deer biology, how to respond to nuisance deer, the state’s deer management strategy, scientific reports on topics such as harvest trends and disease, and more.

“Whether you’re getting into deer hunting, need to keep them out of your garden, or just found an ‘abandoned’ fawn, this will be your place to go,” said Falyn Owens, a deer research biologist with the DNR Division of Fish & Wildlife.

Urban deer hunting season and archery deer season are already underway, and firearms season begins Nov. 15.

Hunters can use the Web page to research licensing

Hunters can get the DNR iphone app, link to CheckIN Game or watch videos of deer field dressing and processing on deer.dnr.IN.gov requirements and regulations, download a permission form for hunting on private land, learn how to donate venison, and watch videos on tree stand safety, meat preparation and recipes.

COMPLIMENTS OF:

POSTMASTER: Please deliver by November 7

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INDIANA OUTDOOR NEWS Ž 2014Š

November 2014

In Indiana or Elsewhere, Big Muskies are Where You Find Them Mercer Muskie Madness Challenge benefits Wounded Warriors In Action

JOSHLANTZ 57 passionate muskie anglers converged on the tiny town of Mercer in Wisconsin's north woods October 17 and 18 to compete in the Third Annual Mercer Muskie Madness Challenge, an open muskie tournament sponsored by the Mercer Area Chamber of Commerce, The Turtle Flambeau Flowage Association and Gateway Lodge to benefit Wounded Warriors In Action (WWIA).

I’ve been to the Mercer area many times, and always seem to find a reason to return before I’ve even left. So, it was as easy decision for me and my girlfriend -southeast Wisconsin-based outdoor writer Kristen Monroe -- to enter the tournament and cover the many storylines to be found there.

The event challenged 29 twoperson teams to catch, photograph and release as many muskies as possible from any of ten Mercerarea lakes over the two-day tournament duration. Scoring was based on a total point system, with eight points awarded for a 36-38� fish, ten points awarded for a 38-40� fish, and 25 points for any muskie over 40� plus one point per inch or portion thereof above the 40� mark. The rules allowed each angler to fish with two lines - one artificial bait and one live bait per angler.

Now, I may not be the best muskie fisherman in our neck of the muskie belt, but I’ve learned a few things over the past 15 years or so fishing with great Indiana muskie guides like Chae Dolsen,

Gary Enos and others. I love muskies, and have run quite a few fly fishing trips for them over my 14-year career as a fly fishing guide. During those fly fishing trips, I always had a live sucker or two hanging off the back of my boat. Suckers are the great equalizer, you see, and many a slow fly fishing day has been rescued when a fish followed the fly to the boat and discovered the vulnerable, soft and delicious morsel dangling just a few feet away.

The month of October typically brings some of the best muskie fishing of the year, as rapidly falling water temperatures trigger increased feeding in the big predators. Monroe and I had fished several Mercer area lakes early last summer, but I knew we’d need to change our game plan and look for a new lake with more dramatic structure if we were to have any chance of competing with the throngs of local guides and savvy area anglers in the tournament field.

Once the weather forecast came in, I knew we'd need to fish as many deep breaks and as much vertical structure as we could find.

I carefully studied the high definition detail of all available lakes on my LakeMaster GPS Map Card in my Humminbird GPS unit and ended up selecting Spider Lake on the upper section of Iron County's Turtle River system. Even though we'd never fished it before, the lake appeared to have the best combination of deep water breaks and other structure that we expected to be appealing to big muskies during the fall transition.

The first day of competition brought a 15-degree drop in temperatures, soaking rains and 20 mph northwest winds to the Mercer area. With water temperatures hovering around 49 degrees, my partner and I launched from Pine Forest Resort and headed to the first of three key spots on Spider Lake where we planned to fish for the entire tournament - all of which

had the steepest breaks on the lake, were between points, and also had boulders or stumps. Our strategy was to cast and deep jig heavy soft plastics like Buldawgs and Medusas along the breaks while soaking large live suckers on fluorocarbon quick strike rigs beneath the boat.

The action started quickly, as a dark form shadowed my Bulldawg to the boat just before 9:00 am. Kristen and I began frenzied figure eights, but the fish disappeared immediately. Minutes later, however, the telltale clicker on one of our sucker rods began to scream. I plucked the rod from its holder and waited for the fish to stop its initial run. When a muskie takes a sucker, she usually grabs it sideways and moves away with it.

When she stops, she'll reposition the fish to eat it headfirst. A few seconds after the muskie stopped moving, I brought the line tight and set the hook with all the power I could muster from the 8'-6� St. Croix Mojo Muskie rod. After a brief fight and flawless net work by my diminutive partner, the big muskie found its way into our Frabill Conservation Series landing net.

Measuring over 41� on the tournament-issued bump board, the fish was photographed and released just two hours into the two-day tournament. After a brief celebration, we reset our lines and began fishing again, confident in our good start, but largely oblivious to the true importance of the fish we had just released.

The remainder of the day brought mixed results, with two additional sucker bites that were not converted. One fish took the sucker, dropped it, and never came back. Another took the bait and broke main line on the hookset.

There is nothing a serious fisherman loathes more than losing a fish, and we’d lost two opportunities. We were crestfallen.

Monroe and I continued fishing hard throughout the cold, wet

The author with the team’s 41+� day-one muskie. Kristen Monroe photo. and windy day one. While we felt good about the fish we measured, we felt sick about the two we'd lost. But I was proud of Kristen.

The conditions were horrible and there she was: casting, retrieving and figure-eighting continuously and without abandon. She had never caught a muskie, and her determination and concentration were like those of a champion pointer locked on a bird holding tight to cover.

Suddenly, there came renewed optimism, as Monroe's St. Croix Premier doubled over.

She was casting a gold and white, walleye-colored Medusa along a deep weed edge when it hit. The healthy muskie was played to the side of the boat and cradled in the Frabill. Hugs, high fives and photos ensued. The 32� fish was too small to earn additional tournament points, but was a landmark fish, nonetheless.

Kristen had opportunities on two muskies earlier this season, which didn’t pan out. She actually wrote an article about her previous muskie fishing trip to Mercer and her plan to come back and actually land one in the Mercer Muskie

Madness Challenge. “Regardless of how we'd end up in the tournament, I was so happy to have caught that fish,� she says.

It would be the last fish of the day - and the tournament - for the team of Lantz and Monroe.

With no tournament rule requiring day-one reporting by competitors, we were unsure of our standings going into day two.

Rumors about a Facebook post of our 41+� fish, however -- combined with chatter from the field about tough fishing conditions during dinner at the Gateway Lodge tournament headquarters that night -- gave us more than a glimmer of hope that we might still be in the running, especially if we could produce on day two.

