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6940A HIGHWAY 59 | GULF SHORES, AL 36542 HWY 59 @ COUNTY RD. 8 *REPOWER FINANCE is available through Synchrony Retail Finance, as low as 5.99% APR financing for 60 months on new, unregistered Suzuki outboard motors, subject to credit approval. Not all buyers will qualify. Approval, and any rates and terms provided, are based on creditworthiness. $19.99/month per $1,000 financed for 60 months is based on 5.99% APR Hypothetical figures used in calculation; your actual monthly payment may differ based on financing terms, credit tier qualification, accessories, or other factors such as down payment and fees. Offer effective on new, unregistered Suzuki outboard motors purchased from a participating authorized Suzuki dealer between from July 1, 2021 through September 1, 2021. †5 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY applies to qualifying purchases of Suzuki outboard motors sold and delivered to the retail purchaser, for pleasure (non-commercial) use only, from April 1, 2021 through March 31, 2022. See Suzuki Limited Warranty for additional details. The Suzuki “S” and model names are Suzuki trademarks or . Don’t drink and drive. Always wear a USCG-approved life jacket and read your owner’s manual. 2021 Suzuki Marine, USA, LLC.
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35 YEARS EXPERIENCE
877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // OCTOBER 2021 3
HUNTING & FISHING IN ALABAMA & THE FLORIDA PANHANDLE
8
12
24
CONTENTS
How to Hunt Squirrels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 by David Strickland How to Catch Redfish & Speckled Trout. . . . . . . . . . 12 by Capt. Bobby Abruscato Picking the Best Bass Boat for the Money. . . . . . . . 16 by Frank Sargeant How to Pick Treestand & Blind Locations. . . . . . . . . 20 by Josh Honeycutt Fall Crappie Fishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 by John E. Phillips Choosing the Best Trees for Your Deer Herd. . . . . . 30 by Stephanie Mallory Deciding on the Best Binoculars for Hunting. . . . . . . . . . 34 by Josh Honeycutt Benefits of Dock Overhanging Fillet Tables. . . . . . . 38 by Ed Mashburn How to Create a Habitat Management Plan. . . . . . . . 42 by John E. Phillips Ways to Make Money - Investing in Land Pt. 2. . . . . 46 by Joe Baya The Best Surf Fishing Rigs You Need to Know . . . . 50 by David Thorton Are High End Deer Hunting Blinds Worth It?. . . . . . 54 by David Strickland Pond Stocking and Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 by William Kendy Land Loan Interest Rate Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 by William Kendy
In Every Issue
30
4 OCTOBER 2021 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
46
Best Bets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 by William Kendy Camphouse Kitchen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 by Hank Shaw New & Cool Gear for Outdoorsmen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 by William Kendy From the Commissioner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 by Chris Blakenship From the Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 by Charles Sykes The Gun Rack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 by Craig Haney Paddle Fishing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 by Ed Mashburn Coastal Outlook. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 by Chris Vecsey Pier & Shore. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 by David Thornton Regional Freshwater. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 by Ed Mashburn Prime Feeding Times, Moon, Sun, and Tide Charts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84 Pensacola Motorsports Trophy Room. . . . . . . . . . . . 88 Great Days Kids Corner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90 Fishing Tips. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93 by William Kendy A Great Day Outdoors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94 by Jim Mize
Emelle High Fence Hunting and Recreational Tract
Barlow Lake Lodge Hunting and Timber Retreat
The Emelle high fence hunting and recreational property is a truly rare and unique opportunity! Unlike the vast majority of high fence properties that come available, the Emelle tract provides the next owner the ability to tailor the property to their own vision. The property also boasts exceptional diversity and offers dove, duck, and fishing opportunities in addition to trophy whitetails! The property has been fenced and stocked with a select choice of whitetail deer with improved genetics. Power and an improved, all-weather road has been constructed all the way to one of the finest build sites imaginable, featuring a commanding view of the surrounding area. There is also a pole barn in place for tractors, equipment, and vehicle storage. The new owner can begin to build immediately if desired. In addition to the hunting and recreational opportunities, the property could be used for cattle/farm production. The Emelle tract is a special opportunity to purchase a trophy high-fence property with the necessities already in place at an economical price!
This property has it all: a custom lakefront lodge, mature pine and hardwood timber, great hunting opportunities, and a fishing lake, all quickly accessible from its paved road frontage. The 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath home overlooks a 4 acre fishing lake teeming with bass and bream. Built in 2011 and renovated in 2015, the lodge boasts cypress walls, 3/4” maple flooring, panoramic lake views, a great room with large brick fireplace, chef’s kitchen with hammered copper countertops, oversized copper sink, double ovens, gas stove, premium stainless appliances, large pantry, two wine coolers, and custom wood cabinets, a media / sunroom, a master suite with walk in closet, double vanities, water closet, large shower, and a spa area with pipeless jacuzzi. Upstairs there are two additional bedrooms and bathrooms, ideal for family or guests, and all bathrooms enjoy features like cooper sinks and granite countertops. Outside you’ll find a screened in porch, patio with built in grill and sink, a covered porch, air conditioned hunting / mud room, and covered parking for up to 4 vehicles, all located near the elevator to assist getting you, your guests, or gear upstairs. No expense was spared on the lodge, and it’s as efficient as it is luxurious, with a metal roof, Hardie board siding and so much more!
Sumter County, Alabama, 478+/-Acres
Washington County, Alabama, 122+/-Acres
FL Panhandle Listings
Alabama Listings COUNTY Autauga Autauga Baldwin Baldwin Baldwin Baldwin Baldwin Barbour Barbour Barbour Barbour Barbour Bibb Bibb Bibb Bibb Bibb Blount Blount Blount Blount Blount Bullock Bullock Bullock Butler Butler Butler
ACRES 114 110 1995 710 113 44 39.43 1331 351 342 166.06 77 653 573 416 395 368 282 211 153 67 37 2436 99 92 394.47 151.05 2
COUNTY Calhoun Calhoun Chambers Cherokee Cherokee Cherokee Cherokee Chilton Chilton Chilton Chilton Choctaw Choctaw Clarke Clarke Clarke Clarke Cleburne Colbert Colbert Colbert Colbert Colbert Conecuh Conecuh Conecuh Coosa Coosa
80 48 103 938 16.33 2 0.3 34 16 4.16 1.95 175 37 1450 620 176 54 65 49.8 20 18.84 10 0.77 119 1 0.77 1200 100
ACRES
Coosa Covington Covington Covington Covington Covington Covington Dale Dale Dale Dallas Dallas Dallas Dallas Dallas DeKalb DeKalb Elmore Elmore Elmore Elmore Elmore Escambia Fayette Fayette Fayette Fayette Fayette
55 730 360 63.04 0.86 0.84 0.79 115 104 27 1204.51 270 94 82 63 338 6 194 163 62 36.44 4.37 1219 672 640 484 473 344
Franklin Franklin Geneva Hale Hale Hale Hale Hale Henry Henry Henry Henry Henry Houston Houston Houston Jackson Jackson Jackson Jefferson Jefferson Jefferson Jefferson Jefferson Lamar Lamar Lamar Lamar
38 8 228 160 150 127 120 80 26 18 17 15 6 155 93 31.5 695 80 60 132.62 39 23 21 16 373 202 153 92
COUNTY
ACRES
Lamar Lauderdale Lauderdale Lauderdale Lauderdale Lauderdale Lee Limestone Limestone Limestone Limestone Limestone Lowndes Lowndes Lowndes Lowndes Lowndes Macon Macon Macon Macon Marengo Marengo Marengo Marion Mobile Mobile Mobile
90 160 75 33 25 24.6 1.59 60 3.42 1.4 1.4 1.4 1587 1083 1013 783 656 483 289 232 120 585 451.21 40 133 1800 308 260
COUNTY Mobile Mobile Monroe Monroe Montgomery Montgomery Montgomery Montgomery Montgomery Perry Perry Perry Perry Perry Pickens Pickens Pickens Pickens Pickens Pike Pike Pike Pike Russell Saint Clair Saint Clair Saint Clair Saint Clair
167 160 191 129 353 250 116 60 24 610.57 270.21 240.75 240 134 430 356 150 121 80 400 162 80 9.2 50 585 304 281 62.18
Shelby Shelby Shelby Shelby Shelby Sumter Sumter Sumter Sumter Sumter Talladega Tallapoosa Tallapoosa Tuscaloosa Tuscaloosa Tuscaloosa Tuscaloosa Tuscaloosa Walker Walker Walker Walker Walker Washington Washington Washington Washington Washington
ACRES 182 79 75 74 64 2151 842 640 630 478 112 264 13 817 500 479 357 341 220 140.27 131.47 95.91 21.5 1320 240 213 200 200
Wilcox Wilcox Winston Winston Winston
522 180 81 40 2.3
COUNTY
Calhoun Calhoun Holmes Holmes Holmes Walton Washington Washington
ACRES 30 10 127 64 63 52 133 68
Over 700 more tracts across 47 states available...
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877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // OCTOBER 2021 5
BEST BETS
BEST BETS FOR OCTOBER These are our top targets for hunters and fishermen this month! BY WILLIAM KENDY
DEER HUNTING LOCATION AND COMFORT Alabama is blessed with a long deer hunting season and liberal bag limits. To take full advantage of this opportunity you need to do “due diligence” which means scouting (for lack of a better term), either with today’s sophisticated computer programs and apps or by having “boots on the ground” or preferably, both.
VOLUME 25 ISSUE 10 OCTOBER 2021
Whether you are a “still-hunter” and prefer to slowly mosey through the woods and, if the opportunity arises, stalk a whitetail or hang out (literally) in a tree, an elevated blind or a ground shooting house in hopes of an ambush, knowing the terrain and where to place your stands is key. For more information see Josh Honeycutt’s piece, “How to Pick Treestand and Blind Locations.”
PUBLISHED BY: Great Days Outdoors Media, L.L.C.
Not everyone (myself included) hunts in tree stands and for those of us who feel safer a bit closer to ground and prefer a few more creature comforts, David Strickland outlines the deal in his article, “the pros and cons of investing in a quality hard side blind.”
THE SURF FISHING GAME
Surf fishing requires high-capacity reels, longer rods with enough background to cast heavier weights. capable of anchoring baited rigs in robust currents and patience. You need to know what to fish (sand fleas are my top choice, followed by shrimp) and it is always a challenge to read the beach water to figure out the locations that are more apt to hold fish. It is more challenging than it seems. There is another wrinkle to surf fishing. There are times when fish are close to the shore, maybe only 10-40 yards out and you can successfully fish with lighter weight gear and rigs and even throw artificial and come home with your limit.
PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Joe Baya EXECUTIVE EDITOR Butch Thierry MANAGING EDITOR: William Kendy GENERAL MANAGER: Samatha Hester CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Wendy Johannesmann DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL MARKETING Jarod Bosarge
Great Days Outdoors (USPS 17228; ISSN 1556-0147) is published monthly at P.O. Box 1253 Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 Subscription rate is $30 for one-year, $54 for two-years, and $72 for three-years. Periodicals Postage Paid at Mobile, Ala. and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Great Days Outdoors Media, LLC PO Box 460248 Escondido, CA 92046
David Thornton explains in his article, “The Best Surf Fishing Rigs You Need to Know” some of the rigs you can use to be successful.
IT’S NEVER TOO EARLY TO BOAT SHOP
While fall may be the most coveted time of the year for hunters and late season fishing is in full-bloom, it is also a good time for those considering buying a new bass boat to do some shopping and “test the waters” of what is available in the marketplace. As Frank Sargeant explains in his article on “Picking the Best Boat for the Money” you get what you pay for and a top-of-the-line bass boat can run upwards of $50,000 depending on what type of goodies and bells and whistles you decide that you need. Sargeant also points out that for those more budget minded bass boat hunting fishermen aluminum boats are less pricey than their fiberglass counterparts and have some advantages. Since they are lighter than fiberglass, they require less power which means smaller outboards which equates to less fuel burned and have shallower drafts, allowing them to be used in “skinnier” water not accessible to deeper draft fiberglass boats.
6 OCTOBER 2021 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
SUBSCRIBERS: All subscriptions begin the first issue for the month following receipt of payment, if payment is received by the 15th. Great Days Outdoors assumes no responsibility for delivery after magazines are mailed. All delivery complaints should be addressed to your local postmaster. CONTACT US: EDITORIAL | JoeBaya@greatdaysoutdoors.com ADVERTISING | SamHester@greatdaysoutdoors.com SUBSCRIPTIONS | greatdaysoutdoors@pcspublink.com Great Days Outdoors Media LLC PO Box 460248 Escondido, CA 92046 877. 314. 1237 info@greatdaysoutdoors.com www.greatdaysoutdoors.com All rights reserved. Reproduction of contents is strictly prohibited without permission from Great Days Outdoors Media, LLC.
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877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // OCTOBER 2021 7
For a real challenge, try hunting squirrels with a pistol.
8 OCTOBER 2021 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
How To Hunt
HUNTING
Squirrels
BY DAVID STRICKLAND
I remember my first solo squirrel hunt. I carried a used Mossberg .410 shotgun my Dad had given me. A bolt-action with a small poly-choke on the end of the barrel made it look more like a high-powered rifle than a shotgun. I was nine or ten and had a few group hunts under my belt; I knew the basics.
come with suppressors, and the soft report reduces the anxiety of nearby squirrels and humans. I sometimes use my RWS .22 springer, but many gas-piston or PCP models will work fine.
We traveled to Greene County to meet up with some friends for a weekend deer hunt. It was a crisp Fall day, and my Dad walked out with six shells and pointed past the clubhouse to where a logging road entered the tall hardwoods. “Take these and go get us a mess of squirrels.” I unzipped my gun case and walked down the road, stopping near some giant water oaks.
Often, seasoned squirrel hunters prefer hunting with a scoped .22 rifle. However, it takes a steady hand and good eye to consistently bring home a limit. The starting point of accuracy in a .22 is its trigger, and the best models can be adjusted. A gunsmith can tweak your trigger or replace it with a high-quality adjustable design. Finding the right ammo is usually not an issue, but some guns can be fussy when choosing the most accurate ammunition.
I felt triumphant as I carried the small, bloody gray squirrel back to the cabin about an hour later. I had used all six shells before finally chasing it down and finishing it off with a stick. I shared every detail of the chase through the tall hardwoods with the small group gathered on the porch. Finally, my Dad took the mangled carcass from my hand and said, “Next time, shoot for the head.”
SUPPRESSORS Suppressors can be legally used in Alabama but require additional expense and paperwork. Drew Ryan, who works the gun counter at my local Woods and Water retail store told me that the paperwork takes about 15 minutes, but the background check can take up to a year so purchasers should plan ahead.
That was the first of many adventures shaking vines and throwing sticks to turn a squirrel for a good shot. I’ve used slingshots, air rifles, .22’s, shotguns, and occasionally carried along a blowgun when hunting deer. When I bow-hunted, squirrels would often climb the same tree I was in and stare at me.
A good alternative is a .22 CB Cap (short for “conical ball cap”). It’s a super quiet subsonic round with a velocity of around 700 fps and has plenty of power for squirrels or rabbits. Its range is limited, and it will not cycle in an auto-loader, but you can practice in your backyard without fear of upsetting nearby neighbors. It is the perfect urban squirrel hunting round that’s quieter than most pellet rifles. I find them accurate out to 60-70 yards. WHERE TO HUNT Hardwoods along creeks and streams seem to produce better acorns, and squirrels know this. White oaks are a favorite acorn, with water oaks, hickory, and red oaks not far behind. Preseason scouting with a good pair of binoculars can determine if a tree has a good crop of acorns. Also, look for clusters of nests for an idea of local squirrel numbers.
WHY HUNT SQUIRRELS? Have you ever had fried squirrel with gravy and homemade biscuits? Squirrel meat is high in protein, low in fat, and makes excellent table fare. It has up to 26 grams of protein per three ounces and can add sensational flavor to numerous dishes. In addition, the meat is versatile enough to be used in tacos, barbecue, slow-cookers, or casseroles. Squirrel hunting is an excellent way to introduce young hunters to the great outdoors. Alabama’s season begins September 11 and extends to March 6, with an eight squirrel per day limit. The only exception is Bankhead National Forest which is closed to hunting fox squirrels. SQUIRREL GUNS Squirrels are tree gymnasts and often frustrate even a good shooter with their acrobatics, especially in tall timber. Alabama has a healthy population of gray squirrels along with scattered pockets of multi-colored fox squirrels. A lightweight .20 gauge with a modified or full choke is an excellent gun for kids, but an accurate .22 comes in handy for those times a tree rat flattens out to hide among the highest limbs. Modern airguns have the accuracy and power to dispatch a limit of squirrels and are often preferred when hunting in an urban environment. Several
STALKING I’ve heard that when stalking, it’s best to keep the sun at your back to make it more difficult for the squirrel to see you. No doubt it’s easier for you to make an accurate shot without the sun in your eyes, but stalking is as much stopping and listening as it is walking. Advancing slowly and stopping near tree trunks for cover is a tried and true technique. Gray squirrels become active near daybreak, so getting into position before first light is essential. Many hunters sit with their back against a tree and wait till they see or hear several squirrels before planning their stalking route. Watching and listening to pinpoint activity is critical, and a compact set of binoculars can help reveal a bushy tail. I remember meeting up with an uncle for a hunt one afternoon. He arrived 877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // OCTOBER 2021 9
How to Hunt Squirrels
My friend Nick, finds that quietly paddling his kayak works well for a limit of squirrel.
an hour earlier and was sitting near a cluster of water oaks. He stood up and said, “There’s four already laying on the ground.” I learned that after making a lethal shot, mark where the squirrel lands and remain still. After 5-10 minutes, any remaining bushy-tails will go back to feeding, and with a bit of luck, you can take multiple squirrels from the same spot. USING DOGS A good hunting dog is a joy to behold. When it yelps with its feet against a tree staring into the canopy, you can take your safety off and get ready. Hunting with a good squirrel dog should be on everyone’s bucket list. BEST HUNTING TIMES Squirrels are typically active throughout the day during the early fall as they search for food. As temperatures drop, squirrel activity increases as they search for food to store for the winter. Their activity decreases in the colder winter months when they primarily live off their stockpile of fall forage. The first three hours after daylight and late afternoon till dusk are the best hunting times in the fall, but mid-morning to early afternoon seems more productive as winter temperatures drop. WEATHER Squirrels, much like us, enjoy cool, bright, calm sunny days. Dry conditions can make it easier to hear the rustling of leaves and the pieces of acorn or hickory shells as they fall onto the leaves, but hunting after or during a light rain is perfect for slipping quietly. However, during heavy rain and wind, it’s more likely the squirrels will seek shelter. CALLS There are various squirrel calls on the market, and my relatives have had great success using them. The sound seems to arouse their curiosity, and they quickly peek around limbs and sometimes definitely challenge the sound maker. 10 OCTOBER 2021 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
GEAR A small backpack or fanny pack can carry everything you need to hunt squirrels. Besides your gun, ammo, mosquito spray, squirrel call, binoculars, and a bottle of water, the only thing you need is something to carry your squirrels. A turkey vest can take the place of a pack and has room to store a pile of bushy-tails. A good vest has plenty of pockets and a built-in cushion for a comfortable seat. CLEANING An easy way to clean a squirrel is to cut through the tailbone underneath, but not through the skin on top. Cut the skin an inch on either side of the tailcut and loosen the entire flap 1/2-1 inch towards the head. Lay the squirrel belly-side-up on the ground. Place your foot firmly on the tail near the cut. Grab both rear feet and pull till the skin is peeled to the upper neck. Grab the remaining skin on the belly and pull upwards to remove it. Cut off the feet at the joints and then the head. Cut open the rib cage from the top, make a shallow cut along the abdomen, and then cut through the pelvis. Pull the esophagus forward, place two fingers behind it and pull the entrails towards the pelvis. Finally, rinse and place in an airtight plastic bag, then into the refrigerator for about a week. Though not necessary, aging will remove any gamey taste and make it tender. FINAL THOUGHTS Squirrel season is just around the corner, so talk to a youngster about hunting and introduce them to the time-honored tradition of harvesting a limit of bushy-tails. Also, it’s a great excuse to head outdoors, get some exercise, and teach the next generation a few things about life. Just be sure to end the day with a plate of fried squirrel and gravy with some homemade biscuits on the side.