We returned to Spider Lake on the second and final day of the tournament, only to be greeted by even colder temperatures, stronger winds and snow squalls. Despite fishing tirelessly, we didn't see a fish all day. That's muskie fishing.

I joked with Kristen that we should have gone grouse or duck hunting instead. But while we didn't move

Continued on Page 10

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INDIANA OUTDOOR NEWS ® 2014©

WEST BOGGS

RENNOVATION EXPECTED TO INCREASE ANGLER VISITS AND EXPENDITURES

The renovation of West Boggs Lake in Loogootee will not only restore fishing conditions, but also is expected to revive the lake’s significant contributions to the local economy.

West Boggs Lake was once a premier bluegill and bass fishing lake, drawing anglers from 81 Indiana counties, Kentucky, Michigan, and Ohio. Anglers spent an estimated $1.1 million in the local community in 1999, according to a DNR survey.

The quality of the fishery declined when populations of undesirable fish increased.

From 2004 to 2010, the DNR survey found that recreational boating decreased by 11 percent and the number of angler visits decreased by 63 percent.

The once million-dollar fishery now contributes about $326,000 annually to the economy.

“Anglers buy bait, food, gas, and lodging in the area, bringing economic gain and tourism to the community,” DNR fisheries supervisor Brian Schoenung said. “In a small town, the nearly $800,000 dollars lost annually can have a big impact.”

The fisheries renovation at West Boggs began in late September with the removal of adult bass and catfish that will be returned to the lake later on.

Trained DNR staff are now applying rotenone in the West Boggs watershed to eradicate all remaining fish in the lake. Rotenone is a naturally occurring substance in several plant seeds and stems, and is an EPA-regulated piscicide. Rotenone quickly detoxifies in the environment and has virtually no effect on mammals and birds. After the fish eradication, the lake will be allowed to refill. It will be stocked with hatchery-raised game fish and fish salvaged from the lake before the renovation.

A similar renovation in 1994 increased the number of angler visits to the lake annually by 71 percent.

“The fisheries renovation will not only make for better fishing, but also has the ability to revitalize a small community,” Schoenung said. “Small family-run businesses often depend on these anglers spending funds in their stores.”

IF YOU SEE A WILDLIFE VIOLATION ...

Less than 1 percent of Indiana’s nearly 400,000 hunters are found to be violating the law while hunting.

Finding wildlife violators often requires the input of hunters and other citizens who see violations taking place.

Now that Hoosier hunting seasons are in full swing, the Indiana Conservation Officers charged with enforcing the state’s wildlife laws ask hunters to keep two phone numbers handy and enter them on their cell phones. The 24-hour Central Dispatch number is (812) 837-9536. It documents the caller’s name. The Turn in a Poacher (TIP) hotline number is 1-800-TIP-IDNR (4367). It allows the caller to remain anonymous.

If you see a suspected violation: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Safely gather as much information as you can (vehicle description, plate number, clothing description, number of people, location, direction of travel, etc.) without approaching the subject.

Immediately call the appropriate number.

Do not communicate with the subject by yelling or informing them that you have called a Conservation Officer.

Continue to stay out of the subject’s area — allow the Conservation Officer to approach the situation.

Cooperate with the Conservation Officer.

79.8 PERCENT OF CAPTIVE DEER HERD IN IOWA TESTS POSITIVE FOR CWD DES MOINES – The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship announced last month that the test results from the depopulation of a quarantined captive deer herd in north-central Iowa showed that 284 of the 356 deer, or 79.8%, tested positive for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). The owners of the quarantined herd have entered into a fence maintenance agreement with the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, which requires the owners to maintain the 8’ foot perimeter fence around the herd premises for five years after the depopulation was complete and the premises had been cleaned and disinfected CWD is a progressive, fatal, degenerative neurological disease of farmed and free-ranging deer, elk, and moose. There is no known treatment or vaccine for CWD. CWD is not a disease that affects humans.

On July 18, 2012, USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service’s (APHIS) National Veterinary Services Lab in Ames, IA confirmed that a male white tail deer harvested from a hunting preserve in southeast IA was positive for CWD. An investigation revealed that this animal had just been introduced into the hunting preserve from the above-referenced captive deer herd in north-central Iowa. The captive deer herd was immediately quarantined to prevent the spread of CWD and was subsequently depopulated by biologists and veterinarians.

Federal indemnity funding became available in 2014. USDA APHIS appraised the captive deer herd of 376 animals at that time, which was before depopulation and testing, at $1,354,250. At that time a herd plan was developed with the owners and officials from USDA and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. Indemnity of $917,100.00 from the USDA has been or will be paid to the owners as compensation for the 356 captive deer depopulated.

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship operates a voluntary CWD program for farms that sell live animals. Currently 145 Iowa farms participate in the voluntary program. The above-referenced captive deer facility left the voluntary CWD program prior to the discovery of the disease as they had stopped selling live animals. All deer harvested in a hunting preserve must be tested for CWD.

November 2014

Asian Carp DNA -- Continued From Cover •

Will place information in local bait shops to broaden public awareness.

"At the state’s request, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is providing all the resources and technical expertise we have available," said U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Deputy Regional Director Charlie Wooley. "The Service is committed to working in a coordinated, landscapelevel, approach to prevent the establishment of self-sustaining populations of Asian carp in the Great Lakes."

The results from this third round of sampling will inform and guide any future assessment and response actions for silver carp in the Kalamazoo River. “We appreciate the assistance and technical expertise that the USFWS brings to the table in the development and implementation of a comprehensive eDNA surveillance plan to further evaluate the Kalamazoo River,” said Creagh. “We have well-established and practiced protocols for addressing eDNA results. Our coordinated efforts represent an important and prudent response to this detection.”

MDNR has put significant effort toward assessing the fish populations of the Kalamazoo River with specialized gear that is capable of capturing carp. The MDNR has received no reports from anglers in this area that indicate the presence of live Asian carp.

In preparation for response to findings of bighead, silver or black carp in Michigan’s waters of the Great Lakes and tributaries, MDNR has conducted field and tabletop response exercises to prepare for a possible invasion of Asian carp species such as silver carp. Field exercises, funded through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, were conducted in the St. Joseph River in 2013 and the Western Basin of Lake Erie in September 2014. In addition to these exercises, nearly 1,800 eDNA water samples have been collected this year from Great Lakes tributaries in southwest and southeast Michigan.

With implementation of the recently signed Council of Great Lakes Governors’ Aquatic Invasive Species Mutual Aid Agreement, the response exercises brought together staff from other Great Lakes state and federal agencies, including Canada and Ontario, to test response scenarios and various equipment and gear used to capture Asian carp species. Michigan has a comprehensive Asian Carps Management Plan to guide prevention, early detection and management responses. In addition, the state has recently launched a comprehensive invasive species effort to address threats to Michigan’s waters and land.

Asian carp, including bighead and silver carp, pose a significant threat to the Great Lakes ecosystem, the $7 billion fishery, and other economic interests dependent on the Great Lakes and its tributaries. Silver and bighead carp are likely to compete with native and recreational fish species and are known to quickly reproduce.

“The Kalamazoo River results further point to the urgency of the Great Lakes states to be vigilant in seeking all solutions to keep Asian carp and other invasive species out of the Great Lakes basin,” said Creagh. “Michigan continues to advocate for hydrological separation between the Mississippi River basin and the Great Lakes basin as the best long-term solution to the threat of Asian carp. By working together as a united front, we can address the imminent threat invasive species pose to our quality of life.”

Anglers and boaters are vital stewards to prevent movement of Asian carp and other invasive species that threaten Michigan’s waters. Anglers are urged to become familiar with the identification of Asian carp, including both adults and juveniles, as the spread of juvenile Asian carp through the use of live bait buckets has been identified as a potential point of entry into Great Lakes waters. Anglers and boaters are strongly encouraged to drain all water from their boats and to clean boats and gear. Invasive species and eDNA are known to “hitchhike” within live-wells and attach to boat trailers, anchors and fishing gear.

A video demonstrating how to identify bighead and silver carp can be viewed at http://youtu.be/B49OWrCRs38?source=govdelivery. A video focused on identification of juvenile Asian carp species can be viewed at http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-153-317128--s,00.html. Identification guides, frequently asked questions, management plans and an online reporting form for Asian carp sightings are available online at michigan.gov/asiancarp.

Results of eDNA monitoring from the Midwest region are posted here: http://www.fws.gov/midwest/fisheries/eDNA.html.

This month’s puzzle answers on Page 13

November 2014

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INDIANA OUTDOOR NEWS ® 2014©

WATERFOWL

Duck Hunting is Hard Enough

November 2014

By Josh Lantz, with Joe Balog

Better organization and stealth yield minimal misery and maximum success Waterfowlers are a dedicated bunch. Wet, cold and windy weather are our ideal hunting conditions. Such miserable elements prompt ducks and geese to move more regularly between roosting, feeding and loafing areas while also pushing fresh birds down along their fall migration routes.

Sure, it's nasty outside, but you'd better be there if you want a shot at knocking them down.

Our sport is also gear-intensive, requiring long hours of preparation before we even set foot in the field or marsh. At least it should. And once that abundant gear is readied, it needs to be transported to and from the field in some of the most difficult and physically challenging conditions imaginable.

Yes, waterfowlers are among the most dedicated of hunters, but they also make things harder than they need to be, inflicting unnecessary pain upon themselves and others in their hunting parties through a lack of organization.

Harrison Township, Michigan waterfowl pro Joe Balog logs hundreds of hours each season on the storied St. Clair Flats, home to some of the largest concentrations of migrating waterfowl in the often harsh and unforgiving Great Lakes region. Organization is central to Balog's waterfowl strategy.

From decoys to dogs and the myriad of other gear he takes to the field, every critical piece of equipment has its proper place in Balog's waterfowl system. “When you hunt daily, as my group often does, anything less than total organization makes life miserable,” he says.

Decoys are among the most cumbersome and space-intensive hunting essentials imaginable.

They are bulky, heavy and require anchors and lines that can quickly become a tangled nightmare when rigged and transported traditionally.

While many hunters employ vast decoy spreads, especially during flight days, Balog rarely does. “I hunt an area with large numbers of mallards and incredibly high hunting pressure,” says Balog, who seeks out the tiny,

more remote pockets to hunt, where smaller and more realistic decoy spreads yield excellent results. In this case, smaller often means just 9-24 decoys. Less is more, and realism is key. “I want my spread to look like a couple small groups of ducks gathered in a remote sweet spot to escape pressure and loaf,” says Balog, who uses mostly mallards, with a couple of other species like gadwall or widgeon mixed in. “Late in the season I use more black ducks,” he adds.

Balog forgoes traditional decoy rigging and the accompany-

Texas rigged decoys iare ideal for most marsh hunting situations and nearly eliminate tangles. Photo courtesy of www.rigemright.com. ing potential for temper-flaring tangles in favor of a Texas style rigging system made by Rig 'Em Right. “Texas rigging their blocks is one of the best things marsh hunters can do to eliminate headaches in the field,” says Balog, who keeps rigs of six to 12 decoys worry free and ready for deployment inside 108-quart Plano Sportsman's Trunks. “These surprisingly affordable and durable trunks are like gold in my boat,” says Balog, who also uses them as movable shooting benches and dog platforms in addition to a safe, dry place to stash other gear like PFDs and additional dry clothing.

Balog's penchant for setting up in out-of-the-way pockets means his stash of gear also

Durable, waterproof Sportsman's Trunks, like these made by Plano, are steps ahead of the cheap ones you'll need to replace each season, and serve double duty as movable shooting benches. Photo courtesy of Joe Balog.

includes a variety of tools and equipment to aid in fast and flexible concealment. “I often hunt by constructing fast, temporary blinds,” the Realtree prostaffer says. “Most times, my group and I like to pick an area that has good overhead cover - like a thick bunch of cattails or phragmites, but I always bring real-grass grass mats, too - like the ones from Avery or Cabela's - and put them on conduit poles to make temporary blinds whenever the natural cover is insufficient.” The key to successfully setting up and hunting in these small hot spots is concealment. “Again, we try to hunt in remote areas and have the ducks come in right on top of us.”

Continues Balog, who wears face Joe Balog's appreciation for organization has been garnered from thousands paint 100% of the time. “It's of trips on the water as a hunting and fishing guide and touring FLW pro. mandatory to hunt in my crew.”

Photo courtesy of Joe Balog.

He says. “Even the dog gets camouflaged with a custom-built Tenzing, and uses it exclusively. makes sense to spend a few extra cover.”