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877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // OCTOBER 2021 11
How to
Catch Redfish and Speckled Trout Before and After the Fall Transition BY CAPT. BOBBY ABRUSCATO
12 OCTOBER 2021 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
FISHING By the time the month of October rolls around, most anglers have had their fill of hot weather fishing and look forward to the first cooler weather of the upcoming fall. As ambient air cools the water, the speckled trout begin to react by transitioning from the deeper water structure pattern to a shallow water pattern.Bull redfish return to the bars at the mouth of Mobile Bay after having spent six weeks or so gathered up offshore in a spawn. Slot reds are active in the marsh systems, particularly in areas where there is shell or grass bottom. Early fall is also a period when flounder make their way offshore. When doing this, they can be caught at passes near the mouth of Mobile Bay and the Mississippi Sound. Water temps in early October are still in the summertime range of 75+ degrees. For speckled trout early in October, stay focused on the deeper pattern which is structure in the form of rigs, reefs, wrecks and rockpiles in water depths of over eight feet. Live bait fished under a slip cork or tight-lined will be the go-to for the early fall trout. When fishing structure, always start on the up current side and allow the baits to drift freely across/through the structure. You’ll find that the fish can be found on both the up and down current side, but by starting on the up current side you’ll be able to cover both from one stop. When the water cools later in the fall, focus on the shallower areas that are adjacent to all of the tidal rivers lining Mobile Bay and Mississippi Sound. All of the shallow bays and flats in the lower end of Mobile Bay are good. These are places like Grand, Portersville, and Heron Bays, the shoals by the Dauphin Island Bridge, the flats on both the east and west side of Mobile Bay and both the inside and outside beaches of Dauphin Island. Live and artificial shrimp fished under popping corks will out produce anything but for some real exciting action try top water plugs and Slick Lures early and late and on cloudy days. As the weather cools late in the month, make a move to the upper end of the Bay and into the Delta. The same rigs will produce fish and always be on the lookout for diving gulls. They will be feeding on shrimp that are being chased to the surface by feeding trout. Finding and fishing a bird school properly will result in some of the most incredible trout action that you may ever experience. When a flock of diving gulls is spotted, take a second to determine which way the school is moving. Then approach from the upwind side of the diving gulls. Be sure to shut down the engine well away from the school and use a trolling motor or the wind to drift into the school. Even trout in a feeding frenzy will shut down when run over by a noisy outboard. Also, you’ll notice often that the birds leave when you get close to the school. That doesn’t mean the fish have left, just that the birds don’t want to be near a boat. Rather than chase birds all day, try using your Power Pole or some sort of anchor when you hit the fish. You’ll be surprised at how long they stay put after the birds leave. I tell my charters all of the time “Don’t worry about where the birds are diving. We’re fishing for fish, not birds. DON’T FORGET ABOUT REDS On days where there is hard tidal movement, it’s hard to beat the action on bull redfish at the mouth of Mobile Bay. Alabama’s famous Dixey Bar rivals the most consistent producer of big reds of probably anywhere on the Gulf Coast. The key is to drift across the bar while both dragging a live pin fish behind the boat and casting a GULP Swimming Mullet on a jig head to both sides. This will allow you to find the reds which will be gathered in schools. When you find one, you’ve found a school. Cast in the direction of the hooked fish and more often than not, you’ll hook everyone in the boat up with one of the bronze bombers. Remember that these reds are the spawning stock. They are very robust fish and can survive being caught, photographed and released as long as they are handled properly. They also don’t offer much in the way of food quality, so practice catch and release on them and we’ll have the fishery around to enjoy for a long time. Slot reds can be found in the aforementioned trout areas. Focus your efforts on banks that have features in terms of points and creek mouths- especially if those areas have 877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // OCTOBER 2021 13
How to Catch Redfish and Speckled Trout
grass or shell bottom. Shrimp imitations like GULP Mantis Shrimp and of course live shrimp under popping corks are most effective. As you move down the banks and find one of the small features mentioned above, stop the boat and make several casts at the spot trying to figure how the fish would relate to it. For example, if the water is flowing out of a small drain, picture how the red would lie in ambush for a crab or shrimp to be swept out. Try to set that drift or cast up and more often than not, you’ll be successful at catching the reds. On sunny days, try drifting along leeward banks with the sun behind you. The water is usually very clear in the early fall, and oftentimes you’ll be able to sight-cast to cruising reds. A few musts for sight casting are a good pair of polarized glasses, and some sort of raised platform on the bow. You’ll be amazed at how much better you’ll see by getting as little as 18” higher in the boat. When you see a red, draw an imaginary three foot sided triangle with the fish’s eyes being the top point of the triangle and the base of the triangle being forward of the fish. That’s the area you’ll want to drag the bait through. So you’ll want to cast outside of it and start working the bait into the triangle so it looks natural when it reaches the strike zone. In other words, don’t hit the fish on the head when you cast! October is usually a month of two different patterns yet one that most inshore anglers really look forward to. I hope that if you decide to give it a try a few of these pointers will add to your success.
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www.brushclearingservices.com • 706-718-1690 14 OCTOBER 2021 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
FEATURES:
• All steel construction • Sliding glass windows • Maintenance-free • Locking windows and doors • Full staircase/handrail on most models • Fully carpeted interior on economy blinds • 2” foam insulation in walls, ceiling, & floor in insulated models • Exterior window and door shades • Octagonal shape • Multiple tower heights and sizes to accommodate any hunter • Trailer blind options • ADA accessible ramp option • Door chain
BENEFITS:
• No wood to rot • Windows open and close without catching a glare • Pest proof • Enhanced safety when entering/exiting blind • Controls sound and scent • Helps keep rain off windows and doors for visibility • Increased visibility • Increased mobility for hunting any location • Keeps door from flying open and making unnecessary noise
FEEDER FEATURES: • Feeders come with battery and solar panel • Feeders are 52” or shorter • Feeders are on skids • High capacity feeders • Eliminator plate
FEEDER BENEFITS: • Ready to use unit just fill and set timer • Fill feeder without climbing, keep both feet on the ground • Easily drag feeder to feed location • Fill feeders less often, less disturbance for wildlife • Hog and raccoon proof feeders!
We are Southeast’s premier source for MB Ranch King high-quality hunting blinds, deer and fish feeders and shooting products - all made in the USA. For more information on MB Ranch King products, contact:
Kevin Kloda (205) 807-2937
877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // OCTOBER 2021 15
BY GREG MCCAIN
16 OCTOBER 2021 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
LIFESTYLE
Picking the
Best Bass Boat for the Money BY FRANK SARGEANT
If you’re a bass angler, you’ve no doubt noticed bass boats have gotten seriously pricey in recent years. A fully-rigged tournament boat powered by a V6 or V8 outboard and loaded up with multiple large-screen “video game” sonar/GPS units, spot-lock 36-volt troller and twin power-anchors can cost as much as a small house—the age of the six-figure bass boat has arrived! But there are ways to save a lot when you go shopping for your new ride. We talked to Dan O’Sullivan, who handles marketing for Buck’s Island in Southside, Alabama, for some tips. Buck’s Island is one of the oldest boat dealers in the southeast, and perhaps one of the largest privately-held as well. “Buying a used boat is a good way to save money, for sure,” says O’Sullivan, “but the problem is now there just aren’t many used boats on the market—the demand is so high that they’re very hard to find, especially nice rigs that are ready to go fish—we have six to ten right now and we have buyers for those once the deals close. We usually have dozens.” O’Sullivan also cautions that when you can find a used rig, it’s a “buyer-beware” situation, because there’s often a reason the owner wants to let it go. He may just be trading up to a better rig, but it’s also possible that he wants to get rid of his problems. Issues can be anything from minor, like a gimpy water pump, to major, like a cracked hull or a dying lower unit. This is where there’s an advantage in buying from a trusted dealer, rather than via an internet search, says O’Sullivan. “Our service teams go through our used boats before we put them out on the lot, and if there’s a problem after the sale, we’ll do our best to make it right,” he says. “The motto has always been the same as our founder Buck Lumpkin always said, “We treat our customers like we would like to be treated.” Of course, there are new boat options as well, and they offer new rigs in a wide variety of price ranges. “The advantages of buying new are that you can get exactly the boat you want, you don’t get someone else’s problems and everything on that boat is under warranty so if there are any issues they get fixed,” O’Sullivan said. “We have 12 service bays, a full glass shop, detail bays and a team of factory-trained, certified technicians that can handle just about any issue that comes up.” O’Sullivan says that if you’re not an avid tournament fisherman who just has to be to the hotspot at the head of the pack, an aluminum boat like those from G3 or Avid has a lot to offer. While most aluminums are not as fast or as pretty as the sleek molded fiberglass models like the Skeeter, Falcon and Bass Cats offered by Buck’s Island, they cost a fraction as much. And for weekend bassing, they function every bit as well and in some cases better—aluminums are noted for their shallow draft, making it possible to scoot into shallow backwaters where some of the heavy, deep-vee tournament fiberglass boats can’t stay off the bottom.
Dock houses can provide great living space and storage.
Aluminum boats can be operated on smaller outboards that burn far less fuel, and they can be towed by smaller vehicles that are less expensive to buy and that get better mileage. And when it comes to price, you can own one for about half the price or less of the larger fiberglass rigs. 877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // OCTOBER 2021 17
Picking the Best Bass Boat for the Money
18 OCTOBER 2021 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
Picking the Best Bass Boat for the Money
“You can get a fully dressed-out 17’ aluminum with trailer and electronics for somewhere in the low to mid $20,000 range, although that can go up to well over $30,000 if you get into the latest multiple big-screen sonars and other high-end extras, of course,” says O’Sullivan. He notes that the smaller rigs will also fit in most garages, an important factor for many buyers. Otherwise, your boat will be exposed to weather and potential theft of your gear, making it very risky to leave anything on board when not in use. Many suburban garages are not long enough to hold a 20-foot bass boat, even with a fold-away tongue on the trailer. If you opt for storing it in a lockable storage garage elsewhere, figure in about $150 a month or more for the rent. Buying a boat that fits into your garage has a lot of advantages.
to get most of their customers quickly financed. “Buck’s Island has been at this long enough that our finance manager can match most buyers with the right lender to make it happen,” says O’Sullivan. Buck’s Island under normal circumstances has some 300 boats to choose from on their 6-acre facility, which includes a 56,000-square-foot showroom and tackle shop. “We expect things to get back to normal sometime next year if all goes well, but right now the orders we are taking won’t be ready for delivery until late fall or sometime in 2022,” said O’Sullivan. “We currently have several new bass boats on the lot, Skeeters, Falcons, Bass Cats, G3’s, and Avid models, but some are spoken for.”
Of course, if you’ve got the expendable income and a yen for competition, a fiberglass rig with V6 or V8 power is definitely the way to go—and long-term payment programs now make even some of the pricier models do-able for many of us, though of course the interest does add up over the years.
While powerboats are scarce, the dealership does have several models of fishing kayaks in stock, with prices far below those of even the smaller aluminums. A basic ‘yak can be had for under $1,000, while fully-loaded models from Jackson or Hobie can go up over $4,500.
“You can get into a new fiberglass 18-footer for high $30,000 to mid $40,000, depending on the rigging,” says O’Sullivan. “For a 19- to 20-footer with standard trailer, sonar and troller, high $40,000 to over $50,000, though multiple electronics can push them higher, and the 20 to 21-footers the sky is pretty much the limit, we’ve sold a few that went into the six-figure mark.”
A useful feature of the Buck’s Island website is that you can estimate monthly payments of any boat you’re interested in with their payment calculator, giving you an advance idea of how much boat you can afford, whatever your price range.
He said that Buck’s Island also sells Crest and Bentley pontoons, and these also come in a wide range of prices, from as low as in the mid to high $30,000 range up to $100,000. While most of us don’t have that kind of money in our piggy bank, the dealership works with multiple lenders who specialize in making boat loans
Important Contact Information Bucks Island 4500 Hwy 77 Southside, Al (256) 442-2588 www.bucksisland.com
Financing for People Who
Live, Work or PLAY in the Country
855-GoRural | www.GoRural.net NMLS# 699418
877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // OCTOBER 2021 19
When it comes to deer hunting, hanging treestands and positioning ground blinds in exactly the right spot is half the battle. (Realtree Media photo)
20 OCTOBER 2021 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
HUNTING
How to Pick
Treestand and Blind Locations BY JOSH HONEYCUTT
Finding the right hunting spot is more than just picking a spot. It’s a science. Picking the right treestand or ground blind location is an important task hunters should take seriously. It’s more than just picking a spot. It’s a science. Finding the “X” isn’t just a duck hunting term. It applies to deer hunting, too. Here are considerations to remember. LEARNING WITH LAYERS There are multiple ways to scout, including in the field, glassing from afar and using trail cameras. One type of scouting is commonly overlooked, though, which is e-scouting. In the past, hunters could accomplish this by studying maps via computers. Today, the best way to do this is with hunting apps, such as HuntStand. Use it to find general locations that might serve as hunting spots. Finding bedding areas is an example. Thick, early successional habitat is oftentimes identifiable via app layers. So are cedar thickets, north-facing slopes (early season hunting), south-facing slopes (late-season hunting), etc. Distance measurements are great, too, because these can help determine how far different points are from one another. This is beneficial, especially when setting up archery spots. Ease of access is also important. Sometimes, creeks, rivers, drainages, and other land features make it difficult to access. It also impacts entry and exit routes, which are important for getting to and from blinds and stands without spooking deer. Food sources are sometimes identifiable, too, especially with HuntStand’s Monthly Update layer, which helps keep hunters up to date on vegetation features, such as crops, food plots, and even natural food sources. Property boundaries are obviously important. The last thing you want to do is hang a treestand or place a blind on property you don’t have permission for. HuntStand helps keep you on your land. Property topography is another factor that impacts whitetail behavior and land usage. Certain app layers showcase these terrain features. Many of these are good spots to hunt. Water sources are often overlooked. Mature deer drink up to five quarts per day, meaning water is just as important as food. They satisfy some of their water needs via food intake, but not all of it. In areas where water sources are limited, hunting over some high-quality H2O is even more potent. Wind directions aren’t monitorable on all apps, but it is via HuntStand thanks to its HuntZone wind direction projection. It reveals your relevant scent cone for the area, too, which certainly helps. LEARNING IN PERSON Other likely hotspots exist throughout properties. Some are identifiable from an app, and others are easier to discover in person. So, don’t forgo in-the-field scouting for e-scouting alone. Another reason to walk properties is a general need to determine the exacts of the area. An app gets you in the ballpark, but seeing it completes the picture. It helps you understand how deer 877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // OCTOBER 2021 21
How to Pick Treestand and Blind Locations
A hunting app, such as HuntStand, is perfect for learning relevant information about your hunting lands. (HuntStand photo)
the rising thermals come up from below, creating a tunneling effect. Outcroppings and overhangs are popular spots for deer to bed. They prefer something to their back, and this offers that. Oxbows are advantageous for deer, too. These are pieces of peninsula-shaped land that is bordered by water, such as a lake, river, or stream. When the wind is blowing from land, through the oxbow, and toward the water, deer bed there because they have the advantage. And if anything approaches from land, they escape across the water. Potential staging areas are places to seek out, too. Deer oftentimes pass through these before heading toward major food sources in the evening. They’ll pass through these on their way back to bed in the morning, too. Ridge endings are also popular spots for deer. These sometimes serve as bedding areas. Acorn-filled oaks are commonly in these areas, too. Saddles (a low part of a ridge between two higher points) are prime locations to intercept deer as well. Normal travel routes pass through these due to being the path of least resistance. This is especially true for bucks cruising during the rut.
use the property, what the trail networks look like, and even hidden gems that an app won’t show you. Apps aren’t always capable of expressing a property’s negative factors, either. Neighboring hunting pressure, general deer densities, herd age structure, increased predator populations, and other things are difficult to know without visiting a property in person. HOTSPOT TREESTAND AND BLIND LOCATIONS All said, while e-scouting and scouting in the field, it’s important to look for potential treestand and ground blind location hotspots. These are some of them. Benches are great areas to catch cruising deer. This is even truer when the benches are along the top half or third of a hillside. While these are used throughout the year, they become highways during the rut. Clear-cuts are great places to find deer. These are solid spots to intercept both bedded and feeding deer. These are usually full of cover and grub, too. Drainage ditches are oftentimes used by deer, if large enough. Even if not, hunters can use these to access stands and blinds. This helps reduce hunters visually, audibly, and their volume of scent dispersion. Hubs are best described as several ridge endings that taper down in a low area. This tends to create a swirling winding advantage for deer, allowing them to smell danger much easier. Inside field corners are important, too. Deer seem to be drawn to these, and oftentimes enter open areas from these more often than from straight-line field edges. Isolated pockets of cover and small woodlots hold deer as well. These areas are generally overlooked by hunters, making them the perfect hideout for big bucks. Give these areas a try.
Solar bedding areas are used during the late season. These are South-facing slopes that receive more sunlight. Thermal bedding is good, too. These areas are filled with conifers (evergreens), such as cedars and pines. Thick early-successional growth is good to find, too. Deer thrive in such areas. They’re edge animals, after all. These are places deer spend the bulk of their time, especially during daylight hours. Water sources of all kinds can be great blind and stand locations but overlooked water seeps are even better. These small water sources serve as excellent places for deer to hydrate, especially if located in or near good bedding cover. All in all, there is an endless number of places to hunt. But picking treestand and ground blind locations is an important task. Take it seriously, and your hunting will most likely improve.
LAYER LOGIC
The HuntStand app is great for identifying potential hotspots. Certain layers are great for identifying different things. For example, for locating aerial-based hotspots, use the Hybrid, Satellite, Satellite vivid, 3D, and Monthly Updates layers. For locating topography-based stand and blind locations, use the Contour, Terrain, Topo, and 3D layers. For water-based locations, use the Contour, Outdoors, and Topo layers.
ORIENTATION MATTERS
When placing blinds, and when possible, don’t face them looking East (for morning hunts) or West (for afternoon hunts), unless the terrain or foliage prevents sunlight from entering the blind. Make sure blinds are level and completely secure. Brush it in well.
Large brush piles are overlooked, too. But deer use them. This is especially true during the rut when bucks are pushing does as far from the herd as possible.
Likewise, position stands in a level manner. Provide as much cover as possible, too. Angle treestands so that you’re able to draw and take the shot with minimal twisting and movement of the body.
Leeward ridges also receive plenty of whitetail attention. These are best explained as the downwind sides of ridges. The wind blows over the top, and
And, of course, consider wind directions when placing any treestand or blind.
22 OCTOBER 2021 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
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“When my son, Nathan, (pictured here) and I crappie fish for a Friday night fish fry, I like to fish a Deep Ledge Jig with a Slider minnow in a shad color, the Funky Monkey color or white or black colors with chartreuse tails,” Brad Whitehead said.
24 OCTOBER 2021 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
FISHING
FALL CRAPPIE FISHING BY JOHN E. PHILLIPS
In the fall, crappie often move shallow, gang-up and are easy to catch. However, many crappie guides continue to fish offshore and in deep water. Throughout most of the year, some crappie always will be holding on brush and creek and river channels. Crappie will start putting-on weight for the winter and the spawn, so, you may catch some of the biggest crappie of the year during the fall and winter. Great Days Outdoors interviewed three of north Alabama’s top crappie fishermen, Lee Pitts, Brad Whitehead and Kevin McCarley who fish seven lakes, to learn more. HUNT STUMPS FOR FALL CRAPPIE WITH LEE PITTS Lee Pitts of Cedar Bluff, Alabama, who fishes Weiss and Neely Henry lakes on the Coosa River, has guided for the last 25 years,7 days a week, 365 days a year (except for Christmas Day). “On both these lakes, I search for stump rows where creeks run into the main river channel,” Pitts explained. “I’m finding crappie in 12 - 22 feet of water. As the water temperature cools down, and daylight hours shorten, the crappie start schooling-up and holding tight to the stumps and the man-made brush piles.” Pitts prefers heavier jigs – as large as 1/2 – 3/4-ounce - to get down to the stumps and brush he fishes because most often a fairly-strong current runs through both lakes, and he fishes live bait also. “I like Bobby Garland jigs with little stinger tails on them like the Baby Shad, Baby Shad Swim’R or the Slab Slay’R in orange and chartreuse. You don’t have to move these jigs much to give them action. I want to keep my jigs or minnows in the strike zone of the crappie as long as possible,” Pitts said. Pitts fishes eight poles on the front of his boat to push jigs and minnows into underwater brush or stumps and hold them there long enough for the crappie to see and attack them. “To catch crappie, you’ll get hung in the structure. However, watch your rod tip. I’m using 7-1/2 - to 10 foot long poles with some bend in them with heavy jigs. When boat traffic causes my boat to rock back and forth, I’ll tell my anglers to watch that rhythm. Once they see the rods sticking straight out instead of being bowed to set their hooks then because those are from crappie bites. A pole with a slow bend means you’re hung in the structure. Pick your rod up from the rod holder, give the line some slack, and the weight of the jig or the weight of the drop shot will pull the jig out of the structure,” he explained. While minnow fishing, Pitts recommends having a weight on the bottom of the line and an Eagle Claw snelled hook attached to that weighted line. Hook the minnow from its bottom lip up to its top lip to make the minnow face the current to look natural while it’s swimming. Although Pitts fishes at Weiss and Neely Henry, during the fall he chooses to fish Neely Henry primarily due to its having less fishing pressure and the rule allowing Neely Henry anglers to keep nine inch crappie. Both lakes permit 30 crappie per person per day, and often Pitts’ two clients may catch 60 fish in four hours or less.
877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // OCTOBER 2021 25
Fall Crappie Fishing
Lee Pitts, pictured here, fishes 364 days per year for crappie, and his favorite technique is spider rigging.