“When something works, I stick bucks on the specialized products Lake St. Clair is big water with it,” he says. Whatever bag that help keep it safe, dry, organthat commands great respect, you choose, features like a ized, and in good working order. along with additional preparation durable waterproof base and full While many hunters do, most fall and gear. The lure of the big lake waterproof exterior are a must. short of Balog's standards. “My and all its ducks attracts many “Any other features are a bonus,” system is extremely organized,” hunters who are unfamiliar with says Balog, who likes the WF 13 says Balog, who learned the the lake and importance of hunting big preparation water in general. and efficiency Unfortunately, through years many hunting of fishing proparties find fessionally on themselves the FLW Tour stranded each and guiding year. fishermen and Balog takes hunters alike. no such chances, “Organize or maintaining a fail,” he says. dedicated, water“Sooner or proof boat box later we all containing disrealize this.” tress signals, a handheld VHF Wa t e r f o w l radio, spare hunting is chalspark plugs, l e n g i n g You don't have to learn the hard way. Anyone who hunts from a boat should e n o u g h . electrical and keep a dedicated, waterproof box containing emergency and maintenance Develop and duct tape, penetools and supplies. Photo courtesy of Joe Balog. trating oil, cable implement a ties, first aid kit, extra flashlight because of its durable zippers and storage system with the right, and batteries, and boat paperwork. hardware, storm shield cover, pull quality products, and you'll He keeps an identical box loaded out hand muff with built-in hand become a happier and more sucwith a variety of tools, including a heater pockets, clear phone pock- cessful duck hunter. small, propane torch and striker et, and shoulder for de-icing duties. “I'm amazed strap with built-in by the number of hunters who bird loops. While don't keep these essential safety contents vary from and maintenance items in their hunt-to-hunt, Balog boats,” Balog says. “They're just keeps certain items asking for trouble, and sooner or inside his blind bag later they'll get it.” While Plano at all times, includand a few other companies make ing shells, choke specific marine safety boxes for tubes and wrench, this purpose, most are orange - no ear plugs, hand good on a duck boat. Balog warmers, gloves, employs Plano's model 171200 hats, face paint, call Ammo Case instead. “It's a lanyard, dog whisdurable, waterproof box that's big tle, ratcheting brush enough for the chore, but not so cutters, more cable big that it takes up too much ties, multi-tool, and space,” he says. “And it's olive extra bottles of drab in color.” water.

Of course, a blind bag is a Waterfowlers must-have piece of gear for any spend thousands of waterfowl hunter, providing space dollars on gear, so it for items like shells, calls, gloves, phone and other items. But not all A blind bag is considered standard-issue equipment for the waterfowler, but blind bags are created equal. not all blind bags are standard. Choose a fully waterproof model with addiBalog prefers the WF 13 bag by tional features that provide maximum utility. Photo courtesy of Joe Balog.

November 2014

INDIANA OUTDOOR NEWS ® 2014©

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before bedtime. Few fathers would deny such an At any sportsmen’s event that showcases K-9 Conservation Officers Find Key Evidence in Shooting Cases opportunity to enjoy life’s brief moments such as Indiana’s Conservation Officers, they almost that. always feature a K-9 unit. The team of man and ALANGARBERS As father and son fished on the pier on a warm dog is highly popular and amazing to watch in July night, distant sounds of gunfire echoed action. Not only is the dog loveable and friendly across the water. Jacob suddenly collapsed with a bullet wound to his temple. Despite the enough to put a frightened youngster at ease, their training and natural skills make tracking best attempts of family, police, paramedics, and hospital personnel, the boy died.* a criminal child’s play.

Immediately afterwards, police started searching for the shooter. Their search led to a In many cases a K-9 ICO, the four-legged kind, can find evidence in a matter of seconds house some 150-200 yards from the pond, where a party of sorts was still going on. that would have been impossible for their human counterparts to ever locate.

During initial interviews the men denied knowing anything about the shooting or even ICO Gary Pennington was assigned to a case that involved two young hunters that mishearing any shots. Law enforcement personnel were not takenly shot at another hunter in the twilight. While the convinced because of ammunition that could be seen lying hunter wasn’t seriously hurt, it fell upon Pennington and his around. However, a search of the area failed to produce a dog, Apollo, to find the empty shotgun casing used in the firearm that matched the boy’s wound. crime. The odds of finding an empty shotgun casing in a In desperation, the state police brought in a dog to huge, freshly harvested corn field seem long at best. search for the weapon but nothing was found. At five in the “I took Apollo off the leash,” Gary told me. “He morning, ICO LaBonte was called to see if he and Major immediately raised his nose, took a sharp left, and went could assist. Eight hours after the shooting, the team of right to the shotgun hull.”

ICO and K-9 arrived at the location.

Gary gives Apollo all the credit in every case. “I have LaBonte released Major to do a search of the barn lot to brag on my dog,” Gary laughed. “We (humans) could and garden area of the suspect’s property. “I put Major on have gone out there all day picking through the cornfield an area search, which allowed him to run around searching looking for a little yellow hull, and may never have found for a scent he is trained to identify, such as burnt gun powit. Apollo found it as soon as he was turned loose!” der or firearm cleaning solvents,” LaBonte said.

IDNR K-9 Officers can also help in poaching, trespassMajor quickly had a hit on a scent. “It wasn’t more than ing, and theft cases. two minutes,” LaBonte told me. “Major was running past Several years ago a private land owner reported that the garden at full speed when he put on the brakes.” Major someone had poached a deer on his property and stolen a disappeared into the lush growth of the garden. When tree stand, using an ATV to carry the stolen property and Major didn’t reappear, LaBonte went to investigate. “When poached deer from the scene. Since the big tires of the I walked up, he was standing there in the corn, looking at ATV left little in the way of sign, the trail was lost. me. In the dirt at his feet was a .22 caliber rifle.”

Once on the scene, Apollo followed the scent track through the woods to a barn almost a mile Faced with the evidence, one of the men confessed to shooting at a light at the pond the night away. In the barn was everything the ICOs needed to solve the case and prosecute the crimbefore, which was a flashlight Jacob was playing with as they fished. When asked why, the inals. man claimed that in his drunken state, the light annoyed him.

Apollo isn’t the only amazing K-9 Officer. ICO Lance LaBonte has a four-legged partThanks to the help of Major and other law enforcement personnel, the man was convictner named “Major” that helped conclude an investigation into a child’s tragic homicide. ed of reckless homicide and sent to prison for 43 years.

A four-year old boy and his father from Bluffton were fishing from a pier on a private pond near Ossian one evening in 2011. According to friends, Jacob Michuda loved fishing * For more information on the case go to: and frequently visited the pond with his father. foxnews.com/us/2011/07/24/sheriff-4-year-old-shot-in-head-while-fishing-with-dad/ Fate can be a cruel master. The boy asked to go fishing at the pier for a little while

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INDIANA OUTDOOR NEWS ® 2014©

November 2014

Make Whitetails Do a Double-Take: T

he buck stood at the edge of a picked cornfield about 250 yards away. Even at that distance I could see he was a definite “shooter.” Rather than skirting the field and coming by my stand just off of the corner, he cut straight across the middle. What to do? I picked up my rattle-bag and cracked it as hard as I could. He stopped and turned his head in my direction. I hit the rattle-bag a second time and he came on a steady trot in my direction. Once he reached 100 yards he slowed to a fast walk and started to swing downwind. Long story short - he stood 80 yards downwind of me, hardly moving a muscle for almost five minutes. His only movements were his ears searching for “the two bucks he had just heard” and his nose waving in the breeze scanning for other supporting evidence. He turned and slowly disappeared over the ridge.

What makes a state of affairs seem real to you? If you can see it, hear it, smell it, touch it - the more senses we satisfy, the more that scenario seems real. This is also true for whitetails? By using different techniques a hunter can appeal to a variety of the whitetails’ senses at once. On that day I sure wish I would have had some scent set-up or a decoy placed out to draw his attention and coax him in the final 80 yards.

Does, fawns and young bucks will often ramble straight into a well placed decoy, scent placed out properly or a vocalization that sounds authentic, but a mature buck almost always needs confirmation from more than one source before they enter into the unknown. They do trust their sense of smell entirely, but if they see or hear something and aren’t sure they’ll almost always wait for confirmation before proceeding further.

Decoying can appeal to their sight, calling can deceive their hearing, and scent, or the lack of it, can con their sense of smell. Why not do something to appeal to more than one of their senses at a time. After having success with scent and with calling, I've been experimenting more with decoys. Obviously decoys are not something that most people use every time they venture afield, but it is an exciting tactic that can work amazingly well when used in the right place and at the right time.

I find that when using decoys, adding scent, calling, or a combo of both will almost always help, but you must pay attention to a few details. I believe that decoy posture

Keys to Bringing Bu

By Vandy Stubbs The Gamekeepers of Mossy Oak

and movement are particularly significant niceties. Some decoys are in an alert posture. This typically brings other deer in alert and edgy. Sometimes I may want an alert, intimidating posture when presenting certain scenarios to mature bucks, but for most deer throughout most of the season you’ll be better off with other postures.

When is it natural for a standing deer to be totally motionless? - When it’s alert, when something is wrong or out of place, or just before it’s about to bolt? I’ve tried a number of different things to add motion to decoys from tying a string to a chicken feather or white hanky and taping the string to the backside or ear of the decoy and letting the wind move it, to tacking a real whitetailtail to the backside of the decoy and operating it with monofilament line. Granted, in a fifteen MPH wind the chicken feather starts fluttering so fast it looks like the decoy will soon take flight, but I believe that extreme motion is better than no motion at all. There are kits on the market to help convert standard decoys into motion decoys and decoys that come with moving parts so hunters have options, but motion and posture are definite keys.

Sometimes times I want instance, if I’m competition car worked great for nario ready to go bucks or any de tors. The bigges give “that deer” What time o or will any deer Best advice here wants at that par son to close the d I feel a decoy in best.

When using eliminating forei in Scent Killer S gloves or clean h in a place where on to it. If you h garbage bag or odors.

When choos what the specific time of the seaso plain buck or do to the scenario. sometimes I'll u Tarsal Plus. One the other is a ter the illusion my territory. Think interact with you sible and give th When dispe on a Pro-Wick o putting the smel week later your way I don’t hav Keep the decoy

November 2014

INDIANA OUTDOOR NEWS ® 2014©

ucks to Decoys

an alert posture will work. In fact, somea prepared, aggressive posture. For after a mature buck then “playing the rd” and using aggressive tactics has r me. I wish I would have had this sceo for that Iowa buck! When after younger er, success depends on many other facst detail to keep in mind is – you must a reason to interact with your set-up. of year is it? Are you after a buck, doe, do? What age-class buck are you after? e, think about what that “specific deer” rticular time of year and give them a readistance. For any deer, any time of year, a feeding, greeting or bedded posture is

g scent with your decoy you must start by ign smells. After your decoy is cleaned Soap, only touch it while wearing rubber hunting gloves and make sure it's stored e foreign odors are not going to transfer ave to transport your decoy, place it in a something that will seal out foreign

sing lures and scents, again, think about c deer you’re after wants at that specific on. For instance, early season I might use oe urine…just something to add realism Closer to the rut with a buck decoy se a combo of Active Scrape and Mega e gives a full spectrum scrape aroma and rritorial intrusion scent. Trying to create fake buck is moving into his breeding about "how" and "why" a buck might ur set-up. Make it seem as natural as poshem a reason to close the distance. ersing the scent, I prefer to put the scent r a Key-Wick near the decoy rather than ll right on the decoy. Simply because a decoy smells like last week’s pee. This ve to constantly scrub down my decoy. clean.

Calling is another weapon in your arsenal. Once again, every situation is unique. It might be adding some soft social grunts during early season while using a buck decoy, but one of my favorite tactics during the rut is to place out a bedded doe decoy with a small buck decoy standing over her about 10 yards away. I’ll place out some Special Golden Estrus and maybe add an estrus bleat to seal the deal.

Some hunters believe by trying to appeal to more senses you’re leaving yourself open to making more mistakes. Details are important whenever you hunt whitetails, but if you use common sense, keep human scent out of the picture and present things as natural as possible results will follow. Answer the questions of “why" a specific deer would interact with your set up, and when he does, “how” he might interact with the scenario you've presented? Maybe to be social or maybe it's for competition. The more realistic you can make it seem the better it will work for you.

Would you like to learn more about improving your hunting and get discounts on the products you need?

Learn from the experts by joining the new Mossy Oak GameKeepers Club at www.gamekeepersclub.com. Or call 844-256-4645.

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INDIANA OUTDOOR NEWS Ž 2014Š

November 2014

Muskie Madness -- Continued From Page 2 a fish, we still had a great day in a beautiful place. The sun came out and the wind died down during the afternoon and we saw eagles, deer, loons and otters. Even if the muskies aren't biting, a day outdoors in Mercer’s north woods beats just about anything I can think of.

Tournament competitors gathered at Gateway Lodge that evening for an awards ceremony and program, celebration dinner, and a silent auction of donated muskie gear and other outdoors items to benefit the Wounded Warriors In Action (WWIA) Foundation, a non-profit organization with the mission of serving our nation's combat wounded, Purple Heart recipients by providing worldclass outdoor sporting activities.