BET ON THE BRUSH WITH BRAD WHITEHEAD Brad Whitehead of Muscle Shoals, Alabama, fishes the Tennessee River lakes but mainly on Pickwick and Wilson and the Bear Creek watershed. His favorite fall crappie lakes are three Bear Creek Lakes in Winston County, close to Russellville and Muscle Shoals. “During the fall, these lakes have a winter drawdown that causes many shallow-water crappie to move out to deeper-water brush piles, which are often man-made and generally in 22-25 feet of water that you can pinpoint with your depth finder,” Whitehead said. Whitehead recommends that if you have time, spend one day riding the lake to search and mark brush piles with your GPS. “I use my Humminbird depth finder with side imaging, and every year I locate new brush piles. I’ll vertical jig with a B‘n’M 10-foot Buck’s Graphite Jig Pole on top of and down in those brush piles. To measure the depth of line I need to fish sunken brush piles, I’ll pull my jig down to the end of my pole, which is 10 feet of line, and then pull the line again to make it 18-20 feet long. I’ll use a 1/4-ounce Deep Ledge Jig made by Steve Welch with a No. 4 small hook that keeps me from hanging-up in the brush and attach a 2-1/8-inch shad-colored, Funky Monkey or white or black colors with chartreuse tails Slider minnow. When my clients see that little hook and that big minnow, they’re surprised. But this combination catches slabs,” he noted. Whitehead prefers to fish darker colors on dark days and lighter colors on bright days to catch crappie 10 1/2 - 12 inches long and weighing 3/4 – 1 1/4-pounds. “Hold your rod tip still about two inches above the water. If the crappie doesn’t take the jig while it’s sitting still, pull the jig up about six to seven inches, and then let the jig fall back. I also use a Slab Bite, a tiny scented piece of rubber 26 OCTOBER 2021 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
made by Crappie Magnet, on this rig to produce more crappie.” CIRCLE UP CRAPPIE WITH KEVIN MCCARLEY Kevin McCarley of Ardmore, Alabama, a winning tournament crappie fisherman, fishes primarily on Wheeler and Guntersville lakes on the Tennessee River. “I put structure out in both the lakes I fish, even dragging dead trees off the banks with a rope near riprap and railroad bridges and sinking them,” McCarley said. Generally, McCarley takes eight concrete blocks with him and ties them to a tree to sink it where he wants to build crappie habitat. He also puts out five gallon buckets with 8-12, 1x1 or 1x2 stakes, concreted in a fan pattern. “I usually put out 10 buckets in a circle in the same region,” McCarley reports. “Then I’ve got much more area to catch crappie on various structure. Sometimes all the crappie will concentrate on one bucket, or, on another day, a different bucket, or, bigger crappie will hold on one particular bucket.” When this area receives big fall rains, Guntersville can’t hold much excess water. However, Wheeler is a flood-controlled lake and can hold the water Guntersville releases, making the creek channel deeper. The water spreads out in the fall into Arrowhead, Beaverdam, Limestone, Flint and Mallard creeks, and the flats across from Ingalls Harbor where you can find some deep holes to sink structure. In the fall and winter, if you’ve placed structure out on the main river channel, when a big rain event occurs, your structure may get blown downstream due to very strong current coming into Wheeler Lake. So, put structure in the creeks without a strong current, and your structure will remain where you’ve put it.” McCarley mentions his fishing has changed recently, since he got a Garmin LiveScope. Previously he’d spider rig and slow troll for crappie.
Managing Wild Turkeys Through Teamwork
“I still do some spider rigging. With eight rods in the front of my boat, my first rod will be a double-minnow rig. The next rod is a double or a single jig rig. On the next rod, I’ll have a double-minnow rig, and on the next a double-jig rig with one of the rigs tipped with a minnow. I like an Eye Hole Jig that has a place to put scent in the eye hole with about a 2 1/8-inch Slider minnow that’s available in about 50 colors. My favorite Sliders include blue with chartreuse and blue glitter with a purple tail that I slow troll over the tops of underwater brush in the creeks at .3mph up to about .5mph.” McCarley has caught a 2-pound, 14-ounce crappie on Wheeler Lake before but mentions during the fall and winter, some three pound crappie are caught. McCarley’s favorite poles are a Buck’s Graphite Jig Pole and the 14-foot B‘n’M poles to get his baits well out in front of the boat, so he doesn’t spook the fish. “I’ve recently gotten hooked on using the Garmin LiveScope on Guntersville Lake to fish the grass and on Wheeler Lake to help me see the stumps on the creek channels and the trees that I’ve sunk,” McCarley emphasized. “I’ve got my LiveScope set-up to see 60 feet from the boat and actually identify a crappie at 40 feet. I run a Garmin 1222. “When I see a crappie I want to catch on LiveScope, I’ll use a 6-foot B‘n’M SharpShooter Six rod and fish either a 1/8- or a 1/4-ounce Eye Hole Jig with scent in it on 6 or 10 pound test line. I want to get down quickly to the depth where the crappie is holding and reel the jig past the fish, over the crappie’s head. Just as my jig passes over the crappie, I’ll let the jig fall right in front of its nose and then speed the jig up like it’s a bait fish trying to escape.. I really like fishing B‘n’M’s Stick and Super Stick poles too that have been designed to fish with my LiveScope.” All three crappie anglers we’ve interviewed fish different tactics to catch fall crappie. If you’re hunting slabs this month, try some of these strategies, baits, lures and poles to catch you a mess of fall speckled sides.
42 APRIL 2020 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
Fall Crappie Fishing
the money spent on turkey permits, which is part of the licensJACK WELLS – THE MAN WHO MAKES THE POLES ing requirement to hunt turkeys in Florida, goes into that fund. Great Days Outdoors talked with Jack Wells, the president of B‘n’M Pole company, one of the largest crappie-pole “Many hunters NWTFtomembers are so-many heavily involved in manufacturers in theand nation, learn why people raising funds for thepoles. wild turkey and its habitat by participating fish with B‘n’M crappie
in NWTF hunting heritage banquets, whereby a portion of
“Whenthose you’re making crappie pole, the most-important funds raisedagoes into the cost-share program,” Nicholelement is sensitivity,” Wells explained. “Generally son said. “Hunters’ purchases of hunting equipmentcrappie also helps ‘feed up’, and wildlife that’s conservation a much-different strike than an support through the Wildlife andangler Sport gets when he’s fishingProgram, for bass, catfish or federal bluegills. Fish Restoration which brings grantWe’ve funding also designed each series of our poles for a different to state wildlife management agencies such as the FWC.” crappie-fishing technique. For instance, the same pole you use for jig-pole fishing may not work if you’re: spider rigging Throughwith this multiple combinedpoles); effort from the NWTF, FWC, and/or FFS and (slow trolling pulling crankbaits hunters, turkey healthy power Florida trolling.turkey Anglers alsothe likewild that our population poles areisdurable and flourishing Florida. And, if you’re a turkey hunter, then and long-lasting andinare lightweight, making them comfortable toyou fishmust withbeallgetting day long.” excited because spring turkey season
and the youth turkey hunt weekends are just around the
John E.corner. Phillips: How do you make an extremely-light and sensitive crappie pole that can pull a two pound-plus crappie from the water and into the boat?
Contact Information
Wells: Although jerking crappie from the water directly into the boat Wild is not something weProgram recommend, but we do offer Turkey Cost-Share some poles that canChapter handle kind ofWild weight, Stick Florida State of that the National Turkeythe Federation and the Super (NWTF)Stick that were designed with the advent of Floridatechnology. Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Live Imaging Florida Forest Service (FFS) Area (WMA) Phillips: Green What Swamp makesWildlife theseManagement two poles different from the Gulf Coastal Plain Ecosystem Partnership other poles your company makes? What are some other Wildlife andreels? Sport Fish Restoration Program popular pole and
877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // OCTOBER 2021 27
Fall Crappie Fishing
Wells: These 13-footers are two piece poles featuring longer handles than most poles to allow fishermen to rest the poles under their elbows and have enough backbone to allow anglers to pull heavy crappie straight from the water into the boat. We’re also seeing a growth in the poles (rods) that allow an angler to pitch or cast a jig or a minnow to crappie. The main two poles we offer for casting and pitching are our Trout-Crappie-Bluegill Combo rod - the TCB Series. We’ve introduced a 7-1/2-foot, one-piece spinning rod called the 75 Series, to coincide with our upcoming 75th anniversary in 2022. We’ve also increased our number of spinning reels to match-up with these poles. Besides our Pro 100 spinning reel, we now produce the smaller Pro 50 spinning reel that’s designed for casting very-light line. Another type of rod that’s really popular is our one-piece six foot SharpShooter rod with a micro eyelet on the rod’s tip. When the angler is launching (shooting) a jig, it keeps the spiral that the line makes much smaller to produce a more-accurate and longer cast. Phillips: Jack, we know B‘n’M offers a wide variety of crappie poles for about every technique, but what’s the most-popular one? Wells: The Buck’s Graphite Jig Pole, the first graphite crappie jig pole ever, is our flagship product, even after all these years. EQUIPMENT INFORMATION • B‘n’M Poles https://www.bnmpoles.com/ • Bobby Garland Jigs https://www.lurenet.com/brands/bobby-garland • Crappie Magnet’s Slab Bite https://troutmagnet.com/crappie-magnet/slab-bites.html • Eagle Claw https://www.eagleclaw.com/all-hooks • Eye Hole Jigs https://eyeholejig.com/ • Garmin LiveScope https://buy.garmin.com/ • Humminbird https://www.humminbird.com/ • Slider Minnow https://www.sliderfishing.com/
Kevin McCarley enjoys fishing with Eye Hole Jigs in which he can insert scent in the eye hole when fishing 1/8- or 1/4-ounce jigs or a 2 1/8-inch Slider plastic minnow.
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Important Contact Information * Lee Pitts Phone: 256-390-4145 * Brad Whitehead Email: bradwhiteheadfishing@yahoo.com Phone: 256-483-0834
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251-473-3176 28 OCTOBER 2021 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
When a pastime becomes a passion.
Some don’t get it, but we do. Looking for your own place to hunt, fish, enjoy 4-wheeling—even a building site for a cabin or home? Alabama Ag Credit is the original land lender and your local expert in recreational real estate financing. We understand the unique requirements of long-term rural real estate lending, and can custom build loan packages with competitive rates and flexible terms. So you can enjoy the great outdoors for years to come!
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Recipe and image courtesy of www.allrecipes.com
Air Fryer Fresh-Caught Crappie Prep: 10 mins • Cook: 8 mins • Total: 48 min
Ingredients
• • • • • • • • •
1-pound fresh crappie fillets 2 tablespoons salt 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon seasoned salt (such as LAWRY’S®) 1 teaspoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) cooking spray
1.
Place crappie fillets in a bowl. Add salt and water to cover. Cover and let sit to draw out all the blood, about 30 minutes. Rinse fillets thoroughly to remove salt. Pat dry with paper towels. Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Add cornmeal, flour, seasoned salt, paprika, pepper, and cayenne to a gallon-sized zip-top bag. Seal and shake until evenly combined. Drop 2 fillets into the bag, seal, and shake to coat. Transfer to a plate. Repeat with remaining fillets. Spray the tops of the fillets with nonstick cooking spray. Place a layer of fillets in the air fryer basket, sprayed-side down, making sure none are overlapping. Spray the tops with cooking spray. Cook for 4 minutes. Carefully flip and spray any chalky spots. Cook until crispy, about 4 minutes more. Repeat with remaining fillets.
Instructions
2. 3. 4.
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877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // OCTOBER 2021 29
Choosing the Best Trees for Your Deer Herd BY STEPHANIE MALLORY
The Dunstan chestnut provides an important source of nutrients for deer and other wildlife.
30 OCTOBER 2021 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
HUNTING
When it comes to attracting and holding deer on your property during hunting season and throughout the year, many hunters are turning to tree food plots. Unlike your typical annual food plot plants, such as beans and clover, perennial mast-producing trees require less maintenance once established. Best of all, fruit and nut trees can provide nutrition for deer and other wildlife for years and years to come.
North America for thousands of years and was relied heavily upon by wildlife and early American settlers,” Wallace said. “In the early 1900s, a chestnut introduced into New York, likely from China, carried blight and wiped out every single American chestnut that lived. It was the most major ecological disaster in American history. Groves and groves of massive chestnut tree forests were annihilated. That wildlife food source went away.”
Iain Wallace, CEO of Chestnut Hill Outdoors, a nursery and tree farm that offers food plot trees designed to attract wildlife and enrich land, says when it comes to providing food nutrition and browse for deer, tree nutrition is often highly overlooked.
Fortunately, in the 1950s, James Carpenter found a surviving American chestnut in a grove of dead and dying trees in Ohio. He sent budwood to Dr. Robert T. Dunstan, a well-known plant breeder, who took stock cuttings from the blight-resistant tree and crossed them with a Chinese chestnut which was naturally resistant to the blight. He then crossed the seedlings from the first cross back to both parent trees. These future varieties would eventually become known as Dunstan Chestnuts, which are now widely considered the No. 1 food plot tree in America.
“Having trees on your property is going to keep your deer herd coming back year after year because deer are going to learn there’s a consistent food source that’s available at times the trees are producing,” Wallace said. “Trees ensure deer are going to naturally stay in their local area and will stay more frequently on your property than your neighbor’s property.” He says the key is selecting trees that fruit and provide nutrition from the beginning of summer all the way into the early winter. “Just like ground foliage, trees are a crucial part of the natural ecosystem,” Wallace said. “They pop up naturally all over. Deer have evolved to eat them and seek them out, and they teach their offspring to seek them out as well.” Wallace says unlike typical foliage-based food plot crops, trees don’t have to be replanted, tilled and maintained at certain times of the year to keep the nutrition choice producing. A food plot tree will be planted and maintained for the first couple of years, but after that point, it will be a self-sufficient food source that will be there, possibly for the lifetime of the human who planted it. With thoughtful planning, you can have mast trees and bushes that attract deer from early spring throughout early winter. Wallace lays out the timeline of mast-producing trees and bushes. “Mulberry fruits out as early as April. Then, berries such as blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, bush berries, grapes and plums fruit into the summer. Apples and pears produce into the later summer and early fall. Persimmons and pear continue into the fall and chestnuts, acorns and oaks produce into the winter months and deer season.” THE DUNSTAN CHESTNUT Wallace says that without a doubt, the No.1 food plot tree is the Dunstan chestnut. “The American chestnut was one of the primary hardwoods in
“Often, if you ask a hunter what mast source makes a good food plot tree, people say oak or acorns, ‘’ Wallace said. “True, acorns are a good and healthy source of fat and protein. But acorns have a significant amount of tannic acid, which makes them bitter to the taste. Deer will eat them for nutrition, but they’d rather not. Chestnuts, on the other hand, have very little tannin. They are sweet and tasty, highly nutritious and deer are naturally attracted to them.” Wallace explains that chestnuts are high in carbs and protein. They are comprised of approximately 40 percent carbohydrates, five to eight percent protein and two percent fat. That carb percentage is important to pack on energy and fat before the winter months. Once they are planted, chestnuts begin producing nuts in three to five years. And then, they produce every year. On the other hand, oak trees can take 10 to 20 years to begin producing nuts and then they only produce acorns every other year and sometimes every two years. Sometimes, they don’t produce at all. FALL PRODUCERS After the Dunstan chestnut, Wallace says he recommends planting persimmon trees. “They take two to four years to begin producing fruit once they are planted. They drop in the fall and are a naturally occurring Native American food source. Deer are going to seek out food they’re familiar with. Planting trees that are native to an environment is probably the best attractor.” Native American persimmon trees are heavy producers. Chestnut Hill’s persimmon varieties, such as Deer Magnet, produce consistent fruit later in the fall and into hunting season. “If your goal is to have fruit on your property to attract deer, then this variety is a good choice,” Wallace said. “Other varieties drop between August and October.”
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Choosing the Best Trees for Your Deer Herd
The Dunstan chestnut is recognized as the No. 1 food plot tree in America.
Persimmons are high in carbs and are full of vitamins and nutrients. Wildlife have fed on persimmons for thousands of years, and they are an essential portion of your local ecosystem. SUMMER PRODUCERS For an early season option, mulberries are the first to fruit. Chestnut Hill has an everbearing black mulberry that actually fruits almost all year around in the South. A mulberry tree grown from cuttings may produce berries within the first year or two. “Blackberries, raspberries, blueberries and grapes are all good summer-month options and a natural part of our ecosystem,” Wallace pointed out. Another good summertime attractant to plant in the South is the Plum. Chestnut Hill sells the Chickasaw Plum which produces heavily durring the summertime months. “The plumbs are small – not like the big ones you get at the store,” Wallace said. “It’s a native tree so it has a lot of natural resistance to local pests.” Chestnut Hill offers a number of apple varieties that produce from later summer through early fall. “I almost primarily recommend a Southern crabapple or crabapple in general. Like Chickasaw Plum these crabapples are native, produce small apples and produce heavily. They’re not like the apples you buy at the store,” he said.
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Choosing the Best Trees for Your Deer Herd
After planting, a crabapple tree generally takes three to five years to produce fruit.
Persimmons are a great deer attractant.
Then, last in that chronological order into late summer/early fall is the pear. “Some of our varieties include the Dr. Deer pear and the Thanksgiving pear,” Wallace said. “Those pear varieties are later dropping. They hold on to fruit until Thanksgiving and into hunting season, depending on where in the South you live, and they are heavy producers.” These pear trees will take between two to four years to bear fruit once planted. WHEN TO PLANT So, when should you plant your trees and bushes? Wallace says you really can’t go wrong by planting in the spring or fall. You can even plant year-round in warmer climates if the ground doesn’t freeze. “Spring is the traditional planting season,” Wallace said. “People typically buy trees and bushes to plant when things start to green. True, spring is a great time to plant, but so is fall. In fact, fall has some unique benefits. In the fall, plants start to go dormant for the winter. So, if you plant in the fall, those new plants won’t need as much water and nutrients as they would in the summer, so they’re easier to care for. But their roots will grow in those dormant months and the plants will establish themselves in the environment.” WHERE TO PLANT No matter when you plant, Wallace says it’s extremely important to know your soil because trees need to be planted in well-draining soil to thrive. He recommends taking a soil sample to your local ag extension office to have it tested. “There are three major types – sandy, clay and sandy loam soils. Each type has a different level of water retention. It’s important to know that fruit and nut trees can’t have standing water or they will suffer from root rot and die. You need to know if your soil will retain or drain a lot of water so you will know how much and how often you need to water your trees and shrubs. Sandy soil will drain, clay may hold onto water and sandy loam is somewhere in the middle,” he explained.
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Wallace says to pick a location with good sunlight, preferably six to eight hours a day, for planting. The edges of food plots are often a good choice. If you are planting in the forest, pick tree fall gaps or open areas where the trees can grow toward the sunlight. YOU’LL ALSO NEED TO BE CAREFUL OF SPACING. “Check the individual plant species for spacing requirements,” he said. “Many trees require a pollinator, and they will need to be planted close enough to their pollinator to sufficiently produce mast.” AND FINALLY, BE CREATIVE. “Directing wildlife traffic is going to vary on the property,” Wallace said. “Plant where you want to drive your herd. Plant on the edge of your herbaceous plot to encourage more traffic, plant along a high-traffic route to encourage more movement and plant around a water source. Study the movement of wildlife on your property and plant according to your goals.”By following these tips and planting both hard-mast and soft-mast varieties, land-managers and hunters can provide deer not only with the nutrition they need and crave, but with a reason to stay on or close to the property year-round for years to come.
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34 OCTOBER 2021 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
HUNTING
Deciding on the
Best Binoculars
for Hunting BY JOSH HONEYCUTT
Good glass is important. Don’t skimp on this necessary gear item. Aside from a weapon and ammunition, good optics are likely the next most important pieces of gear for hunters. Because of that, deciding on the best binoculars for hunting is a big task, and not one to take lightly. Here’s what you need to know.
Fog-proofing and waterproofing are also necessary characteristics for optics. Overall, it pays to remember that quality glass and advanced features improve your overall experience, especially in low-light scenarios.
UNDERSTAND RELEVANT TERMS There are several terms you should know before beginning your search if you don’t know these already. First, field of view is the two widest points you can see (in feet) at 1,000 yards. Depth of field is the distance between objects, which impacts the focus. Eye relief describes the distance your eye can be from the eyepiece and still see the full field of view. Ocular lenses are the near-side lenses. Objective lenses are the lenses on the end of the optic. Power magnification is the distance an object appears to be while glassing it. There are others to know, but these are the most important. “There are a lot of factors that go into choosing a pair of binoculars for any situation,” said Dustin Harding, marketing manager for Athlon Optics. “One of the first things I look at is field of view. When hunting or spotting in tight wooded areas, less magnification is ideal. On the other hand, open terrain allows for higher magnification. ANALYZE YOUR HUNTING STYLE The type and style of hunting you do is an important factor in choosing binos. These things influence what you need in a set of optics. Because, while it might be a great set of binos, it might not check all boxes for your specific needs. For example, this greatly influences the magnification power you need, which is how many times closer an object appears compared to the naked eye. So, 8 or 10-power magnification is plenty for treestand hunting. But 10 or 12-power magnification is better for long-range glassing. That said, those who have shaky hands and can’t use a tripod should consider a lower power, as higher-powered optics are harder to keep still enough to see well. Other things to consider include the focus and prism types. These things impact how you use the binos. These also influence how effective binos are in given situations. CONSIDER DURABILITY Design is the most important aspect in durability. If it looks and feels solid, it probably is. But the best measure of durability and quality is its price tag. Increased prices don’t always translate to better performance, but with optics, oftentimes it does. Keep that in mind. SIZE DOES MATTER Choose an option with a larger exit pupil size. This increases the amount of light that gets transferred to your eye. For example, the average human pupil is approximately 877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // OCTOBER 2021 35
Deciding on the Best Binoculars for Hunting
An up-close look at the Midas G2 UHD 42mm Binoculars from Athlon. (Athlon photo)
3mm. Having an exit pupil larger than that increases what you can see, and really brightens up the image, especially in low-light conditions. STUDY THE GLASS Quality glass transfers a higher percentage of light, which helps transfer sharper images through the optics and into your eye. Numerous things influence this. Good lens coatings improve the performance and durability of binos. Nitrogen purging does, too, which helps ensure these remain free of dust and moisture. Fog-proofing and waterproofing are also necessary characteristics for optics. Overall, it pays to remember that quality glass and advanced features improve your overall experience, especially in low-light scenarios. “Any decent pair of binoculars will be sealed, and gas purged,” Harding said. “All of Athlon’s binoculars are purged with nitrogen or argon, depending on the model. This will prevent internal fogging. On cold mornings, a warm pair of binos meeting the cold air can cause external fogging on the lenses. To prevent this, leave your binos in your vehicle the night before so they can acclimate to the ambient temperature.” BUDGET MATTERS Everyone is on a budget, which just might be the most important factor when deciding on a pair of binoculars for hunting. If all you can afford is the entry-level, price-point models, get one of those. There’s no shame in that. It’ll do the job just fine. However, if you can afford a better pair, you will see performance improvements and increased longevity. For many hunters, these things are worth the extra dollars.