After an informative program delivered by Wisconsin Fisheries Biologist, Zach Lawson, Mercer Area Chamber of Commerce Director and MMM Challenge Tournament Director, Tina Brunell, introduced wounded warriors Tony Pemble of Mercer and Doug Alderton of Rhinelander, Wisconsin -- both Purple Heart recipients who served multiple tours of duty in Afghanistan. Alderton gave a stirring speech, enlightening the crowd on the array of challenges our soldiers face when returning home from service. “When our wounded warriors come home from such traumatic circumstances, they long for a return to 'normal', but struggle to find it,� says Alderton. “Our organization and the important help you sportsmen give us shortens and softens that journey,� he continues.

As Alderton’s words sunk in, we had nearly forgotten about the awards ceremony to come, and the unlikely possibility that we could have won anything. We were enjoying everything about where we were at and the people we were with.

Overall, a total of 12 scorable fish were caught and recorded over the tournament's twoday duration. An additional eight muskies under the 36� minimum size were also reported.

When the awards began, we were genuinely shocked to learn that our lead had held out.

With the torment of the two lost fish finally behind us, the team of two visiting outdoor writers had earned 27 points for our big, day-one muskie -- good enough to take first place overall and big fish honors for the tournament. Mercer area angler William Litke caught three scorable muskies fishing without a partner totaling 26 points and earning second place. Avid Northern Wisconsin muskie anglers Mike Wichmann and Tom McDonough took third place with two fish scoring a total of 18 points. “Catches were down a bit this year due to the weather,� says Brunell, “but we certainly had a fun time raising money for Wounded Warriors In Action and made a bunch of new friends.� Kristen and I could not have agreed more.

Of course, given Tina’s position with the Mercer Area Chamber of Commerce, we knew

Kristen Monroe with her first ever muskie, caught on a Medusa.

Photo by author.

Frabill’s new Panfish Popper Pro Series is the latest iteration of Frabill’s best-selling ice rod combos – a sixyear evolution resulting in an unmatched combination of value and performance, engineered and built to take care of business on the ice. Equipped complete with an ultra sensitive micro spring bobber and a smooth, infinite-anti-reverse reel, the series is engineered to maximize performance, strike detection and hookset in any situation.

Frabill’s new Panfish Popper Pro series consists of a 24� Ultra Light Spinning Combo, 26� Light Spinning Combo, 30� Deadstick Spinning Combo and a 36� Hole Hopper Spinning Combo. Each unique setup features the same fishing-friendly blanks and actions as the previous Panfish Popper Plus, but with upgraded aesthetics and new custom reel seats with cork handle components.

MSRP is $29.99. Learn more at www.frabill.com.

! " #

With a stabilizing rotational spin rate 10 times faster than conventional vanes and being almost unaffected by crosswind, the new micro-diameter, six-vane Helios fletching and nock system from Nockturnal has redefined arrow flight. Utilizing aerodynamic lift properties on six small fletches instead of velocity-robbing parasitic drag of three larger conventional fletches, the Helios delivers extremely quiet flight, unmatched accuracy and deeper penetration at the target.

Spinning at 2,500 RPMs at just 240 feet-per-second forward arrow speed, the Helios has proven itself to be vir-

she was also hoping this year’s event would help spread the word about the great muskie fishing and other outdoor recreational activities available in the Mercer area.

I suppose the fact that a couple of outdoor writers won probably can’t hurt.

ABOUT MERCER WISCONSIN From the backwoods waters of the Turtle Flambeau Mercer Chamber and Tournament Director, Tina Brunell gives a hug of Flowage or one of appreciation to Purple Heart recipients Doug Alderton of Rhinelander, WI 214 lakes, you are (L) and Tony Pemble of Mercer, WI (R) sure to find a top notch fishing adventure in Mercer, Wisconsin. Mercer also has plenty of other outdoor activities such as snowmobiling, ATV/UTVing, hiking, biking, skiing, hunting, bird and wildlife watching all within our 377,000 acres of public forestland. Visitors will find a variety of lodging and camping options, fantastic dining and north woods watering holes, plenty of places to shop for amenities and gifts, and a range of services for your convenience. Plan your north woods adventure at www.mercercc.com.

ABOUT WOUNDED WARRIORS IN ACTION Established in 2007, the Wounded Warriors in Action Foundation (WWIA) is a national 501(c)(3) non-profit organization headquartered in Apollo Beach Florida. The WWIA serves our nation's combat wounded Purple Heart recipients by providing world-class outdoor sporting activities as a means to recognize and honor their sacrifice, encourage independence and connections with communities, and promote healing and wellness through camaraderie and a shared passion for the outdoors. Learn more at www.woundedwarriorsinaction.org.

The author and his partner -- fellow outdoor writer Kristen Monroe -found fun, friendship, memories and more on their recent trip to Mercer, Wisconsin.

tually unaffected by 25 MPH crosswind in wind tunnel and range testing. Whereas conventionally fletched arrows “yaw� or fly at the target at an angle in a crosswind, leading to a direction change upon impact, the Helios flies through the wind in a linear direction to deliver more energy deeper into target.

The Helios incorporates a proprietary translucent urethane in the rear of the fletching that transmits light from the illuminated nock toward the archer in a spinning 1 1/8inch diameter glow. The translucent urethane is permanently bonded to an opaque white urethane in the front of the vane system that blocks the glow from the target. The durable Helios fletching is molded in one piece, so no jigs are required for installation, and there’s no possibility of misaligned fletching or vanes that come loose in flight.

Each Helios vane and nock system weighs 54 grains.

The Helios is available in either the standard illuminated version with an instant-on, string-activated nock or as a non-illuminated Helios Eclipse version for practice and for states that don’t allow illuminated nocks. Five sizes are available in each version—S, G, H, GT and X. Suggested retail of the Helios illuminated nock and vanes is $34.99 for a three pack of either red or green, and the Helios Eclipse is available as a six-pack for $34.99.

To watch the wind-tunnel comparison of the Helios to conventional vanes, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zNRTHrk4Qw. Learn more at www.nockturnal.com.

$%&' # ( " )

* #

Chevrolet unveiled its all new midsize pickup truck -- the 2015 Colorado -- earlier this fall. Members of the outdoor media got a chance to see the new truck up close at the Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers (AGLOW) Conference at Kentucky Lake late last September.

The truck is a brand new design inside and out, replacing the first generation Colorado, made between 2004 and 2012.

Available in Extended Cab and Crew Cab models, the new Colorado has two initial engine options, a standard 2.5L inline 4, or a 3.6L V6. Chevy says a small diesel option will be available in 2016. Sportsmen looking at the 2015 will want the 3.6, which produces a whopping 305 HP and 269 ft-lbs of torque while achieving an EPA-estimated best-in-class 26 MPG hwy.

Matched with a 6-speed automatic transmission and equipped with the available trailering package, the 3.6L V6 equipped Colorado will tow up to 7,000 lbs. That’s an incredible amount of capability in an economical mid-sized truck.

We love the all new styling inside and out -- especially with the Z71 Crew Cab model. It’s just what we like in a truck -- aggressive and capable on the outside, and refined, quiet, comfortable and high-tech on the inside. With sporty leather trimmed seats, rearview camera and 8� Chevrolet MyLink touch screen with available navigation, we didn’t want to get out of this truck.

You won’t either.

The all new Chevrolet Colorado starts at just $20,120, but we recommend cutting to the chase. A loaded up Colorado Z71 Crew Cab comes in at around $32,000. Learn more at www.chevrolet.com.

November 2014

INDIANA OUTDOOR NEWS ® 2014©

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November 2014

Finding and Catching Fall Crappies with these November slabs.

Location Like many of you, as soon as the spring spawn is over I am chasing other species of fish leaving me to start over when finding crappies in the fall. I must admit, as water temperatures drop and lakes begin BABEWINKELMAN turning over, finding fall crappies can be frustrating. Do not let this With the arrival of fall many discourage you or keep you from folks are packing their rods and chasing after fall crappies. When reels away until next spring. Chilly locating these slab crappies I tend weather and falling leaves push to return to areas that where promany of you into the woods to ductive for me in the later spring chase your favorite wild game months, as many crappies tend to leaving most lakes a barren place reappear here. This is because by early November. This is they are moving from their summer depressing, as fall can be a very locations to fall locations in prepaproductive time to chase crappies ration for the long winter months and give you the upper hand once beneath the ice. While dialing in winter sets in, which hopefully isn't these transitional locations, search any time soon. Here are a few tips out side of weed lines or brush that will help you find and connect where deep water is nearby.

Targeting the north side of the lake or a northern bay of the lake can increase your chance of locating crappies, as the winds tend to blow the cooler water to the opposite end of the lake leaving you with warmer water temperaSmall jigs tipped with soft plastics fished with or without tures in these a float are proven fall producers. Photo by Josh Lantz. locations. Also,

using electronics is critical in helping locate these slabs.

Technique When it comes to choosing my favorite technique, I could not just choose one. A technique I like to use is fan casting small jigs or hair jigs tipped with a soft plastic or minnows around target structure like deep brush piles and stumps.

After my cast I let the jig fall slowly, then proceed to start my retrieve very slowly in hopes of connecting with a fish.

Another technique I use is a slip bobber paired with a small jig and plastic combo. This is a great way to toss your bait on a particular structure and hold it there until a fish can't resist any longer. Make sure you set the depth of your bait a foot or two above the crappies, as they like to strike upwards. This is important to keep in mind if you are not receiving any strikes, as it could mean your bait is too deep or actually below the fish.

Vertical jigging in trees and brush with jigging spoons can also be a great fall pattern. It’s surprising how such a relatively large and heavy piece of metal can be so attractive to fall crappies. Position your boat directly over the cover and slowly lower your spoon down to the target depth. Begin shaking the spoon with your rod tip, then snap the jig a foot or so upwards.

Let it fall again on a tight line, then begin shaking it again to repeat the

process.

When it comes to setting the hook on some fall slabs, I like to pair myself up with a 6' St. Croix Panfish Series spinning rod. This rod gives me the sensitivity needed to detect light strikes along with a strong backbone to land crappies of any size. Any of the St. Croix Panfish Series rods are an absolute joy to fish with.

There is plenty of fishing left this season, so don't be too quick to

Jigging spoons like the classic 3/8 oz. CC Spoon from Cotton Cordel are deadly deepwater weapons when fished vertically in brush and trees. Expect to catch bonus bass, too. Photos by Josh Lantz.

put your rods and boats away just yet. Less pressure on the lakes and cooling water temperatures combine to create a near perfect recipe for catching large numbers of quality fall crappies.

Do not miss out on this great opportunity.

November 2014

INDIANA OUTDOOR NEWS ® 2014©

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November’s Best Hunting & Fishing Times...

Indiana Outdoor Calendar November, 2014 Snipe Hunting Season (Statewide) Open All Month North Zone Duck Hunting Season Open All Month Central Zone Duck and Canada Goose Hunting Seasons Open All Month Fox and Coyote Hunting and Trapping Seasons Open All Month Urban Zone Deer Hunting Season Open All Month Deer Archery Hunting Season Open All Month Pheasant Hunting Season Open All Month Quail Hunting Season Open All Month (Statewide)** Rabbit Hunting Season Open All Month Gray and Fox Squirrel Hunting Season Open All Month Private Land Ruffed Grouse Hunting Season Open All Month* Green Frog and Bullfrog Hunting Season Open All Month Nov. 1-9: Middle Split Dove Hunting Season Nov. 1-9: South Zone Early Split Duck Hunting Season Nov. 1-10: South Zone Early Split Canada Goose Hunting Season Opens Nov. 8: Raccoon and Opossum Hunting and Trapping Seasons Open (No Dog Running) Nov. 9: Last Day of North Zone Early Split Canada Goose Hunting Season Nov. 9: Last Day of Sora Rail Hunting Season Nov. 14: Last Day of Ruffed Grouse Hunting Season on Public Lands* Nov. 15-30: Deer Firearms Hunting Season Nov. 15: Beaver, Mink, Muskrat and Long-Tailed Weasel Trapping Seasons Open Nov. 27: North Zone Middle Split Season Canada Goose Hunting Season Opens Nov. 28: Last Day of Woodcock Hunting Season Nov. 29: South Zone Late Split Duck and Canada Goose Hunting Seasons Open

01 Sat 02 Sun 03 Mon 04 Tue 05 Wed 06 Thu 07 Fri 08 Sat 09 Sun 10 Mon 11 Tue 12 Wed 13 Thu 14 Fri 15 Sat 16 Sun 17 Mon 18 Tue 19 Wed 20 Thu 21 Fri 22 Sat 23 Sun 24 Mon 25 Tue 26 Wed 27 Thu 28 Fri 29 Sat 30 Sun

A.M. Minor

A.M Major

P. M. Minor

P.M. Major

Sunrise

Sunset

Fishing Quality / Notes

1:08 2:17 2:26 3:34 4:43 5:51 6:56 7:57 8:54 9:45 10:31 11:10 11:47 --------12:37 1:33 2:31 3:29 4:30 5:31 6:33 7:34 8:32 9:25 10:14 10:58 11:37 ----12:16

7:51 8:44 8:37 9:29 10:23 11:17 ----12:42 1:35 2:26 3:15 4:02 4:48 5:40 6:15 6:58 7:41 8:25 9:11 9:59 10:49 11:43 12:14 1:09 2:04 3:00 3:55 4:49 5:41 6:32