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The greatest fish cleaning stations known to mankind. 36 OCTOBER 2021 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
Deciding on the Best Binoculars for Hunting
Take Care of Your Eyes
Keep Optics Functional
No matter how good your binos are, these are only as good as your eyes. If you have corrected vision, make sure your prescription is up to date. I’ve tested this necessity by using older prescription glasses just to see how much better I see with my most recent one, and it makes a big difference. As someone who is nearly blind (figuratively) without contacts or glasses, yet has 20/10 vision with them, take my word for it.
No matter how great your new binos are, you still must care for and protect them. Some who correctly cares for a subpar pair of binos will have his long after someone who buys a good pair and treats them poorly. “Keep your binoculars clean,” Harding said. “Use a soft cloth for the exterior and a lens cloth to remove dust from the lens. Avoid exposing your binoculars to Deet-based bug repellents. Deet is especially hard on rubber.”
Glass Properly
Too many hunters glass improperly. It’s much harder to spot game moving when you are also in motion. You should never move the binos while glassing. Instead of keeping them in motion, glass areas in grids. Keep them stationary for one grid, then move to the next, and so on. And those who can’t keep binos still should use a monopod, bipod, or tripod.
Binos Best Friend
Just as binos are important, so are rangefinders. Like binos, numerous things separate good rangefinders from lesser ones. While this is a topic all its own, a few things are most important. “Rangefinders are generally marketed as having a maximum effective range on a reflective surface,” Harding said. “While an increased effective range is great, you should also consider the accuracy of the rangefinder. How close to the actual distance is it measuring? Can the rangefinder differentiate intrusive tree limbs from the target you are ranging from your treestand? Another thing to consider is illuminated displays to aid in low-light situations.”
“Be mindful if you have hand tremors and plan on using high magnification, you might want to pair the binos with a steady tripod,” Harding said. “As you get into adverse conditions or are looking for the ultimate light transmission and clarity, move into higher lens quality such as our UHD Extra-Low Dispersion glass in the Midas G2 and Cronus G2 lines.”
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Benefits of Dock Overhanging Fillet Tables BY ED MASHBURN
The KillerDock cleaning tables drain directly into the water which means less mess and less trouble cleaning up.
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LIFESTYLE There are a number of things which make fishing fun and rewarding to anglers. Catching fish is fun, and eating good, fresh fish is one of life’s real pleasures. However, between the catching and the eating some things must happen, and the one thing that makes enjoying a fish dinner less than positive is the cleaning of a mess of fish on a less than suitable surface. Although fish can be filleted on pick up truck tailgates, old found washed-up planks and old, splintered rails on docks, these surfaces rarely produce much good feeling on the part of the fish cleaner. In fact, not having a good fish filleting surface can take most of the pleasure out of any potentially great meal after a good fishing trip. But there are some things that can make filleting fish much less of a chore and much more of a rewarding activity. THE ELEMENTS OF A GOOD FILLET TABLE Aaron Williamson of KillerDock knows something about what goes into a good filleting table for a dock or pier, and he gave us his opinion about what a good table is and is not. “A good cleaning table is the right size and big enough for your cleaning needs. A too small table surface doesn’t work well. A good cleaning table is clean and can be kept clean. Too many home-made tables are smelly and unsanitary. Appearance is important. A good cleaning table looks nice, and a lot of home-made tables won’t be good for fish photos background- they’re ugly.”Williamson said. Perhaps the most important element of an overhanging fillet table is that it is very functional. “We’ve got a solution there in terms of the placement on the stations for you to plumb up. So that’s been a really big help as well. To be able to overhang the water that much for everything to go in the water, whether it’s draining off the back of the table like a slotted table, which is sort of the classic thing, or we’ve got specific designs that we’ve patented, where the table goes back, drains down through the legs, and so it’s not draining out anywhere on you, Not on your feet, not on your dock or your boat, all of this is due to a little bit of a negative angle on the table. You’re facing your fish cleaning station over the water and there’s a little bit of a tilt towards the water. That’s really important because if the cleaning top is just a flat surface, stuff’s coming back to you. And so whatever of our cleaning stations you have, it has that two degree slope going away from you And the hose stations built in help you keep everything washed off to keep drawers clean,” Williamson pointed out.
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Benefits of Dock Overhanging Fillet Tables
The KillerDock cleaning tables with canopy make cleaning a big mess of fish much more comfortable and pleasant.
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Benefits of Dock Overhanging Fillet Tables
“A table with a negative slope surface drains easily, and it can have storage added if needed. An overhanging table increases the amount of room on a dock or pier and it takes up less floor space,” he added. A very important element of any good fish cleaning system is the presence of a sink, and KillerDock addresses this. “We have sinks that we build that are made of the same things as the tables, and we hand make these sinks. They’re still ceramic coated, they’ve got sink strainer and tail pieces for draining, and you can hook them up with PVC if you want to, or connect to another system or to direct the drains,” he said. “And one of the recent additions that we added to our sinks is that we’ve got a flush mount lid that sits over the sink. So now we make our own flush lid, so when you’re not using the sink, or if you just have ice in there, you can throw your fish in there and it works kind of like a cooler top or whatever. You lift it up, throw your stuff in, put the flush lid back down, and you still get to use the whole space. That’s really important. It’s just the increased usability again. It’s really valuable.” Finally, a good cleaning table should provide shade because cleaning a bunch of fish in the hot sun is no fun. “A good fillet table maximizes usable dock space, allows for the table to drain directly into the water, and it allows for the table to be mounted directly into the top and side of the dock which greatly increases strength,” Williamson said. WHY IS THE KILLERDOCK SYSTEM SUCH AN IMPROVEMENT? The KillerDock system addresses all of the elements of a modern, efficient cleaning table.
Williamson explained that KillerDock uses marine grade aluminum instead of wood or steel and adds a high-end clear ceramic coating from SG Marine to protect the table from the harsh salt environment. In addition, that coating helps keep cleanup time to a minimum. “The table and canopy models have patented designs that will compliment the angler’s other fishing investment. You’ll certainly want to take your fish pictures with these fish cleaning stations in the background.” According to Williamson the units are easy enough for two people to put up, but strong and durable enough that the weather can’t take them down. “They have a 150 mph wind rating. The canopy models will really keep you much cooler while the sun is up, and the overhead LED light will keep you going after the sun goes down,” he said. “The beauty of the aluminum design is that it’s half the weight, but just as strong as steel,” Williamson noted. “With our models, after some of the hurricanes we’ve had and we got hit with some big storms recently, docks got ruined, got torn up really badly. And folks pulled their KillerDock out of the water still attached to the dock stringers, pulled them up, cleaned them off and put them on their new dock. Think about it. If you’re going to build a cleaning station yourself, there’s no way that’s going to happen. That homemade table is destroyed. But not so with our designs.” HOW CAN WE CONTACT KILLERDOCK? To find out more about this superb fish cleaning system call 251-2071743 or go online to www.killerdock.com
A clean, attractive and sanitary table top makes cleaning fish a quicker, easier chore.
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How to Create a
habitat management plan BY JOHN E. PHILLIPS
Alabama’s DCNR does road maintenance by thinning pines and other bushes back 20-30 feet on each side of the road to let more sunlight in and then discs that area to create habitat where turkey poults and quail chicks can feed and grow.
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HUNTING
You can manage your hunting lands for maximum wildlife production. Alabama has been extremely fortunate to acquire some large tracts of land for the public-lands program. Chuck Sykes, the Director of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries in the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), realized the growing demand by public land deer and turkey hunters to have opportunities to hunt lands intensively managed for wildlife, like owners manage their private lands. So, as new public lands became available to be purchased by the Game & Fish Division, this division implemented land-management practices on these Special Opportunity Areas (SOAs) to improve them for maximum wildlife production and older-age-class animals. The DCNR also limited access to these lands through using a drawing system similar to that of the hunting permit trophy areas in western states. These strategies when used can help you improve the land you hunt, if you own the land or have the landowner’s permission to implement these land-management tactics. MAINTAINING ROADS Roads on public lands aren’t just for vehicles. The planting of pine trees on public lands shades out the road, and the road will resemble a tunnel. “The DCNR does road maintenance by thinning pines and other brush back to 20 - 30 feet on each side of a road,” Sykes reports. “Then more sun can hit the roads and cause them to dry-out quicker than if the roads are shaded. We create ditches on the sides of the roads and crown the roads to help drain water off the roads. These operations reduce the amount of time we have to spend maintaining our roads on the state’s WMAs and SOAs. We also make a clearing from the ditch on the side of the road up to the road that we can disc to create habitat where turkey poults and quail chicks can feed and grow. Another need that wildlife has, especially turkeys and quail, is grit for their craws. So, we put gravel alongside the roads, the birds eat that gravel, and it grinds up the food in their craws.” CONTROLLING PREDATORS To have more turkeys and deer, you must control predator populations on the lands you hunt. You can get help from the state, since anyone who wants to buy a trapping permit can trap fur bearers on public lands. Some of the worst predators, coons, coyotes, possums, skunks, foxes and bobcats especially, impact turkeys and ground-nesting birds. “Don’t overlook the fact that feral hogs also eat turkey eggs, destroy nests and kill turkey poults and deer fawns,” Sykes explained. “At Portland Landing SOA, wildlife biologists and crews have trapped over 600 wild hogs in one year. However, trapping is very labor-intensive and time-consuming. Predator removal is much like cutting grass. You have to do it weekly or bi-weekly every year to positively impact wildlife. If I were a private landowner, I’d trap raccoons and possums just before March to reduce those predator numbers before turkeys start nesting. To increase my deer herd, I’d trap coyotes and bobcats in August when fawns are just being born.” Dr. Stephen Ditchkoff, a longtime feral-hog researcher from Auburn University, believes that a group of wildlife scientists are within five years of producing, “A toxicant made of sodium nitrite in a bait form and using feeders to deliver it to wild pigs. This chemical has proved to be a humane but very-effective toxicant. Scientists hope that landowners and hunting-club members will be able to use this toxicant to target feral pigs and eliminate them on agricultural lands and hunting properties.” 877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // OCTOBER 2021 43
How to Create a Habitat Management Plan
To increase the number and quality of deer, turkeys, quail and other wildlife on the lands you hunt, consider the possibility of implementing some of these habitat-improvement projects on your hunting lands.
However, according to Sykes, there are alternatives. “Actually, a landowner can do a better job for wildlife for less time and money by improving habitat than if he traps every predator on his land. By doing an effective job at burning, thinning timber and creating a better habitat where little critters like turkey poults, baby fawns and quail chicks can get away and hide from predators, then we have done a much-better job to help produce more wildlife with the amount of time and money we have, than if we rely only on trapping for predator removal.” REMOVING NON-COMMERCIAL TREES AND MULCHING The numerous cedar and sweetgum trees present in some sections of Alabama don’t create good habitat for wildlife. Sykes mentions that some parts of the state have cedar trees so thick, “You barely can walk through them. The DCNR employed a company that would purchase the right to clear some cedar trees from state lands – particularly on hilltops. Then the DCNR did a controlled burn of those areas and converted that land back into rich Black Belt prairie land like that from decades ago that’s great for deer, turkeys and quail habitat.”
turkeys, quail and songbirds.” Brush Clearing Services, out of Pine Mountain Georgia provides a number of environmentally responsible services ranging from wetlands restoration, wildlife habitat conservation, mulching, reforestation, site preparation, forest restoration and more. “We use forest mulchers for various habitat restoration projects, mid-story removal, firebreaks, reclaiming existing roads, food plot creation and expansion and they have become very popular,” said Brian Shepherd of BCS. “In cases where the under-story is big or tall, there is a chance that a controlled burn fire will be too hot and jump over the trees and spread. That situation is when we can effectively and efficiently use mulching to reduce the understory and even mid-story fuel to the point where it can be safely managed with fire or even herbicide. It thins out the forest canopy and opens up the floor for vegetation growth which is a huge benefit to wildlife.”
Another management tool the DCNR is using besides removing non-commercial trees to open up the forest floor to sunlight and provide more habitat for wildlife is mulching. A big machine comes onto the land, mulches the understory (small bushes and non-commercial trees) and grinds that brush up into mulch.
LEASING FARMING RIGHTS Most hunters are of the opinions that cotton fields are deserts for wildlife. When the DCNR bought Portland Landing to use as an SOA, 450 acres of it were in cattle and cotton production. The DCNR wasn’t in the cattle or the cotton business, so the Department contracted with a local farmer to plant cotton on a portion of this land. At the time of the purchase, the property also had numbers of invasive grasses that weren’t native to the State of Alabama or wildlife friendly, like Johnson grass and others. So, the DCNR removed these invasive grasses before the farmer planted cotton.
“Besides opening-up the forest floor to sunlight, which encourages the growth of native plants and grasses, we sow wheat in those mulched areas. Because we’re managing the land too for wildlife and timber, we can thin our timber stands more aggressively than a commercial timber company or a private landowner can,” Sykes said. “We know that the more sunlight we have hitting the ground under the timber, the more food the property will produce for deer,
“We know that deer eat cotton,” Sykes said. “Turkeys like to strut and bug in the grasses growing underneath cotton stalks. We’re conducting a scientific study now on these cotton fields with woodcocks. We’ve put radio collars on captured woodcocks in these fields to learn their migration routes. So, the DCNR is providing a local farmer with a great opportunity to earn a living on this land and ridding the property of grasses not good for wildlife. Today these
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How to Create a Habitat Management Plan
cotton fields are providing more quality habitat for the wildlife on that land.” “Green and yellow grasses, commonly known as henbit and panic grass, are growing under some of the cotton stalks. The turkeys, quail and woodcocks feed heavily on the seeds that these grasses produce. The deer are grazing on the grass and young cotton plants as they come up,” he explained. “Also, cotton and corn stalks provide cover for turkey poults and quail chicks protecting them from avian predators, and yielding plenty of grass seed to feed on under the protection of the stalks. Most people never think of a cotton field as wildlife habitat, and I agree that it’s not the very-best wildlife habitat. However, cotton fields give deer, turkeys, quail and woodcocks another type of diverse habitat, which they all prefer.” Although most hunters probably may consider leasing farming rights to farmers who produce soybeans and corn, instead they can lease a portion of their hunting rights to cotton farmers and actually provide better wildlife habitat. BURNING PORTIONS OF THE LAND AND DISCING If you understand the value of burning a part of your land each year to increase timber production, to prevent wild fires and to encourage new growth under pine stands, then if you’re leasing the land, talk with the landowner about using fire to improve the value of the land, increase the wildlife on the property, make the property more accessible and give it more eye appeal. Drew Tincher, is a wildlife biologist who is in charge of Alabama’s Oakmulgee WMA. “Turkeys like open places because that’s where they find green shoots, grass seeds, acorns and insects to eat,” he emphasized. “When there’s a fire regime, the turkeys will move out, and then as soon as the fire goes out, they’ll funnel back into those burn areas and feed on some of the burnt-up bugs and toasted seeds and nuts that will be exposed after a burn. You even may spot gobblers and hens out in a burn, while the burn’s still smoking.
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“Generally, February and March are when we burn thick areas of our WMAs and SOAs in Alabama to open-up the woods to sunlight and to create wildlife openings where turkeys, quail and deer can feed. After the burn, just as spring begins, young sprouts, native grasses and bushes will begin to grow. That new growth is preferred by turkeys and their poults and deer and also provides insects and bugs for them. Also, often next to a burn will be a fairly-thick area where turkeys, quail and other ground-nesting birds can nest.” “Burning resets Mother Nature’s plan for plant succession, by clearing the understory and releasing native grasses and shrubs in the soil bank,” said Courtney Conring, a wildlife biologist on four Alabama WMAs “The DCNR does fall discing along roadsides, which is another form of resetting Mother Nature to promote successional plant growth. Successional habitat on public-hunting grounds - like weeds, forbs, grasses, briars and other green plants - next to hardwoods will give turkeys and quail places to rest and nest on the edges of the hardwoods.” By managing the wildlife and the land through burning, mulching, controlling predators, removing non-commercial trees, leasing farming rights, planting green fields and maintaining roads, you can manipulate habitat for deer and turkeys and open-up your land for quail and woodcocks to provide maximum wildlife production. CONTACT INFORMATION You can go to Outdoor Alabama (https://www.outdooralabama.com/) and learn more information about Alabama’s WMAs and SOAs and the state regulations governing them. You can check out the Invasive Plant Atlas (https://www.invasiveplantatlas. org) for more information about invasive plants that may impact your land.
Show Your Support for Alabama’s Coastal Fishing & Marine Resources. All proceeds from your TAX DEDUCTIBLE purchase are used for marine conservation in Coastal Alabama.
For more info on the events or CCA Alabama www.ccaalabama.org 251-478-3474 877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // OCTOBER 2021 45
Ways To Make
MONEY Investing in Land
PART 2
BY JOE BAYA
46 OCTOBER 2021 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
LIFESTYLE In part one of the “Ways to Make Money with Land Investments” we went through the basic concepts and tools of leverage, leverage/versatility, appreciation and leasing. In this installment we are going to tell you some other ways to capitalize on your land investment and make money that you may not have considered. TAX AVOIDANCE I didn’t grow up wealthy, and when I think about “making money” it typically involves waking up before I really wanted to and doing work to provide value for someone else. The wealthy play by a different set of rules, however, and if you want to learn to make more money, you need to incorporate the tools they use into your strategy. One of the ways to make money on your land is through tax avoidance via improvements on your property. For example, if you build a barn or camp on your property, those can be depreciated. If you burn, spray, improve your roadways, cut and build fire lanes and do other improvements to your property, these write-offs can lower your taxable income. Always consult your tax professional before making any deduction. In addition to the deduction that you will realize in that tax year, over time, your improvements can appreciate and you can see a greater return when you sell the parcel. Since land is generally a long-term investment, if you hold it for more than a year, you pay long term capital gains which is significantly less than short term capital gains. Depreciation and appreciation help your bottom line at both ends and if those tax savings are invested, that money compounds its returns over time as well. LAND TRANSITION Another way that you can make money (without doing any work) is when your land transitions into a “Higher or Better Use” status. Let’s say you bought a piece of property in a rural location, like farmland, timber or a hunting tract and one day, a commercial enterprise, such as warehouses, a sawmill, a municipal project like an airport, a highway or even a shopping center or apartment complex wants your property. Maybe it is just population growth and development has now reached you but the bottom line is that you aren’t really “rural” anymore. That means that your property has become desirable and more valuable and since there is more competition to buy it and you can command a higher price. In this scenario, your timberland purchased at $2,500 an acre may now be desired as residential homesites valued at $10,000 an acre. I won’t jump off on a soapbox about the loss of wildlife habitat and rural lands, but the reality is that there are transitional lands all over the country and when one of these areas encompasses your land, you will see a significant increase in value. MINERALS Another way to make money off of your land is to capitalize on subsurface minerals, such as iron ore, coal, oil, gas or other hydrocarbons. Keep in mind that this is very location specific. If you are buying in an area that is known for oil and gas production then knowing what subsurface rights you have is a priority. If there is little activity in your location then it may not be necessary to go to the expense of having a mineral rights title search. When it comes to subsurface minerals it is best to deal with the ownership issues at the time of purchase. Make sure that you deal with an expert that can evaluate what the above and below ground resources of the property you are contemplating buying are and make sure the language covering both subsurface and surface mineral rights is spelled out. The same holds for if you are selling your property. 877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // OCTOBER 2021 47
Ways to Make Money with Land Investments (Part 2)
Even if you don’t own subsurface mineral rights on your property, all is not lost. If someone else owns the mineral rights and wants to harvest them they typically will involve you in the process, offer you some compensation for the surface disturbance, even if they don’t have to just to avoid conflict. With today’s technologies they can get the job done with hardly any disturbance to the surface. You just need to make sure that you are properly represented and compensated so bring in an expert. Surface materials such as sand, gravel or clay, limestone or other resources may or may not be classified as a “mineral” and it is prudent to specifically spell it out in a buy/sell agreement to identify whether the rights are retained by a grantor or a grantee. Selling your property rights can be a double win for a property owner. I was on a property with the owner and he had an absolutely beautiful pond with clean turquoise water. I found out that it had a limestone basin and that the department of transportation had been taking limestone out for years. When they were done, he had a great pond which was full of fish and the money he made from the mining paid off his property. In essence, the property paid for itself. CARBON CREDITS The concept of carbon credits has been around and off and on for a while but because of the political environment it is getting more play lately. Basically, a carbon credit is a permit that allows the company that holds it to emit a certain amount of carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases as a result of production of whatever product it produces. The emission of one carbon credit is equal to one ton of carbon dioxide. Known as “cap-and-trade”, companies are awarded credits to allow them to operate and pollute up to a certain limit. If they find they have exceeded
their allotment they can purchase unneeded credits from another company. So how would this affect you as a rural property owner? Let’s say you have a young stand of timber on your property and you have no intent of harvesting those trees for years. By agreeing not to go in and harvest that timber you may qualify to receive payment for carbon credits. The agreement isn’t perpetual and there is a timeline on the agreement and with a management plan they can confirm how much carbon is going to be offset by your efforts (or lack thereof) and you get paid to let it sit there and grow. You are making money for something you were going to do anyway. Remember that different set of rules I was talking about earlier? COST SHARE PROGRAMS The final thing I want to touch on in terms of making money off of your land investment is various cost-share programs through the federal government. Programs like the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) reimburse or pay you for things that you were most likely going to do anyway. It’s found money. They will help fund establishing perennial plots, prescribed fire, spraying, reforestation, many of the things that landowners want to do for wildlife and improvement of their property. Regardless of how you feel about these programs, you pay taxes to fund them so you might as well take advantage of what they have to offer. As you can see, making money off land isn’t just about timber sales and hunting leases. Land is one of the most versatile asset classes for the investor or the person looking for additional income. Why not make your money work for you and have something you can enjoy with your family in the meantime?