2:35 3:12 2:48 3:25 4:03 4:44 5:28 6:16 7:07 8:00 8:55 9:50 10:46 12:20 12:50 1:20 1:49 2:20 2:53 3:28 4:08 4:54 5:46 6:44 7:47 8:53 10:01 ----12:14 12:49

8:26 8:44 9:11 10:04 10:57 ----12:12 1:06 2:00 2:52 3:43 4:30 5:16 6:00 6:43 7:26 8:10 8:54 9:41 10:29 --------12:40 1:38 2:37 3:33 4:29 5:22 6:15 7:06

8:13 8:14 7:16 7:17 7:18 7:19 7:21 7:22 7:23 7:24 7:25 7:26 7:27 7:29 7:30 7:31 7:32 7:33 7:34 7:35 7:37 7:38 7:39 7:40 7:41 7:42 7:43 7:44 7:45 7:46

6:42 6:41 5:40 5:39 5:38 5:37 5:36 5:35 5:34 5:33 5:32 5:31 5:30 5:30 5:29 5:28 5:27 5:27 5:26 5:25 5:25 5:24 5:24 5:23 5:23 5:22 5:22 5:21 5:21 5:21

Fair Poor Poor / Set Clocks Back Fair Fair Poor Fair / Full Moon Fair Fair Fair Fair Poor Poor Fair / Waning Half Moon Fair Fair Fair Fair Fair Fair Good Good/ New Moon Good Good Fair Fair Fair Poor Poor / Waxing Half Moon Fair

* Ruffed Grouse Hunting in Select Counties Only. See Indiana Hunting and Trapping Guide ** Quail Hunting Season Dates Vary on Some DNR Properties. See Indiana Hunting and Trapping Guide

• A variety of Hunter Education courses are offered around the state this month. For details, visit www.in.gov/dnr/lawenfor/4812.htm.

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ACROSS

DOWN

1 Type area where whitetails are found 5 A species of dove 9 Name for turkeys that keep calling 11 Classed as a rodent 14 A recognition honor 15 Stream fishermen may do this 18 Term refers to 30. caliber 19 A good catfish bait 21 Term for tales about size of catch 22 Letters denote a model shotgun 23 A breed of retriever 26 Term in competitive shoot, _____ fire 27 Fish are said to have this sense 30 Small fish eaten by larger fish 32 A name for the catfish 34 A care procedure on bows and guns 35 Good item to take on hunting trips 36 The maker of bows

1 A wildfowl migration path 2 To ready for another shot 3 Consider this when reeling a lunker 4 Wild packs of these kill many deer 5 Good item to have in strange areas 6 Albino animals are very _____ 7 Pack the day's catch in this 8 A nuisance fish tangles trotlines 12 A deer food source 13 Deer will ____ to avoid danger 16 Also called a bowfin 17 A large wading bird 18 Hunter's name for a small tree dweller 19 A stream fisherman's wear 20 A species of deer 24 Good dog breed for pheasant hunt 25 Common result of shooting game on run 28 Name for the Hawaiian goose 29 Name for the three-bladed arrow 31 Used for bait at timrs 32 He usually has a harem 33 A large group of animals 34 Young bears

Answers on Page 4

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November 2014

World Record Fishing

The Last Thought MIKESCHOONVELD Since the first hunters sat around campfires and the first sport fishermen sat around fishing lodges at the end of the day, the talk would always revert to who caught the largest fish or shot the biggest buck as bragging rights.

It’s still that way.

Longest pheasant tail feather contests, biggest goose, big fish, most fish, it hasn’t changed. Many sportsmen are competitive.

Even those who propose they are non-competitors will check out news that some lucky or very skilled hunter or angler has landed or harvested a specimen of record proportions. Maybe they don’t play the game, but they pay attention.

Actually, I’m not a game player at heart. I like bagging or boxing exceptional specimens of what I hunt, fish or trap, but I don’t venture forth on any given day with the goal of setting a record or winning a prize. Except once.

It was early, early season on

Lake Michigan. It may have been my first outing of the year. It was pre-1995 because I remember we were on the boat I owned between ‘’87 and ‘’94. Another outdoor writer and I were going to fish the hot water discharges down at the southern end of the lake (pre9/11/2001, most of these were open to fishing) Winter-chilled salmon and trout were abundant in the warmed water oasis areas.

Both Tom and myself had recently received a news release from the National Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame (NFWFHF) announcing their new “catch and release” category for world record catches. Under the “old” rules, it was possible to catch a world record fish, weigh it, photograph it, get it weighed on a certified scale and identified by a professional fisheries biologist without killing it. Possible, but not probable. By the time the fish was put through the process, without extraordinary planning or luck, the fish was a goner.

One could say the death of the record fish, say a 70-pound musky, was worth the price. But what if the “hopefully” 70-pound record fish was a few pounds short and didn’t tip the scales to become the record? A potential world record (if it had lived another couple years) was just so much fish-fry fodder. At the time, the C&R pro-

ponents were lobbying hard to expand the practice. Catching to eat was one thing. Catching to get a certificate suitable for framing and a couple of jacket patches was another.

So the NFWFHF came up with a new set of rules, a new entry blank and a blank set of world records for anglers who sought the glory of catching a record sized fish without the stigma of being characterized as a “fish-killer.” It was the blank slate aspect that intrigued Tom and myself that morning.

Since we had been the recipient of the news release about the new program only a few days earlier, chances are the news hadn’t been passed on to other, non-press fishermen and that gave us a head start. It was likely if we caught a coho, even a miniature spring 17incher, it would be a world record since it would be the first to be entered. If we caught a 20–inch, 3pound (guessed weight) brown trout or a skinny immature steelhead, it would be champion, at least for a while.

So that was our goal for the day. Set some world records. Not try for a single world record, not hope we’d come close to a world record, but to set multiple world records, all in the same day. We did it!

The fishing was terrific that

day. We caught and released dozens of trout and salmon. We took the time to comply with the new rules that would establish new world records on four of them. We had to measure the fish, nose to tail, photograph the fish close up enough that you could detail the exact species, then quickly release it before it died from handling or from being out of the water. I claimed two of the initial titles. A

20-inch brown trout and a 22-inch chinook were my claims to fame, in the 10-pound line class. A 19inch coho and an equally sized steelhead earned Tom certificates, suitable for framing.

It was a fun outing with a whipped cream topping. Three of the four records we established were quickly shattered. My 22inch chinook in the 10-pound line class endured for three years!

In the beginning, almost any caught and released fish had "world record" potential. Photo provided.

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INDIANA OUTDOOR NEWS ® 2014©

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