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RESIDENTIAL PILE PROTECTION & REHABILITATION SYSTEMS 48 OCTOBER 2021 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
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877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // OCTOBER 2021 49
The Best
Surf Fishing Rigs
You Need to Know BY DAVID THORNTON
50 OCTOBER 2021 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
FISHING CHOOSE YOUR BEST WEAPONS WISELY It seems nowadays, we as anglers are assailed by an ever growing host of choices. Even something as simple as surf fishing has become clouded with a myriad of types of tackle, gear, lines, rods, reels, and accessories. Not the least of which is the wide assortment and styles of surf fishing rigs available for purchase from local bait shops and tackle stores sprinkled along the Emerald Coast from Gulf Shores in Alabama to Mexico Beach in Florida. Basic ‘double dropper’ bottom fishing rigs have been around for years, often sold under the moniker of “pompano rigs”. And they are still sold in most big box stores across the region that carry rudimentary fishing tackle. These mass produced, imported rigs may work just fine under certain circumstances. But anglers have too often been disappointed with their poor performance, inferior components, and lack of variety or specialty. Local knowledge cannot be mass produced or ignored. During the winter of 2020/2021, bright green was the “go to” color that caught a LOT of pompano all along the coastal region. The year before that, it was chartreuse, and before that, hot pink. Your local bait shops are usually the best sources of that kind of information, and are more personal and up to date than social media sites, pages, or video blogs. BEST TAKES TIME More than a few surf anglers tie up their own rigs and some have gotten really good at it. These craftsmen have made it into a science, with their own tying jigs. Some have even turned this into a sideline business by producing and marketing their own lines of surf fishing rigs. Now it seems like every bait and tackle shop along the coast has displays of the best locally/ regionally produced pompano rigs. Each finished pompano rig hanging on a peg in the store represents an investment of time and money by the builder. Plus the store needs to turn a bit of profit too. Still, nobody is getting rich by making and selling these rigs for $6. Some do it just to have a hobby that pays for itself, pad their income or get more name recognition. But this type of service/product represents a vital, yet small portion of the overall investment purchase individual surf anglers make on a day to day basis in order to help assure their best success in catching fish. These specialty pompano rigs are not something just thrown together “on the fly”. Rather each producer has their own formula of tying specific components (terminal tackle) uniformly in a meticulous sequence utilizing a hand made tying jig. The pattern (jig) helps keep the dropper leader lengths consistent. Each tier has their own distance formulas, swivels, hooks and snaps in order to put the rig together the same way each time. For instance some are tying pompano or whiting rigs with circle hooks of a specific size, while another may choose kahle hooks of different sizes. Their choices of colors, shapes and sizes of float or bead attractants is practically limitless (depending on availability) making each rig pattern unique. The end result leaves the casual angler with a lot of choices to try for themselves to determine which style, color, etc. may work best for them. Every surf fisherman seems to have favorite combinations or styles. BEST DO IT RIGHT Still, putting any of these premium pompano rigs to good use, means baiting them properly and placing them in the best spot that is most likely to produce bites for you. That usually means using the freshest shrimp available, if not sand fleas, ghost shrimp, or even cut fish. In the case where ghost shrimp are being used, it is advantageous to use a product like Magic Thread or Miracle Thread to help keep the bait from flying off the hook during the cast. Especially long casts, which are often needed in order to get your rig out to the zone where pompano may be feeding. But other times, less may be best. A synthetic bait strip like Fishbites may be all the bait needed to catch a variety of fish. Also, anglers need to make time to learn the best venues and structures,
and fish them accordingly. Look for drop offs on the back side of sandbars that may hold feeding fish. Or if possible, cast over the sandbar to reach deeper water if that is where you think fish may be feeding. In the fall through early winter, pompano often hang out and feed in water 6 to 12 feet deep. Though they will occasionally venture into shallower water to feed, especially as the tide is rising. So, they are not always far from shore, but that is usually a good place to start looking for them. Often it is best to set up a staggered rod set at different distances with different colored pompano rigs in order to cover as many variables as possible. Especially when trying to locate feeding fish in a new location, or after a big storm. THE BEST FUN IS THE SHORT OF IT When fish are feeding on bottom close to shore, 10 to 40 yard casts are the ticket, and your tackle should be scaled down accordingly. Shorter rods, with lighter lines and rigs can be employed in this scenario. Often single drop rigs with no bead or float may be most effective, as long as the water is not too dingy or rough. These rigs can be tied quickly on the spot with just a two foot long piece of 10 to 20 pound monofilament or fluorocarbon leader. Simply tie the hook on one end (a # 6 or #4 kahle) and a small snap swivel on the other. Then tie a loop knot near the middle, and tie your main line to that. A one to two ounce pyramid sinker or coin sinker is usually plenty of weight to hold the bait in place on the bottom where a pompano or whiting can find it. A moderate action, fast taper, 7 or 8 foot spinning rod in the 4 to 12 pound class rod easily detects their light bite. Yet the 4 to 10 pound line is more than a match for any whiting, even the occasional two pounder that may be nearly 20 inches long. This also matches up well with pompano, which rarely exceed three pounds in weight. Of course the possibility exists of an even larger “puppy drum”, slot-size redfish, or even bull red or black drum to show up in the mix as well. But a 3000 series spinning reel holding 150 to 200 yards of 4 to 10 pound line can wear even them down with the proper drag setting and a dose of patience. My proven rule of thumb is to expect about a minute of fight per pound of fish being required to land those in the 10 to 25 pound range on light tackle. They are tough, but not unconquerable, and some of the best times I ever had surf fishing! In calm surf, a Fishfinder rig or Carolina rig is often even more efficient at getting bit. Anglers can also quickly tie up this stealthy rig on the spot with a one to two foot piece of 10 to 20 pound monofilament or fluorocarbon leader. Simply tie the hook on one end (a # 6 or #4 kahle), and a swivel on the other. Then thread your weight on the main line and tie it to the swivel. This setup is very easy and effective on whiting, as it allows the wary fish to pick up the bait and move away with it, without encountering resistance from the weight until it is too late for them. As the line comes tight, the kahle hook rotates in the fish’s mouth and usually sticks it in the lips. All the angler has to do is make a moderate hook set as they pick the rod out of the sand spike while reeling up the line. Then it is ‘hang on’ time with whatever is on the other end. BEST CONCLUSION When surf fishing on any given day, our choices of rod, reel, line and terminal tackle are just as important as the location, time, and bait we decide on. The “best” surf fishing rig is one that is going to work “best for you” at that spot, on that particular day and time when you have the chance to go! It won’t be the same tackle every day, any more than it will be at the same place or time. The sound investment of a quality, regionally produced and tested pompano rig is just one small purchase in the plethora of choices a conscientious surf angler makes to get the most from their time and sport fishing dollars. Similar type purchases can be made to support your local rod builders, and even locally hand-poured sinkers, or lure makers. The point is, ‘best’ is usually not the cheapest, but it may not be THE most expensive either. Take the time to research what is working best during the period you plan to fish, then give it your best shot!
877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // OCTOBER 2021 51
National Scouting Report Partners with Fishing Chaos for College Anglers Fishing Chaos, an industry platform focused on tournament fishing and charter fishing management, is now a partner of the National Scouting Report (NSR), a world-wide high school scouting and recruiting organization The joint goal is to enhance exposure, recruitment and scholarship rewards for high school bass anglers. NSR identified the critical need for high school bass anglers to have the resources and tools to create recruiting profiles to record, properly document, and validate their catches to help earn scholarships. Fishing Chaos has developed its new Club Module with features that provide high school bass anglers the ability to create custom profiles and track all tournament results regardless of the size or notoriety. By partnering with Fishing Chaos, NSR becomes the only recruiting service in the world that can accurately validate a high school angler’s catch, making it a trusted source for students, scouts, recruiters, and coaches. “We have been developing our club platform for over a year now, and when we had the opportunity to show it to NSR, they immediately saw the opportunity to create something revolutionary for the high school bass angler,” said John Calagaz, Founder and CEO of Fishing Chaos. “Everybody on the Fishing Chaos team is very excited to be a part of helping these students achieve their dream of bass fishing in college.” “By leveraging the Fishing Chaos technology, we have created something exceptional for the high school bass angler,” said NSR President Rusty Rigney. “This revolutionizes high school angler recruiting by collecting comparable, verified catch data from the anglers across the country. This will allow us to create so many new opportunities for these student-anglers.” To get started, high school clubs/teams (through their coach or parents) will be required to enter as a club on the Fishing Chaos platform. More information on this process can be found by contacting Fishing Chaos via their website. Once registered, each angler can create a custom recruiting profile that will be embedded into the NSR Fishing website and available for scouts, recruiters, and coaches to view. To learn more, visit www.fishingchaos.com 52 OCTOBER 2021 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
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1-800-I’M-READY (467-3239) www.bucksisland.com 4500 Hwy. 77 • Southside, AL 35907 877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // OCTOBER 2021 53
Are High End Deer Hunting Blinds Worth It? BY DAVID STRICKLAND
This is a 6X6’ Economy model mounted on a 12’ tower located at Rock Mountain Farms
54 OCTOBER 2021 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
HUNTING The closer it gets to hunting season, the more it looks like almost every product associated with the outdoors has a higher price tag. The check-out counter at most any local sporting goods store is where the new reality hits. From clothing to ammunition to a new 4X4, everything seems to cost more - if you can find it. Some of these higher-end accessories might even cause some hunters to pause before they write that check. This supply/price issue seems to be especially true for items that depend on the import of parts or materials. Although products domestically manufactured have been in short supply, it looks like there may be a bit of relief in sight. With the season nearly here, that’s good news for hunters, but those price increases are taking a little longer for some of us to digest. That’s why it’s a good idea to do a little research when it comes to buying that custom gun, new tractor, or even a high-end deer blind. That way, when it comes time to choose, you’ll be in a better position to compare the numerous offerings in the market. PREMIUM HUNTING BLINDS So, with this in mind, let’s look at the short evolution from wood to more modern materials and what’s involved in producing a high-quality deer blind.
MB Ranch King incorporates a welded steel floor and base for a safe, stable, and longlasting blind.
Not too long ago, wood was the go-to solution for the average hunter. So when they needed to build a shooting house, they gathered up a truckload of 2x6’s, 2x4’s, some plywood, a little paint, and a few posts. But, unfortunately, they would usually fall into disrepair within a few seasons. Granted, a good carpenter can do wonders with wood, but no matter how well-built those wooden structures were, they needed annual maintenance and serious pest control. Also, if you ever needed to move one of these wooden creations, it usually ended up being a lot of work. When wood was cheap, it was an economical option. Fast forward, and plastic, fiberglass, and metal now dominate the materials currently used in the manufacture of the majority of premium hard-sided blinds. Ultimately, each material has its list of pros and cons, but how a manufacturer designs and assembles them is just as important as the exterior. CHARACTERISTICS OF A QUALITY BLIND Comfort - The layout, quality components, and elbow room all work together to create an atmosphere of relaxed enjoyment while waiting on that trophy buck. Safety- Ground-level blinds offer the ultimate answer to a safe entry and exit. However, an elevated blind can be very secure with well-designed access. Strength- A time-tested structure that uses quality materials secured to a sturdy framework creates a product with integrity and durability, even in weather extremes. Longevity- This is the result of premium materials, excellent design, and precise construction. It can be estimated but is best determined by closely examining a product that’s endured the wind and rain for an extended period. DO YOUR HOMEWORK Researching the companies that design and make these products might help you decide which one offers the best buy - in the long run. But the 64 dollar question is, are they worth it? Before you answer it, you might want to look into the customer service,
Ranch King blinds are designed similar to the roll cage of a racing car
877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // OCTOBER 2021 55
Are High End Deer Hunting Blinds Worth It?
My grandson’s smile convinced me of the value of a quality hunting blind
reputation, and track record of a company and its products. I overheard a discussion a while back about blinds and which blind material was best and why. The conversation took the natural route of price, material, comfort, and longevity. Finally, a seasoned veteran spoke up and said, “Wait till a cold, windy, rainy day and head to your nearest blind dealer. Sit in all the different ones there. If you ain’t dry and comfortable, the price don’t matter!” MB RANCH KING So, let’s take a behind-the-scenes look at one of these companies and learn a little about how they make their blinds. It’s a company located in Texas that’s been producing premium hard-sided blinds for nearly two decades. Early on, Mark Bogart, the owner of MB Ranch King, realized that he wanted to create a blind that required little to no maintenance, looked good, and was rugged enough to endure windy conditions, extremes in temperature, and able to be picked up and relocated. In addition, he wanted a blind that would last for many years and allow him to offer 100% customer satisfaction. 56 OCTOBER 2021 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
“My family hunts in Texas and has for the last four generations, we have used deer hunting blinds for over 60 years,” Bogart said. “We have built a lot of blinds through the years and experimented with a lot of designs. We learned that they would usually require work each year before we could use them again for the season. By the time we added up all the materials and the time we put in, the cost each year was very high. We needed a solution that would last, so we developed MB Ranch King Blinds.” MB Ranch King offers insulated and non-insulated blinds as small as 4x5 feet and up to 14x14 feet, but will also customize an order to a client’s specifications. In addition, they also offer a lineup of tower options for elevating various models up to 25 feet. ROLL CAGE DESIGN I recently talked to Mark’s son Corbin about how MB Ranch King builds their blinds. “They start off looking like a roll-cage made out of steel,” he said. “The base
Are High End Deer Hunting Blinds Worth It?
or floor is also steel and provides a rigid, stable platform. Then, we attach the interior and exterior components to that steel frame to form a rock-solid structure.” When I asked about the paint used on the exterior steel panels of the walls and roof of the Economy and Accommodator line, he told me they were laminated rather than painted. He said this lamination withstood the sun and rain much better than paint and allowed them to guarantee the camouflaged exterior for ten years. In addition, he said their precision design enables them to thoroughly seal every opening and provide an air-tight product that assures no pests can invade the blind in the off-season. THE ULTIMATE TEST Before speaking with Corbin, I had examined several of their blinds on display at a local sporting goods store. Everything from the exterior camouflage and carpeting to the near-silent sliding windows was impressive. I also spoke to numerous landowners and hunters that testified to their comfort and longevity. Even the Economy line of blinds has two inches of insulation in the ceiling and a fully carpeted interior to deaden any sounds, but I had never hunted from one, or so I thought. I recently reviewed a few pictures taken during my grandson Daniel’s hunt from January of 2020. He was invited to hunt deer at Rock Mountain Farms near McCalla, Alabama, and I was allowed to tag along. As I scrolled through the photos on my phone, one image showed us standing on a stairway leading up to the shooting blind we hunted in. Those steps seemed familiar, so I then looked at several more photos from our trip and suddenly realized those steps looked like the ones made by Ranch King. So I got in touch with one of our hosts for that hunt, Matt Mullinax, and he verified that the blind we hunted from was indeed one made by MB Ranch King. In addition, he said they had ordered it with windows for both gun and bow use. I remember being impressed by those sturdy hand-rails on either side of the textured steps. That stairway ended at a platform with guardrails where we stood and unlocked the metal door. Matt said the blind we used that day was one of their 6x6 foot Economy models mounted on a 12 foot tower. There was also plenty of room for Daniel’s tripod gun rest and our guide Sparky as he recorded our hunt. It had composite shelving below each window, and the windows were whisper-quiet as I slowly raised and locked them into position. FINAL THOUGHTS MB Ranch King is a family-owned and operated business located in Joshua, Texas. The company’s success has allowed them to expand their line of products to include solar-powered deer and fish feeders, and more recently, an impressive line of cabins. So, back to the 64 dollar question, are they worth it? The smile on my grandson’s face as he posed with his 20 point buck is all the answer I need!
Contact Information Ranch King Blinds Joshua, Texas 76058 205-243-9837 Office: 817-558-7320 Toll-free: 800-763-7320 Ranchkingblinds.com. Rocky Mountain Farms 4629 County Road 805 McCalla, Alabama Rockmtnfarms.com
BY HIMTNJERKY.COM
Recipe and images courtesy of www.himtnjerky.com
Venison Pastrami Ingredients
• • • • •
1 2 to 3 lb. venison roast Hi Mountain Seasonings Game Bird & Poultry Brine Mix 2 tbsp Hi Mountain Seasonings Garlic Pepper Rub 1 tbsp ground coriander 1/4 cup beef stock
Instructions
1. 2. 3.
4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
Trim any fat or silver skin off the venison roast. Mix one pouch of Hi Mountain Seasonings Game Bird & Poultry Brine Mix with 3 1/2 quarts of water. Add the venison roast to the brine and refrigerate for seven days. After refrigerating for seven days, remove the venison roast from the brine and rinse thoroughly. Soak the venison roast in a water bath for two hours, changing the water once during this process. Remove the venison roast from the water bath and dry with paper towel. Place the venison roast on a rack to air dry for one hour. In a small bowl, mix the Hi Mountain Seasonings Garlic Rub and coriander together. Liberally cover all sides of the roast with this mixture. Set the smoker/pellet grill to 200 degrees F and place the roast in the smoker. Once the internal temperature of the roast reaches 150 degrees F remove from the smoker. Place the roast on a large piece of tin foil. Pour the beet stock on top of the roast and seal the foil tightly around the roast. Place the roast back into the smoker and steam for another 30 minutes. Remove foil-wrapped venison roast from smoker and carefully take the roast out of the foil. Let the venison pastrami rest for 20 minutes before slicing and serving.
Note: Use a meat thermometer to make sure the internal cooking temperature has reached 150 degrees F.
877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // OCTOBER 2021 57
Pond Stocking and Maintenance BY WILLIAM KENDY
If shore and aquatic vegetation can‘t be controlled by cutting then herbicides can be used to bring the pond into balance.
58 OCTOBER 2021 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
FISHING Congratulations. You are now the proud owner of your own fishing pond. You invested thousands of dollars, a bunch of time and effort and not to mention, a lot of sweat to make sure that your own private fishing mecca was built absolutely perfect. The banks have the right slope, it has access and is “fisherman friendly”, there is fishing holding and nurturing contours, benches, drop-offs and even structure on the bottom and edges, the dam and spillways are solid with the correct slope in front and back and everything is in place. The watershed is large enough to ensure an on-going pond water level, all of the safeguards are in place and you are rocking and rolling. Ok…so now you have a great “state-of-the-art” pond…but, uh…there is nothing to catch…now what? Norman Latona is president of Southeastern Pond Management, which offers services that cover the waterfront of pond development and management. SEPond provides ecosystem analysis, management programs, pond construction, liming, fertilizing, fish inventory assessment, removal processes, stocking of forage and game fish, maintenance and more. As weird as it sounds, when you are starting out, having a pond that is devoid of any fish is a good thing if your primary goal is to manage the pond for fishing. “When you are restocking or stocking fish for the first time it is critical that the water we are stocking is free of fish,” Latona said. “We need to prep it properly and make sure that there is nothing that will compete with what we are going to introduce and interfere with that dynamic.” Latona said that a popular misconception of pond owners is that the pond has to be fully full before stocking efforts start. “We stock a lot of ponds that are a quarter or a third of the way full and that is typically plenty,” Latona said. Regardless of whether you want to manage the pond for trophy bass, big bluegill, crappie or to have a sparkling pond for your grandkids to swim in and catch whatever bites, the forage fish always, always, always go in first. Latona emphasized the importance of allowing the forage fish time to establish themselves and go through at least one spawning cycle before predator fish, like bass, are introduced. “The more secure and abundant the food source, the faster the bass are going to grow. When I say forage fish, I’m talking about everything from bluegill to shellcrackers, fathead minnows, golden shiners and even threadfin shad,” Latona said. “Typically, the bluegill that we stock are in the one-to-two-inch size range and the ideal forage stocking timeline is from early fall all the way to late winter.” How many forage fish and largemouth bass should you stock? According to Latona the time-honored standard is approximately 10 forage fish to one predator per acre, which is a 10 to 1 ratio. That can change depending on what the pond owner wants to accomplish. If the goal is to produce trophy bass, Latona may cut down on the number of bass stocked or substantially increase the number of forage fish to make sure that those bass that are stocked have plenty to eat for maximum weight gain. On the other hand, if the goal is to ensure a bunch of respectable medium size bass to catch and large trophy size fish aren’t really in the picture, the ratio of bass introduced may increase as well as the forage fish at the beginning of the process. EROSION A pond is a “physical plant” and over time, it will show signs of aging and deterioration. Probably the most common and damaging problems ponds have are shoreline erosion and erosion around dams and spillways.
“The pond is obviously going to be the lowest spot and all the water will run to it and that running water will cut its way through the bank. The remedy is to make sure that the banks are properly sloped, seeded, mulched and that there is an established stand of “non-woody” native grasses and vegetation established all the way around the water’s edge,” Latona explained. “Otherwise, you can get water channels and cuts that will deteriorate the shorelines and structure of the pond and it can become quite a mess.” Latona said that if the pond is big enough and has significant wave action that can erode the banks it may even be necessary to add rock or rip-rap to break up that wave lapping action. Latona emphasized that it is really important to make sure that your dams are safe and that there are no channels or ditches undercutting the foundation. In addition, make sure it is absolutely free of woody vegetation in the front, top and back sides and the reason is roots. “While woody vegetation and the subsequent roots anchor the soil to some extent and help prevent erosion, they can severely tunnel underneath and even into the dam and if a storm knocks down that tree suddenly you have a big hole that most likely will fill with water and possible result in structural problem,” Latona said. “You want the sides, top and back of the dam to be free of woody vegetation and have the right slope to be able to use a bush hog or other equipment to keep things cut or, if necessary, you can use herbicides”. “WEED AND AQUATIC VEGETATION While weeds can be beneficial in stabilizing soil and helping with erosion control and aquatic vegetation provide cover for bass and other fish, sometimes it can just get out of control and literally take over a pond. The question becomes, “How much vegetation is too much?”. While chemicals have their place in the pond management arsenal, there are other more organic ways to control a pond’s vegetation inventory. Latona pointed out that most aquatic nuisance plants have their origins in the mud in the bottom of the pond and need sunlight to develop and grow. Consequently, by coloring the water and limiting the amount of sunlight that penetrates down into the water column to the mud, that alone inhibits aquatic weed growth and that means fertilizing and even liming.. While on the surface, it sounds nonsensical and rather contradictory, applying sound pond management techniques such as fertilizing and liming to support algae growth, can cut down on unwanted aquatic growth by reducing the amount of sunlight exposure to the problem vegetation. “When you talk about liming and fertilizing to control vegetation, it sounds kind of counterintuitive in that you would think that if you fertilize you will grow more weeds,” Latona said. “But what we are attempting to do is grow planktonic algae in the water that give a pond that green tint, reduce sunlight penetration and stop weed growth.” “Collectively, that actually adds up to a giant shade cloth and cuts down on the visibility and sunlight penetration. Those weeds need to have sunlight to grow and if we can keep some of the sunlight off of them, we can usually control the growth because most aquatic weeds need to have some pretty intense direct sunlight to grow,” he said. If the liming and fertilizing strategy isn’t cutting it, there are other options, including aquatic herbicides and, especially in shallow ponds, introducing grass carp. “Grass carp are not going to completely eradicate aquatic vegetation unless you stock them at a super high density but they are a piece of the puzzle and part of the strategic solution,” Latona said 877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // OCTOBER 2021 59
Land Loan Interest Rate Update BY WILLIAM KENDY
First South Farm Credit (FSFC) has been financing rural land since 1916. Since it was founded over 100 years ago, FSFC now has grown to over 40 branches with 9,000 members and serves the “Deep South” in Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi.
develop his property or its habitat or the amount of wildlife there. If you’re playing in the dirt, we want to be in there with you, as long as you’re improving the value of the dirt, which is the collateral of the loan,” Hart said.
As an affiliate of the national Farm Credit System, a network of borrower-owned lending institutions, First South Farm Credit specializes in providing credit for farming operations that include crops, livestock, land, and timber. FSFC is also chartered to help with financing lifestyle farms, rural home sites or rural land tracts for enjoyment or investment purposes.
But wait, it gets better.
As a rural lender, First South Farm Credit basically lends money to people for pretty much anything that they want to do “in the dirt”. That could be row cropping, growing timber, raising livestock or farming for wildlife. It doesn’t stop there. FSFC can assist a property holder in enhancing the value of the land. That includes things such as improving timber stands, clear-cutting, clearing roads, planting green fields, building ponds and planting trees and shrubs to improve green areas and cover for deer and turkey. It even encompasses lending money for controlled burns and planting of grasses and grain crops for things such as quail development and assisting in constructing access roads. “First South Farm Credit can make construction loans and, if needed, can turn those loans into long-term loans. Some landowners are building secondary homes, hunting cabins or lodges, and others want to put their primary residences on 20 to 30 acres” says Taylor Hart, the branch manager of First South Farm Credit in Opelika, AL. “Perhaps that person wants to sit on his or her back porch and look at a pond and we make loans for pond construction as well.” “First South can make loans for anything a landowner wants to do to 60 OCTOBER 2021 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
In addition to its extensive experience in agricultural and land financing, one thing that sets First South Farm Credit apart from other lenders is that they are a cooperative. When you borrow money from FSFC, you become a member and that means you own part of the business. That ownership entitles you to share in the profits through their Patronage Refund Payment Program. In other words, First South Farm Credit gives its customers, who are actually owners, money back. While it can’t guarantee payments back to you or the exact rate of return, as long as it remains profitable and well capitalized, FSFC is committed to sharing its profits and has made patronage payments for the past 26 consecutive years. As of September 10, 2021, most rates for land loans at First South Farm Credit are in the low to high 4% range. Stated rates are dependent on an individual’s credit rating, terms of the loan, collateral value and other deciding factors. In addition to financing land, FSFC can also finance both new and used tractors and other equipment and implements. Call one of our branches for current interest rates and terms. First South Farm Credit has sixteen (16) locations in Alabama. You can call 1-800-955-1722 or visit their website at FirstSouthLand. com to find the location nearest you – and to start the conversation about financing your land.
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FISHING TOURNAMENTS NEAR YOU
Fishing Tournaments
near you
Jimmy Sanders Memorial Mississippi Lionfish Challenge
Spearfishing clubs are encouraged to participate in trying to remove this invasive fish from Gulf waters.This event is scored by the quantity of fish taken. Overall prizes will be awarded for 1st and 2nd place for total number of Lionfish turned in over the entire tournament season, and another prize for the Angler with the most trip submissions. May 14, 2021-December 1, 2021
Local 399 Texas Sabine Slam
Slam event mean longest total length of each of the 3 fish, red, trout, and flounder. With side big fish pots for each. Will be a three day event October 8th, 9th, and 10th. Fishing will start at 0700 on the 8th and end at 1500 on the 10th. $65 buy in= $30 to slam, $10 big red, $10 big flounder, $10 big trout. $5 goes to tournament fees. Reds must be in the slot (20”-28”) Specks must be over 13” Flounder must be over 13” Anglers must catch 1 of each of the 3 to qualify for main ticket, if no one catches all 3 we will resort to biggest of 2 of species.Tournament is all inshore, the cut-off will be HWY 124, HWY I-10, the Louisiana shoreline, and the Beach shoreline (Sabine waterway systems, Texas licensed) This is a BOAT, BANK, OR KAYAK event, just get to the water. October 8, 2021-October 10, 2021
KBF CHAMPIONSHIPS (NationalChallenge- Trail Series and Team Cup)
HOST: Shreveport/Bossier Sports Authority, the Red River Commission and Louisiana Travel. ENTRY FEES • National Championship: $300.00 • Trail Series Championship: $150.00 • Challenge Series Championship: $115.00 • Team Cup $500 per Team Cup information How to create a Team tutorial October 13, 2021-October 15, 2021
KBF Challenge Series - Oct State Challenge Format: A month long CPR (catch-photo-release) online “virtual” tournament in which bass are photographed on an approved measuring board along with an Event Identifier Card then uploaded via the Fishing Chaos App. Minimum length: 12.00” Number of Fish: 5 Number of Photos Scored: There’s no limit to the number you may submit; fish with lower scores are automatically replaced by those with higher scores. The score of all photos remaining on the Leader Board at end of competition (up to five in this Challenge) are added to give each Competitor’s score. October 1, 2021 - October 31, 2021
KBF & FC with Bucketmouth Brand MEMBERS ONLY event Big Bass Tournament 20” plus • Grand Prize – BlueSky Boatworks Angler 360 • Second Place – Jackson Kayak (Model TBD) • Third Place – Jackson Kayak (Model TBD) • Monthly Prize Packs, Mystery Fish and Bounty Fish March 15, 2021-December 31, 2021
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Serving gardeners, farmers and everyone in between
®
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BY HANK SHAW Photos by Holly A. Heyser
Squirrel Stew with Paprika and Greens Prep: 20 mins • Cook: 2 hours • Total: 2 hrs 20 mins Ingredients
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
3 squirrels, cut into serving pieces Salt Flour for dusting 1/3 cup olive oil 2 cups sliced onion 3 garlic cloves, minced 1 heaping tablespoon tomato paste 1 cup white wine 1/4 cup cider vinegar 1 heaping teaspoon dried savory or oregano 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes 1 heaping tablespoon paprika 2 to 3 cups of whole peeled tomatoes, torn into large pieces 1-lb smoked sausage, such as kielbasa or linguica, sliced into bite-sized pieces 1-lb greens, kale, chard, collards, wild greens, etc. Black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Salt the squirrel pieces well and then dust in
2.
3.
4.
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flour. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or other heavy, lidded pot over medium-high heat. Brown the squirrels in batches, being sure to not overcrowd the pot. Move the browned pieces to a plate or cutting board while you cook the rest. When the squirrels have been nicely browned, remove them all from the pot and add the onion. Sauté the onion until it just begins to brown on the edges, about 6 to 8 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute. Add the tomato paste, mix well and cook this for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often. Pour in the white wine, vinegar and about 1 quart of water. Add the savory, red pepper flakes and paprika, then the torn-up tomatoes, then the squirrel. Mix well and bring to a simmer. Add salt to taste and cook gently until the squirrel wants to fall off the bone, about 90 minutes. Fish out all the squirrel pieces and pull them off the bone -- this makes the stew a lot easier to eat. Return them to the pot. Add the smoked sausage and the greens and cook until the greens are done, about 10 minutes (If you are using collards, they need more than 10 minutes to cook so adjust accordingly). Add salt, black pepper, chile and vinegar to taste and serve with crusty bread.
CAMPHOUSE KITCHEN
Italian Venison Meatballs Prep: 1 hour • Cook: 20 mins • Total: 1 hour 20 mins
2.
Ingredients
• • • • • • • • • • • • •
2 1/2 pounds lean venison, or other meats 1 pound pork belly or fatty pork shoulder 2/3 cup milk 3 slices bread, crusts removed 2 eggs 1 tablespoon Kosher salt 1 tablespoon black pepper 1 teaspoon fennel seeds (optional) 1 teaspoon dried oregano ° 2 cloves garlic, minced 4 tablespoons grated cheese, pecorino or parmigiana 1 1/2 cups bread crumbs Olive oil for frying
Instructions OPTIONAL HAND GRINDING STEP 1. Chill the venison and pork fat until it is almost freezing by sticking it in the freezer for an hour. Cut both the meat and fat into chunks that will fit in your grinder. Grind through your fine die. If you do not have a meat grinder, you can use a food processor, set on pulse. Don’t crowd the processor and chop the meat in pulses until you get something that looks like ground meat — it will not be as good as with a grinder, but it is easier than hand-mincing everything, which is also an option. Put the meat in the fridge. MEATBALLS 1. Pour the milk into a pot and set it on low heat. Cut the crusts off
3. 4. 5.
6. 7.
the stale bread and break it into pieces. Add it to the pot. It will begin to absorb the milk. When it does, turn off the heat and mash everything into a paste. Let it cool to room temperature. Put the ground meat into a large bowl, add the salt and spices and herbs, as well as the cheese. Crack the eggs into the bowl, then pour the bread-milk mixture in. With clean hands, gently mix everything together. Do not knead it like bread, and do not squeeze things together. Just gently work the mixture — think cake, not bread. When it is mostly combined — you need not get everything perfect — grab a palm-full and roll it into a ball with your palms, not your fingers. You want meatballs about 1 to 1 1/2 inches across. Gently roll the meatballs in the bread crumbs. You may need to re-shape them before putting them onto a cookie sheet lined with wax or parchment paper. When the meatballs are all made, get a large pan ready; I use a big, old cast-iron frying pan. Fill it with about 1/4 inch of oil. I use cheap olive oil. Bring it up to temperature over medium-high heat. You are looking for about 325°F. Set the meatballs in the hot oil, not touching, to fry. You want the oil to come up halfway on the meatballs. Add a little oil if need be; don’t worry, you can reuse it later. Fry until nicely browned, then turn them over to brown the other side. When cooked, set the meatballs on a paper towel or wire rack to drain. They can be used right away or cooled and then refrigerated for a week, or frozen for several months. How to serve? You could do worse with a marinara sauce, or my Tomato Sauce with Fennel.
Notes If you start with ground meat, the prep time for this recipe drops to about 20 minutes. 877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // OCTOBER 2021 65
NEW & COOL GEAR BY WILLIAM KENDY
Ugly Stik Multi-Tool
The Ugly Stik Multi-Tool has 11 essential functions to keep you prepared to handle just about any fishing challenges and solutions. Constructed of stainless-steel it features non-slip handles and a belt clip, this 4 ½ inch closed length tool sports coatings that ensure that the jaws and blades won’t corrode or pit. From split rings to cutting line to opening bottles, the Ugly Stik Multi-Tool has you covered. Fish Ugly Suggested Retail Price: $39.99 www.purefishing.com
Hunting Attractant Made for Hunters
Hypnotik is an all-season calming deer attractant with a unique combination and blending of bedding areas and deer scents which calms bucks and does alike while masking human odors. Hypnotik Plus is the rut phase product which features Estrus and designed to be used in real and mock buck scrapes, ground trees, shrubbery and leaves to draw in bucks. Suggested Retail Price: $19.00 www.shadowmajikoutdoors.com
SCALES First Mates® Exclusive Performance Boardshort
The SCALES First Mates™ is a 20” core fit, 4-way stretch hybrid ultimate fishing short with a padded chamois waistband to relieve pressure points from rod butts while fighting a fish. Additionally, the reinforced technology provides extra comfort and support in the process. The large walkshort-style pockets are lined with quick-dry mesh while the plier pocket is 600 denier spun tough polyester with easy access. Suggested Retail Price: $60.00 www.scalesgear.com
Millennium’s M360 Revolution Hang-On Stand
The M360 Revolution is a swiveling 20 inch wide seat built on an over-size 40-inch circular checkerboard steel powder-coated platform, with the seat in the middle, so the hunter is set back from the tree with the ability to swivel in all directions. It mounts with four points of contact and it’s easy-to-use makes set-up and take-down a breeze and features a built-in level bubble. Suggested Retail Price: $ 329.99 www.Millennium-outdoors.com
HOT SHOT - A Shirt for All Season and Pursuits The HOT SHOT is a ¼ Zip Performance Hunting Shirt is designed as a midweight shirt that can be worn alone on warmer days or used as a base layer when heavier clothing is needed. It’s 95% polyester and 5% spandex blend provides adequate fit and stretch, durability and it’s just really comfortable. Available in Realtree Edge or Veil Cervidae. Suggested Retail Price: $49.99 www.hotshotgear.com
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NEW AND COOL GEAR FOR OUTDOORSMEN
Cyclops eFlex 400 Designed for Grab-and-go Adventurists Incorporating a rugged ABS housing in a comfortable and adjustable headband, the eFlex 400 offers left and right-side soft-touch switches, a pivoting head and is powered by a 3.74V/400mAh rechargeable battery. The primary 400 lumen CreeXP-G3 4W Led illuminates your way and the secondary LED is switchable between red, green, blue and white light. It is IPX% waterproof and comes with a USB charging cable. Suggested Retail Price: $32.99 www.cyclopssolutions.com
Announcing Dixie Jet’s Pro Series Gizzard Spoon
Made from marine grade brass in a cupped teardrop shape, the Jet Pro creates an irresistible fluttering action that perfectly mimics a dying shad falling through the water column. It is weighted to fall one foot backwards per every one foot of depth so that anglers can reach farther back into shaded areas like boat docks and the VMC treble hook ensures a high hook up ratio. Suggested Retail Price: $11.87 www.dixiejetlures.com
Now from Micro-Air - The EasyStart™ Soft Starter
EasyStart™ is a one-of-a-kind custom-developed soft starter for single-phase motors. It electronically reduces the high-power start-up current needed to start your AC and permits you to both start and run your AC at the much lower voltage current needed to run it. Start and run your AC with 65-75% less power and it is perfect for RVs and trailers powered by portable generators. Suggested Retail Price: $299.00 www.micro-air.com
ALPS Introduces the Covert Lumbar Pack
The Covert offers a fully adjustable wide and padded waist belt designed to distribute weight around the torso. It offers an 8-liter capacity, several storage pockets and a small zippered storage pocket on both the right and left sides of the waist belt. A secured storage compartment, a water bottle pocket, a smart phone pocket and a dual quick release buckle and strap system are included. Suggested Retail Price: $59.99 www.alpsoutdoorz.com
New On-line “Shopping Mall” for Hunting Equipment
If you are looking to buy and sell used and even new hunting equipment, look no further. The Hunting Exchange is a new on-line service that can help you find what you are looking for, from boots to bows and arrows, decoys, optics, treestands and blinds and more. Plus, if you have hunting gear that you want to sell, listing and selling it online is easy and safe. For more information go to www.hunting-exchange.com.
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Why Are There Seasons and Catch Limits for Alabama Fish?
BY CHRIS BLANKENSHIP Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation & Natural Resources
The waters of Alabama and the Gulf of Mexico are teeming with fish of all shapes and sizes. The amazing colors in God’s palette lend themselves to adorn the beautiful fish we all love to reel in and admire — and eat! There’s a catch when it comes to your catches though: If it’s not in season or within the size limit, you’ll have to throw it back. It can be tempting to keep a tasty red snapper in the spring or stock up on big momma speckled trout, but Alabama’s fishing rules and regulations are more than just arbitrary restrictions. Every time you throw back a fish that is not in season or not the right size, you’re helping Alabama’s natural populations sustain and replenish themselves. This may seem like an obvious responsibility — to do our part to help our diverse ecosystems flourish — but without strict oversight of our local fisheries, we’d be at risk of overfishing. In fact, overfishing isn’t as uncommon as you might think. Both in our nation and worldwide, many examples come to mind of fisheries that, unchecked, become imperiled very quickly. The reef fisheries around Puerto Rico were in almost total collapse a few years ago but are rebuilding now, thanks to new limits, and you
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can ask Maryland and Virginia why Alabama processors ship lots of our blue crab up their way. Thankfully for us and our neighbors, the good work of Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources biologists and enforcement officers is keeping the fish and seafood stocks in our waters trending in the right direction. Sustainable harvest of fish, crabs, oyster, shrimp and other aquatic sea life is part of what makes living on and visiting Alabama’s coast so special and memorable. Simply put, our fisheries must limit harvesting to allow populations to replenish themselves and enforce fishing methods that won’t have a damaging environmental impact, all while complying with state, national and international regulations. Most minimum size limits of fish are set just above the length where most of the fish of that species reach sexual maturity. This just makes good common sense. For stocks to replenish themselves, we need the fish to spawn at least once before they are harvested. When you catch an 11-inch flounder, throw it back and let it find a female friend and do its
FROM THE COMMISSIONER thing so they can make a bunch of baby flounder that we can harvest in future years. While it is important for the fish to spawn at least once before harvest, some fish species have egg production that is exponentially larger as they get bigger. That is why we have some fish with slot sizes where you can only keep one fish over a certain size. This has been the case for red drum for a long time. We added a slot limit for spotted sea trout (speckled trout) a couple of years ago. Speckled trout females over 22 inches produce millions more eggs than fish in the 15- to 16-inch range. We want those big momma fish out there spawning away to produce the amount of fish needed to sustain the fishing pressure increase we have seen over the last decade on speckled trout. And it is working. We have seen populations of flounder and spotted sea trout trending in the right direction just two years after we modified our regulation to provide those two species with more protections. Some fish don’t have populations that can sustain a year-round season and, therefore, have quotas or overfishing limits that are used to set seasons that keep those stocks healthy or rebuilding. We have specific seasons for red snapper, grouper, triggerfish and amberjack and other species that were at one time each severely overfished and in peril. We can all debate if the current federally set quotas are reasonable or if those seasons are too short, but one thing is for sure: If we had not made changes to limit the harvest to some level when we did in the early 2000s, those stocks would be almost nonexistent today. Limits for both commercial and recreational harvests are critical to the sustainability of our resources. They are designed to maintain current stock levels or to increase abundance of a stock. Some species just need to have a population sufficient to reproduce annually, but other species need several years to reach maturity. Those that need more time
are generally the ones that have experienced overharvesting. We at DCNR are working to grow all of our stocks. While it’s our human responsibility to protect and maintain our aquatic ecosystems, sustainability isn’t just an environmental issue. It’s an effort that’s intrinsically tied to our seafood industry as well. For example, if Alabama anglers and commercial fishermen were to overfish a particular species, our seafood processors eventually would have to limit the amount of that product they could distribute, which would limit that product on restaurant menus. And if this trend were to continue, it could cause that species to disappear from Gulf waters altogether. Seasons and quotas are not the burden you might think they are on Alabama chefs though. When a Gulf seafood product is limited to certain seasons or amounts, our Southern chefs get creative. Our waters are home to much, much more than the typical snapper, grouper and flounder you may be used to seeing on the menu. Sustainability allows our restaurants and markets to feature these popular favorites, but chefs also make great entrees of other species previously thought to be “trash fish” that are just as tasty even though they’re less widely known. Sheepshead, drum and Spanish mackerel are a few good examples. Catch limits may seem like a pain when you’re out fishing, but it is important to remember that those limits are in place to maintain healthy, sustainable stocks so we can all catch and cook those species for many years to come. So while it may be a bummer to throw back some wouldbe prize fish on your next fishing trip, remember that you’re directly contributing to the sustainability of Alabama’s fisheries.
g, n i t n u H , e s n Defe ical t c a T , g n i t o o Sh
AR’s purpose built to suit your needs Building purpose driven firearms for what you want to do. Small family owned modern sporting rifle manufacturer.
850-832-2238 877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // OCTOBER 2021 69
The Evolution of Hunter Education
If you were born after August 1, 1977, you need to take a hunter education course. With many states across the country beginning to open up in late April, I took the opportunity to visit some of my counterparts during the month of May. After enduring Zoom calls for the past 12 months, I was more than ready to have some face-to-face meetings for a change. Not to mention it was still turkey season in many of those states. Traveling to other parts of the country and meeting with other state directors and their staffs provide excellent opportunities for me to evaluate many of our Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) programs to see how they stack up nationally. In addition, hunting in other states allows me to evaluate those same programs from a completely different point of view. BY CHARLES “CHUCK” SYKES Director of the Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF)
My travels this spring took me to a couple of Midwestern states as well as several states in the Northeast. Despite what many of our critics say, Alabama hunters have it pretty good when it comes to reasonable rules and regulations. I
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found out quickly that attempting to purchase a license in many states can be a cumbersome task for someone coming from Alabama who is exempt from having to take Hunter Education. When it came time to purchase a non-resident license, I had to supply the state with my hunter ed number. Luckily for me, I took the course years ago even though I didn’t need it to hunt in Alabama. Unfortunately, my hunting partner had not. So, why did this matter? Even though this particular hunter had purchased a license, had hunted in Alabama for decades, and was legally exempt from having to take a hunter ed course in Alabama, my friend was not automatically “grandfathered” in for hunting in other states. This means if you do not have hunter ed and are not grandfathered due to age in the state you are going to, you will still need to take the course. And before you ask, the State of Alabama cannot legally issue you a hunter ed card just because you are grandfathered here.
FROM THE DIRECTOR Before I go any further, let’s back up a bit and simply look at what hunter ed is and its history in Alabama. The purpose of these programs is to teach hunters to practice firearm and hunting safety. They are important because they decrease hunting-related shooting incidents and other hunting injuries and promote responsible hunter behavior, including compliance with hunting laws and regulations. In Alabama, hunter ed started as a voluntary program in 1973, with most classes during this time taught in high school vocational, agriculture, and ROTC programs. Since the program was voluntary, the number of students certified each year was relatively low compared to hunter numbers. After several years of “voluntary” hunter ed, no noticeable decrease in the number of hunting incidents was observed. In an effort to reduce the number of hunting incidents each season, the program became mandatory in Alabama in 1993 for anyone born after August 1, 1977. The first year, the number of students taking the class more than doubled, and the number of hunting incidents started to noticeably decrease after a few years of the mandatory classes. This confirmed that mandatory hunter ed was successful, but, as the need for classes increased through the years, it became more difficult to keep up with the demand. These classes were labor-intensive for the WFF staff and hunter education volunteers. They were also very time-consuming for the students. Long before I became director, I had to take a hunter ed course when I was in my early 30s so that I could purchase a license in Colorado. At that point in time, Alabama had moved from a completely in-person class to an online course with a mandatory field day to receive certification. In my opinion, I wasted my Saturday attending the field day and, more importantly, I took up a slot that could’ve been utilized by someone who really needed the course and the instructor’s time.
Fast forward a decade. When I became director, advances in technology enabled WFF to offer an all-online hunter ed course option starting in 2013. The public response was overwhelmingly positive, and the number of students certified increased dramatically. Since then, the number of students certified per year has remained consistent at around 12,00013,000 annually. Alabama currently offers an all in-person course for individuals who need the hands-on learning environment and the all-online version for people who do not. One thing my spring trip taught me was to make sure in the future that everyone with me checks the hunter ed requirements in the state we are going to well before we leave. Better yet, I’m advising my hunting partners to go ahead and complete a course now, before it becomes an issue. There is always something to be learned in a hunter ed class to keep you safe in the field, and it never hurts to take a refresher. Once a hunter is certified, all 50 states recognize and accept every other state’s certification. When hunters take hunter ed in Alabama, they are good for life in all 50 states and several foreign countries as well. Hunter ed, nationally, plays a crucial role in keeping hunting safe. For many, hunting is not just recreation, but a way of life. Injuries or unethical acts serve to undermine public support for hunting. Hunter ed is on the front line in limiting those events that threaten the future of hunting. It is important to make sure you know what the requirements are when hunting in another state, as every state is different. Just as you need to learn the seasons, bag limits, and laws for the species you are hunting, hunter ed requirements should be part of your hunting plans. For more information on hunter ed certification in Alabama, visit https://www.outdooralabama.com/hunting/hunter-education-alabama
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877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // OCTOBER 2021 71
Sighting In Your Rifle
Using a target with a one-inch grid pattern helps the sighting-in process.
“You look like you’ve seen a ghost,” exclaimed my buddy Wade as he saw me staring at the target 100 yards down range. It was mid-October and we had gone to the range to double check our scope’s zero before gun season opened a month later. I was surprised because at the end of turkey season, we had checked our zero at the range before putting the rifles backup for deer season. My rifle, a woodstocked .270 Ruger M77, was 2 ½ inches high and dead-on at 100 yards for a three-shot group. Now, five months later, the three-shot group was way off and I was puzzled.
BY CRAIG HANEY Photo submitted by Craig Haney
I knew I had not dropped or bumped the rifle since the last sight-in. Finally, it dawned on me that the horribly high humidity in Alabama probably caused the stock to swell and affect my rifle’s accuracy. Wood stocks love to absorb humidity, or dry out, either one causing a shift in your bullets’ impact. Synthetic and laminated stocks are stable as are AR stocks and chassis stocks, Since I had time before rifle season for deer opened, I ordered a synthetic stock for my M77, installed the barreled action and never had the problem again. REASONS YOUR RIFLE KEEPS MISSING One reason could be high humidity like what affected
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my rifle or it could be operator error. Operator error can include things like not making sure the base and rings are solidly attached or bumping your rifle against something solid like a tree trunk as you lower your rifle from your tree stand. If you are on a hunt that involves air travel maybe your gun case has been dropped or fallen off the conveyor and your scope is no longer zeroed. Big game guides will have a sight-in session with their hunters from a shooting bench before they start their hunt. Often the hunter doesn’t sight-in his rifle before the new season because it was “dead-on” last season or his buddy loaned him a rifle that he “never has missed with” or the dealer told him his brand new rifle was “ready to go.” Too many hunters think if their rifle is sighted in with a certain grain bullet then it is good to go with any brand of bullet in that grain weight. It may be close or it may not but you don’t know until you sight it in properly. There are different methods of sighting-in a rifle but I believe the method that accounts best for the variability or imprecision of the rifle and ammo combination is the three-shot group. There is no substitute for shooting off a solid foundation when
THE GUN RACK
sighting-in; a rolled up jacket on the hood of your truck, or something similar, is not a suitable shooting rest. BORE SIGHTING Bore sighting with a collimator or laser bore-sight usually will save time and ammo at the start of the process of sighting-in your rifle. PAPER FIRST “Getting on paper” is the act of making sure your first shots are fairly close to the aiming point of your scope before you start-out at 100 yards to sight-in your rifle. If you start out with a target 100 yards away and your scope is really off then your shot may not hit the paper. If that happens, you have no clue as to how to adjust your scope plus you are wasting ammo. When you place the target at 25 yards and aim at the bulls-eye, it is almost certain you will be on the paper and can make adjustments before finishing your zeroing-in at 100 yards. FINE TUNE YOUR SHOT GROUP Using 100 yards for your zero range, set up your target and fire three shots. Fire these shots deliberately with controlled breathing and concentration on squeezing the trigger. Again you need a solid rest for the best accuracy. Check the three-shot group on the target to find the approximate center. This will be used as the point of impact for further adjustments. CALIBRATING YOUR SCOPE Targets with a one-inch grid pattern are preferred when possible since they make it easier to calculate and adjust your scope.
Assume the center of these three shots is four inches below and two inches to the right of the bulls-eye. We want to move the bullet impact point four inches higher and left two inches. Adjust the elevation and windage dials to change the bullet to the desired point of impact. Most scope dials will have “1/4 inch MOA” or “¼ inch at 100 yards” printed on the dial or scope caps. This means for each click up or down you will move the point of impact ¼ inch at 100 yards. The elevation dial has an up indicator and the windage dial has a right indicator. Some scope dials will be calibrated for ½ inch movement at 100 yards and some will be calibrated in mils (milliradians) which translates to 3.6 inches at 100 yards or 36 inches at a 1000 yards. Use the same sight-in process for either of these calibrations. For our scenario of four inches low and two inches right and the target at 100 yards, move the elevation dial up 16 clicks in the up direction to move the bullet impact four inches higher. Then move the windage dial eight clicks in the left direction and you should be on the bulls-eye. Fire another three-shot group from the rest to make sure you made the correct adjustments. If the group is not like you want, fire another three-shot group to adjust. FINAL ZERO I have for many years adjusted my zero on my .270 and similar calibers to be 1 1/2 inches high at 100 yards and that has served me well hunting medium game from southern bottomlands to the southern Rockies. You may want or need a different zero for your rifle and a ballistic calculator such as the one by Federal Premium will help you make the right choice. Simply enter the needed information and you will get a ballistics chart specifically for sighting-in your rifle. 877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // OCTOBER 2021 73
Electric Outboard Motor Points To Consider Getting ready for a trip with the Torqeedo system takes only moments.
The late morning was already hot and it was getting hotter. My buddy Tim Perkins and I had fished hard since daybreak, and I was ready to go back to camp and get some food, rest, and hydration. But there was that long paddle back to the launch. I was not looking forward to sweating my way paddling back through the bayous and open water. I saw Tim round a corner of the bayou to come my way. He told me he was ready to head in, too. Then he said, “How about a tow?”
BY ED MASHBURN Photos by Ed Mashburn
I’m a pretty self-reliant person, and I don’t like to owe anyone for helping me, but when Tim took my bowline and secured it to his kayak and then kicked his Torqeedo electric motor on and we began to effortlessly glide across the water of the bayou and then quickly and safely make our way across the choppy open
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water to our launch, I was most grateful. With the help of Tim and his Torqeedo motor, what would have been a hot, dreary and exhausting paddle became an easy, comfortable and most importantly, fast trip back to the car. All I could think of when we had the kayaks loaded and were on our way back to camp were Coach Bear Bryant’s words, “I got to get me one of those!” WHAT IT IS When we got back to camp and rested a bit, I examined the Torqeedo mounted to my buddy’s kayak. It looked nice, was small in size, and its steering system appeared to be well-made and it worked with no effort required to steer the unit and the kayak. And the most impressive thing was the small size and light weight of the battery which makes the motor work. This battery can be easily picked up by one hand, and it stores very nicely in the back well of any kayak. I talked to Tim Perkins, a very successful kayak fishing tournament angler, about his Torqeedo motor and what it is. “The range on this motor and battery is the biggest difference
PADDLE FISHING between the Torqeedo and the other motors on the market. The range on these batteries is Number One- nothing on the market compares to the Torqeedo batteries,” Perkins said. The light weigh, small size, easy charging system, and it’s the safest lithium battery on the market, and the battery floats- makes the Torqeedo system superior to everything else out there,” he added. I can bear witness. That Torqeedo motor system moved Tim around fishing hard all morning and it moved both of our kayaks back to the launch easily, and there was still lots of power left in the battery for that evening’s fishing. This is a strong, reliable electric motor system for a fishing kayak. HOW IT WORKS A very important consideration for any kayak angler looking to install a motor system on the craft is range. How far will the motor push the boat? “It depends on how hard you push the throttle. If you use it at full throttle until the battery goes all the way to zero, you may only get six miles. But that’s not the way we fish. We typically go quickly to a spot, then slow down to 1 mph and start casting out in front in the direction we’re moving. At 1 mph, many kayaks have a range of over 300 miles,” says Jeff Little, Sales Manager at Torqeedo. “But it’s the speed that really turns heads. Most kayaks using the Torqeedo motor achieve a top-end speed of around 6.6 mph.” The long range and long endurance of the Torqeedo system makes kayak fishing, especially for those anglers who work big waters, much more pleasant and also much safer. Being able to kick the Torqeedo on and beat a storm coming in back to the launch is a very good thing. WHAT MAKES IT SUPERIOR TO OTHER ELECTRIC KAYAK MOTORS I have seen and used a wide range of “trolling motors” which were rigged up more or less successfully to work on a kayak. Some of these DIY rigs worked well for a while and then started having problems, Some worked, sort of, and then died. Some of these re-rigs just never worked at all. The one thing all of these re-rigged trolling motors had in common was that fifty-pound traditional lead-cell battery which can be a real chore to load safely in a kayak and then transport to the water. Traditional trolling motor batteries are just heavy. “When it comes to kayak motors, you get what you pay for. Torqeedo is basically a plug and play system. Trolling motors rigged for kayaks by the owners are really heavy, bulky, don’t have great range, and the kayaker constantly has to tweak the motor to keep it running,” Perkins said. The Torqeedo battery is something special. It is very light in weight. The whole system, motor, battery, rigging for steering- all weighs about thirty-five pounds. The lithium battery has a thermal fuse. The battery management system monitors charge balance between different cell banks to ensure an even, safe discharge. And the entire battery can be submerged for up to 30 minutes and still work perfectly, so there’s no worry about the battery getting wet. Heck, the battery package floats- what other electric motor battery does that? “The Torqeedo Ultralight electric outboard for kayaks consists of three parts: a one or three horsepower motor, a waterproof lithium battery, and a throttle that displays remaining battery percentage and range. All
three communicate with each other to let the angler know ‘how much farther I can go’ Rare Earth magnets are an expensive component in the manufacturing of a Torqeedo motor. They produce seven times the torque compared to ferrite magnets typically used in trolling motors. All that torque is transferred to an aggressively pitched propeller that takes big bites of water with each revolution,” Little said.. Mounting all electric motors to a specific kayak hull can be difficult. But Torqeedo has even made this step easier for kayak anglers. “Fishing kayak hulls vary greatly and it was a challenge to create a mounting bracket that worked with most kayaks. I have produced dozens of installation videos that help our dealers and end users know how to install the motor, throttle and accessories such as foot control steering kits,” Little said. There are several accessories for the Torqeedo system, but the one that really catches my eye is the solar battery charger. I think being able to let the sun keep the battery up to full power is a very intriguing concept. And I still feel like Coach Bryant- I got to get me one of these.
Important Contact Information Torqeedo 171 Erick Street A-1 Crystal Lake, Illinois 60014 www.torqeedo.com
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877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // OCTOBER 2021 75
Gulf Coast Fishing Outlook
Wahoo are a prime target through October. Tim and Cooper Howard of Atlanta team up to lift Cooper’s first catch of the species!! - photo courtesy Chris Vecsey
There will be plenty or warmer days around, but fall is here. Water temps will drop, baitfish and shrimp will be on the move and gamefish will be in pursuit. To many, this is the best time of the year to be on the water. MISSISSIPPI The state waters of MS will come alive this month. Many will begin working the lower bays and bayous, but some, like Capt. Kyle Johnson of Coastal Waters Outfitters in Gulfport, will be making the trek to the Chandeleur Islands on most days. Not many guides operate daily trips to the islands, but for Johnson, this is the time to make such trips. “October is my favorite month to fish the Chandeleurs. The weather is generally more pleasant, there’s better quality fish there and there’s far less bycatch,” Johnson said.
BY CHRIS VECSEY
Johnson likes to get a bright and early start for day trips to the islands and with a humorous tone suggests “packing a lunch” for this all day affair. Johnson says it takes less than an hour to reach the islands aboard his 28’ Blue Wave Makaira and immediately upon arrival, the fun begins.
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Johnson fishes drop offs and grass beds primarily, both from the boat and by wading, but when asked for his preference, he doesn;t hesitate to say that wading is the best way to fish the islands. “It’s the stealthier approach and allows the anglers to thoroughly work a given area without drift and other factors to intervene. It’s wade fishing paradise here,” he said. Johnson’s main targets on these trips are speckled trout, redfish, and flounder. Other species like bluefish, ladyfish and jacks will intervene, but as Johnson reiterates, there’s far less bycatch in October and the primary species make up the bulk of the catch. “I like to fish 20 pound mono or fluorocarbon leaders and during periods of heavy bycatch like bluefish, I have to step the leaders up to 30 or even 40 pound test. On most days this won’t deter bites from the targeted species, but when the water gets really clear, staying light on the leader makes a big difference,” he explained. On the topic of “go-to” lure choices, Johnson likes to
FISHING OUTLOOK keep it pretty simple with variety but is very keen on a few particular baits and his money bait is the Texas Custom Mirrolure Double D.
They’re looking for easy meals just like everything else out there,” Kelly said.
“The DD is a floating version of the Mirrolure Mirrodine XL, but designed to stay above grass and debris in shallow water and only dive 8-10 feet at the max. It’s a perfect bait for fishing the shallows of the Chandeleurs and it’s larger profile really gets the attention of bigger fish.”
Cooler weather also makes for a more comfortable time bottom fishing . Kelly makes no secrets as to his favorite target; scamp. He likes to fill the livewell with smaller baitfish when heading out for scamp and downsizes his leaders and hook size
Johnson’s favorite colors include “pearl harbor” and “sweet lucy”. Johnson also throws a lot of soft plastic lures with a mix of both straight and paddletail options, with the Down South Southern Shad in pearl being his top choice. He fishes these in both ¼ and ⅜ ounce heads and mostly uses them to fish deeper drops and grassy areas in four to six feet of water.
“I LOVE scamp fishing! Besides being one of my favorites to eat, they can be a challenge to catch,” he said. “You’d be surprised at how strong a smaller 4/0-5/0 circle hook is and how much pressure you can put on it.”
Johnson likes to fish these baits with moderate-fast action Waterloo rods and Penn Clash reels. The moderate power increases sensitivity for bites and helps feel the action of the lures better. These rods still have plenty of pulling power for the trophy fish that can be encountered at the islands on any given day. “There are plenty of fall days where the average trout is 19-22” with fish into the upper 20” range always a possibility,” Johnson said. “We release the majority of our bigger fish and only take home what’s needed.” Closer in around the lower bays and backwaters, Johnson says that flounder will be a prime target as they position themselves around points and channels adjacent to creek mouths. For targeting flatfish, he likes a Gulp curltail grub in white or chartreuse worked off the bottom on a ¼ - ⅜ ounce jighead fished in areas with good current flow and the presence of bait. He points out that the places where you encounter flounder will often hold good numbers of redfish. ALABAMA Al waters will see some hot action both inshore and offshore this month. Typically with the first couple cold fronts comes a huge push of bait along the beaches and around the mouths of the various coastal creeks and rivers. This migration sets off some of the best visual fishing of the year, with huge numbers of bull redfish, jack crevalle, king mackerel and many others taking advantage of the easy pickings. “Running and gunning” the beaches while looking for birds and surface activity is a sure-fire way to locate the action. Once feeding fish are found, matching the baitfish is important but not always critical. Mid size poppers, spoons in the 1-2 ounce range and four to five inch plastic curltail grubs will usually do the trick. This is also a prime opportunity to break out the fly rods for shots on a variety of fish. Offshore, there’ll be a little bit of everything to target. October usually sees cleaner water in close to the shoreline and with that, nearshore opportunities with pelagics like wahoo and big king mackerel. Captain Bobby Kelly runs the “Miss Brianna” out of Zeke’s Marina in Orange Beach, Al. This time of year, Kelly likes to play all of the options and baits/rigs up accordingly.
Kelly fishes natural structures in 200+ft like ledges and smaller rock piles. These types of structures and depths also mean less bycatch like red snapper, which will be out of season. He points out that triggerfish, vermilion snapper and others will also make up a heavy portion of his client’s catches this month. “We use the same rule of thumb on these fish as we do others, we fish lighter gear to get to the bites. I always try to be stealthier than the angler who might’ve fished a spot before me.” FLORIDA PANHANDLE Florida’s panhandle will be a hotspot through mid November, both inshore and offshore. Pensacola bay redfish will begin showing up in huge numbers and huge surface frenzies will become the norm as the temperatures drop. It doesn’t take much to find the action either; birds, huge surface commotion and the presence of other anglers make them a fairly easy target. When the obvious signs aren’t present, sidescan sonar makes a huge difference in staying connected. Large soft plastic grubs and swimbaits work very well on these fish along with a host of other larger baitfish imitating lures. Off the beaches, pompano and whiting will be fired up in beachfront troughs and rips. Incoming tides are favorable along with a little bit of wave action. Baits of sand fleas, peeled shrimp and fishbites will seal the deal. Both single and two hook rigs will work along with enough wait to hold in the sand and current. Further offshore, October brings in some of the closest billfishing of the year. With bait stacking up just off the beaches along with deepwater spots like the Nipple and Elbow, sailfish, white marlin and blue marlin are within reach of modest craft on the right days. Paying attention to the weather patterns and being able to go on calm windows will open up chances for scoring billfish nearshore. Subscribing to a satellite imaging service like Hilton’s Realtime Navigator helps in knowing where optimal water conditions are. Sea surface temperatures, current speed and direction, etc all play a heavy role in locating pelagics offshore. Talk with guys in local tackle shops to stay in tune with the latest reports and what bait and tackle to use. Swordfishing will continue to be a hot topic this month. Hordes of bait stack up on deep offshore structures and hungry broadbills won’t be far behind. Target areas in 1000-1500 feet after locating bait for the best action.
“Pelagics are usually closer in this time of year and more opportunistic as bait moves around and becomes more scarce as fall sets in,” Kelly said. Kelly always keps lines in the water to-and-from bottom spots while moving offshore and stresses the importance of keeping a driftline out while sitting atop structure.
While swordfishing, keep your eyes open for open water tuna. Fall weather can create some incredible action in the open water areas that swordfish usually frequent and a well placed topwater popper or stickbait will often produce a strike. Live baiting with mullet, menhaden or threadfin will also produce plenty of open water tunas.
“We have picked up some really nice dolphin to 20 pounds and wahoo to over 50 pounds and this season on freelined, dead cigar minnows.
Enjoy the pleasant weather and remember, fall means more than just football. 877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // OCTOBER 2021 77
Pier & Shore Fishing Outlook
Slot-sized redfish often prowl near shore this month.
Any time fishermen ask the question “what month is “THE BEST” for fishing the Gulf Coast”, October is mentioned in the answer.
BY DAVID THORNTON Photos by David Thornton
Barring any tropical activity, our weather is often spectacular. Usually this is the driest month of the year as cooler continental air displaces the summer heat and humidity. Our first truly “fall month” brings a succession of cold fronts through the area. Welcome relief from the long hot summer with the promise of cooler times ahead. Once the water temperature falls below 80, most of the near shore subtropical jack species (like ladyfish, blue runner, juvenile crevalle jacks, etc.) move out of the surfzone in preparation of their annual migration south and eastward into Florida. Most jack species prefer water 80 degrees or higher, but can tolerate lower temperatures. Also, as the days grow noticeably shorter, large schools of Spanish mackerel gather into feeding frenzies in anticipation of
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their migration as well. All these fish are “fattening up” on young-of-the-year Scaled and False herring (locally called LYs), as well as Round sardinella (Spanish sardines), Mackerel scad (cigar minnows), and even small jacks (hardtails), anchovies and mullet. It is “eat or be eaten” in their fast paced world. Pier anglers can cash in on this action by using the small forage fish as live or dead bait...or by using lures that imitate them. Small three to four inch long suspending or diving plugs like Yozurri Crystal Minnow or Rapala X-rap are excellent for fooling hungry predators. Just be sure to protect your investment from those slashing sharp teeth with a trace of light single strand wire. Spanish and king mackerel, ladyfish, bluefish, Little tunny (bonita) and other
FISHING OUTLOOK species fall for these hard jerkbaits. Spoons are another artificial lure that catch a lot of these fish. They cast far and sink fast while flashing enticingly to the hungry predators. Bubble Rigs catch their share of fish as well (see GDO mag March 2020). These can be especially productive on calm mornings when there is not much movement in the water. Additionally, small (three to four inch) soft plastic swimbaits and paddle-tails fished on a weighted jighead can be incredibly effective for all the aforementioned species. Again, a heavy monofilament or light wire leader is advised because of the number of sharp toothed fish around. Though the soft bodied lures are quickly destroyed by the fish, some like the Zoom Fluke are relatively inexpensive (25 to 30 cents each). A couple of 10 packs can often be turned into an easy limit of Spanish mackerel. Once the sun gets up, the action may slow, or the predator fish become more wary in the brighter light. That’s when live or fresh dead baits are generally more effective. Gathering these baits might be one at a time, on site. By using a small red ribbon rig or Sabiki rig or even a string of #10 gold hooks. Or it might be with a 3/8 inch mesh cast net at a different location. Several dozen three inch long LYs can be kept alive in a five gallon bucket with a battery powered aerator for a while. Rarely does that number last all day though. As there are usually plenty of predatory fish lurking around the pier to readily gobble them up. These small live baits work as well from jetties, seawalls and even from shore on a variety of predatory fish. Even speckled trout, redfish and flounder will eat them any chance they get. Rigging up with medium action spinning tackle in the 6 to 15 pound class will provide hours of easy catching, as the bait does most of the work. They can be hooked several ways with a #6 treble or #2 Tru-turn long shank single hook with just a few inches of light wire leader to prevent cutoffs. Even heavy mono is often too easily shredded. One of the best presentations is to run the hook through the forward mid section (belly), just above and behind the pectoral fins of the LY. Every time pressure is applied to the line, the baitfish struggles on its side and flashes silvery distress signals to nearby predators. A hooked fish is often closely trailed by its schoolmates which will snap at anything that is near the hooked fish (like a swivel or long leader). That is why the leader is best kept short, to prevent cutoffs from other fish. Surf anglers can get in on the fall action as well. And once the small jack species abandon the surfzone they can concentrate on the large numbers of Gulf and Northern kingfish (whiting and ground mullet) that accumulate along the beaches to feed on the vast numbers of invertebrate animals there. Their prey items include mole crabs (sand fleas), beach ghost shrimp, coquina clams, augers and other small mollusks. They are joined there in the feast by pompano, red and black drum. All these can be easily caught this month just by using pieces of fresh cut shrimp on light tackle close to shore. A thumbnail-sized piece of Fishbites assures there will always be some scent on the hook. A small #6 or #4 kahle single hook is ideal on a foot long Fishfinder Rig or Carolina rig. The weight can be from ¼ to one ounce depending on the conditions of wind, wave size and current. Just about any spots along the beach with troughs more than four feet deep will hold these fish. Often only a few yards from shore. If you haven’t tried this, it is really fun and easy to do with just about any spinning tackle in the four to eight pound class. These lighter
rods are ideal for 1000 to 2500 series reels that hold more than 100 yards of line. That can be very light monofilament or braid, as the fish typically weigh in at about a pound to two pounds. They can be fought on a loose drag to exhibit their strength for their size. And they are great eating as well. These are unregulated species in Alabama and Florida, so anglers’ discretion is advised to protect this valuable fishery population. October is also a great month to target “bull” redfish from shore. The big reds, black drum, jack crevalle and sharks prowl around the passes in the fall waiting to gorge themselves on passing schools of Gulf menhaden (called pogies) and mullet. These forage species are grouped up and moving offshore to spawn in response to the falling water temperatures in the shallow bays. Consequently, they make great bait for the large predator species. The tackle best suited for this type of fishing is the medium heavy to heavy spinning or conventional tackle typically in the 20 to 40 pound class. The rods are longer (10 to 12 feet ) so they can cast a heavy weight (four to eight ounces) with a large bait a pretty good distance from shore. These larger fish most often feed outside the longshore sandbar in 12 feet or deeper water, necessitating casts that may exceed 100 yards in order to reach them. Line capacity needs to be at least 250 yards to cast that far and subdue hard running redfish, jacks or medium sized sharks which often exceed 25 pounds. No matter what venue, species, or mode you choose, October offers some of the best weather and varied fishing options of the year for shore bound angling. Large or small gamefish, or even ‘grocery fish’ on light, medium or heavy tackle. There is something to please every angler this month, as they venture forth to enjoy our great days outdoors!
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REGIONAL FRESHWATER Fishing Outlook BY ED MASHBURN Photos by Ed Mashburn
Some big bass will come to anglers in fall using noisy topwater plugs.
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FISHING OUTLOOK
ALABAMA WATERS
WEISS LAKE “October is a great time for fishing on Weiss. Bass, crappie and everything is biting. Lake Weiss water is being drawn down to winter level in October, and this can make lots of good fishing places easier to find that have been hidden all summer,” said Captain Lee Pitts, a life-long Weiss guide and tournament angler.” “Flats, humps, and other solid stuff are exposed in winter lake levels. Shad will get up in the backs of creeks, and the bass will find them and devour them.” Bass anglers should look for any kind of shallow place with structure. The shad will be there and the bass won’t be far. Solid wood underwater stuff is the key. When wind moves bait over flats, look for rocks and rock piles where the bait will be gathered. Topwater lures in silver with orange or chartreuse accents work very well. “Anglers cannot fish too shallow. Stumps are good places to work, and sometimes bass in October will be feeding in less than a foot of water. Spinner baits can be good. Cast the spinner past the stump and retrieve it as close to structure as possible. The bass will hit as the spinner passes the stump,” Pitts said. Weiss October crappie should be very good. Jigs and minnows will both be good. Look for shad and the crappie will be close. MOBILE DELTA “By far, October is the best month of the year for lower Delta fishing,” said Delta guide Captain Wayne Miller from Mobile-Tensaw Delta Guide Service Miller said that anglers should start seeing cooler weather and cooler water temperatures moving from the lower 80s to the lower 70s as the month moves along. He recommends that bass hunters should find great fishing if they target the lower Delta. This is the time the Causeway waters are at their best. “There’s a tremendous influx of bait, mostly shrimp, in October. They will go well up into the middle Delta. It’s a phenomenal time to bass fish in the lower Delta. Any lures that mimic shrimp will work,” he said. At this time, bass get so used to feeding on shrimp, so they are feeding on top. Small poppers, small buzz baits will work well. The Delta bass will be up on flats, out in the main rivers, up creeks. Wherever the shrimp go, the bass will be there. LAKE EUFAULA Captain Sam Williams who has fished Eufaula for decades and who knows a great deal about the fishing there advises catfish chasers to look at creek channels and main lake drop offs for good catfish action. Cut shad always works well here, and fishing with jugs can be a very effective way to fill an ice chest with cats. Crappie anglers should explore deep docks and bridge pilings on the main lake. In October, the schooled up crappie can be found at various depths, depending on the shad. Find the shad and the crappie will be close by. Williams recommends crappie anglers try open water trolling for October crappie at Eufaula, and multiple rod set ups will work best. If the mid-day is warm and sunny, anglers will want to fish ledges and brush piles in deeper water out in the main body of the lake.
LAKE GUNTERSVILLE A good idea for anglers at Lake Guntersville in October who want to find some truly great bass action is to find the thickest mats of weeds possible and work dark colored frogs over the weeds. Captain Jake Davis from MId-South Bass Guide Service told us that anglers using top water frogs such as the Pro Z Baits frog in Scooby-Doo color pattern will catch some good bass. Punching through the thick weeds with a Missile Baits D-Bomb will also work well. Crappie will start to get more active in October as they school up looking for smaller shad running in big schools in open water. Toward the end of the month, crappie will start moving into the creeks as the weed mats start to break up. Stripers and hybrids will be schooling up both above and below Guntersville dam. Some great catfish will be caught in October at Guntersville by anglers who fish creek channels and main lake drop offs. SIPSEY FORK Trout at Alabama’s only year-round trout fishery are still being stocked on the regular schedule, so there will be fish ready to bite for anglers. Randy Jackson who owns Riverside Fly Shop and guides trips on Sipsey Fork said that at the end of October, the last mayfly hatches of the year, mostly little yellow quill, will occur, and these flies are pretty small, so fly anglers will want to concentrate on smaller imitations. Caddis fly hatches will start, and there are always mixed midge hatches going on. Trout anglers will need to keep in mind that nymph fishing is always good on Sipsey Fork. Jackson reminded us that the weather determines what insect action will be going when anglers arrive at the river. Insect hatches so far this year have been sporadic because of the hot weather. Anglers who use spinning gear will have good luck on the Sipsey Fork throwing small single-hook Roostertails on four pound line. WILSON LAKE “October can be the best month of the whole year for trophy catfish on Wilson Lake,” advised trophy catfish specialist Captain Brian Barton. Anglers should look for catfish food if they want to find catfish. Shad will school up in large bait balls in open water. The catfish will suspend under the bait balls. “If there is one month out of the year I wish I could fish everyday, it’s October. This month is absolutely the best time to catch both trophy catfish and a cooler full of eating size fish. It’s also without a doubt the best time to catch big numbers of smallmouth bass,” Barton said. Let’s start with trophy catfish. Wilson Lake is the lake of choice. Fish the north side of the lake from Six Mile Creek to Wilson Dam. Concentrate your efforts in 50 to 75 feet of water in the open flats and along the river channel ledge. Troll big chunks of fresh cut skipjack two to five feet off the bottom at .3 to .5 mph. For big flatheads try dropping live bream or shad straight down along the deep straight wall bluffs. This will produce best early and late in the day or at night. For eating size cats there is not a bad location. Drifting the tailraces be877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // OCTOBER 2021 81
Regional Freshwater Fishing Outlook
In fall, early calm mornings fishing around structure can be very productive.
low both dams will produce plenty of catfish. Use catalpa worms or small threadfin shad for best results. For those who prefer to stay away from the dams, fish 25-40 feet of water along the bluffs and clay lined banks in the mid lake region. The tailrace of both Wilson and Wheeler Dams will be loaded up with smallmouth bass and every other kind of fish gorging themselves on the young shad that gather there. Drifting live bait is always your best option when available. “Look for bait over channel ledges, humps, and bluff lines where cats will be hanging out. Cats can be as shallow as 10 feet in the upper sections
of the lake to over 90 feet near the dam,” Barton added. Barton advises anglers going after the big cats to try a B’n M’ Silver Cat series rod paired with a Abu 6500 C3 reel. Braided line is preferred for this heavy duty fish. A 7/0 to 10/0 Daiichi circle hook completes the trophy cat rig. Anglers should try the upper parts of the lake- Hog Island and Town Creek flats and on the lower portion- which is best for bigger cats- around Shoal Creek and the deep water bluff ledges. In October, the cats will tend to be very aggressive on the feed, and by
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Regional Freshwater Fishing Outlook
trolling slowly at .5 to .7 mph, cat hunters can cover a lot of water to find the best feeding fish. MILLER’S FERRY Fall crappie fishing on Miller’s Ferry can be very good if anglers spend some time searching to find where the fish are concentrated. Joe Dunn of Dunn’s Sports in Thomasville fishes Miller’s Ferry a great deal and he hears plenty of fishing reports from area anglers and he told us that anglers will want to spend some time looking in the main body of the lake. Crappie will be found by bottom bouncing both live minnows and jigs. Use a one ounce sinker at the end of the line. Tie a hook or jig a foot or so above the sinker, and let the rig to the bottom. Lift and drop this rig off the bottom. Crappie may be as deep as 18 feet or deeper. Dunn advised bass anglers to look in the major sloughs as water temps cool as October moves along. Shad will go up creeks and sloughs, and the bass will follow. Crankbaits in shad patterns as well as spinner baits, and Rat’L’Traps worked in the bigger sloughs will produce good bass in the fall.
FLORIDA WATERS
SEMINOLE LAKE Captain and fishing guide Pamela Martin Wells advised anglers that bass fishing in October is dependent upon the weather.
“At times the frog bite can be incredible,” Wells said. “The Spro Frog and various spinner baits and crankbaits can work very well in both shad and bream patterns.” If the weather is still hot in October, flipping jigs and punching through the hydrilla can be quite effective. The topwater bass bite will be determined by the weather again. If it’s hot, then early and late will be the bet. If the weather and water has started to cool, the topwater bite can be fantastic all day long. Hybrid bass will still be schooling, and anglers often get into the hard-pulling hybrids when they are searching for largemouths. Some really big bream can be caught at Seminole in October if anglers work the edges of weed beds for the bream that are roaming around looking for food. Try live bait,worms and crickets, or small jigs. LAKE TALQUIN The Lake Talquin bass start to move into shallow water and feed up for winter. Topwater frogs and swim baits worked over shallow points and up creeks will be effective.
Important Contact Information Captain Brian Barton Brianbartonoutdoors.com Brianbartonoutdoors@aol.com 256-412-0969 Captain Jake Davis Mid-South Bass Guide Service www.midsouthbassguide.com 615-613-2382 Captain Pamela Martin Wells Pam and Steve Wells Guide Service Bainbridge, Georgia 229-254-6863 pammartinwells.pmw@gmail.com Joe Dunn Dunn’s Sports 334-636-0850 33356 Highway 43 Thomasville, Alabama Captain Lee Pitts leepittsoutdoors.com 256-390-4145 Captain Sam Williams Hawks Fishing Guide Service Hawksfishingguideservice.com 334-365-5057 Jeff DuBree Whippoorwill Sportsman’s Lodge Lake Talquin 850-726-0153 Randy Jackson 256-287-9582 Riverside Fly Shop 17027 Hwy 69N Jasper, Al Riversideflyshop.com Captain Wayne Miller Mobile-Tensaw Delta Guide Service 251-455-7404
Jeff DuBree of Whippoorwill Lodge on Lake Talquin fishes the lake often and he gets reports from anglers and he told us that as the fall weather cools, the fishing will improve. The long hot summer is coming to an end, and the fish are starting to move. In October, DuBree said that crappie fishing gets exciting again. The big slabs start feeding in the main lake, and anglers can have good results trolling jigs of fishing live minnows over brush piles and old timber. Cat fishing will continue to be very good in October. The bream bite will start to wind down as the bigger bream move into the main lake. Try worms and crickets on the bottom in eight to ten feet of water.
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Lake Guntersville Bass Fishing in October
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Lake Guntersville, with 69,000 acres, is one of the finest bass lakes in the Southeast. It has just about all of the natural attributes, features and structures, both natural and man-made, that an angler could ever hope to find in the ideal bass lake. If you are fishing Lake Guntersville in October and are in the right place at the right time of day, top-water fishing, strikes and fights can be the memories of a life-time. To get advice from the pro’s on how to fish Lake Guntersville in October I went back to the Great Days Outdoors magazine archives and found an article by Ed Mashburn in which he interviewed four of the top Lake Guntersville captains/guides. They all concurred that October is the best month for top-water fishing, whether it be a frog or other soft or hard “popping” lures, especially over submerged grass or weeds. The fall cooler air and resultant water temperature triggers bass to actively cruise humps, points, ledges and grassy areas to aggressively hunt bream and shad. Fishing matted milfoil (weed mat) with frogs or other baits can be productive as well as pitching black and blue jigs around the edges along with hard lures. The top lure picks of our four experts are (paraphrased): Captain Doug Nichles (fishendoug@hotmail. com): Heddon Super Spook in a shad or perch pattern fished in a slow “Walk the Dog” retrieve. Captain Mike Gerry (bassguide@comcast.net): Spro-Frog over heavy weeds and the regular size Heddon Zara Spook in bright white or silver. Captain Lee Pitts (leepitts@live.com): I use a Gene Larew Three-Legged frog and a Rapala Pop’R, in an orange throat and chartreuse spots, fished slowly and then letting it sit.
Captain Tim Chandler (tchandler@mildrillafishing.com): For a walking bait like a Spook or a Rapala Pop’R in a chrome finish, something that looks like a shad. For frogs, a Spro-Frog, snag proof and the Boo-Yah Frog in black, white, brown and dark green. Final Advice from the Pros Nichles: Rig for the big ones and that means stout outfits with 50–60-pound braid. Gerry: Find the shad and you will find the bass. Pitts: Look for scattered grass and fish right in the middle and on the edges. Chandler: For walking bait, keep it moving. For popping lures, retrieve with lots of pauses. Happy catching!!
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A GREAT DAY OUTDOORS
Squirrels Gone Wild! later. Apparently squirrels forget where they put many of these nuts and scientists have given the forgotten ones a name; they call them “trees.” Actually, scientists conducted experiments to test squirrels’ memories. They did this by watching squirrels bury nuts and later retrieve them. Then the scientists buried more nuts while the BY JIM MIZE As a teenager with a single-barrel shotgun, I anticipated the opening day of squirrel season as if school were ending. Yet as my first step crunched in the dry leaves, the bushytails would disappear faster than a dollar at Wal-Mart. If only I’d known then what I know now, I’d have taken along a bird feeder and waited. Since those days, squirrels have gone wild. I used to chase them; now it seems they are chasing me. Whether in my backyard or my attic, it seems there’s a plethora of squirrels and that’s a lot. Squirrels seem more plentiful for several reasons. For starters, wildlife biologists have concluded that hunting has little impact on squirrel populations, particularly for some hunters I know. In fact, population density often correlates with the availability of nuts; this may explain why there are more squirrels in some neighborhoods than others. Biologists sometimes estimate squirrel populations by counting squirrel nests, which look like big balls of leaves. They then calculate one squirrel for every one and a half nests. I guess that’s because squirrels fall out of half nests. Besides being plentiful, squirrels also tend to be mobile. They will readily migrate when food is scarce, though at a rate considerably slower than ducks. The diet of the eastern gray squirrel varies with the season, as does mine. Their diets shift with the availability of seeds, nuts, and fruit. Mine shifts when my pants get tight. Squirrels leave several clues in the areas they are feeding. These include the shells of nuts, holes in the leaf litter, and piles of empty bird feeders. They also bury nuts, supposedly to dig up
By their scientific classification, squirrels are in the Order Rodentia, which basically makes them rats with good hair. squirrels weren’t looking and let the squirrels try to retrieve them. In both cases, the squirrels found similar quantities of nuts, proving that memory plays little role in this activity. Also, in both cases, the squirrels found more nuts than the scientists, proving that scientists are not all that sharp themselves. Squirrels really show their intelligence when they have to hide. At such times, a squirrel may either sneak around the backside of a tree or lie motionless against the trunk, either of which would have let them win hide-and-seek games in my neighborhood. Their hiding prowess is necessary in avoiding bobcats, owls and hawks, three predators of the gray squirrel. Though a squirrel can run up to 25 kilometers per hour, most of these predators move somewhat faster. Squirrels go by many names. The Latin name for the eastern gray squirrel is “sciurus carolinensis.” Sciurus can be translated as “one that sits in the shadow of its own tail.” It’s nice to know that in some species that’s a good thing. By their scientific classification, squirrels are in the Order Rodentia, which basically makes them rats with good hair. The squirrel’s nickname is bushytail and for good reason. Half a squirrel’s weight is in its tail, something that has also been said about me. A squirrel’s tail plays amazing roles. One is to act as a rudder when the squirrel jumps. Mine, on the other hand, works more like an anchor.
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The tail sheath may also come loose if the squirrel is in a predator’s grasp. This does bring into question those motionless squirrels on the side of the tree. Are they hiding or had they lost half their tails, jumped, and crashed rudderless into the side of the tree? In climbing or descending a tree, squirrels move head first. This makes sense. With a tail that big, they can’t see to back up. Another interesting characteristic of squirrels is that they are occasionally seen going bald. This indicates the squirrel is either suffering from mange or has just raised its young. At least, that’s my theory. When squirrels go wild, not everyone loves them. These critters will raid bird feeders, nest in attics, ruin gardens, and dig up flowers. I have even witnessed these culprits carting off tulip bulbs. They could make a lot more friends if they would do this with dandelions and thistles. Squirrels become greater nuisances when they move into your house. They may inhabit your attic and have been known to cause severe damage when the owner attempts to remove them with a shotgun. Do not try this at home. It’s difficult, however, not to feel indebted to squirrels. If it weren’t for them, we may have lost the Revolutionary War. Naturalist Ernest Thompson Seton credits the marksmanship of squirrel hunters with defeating the British. Notably absent in his remarks is any reference to the marksmanship of dove hunters, which has only been credited with supporting the sales of shotgun shells. Knowing now that squirrels may have saved our nation from British rule, I feel a bit more kindhearted as I gaze out my window, watching about thirty squirrels nesting in my trees, carting off my bird feeders, and acting like they are on spring break. Still, I remember the good old days when squirrels gone wild were actually wild. JIM MIZE credits his physique to homemade biscuits and squirrel gravy. His award-winning books of humor and nostalgia are available at www.acreektricklesthroughit.com.
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